Germany’s Rise Visual Effects Studios has established its own animation studio for high-end film and series productions in Munich, where the company has appointed animation expert and VFX producer Sinje Gebauer to head its Munich office as well as the new division.
The new animation unit will act as an independent, creative arm within the Rise group, mainly handling animation projects from the production slate of Rise Pictures with a strong focus on visual development and concept art, according to the company.
Gebauer, who has served as senior VFX producer on such films as “Aquaman,” “Tomb Raider” and “Black Panther,” will take over as new managing director of Rise’s Munich office in August, succeeding Dominik Trimborn, who is leaving the company at his own request after five years.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge,” Gebauer said. “For me, Rise has for years stood for innovation and outstanding entrepreneurship.
The new animation unit will act as an independent, creative arm within the Rise group, mainly handling animation projects from the production slate of Rise Pictures with a strong focus on visual development and concept art, according to the company.
Gebauer, who has served as senior VFX producer on such films as “Aquaman,” “Tomb Raider” and “Black Panther,” will take over as new managing director of Rise’s Munich office in August, succeeding Dominik Trimborn, who is leaving the company at his own request after five years.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge,” Gebauer said. “For me, Rise has for years stood for innovation and outstanding entrepreneurship.
- 7/19/2021
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Animated fantasy adventure will be sold by Gfm Animation.
Uncharted Territory has partnered with Germany’s Rise Pictures to produce Igraine The Brave, a 3D-animated adaptation of Cornelia Funke’s fantasy adventure novel.
Uncharted’s Volker Engel, who won the best visual effects Oscar in 1997 for his work on Independence Day, will direct the film with Germany’s Holger Tappe, whose credits include Monster Family and Animals United.
The screenplay has been written by Jane Ainscough while Disney veteran Andreas Deja, whose credits include The Lion King and Aladdin, will serve as an animation consultant.
World sales will be handled by London-based Gfm Animation.
Uncharted Territory has partnered with Germany’s Rise Pictures to produce Igraine The Brave, a 3D-animated adaptation of Cornelia Funke’s fantasy adventure novel.
Uncharted’s Volker Engel, who won the best visual effects Oscar in 1997 for his work on Independence Day, will direct the film with Germany’s Holger Tappe, whose credits include Monster Family and Animals United.
The screenplay has been written by Jane Ainscough while Disney veteran Andreas Deja, whose credits include The Lion King and Aladdin, will serve as an animation consultant.
World sales will be handled by London-based Gfm Animation.
- 3/1/2021
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
Uncharted Territory and Rise Pictures have joined forces to produce “Igraine the Brave,” a 3D-animated fantasy adventure based on the novel by bestselling author Cornelia Funke.
The story follows 12-year-old Igraine, the only one in her family who is not interested in magic, but is instead pursuing a headstrong plan to become a knight. Just when her brother accidentally turns their parents into pigs, their beloved home, Pimpernel Castle, is besieged by the knight Rowan Heartless and his master, Osmond the Greedy. They plan to steal her family’s singing books of magic to become all-powerful. It’s up to Igraine to save her family — even if it means facing giants and three-headed dragons.
“Igraine the Brave” will be produced by Uncharted Territory’s Volker Engel, Gesa Engel and Lucia Scharbatke, who are partnering with Rise Pictures’ Ulrich Schwarz and Sven Pannicke executive producing, with L.A.-based Robyn Klein and Jeremy Ross co-producing.
The story follows 12-year-old Igraine, the only one in her family who is not interested in magic, but is instead pursuing a headstrong plan to become a knight. Just when her brother accidentally turns their parents into pigs, their beloved home, Pimpernel Castle, is besieged by the knight Rowan Heartless and his master, Osmond the Greedy. They plan to steal her family’s singing books of magic to become all-powerful. It’s up to Igraine to save her family — even if it means facing giants and three-headed dragons.
“Igraine the Brave” will be produced by Uncharted Territory’s Volker Engel, Gesa Engel and Lucia Scharbatke, who are partnering with Rise Pictures’ Ulrich Schwarz and Sven Pannicke executive producing, with L.A.-based Robyn Klein and Jeremy Ross co-producing.
- 3/1/2021
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Last time we interviewed Thomas Brodie-Sangster, it was for the impending release of Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, when neither us, nor the actor, had any idea what sort of response the show would generate. Now, a few months, we had the pleasure of speaking to the man again, while promoting new animation Dragon Rider, as we look back over the incredible success of the series.
But first things first, Brodie-Sangster is chatting about Dragon Rider, an animation coming to Sky Cinema this weekend, where he plays the lead role. He discusses with us this perennial fascination with dragons and the mythology that surrounds them, and on the experience making this production, and whether he had the chance to spend any time with co-stars Felicity Jones and Patrick Stewart. Then finally we end of The Queen’s Gambit, as he admits that despite his pride for the show, he hadn’t...
