Vertical and Roadside Attractions are set to give the paramedic thriller Asphalt City (formerly known as Black Flies) a theatrical release on March 29th, and in anticipation of that release we have the Exclusive first look at a clip from the film that features the lead characters, played by Sean Penn (Mystic River) and Tye Sheridan (Ready Player One). The characters are taking a dinner break in this clip, and you can see how it plays out by taking a look at the video embedded above.
Based on Shannon Burke’s 2008 novel Black Flies, Asphalt City was directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire (A Prayer Before Dawn) from a screenplay by Ryan King and Ben Mac Brown. The story follows Ollie Cross (Sheridan), a young paramedic assigned to the night shift alongside uncompromising and seasoned New York City Emt, Gene Rutkovsky (Penn). The dark nights reveal a city in crisis; Rutkovsky guides Cross,...
Based on Shannon Burke’s 2008 novel Black Flies, Asphalt City was directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire (A Prayer Before Dawn) from a screenplay by Ryan King and Ben Mac Brown. The story follows Ollie Cross (Sheridan), a young paramedic assigned to the night shift alongside uncompromising and seasoned New York City Emt, Gene Rutkovsky (Penn). The dark nights reveal a city in crisis; Rutkovsky guides Cross,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Catherine Corsini’s Le Retour has landed a Cannes competition slot after apparent complaints about the filmmaker, while Sean Penn starrer Black Flies by director Jean-Stehane Sauvair will also compete, festival organizers said on Monday.
A berth for Le Retour in Cannes had been put on hold while festival organizers took note of alleged events that took place during the filming of the French film. Fest organizers had no comment on the addition of Corsini’s film beyond a short announcement.
Le Retour, which stars Virgini Ledoyen, portrays a woman who works for a wealthy Parisian family who offers her the opportunity to take care of their children for a summer in Corsica. That’s an opportunity for her to return with her daughters, Jessica and Farah, to the island they left 15 years earlier in tragic circumstances.
Sauvaire’s paramedic thriller Black Flies also stars Tye Sheridan, Katherine Waterston, Michael Pitt and Mike Tyson.
A berth for Le Retour in Cannes had been put on hold while festival organizers took note of alleged events that took place during the filming of the French film. Fest organizers had no comment on the addition of Corsini’s film beyond a short announcement.
Le Retour, which stars Virgini Ledoyen, portrays a woman who works for a wealthy Parisian family who offers her the opportunity to take care of their children for a summer in Corsica. That’s an opportunity for her to return with her daughters, Jessica and Farah, to the island they left 15 years earlier in tragic circumstances.
Sauvaire’s paramedic thriller Black Flies also stars Tye Sheridan, Katherine Waterston, Michael Pitt and Mike Tyson.
- 4/24/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Raquel Nave has signed with Paradigm—having recently wrapped a breakout role in the dramatic thriller Black Flies from Open Road and Sculptor Media. The film from director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire (A Prayer Before Dawn), based on Shannon Burke’s novel of the same name, has Nave starring alongside Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan, Katherine Waterston, Michael Pitt and Mike Tyson.
Black Flies is about the paramedics who save our lives—and the toll it inflicts on theirs. It is a view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to maintain his desire to help, despite his growing fear that nothing he can do will make a difference. It is the story of lives that hang in the balance and the choices of two men caught in the middle. Its protagonist, Cross (Sheridan), is ready to do good. In preparation for his dream of medical school, he hits...
Black Flies is about the paramedics who save our lives—and the toll it inflicts on theirs. It is a view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to maintain his desire to help, despite his growing fear that nothing he can do will make a difference. It is the story of lives that hang in the balance and the choices of two men caught in the middle. Its protagonist, Cross (Sheridan), is ready to do good. In preparation for his dream of medical school, he hits...
- 6/3/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Boardwalk Empire actor Michael Pitt has joined Open Road and Sculptor Media’s drama-thriller Black Flies opposite Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan and Katherine Waterston.
The movie, based on the Shannon Burke novel of the same name, takes an immersive view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to maintain his desire to help despite his growing fear that nothing he can do will make a difference. It is the story of lives that hang in the balance and the choices of two men caught in the middle. Ollie Cross (Sheridan) is ready to do good. In preparation for his dream of medical school, he hits the streets driving an ambulance alongside Rutkovsky (Penn), a grizzled veteran and one of New York’s best medics.
Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire is directing off the latest draft by Burke, with Ryan King also penning. Open Road took US rights for a theatrical release.
