Out of battery. Out of signal. Stamped underfoot. Dropped into drains. Crime writers have found inventive ways to remove suspense-killing mobile phones from their stories, but no solution is as thorough as Cj Sansom’s. By setting his murder mysteries in Tudor times, Sansom’s 16th century lawyer Matthew Shardlake has to investigate without mobiles, forensics or DNA databases, armed with only his mind and principles. Or rather: his mind, principles, and the fearful reputation of his boss Thomas Cromwell whose name Shardlake draws “like a sword”.
This four-part historical crime drama is adapted from the first of Sansom’s seven Shardlake novels by Stephen Butchard, the writer who so successfully translated Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories to the screen in The Last Kingdom. If it lands well with an audience, there’s hope of many more series, each one a self-contained mystery for ‘the Tudor Morse’ to solve against...
This four-part historical crime drama is adapted from the first of Sansom’s seven Shardlake novels by Stephen Butchard, the writer who so successfully translated Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories to the screen in The Last Kingdom. If it lands well with an audience, there’s hope of many more series, each one a self-contained mystery for ‘the Tudor Morse’ to solve against...
- 5/1/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Matt Damon has been able to make a nice living in the film industry since his Good Will Hunting days. But there were two franchises in particular he felt made up the majority of his net worth.
Matt Damon once made the most of his money from these 2 movies
Damon has had a very lucrative career having starred in several successful film projects. But he credited two of his most well-known franchises for the financial stability that he’s enjoyed.
“The bulk of the money I’ve made in my career was from the Bourne and Oceans movies, but I never felt I was selling out on those movies or that I had to compromise,” Damon once told What’s On.
Damon has always spoken on how the success of the Bourne movies helped him do other meaningful films.
“The Bourne movies have just changed my career completely and made...
Matt Damon once made the most of his money from these 2 movies
Damon has had a very lucrative career having starred in several successful film projects. But he credited two of his most well-known franchises for the financial stability that he’s enjoyed.
“The bulk of the money I’ve made in my career was from the Bourne and Oceans movies, but I never felt I was selling out on those movies or that I had to compromise,” Damon once told What’s On.
Damon has always spoken on how the success of the Bourne movies helped him do other meaningful films.
“The Bourne movies have just changed my career completely and made...
- 10/13/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
April is here, and if you’re looking for some great new movies to stream, we’ve got you covered. This month there’s a slew of new releases and newly streaming library titles across Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock and Paramount+, and we’ve thumbed through all the new selections to single out the best of the best. Whether you’re looking to catch up on some recent new releases that are now streaming (like “Bros”) or want to know whether that new documentary (“Judy Blume Forever”) or Netflix original (“Chupa”) is worth watching, we guarantee you’ll find something worthwhile to watch in our curated selection.
Check out the best new movies to stream in April 2023 below.
Also Read:
Here’s What’s New on Netflix in April 2023 “The Bourne Identity” and “The Bourne Supremacy” Universal Pictures
Netflix – April 1
The “Bourne” trilogy still stands as one...
Check out the best new movies to stream in April 2023 below.
Also Read:
Here’s What’s New on Netflix in April 2023 “The Bourne Identity” and “The Bourne Supremacy” Universal Pictures
Netflix – April 1
The “Bourne” trilogy still stands as one...
- 4/7/2023
- by Drew Taylor and Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always movie, John Mulaney’s new stand-up special, the second season of Sweet Tooth and the final seasons of Better Call Saul, Working Moms and Firefly Lane are among the much-anticipated projects hitting Netflix this month.
The Power Rangers movie, streaming April 19, brings back series castmembers David Yost, Walter Jones, Steve Cardenas, Catherine Sutherland, Karan Ashley and Johnny Yong Bosch as they face off against the evil Rita Repulsa (Barbara Goodson) once more.
John Mulaney returns to Netflix for his latest stand-up special, Baby J, on April 25. Baby J, shot at Boston’s Symphony Hall, marks Mulaney’s third stand-up special at Netflix, which also streamed his variety special John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch in 2019. The special is also Mulaney’s first since his recent divorce, stint in rehab and welcoming a baby with Olivia Munn.
At the end of the month, Netflix...
The Power Rangers movie, streaming April 19, brings back series castmembers David Yost, Walter Jones, Steve Cardenas, Catherine Sutherland, Karan Ashley and Johnny Yong Bosch as they face off against the evil Rita Repulsa (Barbara Goodson) once more.
John Mulaney returns to Netflix for his latest stand-up special, Baby J, on April 25. Baby J, shot at Boston’s Symphony Hall, marks Mulaney’s third stand-up special at Netflix, which also streamed his variety special John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch in 2019. The special is also Mulaney’s first since his recent divorce, stint in rehab and welcoming a baby with Olivia Munn.
At the end of the month, Netflix...
- 4/7/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you’re looking for a new movie to watch on Netflix, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gone through the selection of movies that are newly streaming on Netflix in April 2023 and singled out the best of the best. Whether you’re in the mood for a gritty action thriller, feel-good sports drama, classic horror movie or even an extended version of a famous director’s most divisive film, there’s a little something for everyone.
Check out our picks for the best new movies on Netflix in April 2023.
“The Bourne Identity” and “Supremacy”
The “Bourne” franchise forever changed how action movies look and feel, and now you can stream the first two films on Netflix. Director Doug Liman’s “The Bourne Identity” somewhat revitalized Matt Damon’s career, as the actor plays an assassin who has lost his memory and is on the run. The visceral,...
Check out our picks for the best new movies on Netflix in April 2023.
“The Bourne Identity” and “Supremacy”
The “Bourne” franchise forever changed how action movies look and feel, and now you can stream the first two films on Netflix. Director Doug Liman’s “The Bourne Identity” somewhat revitalized Matt Damon’s career, as the actor plays an assassin who has lost his memory and is on the run. The visceral,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Despite a terrifyingly good first season, Lovecraft Country has not been renewed at HBO. On Friday, the network announced its decision to end the series with season one. "We will not be moving forward with a second season of Lovecraft Country," HBO confirmed in a statement. "We are grateful for the dedication and artistry of the gifted cast and crew, and to Misha Green, who crafted this groundbreaking series. And to the fans, thank you for joining us on this journey."
Shortly after the news broke, Green, the showrunner, shared a glimpse of what she imagined season two would be about. "Wish we could have brought you #LovecraftCountry: Supremacy," she tweeted, along with a screenshot of the next generation. "Thank you to everyone who watched and engaged." According to the image, Lovecraft Country's "new world" is a reimagined "Sovereign States of America" divided by the Tribal Nations of the West,...
Shortly after the news broke, Green, the showrunner, shared a glimpse of what she imagined season two would be about. "Wish we could have brought you #LovecraftCountry: Supremacy," she tweeted, along with a screenshot of the next generation. "Thank you to everyone who watched and engaged." According to the image, Lovecraft Country's "new world" is a reimagined "Sovereign States of America" divided by the Tribal Nations of the West,...
- 7/3/2021
- by Karenna Meredith
- Popsugar.com
“Blacula” is leaving the coffin.
MGM, Bron and Hidden Empire Film Group’s Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor are teaming up for a reboot of the blaxploitation horror classic.
The new film is a modern reimagining of the 1972 movie, directed by William Crain and starring William Marshall as Blacula. The reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel “Scream Blacula Scream,” and will be set in a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic.
A description of “Blacula” teases how the movie will update the classic story, as it follows the vampire as he “thirsts for vengeance”:
Blacula is an ancient African prince who is cursed by Dracula after he fails to agree to end the slave trade. Blacula is entombed and awakens 200 years later ready to avenge the death of his ancestors and of those responsible for robbing his people of their work, culture and heritage as they appropriated it for profit.
MGM, Bron and Hidden Empire Film Group’s Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor are teaming up for a reboot of the blaxploitation horror classic.
The new film is a modern reimagining of the 1972 movie, directed by William Crain and starring William Marshall as Blacula. The reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel “Scream Blacula Scream,” and will be set in a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic.
