Harry Potter is undoubtedly one of the best books ever to be written and the best fantasy movies ever to have been made. Everything from the visuals to the storyline, the production beautifully captured the very essence of the books and literally brought magic to the big screen. While it was Jk Rowling and her touch that ultimately made the movies successful, it was also the persistence and determination of the young cast members that made the movies a beloved part of cinema today.
A still from Harry Potter (2001 – 2011) | Warner Bros.
One vital scene from the fourth movie, in particular, turned out to be more painful than one could have imagined for Emma Watson. Coincidentally it was also the scene that left Harry and Ron stoked by Hermoine’s elegance.
One Beautiful Harry Potter Scene Was Too Painful for Emma Watson Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...
A still from Harry Potter (2001 – 2011) | Warner Bros.
One vital scene from the fourth movie, in particular, turned out to be more painful than one could have imagined for Emma Watson. Coincidentally it was also the scene that left Harry and Ron stoked by Hermoine’s elegance.
One Beautiful Harry Potter Scene Was Too Painful for Emma Watson Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...
- 5/28/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
The golden trio of the Harry Potter franchise Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint carried the popular film franchise for 8 films from 2001 to 2011. From Philosopher’s Stone to The Deathly Hallows Part 2, the franchise interestingly changed hands with four directors, ensuring a sense of freshness and distinct style within the films.
A still from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Warner Bros.
Chris Columbus, Mike Newell, David Yates and Alfonso Cuarón directed various films within the franchise. The latter directed the third film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which is considered by some as the best entry in the franchise. Watson and his friends had to up their game for Cuarón as he expected the best and was not going to spoon-feed them throughout filming.
Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘No Bullsh*t’ Directing Style Forced Emma Watson And Friends to Step Up Alfonso Cuarón took a matured...
A still from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Warner Bros.
Chris Columbus, Mike Newell, David Yates and Alfonso Cuarón directed various films within the franchise. The latter directed the third film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which is considered by some as the best entry in the franchise. Watson and his friends had to up their game for Cuarón as he expected the best and was not going to spoon-feed them throughout filming.
Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘No Bullsh*t’ Directing Style Forced Emma Watson And Friends to Step Up Alfonso Cuarón took a matured...
- 5/26/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
For me, the news that Alfonso Cuarón was helming "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was exciting. At the time, I only knew him for directing the thoroughly enchanting and visually splendiferous 1995 film version of "A Little Princess." As for everyone else? They were trying to make heads or tails of why the guy behind the indubitably erotic 2001 Mexican road trip drama "Y tu mamá también" had been hired by Warner Bros. to work on its golden goose (which really needs to cut ties with its transphobic creator already).
Cuarón was as baffled as anyone else when WB approached him. "I was confused because it was completely not on my radar," he explained to Total Film. "A Little Princess," while critically well-received, had barely made a dent at the box office, while the director's 1998 mid-budget modern-set retelling of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" was an outright flop. However, this proved...
Cuarón was as baffled as anyone else when WB approached him. "I was confused because it was completely not on my radar," he explained to Total Film. "A Little Princess," while critically well-received, had barely made a dent at the box office, while the director's 1998 mid-budget modern-set retelling of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" was an outright flop. However, this proved...
- 5/24/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Hugh Grant is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, and his perfect combination of wit and charm only makes it more understandable why. Needless to say, his very charming personality and physical features are also the reason why a lot of the roles he has donned have been in rom-coms. But even through those rom-coms, Grant has displayed quite a bit of action.
Hugh Grant. | Credit: Julien Rath/Wikimedia Commons.
However, one time, this display of action in a similar ruthless manner as Tom Cruise almost ended up killing him. This happened in the iconic film that set him up as the King of rom-coms and is still regarded as a masterpiece, Four Weddings and a Funeral. But that isn’t the only surprising fact, because Grant was actually never the first choice to play the protagonist in that movie!
Hugh Grant Almost Killed Himself While Shooting Four Weddings...
Hugh Grant. | Credit: Julien Rath/Wikimedia Commons.
However, one time, this display of action in a similar ruthless manner as Tom Cruise almost ended up killing him. This happened in the iconic film that set him up as the King of rom-coms and is still regarded as a masterpiece, Four Weddings and a Funeral. But that isn’t the only surprising fact, because Grant was actually never the first choice to play the protagonist in that movie!
Hugh Grant Almost Killed Himself While Shooting Four Weddings...
- 5/8/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
The low-budget romcom about Britain’s upper middle classes launched the careers of its writer Richard Curtis and Grant. Cast and crew share their stories – from Liz Hurley in that dress to Amber Rudd’s role as an ‘aristocracy coordinator’
It’s been 30 years since audiences first met Hugh Grant as a stuttering serial monogamist who falls hopelessly in love with a glamorous American (Andie MacDowell) in Four Weddings and a Funeral. The low-budget romcom, directed by Mike Newell and scripted by Richard Curtis, came out of nowhere to become a global hit when it was released in 1994.
Based on Curtis’s own experiences of being a guest at a seemingly endless merry-go-round of weddings, the film follows Grant’s sweary, bumbling Charles and his group of friends – which includes his deaf brother – as they navigate love, loss and grief. From the first “fuck” uttered by Grant as he wakes...
It’s been 30 years since audiences first met Hugh Grant as a stuttering serial monogamist who falls hopelessly in love with a glamorous American (Andie MacDowell) in Four Weddings and a Funeral. The low-budget romcom, directed by Mike Newell and scripted by Richard Curtis, came out of nowhere to become a global hit when it was released in 1994.
Based on Curtis’s own experiences of being a guest at a seemingly endless merry-go-round of weddings, the film follows Grant’s sweary, bumbling Charles and his group of friends – which includes his deaf brother – as they navigate love, loss and grief. From the first “fuck” uttered by Grant as he wakes...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ann Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Hugh Grant’s remarkable ability to walk in the shoes of a hopeless romantic makes the audience swoon with every look and every dialogue that his characters convey. The British star has a lot of these characters in his old Hollywood roster to claim a credible authority over the genre of rom-coms as a whole.
However, it wasn’t until Four Weddings and a Funeral that he became the unofficial face of the charming lover boy that rom-com directors tripped head over heels for. Directed by the esteemed Richard Curtis, the 1994 film established Grant in Hollywood as the British counterpart of Tom Hanks, who was at the time equally famous for his rom-com films.
Hugh Grant – the face of rom-com [Photo taken from Notting Hill; Credit: Universal Pictures]
Although the Forrest Gump star quickly grew out of his reputation as the affable and charming Everyman suited for a bit of nostalgic romance on the side, Grant...
However, it wasn’t until Four Weddings and a Funeral that he became the unofficial face of the charming lover boy that rom-com directors tripped head over heels for. Directed by the esteemed Richard Curtis, the 1994 film established Grant in Hollywood as the British counterpart of Tom Hanks, who was at the time equally famous for his rom-com films.
Hugh Grant – the face of rom-com [Photo taken from Notting Hill; Credit: Universal Pictures]
Although the Forrest Gump star quickly grew out of his reputation as the affable and charming Everyman suited for a bit of nostalgic romance on the side, Grant...
- 5/5/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Four Weddings and a Funeral is one of the best British romantic comedy films ever made. It marks the breakthrough performance of actor Hugh Grant and catapulted him to stardom. As a result, it might surprise some viewers to learn that Grant was initially skeptical about the film’s chances of becoming successful.