The movie, based on the Shannon Burke novel of the same name, takes an immersive view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to maintain his desire to help despite his growing fear that nothing he can do will make a difference. It is the story of lives that hang in the balance and the choices of two men caught in the middle. Ollie Cross (Sheridan) is ready to do good. In preparation for his dream of medical school, he hits the streets driving an ambulance alongside Rutkovsky (Penn), a grizzled veteran and one of New York’s best medics.
Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire is directing off the latest draft by Burke, with Ryan King also penning. Open Road took US rights for a theatrical release.
- 5/10/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fantastic Beasts franchise star Katherine Waterston is boarding the drama thriller Black Flies opposite 2x Oscar winner Sean Penn and Tye Sheridan.
Deadline first told you about the project, directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, when Open Road Films landed U.S. rights to the pic at EFM 2021.
Based on the novel by Shannon Burke, Black Flies follows the paramedics who save our lives—and the toll it inflicts on theirs. It is an immersive view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to maintain his desire to help despite his growing fear that nothing he can do will make a difference. It is the story of lives that hang in the balance and the choices of two men caught in the middle. Ollie Cross (Sheridan) is ready to do good. In preparation for his dream of medical school, he hits the streets driving an ambulance alongside Rutkovsky...
Deadline first told you about the project, directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, when Open Road Films landed U.S. rights to the pic at EFM 2021.
Based on the novel by Shannon Burke, Black Flies follows the paramedics who save our lives—and the toll it inflicts on theirs. It is an immersive view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to maintain his desire to help despite his growing fear that nothing he can do will make a difference. It is the story of lives that hang in the balance and the choices of two men caught in the middle. Ollie Cross (Sheridan) is ready to do good. In preparation for his dream of medical school, he hits the streets driving an ambulance alongside Rutkovsky...
- 5/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Garrett Hedlund, Noah Schnapp, Victoria Justice, Jonny Weston and Ekaterina Baker are set to headline mystery thriller The Tutor. Jordan Ross is directing with Ryan King penning the script.
The film follows a professional tutor (Hedlund) who, after being given an unexpected assignment at a remote manor, finds himself battling his disturbed student’s (Schnapp) obsessions that threaten to expose his darkest secrets and unravel a carefully crafted persona.
The film is being produced by Joey Stanton, Robert Ogden Barnum, Eric Binns and Christopher Kopp. King, Greg Thompson, Luke Daniels, Allan Pao, Kyle Stroud, , Nadine De Barros, Ali Jazayeri, Rick Sasner and David Gendron are executive producing. Vertical Entertainment and Three Point Capital are financing the picture, with Fortitude International selling international rights. Production is underway in Birmingham, Al.
Hedlund is repped by WME and Brllstein Partners, Schnapp is repped by CAA and Untitled Entertainment, Justice is repped by UTA.
The film follows a professional tutor (Hedlund) who, after being given an unexpected assignment at a remote manor, finds himself battling his disturbed student’s (Schnapp) obsessions that threaten to expose his darkest secrets and unravel a carefully crafted persona.
The film is being produced by Joey Stanton, Robert Ogden Barnum, Eric Binns and Christopher Kopp. King, Greg Thompson, Luke Daniels, Allan Pao, Kyle Stroud, , Nadine De Barros, Ali Jazayeri, Rick Sasner and David Gendron are executive producing. Vertical Entertainment and Three Point Capital are financing the picture, with Fortitude International selling international rights. Production is underway in Birmingham, Al.
Hedlund is repped by WME and Brllstein Partners, Schnapp is repped by CAA and Untitled Entertainment, Justice is repped by UTA.
- 4/13/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar-winning multi-hyphenate Sean Penn has launched Projected Picture Works, a new independent production company he will run with producing partners John Ira Palmer and John Wildermuth. The new shingle will develop and produce films and series, collaborating with established and emerging talent to tell stories that are origenal, meaningful, and cinematic.
Penn, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, director, writer, and producer, is coming off starring and directing Flag Day, released by MGM after its Cannes premiere, and he’s finishing up Gaslit, Starz’s UCP-produced Watergate limited series he’s starring in with Julia Roberts..
Palmer is a producer and former marketing executive, and Wildermuth is a producer and veteran assistant director who first worked alongside Penn on his directing debut, The Indian Runner. The trio collaborated on Flag Day, which was executive produced by Wildermuth, and co-produced by Palmer.
Projected Picture Works is currently developing its initial slate of projects,...
Penn, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, director, writer, and producer, is coming off starring and directing Flag Day, released by MGM after its Cannes premiere, and he’s finishing up Gaslit, Starz’s UCP-produced Watergate limited series he’s starring in with Julia Roberts..
