The American Film Market kicks off Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 5 in its new headquarters at the Le Meridien Delfina in Santa Monica. Industry screenings are set at theaters throughout the city and AFM’s conference series, the AFM Sessions, will take place at the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel. More than 245 companies and organizations are exhibiting at this year’s AFM, with national pavilions from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the U.K. In all, buyers from more than 65 countries are registered at the film market.
Here are some of the buzziest titles at AFM 2023:
Alphas
Director: Liam O’Donnell
Producers: Pierre Morel, Renee Tab, Christopher Tuffin, Matthew Chausse, Drew Bailey
Key cast: Martin Henderson
Story is set in a quiet surfing community where killer whales are enlisted to fend off great white sharks after a series of attacks. When the alpha great white shark proves too powerful to stop,...
Here are some of the buzziest titles at AFM 2023:
Alphas
Director: Liam O’Donnell
Producers: Pierre Morel, Renee Tab, Christopher Tuffin, Matthew Chausse, Drew Bailey
Key cast: Martin Henderson
Story is set in a quiet surfing community where killer whales are enlisted to fend off great white sharks after a series of attacks. When the alpha great white shark proves too powerful to stop,...
- 10/31/2023
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome back to the Weekend Warrior, your weekly look at the new movies hitting theaters this weekend, as well as other cool events and things to check out.
This Past Weekend:
Yikes. What a terrible weekend we just had, not only for the new movies released but also for the Weekend Warrior’s predictions. Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks’ Sully won its second weekend in a row with just under $22 million, but as far as the new movies, neither Lionsgate’s Blair Witch nor Universal’s Bridget Jones’s Baby did very well, putting the last nail in the coffin (hopefully) for sequels/remakes trying to play upon nostalgia that just isn’t there. (Good luck to the Rings movie opening next month!) Blair Witch ended up with $9.6 million to take second place and both Bridget Jones’s Baby and Oliver Stone’s Snowden ended up with around $8 million, so...
This Past Weekend:
Yikes. What a terrible weekend we just had, not only for the new movies released but also for the Weekend Warrior’s predictions. Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks’ Sully won its second weekend in a row with just under $22 million, but as far as the new movies, neither Lionsgate’s Blair Witch nor Universal’s Bridget Jones’s Baby did very well, putting the last nail in the coffin (hopefully) for sequels/remakes trying to play upon nostalgia that just isn’t there. (Good luck to the Rings movie opening next month!) Blair Witch ended up with $9.6 million to take second place and both Bridget Jones’s Baby and Oliver Stone’s Snowden ended up with around $8 million, so...
- 9/21/2016
- by Edward Douglas
- LRMonline.com
Last year, you may have caught the apocalypse dramedy "It's A Disaster," starring David Cross, America Ferrara, Julia Stiles, and the comedy troupe The Vactioneers, made up of Jeff Grace, Kevin M. Brennan, Blaise Miller, and writer/director Todd Berger (here's our review if you need to catch up). Well, now one of The Vacationeers, Jeff Grace, is embarking on his own filmmaking journey and launching a Kickstarter campaign to get the wheels moving on the road movie "Folk Hero & Funny Guy." As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, "Girls" actor and indie filmmaker Alex Karpovsky (who will next be seen in the Coen Brothers' "Inside Llewyn Davis") has signed on to co-star in the story of two longtime friends, a folk musician and a stand up comic (Karpovsky) who hit the road together. Actress/musician Liza Oppenheimer is also set to co-star. Grace, a stand up comedian, writer,...
- 10/30/2013
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
Chicago – The summer movie season has barely begun, and I’m already sick to death of the apocalypse. It seems to have pervaded every mainstream genre, from action-packed thrillers to raunchy comedies. I’ll take a hilarious mess like “This Is the End” over grim sci-fi junk like “Oblivion” and “After Earth” any day, simply because it delivers its cautionary message with tongue-in-cheek exuberance.
What made “This Is the End” such a kick was the sight of watching beloved yet overexposed talents satirize their own media-fed personas. Their characters were all unsympathetic, but there wasn’t an instant in which the audience wasn’t in on the joke. It was rather endearing to see the men whose work played a big role in humanizing American comedy deflate the bloated vulgarity of modern celebrity culture.
DVD Rating: 1.5/5.0
The problem with Todd Berger’s ensemble face, “It’s a Disaster,” is that...
What made “This Is the End” such a kick was the sight of watching beloved yet overexposed talents satirize their own media-fed personas. Their characters were all unsympathetic, but there wasn’t an instant in which the audience wasn’t in on the joke. It was rather endearing to see the men whose work played a big role in humanizing American comedy deflate the bloated vulgarity of modern celebrity culture.
DVD Rating: 1.5/5.0
The problem with Todd Berger’s ensemble face, “It’s a Disaster,” is that...