A description of “Blacula” teases how the movie will update the classic story, as it follows the vampire as he “thirsts for vengeance”:
Blacula is an ancient African prince who is cursed by Dracula after he fails to agree to end the slave trade. Blacula is entombed and awakens 200 years later ready to avenge the death of his ancestors and of those responsible for robbing his people of their work, culture and heritage as they appropriated it for profit.
- 6/17/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate has picked up the North American and key international rights to the psychological thriller “Fatale” starring Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Joe Drake announced Thursday.
Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner also star in the film directed by Deon Taylor, who most recently directed the summer sleeper hit “The Intruder.”
“Fatale” follows a married man who finds himself living in a nightmare as he is manipulated by a mysterious woman after having a one-night stand with her. David Loughery wrote and produced the film. Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group partner Roxanne Taylor also produced, while Robert F. Smith executive produced.
Also Read: Hilary Swank's 'I Am Mother' Lands at Netflix
“We previously acquired Deon’s thriller ‘Traffik,’ and when Damon Wolf came to Lionsgate on the heels of working with Deon, he mentioned we should keep our eye on ‘Fatale.’ He could not have been more right.
Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner also star in the film directed by Deon Taylor, who most recently directed the summer sleeper hit “The Intruder.”
“Fatale” follows a married man who finds himself living in a nightmare as he is manipulated by a mysterious woman after having a one-night stand with her. David Loughery wrote and produced the film. Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group partner Roxanne Taylor also produced, while Robert F. Smith executive produced.
Also Read: Hilary Swank's 'I Am Mother' Lands at Netflix
“We previously acquired Deon’s thriller ‘Traffik,’ and when Damon Wolf came to Lionsgate on the heels of working with Deon, he mentioned we should keep our eye on ‘Fatale.’ He could not have been more right.
- 8/22/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Bobby Roth has been hired to direct The Last Rescue, a political thriller about a seasoned Muslim freelance journalist and a Hollywood movie star who form an unlikely partnership to heroically smuggle children out of a besieged Syrian village. Eric J. Adams and Sam Khoze are producing the indie, which was co-written by Todd Tavolazzi, Roth, and Nicholas Roth based Tavolazzi’s novel Looking Into the Sun. Simone White, Lisa Osinloye and Ojan Missaghi of New York-based Ten Ten Global Media will serve as exec producers. Roth has directed numerous episodes for TV including Prison Break, Criminal Minds and Lost. Adams, who is also a screenwriter and investigative journalist, served on the production team and wrote the screenplay for Supremacy, starring Danny Glover and Mahershala Ali. Khoze is the producer behind 1st Born, with Val Kilmer and Denise Richards.
Actress Catherine Davis has been cast in Trauma Center,...
Actress Catherine Davis has been cast in Trauma Center,...
- 3/14/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The people behind the Jason Bourne franchise, which includes the hits ‘Identity,’ ‘Supremacy,’ and ‘Ultimatum,’ have tried desperately to make the spy films work without the titular character played by Matt Damon. First, they tried with “The Bourne Legacy,” starring Jeremy Renner, but that crashed and burned, leading to Damon’s triumphant return in “Jason Bourne.” But now, they’re going to try to spin off the franchise yet again, this time on TV.
Continue reading USA Network Gives Straight-To-Series Order For ‘Bourne’ Spin-Off Series ‘Treadstone’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading USA Network Gives Straight-To-Series Order For ‘Bourne’ Spin-Off Series ‘Treadstone’ at The Playlist.
- 8/17/2018
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
A romantic weekend getaway spirals out of control when Traffik arrives on Digital July 10 and Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand July 17 from Lionsgate. Starring and produced by Paula Patton, and written and directed by Deon Taylor, the jarring thriller explores the gritty world of human trafficking and follows a couple’s fight for survival.
A romantic weekend getaway spirals out of control when Traffik arrives on Digital July 10 and Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand July 17 from Lionsgate. Starring and produced by Paula Patton, and written and directed by Deon Taylor, the jarring thriller explores the gritty world of human trafficking and follows a couple’s fight for survival. Traffik also stars Omar Epps, Laz Alonzo, Roselyn Sanchez, with Missi Pyle, and William Fichtner.
In this action-packed thriller, a weekend getaway at a secluded mountain estate turns deadly for Brea (Patton) and her boyfriend, John (Epps), after...
A romantic weekend getaway spirals out of control when Traffik arrives on Digital July 10 and Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand July 17 from Lionsgate. Starring and produced by Paula Patton, and written and directed by Deon Taylor, the jarring thriller explores the gritty world of human trafficking and follows a couple’s fight for survival. Traffik also stars Omar Epps, Laz Alonzo, Roselyn Sanchez, with Missi Pyle, and William Fichtner.
In this action-packed thriller, a weekend getaway at a secluded mountain estate turns deadly for Brea (Patton) and her boyfriend, John (Epps), after...
- 7/6/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Sony’s Screen Gems has closed a mid-seven-figure worldwide rights deal at Cannes for The Intruder, a Deon Taylor-directed thriller that stars Dennis Quaid, Meaghan Good, Michael Ealy and Joseph Sikora (Power). It marks the first acquisition for Steven Bersch since he took over the genre label, and the minimum guarantee comes with a wide release commitment and P&A.
David Loughery wrote the script, and the picture completed production under the title Motivated Seller. Screen Gems senior exec Eric Paquette brought it in and is overseeing it.
The Intruder is produced by Hidden Empire Film Group, the production company backed by Robert F. Smith, the former chemical engineer and investment banker who is the founder, chairman and CEO of the private-equity firm Vista Equity Partners. Smith has been with Taylor since the start of the filmmaker’s career, as exec producer of his early films Dead Tone,...
David Loughery wrote the script, and the picture completed production under the title Motivated Seller. Screen Gems senior exec Eric Paquette brought it in and is overseeing it.
The Intruder is produced by Hidden Empire Film Group, the production company backed by Robert F. Smith, the former chemical engineer and investment banker who is the founder, chairman and CEO of the private-equity firm Vista Equity Partners. Smith has been with Taylor since the start of the filmmaker’s career, as exec producer of his early films Dead Tone,...
- 5/14/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
If you saw the trailer to Traffik, you don’t know the whole story. It looks like a fairly straightforward thriller about a couple menaced by criminals at their vacation home. There’s more to it than that. Traffik touches on human trafficking, but as a thriller that invades the lives of these sheltered couples. Paula Patton, Omar Epps, Roslyn Sanchez and Laz Alonso star in Traffik. Writer/director Deon Taylor spoke with Monsters and Critics in Los Angeles. Traffik opens Friday Monsters and Critics: Is it your goal to make movies that can be entertaining while addressing social […]
The post Traffik writer/director Deon Taylor exposes the truth about human trafficking appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post Traffik writer/director Deon Taylor exposes the truth about human trafficking appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 4/19/2018
- by Fred Topel
- Monsters and Critics
Get a look at the cover art Spawn #284 before it swoops into shops this April! We also have Splathouse’s first audio commentary track, a new teaser trailer for Siren, details on Deon Taylor's new production label Dark Circus, an update on Wizard World Philadelphia's lineup, and the trailer for Ayla.
Spawn #284: Press Release: "Portland, Or, 03/16/2018 — Image/Todd McFarlane Productions is pleased to reveal jaw-dropping cover art by Francesco Mattina for Spawn #284—including black & white and virgin (without trade dress) versions.
In Spawn #284 fans will see Spawn turn himself in to the Federal authorities, but what seems like the end for Spawn is just another ploy to advance his master plan.
Spawn #284 Cover A by Mattina (Diamond Code JAN180829), Cover B black & white by Mattina (Diamond Code JAN180830), and Cover C virgin by Mattina (Diamond Code JAN180831) will be available on Wednesday, April 4th. The final order cutoff...
Spawn #284: Press Release: "Portland, Or, 03/16/2018 — Image/Todd McFarlane Productions is pleased to reveal jaw-dropping cover art by Francesco Mattina for Spawn #284—including black & white and virgin (without trade dress) versions.
In Spawn #284 fans will see Spawn turn himself in to the Federal authorities, but what seems like the end for Spawn is just another ploy to advance his master plan.