But first things first, Brodie-Sangster is chatting about Dragon Rider, an animation coming to Sky Cinema this weekend, where he plays the lead role. He discusses with us this perennial fascination with dragons and the mythology that surrounds them, and on the experience making this production, and whether he had the chance to spend any time with co-stars Felicity Jones and Patrick Stewart. Then finally we end of The Queen’s Gambit, as he admits that despite his pride for the show, he hadn’t...
- 2/9/2021
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It’s that time of the month where we can give you a look ahead at what Sky Cinema has planned for the coming weeks, and since it doesn’t look like many of us are going very far, hopefully some of these upcoming movies will help to keep us busy during lockdown.
Without further ado, he’s what Sky Cinema has lined up for us…
Premieres
The 24th – 2nd February
BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods writer Kevin Willmott brings us the story of the all-black Twenty-Fourth United States Infantry Regiment, and delves into the the Houston Riot of 1917.
Weathering With You – 3rd February
In this acclaimed animated film, impressionable young Hodaka meets the conflicted Hina, who can control the weather. It’s really touching, funny and wonderful, and also a perfect movie for fans of Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name.
Bull – 4th February
Bull, which was a hit at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival,...
Without further ado, he’s what Sky Cinema has lined up for us…
Premieres
The 24th – 2nd February
BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods writer Kevin Willmott brings us the story of the all-black Twenty-Fourth United States Infantry Regiment, and delves into the the Houston Riot of 1917.
Weathering With You – 3rd February
In this acclaimed animated film, impressionable young Hodaka meets the conflicted Hina, who can control the weather. It’s really touching, funny and wonderful, and also a perfect movie for fans of Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name.
Bull – 4th February
Bull, which was a hit at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
UK broadcaster Sky has landed rights to a host of upcoming features, packing its film slate for 2021 with titles including the Allison Janney-starring Breaking News in Yuba County and the Irvine Welsh-penned Creation Stories.
The company says it will release two ‘original’ films every month this year and one per week from next year. The full list of 14 newly-announced originals is below, they join previously announced pics on the slate such as Twist with Michael Caine, the animation Dragon Rider voiced Felicity Jones and Patrick Stewart, and To Olivia starring Hugh Bonneville and Keeley Hawes.
In the past, Sky has released its original titles day-and-date with UK cinemas. Once venues are able to re-open post-lockdown this could once again come into play.
Asked if Sky is being opportunistic about its film slate in light of cinema closures and delayed movie releases, Zai Bennett, Sky’s managing director of...
The company says it will release two ‘original’ films every month this year and one per week from next year. The full list of 14 newly-announced originals is below, they join previously announced pics on the slate such as Twist with Michael Caine, the animation Dragon Rider voiced Felicity Jones and Patrick Stewart, and To Olivia starring Hugh Bonneville and Keeley Hawes.
In the past, Sky has released its original titles day-and-date with UK cinemas. Once venues are able to re-open post-lockdown this could once again come into play.
Asked if Sky is being opportunistic about its film slate in light of cinema closures and delayed movie releases, Zai Bennett, Sky’s managing director of...
- 1/25/2021
- by Tom Grater and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky plans to broadcast one new film a week from 2022.
UK pay-tv broadcaster Sky is to launch 30 new Sky Original films this year and will increase this to one a week from 2022 in a bid to become “the best home cinema service in the world”.
It represents a major push into film for the UK pay-tv operator, taking on streaming giants Netflix and Amazon as well as Disney, whose channels were removed from Sky last October following the launch of Disney+.
The plan to launch one original film per week from next year echoes a similar commitment made by Netflix earlier this month.
UK pay-tv broadcaster Sky is to launch 30 new Sky Original films this year and will increase this to one a week from 2022 in a bid to become “the best home cinema service in the world”.
It represents a major push into film for the UK pay-tv operator, taking on streaming giants Netflix and Amazon as well as Disney, whose channels were removed from Sky last October following the launch of Disney+.
The plan to launch one original film per week from next year echoes a similar commitment made by Netflix earlier this month.
- 1/25/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
It’s a rare feat for an Australian film to break through to the top of the box office, let alone for two local titles to lead the weekend’s rankings. But Penguin Bloom and The Dry have done just that.
Roadshow Films’ Penguin Bloom, directed by Glendyn Ivin and starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, opened on $1.5 million from 398 screens, or $1.7 million with previews, to come out on top.
Stablemate The Dry was close behind, netting $1.4 million over its fourth weekend to cross $12 million overall. Each film was produced by production company Made Up Stories, led by Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson.
For Roadshow Films CEO Joel Pearlman, both titles’ results are testament to audiences’ desire to support home-grown filmmaking. He argues “now is the time for Australia to champion its bold stories and beautiful locations with the world.”
“It’s remarkable that the two...
Roadshow Films’ Penguin Bloom, directed by Glendyn Ivin and starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, opened on $1.5 million from 398 screens, or $1.7 million with previews, to come out on top.
Stablemate The Dry was close behind, netting $1.4 million over its fourth weekend to cross $12 million overall. Each film was produced by production company Made Up Stories, led by Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson.
For Roadshow Films CEO Joel Pearlman, both titles’ results are testament to audiences’ desire to support home-grown filmmaking. He argues “now is the time for Australia to champion its bold stories and beautiful locations with the world.”
