Ed Mintz, the founder of the motion picture industry’s tried-and-true audience polling service CinemaScore, died February 6. He was 83.
Known for its mathematical “Coca-Cola” algorithm developed by Mintz, CinemaScore has been prized by studios and exhibitors since its inception in the early 1980s as a domestic box office barometer for movies when it comes to its opening-night audience grades. Pre-pandemic, an A+ CinemaScore meant a movie could leg out to a 4.8x multiple off its U.S./Canada box office opening; a B+ meant a 3.2x multiple to final domestic gross; C+ and D+ 2.4x; and an F 2.2x.
CinemaScore continues to be operated by Mintz’s two sons, Harold and Ricky Mintz.
Mintz, a math wizard since his teenage years when he penned a book about square roots, The Mintz Method, sparked to the idea for CinemaScore in his late 30s in 1978. Mintz and his wife, along with another couple,...
Known for its mathematical “Coca-Cola” algorithm developed by Mintz, CinemaScore has been prized by studios and exhibitors since its inception in the early 1980s as a domestic box office barometer for movies when it comes to its opening-night audience grades. Pre-pandemic, an A+ CinemaScore meant a movie could leg out to a 4.8x multiple off its U.S./Canada box office opening; a B+ meant a 3.2x multiple to final domestic gross; C+ and D+ 2.4x; and an F 2.2x.
CinemaScore continues to be operated by Mintz’s two sons, Harold and Ricky Mintz.
Mintz, a math wizard since his teenage years when he penned a book about square roots, The Mintz Method, sparked to the idea for CinemaScore in his late 30s in 1978. Mintz and his wife, along with another couple,...
- 2/10/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Barry Reardon, the veteran film executive who served as Warner Bros.’ chief of theatrical distribution from 1978 to 1999, has died at age 92, the studio announced Monday.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of College of the Holy Cross and Trinity College, Reardon got his start at the printing company Litton Industries in 1957. A decade later, he made the jump to the entertainment industry with a job at Paramount Pictures as the associate to the VP of finance in their New York office.
From 1967 to 1975, he worked his way up to become the VP of marketing and distribution at Paramount before becoming the head of marketing and film procurement for General Cinemas, which at the time was America’s largest movie theater chain. He worked at General Cinemas for three years before being recruited by Warner Bros.
Also Read:
Jacky Oh, Cast Member on MTV’s ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ Dies at...
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of College of the Holy Cross and Trinity College, Reardon got his start at the printing company Litton Industries in 1957. A decade later, he made the jump to the entertainment industry with a job at Paramount Pictures as the associate to the VP of finance in their New York office.
From 1967 to 1975, he worked his way up to become the VP of marketing and distribution at Paramount before becoming the head of marketing and film procurement for General Cinemas, which at the time was America’s largest movie theater chain. He worked at General Cinemas for three years before being recruited by Warner Bros.
Also Read:
Jacky Oh, Cast Member on MTV’s ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ Dies at...
- 6/5/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
John Fithian, longtime head of the National Association of Theatre Owners, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Variety of Southern California as he prepares to step down after overseeing NATO through decades of transition.
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
- 4/5/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
"Star Wars" was in a strange place in 2007. Two years out from the release of "Revenge of the Sith," George Lucas' mega-lucrative prequel trilogy had yet to undergo the critical re-evaluation it would receive over the decades that followed its conclusion. At the time, people were (not unfairly) still a little too hung up on their clumsier and weirdly affectless narrative elements to fully appreciate just how shockingly insightful the films are when it comes to their commentary on U.S. politics and the ways history keeps repeating itself. It would also be another five years before Disney acquired Lucasfilm, at which point the "Star Wars" franchise would see a dramatic re-tooling in terms of its over-arching storytelling and thematic design.
Why, then, is 2007 a significant year for a galaxy far, far away? You see, dear reader, this was when Lucas began pitching "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" to TV networks,...
Why, then, is 2007 a significant year for a galaxy far, far away? You see, dear reader, this was when Lucas began pitching "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" to TV networks,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
New York Times bestselling author and CEO of the multimedia Hollis Company, Rachel Hollis, took to social today about the sudden loss of her ex-husband, former Disney President of Worldwide Distribution Dave Hollis.
