Cinematographers guild board also votes in officers for 2017-18 term.
The American Society of Cinematographers (Asc) has re-elected Kees van Oostrum for a second term as president.
The Asc board met on Monday night and also voted in the officers for the 2017-18 term.
They are: Bill Bennett, John Simmons and Cynthia Pusheck as vice-presidents; Levie Isaacks as treasurer; David Darby as secretary; and Isidore Mankofsky as sergeant-at-arms.
“As an organisation, we are focused on education, international outreach, diversity and preservation of our heritage,” van Oostrum said. “Over the past year, we expanded our Master Class programme internationally to Toronto and China. We launched a Chinese version of American Cinematographer magazine. We are preparing for a third International Cinematography Summit, which sees attendees from several other societies around the world.
“And our Vision Committee has many initiatives planned after presenting two very successful ‘Day of Inspiration’ events in Los Angeles and New York, which were designed...
The American Society of Cinematographers (Asc) has re-elected Kees van Oostrum for a second term as president.
The Asc board met on Monday night and also voted in the officers for the 2017-18 term.
They are: Bill Bennett, John Simmons and Cynthia Pusheck as vice-presidents; Levie Isaacks as treasurer; David Darby as secretary; and Isidore Mankofsky as sergeant-at-arms.
“As an organisation, we are focused on education, international outreach, diversity and preservation of our heritage,” van Oostrum said. “Over the past year, we expanded our Master Class programme internationally to Toronto and China. We launched a Chinese version of American Cinematographer magazine. We are preparing for a third International Cinematography Summit, which sees attendees from several other societies around the world.
“And our Vision Committee has many initiatives planned after presenting two very successful ‘Day of Inspiration’ events in Los Angeles and New York, which were designed...
- 6/6/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Jake Wilson Published Date Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 06:10
Reimagining: a word born out of 'imagination'. It is a word bound to Ben-Hur in place of the cursed 'remake', but if fresh imagination is that which separates reimaginings from remakes, then well, Ben-Hur is most certainly a remake.
This tale of fraternal conflict has been told many times before. When Charlton Heston slipped on his sandals, he too was starring in a remake. The 1959 edition bulked up the budget and spectacle from the 1925 silent feature, and left audiences' jaws-on-the-floor. Comparative budgets put Timur Bekmambetov's take behind 1959's by quite a margin, and whilst one will be forever remembered for the drama of its classic chariot race, the other will only be remembered as a footnote. Littered with wobbly dialogue and a series of performances which fail to inspire, our new edition simply serves as a platform to preach to the pockets of a new generation.
Reimagining: a word born out of 'imagination'. It is a word bound to Ben-Hur in place of the cursed 'remake', but if fresh imagination is that which separates reimaginings from remakes, then well, Ben-Hur is most certainly a remake.
This tale of fraternal conflict has been told many times before. When Charlton Heston slipped on his sandals, he too was starring in a remake. The 1959 edition bulked up the budget and spectacle from the 1925 silent feature, and left audiences' jaws-on-the-floor. Comparative budgets put Timur Bekmambetov's take behind 1959's by quite a margin, and whilst one will be forever remembered for the drama of its classic chariot race, the other will only be remembered as a footnote. Littered with wobbly dialogue and a series of performances which fail to inspire, our new edition simply serves as a platform to preach to the pockets of a new generation.
- 9/5/2016
- Den of Geek
Spike TV has found its King Tut. Twisted and Victorious star Avan Jogia will take on the role as the Egyptian ruler in the Viacom-owned cable network's original miniseries Tut, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The limited series is based on the story of Tutankhamun, otherwise known as King Tut. Tut hails from Muse Entertainment, best known for Emmy-nominated The Kennedys as well as Pillars of the Earth. The company's Joel S. Rice and Michael Prupas along with Greg Gugliotta (The Fosters) will executive produce with writer Michael Vickerman (Impact), Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige (The Fosters) and Elice Island's Jeremy Elice and Angela Mancuso (Spartacus, Helen of Troy). Irene Litinsky (Being Human) serves as
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- 8/5/2014
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This weekend marks Hercules’ return to the big screen. A staple in the hero canon, the half man, and half god has slayed lions, bedded mortal women, and even hung out with the Three Stooges. Over the past seven decades, the hero has transformed from an Italian Stallion of the 1950s to the Blockbuster Beefcake we see today thanks to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kellan Lutz taking on the title role. With the former’s film (Hercules directed by Brett Ratner) opening this weekend, we thought it was a good time to look at the evolution of Hercules on the big screen.