- 6/19/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
It’s pretty much impossible to avoid the end of the world this summer, and with the trend of blockbuster apocalypse movies showing no signs of abating any time soon, it’s good to have something a little more offbeat to throw into the mix. “It’s a Disaster,” the sophomore effort from up and coming director Todd Berger is exactly that, and to celebrate the DVD release we’ve got three copies on DVD and three copies on Blu-ray to give away to some lucky readers. It got a rapturous response from the packed houses it played to in Los Angeles and when we caught the film at the La Film Festival, we called it “a clever take on the apocalypse film...that takes a humorous look at the problems, both epic and trivial, that threaten to ruin lives” (our review here). With an ensemble cast featuring Julia Stiles,...
- 6/4/2013
- by Kieran McMahon
- The Playlist
Once the world escaped 2012 unscathed, the apocalypse-themed cinematic offerings veered from dramatic to comedic, with 2013 offering up This Is the End, The World's End, Rapture-Palooza and It's a Disaster, starring Rachel Boston, American Ferrera, Julia Stiles and David Cross.
In the hilarious and heartfelt It's A Disaster, four couples meet for brunch only to learn halfway through the meal the world is ending, forcing each to re-examine their life choices. ETonline caught up with the delightful Boston to talk about this project, the special skill she brought to set and her dream end of world scenario!
ETonline: Was this movie as fun to make as it seemed?
Rachel Boston: It was an extraordinary experience. It was made on an indie budget, so we didn't have trailers. But the producers rented the house across the street, so we'd go from the house we were locked in all day to the house across the street where we spend...
In the hilarious and heartfelt It's A Disaster, four couples meet for brunch only to learn halfway through the meal the world is ending, forcing each to re-examine their life choices. ETonline caught up with the delightful Boston to talk about this project, the special skill she brought to set and her dream end of world scenario!
ETonline: Was this movie as fun to make as it seemed?
Rachel Boston: It was an extraordinary experience. It was made on an indie budget, so we didn't have trailers. But the producers rented the house across the street, so we'd go from the house we were locked in all day to the house across the street where we spend...
- 4/19/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
Stars: David Cross, Rachel Boston, Kevin M. Brennan, Julia Stiles, America Ferrera, Erinn Hayes, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, Rob McGillivray | Written and Directed by Todd Berger
People have widely different ideas of how they would handle the end of the world. Some would utilize it as an opportunity to reflect amongst their love ones, while others would let their freak flag fly in a party of reckless abandon. Facing the reality of worldwide destruction is a common theme found in film. Some, like Armageddon, use universal disaster as a showcase for the capabilities of human bravery. Others, like 2012’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, use it as a philosophical dissection into the fatality of life. Todd Berger’s latest film It’s a Disaster takes an entirely different approach.
Similar to films like Another Earth or Safety Not Guaranteed, its high-concept is primarily a backdrop used frame more modest themes.
People have widely different ideas of how they would handle the end of the world. Some would utilize it as an opportunity to reflect amongst their love ones, while others would let their freak flag fly in a party of reckless abandon. Facing the reality of worldwide destruction is a common theme found in film. Some, like Armageddon, use universal disaster as a showcase for the capabilities of human bravery. Others, like 2012’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, use it as a philosophical dissection into the fatality of life. Todd Berger’s latest film It’s a Disaster takes an entirely different approach.
Similar to films like Another Earth or Safety Not Guaranteed, its high-concept is primarily a backdrop used frame more modest themes.
- 4/18/2013
- by Dan Clark
- Nerdly
The dark and acerbic new comedy called It's a Disaster may seem like a strange film to be reviewing at a horror site, but after watching the film and deciding it felt like a bizarre mixture of The Last Supper (1996) and Right at Your Door (2007), we felt it was more than suitable for FEARnet readers. The specter of death does hover over this odd comedy of apocalyptic manners, which means it qualifies as horror "enough," but also... I just really liked It's a Disaster and the boss said, "Sure, review it but play up the 'end of the world' angle a bit."
Yes, that's right. It's a Disaster is an acidic farce about a Sunday brunch that's promptly interrupted by news of a nearby nuclear attack -- which means that a socially-awkward get-together is about to become the last meal this collection of four couples will ever eat. I leave...
- 4/15/2013
- by Scott Weinberg
- FEARnet
You wouldn’t think large-scale death and destruction would be good fodder for comedy, but last year’s Seeking a Friend For the End of the World proved otherwise with its sweet mix of laughs and heart. This year sees two higher profile attempts at the formula with Seth Rogen’s This Is the End and Edgar Wright’s The World’s End, but the odds are both of these will lean far heavier on the comedy aspect. Unfairly allocated to the limited release indie circuit though is a little film that may just be the best of the bunch. Or should I say, the best of the brunch… (don’t worry, I didn’t write the movie). Pete and Emma (Blaise Miller & Erinn Hayes) host a regular “couples” brunch for their favorite fellow couples, but today’s get together won’t be going entirely to plan. Judging by how some of the regular attendees despise the...