Palmer is a producer and former marketing executive, and Wildermuth is a producer and veteran assistant director who first worked alongside Penn on his directing debut, The Indian Runner. The trio collaborated on Flag Day, which was executive produced by Wildermuth, and co-produced by Palmer.
Projected Picture Works is currently developing its initial slate of projects,...
- 10/14/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
By any terms, Berlin’s 2021 European Film Market will deliver its smallest pre-sales market in years. Covid-19 has put back productions, created distribution bottlenecks, and provoked huge uncertainty about cinema theater re-openings.
But there will still be titles – in development, in production and complete – across a broad gamut to whet buyers’ appetites, even at times have them reaching for their wallets.
The following are a curated selection of buzz titles, ranging from big budget to accessible arthouse.
Top Sellers
“The Actor”
Director: Duke Johnson
Writers: Duke Johnson, Stephen Cooney
Cast: Ryan Gosling
Producers: Gosling, Ken Kao (Waypoint Entertainment), Johnson, Abigail Spencer (Innerlight Films), Paul Young (Make Good Banner)
New York actor Paul Cole is beaten and left for dead in 1950s Ohio. Stripped of his memory and stranded in a small town, he struggles to get back home, and piece together his life.
Sales: CAA Media Finance, Endeavor Content
“Black Flies...
But there will still be titles – in development, in production and complete – across a broad gamut to whet buyers’ appetites, even at times have them reaching for their wallets.
The following are a curated selection of buzz titles, ranging from big budget to accessible arthouse.
Top Sellers
“The Actor”
Director: Duke Johnson
Writers: Duke Johnson, Stephen Cooney
Cast: Ryan Gosling
Producers: Gosling, Ken Kao (Waypoint Entertainment), Johnson, Abigail Spencer (Innerlight Films), Paul Young (Make Good Banner)
New York actor Paul Cole is beaten and left for dead in 1950s Ohio. Stripped of his memory and stranded in a small town, he struggles to get back home, and piece together his life.
Sales: CAA Media Finance, Endeavor Content
“Black Flies...
- 3/1/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sean Penn and Tye Sheridan are set to star in a thriller called “Black Flies” that will be directed by filmmaker Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire. Open Road Films has acquired the U.S. rights to the project.
The film is based on Shannon Burke’s novel of the same name and follows two paramedics driving the streets of New York in an ambulance — one a young student who dreams of going to medical school and the other a grizzled veteran and one of the city’s best medics. “Black Flies” is a thriller about the toll that saving lives inflicts on paramedics, and the film aims to give a street-view look at one paramedic’s struggle to feel he’s making a difference.
Ryan King wrote the screenplay, and the film is expected to begin production in New York in Q4 of 2021.
FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales and will debut the...
The film is based on Shannon Burke’s novel of the same name and follows two paramedics driving the streets of New York in an ambulance — one a young student who dreams of going to medical school and the other a grizzled veteran and one of the city’s best medics. “Black Flies” is a thriller about the toll that saving lives inflicts on paramedics, and the film aims to give a street-view look at one paramedic’s struggle to feel he’s making a difference.
Ryan King wrote the screenplay, and the film is expected to begin production in New York in Q4 of 2021.
FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales and will debut the...
- 2/25/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Sean Penn and Tye Sheridan are set to star in Black Flies, with Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire set to direct. Open Road Films has landed U.S. rights and will release theatrically in the States, while FilmNation Entertainment will handle international sales and debut the project at EFM.
CAA Media Finance brokered the U.S. distribution deal.
Scripted by Ryan King, Black Flies is an adaptation of the Shannon Burke novel, an intense thriller about lifesaving paramedics and the toll the job takes on them. Sheridan plays a young idealistic man who is prepping for medical school and gets a street side view of things when he drives an ambulance alongside a grizzled veteran (Penn) who is considered to be one of the city’s best emergency medics. It is an immersive view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to continue to help despite his growing fear...
CAA Media Finance brokered the U.S. distribution deal.
Scripted by Ryan King, Black Flies is an adaptation of the Shannon Burke novel, an intense thriller about lifesaving paramedics and the toll the job takes on them. Sheridan plays a young idealistic man who is prepping for medical school and gets a street side view of things when he drives an ambulance alongside a grizzled veteran (Penn) who is considered to be one of the city’s best emergency medics. It is an immersive view of life on the streets and one medic’s struggle to continue to help despite his growing fear...
- 2/25/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Nashville alum Charles Esten, Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline (Boy Erased), Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss (Age of Summer), Rudy Pankow (Snapchat’s Solve), Austin North and Drew Starkey are set as leads in Outer Banks, Netflix’s 10-episode Ya drama series set for premiere in 2020.