’50s: The Italian Stallion
A star of the “sword and scandal” genre, Hercules became a regular fixture in Italian cinema during the 1950s. These historical epics were seen as the country’s answer to successful big-budget Hollywood films, such as Spartacus and The Ten Commandments.
Subsequently, the...
’50s: The Italian Stallion
A star of the “sword and scandal” genre, Hercules became a regular fixture in Italian cinema during the 1950s. These historical epics were seen as the country’s answer to successful big-budget Hollywood films, such as Spartacus and The Ten Commandments.
Subsequently, the...
- 7/25/2014
- by Stacy Lambe
- VH1.com
This weekend marks Hercules’ return to the big screen. A staple in the hero canon, the half man, and half god has slayed lions, bedded mortal women, and even hung out with the Three Stooges. Over the past seven decades, the hero has transformed from an Italian Stallion of the 1950s to the Blockbuster Beefcake we see today thanks to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kellan Lutz taking on the title role. With the former’s film (Hercules directed by Brett Ratner) opening this weekend, we thought it was a good time to look at the evolution of Hercules on the big screen.
’50s: The Italian Stallion
A star of the “sword and scandal” genre, Hercules became a regular fixture in Italian cinema during the 1950s. These historical epics were seen as the country’s answer to successful big-budget Hollywood films, such as Spartacus and The Ten Commandments.
Subsequently, the...
’50s: The Italian Stallion
A star of the “sword and scandal” genre, Hercules became a regular fixture in Italian cinema during the 1950s. These historical epics were seen as the country’s answer to successful big-budget Hollywood films, such as Spartacus and The Ten Commandments.
Subsequently, the...
- 7/25/2014
- by Stacy Lambe
- TheFabLife - Movies
Banshee, Season 2: Episode 10 – “Bullets and Tears”
Written by Jonathan Tropper
Directed by Greg Yaitanes
Renewed for a third season to premiere in 2015
In last week’s review, I talked a little bit about how the decision to keep Rabbit around for another season might have been an understandable misstep for the freshman series, Banshee. “Bullets and Tears” makes the best case possible for why Rabbit’s presence this season has at least been important in helping develop the relationship between the man known as Lucas Hood (or Tom Palmer, as he would have been known in another life) and Anastasia. And even though I would have liked to have seen more Proctor or Chayton in the main antagonist roles this season (more on that below), “Bullets and Tears” is about as perfect of an ending to the Rabbit years of Banshee as you could get.
Part of that comes...
Written by Jonathan Tropper
Directed by Greg Yaitanes
Renewed for a third season to premiere in 2015
In last week’s review, I talked a little bit about how the decision to keep Rabbit around for another season might have been an understandable misstep for the freshman series, Banshee. “Bullets and Tears” makes the best case possible for why Rabbit’s presence this season has at least been important in helping develop the relationship between the man known as Lucas Hood (or Tom Palmer, as he would have been known in another life) and Anastasia. And even though I would have liked to have seen more Proctor or Chayton in the main antagonist roles this season (more on that below), “Bullets and Tears” is about as perfect of an ending to the Rabbit years of Banshee as you could get.
Part of that comes...
- 3/15/2014
- by Sean Colletti
- SoundOnSight
Opening remarks
It’s not even February and, already, 2014 is shaping up to be a massive year for television. True Detective announced itself as the year’s first new stand-out series. Against all odds, Dan Harmon and Community returned and are putting together a respectable comeback season. FX’s fantastic and hard-working Justified continues to solidify its place among the greats of the past decade. And Girls‘ unique blend of comedy and drama is once again pushing the narrative boundaries of the half-hour series in its third season.
One series, though, is leading the charge at the beginning of the year. The most unlikely of heroes, Cinemax’s Banshee, in just a matter of three weeks, has matured into something truly special – something a lot of TV writers refer to as “appointment viewing” when describing other series. With limited experience dabbling in co-produced original programming, Cinemax released Banshee – its first...
It’s not even February and, already, 2014 is shaping up to be a massive year for television. True Detective announced itself as the year’s first new stand-out series. Against all odds, Dan Harmon and Community returned and are putting together a respectable comeback season. FX’s fantastic and hard-working Justified continues to solidify its place among the greats of the past decade. And Girls‘ unique blend of comedy and drama is once again pushing the narrative boundaries of the half-hour series in its third season.
One series, though, is leading the charge at the beginning of the year. The most unlikely of heroes, Cinemax’s Banshee, in just a matter of three weeks, has matured into something truly special – something a lot of TV writers refer to as “appointment viewing” when describing other series. With limited experience dabbling in co-produced original programming, Cinemax released Banshee – its first...