- 4/12/2013
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Director: Todd Berger Title: It’s A Disaster Starring: Julia Stiles, America Ferrera, David Cross (TV’s ‘Arrested Development’), Rachel Boston (‘The Pill’), Blaise Miller (‘The Scencesters’), Erinn Hayes (TV’s ‘Children’s Hospital’), Jeff Grace (‘Super Zeroes’) and Kevin Brennan (‘The Lake House’) Maintaining the perfect public image, particularly with long-term friends who believe you have the perfect life, is an important goal many people set to maintain. Often times it takes a life altering, catastrophe event that forces people to publicly face the inevitable and admit their mistakes and shortcomings. Struggling to cope with such an sudden and unexpected change is the emotional conflict in the new comedy ‘It’s A Disaster.’ The [ Read More ]
The post It’s A Disaster Movie Review 2 appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post It’s A Disaster Movie Review 2 appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/12/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
For folks searching for a knee-slapping comedy about a group of unlikely friends who find strength in each other during the oncoming apocalypse, you will not find it in It's a Disaster. For those searching for a slow-paced, mildly amusing comedy where almost nothing of interest happens, Todd Berger's It's a Disaster is right up your alley.
The film has a fairly simple premise: eight characters with no chemistry gather for a monthly couples brunch and slowly realize that the world outside their bacon- scented house is coming to an end.
It's a Disaster has one set, and almost no external characters outside the main eight, making it so that the weight of the movie rests on the dialog between characters. But the dialog falls flat even with a cast led by David Cross, despite his uncanny ability to turn truly awful lines into comedy gold.
Maybe if the...
The film has a fairly simple premise: eight characters with no chemistry gather for a monthly couples brunch and slowly realize that the world outside their bacon- scented house is coming to an end.
It's a Disaster has one set, and almost no external characters outside the main eight, making it so that the weight of the movie rests on the dialog between characters. But the dialog falls flat even with a cast led by David Cross, despite his uncanny ability to turn truly awful lines into comedy gold.
Maybe if the...
- 4/11/2013
- by Rachel Finley
- www.culturecatch.com
This is an edited reprint of our interview from the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival. "It's a Disaster" opens on in New York and La on April 12th. It's currently available on VOD.Julia Stiles has had a long and varied career since her breakout role opposite Heath Ledger in "10 Things I Hate About You," the '90s high school adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Since then she's been a Jason Bourne accomplice, danced with death on TV's "Dexter," delivered David Mamet dialogue on stage, and currently has a spate of new high profile film roles coming up. We caught up with the New Yorker on the phone on the eve of the world premiere of her latest flick, "It's a Disaster." "It's a Disaster" is the creative project of comedy troupe The Vacationeers (director Todd Berger and cast members/producers Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller,...
- 4/9/2013
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
Plot: A group of friends (Rachel Boston, America Ferrera, Julia Stiles, David Cross, Jeff Grace, Erinn Hayes, Kevin M. Brennan, & Blaise Miller) meeting for their monthly couples brunch discover that a series of dirty bombs have been set off nearby, and that the world is spiraling towards Armageddon. Review: Apocalyptic fiction, long a hallmark of the sci-fi genre, has been making a big comeback lately. Despite the popularity of the genre, end of the world comedies were a...
- 4/9/2013
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Title: It’s A Disaster Directed by: Todd Berger Starring: Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Kevin M. Brennan, Rachel Boston, Jeff Grace, Erinn Hayes, Blaise Miller Running time: 88 minutes, Rated R Emma (Erinn Hayes) and Pete (Blaise Miller) are having their traditional couple’s brunch. Newly dating Glenn (David Cross) and Tracy (Julia Stiles) arrive and she briefs him about her eccentric friends who will be attending. Lexi (Rachel Boston) is the vegetarian of the group and all feel forced to cater to her diet choices. Lexi’s husband Buck (Kevin M. Brennan) is a musician; he and Lexi are both uncomfortably inappropriate to everyone, but only Glenn seems affected. Hedy [ Read More ]
The post It’s A Disaster Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post It’s A Disaster Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/1/2013
- by juliana
- ShockYa
"Let's go out the way we came in..." The perfect trailer to feature on a day like today, with meteorites and asteroids flying by. Oscilloscope Labs has debuted the trailer for the indie end-of-the-world comedy It's a Disaster, written and directed by Todd Berger, about an awkward couples brunch that gets even worse once they all find out it might be the end of the world. The cast includes small screen names like Rachel Boston, Kevin Brennan, David Cross, Julia Stiles, America Ferrera, Jeff Grace, Erinn Hayes and Blaise Miller. Despite all the quotes, I don't think this looks that great, but some folks might enjoy it. Here's the first trailer for Todd Berger's It's a Disaster, originally found by SlashFilm: Four couples meet for their monthly Sunday brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end. It's a Disaster...
- 2/15/2013
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Five new films open in Austin this week, but all have tepid reviews. But not to worry, film fans: For the rest of the year, terrific special screenings are piling up like presents stacked under a Christmas tree. (Or grievances aired around a Festivus pole, or whatever symbols are part of your holiday tradition, if indeed you have one, and it's fine if you don't. Whatever your holiday tradition -- or lack thereof -- the always-inclusive folks at Slackerwood wish you happiness. Or not, if you prefer unhappiness.)