Dave Hollis passed away Saturday at 47. No cause of death had been determined, but the family confirmed that the former Disney exec had been hospitalized due to heart issues.
Related Story Dave Hollis Dies: Former Disney Worldwide Distribution Chief Was 47 Related Story 'Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania' Looks To Swell To Franchise Best 280 Million Global Opening – Box Office Preview Related Story 'Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania' Review: Paul Rudd Is Back In Action But Has He Met His Match In Jonathan Majors' Kang & What Does It Mean For McU's Phase 5 Start?
“We are devastated,” Rachel Hollis wrote on Instagram. “I have no words and my heart is too broken to find them.”
Related: Hollywood & Media...
Dave Hollis passed away Saturday at 47. No cause of death had been determined, but the family confirmed that the former Disney exec had been hospitalized due to heart issues.
Related Story Dave Hollis Dies: Former Disney Worldwide Distribution Chief Was 47 Related Story 'Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania' Looks To Swell To Franchise Best 280 Million Global Opening – Box Office Preview Related Story 'Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania' Review: Paul Rudd Is Back In Action But Has He Met His Match In Jonathan Majors' Kang & What Does It Mean For McU's Phase 5 Start?
“We are devastated,” Rachel Hollis wrote on Instagram. “I have no words and my heart is too broken to find them.”
Related: Hollywood & Media...
- 2/15/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Roadside Attractions, Grindstone Entertainment, and Lionsgate have picked up North American distribution for Charlie Day’s feature directorial debut Fool’s Paradise.
Related Story Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Winners Through The Years – Photo Gallery Related Story Latinx House Returns To Sundance; 'Going Varsity In Mariachi' Doc & 'Divinity' Events Planned Related Story 'Emancipation's Antoine Fuqua To Direct Michael Jackson Biopic For Lionsgate; John Logan Script & 'Bohemian Rhapsody's Graham King Producing With Estate
The pic, previously entitled El Tonto, during its production, will get an exclusive run in theaters later this year. Lionsgate will release Fool’s Paradise on home entertainment.
Also written by the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia EP and star, Fool’s Paradise is a satirical comedy following a down-on-his0-luck publicist (Ken Jeong), who gets his lucky break when he discovers a man recently released from a mental health facility...
Related Story Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Winners Through The Years – Photo Gallery Related Story Latinx House Returns To Sundance; 'Going Varsity In Mariachi' Doc & 'Divinity' Events Planned Related Story 'Emancipation's Antoine Fuqua To Direct Michael Jackson Biopic For Lionsgate; John Logan Script & 'Bohemian Rhapsody's Graham King Producing With Estate
The pic, previously entitled El Tonto, during its production, will get an exclusive run in theaters later this year. Lionsgate will release Fool’s Paradise on home entertainment.
Also written by the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia EP and star, Fool’s Paradise is a satirical comedy following a down-on-his0-luck publicist (Ken Jeong), who gets his lucky break when he discovers a man recently released from a mental health facility...
- 1/18/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: One of Hollywood’s most colorful characters of recent decades, Elie Samaha, is making a comeback with L.A.-based Luminosity Entertainment.
Samaha, entrepreneur and producer of movies including The Whole Nine Yards, Battlefield Earth and The Pledge, is joining forces with fellow industry vets Daniel Diamond and Geno Taylor at Luminosity, which will look to finance, produce and distribute movies in the U.S., as well as handle international sales.
The company tells us it plans to develop and produce 15 films over the next two years, with budgets up to $50M per title. Genres will include action, thriller, urban, faith-based, comedy, family, fantasy and sci-fi with an eye toward diversity and global appeal.
Financing for the company includes investments by Samaha, Steven Markoff, Sherwin Jarol and Dr. David Wood. The Board of Advisors includes former Warner Bros Domestic Distribution President Dan Fellman, former William Morris Chairman Jim Wiatt...
Samaha, entrepreneur and producer of movies including The Whole Nine Yards, Battlefield Earth and The Pledge, is joining forces with fellow industry vets Daniel Diamond and Geno Taylor at Luminosity, which will look to finance, produce and distribute movies in the U.S., as well as handle international sales.