- 1/31/2014
- by Sean Colletti
- SoundOnSight
75th Annual Oscars ~ 10th Anniversary Special
On this very day 10 years ago, one of only two posthumous Oscars for the past decade in film was handed out. It went to Conrad Hall for his lensing of Road to Perdition (the other was Heath Ledger's). So here's one from the vaults since we did a Hit Me With Your Best Shot on it just last year. If you click on these shots, deemed best by our 'hit me' club and arranged here in narrative order, you can read more about them and why they were chosen.
It's a strange symmetry that a film as funereal as Road to Perdition would be a member of the Posthumous Oscar wins club. Here's a list of all 13 of them:
Sidney Howard, Adapted Screenplay - Gone With the Wind (1939) William A Horning, Art Direction - Gigi (1958) William A Horning, Art Direction - Ben Hurt (1959) Sam Zimbalist,...
On this very day 10 years ago, one of only two posthumous Oscars for the past decade in film was handed out. It went to Conrad Hall for his lensing of Road to Perdition (the other was Heath Ledger's). So here's one from the vaults since we did a Hit Me With Your Best Shot on it just last year. If you click on these shots, deemed best by our 'hit me' club and arranged here in narrative order, you can read more about them and why they were chosen.
It's a strange symmetry that a film as funereal as Road to Perdition would be a member of the Posthumous Oscar wins club. Here's a list of all 13 of them:
Sidney Howard, Adapted Screenplay - Gone With the Wind (1939) William A Horning, Art Direction - Gigi (1958) William A Horning, Art Direction - Ben Hurt (1959) Sam Zimbalist,...
- 3/23/2013
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
It seems the only thing I've ever written about Olly Murs is how famous his bulge is in the UK. Beyond that, I really knew nothing about him, until now. When Heat magazine inquired about the source of that bulge, Olly claims to be packing a whopping 13cm. For those of us not on the metric system, that's about 5.2 inches, which doesn't seem to match up with the physical evidence.
As the details of the encounters with Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash and accuser number three come out, the claims are fairly shocking, with tales of alcohol and role playing that emphasized the difference in ages between Clash and the sixteen year old. I keep hoping this isn't true.
Slate posits that the rise in marriage equality hasn't made the United States queerer, if anything it's made the gay community more bourgeois. The recent vote to ban public nudity in San Francisco is used as evidence,...
As the details of the encounters with Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash and accuser number three come out, the claims are fairly shocking, with tales of alcohol and role playing that emphasized the difference in ages between Clash and the sixteen year old. I keep hoping this isn't true.
Slate posits that the rise in marriage equality hasn't made the United States queerer, if anything it's made the gay community more bourgeois. The recent vote to ban public nudity in San Francisco is used as evidence,...
- 11/29/2012
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
With Comic Con 2012 kicking off in sunny San Diego this week, theTVaddict.com thought now might be as good a time as any to share our definitive list of Must See TV Panels.
Wednesday July 11
6:00-9:45Pm: Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings— Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television proudly continue their annual Preview Night tradition, with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes of five of the most highly anticipated TV series pilots of the 2012-13 television season: 666 Park Avenue, Arrow, The Following, Revolution and Cult. (Ballroom 20)
Thursday July 12
10:30-11:30Pm: Battlestar Galactica: So Say We All: Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt Apollo) hosts a 35th anniversary preview panel and fan discussion of the Battlestar universe, politics, philosophy, and 35 year history. Joining Hatch are Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar and Caprica), Lili Bordan (actress, Blood and Chrome), Michael Taylor (Battlestar, Caprica, Blood and Chrome), Toni Graphia...
Wednesday July 11
6:00-9:45Pm: Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings— Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television proudly continue their annual Preview Night tradition, with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes of five of the most highly anticipated TV series pilots of the 2012-13 television season: 666 Park Avenue, Arrow, The Following, Revolution and Cult. (Ballroom 20)
Thursday July 12
10:30-11:30Pm: Battlestar Galactica: So Say We All: Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt Apollo) hosts a 35th anniversary preview panel and fan discussion of the Battlestar universe, politics, philosophy, and 35 year history. Joining Hatch are Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar and Caprica), Lili Bordan (actress, Blood and Chrome), Michael Taylor (Battlestar, Caprica, Blood and Chrome), Toni Graphia...