There is, of course, the expected onslaught of holiday film screenings this week. The Alamo Drafthouse offers its usual eclectic mix of holiday movies, from the traditionally warm and fuzzy (It's a Wonderful Life) to the anti-sentimental (the slasher flick Black Christmas, with a live appearance by Margot Kidder) to Jette and Chip's favorite holiday tradition, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.
There is, of course, the expected onslaught of holiday film screenings this week. The Alamo Drafthouse offers its usual eclectic mix of holiday movies, from the traditionally warm and fuzzy (It's a Wonderful Life) to the anti-sentimental (the slasher flick Black Christmas, with a live appearance by Margot Kidder) to Jette and Chip's favorite holiday tradition, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.
- 11/30/2012
- by Don Clinchy
- Slackerwood
Though it might often seem as if most of the wheeling and dealing that goes into the acquisition of festival films happens actually during festivals, there are plenty of worthy titles that end up getting snapped up months after their premieres (just look at John Dies at the End). Though Todd Berger‘s It’s A Disaster premiered back in June at the Los Angeles Film Festival and we’re just getting word of the film being bought now, there was never any question that the Laff favorite (and major crowdpleaser) was going to get picked up, distributed, and totally loved by anyone who has the good sense to watch it. IndieWire reports that Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to the film and is planning to release it both theatrically and digitally in early 2013. Written and directed by Berger, the film stars Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Erinn Hayes...
- 8/23/2012
- by Kate Erbland
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Oscilloscope has picked up "It's A Disaster" for North American distribution, set for early 2013 release. The Todd Berger film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival this Spring, and stars Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Erinn Hayes, Rachel Boston, Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller. The ensemble comedy is set during a "couples brunch" of eight friends who suddenly move from relationship dramas to an apocalyptic bomb explosion. Oscilloscope's David Laub and Dan Berger are now steering the indie company in the wake of the loss of founder Adam Yauch, who died of cancer in May, as former president David Fenkel starts his new company A24, which will be trawling for pick-ups at Toronto. Laub calls the film "a real gem," adding that "Todd has combined a perceptive, Woody Allen-esque relationship comedy with a unique take on the apocalypse film, and in the process enlivened both genres and created.
- 8/23/2012
- by Anne Thompson and Sophia Savage
- Thompson on Hollywood
Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to Todd Berger’s comedy “It’s A Disaster,” which had its premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June. The specialty distributor plans both a theatrical and digital release early next year. Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Erinn Hayes, Rachel Boston, Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller star in the story of a weekly couples brunch that turns unhinged when a bunch of dirty bombs go off in the city. Jeff Grace, Kevin M. Brennan, Gordon Bijelonic and Datari Turner produced the project, which was made in conjunction with Vacationeer Productions and Cactus Three. Read More: L.A. Film Fest Review: David Cross, Julia Stiles, America Ferrara and More Charm in Todd Berger's Satisfying Apocalyptic Couples Drama 'It's a Disaster' “‘It’s A Disaster’ is a real gem, one of those great discoveries that you don’t come across very.
- 8/23/2012
- by Jay A. Fernandez
- Indiewire
Todd Berger's It's A Disaster comedy which stars Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Erinn Hayes, Rachel Boston, Kevin M. Brenna, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller, has been picked up for N. American distribution by Oscilloscope (The Messenger). Pic's produced by Jeff Grace, Kevin M. Brennan, Gordon Bijelonic and Datari Turner, made in conjunction with Cactus Three and Vacationeer Productions. The comedic film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June, and according to Variety, Oscilloscope plans to give the film several festival runs prior to its theatrical and digital platform release early next year.
- 8/23/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Todd Berger's It's A Disaster comedy which stars Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Erinn Hayes, Rachel Boston, Kevin M. Brenna, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller, has been picked up for N. American distribution by Oscilloscope (The Messenger). Pic's produced by Jeff Grace, Kevin M. Brennan, Gordon Bijelonic and Datari Turner, made in conjunction with Cactus Three and Vacationeer Productions. The comedic film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June, and according to Variety, Oscilloscope plans to give the film several festival runs prior to its theatrical and digital platform release early next year.
- 8/23/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
It’S A Disaster stars Julia Stiles (Dexter), David Cross (Arrested Development), America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), Erinn Hayes (Children’S Hospital), Jeff Grace and Rachel Boston.
Below, we have the exclusive synopsis, director’s statement, a few promotional photos of star Erinn Hayes, a still from the film, and a Q&A with director Mitch Berger.
Synopsis
In this doomsday comedy, four couples meet for Sunday brunch and find themselves stranded in a house together as the world may be about to end. When Tracy Scott (Julia Stiles) decides to introduce her new beau Glenn (David Cross) to her three friends Hedy (America Ferrera), Emma, and Lexi and their significant others, her biggest fear is whether or not her friends will approve of her new relationship, little does she realize that’s the least of her worries. Before long the couples find themselves in the midst of an apocalyptic disaster,...
Below, we have the exclusive synopsis, director’s statement, a few promotional photos of star Erinn Hayes, a still from the film, and a Q&A with director Mitch Berger.