“It’s remarkable that the two...
- 1/25/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Despite the reemergence of Covid-19 cases and restrictions in some states, the holiday period has proved lucrative for many exhibitors thanks to Wonder Woman 1984, The Croods: A New Age and local film The Dry.
And while there’s promise in titles like this week’s Penguin Bloom, some cinema owners have concerns regarding the lack of big name releases over the coming weeks and months.
Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If a strong period is “tailing off fast”, as cinemas don’t have access to the usual depth of product to sustain themselves through the six weeks of school holidays.
Or as outlined by Cinema Nova CEO Kristian Connelly: “The challenge for the coming months will be the absence of ‘big ticket’ titles that usually populate this time of year but each week is bringing more attractive releases to cinemas that should help get audiences back in the habit of going to the movies.
And while there’s promise in titles like this week’s Penguin Bloom, some cinema owners have concerns regarding the lack of big name releases over the coming weeks and months.
Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell tells If a strong period is “tailing off fast”, as cinemas don’t have access to the usual depth of product to sustain themselves through the six weeks of school holidays.
Or as outlined by Cinema Nova CEO Kristian Connelly: “The challenge for the coming months will be the absence of ‘big ticket’ titles that usually populate this time of year but each week is bringing more attractive releases to cinemas that should help get audiences back in the habit of going to the movies.
- 1/18/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Marvel Studios has debuted a new TV spot for the first Marvel series to hit Disney+, ‘WandaVision’.
The series is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealised suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen reprise their roles of the titular couple.
Also in trailers – Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a dragon in trailer for ‘Dragon Rider’
The Original Series starts streaming Jan. 15 on Disney+.
The post It’s a new era in new TV spot for ‘Wandavision’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The series is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealised suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen reprise their roles of the titular couple.
Also in trailers – Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a dragon in trailer for ‘Dragon Rider’
The Original Series starts streaming Jan. 15 on Disney+.
The post It’s a new era in new TV spot for ‘Wandavision’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 1/4/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sky has dropped the first trailer for the original film based on the true story of Roald Dahl, ‘To Olivia’ featuring Hugh Bonneville and Keeley Hawes.
It’s 1962 and Roald Dahl, an eccentric, burgeoning children’s author and his wife, Patricia Neal, a glamourous Hollywood movie star, have retreated to the English countryside to bring up their expanding young family. Tragically, their lives are turned upside down by the devastating death of their daughter Olivia and as the couple struggle through the unimaginable loss, their shared grief becomes a source of redemption and strength which changes their lives forever.
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) plays novelist Roald Dahl and Keeley Hawes features as his American actress wife Patricia Neal.
Directed by John Hay, Sam Heughan (Outlander), Geoffrey Palmer (Paddington) and Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) also star.
Also in trailers – Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a dragon in trailer for ‘Dragon Rider’
The...
It’s 1962 and Roald Dahl, an eccentric, burgeoning children’s author and his wife, Patricia Neal, a glamourous Hollywood movie star, have retreated to the English countryside to bring up their expanding young family. Tragically, their lives are turned upside down by the devastating death of their daughter Olivia and as the couple struggle through the unimaginable loss, their shared grief becomes a source of redemption and strength which changes their lives forever.
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) plays novelist Roald Dahl and Keeley Hawes features as his American actress wife Patricia Neal.
Directed by John Hay, Sam Heughan (Outlander), Geoffrey Palmer (Paddington) and Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) also star.
Also in trailers – Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a dragon in trailer for ‘Dragon Rider’
The...
- 12/24/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sky Cinema has debuted the first trailer for the Sky Original animation ‘Dragon Rider’ featuring the voice of Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
The film tells the story of Firedrake (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who wants to show the older generation he is a real dragon, not the naïve fledgeling they see him as. When he discovers that humans are about to destroy the forest where the dragons reside, he sets off on a daring crusade with his best friend Sorrel (Felicity Jones) in search for a mythical safe haven hidden in the Himalayas where dragons can live in peace.
On their quest, they encounter Ben (Freddie Highmore), an orphan, who they mistake for a dragon rider destined to help them on their voyage. The unlikely trio must learn to work together, despite their differences, as dragon-eating villain Nettlebrand (Patrick Stewart) is hot on their tails to fulfil his own quest: to track and destroy every dragon.
The film tells the story of Firedrake (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who wants to show the older generation he is a real dragon, not the naïve fledgeling they see him as. When he discovers that humans are about to destroy the forest where the dragons reside, he sets off on a daring crusade with his best friend Sorrel (Felicity Jones) in search for a mythical safe haven hidden in the Himalayas where dragons can live in peace.
On their quest, they encounter Ben (Freddie Highmore), an orphan, who they mistake for a dragon rider destined to help them on their voyage. The unlikely trio must learn to work together, despite their differences, as dragon-eating villain Nettlebrand (Patrick Stewart) is hot on their tails to fulfil his own quest: to track and destroy every dragon.
- 12/23/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Before cinemas in Europe went into a second, coronavirus lockdown in November, German animation films were having a bit of a moment.