- 7/8/2012
- by theTVaddict
- The TV Addict
Last week, we took a look at the relative dearth of leading men in Hollywood: why Tom Cruise, Will Smith, et al. remain at the top of the tree and why so few serious competitors have emerged since. But one of the most exciting things about our job is getting to watch the new names that emerge, breakouts who have the potential to join the A-listers, or at the very least, deliver a host of hugely exciting performances for decades to come.
So we've decided to kick off our On The Rise selection for 2012 by looking at some of the actors who we're tipping for big things in the next few years. Last time we made these kinds of picks and predictions we did pretty well, listing the likes of Joel Edgerton, Edgar Ramirez, Jason Sudeikis, Adam Scott, Jake Johnson and David Oyelowo who have all gone on to become much-sought-after names,...
So we've decided to kick off our On The Rise selection for 2012 by looking at some of the actors who we're tipping for big things in the next few years. Last time we made these kinds of picks and predictions we did pretty well, listing the likes of Joel Edgerton, Edgar Ramirez, Jason Sudeikis, Adam Scott, Jake Johnson and David Oyelowo who have all gone on to become much-sought-after names,...
- 3/29/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
It is the early part of the first century Ad and Rome occupies Judea. Judah Ben-Hur, a young Jewish man has been friends with Messala, a Roman and the son of a powerful Senator, since they were boys. On the day that Messala rides back into Jerusalem with the newly appointed governor Pontius Pilate, an accidental slip by Ben-Hur’s family results in tiles falling from their home onto Pilate. Pilate is determined to make an example of them, sentencing Ben-Hur to be crucified and his mother and sister to be garroted. Somehow, Judah finds himself a slave on a Roman galleon instead, though he continues to hope for escape, that he might exact his revenge on Messala.
*****
Ben Hur was originally a novel, then a silent epic, then the mother of all sword and sandals epics, courtesy of William Wyler and Charlton Heston. It is epic in length, in geographical scope,...
*****
Ben Hur was originally a novel, then a silent epic, then the mother of all sword and sandals epics, courtesy of William Wyler and Charlton Heston. It is epic in length, in geographical scope,...
- 2/16/2012
- by Dave Roper
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Hot vampire chicks, leather-clad with guns blazing. That’s the appeal of Underworld, yes? It certainly doesn’t hurt, that’s for sure. And while the ever-expanding franchise blasts its way into theaters with a fourth entry this weekend, I’d argue there’s more to these things than sexy British chicks wielding all kinds of deadly weapons.
Taking a look back at the three films preceding Underworld Awakening, we find a flawed but ambitious series centering on an enduring war between vampires and werewolves. There have been missteps along the way: leaden direction, questionable writing and horrible performances, but the sheer scope of the franchise continues to impress. Underworld may not be a work of blazing originality, but it’s an ongoing R-rated action fantasy worth a bit more than its detractors might suggest.
I remember the ads for Len Wiseman’s original Underworld back in late 2003, and it...
Taking a look back at the three films preceding Underworld Awakening, we find a flawed but ambitious series centering on an enduring war between vampires and werewolves. There have been missteps along the way: leaden direction, questionable writing and horrible performances, but the sheer scope of the franchise continues to impress. Underworld may not be a work of blazing originality, but it’s an ongoing R-rated action fantasy worth a bit more than its detractors might suggest.
I remember the ads for Len Wiseman’s original Underworld back in late 2003, and it...
- 1/20/2012
- by Masked Slasher
- DreadCentral.com
We salute the best in television for the year 2011. Vote on your selections for Reader’s choice now!
Best Anti-Hero
Tyrion Lannister – Game of Thrones (HBO) — Peter Dinklage
Detective Chief Inspector John Luther – Luther (BBC) — Idris Elba
Jesse Pinkman – Breaking Bad (AMC) — Aaron Paul
Damon Salvatore – The Vampire Diaries (CW) — Ian Somerhalder
Jackson Teller – Sons of Anarchy (FX) — Charlie Hunnam
Nucky Thompson – Boardwalk Empire (HBO) — Steve Buscemi
Walter White – Breaking Bad (AMC) — Bryan Cranston
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.
Best Sidekick
Harold Finch – Person of Interest (CBS) — Michael Emerson
Richard Harrow – Boardwalk Empire (HBO) — Jack Huston
Stephen Holder – The Killing (AMC) — Joel Kinnamen
Mozzie – White Collar (USA Network) — Willie Garson
Bobby Singer – Supernatural (CW) — Jim Beaver
Wilfred – Wilfred (FX) — Jason Gann
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to...