Synopsis
In this doomsday comedy, four couples meet for Sunday brunch and find themselves stranded in a house together as the world may be about to end. When Tracy Scott (Julia Stiles) decides to introduce her new beau Glenn (David Cross) to her three friends Hedy (America Ferrera), Emma, and Lexi and their significant others, her biggest fear is whether or not her friends will approve of her new relationship, little does she realize that’s the least of her worries. Before long the couples find themselves in the midst of an apocalyptic disaster,...
- 6/27/2012
- by Andy Greene
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Todd Berger's new film, It's A Disaster premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival last week. It stars and ensemble cast that includes Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, Rachel Boston, Erinn Hayes, Kevin Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller. I hesitate to write anything more than a vague review because this is the type of film that is best seen without knowing anything about it. It begins with Tracy (Julia Stiles), and Glenn (David Cross) arriving at Emma and Pete Mandrake's (Erinn Hayes and Blaise Miller, respectively) house for a couple's brunch. Tracy and Glenn have only recently started seeing each other, which is immediately apparent. However, the three other couples have been friends for a long time. This sets up a fantastic...
- 6/26/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Real time, one-setting films are a tricky feat to pull off, stumping even the most accomplished directors (have you seen “Carnage”?), but director Todd Berger does it with panache in his sophomore feature, a clever take on the apocalypse film, “It’s A Disaster.” Assembling a cast of eight actors in one house for a film that’s part relationship dramedy and part end-of-the-world movie, Berger keeps the setting fresh and the pace moving in a story that takes a humorous look at the problems, both epic and trivial, that threaten to ruin lives. Based on the rapturous response from packed houses at the Los Angeles Film Festival this week, Berger and co. have succeeded in spades.
Tracy (Julia Stiles) and Glenn (David Cross) are on their third date, at a couples brunch with her friends, when not one, but two disasters strike the party. One, their hosts Emma (Erinn Hayes...
Tracy (Julia Stiles) and Glenn (David Cross) are on their third date, at a couples brunch with her friends, when not one, but two disasters strike the party. One, their hosts Emma (Erinn Hayes...
- 6/26/2012
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
Todd Berger's comedy drama about four couples spending their last night on earth together deserves a wide audience
At the after-party for the Los Angeles film festival's premiere of Todd Berger's comedy drama, It's a Disaster, at the Hotel Figeuroa, the blue drinks tickets are being handed over at the bar faster than you can say "not another apocalyptic couples brunch movie". Around the pool, actor David Cross, is being asked for possibly the 100th time if there's going to an Arrested Development film. "We were supposed to shoot in the next few days," he'd told the audience at the post-screening Q&A. "But I have yet to see a script or a contract." So that's that sorted. For now.
It's a Disaster is an absolute gem of a doomsday movie, about four couples who meet for brunch and find themselves in the middle of a chemical warfare attack,...
At the after-party for the Los Angeles film festival's premiere of Todd Berger's comedy drama, It's a Disaster, at the Hotel Figeuroa, the blue drinks tickets are being handed over at the bar faster than you can say "not another apocalyptic couples brunch movie". Around the pool, actor David Cross, is being asked for possibly the 100th time if there's going to an Arrested Development film. "We were supposed to shoot in the next few days," he'd told the audience at the post-screening Q&A. "But I have yet to see a script or a contract." So that's that sorted. For now.
It's a Disaster is an absolute gem of a doomsday movie, about four couples who meet for brunch and find themselves in the middle of a chemical warfare attack,...
- 6/22/2012
- by Lisa Marks
- The Guardian - Film News
Julia Stiles has had a long and varied career since her breakout role opposite Heath Ledger in "10 Things I Hate About You," the '90s high school adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Since then she's been a Jason Bourne accomplice, danced with death on TV's "Dexter," delivered David Mamet dialogue on stage, and currently has a spate of new high profile film roles coming up. We caught up with the New Yorker on the phone on the eve of the world premiere of her latest flick, "It's a Disaster," an apocalyptic dramedy that will debut next week at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
"It's a Disaster" is the creative project of comedy troupe The Vacationeers (director Todd Berger and cast members/producers Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller, whose previous efforts include many web videos and the feature film "The Scenesters"). Stiles appeared in the...
"It's a Disaster" is the creative project of comedy troupe The Vacationeers (director Todd Berger and cast members/producers Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller, whose previous efforts include many web videos and the feature film "The Scenesters"). Stiles appeared in the...
- 6/13/2012
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
The lineup of the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival was announced today, and while there are a lot of impressive entries heading to the West Coast, not many of them are horror films. But there are a few that caught our eye so read on for the details.
This year's Los Angeles Film Festival runs from June 14th-24th; click here for ticket info. Below are the horror and horror-ish sounding films on the fest's slate; visit the official La Film Festival website for the full list.
Vampira and Me – (Director/Producer R. H. Greene) – Before Elvira there was Vampira, the playfully ghoulish host of a local L.A. late night horror movie show who became a national celebrity, then disappeared. This loving, personal portrait reveals the remarkable woman behind the chalk-white mask. ★ World Premiere
P-047 – Thailand (Director/Writer Kongdej Jaturanrasamee Producers Soros Sukhum, Kongdej Jaturanrasamee Cast Parinya Kwamwongwan, Aphichai Trakulphadejkrai) – Part meditation,...