Spawn #284 Cover A by Mattina (Diamond Code JAN180829), Cover B black & white by Mattina (Diamond Code JAN180830), and Cover C virgin by Mattina (Diamond Code JAN180831) will be available on Wednesday, April 4th. The final order cutoff...
- 3/19/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Rose Tico bites the hand that taunts her in this newly-uncovered deleted scene from Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Coming to us by way of ComicBook.com, the following snippet takes place on board the Supremacy, where Finn and Rose Tico are being held captive by General Armitage Hux – the sneering, conniving Imperial Officer brought to life with fervent glee by Domnhall Gleeson.
And to make matters worse, they’ve just been betrayed by Benicio Del Toro’s DJ, a character who toes that wafer-thin line between the dark side and the light. So it’s fair to say John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran’s Resistance fighters have their backs against the wall.
Had things panned out differently, though, the fearless Rose Tico would have sunk her teeth into General Hux shortly before the blinding Holdo Maneuver. See for yourself:
It’s reportedly one of 13 deleted scenes set to...
Coming to us by way of ComicBook.com, the following snippet takes place on board the Supremacy, where Finn and Rose Tico are being held captive by General Armitage Hux – the sneering, conniving Imperial Officer brought to life with fervent glee by Domnhall Gleeson.
And to make matters worse, they’ve just been betrayed by Benicio Del Toro’s DJ, a character who toes that wafer-thin line between the dark side and the light. So it’s fair to say John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran’s Resistance fighters have their backs against the wall.
Had things panned out differently, though, the fearless Rose Tico would have sunk her teeth into General Hux shortly before the blinding Holdo Maneuver. See for yourself:
It’s reportedly one of 13 deleted scenes set to...
- 3/15/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
“Disobedient. Disrespectful. Traitor!”
Captain Phasma, otherwise known as the First Order’s elite Stormtrooper, is not to be trifled with. Ever since Gwendoline Christie’s towering Imperial was introduced in The Force Awakens, viewers have trembled in fear every time Phasma walks into the frame.
And while he was originally her subordinate, John Boyega’s hero has come back to haunt his former employer on two separate occasions, though it turns out Star Wars: The Last Jedi once featured an extended version of the Finn/Phasma duel on board the Supremacy.
It’ll be included as part of the sequel’s imminent Blu-ray release, but just yesterday, The Star Wars Show offered up a tantalizing preview of that deleted fight scene in question:
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Gwendoline Christie’s ‘trooper is forced into killing her fellow Stormtroopers in fear that Fn-2187 will out her as...
Captain Phasma, otherwise known as the First Order’s elite Stormtrooper, is not to be trifled with. Ever since Gwendoline Christie’s towering Imperial was introduced in The Force Awakens, viewers have trembled in fear every time Phasma walks into the frame.
And while he was originally her subordinate, John Boyega’s hero has come back to haunt his former employer on two separate occasions, though it turns out Star Wars: The Last Jedi once featured an extended version of the Finn/Phasma duel on board the Supremacy.
It’ll be included as part of the sequel’s imminent Blu-ray release, but just yesterday, The Star Wars Show offered up a tantalizing preview of that deleted fight scene in question:
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Gwendoline Christie’s ‘trooper is forced into killing her fellow Stormtroopers in fear that Fn-2187 will out her as...
- 3/8/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
The Stormtrooper formerly known as Fn-2187 has already endured two relatively short fights with Captain Phasma and a lightsaber duel with Kylo Ren, but it seems John Boyega’s Star Wars hero is itching for another battle.
While promoting his lead role in Pacific Rim: Uprising, The Last Jedi actor spoke to IGN about Fn-2187 Finn and, specifically, what the future holds for his First Order turncoat. Granted, much like ourselves, Boyega isn’t privy to any story details just yet, but he is crossing his fingers in the hope that Star Wars: Episode IX features a bigger (and longer!) scrap for his on-screen character, regardless of whether it involves that mooted trilogy fight with Phasma or someone else entirely.
Not only that, but the British actor, who was recently tipped to supplant Wesley Snipes as Blade, admitted that he was overly surprised by Finn and Phasma’s brief reunion on board the Supremacy.
While promoting his lead role in Pacific Rim: Uprising, The Last Jedi actor spoke to IGN about Fn-2187 Finn and, specifically, what the future holds for his First Order turncoat. Granted, much like ourselves, Boyega isn’t privy to any story details just yet, but he is crossing his fingers in the hope that Star Wars: Episode IX features a bigger (and longer!) scrap for his on-screen character, regardless of whether it involves that mooted trilogy fight with Phasma or someone else entirely.
Not only that, but the British actor, who was recently tipped to supplant Wesley Snipes as Blade, admitted that he was overly surprised by Finn and Phasma’s brief reunion on board the Supremacy.
- 3/7/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Star Wars: The Last Jedi was the longest film in the Star Wars franchise, and it could've been a lot longer had director Rian Johnson not cut out a bunch of deleted scenes. For those of you who are interested in knowing what some of these deleted scenes entailed, we have some photos from them and some details to share with you thanks to Entertainment Weekly.
Luke Skywalker mourns Han Solo
One of the main deleted scenes that was cut features Luke mourning the death of Han. We never really got to see Luke or Leia take time to think about the death of their friend. The scene with Luke would have taken place in his hut as you can see in the image above. While he is going through this, the scene would have cut to Leia sitting in a similar pose which suggests the brother and sister were...
Luke Skywalker mourns Han Solo
One of the main deleted scenes that was cut features Luke mourning the death of Han. We never really got to see Luke or Leia take time to think about the death of their friend. The scene with Luke would have taken place in his hut as you can see in the image above. While he is going through this, the scene would have cut to Leia sitting in a similar pose which suggests the brother and sister were...
- 3/2/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Turns out The Last Jedi‘s Rian Johnson isn’t all that interested in directing the Obi-Wan Kenobi spinoff. And can you really blame him?
Fresh off helming one of the most controversial Star Wars movies, well, ever, Johnson has agreed to spearhead an entirely new trilogy for Lucasfilm, which will presumably help shape the post-Skywalker era. Details are few and far between, as the writer-director is still in the process of formulating his vision – turns out Lucasfilm actually issued the go-ahead on his trilogy before a story was in place, which should give you some idea as to how early on in the process Rian Johnson really is.
It’s for that reason that the filmmaker has no desire to helm Kenobi: A Star Wars Story (tentative title), as he’s simply too busy mapping out the future of Star Wars beyond Episode IX.
In seeing it? Sure, I...
Fresh off helming one of the most controversial Star Wars movies, well, ever, Johnson has agreed to spearhead an entirely new trilogy for Lucasfilm, which will presumably help shape the post-Skywalker era. Details are few and far between, as the writer-director is still in the process of formulating his vision – turns out Lucasfilm actually issued the go-ahead on his trilogy before a story was in place, which should give you some idea as to how early on in the process Rian Johnson really is.
It’s for that reason that the filmmaker has no desire to helm Kenobi: A Star Wars Story (tentative title), as he’s simply too busy mapping out the future of Star Wars beyond Episode IX.
In seeing it? Sure, I...
- 2/7/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
At 2 hours and 32 minutes, The Last Jedi was the longest entry in the Star Wars saga – but it could have been even longer if Rian Johnson’s original cut of the film had been left unedited. As it was, the writer/director went through his movie with a fine tooth comb, even removing sizeable, important sequences, in order to get it as tight as possible.
Thankfully, the upcoming Blu-Ray release will give us a chance to see a whole 20 minutes of this deleted material. While chatting with Collider, Johnson was on hand to discuss two of the most significant scenes and apparently, one will feature Daisy Ridley’s Rey on Ahch-To.
“There are two big sequences that are really the kind of hero pieces of it. One is a whole other big thing between Rey and Luke on the island that involves the Caretaker creatures. You see this village where...
Thankfully, the upcoming Blu-Ray release will give us a chance to see a whole 20 minutes of this deleted material. While chatting with Collider, Johnson was on hand to discuss two of the most significant scenes and apparently, one will feature Daisy Ridley’s Rey on Ahch-To.
“There are two big sequences that are really the kind of hero pieces of it. One is a whole other big thing between Rey and Luke on the island that involves the Caretaker creatures. You see this village where...