Hugh Grant gave his breakthrough performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral
Meanwhile, Richard Curtis, who wrote the film was skeptical of Grant’s suitability for the lead role and the actor wasn’t his first choice for the part. Here is why Hugh Grant wasn’t the first choice for Four Weddings and a Funeral and why he initially thought that the film would end up being the biggest flop of his career.
Hugh Grant Believed Four Weddings and a Funeral Was Going to Be a Major Flop in His Career
Hugh Grant played the lead...
Hugh Grant gave his breakthrough performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral
Meanwhile, Richard Curtis, who wrote the film was skeptical of Grant’s suitability for the lead role and the actor wasn’t his first choice for the part. Here is why Hugh Grant wasn’t the first choice for Four Weddings and a Funeral and why he initially thought that the film would end up being the biggest flop of his career.
Hugh Grant Believed Four Weddings and a Funeral Was Going to Be a Major Flop in His Career
Hugh Grant played the lead...
- 5/5/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
As Harry Potter’s story mostly has to deal with serious and dark matters — sometimes even too serious for a school pupil and his friends, even if they’re all wizards — some particular scenes that unite the characters at joyful moments may have brought joy to the actors as well. Though it doesn’t seem like all episodes like this were fun for absolutely everyone.
As it turned out, Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger in all the films of the famous franchise, found it very hard personally to film the scene of the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Why Is the Yule Ball Scene So Iconic?
The ball itself reunites the Hogwarts’ wizards with other magicians from different magic schools and takes place in Hogwarts ahead of the Triwizard Tournament which, unexpectedly for all, made Harry Potter its competitor.
Though the plot generally revolves around Harry and his adventures,...
As it turned out, Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger in all the films of the famous franchise, found it very hard personally to film the scene of the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Why Is the Yule Ball Scene So Iconic?
The ball itself reunites the Hogwarts’ wizards with other magicians from different magic schools and takes place in Hogwarts ahead of the Triwizard Tournament which, unexpectedly for all, made Harry Potter its competitor.
Though the plot generally revolves around Harry and his adventures,...
- 5/2/2024
- by benjamin-patel@startefacts.com (Benjamin Patel)
- STartefacts.com
Signage at the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, CA.
Once again, it was time for our favorite film festival, the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, and as usual, the Stars were shining brightly!
Movie lovers from around the globe descended upon Hollywood for the 15th edition of the festival, which took place Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21. Over four packed days and nights, fans were treated to a lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions.
There were quite a few big-name notables, both on the red carpet and introducing some of our favorite classic films.
Thursday’s opening night gala was a stunner, with the 30th anniversary screening of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994). Many of the iconic film’s stars walked the red carpet for a reunion that included John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Harvey Keitel.
This set the...
Once again, it was time for our favorite film festival, the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, and as usual, the Stars were shining brightly!
Movie lovers from around the globe descended upon Hollywood for the 15th edition of the festival, which took place Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21. Over four packed days and nights, fans were treated to a lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions.
There were quite a few big-name notables, both on the red carpet and introducing some of our favorite classic films.
Thursday’s opening night gala was a stunner, with the 30th anniversary screening of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994). Many of the iconic film’s stars walked the red carpet for a reunion that included John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Harvey Keitel.
This set the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Opening night of the TCM Classic Film Festival next week will also serve as a Pulp Fiction reunion.
Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Rosanna Arquette and Harvey Keitel are among those joining John Travolta on April 18 for the 30th anniversary, 35mm screening of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994) at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Fellow actors Eric Stoltz, Julia Sweeney, Frank Whaley, Phil Lamarr and Burr Steers, producer Lawrence Bender and executive producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher are expected to be there as well.
As previously announced, actor Billy Dee Williams and makeup artist Lois Burwell will be honored at the 15th annual festival; author Jeanine Basinger will receive the Robert Osborne Award; and Jodie Foster will partake in a hand- and footprint ceremony.
The festival, with the theme “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” runs through April 21 at venues including the rejuvenated Egyptian Theatre.
Among those...
Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Rosanna Arquette and Harvey Keitel are among those joining John Travolta on April 18 for the 30th anniversary, 35mm screening of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994) at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Fellow actors Eric Stoltz, Julia Sweeney, Frank Whaley, Phil Lamarr and Burr Steers, producer Lawrence Bender and executive producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher are expected to be there as well.
As previously announced, actor Billy Dee Williams and makeup artist Lois Burwell will be honored at the 15th annual festival; author Jeanine Basinger will receive the Robert Osborne Award; and Jodie Foster will partake in a hand- and footprint ceremony.
The festival, with the theme “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” runs through April 21 at venues including the rejuvenated Egyptian Theatre.
Among those...
- 4/8/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The world of Harry Potter, bursting with magic and adventure, has enchanted readers and moviegoers for years. While the eight films brought the books to life, the series had four different directors, each with their take on the story.
A still from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone
Chris Columbus, who directed the first two films, established a magical and lighthearted tone that many fans loved. He was replaced by Alfonso Cuarón for the third movie, by Mike Newell in the fourth movie, and finally, David Yates took over for the final half of the epic story. However, many fans still wonder what could have been if Columbus remained at the helm for the entire series.
SUGGESTEDHarry Potter Star to Take on the Role of Sherlock Holmes in CW’s Upcoming Series
Chris Columbus Handled Harry Potter Kids Like No One Else
A still from Harry Potter and Sorcerer Stone...
A still from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone
Chris Columbus, who directed the first two films, established a magical and lighthearted tone that many fans loved. He was replaced by Alfonso Cuarón for the third movie, by Mike Newell in the fourth movie, and finally, David Yates took over for the final half of the epic story. However, many fans still wonder what could have been if Columbus remained at the helm for the entire series.
SUGGESTEDHarry Potter Star to Take on the Role of Sherlock Holmes in CW’s Upcoming Series
Chris Columbus Handled Harry Potter Kids Like No One Else
A still from Harry Potter and Sorcerer Stone...
- 2/24/2024
- by Piyush Yadav
- FandomWire
This mystery comedy from 1986 stars Lucy Sheen, and has some pointed comments on the racism Chinese communities faced in the UK
There’s a sweet charm to Leong Po Chih’s 1986 mystery-comedy Ping Pong, set in and around the restaurant businesses of London’s Chinatown, now rereleased. It was produced by Film Four, who two years later brought out Mike Newell’s comparably set Soursweet, based on the Timothy Mo novel, although that is more serious. Ping Pong is eminently likable, though for me there is something perhaps a little soft-edged and carefully paced which dampens the energy a bit. It is a cheerfully far-fetched caper that could have taken some influence from the Alistair Sim classic Laughter in Paradise, and there’s sharp comment on the racism and enforced invisibility for Chinese communities in Britain, then as now.
Lucy Sheen made her acting debut here as Elaine, a law...
There’s a sweet charm to Leong Po Chih’s 1986 mystery-comedy Ping Pong, set in and around the restaurant businesses of London’s Chinatown, now rereleased. It was produced by Film Four, who two years later brought out Mike Newell’s comparably set Soursweet, based on the Timothy Mo novel, although that is more serious. Ping Pong is eminently likable, though for me there is something perhaps a little soft-edged and carefully paced which dampens the energy a bit. It is a cheerfully far-fetched caper that could have taken some influence from the Alistair Sim classic Laughter in Paradise, and there’s sharp comment on the racism and enforced invisibility for Chinese communities in Britain, then as now.