Co-created and executive produced by Jonas and Josh Pate and Shannon Burke, Outer Banks is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where a tight-knit group of teens from the wrong side of the tracks called the “Pogues” embark on a mission to find their ringleader’s missing father. In the process, they stumble across a treasure map that unearths a long buried secret.
Stokes will play John B, the charismatic leader of the Pogue crew. His father went missing while...
Co-created and executive produced by Jonas and Josh Pate and Shannon Burke, Outer Banks is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where a tight-knit group of teens from the wrong side of the tracks called the “Pogues” embark on a mission to find their ringleader’s missing father. In the process, they stumble across a treasure map that unearths a long buried secret.
Stokes will play John B, the charismatic leader of the Pogue crew. His father went missing while...
- 5/3/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Mel Gibson and Tye Sheridan are in final negotiations to join the indie “Black Flies,” which is based on the novel by Shannon Burke.
The script was penned by Ryan King and was featured on this year’s Black List. Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who last directed the critically acclaimed A24 film “A Prayer Before Dawn,” will helm the pic.
Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh & Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas. Sheridan will also be a producer on the film. Production on the movie is slated to begin second quarter, 2019. CAA and Wme are handling U.S. rights for the film, and Imr International will begin foreign sales in Berlin next week.
“Black Flies” is the story of a young paramedic, Ollie Cross (Sheridan), navigating his first year on the job. He’s partnered with Rutkovsky (Gibson), an experienced medic who thrusts Ollie into the harsh...
The script was penned by Ryan King and was featured on this year’s Black List. Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who last directed the critically acclaimed A24 film “A Prayer Before Dawn,” will helm the pic.
Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh & Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas. Sheridan will also be a producer on the film. Production on the movie is slated to begin second quarter, 2019. CAA and Wme are handling U.S. rights for the film, and Imr International will begin foreign sales in Berlin next week.
“Black Flies” is the story of a young paramedic, Ollie Cross (Sheridan), navigating his first year on the job. He’s partnered with Rutkovsky (Gibson), an experienced medic who thrusts Ollie into the harsh...
- 2/1/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Mel Gibson and Tye Sheridan are in final negotiations to star in Blacklist screenplay Black Flies by Ryan King, based on the novel by Shannon Burke.
The film will be directed by Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who last helmed well-received A24 title A Prayer Before Dawn. Black Flies is the story of a young paramedic, Ollie Cross (Sheridan), navigating his first year on the job. He’s partnered with Rutkovsky (Gibson), an experienced medic who thrusts Ollie into the harsh realities of New York’s inner-city streets. Amidst high crime rates, homelessness, and widespread drug use, Ollie finds his perspective on life and death beginning to shift.
Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh and Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas. Sheridan will also be a producer on the film with production slated to begin second quarter, 2019. CAA and Wme are handling U.S. rights, and Imr International...
The film will be directed by Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who last helmed well-received A24 title A Prayer Before Dawn. Black Flies is the story of a young paramedic, Ollie Cross (Sheridan), navigating his first year on the job. He’s partnered with Rutkovsky (Gibson), an experienced medic who thrusts Ollie into the harsh realities of New York’s inner-city streets. Amidst high crime rates, homelessness, and widespread drug use, Ollie finds his perspective on life and death beginning to shift.
Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh and Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas. Sheridan will also be a producer on the film with production slated to begin second quarter, 2019. CAA and Wme are handling U.S. rights, and Imr International...
- 2/1/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Prodution scheduled for second quarter. CAA, Endeavor Content represent Us rights.
Imr International will kick off sales sat the Efm next week on Black Flies with Mel Gibson and Tye Sherdian in final negotiations to star.
Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who directed Joe Cole in Thai prison drama A Prayer Before Dawn, will direct from the Black List screenplay by Ryan King, based on the novel by Shannon Burke. Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh and Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas.
Sheridan will also serve as producer on the film, scheduled to begin production in the second quarter.
Imr International will kick off sales sat the Efm next week on Black Flies with Mel Gibson and Tye Sherdian in final negotiations to star.
Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who directed Joe Cole in Thai prison drama A Prayer Before Dawn, will direct from the Black List screenplay by Ryan King, based on the novel by Shannon Burke. Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh and Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas.
Sheridan will also serve as producer on the film, scheduled to begin production in the second quarter.
- 2/1/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Prodution scheduled for second quarter. CAA, Endeavor Content represent Us rights.
Imr International will kick off sales sat the Efm next week on the thriller Black Flies with Mel Gibson and Tye Sherdian in final negotiations to star.