The company tells us it plans to develop and produce 15 films over the next two years, with budgets up to $50M per title. Genres will include action, thriller, urban, faith-based, comedy, family, fantasy and sci-fi with an eye toward diversity and global appeal.
Financing for the company includes investments by Samaha, Steven Markoff, Sherwin Jarol and Dr. David Wood. The Board of Advisors includes former Warner Bros Domestic Distribution President Dan Fellman, former William Morris Chairman Jim Wiatt...
- 9/23/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Anthony Hopkins’ new film “Zero Contact” is set to premiere as an Nft on a new global Nft distribution and viewing platform called Vuele, it was announced on Wednesday.
Vuele is a recently launched direct-to-consumer Nft platform, and “Zero Contact” marks the company’s first feature film acquisition. Users can become owners of exclusive, limited editions of films and collector Nft content which they can watch, collect, sell or trade on the platform.
“Zero Contact” was virtually produced in 17 territories during the Covid-19 pandemic last year. The thriller follows five characters based all over the world who are only connected by their devotion to the late tech titan Finley Hart (Hopkins). They are forced to work together to shut down his most secret invention — a machine that is either the answer to mankind’s problem, or the end of life on Earth.
“Everything about this film is unconventional, from the...
Vuele is a recently launched direct-to-consumer Nft platform, and “Zero Contact” marks the company’s first feature film acquisition. Users can become owners of exclusive, limited editions of films and collector Nft content which they can watch, collect, sell or trade on the platform.
“Zero Contact” was virtually produced in 17 territories during the Covid-19 pandemic last year. The thriller follows five characters based all over the world who are only connected by their devotion to the late tech titan Finley Hart (Hopkins). They are forced to work together to shut down his most secret invention — a machine that is either the answer to mankind’s problem, or the end of life on Earth.
“Everything about this film is unconventional, from the...
- 7/7/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
After partnering with Netflix for two 2019 movies and Amazon for “Logan Lucky” before that, Steven Soderbergh has returned to HBO. WarnerMedia has announced a three-year overall deal with the filmmaker to develop original content for HBO and HBO Max, which is exclusive to all forms of television and secures first-look rights to his feature films.
Soderbergh’s past collaborations with HBO include “Behind the Candelabra” and “Mosaic,” as well as “The Knick” for sister company Cinemax. He’s been making films with Warner Bros., a division of WarnerMedia, since 2001 (“Ocean’s Eleven”), and he’s currently working on the previously announced HBO Max film, “Let Them All Talk” starring Meryl Streep. Slated for 2020, the movie tells the story of a celebrated author (Streep) who takes a journey with some old friends to have some fun and heal old wounds.
“This arrangement grew out of talks Michael Sugar and I were having...
Soderbergh’s past collaborations with HBO include “Behind the Candelabra” and “Mosaic,” as well as “The Knick” for sister company Cinemax. He’s been making films with Warner Bros., a division of WarnerMedia, since 2001 (“Ocean’s Eleven”), and he’s currently working on the previously announced HBO Max film, “Let Them All Talk” starring Meryl Streep. Slated for 2020, the movie tells the story of a celebrated author (Streep) who takes a journey with some old friends to have some fun and heal old wounds.
“This arrangement grew out of talks Michael Sugar and I were having...
- 1/15/2020
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Thanks to Netflix, Manhattan still has The Paris. The 571-seat theater, and the borough’s last single-screen outlet, is now under a long-term lease from owner Sheldon Solow. A November 25 Netflix press release announced that it planned to “use the theater for special events, screenings, and theatrical releases of its films.”
Sounds simple enough, but things rarely are for the distribution disruptor. While it’s expected that The Paris will host its annual lineup of titles seeking film honors, the Netflix brand is very broad. Next year’s standouts might include the “Rebecca” remake with Lily James and Armie Hammer, Dee Rees’ “The Last Thing He Wanted” with Anne Hathaway and Ben Affleck, or Ryan Murphy’s remake of “The Boys in the Band.” The Paris also could play Michael Bay’s upcoming “6 Underground” starring Ryan Reynolds, or the Taylor Swift documentary “Miss Americana,” which opens the Sundance Film Festival next month.