This year's Los Angeles Film Festival runs from June 14th-24th; click here for ticket info. Below are the horror and horror-ish sounding films on the fest's slate; visit the official La Film Festival website for the full list.
Vampira and Me – (Director/Producer R. H. Greene) – Before Elvira there was Vampira, the playfully ghoulish host of a local L.A. late night horror movie show who became a national celebrity, then disappeared. This loving, personal portrait reveals the remarkable woman behind the chalk-white mask. ★ World Premiere
P-047 – Thailand (Director/Writer Kongdej Jaturanrasamee Producers Soros Sukhum, Kongdej Jaturanrasamee Cast Parinya Kwamwongwan, Aphichai Trakulphadejkrai) – Part meditation,...
- 5/1/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
*this poster has been removed because the owners of the film have threatened legal action against this Blog. And no thanks was received for being the only site to promote this silly looking film. So, please feel free to boycott It's a Disaster when the film is finally released as this is the course of action this film fan and free promoter for It's a Disaster will be taking.
A few details are coming in about a new comedy thriller called It's a Disaster. In this post-apocalyptic adventure, four couples meet only to find their relationships devolve into panic as the world comes to an end. An early concept poster for the film is seen left and Maya Entertainment has acquired distribution rights for this title. A release date is coming soon. For now, have a gander at the early cast details which include Julia Stiles (The Omen), David Cross ("Arrested Development") and America Ferrera.
A few details are coming in about a new comedy thriller called It's a Disaster. In this post-apocalyptic adventure, four couples meet only to find their relationships devolve into panic as the world comes to an end. An early concept poster for the film is seen left and Maya Entertainment has acquired distribution rights for this title. A release date is coming soon. For now, have a gander at the early cast details which include Julia Stiles (The Omen), David Cross ("Arrested Development") and America Ferrera.
- 1/21/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
[1] If you happened to catch a screening of Attack the Block this summer, you probably walked away thinking the same thing we did: this John Boyega kid is going to be a huge star. Well, Boyega's now landed his first part since Attack the Block opened, and it sounds like a great one. He'll play the lead, Donnie, in HBO's series Da Brick, a fictionalized telling of the earliest days of Mike Tyson's boxing career. Spike Lee is set to direct the pilot episode from a script by John Ridley (Three Kings), and will also executive produce along with Tyson, Ridley, Jim Lefkowitz, and Entourage creator Doug Ellin. Da Brick centers around a young man in modern-day Newark, NJ who gets released from juvenile detention on his 18th birthday. The series will aim to deal with larger issues like "what it means to be a young, black man in...
- 9/1/2011
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
Rachel Boston ("In Plain Sight") is joining Julia Stiles and America Ferrera in Todd Berger's new indie comedy "It's A Disaster" reports The Hollywood Reporter.
The comedy will revolve around four couples who meet for Sunday brunch, only to find themselves stranded in a house together as the world may be about to end.
Boston will play the role of a whip-smart wildcard named Lexi Kivel. Kevin Brennan, Jeff Grace, and Blaise Miller also star and shooting begins next month in Los Angeles.
The comedy will revolve around four couples who meet for Sunday brunch, only to find themselves stranded in a house together as the world may be about to end.
Boston will play the role of a whip-smart wildcard named Lexi Kivel. Kevin Brennan, Jeff Grace, and Blaise Miller also star and shooting begins next month in Los Angeles.
- 9/1/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
[1] Last season, FX's boxing drama Lights Out entered the canon of brilliant-but-cancelled television series, when piss-poor ratings brought about its demise despite plenty of critical love. Thankfully, things seem to be working out better for the series' acclaimed star, Holt McCallany, than they did for the show. The actor is now in talks for Gangster Squad, Ruben Fleischer's highly anticipated (well, by us) period cop drama. McCallany would be joining an absolutely top-notch cast which already includes Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Anthony Mackie, Michael Peña, and Giovanni Ribisi, with Bryan Cranston in negotiations [2]. How can you not get excited with a cast like that? Based on a series of articles by Paul Lieberman, Gangster Squad tells the story of an Lapd task force which was formed to fight organized crime and corruption in 1940s Los Angeles. Gosling, Brolin, Mackie, and Cranston will be on the Lapd side...
- 7/19/2011
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: When does breakfast turn into potential Armageddon? We’re going to have to check out “It’s a Disaster” to find out.
The literal-titled comedy just added Julia Stiles and America Ferrera in a movie about “four couples who meet for Sunday Brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end,” according to a release. Todd Berger will direct from his own script, and will feature members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, including Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, and Berger, himself.
“It’s a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I’m crazy too, but I’m thrilled they get my sense of humor. I’m excited to have them on board,” said Berger.
From the release:
Julia Stiles’ most recent project is Showtime’s critically acclaimed series Dexter,...
Hollywoodnews.com: When does breakfast turn into potential Armageddon? We’re going to have to check out “It’s a Disaster” to find out.