Lucy Sheen made her acting debut here as Elaine, a law...
- 2/7/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
In honor of the Sundance Film Festival’s 40th Edition, The Hollywood Reporter is looking back at the reviews of some of the festival’s biggest premieres. Four Weddings and a Funeral premiered in Park City in 1994, going on to become a classic of the 90s rom-com oeuvre. THR’s original review is below:
Four Weddings and a Funeral, which premieres tonight as the kickoff to this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is a romantic comedy in the grand old style of top hats and champagne. Yet underneath its tony trappings and frothy topping, this Gramercy release is unfortunately layered with an inner unkindness and coated with a snide incivility that saps its overall merriment. Still, it should win some mixed applause among select-site audiences starved for romantic mirth in this block(buster)-headed age.
Chipper Charles (Hugh Grant) finds he’s best man in many a wedding but never the groom.
Four Weddings and a Funeral, which premieres tonight as the kickoff to this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is a romantic comedy in the grand old style of top hats and champagne. Yet underneath its tony trappings and frothy topping, this Gramercy release is unfortunately layered with an inner unkindness and coated with a snide incivility that saps its overall merriment. Still, it should win some mixed applause among select-site audiences starved for romantic mirth in this block(buster)-headed age.
Chipper Charles (Hugh Grant) finds he’s best man in many a wedding but never the groom.
- 1/19/2024
- by Duane Bygre
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walt Disney Studios has had a pretty abysmal year at the international box office in 2023. Between Ant-Man: Quantumania, The Little Mermaid, Elemental, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and perhaps most disappointing, The Marvels, the typically successful movie studio has lost an ungodly amount of money by producing overly expensive feature films that failed to resonate among the masses and earn back their financial investments. If the studio isn’t careful and the trend continues, Disney could break another record for the all-time biggest box-office bomb on record.
Speaking of which, what would your answer be if you had to guess Disney’s most notorious financial flop of all time? Well, up until recently, the correct response would have been John Carter, the disastrous 2012 adaptation of Edgar Rice Boroughs’ A Princes of Mars. However, after tallying up the receipts in 2023, Disney’s most infamous box office failure now belongs to The Lone Ranger,...
Speaking of which, what would your answer be if you had to guess Disney’s most notorious financial flop of all time? Well, up until recently, the correct response would have been John Carter, the disastrous 2012 adaptation of Edgar Rice Boroughs’ A Princes of Mars. However, after tallying up the receipts in 2023, Disney’s most infamous box office failure now belongs to The Lone Ranger,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Jake Dee
- JoBlo.com
The first book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" ("Sorcerer's Stone" here in the States) was first published in June of 1997. It was written by author J.K. Rowling, long before she had been driven mad by an infuriating streak of unabashed transphobia that she insists on adhering to. Thanks to years of bigoted screaming, Rowling's legacy has been wholly tainted, and it's hard to read her lighthearted children's fantasy books without thinking of her poisonous worldview. If one checks out the Harry Potter books from the library, however, one can still enjoy the adventures and complex Wizarding World of Harry Potter without giving Rowling another dime.
Before her mind snapped open in public, however, the Harry Potter books — and their subsequent movie adaptations — were widely beloved. The title character was an impoverished 11-year-old who was forced to live in a closet with his abusive aunt and uncle.
Before her mind snapped open in public, however, the Harry Potter books — and their subsequent movie adaptations — were widely beloved. The title character was an impoverished 11-year-old who was forced to live in a closet with his abusive aunt and uncle.
- 12/30/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
David Leland, the British writer, director and actor whose credits include “Wish You Were Here,” “The Borgias” and more, died on Dec. 24, according to his agents Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. He was 82. A cause of death was not revealed.
Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”
A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.
Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film...
Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”
A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.
Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film...
- 12/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
British director and actor David Leland has died aged 82, according to his long-time agency, Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates
The theater, film and TV star passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24), surrounded by his family.
Leland’s career spanned over five decades. He is known for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, the BAFTA-nominated Personal Services in 1987 and the Cannes Film Festival hit Wish You Were Here.
The former was directed by Terry Jones and starred Julie Walters, while Leland directed the latter himself, with Emily Lloyd starring.
Leland won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Wish You Were Here and the film won the Fipresci prize at Cannes.
He is also noted for serving as co-showrunner of Showtime series The Borgias and for giving Pierce Brosnan his first stage opportunity in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
The theater, film and TV star passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24), surrounded by his family.
Leland’s career spanned over five decades. He is known for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, the BAFTA-nominated Personal Services in 1987 and the Cannes Film Festival hit Wish You Were Here.
The former was directed by Terry Jones and starred Julie Walters, while Leland directed the latter himself, with Emily Lloyd starring.
Leland won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Wish You Were Here and the film won the Fipresci prize at Cannes.
He is also noted for serving as co-showrunner of Showtime series The Borgias and for giving Pierce Brosnan his first stage opportunity in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
- 12/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Radcliffe initially worked with filmmaker Chris Columbus in the first couple of Harry Potter films. The wizard franchise would soon be entrusted in the hands of other directors, which Radcliffe believed was for the best.
Daniel Radcliffe was initially terrified of losing his original ‘Harry Potter’ director Daniel Radcliffe | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The Harry Potter franchise has recruited several directors to tell its story. Filmmaker Chris Columbus was the first to translate J.K Rowling’s book series to the big screen. After Columbus directed Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, he left the series for Alfonso Cuaron to continue. Harry Potter would change hands again with Mike Newell directing Goblet of Fire. David Yates directed the last four Harry Potter projects.
When Radcliffe first heard about Columbus’ imminent departure, he didn’t take the news well.
“Yeah, I think it was great to be honest with you, because...
Daniel Radcliffe was initially terrified of losing his original ‘Harry Potter’ director Daniel Radcliffe | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The Harry Potter franchise has recruited several directors to tell its story. Filmmaker Chris Columbus was the first to translate J.K Rowling’s book series to the big screen. After Columbus directed Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, he left the series for Alfonso Cuaron to continue. Harry Potter would change hands again with Mike Newell directing Goblet of Fire. David Yates directed the last four Harry Potter projects.
When Radcliffe first heard about Columbus’ imminent departure, he didn’t take the news well.
“Yeah, I think it was great to be honest with you, because...
- 11/29/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Misericordia Photo: Courtesy of Tallinn Film Festival It may be cold outside - hovering at about -5C to be exact - but there's always the warmest of welcomes at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The international event in Estonia punches above its weight, bringing the great and the good from across the world together for its November gathering.
As the 27th festival drew to a close last night, the awards were announced, with British filmmaker Mike Newell among the recipients - picking up the award for lifetime achievement for films including Four Weddings And A Funeral and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. he picked up the award at the glitzy closing ceremony, which this year had a glam rock theme.
Italian film Misericordia was the night's big winner. Emma Dante's drama about a trio of prostitutes and the young man they hae raised as their own,...
As the 27th festival drew to a close last night, the awards were announced, with British filmmaker Mike Newell among the recipients - picking up the award for lifetime achievement for films including Four Weddings And A Funeral and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. he picked up the award at the glitzy closing ceremony, which this year had a glam rock theme.