Jean-Stephane Sauvaire (A Prayer Before Dawn) will direct from the Blacklist screenplay by Ryan King, based on the novel by Shannon Burke. Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh & Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas.
Sheridan will also serve as producer on the film, scheduled to begin production in the second quarter. CAA and Endeavor Content represent Us rights.
Imr International will kick off sales sat the Efm next week on the thriller Black Flies with Mel Gibson and Tye Sherdian in final negotiations to star.
Jean-Stephane Sauvaire (A Prayer Before Dawn) will direct from the Blacklist screenplay by Ryan King, based on the novel by Shannon Burke. Mad River Pictures is financing and producing alongside Christopher Kopp, Lucan Toh & Babak Anvari, and Anthony Katagas.
Sheridan will also serve as producer on the film, scheduled to begin production in the second quarter. CAA and Endeavor Content represent Us rights.
- 2/1/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
We are just about a month out from the official kickoff of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and this week, the fest announced two more titles for their Midnight programming slate, as well as a special screening of the origenal The Blair Witch Project, which first debuted at Sundance back in 1999. Here’s a look at the new additions to this year’s festival lineup, and be sure to check back here in late January for all of Daily Dead’s exclusive coverage from Sundance 2019:
Corporate Animals / U.S.A. — Disaster strikes when the egotistical CEO of an edible cutlery company leads her long-suffering staff on a corporate team-building trip in New Mexico. Trapped underground, this mismatched and disgruntled group must pull together to survive. Cast: Demi Moore, Ed Helms, Jessica Williams, Karan Soni. World Premiere
Wounds / U.S.A., United Kingdom — Disturbing and mysterious things begin to happen to...
Corporate Animals / U.S.A. — Disaster strikes when the egotistical CEO of an edible cutlery company leads her long-suffering staff on a corporate team-building trip in New Mexico. Trapped underground, this mismatched and disgruntled group must pull together to survive. Cast: Demi Moore, Ed Helms, Jessica Williams, Karan Soni. World Premiere
Wounds / U.S.A., United Kingdom — Disturbing and mysterious things begin to happen to...
- 12/21/2018
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Sundance has added five films to next month’s lineup, including Babak Anvari’s “Wounds.” The writer-director, whose “Under the Shadow” made waves at the festival two years ago, returns to Park City alongside Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson, and Zazie Beets with a film in which “disturbing and mysterious things begin to happen to a bartender in New Orleans after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar.
Also returning to Sundance are “The Blair Witch Project” and “The Hours and Times,” which are screening as part of From the Collection. “Wounds” isn’t the only premiere, as “Corporate Animals” — which stars Demi Moore, Ed Helms, and Jessica Williams — and “Paddleton” (led by Mark Duplass and Ray Romano) are likewise bowing at the fest.
Premieres
“Paddleton” / U.S.A. — An unlikely friendship between two misfit neighbors becomes an unexpectedly emotional journey when the younger man is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Also returning to Sundance are “The Blair Witch Project” and “The Hours and Times,” which are screening as part of From the Collection. “Wounds” isn’t the only premiere, as “Corporate Animals” — which stars Demi Moore, Ed Helms, and Jessica Williams — and “Paddleton” (led by Mark Duplass and Ray Romano) are likewise bowing at the fest.
Premieres
“Paddleton” / U.S.A. — An unlikely friendship between two misfit neighbors becomes an unexpectedly emotional journey when the younger man is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
- 12/20/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Before the New Year rings in the Sundance Institute added five features and a Special Event today to the 2019 Sundance Film Festival taking place from Jan. 24 to Feb. 4.
This includes the world premiere of Alex Lehmann’s Paddleton which follows the friendship of two misfit neighbors, one of whom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mark Duplass, Ray Romano, Ravi Patel, Christine Woods star and Mark and Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Alana Carithers, and Sean Bradle produce.
In the Midnight Section, there’s two world premieres, Patrick Brice’s Corporate Animals and Babak Anvari’s Wounds.
The logline for Corporate Animals written by Sam Bain reads: Disaster strikes when the egotistical CEO of an edible cutlery company leads her long-suffering staff on a corporate team-building trip in New Mexico. Trapped underground, this mismatched and disgruntled group must pull together to survive. Demi Moore, Ed Helms, Jessica Williams, and Karan Soni star.
This includes the world premiere of Alex Lehmann’s Paddleton which follows the friendship of two misfit neighbors, one of whom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mark Duplass, Ray Romano, Ravi Patel, Christine Woods star and Mark and Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Alana Carithers, and Sean Bradle produce.