Two by Two: Overboard (aka Ooops: The Adventure Continues) was the number one film at the U.K. box office for Entertainment One the final weekend before lockdown, earning around $3 million in the few, socially-distanced theaters still open. On the continent, two home-grown animated features — Constantin Films’ Dragon Rider and Yakari: A Spectacular Journey from Leonine — were top 10 hits, with Dragon Rider taking in around $2.5 million over three weeks and Yakari earning close to $1 million in its ...
Two by Two: Overboard (aka Ooops: The Adventure Continues) was the number one film at the U.K. box office for Entertainment One the final weekend before lockdown, earning around $3 million in the few, socially-distanced theaters still open. On the continent, two home-grown animated features — Constantin Films’ Dragon Rider and Yakari: A Spectacular Journey from Leonine — were top 10 hits, with Dragon Rider taking in around $2.5 million over three weeks and Yakari earning close to $1 million in its ...
- 11/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Before cinemas in Europe went into a second, coronavirus lockdown in November, German animation films were having a bit of a moment.
Two by Two: Overboard (aka Ooops: The Adventure Continues) was the number one film at the U.K. box office for Entertainment One the final weekend before lockdown, earning around $3 million in the few, socially-distanced theaters still open. On the continent, two home-grown animated features — Constantin Films’ Dragon Rider and Yakari: A Spectacular Journey from Leonine — were top 10 hits, with Dragon Rider taking in around $2.5 million over three weeks and Yakari earning close to $1 million in its ...
Two by Two: Overboard (aka Ooops: The Adventure Continues) was the number one film at the U.K. box office for Entertainment One the final weekend before lockdown, earning around $3 million in the few, socially-distanced theaters still open. On the continent, two home-grown animated features — Constantin Films’ Dragon Rider and Yakari: A Spectacular Journey from Leonine — were top 10 hits, with Dragon Rider taking in around $2.5 million over three weeks and Yakari earning close to $1 million in its ...
- 11/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eric Bana in ‘The Dry.’
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly’s The Dry on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom on January 21, raising exhibitors’ hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.
Seeing gaps in the market, Roadshow moved up Connolly’s crime thriller adapted from the Jane Harper novel, starring Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell and John Polson, from April.
The distributor shifted Ivin’s drama starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, adapted from Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel, which had been scheduled for New Year’s Day, to the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Dry is a great addition for Roadshow,” says Wallis Cinema’s Bob Parr, adding that it would be a disaster for cinemas if more Hollywood tentpoles such as Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984 and Universal’s...
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly’s The Dry on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom on January 21, raising exhibitors’ hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.
Seeing gaps in the market, Roadshow moved up Connolly’s crime thriller adapted from the Jane Harper novel, starring Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell and John Polson, from April.
The distributor shifted Ivin’s drama starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, adapted from Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel, which had been scheduled for New Year’s Day, to the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Dry is a great addition for Roadshow,” says Wallis Cinema’s Bob Parr, adding that it would be a disaster for cinemas if more Hollywood tentpoles such as Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984 and Universal’s...
- 10/25/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
‘Tenet’ hits $334m globally, while family films dominate Germany.
’Demon Slayer’ slays Japan with $44m opening
Japanese anime Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train delivered a sensational $44m three-day opening in Japan for joint distributors Toho and Aniplex – the top result globally at the weekend for any film on release, and the biggest ever opening for a film in Japan.
The film is adapted from the manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotoge, and was previously adapted into a 2019 TV series. Both the series and the film are directed by Haruo Sotozaki, whose animation department credits include Cowboy Bebop: The Movie...
’Demon Slayer’ slays Japan with $44m opening
Japanese anime Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train delivered a sensational $44m three-day opening in Japan for joint distributors Toho and Aniplex – the top result globally at the weekend for any film on release, and the biggest ever opening for a film in Japan.
The film is adapted from the manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotoge, and was previously adapted into a 2019 TV series. Both the series and the film are directed by Haruo Sotozaki, whose animation department credits include Cowboy Bebop: The Movie...
- 10/19/2020
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
Cinema numbers are shrinking again as Covid-19 cases rise across Europe.
France, opening Wednesday October 14
It has been a complicated few days for French distributors and exhibitors following the introduction of a night-time curfew from Saturday night in Paris and eight other major cities, as part of measures to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The measure, which obliges people to return home by 9pm, effectively wipes out key evening screening slots although exhibitors are lobbying the government for a special dispensation for cinemagoers. A final decision was expected late Friday or over the weekend, but if the answer is ‘no...
France, opening Wednesday October 14
It has been a complicated few days for French distributors and exhibitors following the introduction of a night-time curfew from Saturday night in Paris and eight other major cities, as part of measures to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The measure, which obliges people to return home by 9pm, effectively wipes out key evening screening slots although exhibitors are lobbying the government for a special dispensation for cinemagoers. A final decision was expected late Friday or over the weekend, but if the answer is ‘no...