Sounds simple enough, but things rarely are for the distribution disruptor. While it’s expected that The Paris will host its annual lineup of titles seeking film honors, the Netflix brand is very broad. Next year’s standouts might include the “Rebecca” remake with Lily James and Armie Hammer, Dee Rees’ “The Last Thing He Wanted” with Anne Hathaway and Ben Affleck, or Ryan Murphy’s remake of “The Boys in the Band.” The Paris also could play Michael Bay’s upcoming “6 Underground” starring Ryan Reynolds, or the Taylor Swift documentary “Miss Americana,” which opens the Sundance Film Festival next month.
- 12/6/2019
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Executive has served in range of distribution, exhibition roles.
Spencer Klein has joined Netflix where he will serve as director of distribution heading into an awards season that includes the streamer’s potentially heavyweight contender The Irishman from Martin Scorsese.
Klein will report to head of Netflix film Scott Stuber and will oversee the streaming giant’s theatrical distribution and plan film release strategies.
He arrives following the sudden death in January of Andy Gruenberg, who oversaw the theatrical plan for best international film Oscar winner Roma. Even though Netflix releases roughly 30 films a year theatrically – campaigns range from one...
Spencer Klein has joined Netflix where he will serve as director of distribution heading into an awards season that includes the streamer’s potentially heavyweight contender The Irishman from Martin Scorsese.
Klein will report to head of Netflix film Scott Stuber and will oversee the streaming giant’s theatrical distribution and plan film release strategies.
He arrives following the sudden death in January of Andy Gruenberg, who oversaw the theatrical plan for best international film Oscar winner Roma. Even though Netflix releases roughly 30 films a year theatrically – campaigns range from one...
- 6/4/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Netflix has hired former Fox executive Spencer Klein to serve as the streaming giant’s director of distribution on Tuesday.
Klein was former Fox distribution head Chris Aronson’s No. 2 at the studio before Disney began laying off employees following its $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox’s film and TV assets.
Klein, who will oversee Netflix’s distribution as it attempts to operate more like a full-fledged Hollywood studio, will report directly to Netflix’s head of film Scott Stuber.
Also Read: Netflix Hires Film Production Executive Kira Goldberg From Fox
In addition to Klein, the streamer has retained theatrical distribution veteran Lori Bandazian from Lionsgate as a New York-based consultant and the company extended the role of former Warner Bros. distribution chief Dan Fellman, who joined last year to help with, among other things, Netflix’s release of its Oscar-winning film “Roma.”
Netflix has consistently been criticized for its release...
Klein was former Fox distribution head Chris Aronson’s No. 2 at the studio before Disney began laying off employees following its $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox’s film and TV assets.
Klein, who will oversee Netflix’s distribution as it attempts to operate more like a full-fledged Hollywood studio, will report directly to Netflix’s head of film Scott Stuber.
Also Read: Netflix Hires Film Production Executive Kira Goldberg From Fox
In addition to Klein, the streamer has retained theatrical distribution veteran Lori Bandazian from Lionsgate as a New York-based consultant and the company extended the role of former Warner Bros. distribution chief Dan Fellman, who joined last year to help with, among other things, Netflix’s release of its Oscar-winning film “Roma.”
Netflix has consistently been criticized for its release...
- 6/4/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Netflix has hired 20th Century Fox distribution vet Spencer Klein as their Director of Theatrical Distribution. Klein will report to Netflix Film boss Scott Stuber.
One of the first big assignments here for Klein is overseeing the theatrical rollout of Netflix’s upcoming awards season slate which includes such titles as Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and Steven Soderbergh’s The Laundromat among many other titles. It has long been reported that the Scorsese team wants a wide theatrical release for The Irishman, and Klein is the type of guy who can sit down with big exhibition and have these types of talks as Netflix looks to capitalize the profile of their slate both in theaters and on streaming. Former Warner Bros. distribution czar Dan Fellman will continue to consult for Netflix. Klein steps in for the late Andy Gruenberg, who passed away suddenly in January after masterminding the...