- 2/2/2018
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
General Hux was a formidable foe in The Force Awakens, as the First Order leader was depicted as a fierce, sadistic monster. In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, however, Hux was portrayed as more of a punching bag and the butt of the joke. Poe Dameron ran rings around him in their hilarious conversation near the beginning of the film and both Snoke and Kylo Ren knocked him around as punishment.
There was one moment that reminded audiences how tough Hux could be, though. When he stumbles upon the slaughter of Snoke’s throne room on board the Supremacy, finding Kylo standing over the Supreme Leader’s bisected body, Hux reaches for a weapon. However, he stops himself as he realizes that he would have no hope against Ren in combat if Adam Driver’s antagonist was powerful enough to take down Snoke.
The impetus for this moment came from actor Domhall Gleeson himself.
There was one moment that reminded audiences how tough Hux could be, though. When he stumbles upon the slaughter of Snoke’s throne room on board the Supremacy, finding Kylo standing over the Supreme Leader’s bisected body, Hux reaches for a weapon. However, he stops himself as he realizes that he would have no hope against Ren in combat if Adam Driver’s antagonist was powerful enough to take down Snoke.
The impetus for this moment came from actor Domhall Gleeson himself.
- 1/24/2018
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a beautiful film.
In fact, it’s so beautiful that The Academy has recognized the work of Rian Johnson and his VFX team, resulting in a total of four Oscar nominations: Original Score (John Williams), Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing.
That’s one less than The Force Awakens – and two more than Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, for those keeping count – but if there’s one moment in The Last Jedi worthy of adulation, it’s Amilyn Holdo’s jump to hyperspace. Cornered by the First Order, Laura Dern’s stand-in leader uses the Resistance’s last remaining warship, the Raddus, as a kamikaze spacecraft, thereby catching General Hux and Co. off guard.
The result? One of the most dazzling and indeed breathtaking shots in Star Wars history, as Holdo’s ship cuts through the Supremacy and its fleet of Star...
In fact, it’s so beautiful that The Academy has recognized the work of Rian Johnson and his VFX team, resulting in a total of four Oscar nominations: Original Score (John Williams), Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing.
That’s one less than The Force Awakens – and two more than Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, for those keeping count – but if there’s one moment in The Last Jedi worthy of adulation, it’s Amilyn Holdo’s jump to hyperspace. Cornered by the First Order, Laura Dern’s stand-in leader uses the Resistance’s last remaining warship, the Raddus, as a kamikaze spacecraft, thereby catching General Hux and Co. off guard.
The result? One of the most dazzling and indeed breathtaking shots in Star Wars history, as Holdo’s ship cuts through the Supremacy and its fleet of Star...
- 1/24/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
It’s no secret that Rian Johnson’s initial cut of The Last Jedi came in at a whopping three hours in length.
History tells us that the filmmaker, who’s about to orchestrate a brand new Star Wars trilogy for the folks at Lucasfilm, reined in his creative vision quite substantially during post, resulting in the two-and-a-half-hour blockbuster that’s now dominating the box office charts ($791 million and counting, last we checked).
But even after Johnson’s strict editing, Star Wars: The Last Jedi still weighed in as the longest film in the series, which only raises the more pertinent question: what about all those deleted scenes?
To their credit, Rian Johnson and The Last Jedi‘s editor, Bob Duscay, have been pretty forthcoming about the sequel’s cut content, including Luke Skywalker’s third and final lesson to Rey (spoilers: it involves a Batman-esque test on Ahch-To). However,...
History tells us that the filmmaker, who’s about to orchestrate a brand new Star Wars trilogy for the folks at Lucasfilm, reined in his creative vision quite substantially during post, resulting in the two-and-a-half-hour blockbuster that’s now dominating the box office charts ($791 million and counting, last we checked).
But even after Johnson’s strict editing, Star Wars: The Last Jedi still weighed in as the longest film in the series, which only raises the more pertinent question: what about all those deleted scenes?
To their credit, Rian Johnson and The Last Jedi‘s editor, Bob Duscay, have been pretty forthcoming about the sequel’s cut content, including Luke Skywalker’s third and final lesson to Rey (spoilers: it involves a Batman-esque test on Ahch-To). However,...
- 12/27/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
(Aotn) We were honored to have the chance to catch up with true Renaissance Man producer, director and writer Deon Taylor. Taylor and his film studio Hidden Empire Film Group are poised to have an absolutely phenomenal year. Currently, Taylor has just wrapped production on the upcoming psychological horror film “Motivated Seller” which will star Michael Ealy, Dennis Quaid and Meagan Good. He also has two additional films currently in post-production which are “Traffik” and “Akuma” and other project that is also coming down the pipeline in the very near future.
Talk about a busy man! Coming from a background playing professional basketball to founding an on the rise film studio with Hidden Empire Film Group, Taylor’s story of overcoming adversary and seeing his dreams come true is nothing short of fascinating. He is truly one of the most humble and down-to-earth individuals we have ever had the pleasure...
Talk about a busy man! Coming from a background playing professional basketball to founding an on the rise film studio with Hidden Empire Film Group, Taylor’s story of overcoming adversary and seeing his dreams come true is nothing short of fascinating. He is truly one of the most humble and down-to-earth individuals we have ever had the pleasure...
- 8/21/2017
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Feast your eyes on the first poster for Mike Epps’ hilarious new comedy Meet The Blacks. The film will release nationwide on April Fool’s Day (April 1st) – no joke!
In the meantime, check out the trailer.
From writer/director/producer Deon Taylor, Meet The Blacks is comedy/horror hybrid spoofing the hit film “The Purge,” and stars Mike Epps (“The Hangover,” “50 Shades of Black,” “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”), George Lopez (“Lopez Tonight,” “Swing Vote,” “Balls of Fury”), Mike Tyson (“The Hangover” series “Scary Movie 5”), Bresha Webb (NBC’s “Truth Be Told”), Zulay Henao (“True Memoirs of An International Assassin”) as well as a ‘who’s who’ of pop culture personalities including Gary Owen (“Ride Along”) Charlie Murphy (“The Chappelle Show”), Tameka “Tiny” Cottle (VH1’s Ti & Tiny with Rap artist husband Ti), gossip columnist Perez Hilton, Paul Mooney (Richard Pryor’s longtime writing partner), Vine star Andrew Bachelor, and comedians Lil Duvall,...
In the meantime, check out the trailer.
From writer/director/producer Deon Taylor, Meet The Blacks is comedy/horror hybrid spoofing the hit film “The Purge,” and stars Mike Epps (“The Hangover,” “50 Shades of Black,” “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”), George Lopez (“Lopez Tonight,” “Swing Vote,” “Balls of Fury”), Mike Tyson (“The Hangover” series “Scary Movie 5”), Bresha Webb (NBC’s “Truth Be Told”), Zulay Henao (“True Memoirs of An International Assassin”) as well as a ‘who’s who’ of pop culture personalities including Gary Owen (“Ride Along”) Charlie Murphy (“The Chappelle Show”), Tameka “Tiny” Cottle (VH1’s Ti & Tiny with Rap artist husband Ti), gossip columnist Perez Hilton, Paul Mooney (Richard Pryor’s longtime writing partner), Vine star Andrew Bachelor, and comedians Lil Duvall,...
- 1/29/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Stars: Danny Glover, Joe Anderson, Dawn Olivieri, Derek Luke, Evan Ross, Lela Rochon, Mahershala Ali, Julie Benz, Nick Chinlund, Robin Bobeau, Anson Mount, Alex Henderson, Jenica Bergere, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Tyrin Turner | Written by Eric J. Adams | Directed by Deon Taylor
Apparently “inspired” by the true-life case of Robert Walter Scully, Jr. who killed a police officer in 1995 before taking a family hostage, Supremacy tells the story of Tully (Anderson) a white supremacist who just got paroled. But his first night out could be his last…
After being pulled over, Tully just killed the cop (Ali) and goes on the run. And no one’s going to listen to an ex-con with the Aryan Nation. Tully and his girlfriend (Olivieri) add home invasion and hostages to the body count. But no one counted on Mr. Walker (Glover), an ex-con himself, to fight back—using his understanding of the racist mind to...