- 10/16/2020
- by Ben Dalton¬Melanie Goodfellow¬Martin Blaney¬Gabriele Niola
- ScreenDaily
“Resident Evil” and “Shadowhunters” producer Constantin Film has renewed the contracts of its long-serving CEO Martin Moszkowicz and TV and digital chief Oliver Berben, and promoted Berben to deputy CEO.
Moszkowicz has been CEO of Constantin Film since Jan. 1, 2014 and in addition to company management and strategy he is also in charge of worldwide production and distribution, world sales, marketing and publicity, and corporate communication and legal affairs, among other duties.
Moszkowicz’s most recent credits include “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (2017), “Suck Me Shakespeer” (2017), “This Crazy Heart” (2017), “How About Adolf?” (2018), “Polar” (2019), “The Collini Case” (2019), “The Silence” (2019), “Das perfekte Geheimnis” (2019), “Dragon Rider” (2020), and “Monster Hunter” (2020).
Berben has been a member of the board since Jan. 1, 2017, and as deputy CEO will continue to run the TV, entertainment and digital media division, and supervise the development and production of all national and international projects of the division. Berben will continue his activities as a producer as well.
Moszkowicz has been CEO of Constantin Film since Jan. 1, 2014 and in addition to company management and strategy he is also in charge of worldwide production and distribution, world sales, marketing and publicity, and corporate communication and legal affairs, among other duties.
Moszkowicz’s most recent credits include “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (2017), “Suck Me Shakespeer” (2017), “This Crazy Heart” (2017), “How About Adolf?” (2018), “Polar” (2019), “The Collini Case” (2019), “The Silence” (2019), “Das perfekte Geheimnis” (2019), “Dragon Rider” (2020), and “Monster Hunter” (2020).
Berben has been a member of the board since Jan. 1, 2017, and as deputy CEO will continue to run the TV, entertainment and digital media division, and supervise the development and production of all national and international projects of the division. Berben will continue his activities as a producer as well.
- 7/23/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Germany-based production and distribution powerhouse Constantin Film has renewed the contracts of long-serving CEO Martin Moszkowicz and Management Board member Oliver Berben early, and for an extended period of several years. The Supervisory Board of the Resident Evil producer extended Moszkowicz’s contract this month, taking effect from January 1, 2021. Berben has also been named Deputy CEO.
The respected Moszkowicz has been CEO of Constantin Film since 2014. In addition to company management and strategy, he is in charge of worldwide production and distribution, world sales, marketing and publicity, corporate communication and legal affairs — among others. He has been part of Constantin Film’s management since 1990, first as Producer and Managing Director, then as a member of the Managing Board. As a producer, executive producer and co-producer, Moszkowicz has been responsible for numerous local and international hit features and TV productions. In 2019, he exec produced Das Perfekte Geheimnis (Perfect Strangers) which...
The respected Moszkowicz has been CEO of Constantin Film since 2014. In addition to company management and strategy, he is in charge of worldwide production and distribution, world sales, marketing and publicity, corporate communication and legal affairs — among others. He has been part of Constantin Film’s management since 1990, first as Producer and Managing Director, then as a member of the Managing Board. As a producer, executive producer and co-producer, Moszkowicz has been responsible for numerous local and international hit features and TV productions. In 2019, he exec produced Das Perfekte Geheimnis (Perfect Strangers) which...
- 7/23/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s Director Of Global Public Policy Katharina Hiersemenzel has joined Constantin Film’s legal department.
In the newly created position of Senior Vice President Public Policy, she will primarily oversee “film industry associations for Constantin Film with a particular focus on the further development of copyright and the EU laws that govern it”.
Hiersemenzel will report to Gero Worstbrock, Managing Director and Head of
Legal and Business Affairs. The department reports to Martin Moszkowicz, CEO of Constantin Film.
Hiersemenzel studied law at the Lmu in Munich and specializes in copyright law. She has worked as an attorney and in house at companies including Helkon Media, Skw Schwarz, Da Vinci Media and the Motion Picture Association (MPAA).
Movies in production for Constantin include Dragon Rider and The Dog Stars. In the works are a Resident Evil TV series with Netflix and female superhero pic Danger Girl.
In the newly created position of Senior Vice President Public Policy, she will primarily oversee “film industry associations for Constantin Film with a particular focus on the further development of copyright and the EU laws that govern it”.
Hiersemenzel will report to Gero Worstbrock, Managing Director and Head of
Legal and Business Affairs. The department reports to Martin Moszkowicz, CEO of Constantin Film.
Hiersemenzel studied law at the Lmu in Munich and specializes in copyright law. She has worked as an attorney and in house at companies including Helkon Media, Skw Schwarz, Da Vinci Media and the Motion Picture Association (MPAA).
Movies in production for Constantin include Dragon Rider and The Dog Stars. In the works are a Resident Evil TV series with Netflix and female superhero pic Danger Girl.
- 6/3/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Germany’s film industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, but the sector remains teeming with opportunities for domestic and international productions and looks set to spring back into action in the coming months.
Boasting 10 federal and regional film funders with more than €330 million ($359 million) for film and TV production and a number of major studio and VFX facilities, the country has become a favorite location for international producers.