Best Anti-Hero
Tyrion Lannister – Game of Thrones (HBO) — Peter Dinklage
Detective Chief Inspector John Luther – Luther (BBC) — Idris Elba
Jesse Pinkman – Breaking Bad (AMC) — Aaron Paul
Damon Salvatore – The Vampire Diaries (CW) — Ian Somerhalder
Jackson Teller – Sons of Anarchy (FX) — Charlie Hunnam
Nucky Thompson – Boardwalk Empire (HBO) — Steve Buscemi
Walter White – Breaking Bad (AMC) — Bryan Cranston
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.
Best Sidekick
Harold Finch – Person of Interest (CBS) — Michael Emerson
Richard Harrow – Boardwalk Empire (HBO) — Jack Huston
Stephen Holder – The Killing (AMC) — Joel Kinnamen
Mozzie – White Collar (USA Network) — Willie Garson
Bobby Singer – Supernatural (CW) — Jim Beaver
Wilfred – Wilfred (FX) — Jason Gann
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to...
- 12/22/2011
- by Editorials
- BuzzFocus.com
Let's not kid ourselves here. While the ancient Greek or Roman epic certainly has literary and cultural value, we also know that films and television shows based on Greek or Roman history and myth also have a side-benefit: a little something I like to call the loincloth.
Here we take a look at some of the most impressive physiques in skimpy costumes that have graced the screens both big and small.
Steve Reeves in Hercules and Hercules Unchained
Though he played a slew of other heroes in sword and sandal films, Steve Reeves is best known for playing the role of Hercules in the spectacularly bad yet somehow still-watchable films by Italian director Pietro Francisci. Cast for his physique rather than his acting ability, Reeves still made quite the impression on viewers, as the films are still cult favorites to this day. Reeves became so well known as the hunky half-naked guy,...
Here we take a look at some of the most impressive physiques in skimpy costumes that have graced the screens both big and small.
Steve Reeves in Hercules and Hercules Unchained
Though he played a slew of other heroes in sword and sandal films, Steve Reeves is best known for playing the role of Hercules in the spectacularly bad yet somehow still-watchable films by Italian director Pietro Francisci. Cast for his physique rather than his acting ability, Reeves still made quite the impression on viewers, as the films are still cult favorites to this day. Reeves became so well known as the hunky half-naked guy,...
- 11/11/2011
- by JT Riley
- The Backlot
Hey gang! WonderCon 2011 invading San Francisco on Friday, April 1st through Sunday, April 3rd and the three-day schedule has been unleashed! Unfortunately we won't be able to make it up there this year, but if you are going, it looks like there's a ton of stuff for you to check out! I wish to hell I was going!
The convention will feature presentations and screenings for Falling Skies, Green Lantern, Super, Cowboys & Aliens, The Three Musketeers, Hanna, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Iron Man Anime, Priest, Immortals, Doctor Who, Terra Nova, Thundercats, and more.
Check out the full schedule below and start planning you WonderCon adventure!
Friday, April 1
12:30-1:30 Nerds! The Secret Origins of Game Designers— Comics. Movies. Games. Did you know that a life of fandom might be perfect training for a career as a video game designer? Learn the secret origins of industry veterans Haden Blackman...
The convention will feature presentations and screenings for Falling Skies, Green Lantern, Super, Cowboys & Aliens, The Three Musketeers, Hanna, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Iron Man Anime, Priest, Immortals, Doctor Who, Terra Nova, Thundercats, and more.
Check out the full schedule below and start planning you WonderCon adventure!
Friday, April 1
12:30-1:30 Nerds! The Secret Origins of Game Designers— Comics. Movies. Games. Did you know that a life of fandom might be perfect training for a career as a video game designer? Learn the secret origins of industry veterans Haden Blackman...
- 3/21/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
It's a new year and it's time for new TV! Across all the networks, mid-season television has begun! Don't let your DVR miss a single show -- check out "Extra's" list of what's new!
Mid-Season TV Guide 2011'Perfect Couples' on NBC
Premiere Date: Thursday, January 20 Time: 8:30 Pm Stars: Kyle Bornheimer, Olivia Munn, Christine Woods, Hayes MacArthur, David Walton, Mary Elizabeth Ellis "Perfect Couples" is a romantic comedy that follows three flawed pairs trying to get it right.
Mid-Season TV Guide 2011'Perfect Couples' on NBC
Premiere Date: Thursday, January 20 Time: 8:30 Pm Stars: Kyle Bornheimer, Olivia Munn, Christine Woods, Hayes MacArthur, David Walton, Mary Elizabeth Ellis "Perfect Couples" is a romantic comedy that follows three flawed pairs trying to get it right.