Apparently “inspired” by the true-life case of Robert Walter Scully, Jr. who killed a police officer in 1995 before taking a family hostage, Supremacy tells the story of Tully (Anderson) a white supremacist who just got paroled. But his first night out could be his last…
After being pulled over, Tully just killed the cop (Ali) and goes on the run. And no one’s going to listen to an ex-con with the Aryan Nation. Tully and his girlfriend (Olivieri) add home invasion and hostages to the body count. But no one counted on Mr. Walker (Glover), an ex-con himself, to fight back—using his understanding of the racist mind to...
- 4/18/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
You’ll love this new film about hate! In Supremacy, Joe Anderson (A Single Shot, Hercules) plays white supremacist Tully, who’s just been paroled. But his first night out could be his last. He just killed a cop. He’s on the run. And no one’s going to listen to an ex-con with the Aryan Nation. His leader (Anson Mount) just cut him loose, and as the police close in, Tully and his girlfriend (Dawn Olivieri) add home invasion and hostages to the body count. But no one counted on Mr. Walker (Danny Glover), an ex-con himself, to fight back – using his understanding of the racist mind to turn the tables on a desperate and violent man. Will it be enough to keep his family alive?
Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon franchise), Joe Anderson (Hercules, Horns) and Dawn Olivieri (“The Vampire Diaries,” American Hustle) star in Director Deon Taylor...
Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon franchise), Joe Anderson (Hercules, Horns) and Dawn Olivieri (“The Vampire Diaries,” American Hustle) star in Director Deon Taylor...
- 4/14/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Title: Supremacy Director: Deon Taylor Starring: Joe Anderson, Dawn Olivieri, Lela Rochon, Robin Bobeau, Danny Glover and Evan Ross Resolutely defending your beliefs and taking firm action to uphold those views, no matter how drastic they may be, can often lead to harrowing conflicts with those determined enough to righteously defend their contradictory principles. Director Deon Taylor’s new drama, ‘Supremacy,’ which is now playing in select theaters nationwide, fearlessly chronicles the brazen and unwavering antics of supremacists who firmly set out to spread their ideas to their community, without any regard to how demeaning their principles are to many of their neighbors. It isn’t until the film’s ruthless antagonists begin [ Read More ]
The post Supremacy Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Supremacy Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 2/1/2015
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Deon Taylor's racially-charged psychological thriller "Supremacy," which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, last year, to critical acclaim, opens theatrically, this Friday, January 30, 2015, via distributor Well Go USA Entertainment. Director Deon Taylor’s dramatic thriller "Supremacy," centers on any black family’s worst nightmare: being held hostage by an Aryan Brotherhood member just released from a 14-year prison stint. Based on a true story, the film follows Tully (Joe Anderson), as he is just released from prison, and is picked up by an Aryan Brotherhood groupie, Doreen (Dawn...
- 1/28/2015
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Multiple generations of an African American family slowly mollify the gun-crazed neo-Nazi (Joe Anderson) holding them hostage in the dour, dreary drama Supremacy. Tully (Anderson) is escorted from jail by Doreen (Dawn Olivieri), a jittery, drug-abusing Aryan groupie, to a meeting with his associates. But after Tully fatally shoots a cop, they hide out in a backwoods house, where they terrorize the elderly Mr. Walker (Danny Glover) and his close-knit brood. For the next 90 or so minutes, Glover — playing yet another gentle, whispery sage — and the various relatives preach platitudes about love and tolerance to their captor, who tells them to "shut the fuck up" or taunts them with racial slurs. Very little else happens. Director Deon Taylor punctuates ...
- 1/28/2015
- Village Voice
Deon Taylor's racially-charged psychological thriller "Supremacy," which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, last year, to critical acclaim, opens theatrically, this Friday, January 30, 2015, via distributor Well Go USA Entertainment. Combining high-octane performances by Joe Anderson, Danny Glover and Lela Rochon, with a script that privileges the perspective of a tormented Aryan Brotherhood member, the film is sure to spark some dialogue. I caught up with Taylor to discuss the film, how his background directing horror movies elevated the project, and his experience working with the lovely Lela...
- 1/27/2015
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Well Go USA Entertainment has announced a January 30, 2015 North American theatrical debut for Deon Taylor's racially-charged psychological thriller "Supremacy," which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, earlier this year, to critical acclaim. Starring Danny Glover and Joe Anderson, the film tells the story of a white supremacist (Joe Anderson) who shoots a cop on his first day of parole, driving he and his girlfriend to take an entire family hostage. Now, the father of that family (Danny Glover) must use his understanding of the racist mind to keep his family alive. Dawn Olivieri, Derek...
- 12/17/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The deal covers North American rights to the thriller starring Fran Kranz. Separately Sundance Selects has picked up The Search For General Tso, Image Entertainment has acquired Roadside and WellGo USA has set a Us release date for Supremacy.
Jack Bryan directed The Living, about a man who takes out a hit on his sister’s abusive husband. Jocelin Donahue, Chris Mulkey, Joelle Carter and Kenny Wormald round out the key cast.
Producers Jack Bryan, Laura DuBois and John Snyder brokered the acquisition with monterey media managing partner Scott Mansfield.
Sundance Selects has picked up North American rights to Ian Cheney’s documentary and Tribeca 2014 world premiere The Search For General Tso and will release theatrically and on VOD on January 2. Cinetic Media represented the filmmakers. Image Entertainment has acquired all Us rights to Eric England’s action thriller Roadside starring Ace Marrero, Katie Stegeman, Lionel D Carson and Jack E Curenton. Elias Axume of international...
Jack Bryan directed The Living, about a man who takes out a hit on his sister’s abusive husband. Jocelin Donahue, Chris Mulkey, Joelle Carter and Kenny Wormald round out the key cast.
Producers Jack Bryan, Laura DuBois and John Snyder brokered the acquisition with monterey media managing partner Scott Mansfield.
Sundance Selects has picked up North American rights to Ian Cheney’s documentary and Tribeca 2014 world premiere The Search For General Tso and will release theatrically and on VOD on January 2. Cinetic Media represented the filmmakers. Image Entertainment has acquired all Us rights to Eric England’s action thriller Roadside starring Ace Marrero, Katie Stegeman, Lionel D Carson and Jack E Curenton. Elias Axume of international...
- 12/10/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Well Go USA Entertainment has announced a January 30, 2015 North American theatrical debut for Deon Taylor's racially-charged psychological thriller "Supremacy," which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, earlier this year, to critical acclaim. Starring Danny Glover and Joe Anderson, the film tells the story of a white supremacist (Joe Anderson) who shoots a cop on his first day of parole, driving he and his girlfriend to take an entire family hostage. Now, the father of that family (Danny Glover) must use his understanding of the racist mind to keep his family alive. Dawn Olivieri, Derek...
- 12/10/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
For its 22nd edition to be held in Manhattan starting today, November 28 through December 14, 2014, the New York African Diaspora International Film Festival (Adiff) will showcase 89 films spanning 43 countries including 47 Us and NY Premieres. Among the films set to have their New York premiere in Adiff 2014 are films featured in international film festivals such as Toronto, Montreal, Durban, Rotterdam, Palm Spring and Los Angeles Film Fests including Opening Night film "Supremacy" by the producers of Django Unchained, with Danny Glover, Derek Luke and Lela Rochon. Below is our review of the film, which tells a story about a...
- 11/28/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
The African Diaspora International Film Festival (Adiff) has set the Danny Glover indie drama/thriller feature "Supremacy," as the opening night film for its 2014 edition, on Friday, November 28, 2014, at 7:30Pm, at Symphony Space in New York City. Based on a true story about a recently-paroled white supremacist who, after killing a police officer, takes an African American family hostage, the official synopsis reads: A paroled white supremacist has just killed a cop, and takes a black family hostage over a long night of terror as authorities cordon off the neighborhood where he and his lady accomplice are laying low. Mount plays the role of Sobecki, a...