The literal-titled comedy just added Julia Stiles and America Ferrera in a movie about “four couples who meet for Sunday Brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end,” according to a release. Todd Berger will direct from his own script, and will feature members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, including Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, and Berger, himself.
“It’s a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I’m crazy too, but I’m thrilled they get my sense of humor. I’m excited to have them on board,” said Berger.
From the release:
Julia Stiles’ most recent project is Showtime’s critically acclaimed series Dexter,...
- 7/15/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Julia Stiles and America Ferrera have signed on to star in the disaster comedy aptly titled “It’s a Disaster.” The premise of the film is rather inventive and intriguing: “‘It’s a Disaster’ [is] a comedy about four couples who meet for Sunday Brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end.” The film will be written and directed by Todd Berger and Berger, Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller of comedy troupe The Vacationeers will also star in the film. “It’s a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I’m crazy too, but I’m...
- 7/15/2011
- by monique
- ShockYa
Filmmaker and actor Todd Berger moved forward with his independent comedy It’s a Disaster casting leads Julia Stiles and America Ferrera in the film. Berger, a member of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, wrote the comedy about four couples who gather for a Sunday brunch only to learn that the world is coming to an end and that they’re stuck with each other. Stiles and Ferrera joined cast members Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, all members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, as well as Berger. “It’s a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I’m crazy too, but I’m thrilled they get my sense of humor,” Berger said in a release. “I’m excited to have them on board.”...
- 7/15/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Filmmaker and actor Todd Berger moved forward with his independent comedy It’s a Disaster casting leads Julia Stiles and America Ferrera in the film. Berger, a member of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, wrote the comedy about four couples who gather for a Sunday brunch only to learn that the world is coming to an end and that they’re stuck with each other. Stiles and Ferrera joined cast members Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, all members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, as well as Berger. “It’s a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I’m crazy too, but I’m thrilled they get my sense of humor,” Berger said in a release. “I’m excited to have them on board.”...
- 7/15/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Filmmaker and actor Todd Berger moved forward with his independent comedy It’s a Disaster casting leads Julia Stiles and America Ferrera in the film. Berger, a member of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, wrote the comedy about four couples who gather for a Sunday brunch only to learn that the world is coming to an end and that they’re stuck with each other. Stiles and Ferrera joined cast members Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, all members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, as well as Berger. “It’s a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I’m crazy too, but I’m thrilled they get my sense of humor,” Berger said in a release. “I’m excited to have them on board.”...
- 7/15/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Is there anything more amusing than the end of the world? Improv comedy troupe The Vacationeers believe not, making it the hook for their second feature It's a Disaster, set to star Julia Stiles and America Ferrera.The film sounds a bit like Couples Retreat with an armageddon-y twist. The premise is that four couples meet for a nice quiet Sunday lunch, but end up stuck in the house indefinitely as the apocalypse apparently looms outside. "It's a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I'm crazy too, but I'm thrilled they get my sense of humour. I'm excited to have them on board," says Vacationeer Todd Berger. Stiles has just been working with Neil Labute; she probably needed a laugh.The Vacationeers are Berger, Kevin Brennan, Jeff Grace and Blaise Miller. They've been performing together since 2006, but are all reasonably successful under their own steam too.
- 7/15/2011
- EmpireOnline
Julia Stiles and America Ferrera have signed on for the film It's a Disaster from Vacationeer Productions.
The film follows four couples who meet for Sunday Brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world is about to end.
The film was written and directed by Todd Berger. Berger as well as Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller of comedy troupe The Vacationeers will also star in the film.
It is set to start shooiting in Los Angeles in early fall.
"It's a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I'm crazy too, but I'm thrilled they get my sense of humor. I'm excited to have them on board," said Berger in a statement.
Berger also write the Lionsgate/Jim Henson Co. film Happytime Murders.
The film follows four couples who meet for Sunday Brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world is about to end.
The film was written and directed by Todd Berger. Berger as well as Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller of comedy troupe The Vacationeers will also star in the film.
It is set to start shooiting in Los Angeles in early fall.
"It's a crazy story and I was convinced Julia and America would think I'm crazy too, but I'm thrilled they get my sense of humor. I'm excited to have them on board," said Berger in a statement.
Berger also write the Lionsgate/Jim Henson Co. film Happytime Murders.
- 7/14/2011
- by alyssa@mediavine.com (Alyssa Caverley)
- Reel Movie News
Two former teen queens have just signed on to star in an edgy indie flick.
Julia Stiles, who recently received her first Emmy nomination for her guest-starring role in "Dexter" (but who you remember from "10 Things I Hate About You"), and America Ferrera, of "Ugly Betty" fame, have signed on to play the leading ladies in "It's a Disaster."
They join a cast made of up the members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, which includes Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller and Todd Berger (who also happens to be writing and directing this round).
The comedy tells the story of four couples who meet for your typical Sunday brunch—only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end.
This high-concept romp is slated to shoot in Los Angeles in the early fall, The Hollywood Reporter reveals.
With talent like Stiles and Ferrera on board,...