One of the first big assignments here for Klein is overseeing the theatrical rollout of Netflix’s upcoming awards season slate which includes such titles as Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and Steven Soderbergh’s The Laundromat among many other titles. It has long been reported that the Scorsese team wants a wide theatrical release for The Irishman, and Klein is the type of guy who can sit down with big exhibition and have these types of talks as Netflix looks to capitalize the profile of their slate both in theaters and on streaming. Former Warner Bros. distribution czar Dan Fellman will continue to consult for Netflix. Klein steps in for the late Andy Gruenberg, who passed away suddenly in January after masterminding the...
- 6/4/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In a move that bolsters its theatrical distribution division, Netflix has hired Spencer Klein as director of distribution. The executive, who was Chris Aronson’s No. 2 at Fox, will oversee the company's efforts to release movies in theaters and become a full-fledged studio. He will report to Scott Stuber, head of Netflix Film.
The streaming giant also has brought on theatrical distribution veteran Lori Bandazian from Lionsgate as a New York-based consultant and extended the role of former Warner Bros. distribution chief Dan Fellman, who was enlisted last year to work on Roma's release, among other titles....
The streaming giant also has brought on theatrical distribution veteran Lori Bandazian from Lionsgate as a New York-based consultant and extended the role of former Warner Bros. distribution chief Dan Fellman, who was enlisted last year to work on Roma's release, among other titles....
In a move that bolsters its theatrical distribution division, Netflix has hired Spencer Klein as director of distribution. The executive, who was Chris Aronson’s No. 2 at Fox, will oversee the company's efforts to release movies in theaters and become a full-fledged studio. He will report to Scott Stuber, head of Netflix Film.
The streaming giant also has brought on theatrical distribution veteran Lori Bandazian from Lionsgate as a New York-based consultant and extended the role of former Warner Bros. distribution chief Dan Fellman, who was enlisted last year to work on Roma's release, among other titles....
The streaming giant also has brought on theatrical distribution veteran Lori Bandazian from Lionsgate as a New York-based consultant and extended the role of former Warner Bros. distribution chief Dan Fellman, who was enlisted last year to work on Roma's release, among other titles....
On April 23, when the Academy holds the next meeting for its Board of Governors, it will confront the future: What about the streamers? The Academy tabled the long-debated question at last month’s meeting, but now it’s expected to determine if Oscar rule changes are needed for Netflix, Apple, Disney+, and other streaming sites.
Steven Spielberg, who represents the directors branch, is a firm believer in making a substantial theatrical release an eligibility requirement. Since 2012, the Academy has demanded a one-week qualifying run in a “commercial theater” to be Oscar eligible; documentaries must be reviewed in New York or L.A. Spielberg may advocate to make day-and-date releases unacceptable — but the numbers may not be on Spielberg’s side.
The 54-member Board of Governors is packed with Netflix-friendly people, from the documentary and craft reps and indie producer Albert Berger to Participant’s David Linde and Christina Kounelias (“Green Book...
Steven Spielberg, who represents the directors branch, is a firm believer in making a substantial theatrical release an eligibility requirement. Since 2012, the Academy has demanded a one-week qualifying run in a “commercial theater” to be Oscar eligible; documentaries must be reviewed in New York or L.A. Spielberg may advocate to make day-and-date releases unacceptable — but the numbers may not be on Spielberg’s side.
The 54-member Board of Governors is packed with Netflix-friendly people, from the documentary and craft reps and indie producer Albert Berger to Participant’s David Linde and Christina Kounelias (“Green Book...
- 4/20/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
On April 23, when the Academy holds the next meeting for its Board of Governors, it will confront the future: What about the streamers? The Academy tabled the long-debated question at last month’s meeting, but now it’s expected to determine if Oscar rule changes are needed for Netflix, Apple, Disney+, and other streaming sites.
Steven Spielberg, who represents the directors branch, is a firm believer in making a substantial theatrical release an eligibility requirement. Since 2012, the Academy has demanded a one-week qualifying run in a “commercial theater” to be Oscar eligible; documentaries must be reviewed in New York or L.A. Spielberg may advocate to make day-and-date releases unacceptable — but the numbers may not be on Spielberg’s side.