- 10/9/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Exclusive: CAA has signed Evan Ross, who recently wrapped The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2. The actor will soon be seen starring in the gritty drama Supremacy and The Wilderness Of James. Ross’s credits include Squatters, Jeff Who Lives At Home, Life Is Hot In Cracktown and 96 Minutes. The latter won him the Jury Award for Best Breakthrough Performance at SXSW. Ross also just signed with Capitol Records and will release an album in the fall.
Ross had been at Paradigm and continues to be managed by Link and lawyered by Ziffren Brittenham.
Ross had been at Paradigm and continues to be managed by Link and lawyered by Ziffren Brittenham.
- 8/14/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
The Pan African Film Festival (Paff) heads back to Atlanta, Georgia, in a program that kicked off last night, August 7 at the Plaza Theater, with the Opening Night and Atlanta premiere of director Deon Taylor’s “Supremacy." Below is our review of the film, which tells a story about a recently-paroled white supremacist who, after killing a police officer, takes an African American family hostage. Director Deon Taylor’s dramatic thriller "Supremacy," centers on any black family’s worst nightmare: being held hostage by an Aryan Brotherhood member just released from a 14-year prison stint. Based on a true story, the film follows Tully (Joe...
- 8/8/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
The Pan African Film Festival (Paff) heads back to Atlanta, Georgia, in a program that will run starting today, August 7 to August 10, 2014, at the Plaza Theater, with a lineup of over 40 new films from around the world, as well as workshops and panels. In its 17th year of presenting films to the Atlanta community, Paff is kicking off this year’s festival, tonight, with actor and political activist Danny Glover in the Opening Night Atlanta Premiere of director Deon Taylor’s “Supremacy” at 7:25pm, at Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave Ne. Below is our interview with the director of the film, which tells a story about a recently-paroled white supremacist who, after killing a...
- 8/7/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Fyi Atlanta readers... your chance to see films previously covered on this blog that may not have screened at a theater near you yet... The Pan African Film Festival (Paff) is heading back to Atlanta, Georgia, in a program that will run August 7 -10, 2014, at the Plaza Theater, with a lineup of over 40 new films from around the world, as well as workshops and panels. In its 17th year of presenting films to the Atlanta community, Paff is kicking off this year’s festival with actor and political activist Danny Glover in the Opening Night Atlanta Premiere of director Deon Taylor’s “Supremacy” on Thursday, August 7th at 7:25pm. Glover, who stars in the racially fueled dramatic...
- 8/4/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Our International Sales Agent (Isa) of the Day coverage resumed for this year's Cannes Film Festival. We feature successful, upcoming, innovative and trailblazing agents from around the world (during and after the festival) and cover the latest trends in sales and distribution. Beyond the numbers and deals, this segment will also share inspirational and unique stories of how these individuals have evolved and paved their way in the industry, and what they envision for the new waves in global cinema.
The Exchange is an international sales and finance company based in Los Angeles and was created by Brian O'Shea who has nearly twenty years of experience in the film industry. The Exchange has an impressive record, and has acquired, financed, produced and/or sold over 140 films (with budgets spanning from five to 90 million) just over the past two years.
Recent success includes the June release of "Obvious Child" and "Supremacy" with Danny Glover, which was picked up for U.S. Distribution following this year's L.A. Film Festival. The Exchange recently acquired worldwide rights to "Ithaca", which will be Meg Ryan's directorial debut and is being executive produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.
CEO of The Exchange Brian O'Shea talks about an evolving industry, his unexpected entry into sales and distribution, and what inspires him to stay in it.
What is The Exchange focused on?
I've been doing this for 19 years. We started this company three years ago, and I own it myself. There are nine of us. The slate is very eclectic, and we're very filmmaker driven. We also focus on American films that have domestic theatrical releases. It's not to say anything less of direct video films or TV movies. There's a business there too, but it's not what I focus on. I focus on the film markets and festivals. That's where I need to have the product to be consistent with what my business model is.
To spend money to go to Cannes, I need to have films that are complimentary to the buyers that come here. We vary in size of budgets. We've worked on things as big as "2 Guns", which was a 70 million film, to things as small as "Obvious Child" which was a micro budget film that was released on June 6th. We also like to see these films with a domestic component, because it allows my buyers to know that they can position their film in their territory as a theatrical movie. It's important, because it's all interconnected.
What are some recently successful films from The Exchange?
I did "The Spectacular Now". It wasn't a big budget, or a manipulative film. It was an honest, authentic slice of life, and it worked both domestically and internationally. We just released "Obvious Child" internationally, and the response to that film has been outstanding. Those are two very strong filmmakers that have something to say through art, and they said it authentically. Both of these films came out of Sundance.
What changes are you noticing in the film business?
The financial model is changing to support more quality films, as opposed to simply marketing, and there's a reason for that - it's the Internet. It's this transactional, new technology that is allowing for opinions to matter more than the physical experience of walking through a store and seeing box art. It's the reviews, the over arching word of mouth that comes through the Internet, that allows a business man like myself to focus on sales and moving quality films that matter.
Technology is bringing about a new age of stronger, more authentic filmmaking. The glitz and the glamour of the 80's and 90's, and the over saturation of CGI during the 2000's, have actually dulled the senses. Now, what people are responding to is truth, and strong voices.
You can choose your own information, and you're not manipulated through advertising or posters. Your phone allows you to find anything at any time in the world from an information standpoint. If a friend tells you, "Wow, "Obvious Child" is really good", you can Google "Obvious Child" and there will be reviews, tweets and Facebook posts about it. These things can be bought and manipulated, don't get me wrong... but they're focused on that review and the consensus of whether it's good or bad. I think it's good, and it's why filmmaking is getting better.
Sundance and Cannes were both strong this year. I think the films were good, and it's bringing about a market need for strong voices and good filmmaking. Selling a film that only has a famous actor doesn't work as easily as it did in the past.
Please talk about your entry into the film business.
I'm from Lubbock Texas, and went to college in Worcester Mass. I knew I wanted to be in the arts in some capacity, but I didn't have it in me to be in front of the camera. I knew that for various reasons that I needed to be behind the camera. That was always on my mind in college.
I went to NY after college and worked as a page at the NBC page program. I went on to be an extras casting director for a woman named Joy Todd, and then I realized how hard it was to live in NY with no money, so I followed my father's footsteps and went to law school. I then decided to go to Los Angeles and be an entertainment lawyer, which seemed ridiculous at the time. I went there, passed the bar, and started working for Roger Corman. I was in the entertainment business! I was a lawyer and making movies. It was so exciting! I felt great, but I wasn't really good at it, because I wasn't very detail oriented. I was doing things like closing deals without paper, but Roger liked me and said, "You're going to stop being a lawyer, and now you're going to do sales for me." That was 19 Cannes Festivals ago, and I've never missed one since.
What keeps you going in the industry?
The people in the business keep me in it. It's conversations like this. My job is to talk about art, about a group of people, to understand how hard it is to make a movie, and to see it come out the other side. It feels good to be a part of the process, and to experience the end product. It's really difficult, but the people I work with are fantastic. They're from many different cultures. We share story ideas, and it's great to spend time with people from the international film community. Even if you don't share the same language, you can still connect with them when you both see one film and react to it the same way - it's a bonding experience.
These festivals feel like a high school reunion. In general, people are great, and I always love coming back to see them to see how their lives have changed. Some people just have tremendous success. Some people start as being an assistant, or being an executive, and then move on to start their own company. It's exciting to see them succeed, and it's good for business too. When other people succeed and make money in the independent film distribution space, they put the money back into the system to make more films. They have a machine that they have to feed; it's changing because of the Internet, but everyone is trying to feed the machine.
For example, so many movies have been bought because of the incredible success of the "Lord of the Rings". I'm sure the success of the "Hunger Games" has supported many buyers in their various forays into different sales companies to buy movies. They made money on "Hunger Games", and therefore they're reinvesting it into other companies. In general, it just puts more money back into the system. That's why you always want to see your competitors do well with good movies, because then it just comes back into the system.
Please talk about the landscape of distributors for those who are new to this world or aren't working in it.