Julia Stiles, who recently received her first Emmy nomination for her guest-starring role in "Dexter" (but who you remember from "10 Things I Hate About You"), and America Ferrera, of "Ugly Betty" fame, have signed on to play the leading ladies in "It's a Disaster."
They join a cast made of up the members of the comedy troupe The Vacationeers, which includes Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller and Todd Berger (who also happens to be writing and directing this round).
The comedy tells the story of four couples who meet for your typical Sunday brunch—only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end.
This high-concept romp is slated to shoot in Los Angeles in the early fall, The Hollywood Reporter reveals.
With talent like Stiles and Ferrera on board,...
- 7/14/2011
- by Elizabeth Durand
- NextMovie
Julia Stiles and America Ferrera are set to star in It's a Disaster , a comedy about four couples who meet for Sunday Brunch only to discover they are stuck in a house together as the world may be about to end. A film by Vacationeer Productions, It's a Disaster will be directed by Todd Berger, who also wrote the script. Kevin M. Brennan, Jeff Grace, Blaise Miller, and Todd Berger of comedy troupe The Vacationeers will also star in the film, which will shoot in Los Angeles in early fall and is currently in pre-production. Todd Berger is the writer behind the Lionsgate/Jim Henson Co. film Happytime Murders and also wrote and directed The Vacationeers' first feature film, The Scenesters . The Scenesters won the "Rosebud Award" at the 2010 Slamdance Film Festival,...
- 7/14/2011
- Comingsoon.net
Since 2009, crowd funding site Kickstarter has funneled a total of $60 million to over 24,000 projects high on creativity but low on cash. Since 2008, crowd funding site Indiegogo has helped raise awareness and millions of dollars to over 24,000 campaigns in 159 countries. With thousands seeking funding and thousands of thousands of dollars exchanging hands in exchange for credits, cameos, and signed copies of DVDs of upcoming projects, it’s time for some savvy comedy troupe to spoof the whole crowd funding phenomena. And the The Vactioneers recently did just that. You may know the crew comprised of Todd Berger, Kevin Brennan, Jeff Grace, and Blaise Miller from their work on the original web series The Googling (where the search, cloud computing, and internet technology giant actually does do some evil), their indie flick The Scenesters, or that time when they rejected Julia Stiles’ autograph. Related News:Crowd Funding for an Audience, Not Cash...
- 5/25/2011
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
Slamdance Film Festival has just released their list of competition features for the 2010 fest, and two titles popped out at me. These are both films that Slackerwood reviewed (and liked) during Austin Film Festival 2009, and both of them have Austin connections.
Cummings Farm is a comedy about several couples planning an weekend orgy outing on a farm. Actor/screenwriter Ted Beck is from Austin, and actress Yasmine Kittles was also in the Austin-shot 2006 film Gretchen. In her review, Jenn Brown called Cummings Farm "raunchy and insightful" and was impressed with Beck's performance.I called The Scenesters a "noir-mumblecore-l.A. homage comedy" in my review. The film is about some would-be auteurs who are shooting crime scenes and stumble across what they think is a serial killer murder mystery. Actor/writer/director Todd Berger and actor Kevin Brennan are both former University of Texas at Austin film students.
read more...
Cummings Farm is a comedy about several couples planning an weekend orgy outing on a farm. Actor/screenwriter Ted Beck is from Austin, and actress Yasmine Kittles was also in the Austin-shot 2006 film Gretchen. In her review, Jenn Brown called Cummings Farm "raunchy and insightful" and was impressed with Beck's performance.I called The Scenesters a "noir-mumblecore-l.A. homage comedy" in my review. The film is about some would-be auteurs who are shooting crime scenes and stumble across what they think is a serial killer murder mystery. Actor/writer/director Todd Berger and actor Kevin Brennan are both former University of Texas at Austin film students.
read more...
- 12/14/2009
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
Love movies and want to make a short road trip this weekend? Head to Fort Worth for the Lone Star International Film Festival (Lsiff), which runs from Wednesday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14. Lsiff kicks off on Sunday night with The Scenesters, which played Austin Film Festival last month. The noir-ish comedy is about a group of mumblecore-ish filmmakers trying to find a serial killer who's been murdering L.A. hipsters. Writer/director Todd Berger and actor Kevin Brennan both attended Ut in Austin.
Other films with an Austin connection scheduled for Lsiff include the quirky comedy Artois the Goat, which was shot in Austin and played SXSW this year (Jenn Brown's review); local filmmaker Kat Candler's short Love Bug, which won the Narrative Short Audience Award at Aff; and the Coen brothers' first feature, Blood Simple, which was shot in Austin, Hutto and Houston. Lsiff is also screening Tender Mercies,...
Other films with an Austin connection scheduled for Lsiff include the quirky comedy Artois the Goat, which was shot in Austin and played SXSW this year (Jenn Brown's review); local filmmaker Kat Candler's short Love Bug, which won the Narrative Short Audience Award at Aff; and the Coen brothers' first feature, Blood Simple, which was shot in Austin, Hutto and Houston. Lsiff is also screening Tender Mercies,...
- 11/10/2009
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
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