- 1/9/2011
- Extra
Got a scoop request? An anonymous tip you’re dying to share? Just want to say hi? You can send any/all of the above to askausiello@tvline.com.
Question: The only spoiler I’m interested in right now is: When will your website be up!?! —Hatts
Ausiello: The wait is over. All together now, “Bus driver, Move. That. Bus.” TVLine.com is live!
Question: What’s in the Hatch? —Susan
Ausiello: Really? It’s the first Ask Ausiello back after my two-month hibernation, er, career transition, and instead of asking a legitimate question you decide to test out some new standup material?! What an Aushole.
Question: How about some Chuck scoop to celebrate your first Ask Ausiello at TVLine.com? —Hillary
Ausiello: Works for me. Mark your calendars for Jan. 17. That’s the date Jeffster makes its triumphant return. But that’s old news. Here’s some new news:...
Question: The only spoiler I’m interested in right now is: When will your website be up!?! —Hatts
Ausiello: The wait is over. All together now, “Bus driver, Move. That. Bus.” TVLine.com is live!
Question: What’s in the Hatch? —Susan
Ausiello: Really? It’s the first Ask Ausiello back after my two-month hibernation, er, career transition, and instead of asking a legitimate question you decide to test out some new standup material?! What an Aushole.
Question: How about some Chuck scoop to celebrate your first Ask Ausiello at TVLine.com? —Hillary
Ausiello: Works for me. Mark your calendars for Jan. 17. That’s the date Jeffster makes its triumphant return. But that’s old news. Here’s some new news:...
- 1/5/2011
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Lisa Soltau was living in Seattle when her friend Bonnie Gillespie sent her a book she had written called "Casting Qs," a compilation of interviews with casting directors. "I read it and I absolutely loved all the aspects of the job," says Soltau. "I loved the entertainment industry and movies and television. The process of casting sounded wonderful."She called one of the two casting offices in Seattle and ended up working as an intern there for about six months. But the CD told her she should move to New York or Los Angeles if she really wanted to pursue a career in casting. "I picked L.A. because I had lived there once for about three years and I thought it would be easier to acclimate there," Soltau says. "Plus I wanted to work on 'Six Feet Under,' which was airing at the time.
- 10/20/2010
- backstage.com
Simon Pegg is in talks to accept his next mission: reprising his role as Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible 4. [THR]
Wes Bentley, Jessica Szohr, Julian Sands, Angus Macfadyen, and Laura Ramsey will all star in Hirokin, a post-apocalyptic drama about a man (Bentley) who “must fulfill his destiny when forced to choose between avenging the murder of his family or fighting for the freedom of a people long abused.” In a twist ending, he decides to just film a plastic bag instead. [Variety]
Star Trek’s Clifton Collins will play a man who refudiates the president (Blair Underwood)’s agenda in NBC’s The Event.
Wes Bentley, Jessica Szohr, Julian Sands, Angus Macfadyen, and Laura Ramsey will all star in Hirokin, a post-apocalyptic drama about a man (Bentley) who “must fulfill his destiny when forced to choose between avenging the murder of his family or fighting for the freedom of a people long abused.” In a twist ending, he decides to just film a plastic bag instead. [Variety]
Star Trek’s Clifton Collins will play a man who refudiates the president (Blair Underwood)’s agenda in NBC’s The Event.
- 7/19/2010
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
When you say the word “history” out loud, it’s usually met with a chorus of groans. “I hated history in school! All those dates and crap! So boring.” It’s depressing.
History, if taught right, is a story. (That’s why it has “story” embedded into it. No joke.) It’s not names, dates, and places. It’s blood and sex, with a dash of art and higher aspirations. It’s the stuff you pay to watch in theaters or on HBO but with the kicker that it actually happened.
I couldn’t be happier that television has decided to take that idea and run crazy with it. The new trend on cable is taking finding some notorious era of history, populated with sex and swearing, and spin a few seasons out of it. HBO kicked off the trend with Rome and Deadwood (and promptly broke our hearts in...
History, if taught right, is a story. (That’s why it has “story” embedded into it. No joke.) It’s not names, dates, and places. It’s blood and sex, with a dash of art and higher aspirations. It’s the stuff you pay to watch in theaters or on HBO but with the kicker that it actually happened.
I couldn’t be happier that television has decided to take that idea and run crazy with it. The new trend on cable is taking finding some notorious era of history, populated with sex and swearing, and spin a few seasons out of it. HBO kicked off the trend with Rome and Deadwood (and promptly broke our hearts in...