There's a finite list of distributors, and it's changing because of the collapse of video. In our business, there are business-to-business transactions, and we talk to local distributors in various territories about a transaction. The local distributor then looks to the distribution to the consumer. In each territory, whether it's France, Italy, Germany, Spain, they all have different focuses, whether it's TV or Theatrical. Within each country, there are different numbers and types of buyers, because each place is developing and contracting. For example, there are many buyers in the USA, because there are many different opportunities for films. It can sound overwhelming to someone who's not in sales, but a knowledgeable sales agent can quickly narrow it down to the right buyers for a film.
A big budget picture is only going to six to eight buyers. If you're looking for a smaller budget film, you cross off looking for the studios like Warner Bros, Paramount and so forth. If it's not a big theatrical film, maybe it's something for A24, Fox Searchlight, or Sony Classics that might have a smaller theatrical release or go straight to video; then you don't think of any of the studios, but just their video divisions. This is when you don't worry about Fox Searchlight or Sony Classics, and focus more on companies like Image. It gets complicated, because the video companies (like Radius, Image, Magnolia, and IFC) are using theatrical platforms to profile the pictures, primarily for video and VOD distribution. There are numerous buyers, but you just have to know, based on the product you have, which group to focus on. And then you never know what can happen, but you just have certain companies that you really focus on, depending on what type of film you have.
Learn more about The Exchange slate here.
Collaborative and transparent, The Exchange is a leading international sales and finance company committed to creating strong relationships between filmmakers, film financiers and distributors through the exchange of product, information and commerce. Created by veteran sales executive Brian O’Shea, the company specializes in high quality, commercial films that appeal to North American audiences and the ever-evolving global film market. In less than two years, The Exchange has acquired, financed, produced and/or sold over 140 films ranging in budgets from $5 million to $90 million, including studio films from Disney, Sony, Fox, and Universal. Such films include Universal’s 2 Guns, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg (sold in collaboration with the exclusive sales agent, Foresight Unlimited); 2013 Sundance Award Winner The Spectacular Now starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley; The Last Five Years, starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and directed by Richard Lagravenese; Higher Ground, starring and directed by Vera Farmiga; and Young Ones, starring Nicholas Hoult, Michael Shannon, Elle Fanning and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
The Exchange is an international sales and finance company based in Los Angeles and was created by Brian O'Shea who has nearly twenty years of experience in the film industry. The Exchange has an impressive record, and has acquired, financed, produced and/or sold over 140 films (with budgets spanning from five to 90 million) just over the past two years.
Recent success includes the June release of "Obvious Child" and "Supremacy" with Danny Glover, which was picked up for U.S. Distribution following this year's L.A. Film Festival. The Exchange recently acquired worldwide rights to "Ithaca", which will be Meg Ryan's directorial debut and is being executive produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.
CEO of The Exchange Brian O'Shea talks about an evolving industry, his unexpected entry into sales and distribution, and what inspires him to stay in it.
What is The Exchange focused on?
I've been doing this for 19 years. We started this company three years ago, and I own it myself. There are nine of us. The slate is very eclectic, and we're very filmmaker driven. We also focus on American films that have domestic theatrical releases. It's not to say anything less of direct video films or TV movies. There's a business there too, but it's not what I focus on. I focus on the film markets and festivals. That's where I need to have the product to be consistent with what my business model is.
To spend money to go to Cannes, I need to have films that are complimentary to the buyers that come here. We vary in size of budgets. We've worked on things as big as "2 Guns", which was a 70 million film, to things as small as "Obvious Child" which was a micro budget film that was released on June 6th. We also like to see these films with a domestic component, because it allows my buyers to know that they can position their film in their territory as a theatrical movie. It's important, because it's all interconnected.
What are some recently successful films from The Exchange?
I did "The Spectacular Now". It wasn't a big budget, or a manipulative film. It was an honest, authentic slice of life, and it worked both domestically and internationally. We just released "Obvious Child" internationally, and the response to that film has been outstanding. Those are two very strong filmmakers that have something to say through art, and they said it authentically. Both of these films came out of Sundance.
What changes are you noticing in the film business?
The financial model is changing to support more quality films, as opposed to simply marketing, and there's a reason for that - it's the Internet. It's this transactional, new technology that is allowing for opinions to matter more than the physical experience of walking through a store and seeing box art. It's the reviews, the over arching word of mouth that comes through the Internet, that allows a business man like myself to focus on sales and moving quality films that matter.
Technology is bringing about a new age of stronger, more authentic filmmaking. The glitz and the glamour of the 80's and 90's, and the over saturation of CGI during the 2000's, have actually dulled the senses. Now, what people are responding to is truth, and strong voices.
You can choose your own information, and you're not manipulated through advertising or posters. Your phone allows you to find anything at any time in the world from an information standpoint. If a friend tells you, "Wow, "Obvious Child" is really good", you can Google "Obvious Child" and there will be reviews, tweets and Facebook posts about it. These things can be bought and manipulated, don't get me wrong... but they're focused on that review and the consensus of whether it's good or bad. I think it's good, and it's why filmmaking is getting better.
Sundance and Cannes were both strong this year. I think the films were good, and it's bringing about a market need for strong voices and good filmmaking. Selling a film that only has a famous actor doesn't work as easily as it did in the past.
Please talk about your entry into the film business.
I'm from Lubbock Texas, and went to college in Worcester Mass. I knew I wanted to be in the arts in some capacity, but I didn't have it in me to be in front of the camera. I knew that for various reasons that I needed to be behind the camera. That was always on my mind in college.
I went to NY after college and worked as a page at the NBC page program. I went on to be an extras casting director for a woman named Joy Todd, and then I realized how hard it was to live in NY with no money, so I followed my father's footsteps and went to law school. I then decided to go to Los Angeles and be an entertainment lawyer, which seemed ridiculous at the time. I went there, passed the bar, and started working for Roger Corman. I was in the entertainment business! I was a lawyer and making movies. It was so exciting! I felt great, but I wasn't really good at it, because I wasn't very detail oriented. I was doing things like closing deals without paper, but Roger liked me and said, "You're going to stop being a lawyer, and now you're going to do sales for me." That was 19 Cannes Festivals ago, and I've never missed one since.
What keeps you going in the industry?
The people in the business keep me in it. It's conversations like this. My job is to talk about art, about a group of people, to understand how hard it is to make a movie, and to see it come out the other side. It feels good to be a part of the process, and to experience the end product. It's really difficult, but the people I work with are fantastic. They're from many different cultures. We share story ideas, and it's great to spend time with people from the international film community. Even if you don't share the same language, you can still connect with them when you both see one film and react to it the same way - it's a bonding experience.
These festivals feel like a high school reunion. In general, people are great, and I always love coming back to see them to see how their lives have changed. Some people just have tremendous success. Some people start as being an assistant, or being an executive, and then move on to start their own company. It's exciting to see them succeed, and it's good for business too. When other people succeed and make money in the independent film distribution space, they put the money back into the system to make more films. They have a machine that they have to feed; it's changing because of the Internet, but everyone is trying to feed the machine.
For example, so many movies have been bought because of the incredible success of the "Lord of the Rings". I'm sure the success of the "Hunger Games" has supported many buyers in their various forays into different sales companies to buy movies. They made money on "Hunger Games", and therefore they're reinvesting it into other companies. In general, it just puts more money back into the system. That's why you always want to see your competitors do well with good movies, because then it just comes back into the system.
Please talk about the landscape of distributors for those who are new to this world or aren't working in it.
There's a finite list of distributors, and it's changing because of the collapse of video. In our business, there are business-to-business transactions, and we talk to local distributors in various territories about a transaction. The local distributor then looks to the distribution to the consumer. In each territory, whether it's France, Italy, Germany, Spain, they all have different focuses, whether it's TV or Theatrical. Within each country, there are different numbers and types of buyers, because each place is developing and contracting. For example, there are many buyers in the USA, because there are many different opportunities for films. It can sound overwhelming to someone who's not in sales, but a knowledgeable sales agent can quickly narrow it down to the right buyers for a film.