The 54-member Board of Governors is packed with Netflix-friendly people, from the documentary and craft reps and indie producer Albert Berger to Participant’s David Linde and Christina Kounelias (“Green Book...
Steven Spielberg, who represents the directors branch, is a firm believer in making a substantial theatrical release an eligibility requirement. Since 2012, the Academy has demanded a one-week qualifying run in a “commercial theater” to be Oscar eligible; documentaries must be reviewed in New York or L.A. Spielberg may advocate to make day-and-date releases unacceptable — but the numbers may not be on Spielberg’s side.
The 54-member Board of Governors is packed with Netflix-friendly people, from the documentary and craft reps and indie producer Albert Berger to Participant’s David Linde and Christina Kounelias (“Green Book...
- 4/20/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Netflix is a digital disruptor that’s done more than almost any company to upend the media business, and yet so much recent chatter about the streamer revolves around movie theaters.
Last week’s news that the streaming giant was in negotiations to buy Hollywood’s iconic Egyptian Theatre from the American Cinematheque is Netflix’s latest brush with a theatrical film establishment that views it as tantamount to the plague. That relationship is expected to grow more intertwined: Netflix is inching closer to a grand bargain that could enable some of its movies to play in some of the country’s largest chains, insiders told Variety.
Conversations between Netflix and these exhibition giants are centered on the upcoming release of Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman.” The director is intent on a splashy theatrical rollout for the crime drama, insiders say, which marks his ninth collaboration with Robert De Niro...
Last week’s news that the streaming giant was in negotiations to buy Hollywood’s iconic Egyptian Theatre from the American Cinematheque is Netflix’s latest brush with a theatrical film establishment that views it as tantamount to the plague. That relationship is expected to grow more intertwined: Netflix is inching closer to a grand bargain that could enable some of its movies to play in some of the country’s largest chains, insiders told Variety.
Conversations between Netflix and these exhibition giants are centered on the upcoming release of Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman.” The director is intent on a splashy theatrical rollout for the crime drama, insiders say, which marks his ninth collaboration with Robert De Niro...
- 4/16/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Tsujihara’s long tenure at Warner Bros. was saluted Wednesday evening with a reception on the studio lot that drew about 75 people, including his predecessors in the CEO suite, Bob Daly and Barry Meyer.
There was a melancholy air about the gathering in the lobby of the Steven J. Ross Theater because of the circumstances of Tsujihara’s hasty departure. After six years as Warner Bros. chairman-ceo and 25 years with the studio overall, Tsujihara was forced to resign March 18 amid the scandal spurred by the revelation that he had extramarital affair with actress Charlotte Kirk in 2013, and allegations that he used his position to help her land small roles in Warner Bros. movies.
The gathering was hosted by WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey, the former At&T executive who made the call to force Tsujihara to resign as a result of what Stankey characterized as his “mistakes” that were “inconsistent” with...
There was a melancholy air about the gathering in the lobby of the Steven J. Ross Theater because of the circumstances of Tsujihara’s hasty departure. After six years as Warner Bros. chairman-ceo and 25 years with the studio overall, Tsujihara was forced to resign March 18 amid the scandal spurred by the revelation that he had extramarital affair with actress Charlotte Kirk in 2013, and allegations that he used his position to help her land small roles in Warner Bros. movies.
The gathering was hosted by WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey, the former At&T executive who made the call to force Tsujihara to resign as a result of what Stankey characterized as his “mistakes” that were “inconsistent” with...
- 3/28/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Thanks to its $20 million acquisition of “Roma,” the ultimate cinephile’s delight, Netflix is in the midst of a major overhaul of its theatrical release strategy. A black-and-white, 65mm, Dolby Atmos, Spanish-language, semi-autobiographical personal journey back to 1971 Mexico City for Best-Director winner Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity”), it played the New York Film Festival this week. That’s its fourth festival berth since the film’s August Venice debut, where Cuarón won the Golden Lion.