Italian film Misericordia was the night's big winner. Emma Dante's drama about a trio of prostitutes and the young man they hae raised as their own,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Emma Dante’s film took the Grand Prix, plus best actor for Simone Zambelli.
Emma Dante’s Italian drama Misericordia won the award for best film in Official Selection Competition at the 27th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, at the awards ceremony held tonight.
Adapted from Dante’s own play of the same name, the film follows three sex workers living in a wasteland by the sea, where the only light in their lives is the young man they care for together.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
Simone Zambelli also received the best actor award in the section.
Emma Dante’s Italian drama Misericordia won the award for best film in Official Selection Competition at the 27th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, at the awards ceremony held tonight.
Adapted from Dante’s own play of the same name, the film follows three sex workers living in a wasteland by the sea, where the only light in their lives is the young man they care for together.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
Simone Zambelli also received the best actor award in the section.
- 11/18/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Italian writer-director Emma Dante’s “Misericordia” has won the top prize at the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia. Adapted from her own play, her third feature tells the story of a young man (Simone Zambelli) with learning difficulties, cared for by a group of sex workers on an island, protecting him from the cruelty of his abusive father. It’s a raw portrait of a marginalized group of people, mixing natural beauty of the locations with the grime of everyday existence.
Zambelli also took the award for best actor, for his role as the man-child at the center of the drama. The best actress prize was shared by Lubna Azabal, who plays a teacher in Jawad Rhalib’s “Amal,” and Kim Higelin, who stars in the controversial French drama “Consent,” directed by Vanessa Filho, as a teenager having an affair with a manipulative and exploitative 50-year-old writer.
The...
Zambelli also took the award for best actor, for his role as the man-child at the center of the drama. The best actress prize was shared by Lubna Azabal, who plays a teacher in Jawad Rhalib’s “Amal,” and Kim Higelin, who stars in the controversial French drama “Consent,” directed by Vanessa Filho, as a teenager having an affair with a manipulative and exploitative 50-year-old writer.
The...
- 11/18/2023
- by John Bleasdale
- Variety Film + TV
She’s been nominated for seven BAFTAs (winning one), seven Golden Globes (winning two), a couple of Oscars and an Emmy. She’s worked with armfuls of top directors including Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton and David Cronenberg. And 40 years ago, she created one of sitcom’s best-loved characters as the capricious Queen Elizabeth (Queenie to her pals) in Blackadder.
And now Miranda Richardson has proven herself so good she’s been cast not once but twice in Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens, first playing Madame Tracy in series one, and now taking on the tailor-made role of Shax, who becomes Hell’s representative on Earth after Crowley (David Tennant) gets fired.
What better time to revisit some of Miranda Richardson’s most memorable performances, from her impressive film debut in Dance With a Stranger to her more recent appearances in Harry Potter and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None?...
And now Miranda Richardson has proven herself so good she’s been cast not once but twice in Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens, first playing Madame Tracy in series one, and now taking on the tailor-made role of Shax, who becomes Hell’s representative on Earth after Crowley (David Tennant) gets fired.
What better time to revisit some of Miranda Richardson’s most memorable performances, from her impressive film debut in Dance With a Stranger to her more recent appearances in Harry Potter and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None?...
- 7/28/2023
- by Jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
European VOD Coalition issues statement criticising plans to introduce streamer levy.
The European VOD Coalition has expressed concern about a levy set to be imposed on streaming services in Denmark.
In a statement issued today, the Coalition – whose members include Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and Viaplay – said it is “concerned about the unintended consequences” of the Danish government’s revised Cultural Contribution Act.
On June 14, the government announced that political agreement had been reached on a cultural levy on streaming service providers’ revenues generated in Denmark.
A basic rate of 2% of the Danish revenues will apply to all on-demand streaming companies,...
The European VOD Coalition has expressed concern about a levy set to be imposed on streaming services in Denmark.
In a statement issued today, the Coalition – whose members include Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and Viaplay – said it is “concerned about the unintended consequences” of the Danish government’s revised Cultural Contribution Act.
On June 14, the government announced that political agreement had been reached on a cultural levy on streaming service providers’ revenues generated in Denmark.
A basic rate of 2% of the Danish revenues will apply to all on-demand streaming companies,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Bavaria launches Germany’s first gender and intern incentives to tackle inequity and skills shortage
Bavaria’s Fff Bayern has unveiled a €300,000 incentive for projects that employ two women in three roles of producer, director or writer.
A €300,000 ‘gender incentive’ and a €500,000 ‘intern incentive’ have been launched by the Bavarian film fund Fff Bayern to support gender equality and help address skills shortages in the German film industry.
The new incentives, the first of their kind in Germany, were unveiled by Judith Gerlach, state minister for digital affairs, at Filmfest München this week.
For the gender incentive, a conditionally repayable interest-free loan of up to €30,000 will be available to production companies for at story or...
A €300,000 ‘gender incentive’ and a €500,000 ‘intern incentive’ have been launched by the Bavarian film fund Fff Bayern to support gender equality and help address skills shortages in the German film industry.
The new incentives, the first of their kind in Germany, were unveiled by Judith Gerlach, state minister for digital affairs, at Filmfest München this week.
For the gender incentive, a conditionally repayable interest-free loan of up to €30,000 will be available to production companies for at story or...
- 6/27/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
A film czar could represent all various indie interests to government, said Newell.
Mike Newell, the Bafta-winning director of films including Four Weddings And A Funeral and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, has called for the appointment of a “UK film czar” to represent the independent film sector’s interests with government.
“You need people to make [the industry] cohere,” said Newell. “The whole trade at the moment has exploded into little inter-competing and not particularly friendly to one another [groups]. That person needs to be a czar, who needs to be able to massage all of these disparate interests.”
He...
Mike Newell, the Bafta-winning director of films including Four Weddings And A Funeral and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, has called for the appointment of a “UK film czar” to represent the independent film sector’s interests with government.
“You need people to make [the industry] cohere,” said Newell. “The whole trade at the moment has exploded into little inter-competing and not particularly friendly to one another [groups]. That person needs to be a czar, who needs to be able to massage all of these disparate interests.”
He...
- 6/26/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Most film fans in the ‘80s got their first glimpse of John Cusack on the big screen as one of Anthony Michael Hall’s buddies who placed a bet that requires that their pal to secure a pair of Molly Ringwald’s panties in the John Hughes teen comedy “Sixteen Candles.” Hey, everyone has to start somewhere. Consider that his sister Joan was reduced to playing “Geek Girl” with an awkward brace around neck.
It was uphill from there as Cusack, with his ironically humorous takes on leading manhood, became one of the more in-demand male stars for the next two decades, working with such top-notch directors as John Sayles, Rob Reiner, Cameron Crowe, Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen, Terrence Malick and Mike Newell. Somehow, Cusack has been under the radar when it comes to be nominated for major awards as a performer. But he has made considerable contributions...
It was uphill from there as Cusack, with his ironically humorous takes on leading manhood, became one of the more in-demand male stars for the next two decades, working with such top-notch directors as John Sayles, Rob Reiner, Cameron Crowe, Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen, Terrence Malick and Mike Newell. Somehow, Cusack has been under the radar when it comes to be nominated for major awards as a performer. But he has made considerable contributions...