A big budget picture is only going to six to eight buyers. If you're looking for a smaller budget film, you cross off looking for the studios like Warner Bros, Paramount and so forth. If it's not a big theatrical film, maybe it's something for A24, Fox Searchlight, or Sony Classics that might have a smaller theatrical release or go straight to video; then you don't think of any of the studios, but just their video divisions. This is when you don't worry about Fox Searchlight or Sony Classics, and focus more on companies like Image. It gets complicated, because the video companies (like Radius, Image, Magnolia, and IFC) are using theatrical platforms to profile the pictures, primarily for video and VOD distribution. There are numerous buyers, but you just have to know, based on the product you have, which group to focus on. And then you never know what can happen, but you just have certain companies that you really focus on, depending on what type of film you have.
Learn more about The Exchange slate here.
Collaborative and transparent, The Exchange is a leading international sales and finance company committed to creating strong relationships between filmmakers, film financiers and distributors through the exchange of product, information and commerce. Created by veteran sales executive Brian O’Shea, the company specializes in high quality, commercial films that appeal to North American audiences and the ever-evolving global film market. In less than two years, The Exchange has acquired, financed, produced and/or sold over 140 films ranging in budgets from $5 million to $90 million, including studio films from Disney, Sony, Fox, and Universal. Such films include Universal’s 2 Guns, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg (sold in collaboration with the exclusive sales agent, Foresight Unlimited); 2013 Sundance Award Winner The Spectacular Now starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley; The Last Five Years, starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and directed by Richard Lagravenese; Higher Ground, starring and directed by Vera Farmiga; and Young Ones, starring Nicholas Hoult, Michael Shannon, Elle Fanning and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
- 7/9/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
The distributor, which recently reconfigured operations to focus primarily on digital distribution and will maintaining a theatrical presence where appropriate, has picked up Us and Canadian rights to the Katie Holmes vehicle.
The first acquisition under the new regime led by Berry Meyerowitz, whose Phase 4 Films was folded into the eOne apparatus, stars Holmes as an elementary school teacher moonlighting as a vigilante.
The film will open theatrically in autumn and also stars James Badge Dale, Mary Kay Place and Jean Smart. Karen Leigh Hopkins directed from her screenplay.
Eric and Rob Carliner produced Miss Meadows and eOne Films negotiated the deal with ICM Partners.
eOne Films Us’ upcoming slate includes David Cronenberg’s recent Cannes world premiere Maps To The Stars and the rom-com Two Night Stand.
The Phase 4 roster features Goodbye World starring Adrian Grenier, Ask Me Anything with Britt Robertson, Justin Long and Christian Slater and the Jay-z documentary Made In America directed...
The first acquisition under the new regime led by Berry Meyerowitz, whose Phase 4 Films was folded into the eOne apparatus, stars Holmes as an elementary school teacher moonlighting as a vigilante.
The film will open theatrically in autumn and also stars James Badge Dale, Mary Kay Place and Jean Smart. Karen Leigh Hopkins directed from her screenplay.
Eric and Rob Carliner produced Miss Meadows and eOne Films negotiated the deal with ICM Partners.
eOne Films Us’ upcoming slate includes David Cronenberg’s recent Cannes world premiere Maps To The Stars and the rom-com Two Night Stand.
The Phase 4 roster features Goodbye World starring Adrian Grenier, Ask Me Anything with Britt Robertson, Justin Long and Christian Slater and the Jay-z documentary Made In America directed...
- 6/26/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Well Go USA Entertainment has taken North American rights to Deon Taylor's racially-charged psychological thriller "Supremacy," which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, earlier this month. Starring Danny Glover and Joe Anderson, and in a based on actual events, tells the story of a recently-paroled white supremacist who, after killing a police officer, takes an African American family hostage. Dawn Olivieri, Derek Luke, Evan Ross, Lela Rochon, Mahershala Ali and Anson Mount, round out the film's key cast. “Deon calls Supremacy a ‘real-life horror story,’...
- 6/26/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Director Deon Taylor’s dramatic thriller "Supremacy," centers on any black family’s worst nightmare: being held hostage by an Aryan Brotherhood member just released from a 14-year prison stint. Based on a true story, the film follows Tully (Joe Anderson), as he is just released from prison, and is picked up by an Aryan Brotherhood groupie, Doreen (Dawn Oliveri). Later, a police officer stops their car and Tully murders him. Escaping the scene, they break into a black family’s old farmhouse, headed by Mr. Walker (Danny Glover) and his young wife Odessa, played by a rough and tumble Lela Rochon. As Tully and Doreen plot their escape and wreak...
- 6/20/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Power is a tricky thing. Does it come from running a house hold, proving you can make it on your own or forcing others to bend to your will? Supremacy tackles all these questions in an amplified cat-and-mouse game that has all its players struggling for the upper hand as they race against the clock. After serving fifteen years in prison, Tully (Joe Anderson) is released into the company of a woman sent to get him by his white supremacy group. The erratic Doreen (Dawn Olivieri), who toggles between being mystified by Tully and feeling as though she needs to go toe-to-toe with him, is clearly a “groupie” of the group, but also seems like she is in no state to spend time in a car with an ex-con. After a few hours on the road, the two are pulled over and Tully’s recently won freedom starts to unravel at an alarming pace. The...
- 6/13/2014
- by Allison Loring
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Making its premiere tonight at the 20th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival, Deon Taylor’s dramatic thriller "Supremacy," is based on the true story of a recently-paroled white supremacist, who, after killing a cop, breaks into a black family’s home and takes them hostage. In the course of a night, he wreaks havoc on the family while being challenged by the hardened head of the household, Mr. Walker, played by Danny Glover. Combining high-octane performances by Joe Anderson, Danny Glover and Lela Rochon, with a script that privileges the perspective of a tormented Aryan Brotherhood member, the film is sure to spark some dialogue. I caught up with...
- 6/12/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Making its premiere tonight at the 20th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival, Deon Taylor’s dramatic thriller "Supremacy," is based on the true story of a recently-paroled white supremacist, who, after killing a cop, breaks into a black family’s home and takes them hostage. In the course of a night, he wreaks havoc on the family while being challenged by the hardened head of the household, Mr. Walker, played by Danny Glover. Combining high-octane performances by Joe Alexander, Danny Glover and Lela Rochon, with a script that privileges the perspective of a tormented Aryan Brotherhood member, the film is sure to spark some dialogue. I caught up with Taylor to discuss the film, how...
- 6/12/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Hollywood’s backyard film festival is set to run June 11–19, giving local talent a chance to showcase several films that reveal a side of the city far from the red carpet. The festival has 11 films screening as part of its L.A. Muse program, which focuses on “celebrating Los Angeles filmmakers making work in L.A. and about L.A.,” according to Maggie Mackay, senior programmer of the Los Angeles Film Festival. L.A. Muse is part of a revamp for the festival’s 20th anniversary this year, which also includes a talent search conducted with Funny or Die. “It’s very much about building community through the film festival and within the film community itself,” Mackay tells Backstage. “L.A. is a big city. Our goal is to give everybody something and introduce filmmakers to each other and filmmakers to audiences.” The Muse selections include the feature “Echo Park,...
- 6/11/2014
- backstage.com
An update to a project we first alerted you to just over 2 years ago, in February 2012... It'll make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, which runs from June 11 to June 19, in the La Muse (11) section, curated by Film Independent at Lacma curator Elvis Mitchell and artist/scholar Roya Rastegar. Danny Glover stars in the indie feature titled Supremacy, based on a true story about a recently-paroled white supremacist who, after killing a police officer, takes an African American family hostage. The official synopsis reads: Based on a true story. A paroled white supremacist has just killed a cop, and takes a...
- 5/7/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
An update to a project we first alerted you to 2 years ago, in February 2012. Danny Glover stars in the indie feature titled Supremacy, based on a true story about a recently-paroled white supremacist who, after killing a police officer, takes an African American family hostage. The official synopsis reads: Based on a true story. A paroled white supremacist has just killed a cop, and takes a black family hostage over a long night of terror as authorities cordon off the neighborhood where he and his lady accomplice are laying low. Mount plays the role of Sobecki, a heavily tattooed maximum security prison inmate who's the head of the Aryan Brotherhood and oversees his criminal...
- 4/28/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
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