From here, Netflix is booking the film in multiple regional festivals with the best possible screens and sound, from Mill Valley, Calif. and Middleburg, Va. to the inaugural Film Fest 919 in Chapel Hill, N.C. It wants as many moviegoers as possible to watch it on the big screen — along with Netflix’s new animated logo. That’s clearly where it should be seen.
What that new release strategy will look like is a work in progress,...
From here, Netflix is booking the film in multiple regional festivals with the best possible screens and sound, from Mill Valley, Calif. and Middleburg, Va. to the inaugural Film Fest 919 in Chapel Hill, N.C. It wants as many moviegoers as possible to watch it on the big screen — along with Netflix’s new animated logo. That’s clearly where it should be seen.
What that new release strategy will look like is a work in progress,...
- 10/6/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Thanks to its $20 million acquisition of “Roma,” the ultimate cinephile’s delight, Netflix is in the midst of a major overhaul of its theatrical release strategy. A black-and-white, 65mm, Dolby Atmos, Spanish-language, semi-autobiographical personal journey back to 1971 Mexico City for Best-Director winner Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity”), it played the New York Film Festival this week. That’s its fourth festival berth since the film’s August Venice debut, where Cuarón won the Golden Lion.
From here, Netflix is booking the film in multiple regional festivals with the best possible screens and sound, from Mill Valley, Calif. and Middleburg, Va. to the inaugural Film Fest 919 in Chapel Hill, N.C. It wants as many moviegoers as possible to watch it on the big screen — along with Netflix’s new animated logo. That’s clearly where it should be seen.
What that new release strategy will look like is a work in progress,...
From here, Netflix is booking the film in multiple regional festivals with the best possible screens and sound, from Mill Valley, Calif. and Middleburg, Va. to the inaugural Film Fest 919 in Chapel Hill, N.C. It wants as many moviegoers as possible to watch it on the big screen — along with Netflix’s new animated logo. That’s clearly where it should be seen.
What that new release strategy will look like is a work in progress,...
- 10/6/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Netflix’s theatrical release plans for some of its fall Oscar contenders are beginning to take shape. The company will release “22 July,” a drama about the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway that claimed the lives of 77 people, on Oct. 10. The film will launch on its streaming service and will have a simultaneous theatrical run on roughly 100 screens around the world, Variety has learned. It is one of the widest theatrical releases in Netflix’s history.
“22 July” was directed by Paul Greengrass (“Captain Phillips”) and earned strong reviews when it screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice International Film Festival. It will have a special presentation solely in theaters in Scandinavia beginning on Oct. 4 that will last until Oct. 10, at which point the film will be available on Netflix’s platform.
“22 July” will be released in Los Angeles, New York City, Albany, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis,...
“22 July” was directed by Paul Greengrass (“Captain Phillips”) and earned strong reviews when it screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice International Film Festival. It will have a special presentation solely in theaters in Scandinavia beginning on Oct. 4 that will last until Oct. 10, at which point the film will be available on Netflix’s platform.
“22 July” will be released in Los Angeles, New York City, Albany, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis,...
- 10/1/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Weeks after Disney announced that worldwide distribution chief Dave Hollis would be leaving the studio after 17 years, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Studios chairman Alan Horn gave him the warmest of goodbyes at CinemaCon.
Horn said that when he was at Warner Bros, he considered that studio’s former distribution boss Dan Fellman “the dean of distribution. When I left, I thought I’ll never see his equal, but I have and it’s Dave Hollis.”
What box office records didn’t Disney break during Hollis’ tenure? In 2016, his department led the studio to an all-time industry record of $7 billion globally, $3 billion worldwide in a calendar year. Last year, Disney became the only major Hollywood studio to surpass the $6 billion mark worldwide twice. Hollis has seen 12 Disney releases clear north of $1 billion at the global box office, and one over $2 billion (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) during the past seven years.
Horn said that when he was at Warner Bros, he considered that studio’s former distribution boss Dan Fellman “the dean of distribution. When I left, I thought I’ll never see his equal, but I have and it’s Dave Hollis.”