Warner Bros.’ “The Matrix 4” and Sony Pictures’ “Uncharted” were all set to shoot at Studio Babelsberg near Berlin before work stopped amid the Covid-19 outbreak in March. While the studio initially let go hundreds of film crew members following the shutdown, it has since reinstated them after securing financial assistance from the federal labor agency, staving off a potential legal dispute.
Other recent international projects that lensed in Germany include Abel Ferrara’s Berlinale screener “Siberia,” starring Willem Dafoe,...
Boasting 10 federal and regional film funders with more than €330 million ($359 million) for film and TV production and a number of major studio and VFX facilities, the country has become a favorite location for international producers.
Warner Bros.’ “The Matrix 4” and Sony Pictures’ “Uncharted” were all set to shoot at Studio Babelsberg near Berlin before work stopped amid the Covid-19 outbreak in March. While the studio initially let go hundreds of film crew members following the shutdown, it has since reinstated them after securing financial assistance from the federal labor agency, staving off a potential legal dispute.
Other recent international projects that lensed in Germany include Abel Ferrara’s Berlinale screener “Siberia,” starring Willem Dafoe,...
- 5/8/2020
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
France’s shortlist for its best international film Oscar submission includes Cannes hits Les Miserables and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire and recent Toronto premiere Proxima. The selection committee, which is overseen by the country’s National Cinema Centre, will make its final selection on Friday, September 20. There was no place for Roman Polanski’s Venice title An Officer And A Spy, perhaps less of a surprise given the Academy’s expulsion from its ranks of the six-time Oscar-winning director in 2018. France’s selection committee includes producers Rosalie Varda and Jean Bréhat, sales agents Agathe Valentin and Muriel Sauzay, directors Danièle Thompson and Pierre Salvadori, Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux, UniFrance president Serge Toubiana and Cesar president Alain Terzian. France has been one of the most successful countries in the foreign language category: more than half of their Oscar submissions have achieved nominations and nine have won the award.
Comcast...
Comcast...
- 9/17/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The voice cast for U.S.-Chinese animated movie “Extinct” will feature Adam Devine, Rachel Bloom, Zazie Beetz and Ken Jeong. The film is being directed by David Silverman (“The Simpsons Movie”). “The Simpsons” veterans Joel Cohen, John Frink, and Rob Lazebnik are writing.
The adventure-comedy will follow Op and Ed, a species of donut-shaped animals called flummels. They accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai where they discover traffic, trans fats, and the fact that flummels have become extinct. The duo set out to to save themselves and their species.
The movie comes from China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment, and Tolerable Entertainment. Timeless Films has boarded the project and will sell it internationally, kicking off the sales effort at the Toronto Film Festival.
“We are really looking forward to screening the first footage from this incredibly funny film to our distributors at Toronto,” said Timeless CEO and chairman Ralph Kamp.
The adventure-comedy will follow Op and Ed, a species of donut-shaped animals called flummels. They accidentally time-travel from 1835 to modern-day Shanghai where they discover traffic, trans fats, and the fact that flummels have become extinct. The duo set out to to save themselves and their species.
The movie comes from China Lion, Hb Wink, Huayi Tencent Entertainment, and Tolerable Entertainment. Timeless Films has boarded the project and will sell it internationally, kicking off the sales effort at the Toronto Film Festival.
“We are really looking forward to screening the first footage from this incredibly funny film to our distributors at Toronto,” said Timeless CEO and chairman Ralph Kamp.
- 9/3/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
‘Rogue One’ actress, Felicity Jones, has officially joined the cast of George Clooney’s Netflix feature ‘Midnight’.
Jones joins in an undisclosed role in the film which is based on Lily Brooks-Dalton’s novel ‘Good Morning, Midnight’.
The post-apocalyptic tale follows the parallel stories of Augustine (Clooney), a lonely scientist in the Arctic, and an astronaut onboard the Aether spacecraft, which is trying to return home to Earth, as Augustine races to make contact with the spaceship.
Also in news – J.A. Bayona to direct first two episodes of Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ series
Clooney will star and direct in the film and also produce alongside Grant Heslov while Mark L. Smith will adapt the screenplay from the sci-fi thriller.
“Grant and I couldn’t be more excited to be involved with this incredible project,” said Clooney. “Mark is a writer we’ve long admired and his script is haunting.
Jones joins in an undisclosed role in the film which is based on Lily Brooks-Dalton’s novel ‘Good Morning, Midnight’.
The post-apocalyptic tale follows the parallel stories of Augustine (Clooney), a lonely scientist in the Arctic, and an astronaut onboard the Aether spacecraft, which is trying to return home to Earth, as Augustine races to make contact with the spaceship.
Also in news – J.A. Bayona to direct first two episodes of Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ series
Clooney will star and direct in the film and also produce alongside Grant Heslov while Mark L. Smith will adapt the screenplay from the sci-fi thriller.
“Grant and I couldn’t be more excited to be involved with this incredible project,” said Clooney. “Mark is a writer we’ve long admired and his script is haunting.