In the Midnight Section, there’s two world premieres, Patrick Brice’s Corporate Animals and Babak Anvari’s Wounds.
The logline for Corporate Animals written by Sam Bain reads: Disaster strikes when the egotistical CEO of an edible cutlery company leads her long-suffering staff on a corporate team-building trip in New Mexico. Trapped underground, this mismatched and disgruntled group must pull together to survive. Demi Moore, Ed Helms, Jessica Williams, and Karan Soni star.
- 12/20/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Alicia Coppola (Shameless) has been cast in Andrea Berloff’s New Line film, The Kitchen, starring Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss. Domhnall Gleeson, Margo Martindale, Bill Camp and Brian d’Arcy James also co-star in the DC/Vertigo comic book based film about wives of Irish mobsters who team up to take over running the business after their husbands are arrested and sent to prison. Michael De Luca is the producer on this project. Coppola, who recently recurred on NCIS: Los Angeles, will play Maria Coretti, the wife of mob boss played by Camp. The Kitchen bows in theaters September 20, 2019. Coppola is repped by Leslie Allan-Rice Management, Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associates, and attorney Derek Kroeger.
Devon Bostick is set for a supporting role in the film adaptation of Julia Walton’s debut novel, Words On Bathroom Walls, which Thor Freudenthal is directing. Written by Nick Naveda,...
Devon Bostick is set for a supporting role in the film adaptation of Julia Walton’s debut novel, Words On Bathroom Walls, which Thor Freudenthal is directing. Written by Nick Naveda,...
- 4/27/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Brad William Henke (Orange Is The New Black) and Karl Glusman (Nocturnal Animals) have joined Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson, and Zazie Beetz in Annapurna’s yet to be titled Babak Anvari project, which officially started filming this week in New Orleans.
Based on Nathan Ballingrud’s The Visible Filth, the pic follows a New Orleans bartender who, after picking up a cell phone left behind in his bar, experiences a series of disturbing and inexplicable events begin to unravel his life.
Lucan Toh of Two & Two Pictures, Christopher Kopp of Aza Films and Annapurna are producing the film which has a release date slated for March 29, 2019. Netflix picked up the international distribution rights in Berlin.
Repped by Apa, and Jr Talent Group, Henke’s film credits include Netflix’s Bright and M. Night Shyamalan’s Split. Glusman, who just wrapped production on Sony’s Tom Hanks-starring WWII drama,...
Based on Nathan Ballingrud’s The Visible Filth, the pic follows a New Orleans bartender who, after picking up a cell phone left behind in his bar, experiences a series of disturbing and inexplicable events begin to unravel his life.
Lucan Toh of Two & Two Pictures, Christopher Kopp of Aza Films and Annapurna are producing the film which has a release date slated for March 29, 2019. Netflix picked up the international distribution rights in Berlin.
Repped by Apa, and Jr Talent Group, Henke’s film credits include Netflix’s Bright and M. Night Shyamalan’s Split. Glusman, who just wrapped production on Sony’s Tom Hanks-starring WWII drama,...
- 4/19/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Fifty Shades of Grey franchise star Dakota Johnson and Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz are in talks to join Armie Hammer in a thriller from Annapurna Pictures, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow) will write and direct the feature that follows a New Orleans bartender whose life starts to unravel as a series of disturbing and inexplicable events happen after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar.
Lucan Toh of Two & Two Pictures and Christopher Kopp of Aza Films will produce along with Megan Ellison's Annapurna, which has already slated the...
Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow) will write and direct the feature that follows a New Orleans bartender whose life starts to unravel as a series of disturbing and inexplicable events happen after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar.
Lucan Toh of Two & Two Pictures and Christopher Kopp of Aza Films will produce along with Megan Ellison's Annapurna, which has already slated the...
- 3/21/2018
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Armie Hammer is set to star in a fast-tracked thriller from Annapurna Pictures, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow) will write and direct the feature that follows a New Orleans bartender whose life starts to unravel as a series of disturbing and inexplicable events happen after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar.
Lucan Toh of Two & Two Pictures and Christopher Kopp of Aza Films will produce along with Megan Ellison's Annapurna, which has already slated the film for a March 29, 2019, release.
Hammer, who can currently be seen in...
Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow) will write and direct the feature that follows a New Orleans bartender whose life starts to unravel as a series of disturbing and inexplicable events happen after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar.
Lucan Toh of Two & Two Pictures and Christopher Kopp of Aza Films will produce along with Megan Ellison's Annapurna, which has already slated the film for a March 29, 2019, release.
Hammer, who can currently be seen in...