- 6/24/2023
- by Susan Wloszczyna, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It has been decades since Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released in theaters. This fourth installment in the Harry Potter film series came out in 2005. It was directed by Mike Newell and, of course, based on the novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling. Other than the now well-known main cast, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire introduces many new stars and talented actors to the world. So where are they now? Here’s what the cast members of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire are up to. 1. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) The...
- 6/23/2023
- by Andrijana Ikonic
- TVovermind.com
Remember “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles”? No, not the opening sequence of “The Last Crusade” starring River Phoenix as a teenage version of Harrison Ford’s iconic archeologist. We’re talking about the short-lived ’90s series starring Sean Patrick Flanery as the title character. The two-season curiosity has been mostly left behind in its decade, but now Disney has acknowledged it — and is putting it on Disney+, no less.
The news was announced out of The Walt Disney Company’s Upfronts Presentation on Tuesday afternoon. The show will be available to stream on Disney+ starting May 31, in anticipation of the release of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” in theaters next month. In addition, all four of the initial “Indiana Jones” movies — “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Temple of Doom,” “The Last Crusade,” and “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” — will also be added to the streamer, after...
The news was announced out of The Walt Disney Company’s Upfronts Presentation on Tuesday afternoon. The show will be available to stream on Disney+ starting May 31, in anticipation of the release of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” in theaters next month. In addition, all four of the initial “Indiana Jones” movies — “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Temple of Doom,” “The Last Crusade,” and “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” — will also be added to the streamer, after...
- 5/16/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Blumhouse and Atomic Monster’s Night Swim from writer/director Bryce McGuire has added Amélie Hoeferle, Gavin Warren, Nancy Lenehan, and Jodi Long to the cast. The group have joined Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon in the pic which hits theaters on Jan. 19, 2024. Production is currently underway in LA.
Based on the short film created by McGuire and Rod Blackhurst, Night Swim is described as a supernatural thriller built around the hidden source of terror found in an unassuming backyard swimming pool. Atomic Monster and Blumhouse are producing the film. Universal Pictures will handle distribution.
Hoeferle is a German-American actress who spent her youth in between the two countries. She will be next seen in Francis Lawrence’s prequel of Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes for Lionsgate. She plays “Vipsania Sickle,” mentor to a tribute from District 7. She also played “Sam” in the award winning The Boogeywoman,...
Based on the short film created by McGuire and Rod Blackhurst, Night Swim is described as a supernatural thriller built around the hidden source of terror found in an unassuming backyard swimming pool. Atomic Monster and Blumhouse are producing the film. Universal Pictures will handle distribution.
Hoeferle is a German-American actress who spent her youth in between the two countries. She will be next seen in Francis Lawrence’s prequel of Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes for Lionsgate. She plays “Vipsania Sickle,” mentor to a tribute from District 7. She also played “Sam” in the award winning The Boogeywoman,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Mike Newell has set an August shoot at U.K. locations for “China Court.”
The film will be directed by Newell from a script by Brian Kinsey, based on the 1961 novel “China Court: The Hours of a Country House” by Rumer Godden.
The film centers around a house, China Court, and the family that inhabits it. The film follows generations of the family over a century, up to the death of the matriarch in 1961. Characters move seamlessly in and out of each other’s timelines as they grow up, fall in love, fall out with each other and – always – pass on to those who follow them the consequences of their actions.
“White Noise” producer Uri Singer has joined forces with Echo Lake’s Mike Marcus (“The Ward”) and U.K.-based Pippa Cross to produce the film.
Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros and Singer’s Passage Pictures are financing the film.
The film will be directed by Newell from a script by Brian Kinsey, based on the 1961 novel “China Court: The Hours of a Country House” by Rumer Godden.
The film centers around a house, China Court, and the family that inhabits it. The film follows generations of the family over a century, up to the death of the matriarch in 1961. Characters move seamlessly in and out of each other’s timelines as they grow up, fall in love, fall out with each other and – always – pass on to those who follow them the consequences of their actions.
“White Noise” producer Uri Singer has joined forces with Echo Lake’s Mike Marcus (“The Ward”) and U.K.-based Pippa Cross to produce the film.
Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros and Singer’s Passage Pictures are financing the film.
- 4/5/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Warning: This review contains spoilers from the first two episodes of Great Expectations.
There have been plenty of good, and even great, adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations.
Unfortunately, this is not one of them.
Most recently, Mike Newell directed a film version in 2012 starring Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.
BBC, one of the production companies behind this version (along with FX), produced a three-part miniseries in 2011-2012 starring Douglas Booth, Ray Winstone, and Gillian Anderson.
The most famous adaptation this side of the pond is probably Alfonso Cuarón's modern version in 1998, starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Anne Bancroft.
News of Steven Knight's version was exciting, particularly with the announcement of Olivia Colman as Miss Havisham.
If you're going to remake something that has been adapted so many times, you have to approach it from a new vantage point.
Cuarón's version, for example, didn't always work,...
There have been plenty of good, and even great, adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations.
Unfortunately, this is not one of them.
Most recently, Mike Newell directed a film version in 2012 starring Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.
BBC, one of the production companies behind this version (along with FX), produced a three-part miniseries in 2011-2012 starring Douglas Booth, Ray Winstone, and Gillian Anderson.
The most famous adaptation this side of the pond is probably Alfonso Cuarón's modern version in 1998, starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Anne Bancroft.
News of Steven Knight's version was exciting, particularly with the announcement of Olivia Colman as Miss Havisham.
If you're going to remake something that has been adapted so many times, you have to approach it from a new vantage point.
Cuarón's version, for example, didn't always work,...
- 3/26/2023
- by Mary Littlejohn
- TVfanatic
Plot: Great Expectations is the coming-of-age story of “Pip,” an orphan who yearns for a greater lot in life, until a twist of fate and the evil machinations of the mysterious and eccentric “Miss Havisham” shows him a dark world of possibilities. Under the great expectations placed upon him, Pip will have to work out the true cost of this new world and whether it will truly make him the man he wishes to be. A damning critique of the class system, Dickens’ novel was published in 1861 after first releasing it in a series of weekly chapters beginning in December 1860.
Review: Adaptations of Charles Dickens are aplenty on the small screen and as feature films. Great Expectations has been adapted multiple times, notably in 1998 by Alfonso Cuaron and starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft, and Robert De Niro. In 2012, Harry Potter director Mike Newell took a shot at a film version starring Jeremy Irvine,...
Review: Adaptations of Charles Dickens are aplenty on the small screen and as feature films. Great Expectations has been adapted multiple times, notably in 1998 by Alfonso Cuaron and starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft, and Robert De Niro. In 2012, Harry Potter director Mike Newell took a shot at a film version starring Jeremy Irvine,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Pre-release jitters can get the best of anyone. Just ask Hugh Grant.
He had some trepidation about “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” his breakout movie, prior to its release. That’s according to his friend Sam Neill, who wrote in his upcoming memoir “Did I Ever Tell You This?” about some comments that Grant made before the film premiered, with a bit of his trademark British self-deprecation
“I had dinner in London with Hugh Grant soon after ‘Sirens,'” Neill wrote. “I asked him what he’d been up to. ‘Oh,’ he said, ‘a piece of complete crap called “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” … Disaster. Absolute and utter rubbish.'”
Neill, who starred alongside Grant in “Sirens” (1994) and “Restoration” (1995), that Grant’s career was in part thanks to the success of “Four Weddings,” directed by Mike Newell from a script by Richard Curtis.