- 7/10/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Even after winning Best Picture and Director for “The Shape of Water” last year, Guillermo del Toro is still most beloved by many for “Pan’s Labyrinth.” His breakthrough film was one of the best-reviewed of 2006, won three of the six Academy Awards for which it was nominated, and displayed his fairytale-loving sensibility in a way that continues to resonate. So much so, in fact, that he’s revisiting it by co-writing “Pan’s Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun” with Cornelia Funke (“Inkheart”).
That title is a nod to the film’s original Spanish-language name of “El laberinto del fauno,” which translates to (you guessed it) “The Labyrinth of the Faun.” Described as a transformation of the film, it will include short stories that expand the folklore on which “Pan’s Labyrinth” is based. Del Toro had more ideas for the world he created than could be made explicit onscreen,...
That title is a nod to the film’s original Spanish-language name of “El laberinto del fauno,” which translates to (you guessed it) “The Labyrinth of the Faun.” Described as a transformation of the film, it will include short stories that expand the folklore on which “Pan’s Labyrinth” is based. Del Toro had more ideas for the world he created than could be made explicit onscreen,...
- 4/5/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Andy Serkis and Thomas Brodie-Sangster have joined the cast of Fox’s action-fantasy adaptation ‘Mouse Guard’.
Serkis will portray the villainous blacksmith Midnight and Brodie-Sangster will play Lieam, one of the Mouse Guard’s youngest members.
Maze Runners’ Wes Ball is at the helm of the film which is based on the graphic novel series. The story is set in a medieval times world without humans and centre on a brotherhood of mice sworn to serve their fellow mice.
Also in news – Tyrese Gibson enters talks to join ‘Morbius’
‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ writer, Gary Whitta, is on board to pen the adaptation with ‘War For The Planet Of The Apes’ helmer Matt Reeves producing. Ross Richie and Stephen Christy, both of Boom! Studios — the publisher of ‘Mouse Guard’. Joe Hartwick Jr. is also producing.
Fox is looking to produce a live-action movie through performance capture technology employed...
Serkis will portray the villainous blacksmith Midnight and Brodie-Sangster will play Lieam, one of the Mouse Guard’s youngest members.
Maze Runners’ Wes Ball is at the helm of the film which is based on the graphic novel series. The story is set in a medieval times world without humans and centre on a brotherhood of mice sworn to serve their fellow mice.
Also in news – Tyrese Gibson enters talks to join ‘Morbius’
‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ writer, Gary Whitta, is on board to pen the adaptation with ‘War For The Planet Of The Apes’ helmer Matt Reeves producing. Ross Richie and Stephen Christy, both of Boom! Studios — the publisher of ‘Mouse Guard’. Joe Hartwick Jr. is also producing.
Fox is looking to produce a live-action movie through performance capture technology employed...
- 3/11/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Bridget Lamonica Jan 25, 2019
Eight years after the last book in the Inheritance Cycle series, Christopher Paolini publishes a new short story collection.
I had a thought last year-- what has Christopher Paolini, author of the Inheritance Cycle series, been up to lately? A quick Google search told me nada. Then, at the very end of last year came a collection of short stories, set in the world of Alagaesia and a brief look at what our main character Eragon was up to, as well as telling some new stories set in that world.
It’s important to understand going in that this isn’t a singular story, and shouldn’t be held to the standards of holding up as a true sequel to the conclusion of the Inheritance Cycle. Holding it to such standards would leave the reader wanting much more from this, rather than enjoying the simple ride this collection presents.
Eight years after the last book in the Inheritance Cycle series, Christopher Paolini publishes a new short story collection.
I had a thought last year-- what has Christopher Paolini, author of the Inheritance Cycle series, been up to lately? A quick Google search told me nada. Then, at the very end of last year came a collection of short stories, set in the world of Alagaesia and a brief look at what our main character Eragon was up to, as well as telling some new stories set in that world.
It’s important to understand going in that this isn’t a singular story, and shouldn’t be held to the standards of holding up as a true sequel to the conclusion of the Inheritance Cycle. Holding it to such standards would leave the reader wanting much more from this, rather than enjoying the simple ride this collection presents.
- 1/25/2019
- Den of Geek
Nearly three decades after “The Simpsons” became a fixture on Fox, Bart Simpson is still 10 years old. Call it “the Peter Pan effect”: a never-grow-up miracle in which hand-drawn characters defy age in a way that flesh-and-blood actors find impossible. And then there’s DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” series, which has taken another path entirely, allowing its heroes — a band of misfit Vikings who’ve learned to coexist with the creatures they once feared most — to evolve as human beings, resulting in one of the greatest character arcs the medium has ever seen.
Hiccup, who first appeared as an awkward teen, has grown into a confident Viking leader for the island of Berk, John Krasinski-esque in appearance: strong, strapping, and beardless no more. The one constant through this process has been his friendship with Toothless, the sleek, obsidian-skinned Night Fury — a bat-winged Black Stallion,...
Hiccup, who first appeared as an awkward teen, has grown into a confident Viking leader for the island of Berk, John Krasinski-esque in appearance: strong, strapping, and beardless no more. The one constant through this process has been his friendship with Toothless, the sleek, obsidian-skinned Night Fury — a bat-winged Black Stallion,...