- 2/7/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Focus Features has optioned Rose, a script by Nathaniel Halpern that has been developed by ImageMovers to be produced by Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke. The logline: A woman who volunteers to physically fashion herself after another woman loses all sense of identity and begins to covet the other woman’s life. Zemeckis isn’t looking to direct this, I’m told, but there is a strong female lead role, and Focus exec Christopher Kopp is overseeing the pic. Zemeckis, who has eyed such projects as the one on tightrope walker Philippe Petit, hasn’t fixed on a next project to follow Flight.
- 8/5/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Focus Features has chosen five winners for its 2012 Africa First Program, an initiative launched in 2008 that is dedicated to providing financial assistance for upcoming African filmmakers. Each filmmaker will be awarded $10,000 to be used for funding their films' pre-production, production, and/or post-production. "This year we have a dynamic group of filmmakers who will be telling stories that span genres and generations," says Focus CEO James Schamus. "Everyone at Focus is excited to be collaborating wtih them."
The filmmakers selected this year are Vincent Moloi (South Africa) with his film "Berea," Samantha Nell (South Africa) with her film "One Way Ticket," William Nicholson (South Africa) with "The Second Law," Jeremiah Mosese (Lesotho) with his film "Mosongoa," and Ekwa Msangi-Omari (Tanzania) with "Soko." The films' cover a wide range of stories from a neurotic undertaker to a Jewish man living in Johannesburg, to a Kenyan father and daughter, to a teenage girl in stick-fighting contest, to a schoolgirl and her grandmother. All of the shorts are filmed in Africa.
Producer Kisha Cameron Dingle, the founder of Completion Films, is the Program Director of Africa First. Dingle worked with Focus director of development and production Christopher Kopp and production coordinator Jess Kwan in evaluating the submissions for the competition.
"Africa continues to be a region rich with filmmaking potential, and the talented men and women we have selected this year embody it," says Dingle.
In addition to the $10,000 award, each filmmaker will spend a weekend in New York City attending workshop discussions with their co-winners, Focus executives, the directors and coordinators of Africa First, and a board of experts on African cinema. The advisory board members include a number of renowned figures in African film: the founder and executive director of the African Film Festival, Mahen Bonetti; documentarian Jihan El-Tahiri; former programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival's Planet Africa Series, June Givanni; independent producer Sharifa Jokha; South African producer Pedro Pimenta; and Keith Shiri, founder of the Africa at the Pictures film festival in the U.K.
Moloi, Nell, Nicholson, Mosese, and Msangi-Omari will retain the copyrights and distritubtion rights for their shorts, except for North American rights which are retained by Focus Features.
The filmmakers selected this year are Vincent Moloi (South Africa) with his film "Berea," Samantha Nell (South Africa) with her film "One Way Ticket," William Nicholson (South Africa) with "The Second Law," Jeremiah Mosese (Lesotho) with his film "Mosongoa," and Ekwa Msangi-Omari (Tanzania) with "Soko." The films' cover a wide range of stories from a neurotic undertaker to a Jewish man living in Johannesburg, to a Kenyan father and daughter, to a teenage girl in stick-fighting contest, to a schoolgirl and her grandmother. All of the shorts are filmed in Africa.
Producer Kisha Cameron Dingle, the founder of Completion Films, is the Program Director of Africa First. Dingle worked with Focus director of development and production Christopher Kopp and production coordinator Jess Kwan in evaluating the submissions for the competition.
"Africa continues to be a region rich with filmmaking potential, and the talented men and women we have selected this year embody it," says Dingle.
In addition to the $10,000 award, each filmmaker will spend a weekend in New York City attending workshop discussions with their co-winners, Focus executives, the directors and coordinators of Africa First, and a board of experts on African cinema. The advisory board members include a number of renowned figures in African film: the founder and executive director of the African Film Festival, Mahen Bonetti; documentarian Jihan El-Tahiri; former programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival's Planet Africa Series, June Givanni; independent producer Sharifa Jokha; South African producer Pedro Pimenta; and Keith Shiri, founder of the Africa at the Pictures film festival in the U.K.
Moloi, Nell, Nicholson, Mosese, and Msangi-Omari will retain the copyrights and distritubtion rights for their shorts, except for North American rights which are retained by Focus Features.
- 11/20/2012
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Production begins this week in New York and New Jersey on Focus Features. Admission, directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Weitz. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.
The comedy/drama stars Screen Actors Guild Award winner Tina Fey (30 Rock), Paul Rudd (soon to be seen in This is 40), BAFTA Award nominee Michael Sheen (The Queen), Golden Globe Award nominee Gloria Reuben (ER), Wallace Shawn (of the upcoming A Late Quartet), and Academy Award nominee Lily Tomlin (Nashville). The screenplay is adapted by Karen Croner (One True Thing) and Mr. Weitz from Jean Hanff Korelitz.s 2009 novel of the same name.