And Grant concurs, telling IndieWire in a statement,...
He had some trepidation about “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” his breakout movie, prior to its release. That’s according to his friend Sam Neill, who wrote in his upcoming memoir “Did I Ever Tell You This?” about some comments that Grant made before the film premiered, with a bit of his trademark British self-deprecation
“I had dinner in London with Hugh Grant soon after ‘Sirens,'” Neill wrote. “I asked him what he’d been up to. ‘Oh,’ he said, ‘a piece of complete crap called “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” … Disaster. Absolute and utter rubbish.'”
Neill, who starred alongside Grant in “Sirens” (1994) and “Restoration” (1995), that Grant’s career was in part thanks to the success of “Four Weddings,” directed by Mike Newell from a script by Richard Curtis.
And Grant concurs, telling IndieWire in a statement,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Actor-writer-director Jake Weber, known for his film roles in Dawn of the Dead and Meet Joe Black, and for his seven-season run on Medium, has signed with Stewart Talent for representation.
With a career that spans more than three decades, Weber has extensive credits in film, television and theatre. He is best known in film for his role as Michael in Dawn of the Dead and for his role as Drew in Meet Joe Black. Additional credits include: U-571, Mike Newell’s Pushing Tin, Tarsem Singh’s The Cell, Marshall Herskovitz’s Dangerous Beauty, Alan J. Pakula’s The Pelican Brief, Sidney Lumet’s A Stranger Among Us, and Larry Fessendon’s Wendigo.
On television, Jake played Joe DuBois, the sleep-deprived husband of psychic Allison DuBois (Patricia Arquette), for 7 seasons and 130 episodes on NBC’s hit drama series Medium. Other credits include series regular roles in HBO’s The Mind of the Married Man,...
With a career that spans more than three decades, Weber has extensive credits in film, television and theatre. He is best known in film for his role as Michael in Dawn of the Dead and for his role as Drew in Meet Joe Black. Additional credits include: U-571, Mike Newell’s Pushing Tin, Tarsem Singh’s The Cell, Marshall Herskovitz’s Dangerous Beauty, Alan J. Pakula’s The Pelican Brief, Sidney Lumet’s A Stranger Among Us, and Larry Fessendon’s Wendigo.
On television, Jake played Joe DuBois, the sleep-deprived husband of psychic Allison DuBois (Patricia Arquette), for 7 seasons and 130 episodes on NBC’s hit drama series Medium. Other credits include series regular roles in HBO’s The Mind of the Married Man,...
- 3/6/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier today, we shared the news that Johan Renck, who executive produced and directed all five episodes of the HBO limited series Chernobyl, had walked away from the HBO Max series Dune: The Sisterhood, a show he was supposed to direct the first two episodes of, due to creative differences. Now The Hollywood Reporter has broken the news that Renck has already lined up another project. Renck will be directing a mini-series based on the 1951 science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids, written by John Wyndham, for Amazon Studios.
The Day of the Triffids is a post-apocalyptic tale of an alien invasion of Earth by a cloud of seeds which sprout sentient plants. A large portion of the population is blinded by a meteor shower in preparation for the invasion and small groups of sighted survivors of different social strata in England vie to survive.
The story has previously...
The Day of the Triffids is a post-apocalyptic tale of an alien invasion of Earth by a cloud of seeds which sprout sentient plants. A large portion of the population is blinded by a meteor shower in preparation for the invasion and small groups of sighted survivors of different social strata in England vie to survive.
The story has previously...
- 3/1/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The 75th Directors Guild of America Awards took place on Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. Pt with Judd Apatow hosting the in-person, non-televised ceremony. These kudos honor the best helmers of the year in movies and television, as voted on by more than 18,000 members of the directing guild. Scroll down for the 2023 DGA Awards winners list (plus the complete running order) in three film and eight TV categories.
The all-important feature film category is one of the most telling bellwethers for the Best Director Oscar. The guild and the academy have only disagreed eight times over the past seven decades, with last year’s champ Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”) claiming both prizes. This year, four of the guild’s nominees also reaped Oscar bids: Todd Field (“Tár”), Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) and Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”). The fifth DGA nominee,...
The all-important feature film category is one of the most telling bellwethers for the Best Director Oscar. The guild and the academy have only disagreed eight times over the past seven decades, with last year’s champ Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”) claiming both prizes. This year, four of the guild’s nominees also reaped Oscar bids: Todd Field (“Tár”), Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) and Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”). The fifth DGA nominee,...
- 2/18/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Many rom-com fans can likely agree that How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days wouldn’t be the same without Kate Hudson’s “Benny boo-boo” lines or her cover of “You’re So Vain.” She and Matthew McConaughey had an electric chemistry that made the movie one of the most iconic romantic comedies to this day. How to Lose a Guy even led Hudson and McConaughey to co-star in another film, Fool’s Gold, a few years later.
And yet, the earliest plans for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days didn’t include Hudson as the leading lady. Here’s who was the first choice to play Andie Anderson and how the part ended up going to Hudson. Plus, how Hudson helped seal the deal on McConaughey.
Kate Hudson attends a ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills...
And yet, the earliest plans for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days didn’t include Hudson as the leading lady. Here’s who was the first choice to play Andie Anderson and how the part ended up going to Hudson. Plus, how Hudson helped seal the deal on McConaughey.
Kate Hudson attends a ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills...
- 2/7/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Independent Entertainment, the production and sales banner that was behind last year’s Harry Styles-starrer My Policeman, has boarded This Modern Love, a romantic comedy based on the critically acclaimed play Leave to Remain by Matt Jones (The Split) and Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke, with Four Weddings and a Funeral director Mike Newell set to executive produce.
A story by Okereke set between London and Provincetown in the U.S., This Modern Love — also the name of a Bloc Party song — is a culture clash comedy about two gay men about to get married, who suddenly have to navigate their families’ interference during a well-meaning trip ahead of their wedding. Independent Entertainment will finance the project’s development.
The project was acquired by Independent’s sales and acquisitions manager, Jordan Allwood. Ryan Bennett from PaperEpic will produce alongside Independent’s Luc Roeg and Cora Palfrey. Newell will executive producer,...
A story by Okereke set between London and Provincetown in the U.S., This Modern Love — also the name of a Bloc Party song — is a culture clash comedy about two gay men about to get married, who suddenly have to navigate their families’ interference during a well-meaning trip ahead of their wedding. Independent Entertainment will finance the project’s development.
The project was acquired by Independent’s sales and acquisitions manager, Jordan Allwood. Ryan Bennett from PaperEpic will produce alongside Independent’s Luc Roeg and Cora Palfrey. Newell will executive producer,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Motorway’ Director In The Driving Seat
Cheang Pou Soi (better known as Soi Cheang) whose latest film “Mad Fate” will premiere this month at the Berlin Film Festival, will be further honored next month when the Hong Kong International Film Festival makes him its Filmmaker in Focus.
He was born in Macau, but gained his footing in the much larger Hong Kong film industry, under the tutelage of Ringo Lam, Andrew Lau, Joe Ma, Wilson Yip and Johnnie To. He achieved a breakthrough with 1999 digital video “Our Last Day.”