- 1/2/2019
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Patrick Stewart reunited with some of his “Star Trek: The Next Generation” cast members over Labor Day Weekend, resulting in an adorable, nostalgic photo.
“The gang’s all here. Well most of them anyway. #Friendship #Tng,” Marina Sirtis, who played Commander Deanna Troi, posted on Instagram on Sunday.
LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge), Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), Brent Spiner (Data) and Michael Dorn (Worf) are also visible in the picture.
Also Read: 'Star Trek: Discovery' Finds Its Spock
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” ran from 1987 to 1994 and followed the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise-d and its crew in the Alpha Quadrant. Will Wheaton, Denise Crosby and Jonathan Frakes also starred.
Stewart will next reprise his character, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, in a new CBS All Access TV series, which is set to chronicle the next chapter of his life.
Also Read: Patrick Stewart Challenges Blake Shelton to a...
“The gang’s all here. Well most of them anyway. #Friendship #Tng,” Marina Sirtis, who played Commander Deanna Troi, posted on Instagram on Sunday.
LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge), Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), Brent Spiner (Data) and Michael Dorn (Worf) are also visible in the picture.
Also Read: 'Star Trek: Discovery' Finds Its Spock
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” ran from 1987 to 1994 and followed the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise-d and its crew in the Alpha Quadrant. Will Wheaton, Denise Crosby and Jonathan Frakes also starred.
Stewart will next reprise his character, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, in a new CBS All Access TV series, which is set to chronicle the next chapter of his life.
Also Read: Patrick Stewart Challenges Blake Shelton to a...
- 9/3/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Felicity Jones, the star of 2016’s “Rogue One,” has signed up for animated movie “Dragon Rider,” joining an impressive voice cast that includes Patrick Stewart. The film is one of the biggest animation projects out of Europe in recent times.
Based on Cornelia Funke’s bestselling novel of the same name, the family adventure will be produced by Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz and Oliver Berben. It will be directed by Tomer Eshed. Cyborn, RiseFX and Lumatic are co-producers. Johnny Smith (“Gnomeo & Juliet) wrote the movie, which will launch in the fall of 2019.
Other cast members are Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Freddie Highmore, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Nonso Anozie.
The film follows Firedrake, a young silver dragon; Sorrel, a mountain spirit; and Ben, an orphaned boy. The unlikely band searches in the Himalayas for the Rim of Heaven, which can offer sanctuary for Firedrake’s kin, whose valley is made uninhabitable by a dam.
Based on Cornelia Funke’s bestselling novel of the same name, the family adventure will be produced by Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz and Oliver Berben. It will be directed by Tomer Eshed. Cyborn, RiseFX and Lumatic are co-producers. Johnny Smith (“Gnomeo & Juliet) wrote the movie, which will launch in the fall of 2019.
Other cast members are Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Freddie Highmore, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Nonso Anozie.
The film follows Firedrake, a young silver dragon; Sorrel, a mountain spirit; and Ben, an orphaned boy. The unlikely band searches in the Himalayas for the Rim of Heaven, which can offer sanctuary for Firedrake’s kin, whose valley is made uninhabitable by a dam.
- 5/9/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Fund also supporting adaptation of erotic classic Fear Of Flying.
The Daniel Radcliffe action comedy Guns Akimbo the first screen adaptation of Erica Jong’s 1973 erotic classic Fear Of Flying are the latest projects to be supported by the international co-production fund operated under the auspices of the Bavarian Film & Television Fund (Fff Bayern) as part of a concerted drive to attract large-scale productions to the region.
The Fff subcommittee for international co-productions allocated €2m ($2.2m) apiece at its latest session on Wednesday (5 July) to two Us projects which will be co-produced with Munich-based companies and largely or completely shot on location in Bavaria.
Philipp Kreuzer and Joerg Schulze’s Maze Pictures are partnering Us producers Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino of La/Munich-based Occupant Entertainment on New Zealand filmmaker Jason Lei Howden’s action comedy Guns Akimbo which already has Daniel Radcliffe attached for the lead role. Principal photography is set to be located completely in Bavaria...
The Daniel Radcliffe action comedy Guns Akimbo the first screen adaptation of Erica Jong’s 1973 erotic classic Fear Of Flying are the latest projects to be supported by the international co-production fund operated under the auspices of the Bavarian Film & Television Fund (Fff Bayern) as part of a concerted drive to attract large-scale productions to the region.
The Fff subcommittee for international co-productions allocated €2m ($2.2m) apiece at its latest session on Wednesday (5 July) to two Us projects which will be co-produced with Munich-based companies and largely or completely shot on location in Bavaria.
Philipp Kreuzer and Joerg Schulze’s Maze Pictures are partnering Us producers Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino of La/Munich-based Occupant Entertainment on New Zealand filmmaker Jason Lei Howden’s action comedy Guns Akimbo which already has Daniel Radcliffe attached for the lead role. Principal photography is set to be located completely in Bavaria...
- 7/6/2017
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
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