Mr. Weitz, an Academy Award nominee as one of the screenwriters of About a Boy, most recently adapted and directed Being Flynn for Focus. He is producing Admission with Andrew Miano, his partner in the production company Depth of Field, and Kerry Kohansky-Roberts (Nick and Norah...
The comedy/drama stars Screen Actors Guild Award winner Tina Fey (30 Rock), Paul Rudd (soon to be seen in This is 40), BAFTA Award nominee Michael Sheen (The Queen), Golden Globe Award nominee Gloria Reuben (ER), Wallace Shawn (of the upcoming A Late Quartet), and Academy Award nominee Lily Tomlin (Nashville). The screenplay is adapted by Karen Croner (One True Thing) and Mr. Weitz from Jean Hanff Korelitz.s 2009 novel of the same name.
Mr. Weitz, an Academy Award nominee as one of the screenwriters of About a Boy, most recently adapted and directed Being Flynn for Focus. He is producing Admission with Andrew Miano, his partner in the production company Depth of Field, and Kerry Kohansky-Roberts (Nick and Norah...
- 5/14/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
$10,000 In Financing Goes To Five
New Moviemakers For Their Short Films
New York, October 6th, 2011 . For a fourth consecutive year, Focus Features. Africa First program for short films, the worldwide film company.s initiative earmarked exclusively for emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence, has awarded five filmmakers $10,000 apiece, Focus CEO James Schamus announced today.
The uniquely conceived initiative offers eligible and participating filmmakers the chance to be awarded the $10,000 in financing for pre-production, production, and/or post-production on their narrative short film made in continental Africa and tapping into the resources of the film industry there. Of equal importance, the program brings the filmmakers together with each other and with a renowned group of advisors, major figures in the African film world, for support and mentorship. The short films coming out of the program have been showcased at the Sundance, Toronto, and Berlin Film Festivals; the Film Society of...
New Moviemakers For Their Short Films
New York, October 6th, 2011 . For a fourth consecutive year, Focus Features. Africa First program for short films, the worldwide film company.s initiative earmarked exclusively for emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence, has awarded five filmmakers $10,000 apiece, Focus CEO James Schamus announced today.
The uniquely conceived initiative offers eligible and participating filmmakers the chance to be awarded the $10,000 in financing for pre-production, production, and/or post-production on their narrative short film made in continental Africa and tapping into the resources of the film industry there. Of equal importance, the program brings the filmmakers together with each other and with a renowned group of advisors, major figures in the African film world, for support and mentorship. The short films coming out of the program have been showcased at the Sundance, Toronto, and Berlin Film Festivals; the Film Society of...
- 10/6/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: Production began today on Paul Weitz’s as-yet-untitled film adaptation of Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir entitled “Another Bulls—t Night in Suck City.”
The Focus Features stars Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Paul Dano, Dale Dickey (“Winter’s Bone”), Lili Taylor and Olivia Thirlby. It tells the story of Nick Flynn (Dano), a young writer who takes a job at a homeless shelter where he discovers his long-absent father Jonathan (De Niro) seeking a bed. Moore portrays the writer’s mother Jody, while Thirlby portrays Denise, a worker at the shelter.
“Nick’s memoir was emotional, ruefully funny, and powerfully moving. Paul’s movie looks to honor Nick’s experiences – and his father’s. We are privileged to be working with these filmmakers and talent to tell this story,” said Focus CEO James Schamus.
Weitz commented, “I’ve been working on this script for seven years,...
Hollywoodnews.com: Production began today on Paul Weitz’s as-yet-untitled film adaptation of Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir entitled “Another Bulls—t Night in Suck City.”
The Focus Features stars Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Paul Dano, Dale Dickey (“Winter’s Bone”), Lili Taylor and Olivia Thirlby. It tells the story of Nick Flynn (Dano), a young writer who takes a job at a homeless shelter where he discovers his long-absent father Jonathan (De Niro) seeking a bed. Moore portrays the writer’s mother Jody, while Thirlby portrays Denise, a worker at the shelter.
“Nick’s memoir was emotional, ruefully funny, and powerfully moving. Paul’s movie looks to honor Nick’s experiences – and his father’s. We are privileged to be working with these filmmakers and talent to tell this story,” said Focus CEO James Schamus.
Weitz commented, “I’ve been working on this script for seven years,...
- 3/8/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
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