“Cheang is a key figure among Hong Kong’s post-1997 generation of filmmakers and notable for his sombre but unmistakably personal visual style,” Hkiff Society director Albert Lee said in a statement. “He seldom deviates from mainstream storytelling conventions, but innovatively explores new boundaries of filmmaking across different genres, from horror and thriller to action films. In the stark dystopia he creates,...
Cheang Pou Soi (better known as Soi Cheang) whose latest film “Mad Fate” will premiere this month at the Berlin Film Festival, will be further honored next month when the Hong Kong International Film Festival makes him its Filmmaker in Focus.
He was born in Macau, but gained his footing in the much larger Hong Kong film industry, under the tutelage of Ringo Lam, Andrew Lau, Joe Ma, Wilson Yip and Johnnie To. He achieved a breakthrough with 1999 digital video “Our Last Day.”
“Cheang is a key figure among Hong Kong’s post-1997 generation of filmmakers and notable for his sombre but unmistakably personal visual style,” Hkiff Society director Albert Lee said in a statement. “He seldom deviates from mainstream storytelling conventions, but innovatively explores new boundaries of filmmaking across different genres, from horror and thriller to action films. In the stark dystopia he creates,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
If you're a fan of '90s rom-coms, then you probably love the unforgettable films written by Richard Curtis starring the irresistibly charming Hugh Grant. My personal favorite among them is "Bridget Jones's Diary," a modern adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" that centers around the indulgent and imperfect Bridget Jones caught in a classic love triangle. Believe it or not, Grant almost turned the film down. Luckily, he was convinced to join the cast when Richard Curtis stepped in to give the script his magic touch.
Curtis and Grant had a longstanding creative relationship. The actor was featured as the kind, soft-spoken romantic lead in three well-known films penned by Curtis, including "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill," and "Love Actually." "What Richard [Curtis] wrote was — whether intentional or not — a short franchise," said Mike Newell, the director behind "Four Weddings" (via Guardian). "Three movies in which Hugh's character doesn't really change.
Curtis and Grant had a longstanding creative relationship. The actor was featured as the kind, soft-spoken romantic lead in three well-known films penned by Curtis, including "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill," and "Love Actually." "What Richard [Curtis] wrote was — whether intentional or not — a short franchise," said Mike Newell, the director behind "Four Weddings" (via Guardian). "Three movies in which Hugh's character doesn't really change.
- 12/8/2022
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
Daniel Radcliffe grew up on-screen as Harry Potter. He took the part of The Boy Who Lived at age 11 and delivered ambitious, emotional performances throughout all eight movies. Despite his vast filmography that is teeming with quirky, eccentric roles that ensured he wouldn't only be known as the young wizard, the actor's career-defining role will always be "Harry Potter".
While Radcliffe has always described his "Harry Potter" filming experience as a joyful time, the actor recently noted how the films allowed him to perform some of the most exciting stunts of his career. The "Harry Potter" films allowed for plenty of CGI and tongue-twisting spells to learn pronunciations for, not to mention all the Quidditch flying Radcliffe must've had to pretend to do on a rotating broom rig in front of a green screen. But perhaps the biggest challenge from the franchise, were the extensive underwater scenes for the "Harry...
While Radcliffe has always described his "Harry Potter" filming experience as a joyful time, the actor recently noted how the films allowed him to perform some of the most exciting stunts of his career. The "Harry Potter" films allowed for plenty of CGI and tongue-twisting spells to learn pronunciations for, not to mention all the Quidditch flying Radcliffe must've had to pretend to do on a rotating broom rig in front of a green screen. But perhaps the biggest challenge from the franchise, were the extensive underwater scenes for the "Harry...
- 10/28/2022
- by Fatemeh Mirjalili
- Slash Film
Alfredo James Pacino, or Al Pacino as he's more widely known, is one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, known for his intense and riveting performances across a varied but often gritty portfolio of films. Whether playing a mob boss, a cop, a coke-addled drug lord, or even the Devil himself, the nine-time Oscar nominee and Academy Award winner has brought his signature vigor and smoldering intensity to each and every role.
Not only has the octogenarian delivered outstanding performances throughout his more than 50-year career, but many of the films he's starred in are considered all-time classics. That's a real win-win for all of us, if you ask me. How do you rank a filmography as great and iconic as his? It's not going to be easy, but we're about to try. Join us as we dive into Al Pacino's impressive roster of movies and rank the 15 best.
If you...
Not only has the octogenarian delivered outstanding performances throughout his more than 50-year career, but many of the films he's starred in are considered all-time classics. That's a real win-win for all of us, if you ask me. How do you rank a filmography as great and iconic as his? It's not going to be easy, but we're about to try. Join us as we dive into Al Pacino's impressive roster of movies and rank the 15 best.
If you...
- 8/31/2022
- by Layla Halfhill
- Slash Film
With a trio of young actors having to carry a franchise through a decade that encompassed their teenage years, it's something of a miracle that the "Harry Potter" franchise is as good as it is. Facing the enormous pressure of adapting some of the most successful books of all time, producer David Heyman successfully pulled off the near impossible. Gathering a huge ensemble cast of some of the best British actors, including Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, and Helena Bonham Carter, the franchise maintained a consistent quality over 10 years.
Directors such as Alfonso Cuarón and Mike Newell injected some distinctive visual qualities into their entries, but the important thing is that all the films focused on getting us to care about the characters and adapting the books well. The production designers and art directors did some fantastic world-building, conjuring up beloved locations such as Diagon Alley from...
Directors such as Alfonso Cuarón and Mike Newell injected some distinctive visual qualities into their entries, but the important thing is that all the films focused on getting us to care about the characters and adapting the books well. The production designers and art directors did some fantastic world-building, conjuring up beloved locations such as Diagon Alley from...
- 8/28/2022
- by Fiona Underhill
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Anne Heche, who starred in such films as Donnie Brasco, Volcano and Wag the Dog and on TV shows including Men in Trees and Hung during a troubled life and career, was taken off life support Sunday night, her rep announced.
Heche, 53, had spent several days in a coma at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills (California) Hospital and Medical Center after her Mini Cooper ran off the road Aug. 5 and smashed into a two-story home in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, causing “structural compromise and erupting in heavy fire,” the L.A. Fire Department said.
She was taken from her vehicle and hospitalized in critical condition, and it took nearly 60 firefighters more than an hour to extinguish the blaze.
Heche suffered burns and a severe anoxic brain injury in the crash. Later, she was determined to be brain dead — legally dead,...
Anne Heche, who starred in such films as Donnie Brasco, Volcano and Wag the Dog and on TV shows including Men in Trees and Hung during a troubled life and career, was taken off life support Sunday night, her rep announced.
Heche, 53, had spent several days in a coma at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills (California) Hospital and Medical Center after her Mini Cooper ran off the road Aug. 5 and smashed into a two-story home in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, causing “structural compromise and erupting in heavy fire,” the L.A. Fire Department said.
She was taken from her vehicle and hospitalized in critical condition, and it took nearly 60 firefighters more than an hour to extinguish the blaze.
Heche suffered burns and a severe anoxic brain injury in the crash. Later, she was determined to be brain dead — legally dead,...
- 8/15/2022
- by Mike Barnes and Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actress Vicky Krieps and filmmakers Jim Sheridan and Mike Newell set to attend.