- 3/15/2010
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- The Flickcast
Chicago – “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” is easily one of the weirdest movies of 2009. It’s a werewolf movie that plays like a variation on “Gladiator” or “Spartacus” with the foundation of “Romeo & Juliet”. Solid work by the excellent Michael Sheen nearly redeems the film but an awful screenplay, dull design, and plodding direction sink this bizarre prequel.
Blu-Ray Rating: 1.0/5.0 How many people were really concerned with how the blood feud started between the vampires and the lycans that served as the foundation for the Kate Beckinsale “Underworld” films? Enough to spawn this unusual prequel, detailing the history of this centuries-old rivalry.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans was released on Blu-Ray on May 12th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony
Lycans used to be slaves for the Death Dealers, the aristocratic vampires led by the vicious Viktor (Bill Nighy). In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucien (Michael Sheen) develops a romance...
Blu-Ray Rating: 1.0/5.0 How many people were really concerned with how the blood feud started between the vampires and the lycans that served as the foundation for the Kate Beckinsale “Underworld” films? Enough to spawn this unusual prequel, detailing the history of this centuries-old rivalry.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans was released on Blu-Ray on May 12th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony
Lycans used to be slaves for the Death Dealers, the aristocratic vampires led by the vicious Viktor (Bill Nighy). In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucien (Michael Sheen) develops a romance...
- 5/27/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The first thing that came to mind while watching Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans (now on DVD from Sony Pictures) was that I had just seen Michael Sheen the night before in the excellent Frost/Nixon, and that an actor has to have a pretty good range to go from essaying the famous English interviewer/TV personality to playing a werewolf with a Spartacus complex. The second thing that crossed my mind was that while I’m not a fan of the first two UNDERWORLDs, and wasn’t eager to see this prequel, Rise Of The Lycans is an Ok movie and the best of the trilogy.
The first Underworld was a slick-looking werewolves-vs.-vampires flick that was light on character and heavy on CGI and Matrix influences. I felt the same about the follow-up, which I liked less. Trying to build on the original’s slim premise, Underworld: Evolution...
The first Underworld was a slick-looking werewolves-vs.-vampires flick that was light on character and heavy on CGI and Matrix influences. I felt the same about the follow-up, which I liked less. Trying to build on the original’s slim premise, Underworld: Evolution...
- 5/13/2009
- Fangoria
As a prequel to the previous two films in its trilogy, Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans doesn’t so much answer burning questions they posed as dramatize backstory that has only been spoken of before. And it raises a few queries of its own.
To wit, what exactly are the rules of werewolf transformation? There are a number of meaningful shots of the full moon, but it generally seems that the Lycans can assume beastly form whenever they please. The vampires (a.k.a. Death Dealers) who rule the medieval-ish land in which Rise is set keep the captive, enslaved Lycans from assuming hair and fangs with special collars—and yet hero Lucian (Michael Sheen) doesn’t go monstrous at certain points late in the film when it might be advantageous to do so, even though he doesn’t have a collar on.
Best not to ponder details like this...
To wit, what exactly are the rules of werewolf transformation? There are a number of meaningful shots of the full moon, but it generally seems that the Lycans can assume beastly form whenever they please. The vampires (a.k.a. Death Dealers) who rule the medieval-ish land in which Rise is set keep the captive, enslaved Lycans from assuming hair and fangs with special collars—and yet hero Lucian (Michael Sheen) doesn’t go monstrous at certain points late in the film when it might be advantageous to do so, even though he doesn’t have a collar on.
Best not to ponder details like this...
- 1/23/2009
- Fangoria
“Digital effects and animatronics are completely different,” says three-time Underworld producer Richard Wright on the set of Rise Of The Lycans, stating the obvious before continuing, “But sometimes they’re kind of melded together. In this film, we have basically three types of effects.
“We have the on-set gags like wirework—and there is a ton of that—as well as animatronics and special makeup,” Wright continues. “The director, Patrick Tatopoulos, has an effects company and started in the business doing makeup and animatronics, so there is a natural confluence. He has been involved in the first two UNDERWORLDs and was actually the production designer of the second film—a real Renaissance man. We’ve done a ton of animatronic effects on this film, and then we have the computer work, which comes last in this whole process.
“The problem,” he adds, “is that digital effects are getting so good...
“We have the on-set gags like wirework—and there is a ton of that—as well as animatronics and special makeup,” Wright continues. “The director, Patrick Tatopoulos, has an effects company and started in the business doing makeup and animatronics, so there is a natural confluence. He has been involved in the first two UNDERWORLDs and was actually the production designer of the second film—a real Renaissance man. We’ve done a ton of animatronic effects on this film, and then we have the computer work, which comes last in this whole process.