Declan Recks’ Irish-language drama Tarrac! and Michael Kinirons’ The Sparrow are among a raft of new Irish features set to receive their world premiere at Galway Film Fleadh (July 5-10).
The 34th edition of the festival will include 80 international features of which 20 are world premieres. The majority of these premieres will showcase new Irish cinema, with 18 out of the 32 Irish films in the line-up set to debut at the Fleadh.
They include Tarrac! in which a woman returns to her home on Ireland’s Kerry coast and...
Declan Recks’ Irish-language drama Tarrac! and Michael Kinirons’ The Sparrow are among a raft of new Irish features set to receive their world premiere at Galway Film Fleadh (July 5-10).
The 34th edition of the festival will include 80 international features of which 20 are world premieres. The majority of these premieres will showcase new Irish cinema, with 18 out of the 32 Irish films in the line-up set to debut at the Fleadh.
They include Tarrac! in which a woman returns to her home on Ireland’s Kerry coast and...
- 6/22/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
“Old” star Vicky Krieps and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” director Mike Newell are among the stars set to appear at the Galway Film Festival in Ireland next month.
Krieps will be on hand to present her new film “Hold Me Tight,” by Mathieu Amalric (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”) while Newell will attend as part of the 30th anniversary for his 1992 feature “Into the West,” which starred Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin. As well as Newell, other creatives and cast – including writer Jim Sheridan – will also attend for a conversation about the film.
The 34th edition of the festival, which takes place from July 5-10, will feature 18 world premieres and 32 new Irish films.
Among the world premieres are Declan Recks’ “Tarrac,” starring Kelly Gough, Lorcan Crantich, and Cillian Ó Gairbhí and Michael Kinirons’ drama, “The Sparrow,” starring “Normal People’s” Éanna Hardwicke, “Luther” star David O’Hara and newcomer Ollie West.
Krieps will be on hand to present her new film “Hold Me Tight,” by Mathieu Amalric (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”) while Newell will attend as part of the 30th anniversary for his 1992 feature “Into the West,” which starred Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin. As well as Newell, other creatives and cast – including writer Jim Sheridan – will also attend for a conversation about the film.
The 34th edition of the festival, which takes place from July 5-10, will feature 18 world premieres and 32 new Irish films.
Among the world premieres are Declan Recks’ “Tarrac,” starring Kelly Gough, Lorcan Crantich, and Cillian Ó Gairbhí and Michael Kinirons’ drama, “The Sparrow,” starring “Normal People’s” Éanna Hardwicke, “Luther” star David O’Hara and newcomer Ollie West.
- 6/21/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The 1997 mob movie, Donnie Brasco, celebrates its 25th anniversary this week. This is almost as long as the real-life title character has been on the run with a half-a-million-dollar contract on his head. Johnny Depp plays Joe Pistone in the movie, an undercover federal cop codenamed “Donnie Brasco.” He gets so deep into the wheels of the Brooklyn operations of the Bonanno crime family that he almost becomes a made man. Donnie is one hit away from getting straightened out, joining the official rank and file of the organization, when the FBI pulls him in from the case. The mere notion that such an embarrassing breach could occur got the Bonannos kicked out of the Five Family ruling hierarchy. It turned out to be fortunate timing when the “Mafia Commission” went down in a federal rap, but at the time, forget about it.
Written by Paul Attanasio and directed by Mike Newell,...
Written by Paul Attanasio and directed by Mike Newell,...
- 2/25/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
BritBox has picked up “Reel Britannia,” a documentary series on the history of modern British cinema, for the U.S., U.K., Canada and South Africa.
The deal was closed by Abacus Media Rights (Amr), an Amcomri Entertainment company, who acquired worldwide distribution rights to the series from director Jon Spira and producer Hank Starrs of Canal Cat Films.
From 1960 through to 2010, the four-part series portrays how cinema held a mirror up to society to reflect on the youth revolution of the 1960s, the grit of the 1970s, the social divide of the 1980s, new hope of the 1990s and the social disillusionment of the 00s. Narrated by actor and comedian Nick Helm, “Reel Britannia” features new, exclusive interviews with noted cinema talents Terry Gilliam, Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, Stephen Frears, Hanif Kureishi, Mike Newell, Simon Beaufoy, David Leland and Terence Davies. In association with the BFI, it includes archival interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
The deal was closed by Abacus Media Rights (Amr), an Amcomri Entertainment company, who acquired worldwide distribution rights to the series from director Jon Spira and producer Hank Starrs of Canal Cat Films.
From 1960 through to 2010, the four-part series portrays how cinema held a mirror up to society to reflect on the youth revolution of the 1960s, the grit of the 1970s, the social divide of the 1980s, new hope of the 1990s and the social disillusionment of the 00s. Narrated by actor and comedian Nick Helm, “Reel Britannia” features new, exclusive interviews with noted cinema talents Terry Gilliam, Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, Stephen Frears, Hanif Kureishi, Mike Newell, Simon Beaufoy, David Leland and Terence Davies. In association with the BFI, it includes archival interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
- 2/11/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Festival
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral” director Mike Newell and actor Jason Wong are launching the Kingston International Film Festival (Kiff) to support independent film makers in a post-pandemic world. Taking place June 24-26, the festival is a 50:50 partnership between Blue Elephant Films and Rose Theatre which aims to address a decline in the independent film industry by establishing a new platform for emerging talent and creating opportunities which will link new filmmakers and industry experts. Kiff also received early support from Oscar-winning actor Dame Vanessa Redgrave and “Star Trek” actor Marina Sirtis.
The Festival announcement comes in the wake of a BFI report which revealed that investment into the independent film industry in the U.K. has dropped 45% and that just twenty-two films accounted for 78% of UK film production spend. Kiff will be headed by festival directors David Cunningham and...
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral” director Mike Newell and actor Jason Wong are launching the Kingston International Film Festival (Kiff) to support independent film makers in a post-pandemic world. Taking place June 24-26, the festival is a 50:50 partnership between Blue Elephant Films and Rose Theatre which aims to address a decline in the independent film industry by establishing a new platform for emerging talent and creating opportunities which will link new filmmakers and industry experts. Kiff also received early support from Oscar-winning actor Dame Vanessa Redgrave and “Star Trek” actor Marina Sirtis.
The Festival announcement comes in the wake of a BFI report which revealed that investment into the independent film industry in the U.K. has dropped 45% and that just twenty-two films accounted for 78% of UK film production spend. Kiff will be headed by festival directors David Cunningham and...
- 1/25/2022
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max's Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts special, which premiered on New Year's Day 2022, was a very emotional viewing experience for Potterheads. It instantly transported us back to our childhoods when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone first premiered in November 2001. But all the reminiscing has us wondering why things changed so much between the first and eighth movies. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and the other kids in Hogwarts amazing adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were undoubtedly shaped by the franchise's amazing first director, Chris Columbus, who directed the first two movies (Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets) before stepping away from the series, but why did he leave?
Why Did Chris Columbus Leave the Harry Potter Films?
After stepping away from the Harry Potter series as director after Chamber of Secrets, Columbus served as executive producer of the third movie, Prisoner of Azkaban,...
Why Did Chris Columbus Leave the Harry Potter Films?
After stepping away from the Harry Potter series as director after Chamber of Secrets, Columbus served as executive producer of the third movie, Prisoner of Azkaban,...
- 1/6/2022
- by Sydni Ellis
- Popsugar.com
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