“The problem,” he adds, “is that digital effects are getting so good...
- 1/22/2009
- Fangoria
Columbia Pictures is developing a film based on Anabasis, a memoir written around 400 B.C. by Xenophon, a Greek soldier who was among 10,000 elite mercenaries who attacked the Persian Empire and who led them back through hostile terrain after their leader was betrayed and slain. We already know that the success of 300 helped move this project along and Sony is adapting it officially as "an epic action film." The script is being written by Robert Schenkkan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who just wrote the HBO miniseries The Pacific as well as penned the screenplay for the TV movies The Andromeda Strain and Spartacus. Although this isn't exactly the most exciting news, I'm sure we can expect to hear a lot more about this in the future as Sony attempts to create an epic success out of another historical tale. Sony Picture's CEO Michael Lynton and Schenkkan both read the ...
- 8/2/2008
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
ABC is teaming with veteran TV movie producer Robert Halmi Sr. for The Ten Commandments, a four-hour miniseries that will retell the classic biblical tale of Moses and the Ten Commandments.The Hallmark Entertainment special-effects extravaganza, whose budget is estimated at more than $20 million, will be written by Ron Hutchinson (USA Network's Traffic), with Robert Dornhelm (USA's Spartacus) on board to direct. Halmi is quick to point out that the mini will not be a remake of Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 movie starring Charlton Heston but will rely on extensive biblical and historical research for a realistic, truthful presentation of Moses and the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt and their travel to Mt. Sinai, where, according to the Old Testament, God descended to deliver the Ten Commandments.
- 1/13/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Goran Visnjic, who starred as the title character in last week's USA Network movie special Spartacus, is in negotiations to star as the male lead opposite Jennifer Garner in Elektra for helmer Rob Bowman. The Regency Enterprises/20th Century Fox film is due to start lensing in early May in Vancouver. The Daredevil spinoff finds Garner reprising her role as Elektra Natchios. In this film, she plays a beautiful and deadly assassin who was trained by the Hand, a clan of mystical ninjas. When she turns her back on them, they want her dead. Elektra is assigned to kill Visnjic's character by the Hand over something his grandfather did; however, she ends up falling for him. Terence Stamp rounds out the cast. Producing are Marvel's Avi Arad and Horseshoe Bay partners Mark Steven Johnson and Gary Foster. Visnjic heads to Vancouver after wrapping up duties on ER. After the film is finished, he will return to Los Angeles to tape his final season on the NBC medical drama. He is repped by Endeavor and attorney Barry Tyerman. His other film credits include Welcome to Sarajevo, Practical Magic, The Deep End and the current release Close Your Eyes.
- 4/26/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Goran Visnjic, who starred as the title character in last week's USA Network movie special Spartacus, is in negotiations to star as the male lead opposite Jennifer Garner in Elektra for helmer Rob Bowman. The Regency Enterprises/20th Century Fox film is due to start lensing in early May in Vancouver. The Daredevil spinoff finds Garner reprising her role as Elektra Natchios. In this film, she plays a beautiful and deadly assassin who was trained by the Hand, a clan of mystical ninjas. When she turns her back on them, they want her dead. Elektra is assigned to kill Visnjic's character by the Hand over something his grandfather did; however, she ends up falling for him. Terence Stamp rounds out the cast. Producing are Marvel's Avi Arad and Horseshoe Bay partners Mark Steven Johnson and Gary Foster. Visnjic heads to Vancouver after wrapping up duties on ER. After the film is finished, he will return to Los Angeles to tape his final season on the NBC medical drama. He is repped by Endeavor and attorney Barry Tyerman. His other film credits include Welcome to Sarajevo, Practical Magic, The Deep End and the current release Close Your Eyes.
- 4/26/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Revolution Studios has cast Henry Simmons in "Are We There Yet?" for director Brian Levant, Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez and Dan Kolsrud are producing. In the movie, Ice Cube is a successful bachelor whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to take the children of the single mother he is wooing (Nia Long) from Portland, Ore., to Vancouver on the day before Thanksgiving. Simmons (NYPD Blue) plays Karl, a rival suitor of Long's character. Simmons recently wrapped Taxi, appearing opposite Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon. He also is starring in the upcoming USA Network miniseries Spartacus and appeared in Snow Days. Simmons is repped by Principato-Young Entertainment, the Gersh Agency and attorney Nina Shaw.
- 1/30/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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