What box office records didn’t Disney break during Hollis’ tenure? In 2016, his department led the studio to an all-time industry record of $7 billion globally, $3 billion worldwide in a calendar year. Last year, Disney became the only major Hollywood studio to surpass the $6 billion mark worldwide twice. Hollis has seen 12 Disney releases clear north of $1 billion at the global box office, and one over $2 billion (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) during the past seven years.
- 4/24/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Fellman, a veteran Warner Bros. executive, has been named to the board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following the resignation of Bill Mechanic.
Mechanic stepped down on April 12, citing a variety of concerns about the Oscar broadcast, the Academy’s diversity and sexual harassment initiatives, and the leadership of CEO Dawn Hudson.
Under Academy rules, board vacancies are filled by appointment of the second-place finisher in the previous board election. Fellman will serve the remainder of Mechanic’s term, which expires on June 30, 2019.
Fellman previously served a three-year term on the board from 2014 to 2017.
Fellman, a longtime distribution executive, retired from Warner Bros. in 2015 following a four-decade career with the studio. Fellman will be one of three representatives on the 54-member board of the Academy’s executives branch.
In his resignation letter, Mechanic said the Oscar broadcast has become “long and boring,” and said the Academy nominated too many small,...
Mechanic stepped down on April 12, citing a variety of concerns about the Oscar broadcast, the Academy’s diversity and sexual harassment initiatives, and the leadership of CEO Dawn Hudson.
Under Academy rules, board vacancies are filled by appointment of the second-place finisher in the previous board election. Fellman will serve the remainder of Mechanic’s term, which expires on June 30, 2019.
Fellman previously served a three-year term on the board from 2014 to 2017.
Fellman, a longtime distribution executive, retired from Warner Bros. in 2015 following a four-decade career with the studio. Fellman will be one of three representatives on the 54-member board of the Academy’s executives branch.
In his resignation letter, Mechanic said the Oscar broadcast has become “long and boring,” and said the Academy nominated too many small,...
- 4/18/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
If you want to understand the myriad problems facing the Academy, just ask former board member Bill Mechanic. In a blistering resignation letter addressed to Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences president John Bailey, the producer and former studio head lays it bare: Oscars are long and boring. The Academy Museum is a mess. Academy leadership is consumed by politics.
Mechanic’s frustration cements his reputation as a straight shooter:
You can’t hide the drainage of employees, the cataclysmic decline in the Oscar ratings, the fact that no popular film has won in over a decade; that we decided to play Moral Police and most probably someone inside the Academy leaked confidential information in order to compromise the President; that the Board doesn’t feel their voice is being heard with regard to the Museum; that we have allowed the Academy to be blamed for things way beyond...
Mechanic’s frustration cements his reputation as a straight shooter:
You can’t hide the drainage of employees, the cataclysmic decline in the Oscar ratings, the fact that no popular film has won in over a decade; that we decided to play Moral Police and most probably someone inside the Academy leaked confidential information in order to compromise the President; that the Board doesn’t feel their voice is being heard with regard to the Museum; that we have allowed the Academy to be blamed for things way beyond...
- 4/18/2018
- by Anne Thompson and Dana Harris
- Thompson on Hollywood
If you want to understand the myriad problems facing the Academy, just ask former board member Bill Mechanic. In a blistering resignation letter addressed to Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences president John Bailey, the producer and former studio head lays it bare: Oscars are long and boring. The Academy Museum is a mess. Academy leadership is consumed by politics.
Mechanic’s frustration cements his reputation as a straight shooter:
You can’t hide the drainage of employees, the cataclysmic decline in the Oscar ratings, the fact that no popular film has won in over a decade; that we decided to play Moral Police and most probably someone inside the Academy leaked confidential information in order to compromise the President; that the Board doesn’t feel their voice is being heard with regard to the Museum; that we have allowed the Academy to be blamed for things way beyond...
Mechanic’s frustration cements his reputation as a straight shooter:
You can’t hide the drainage of employees, the cataclysmic decline in the Oscar ratings, the fact that no popular film has won in over a decade; that we decided to play Moral Police and most probably someone inside the Academy leaked confidential information in order to compromise the President; that the Board doesn’t feel their voice is being heard with regard to the Museum; that we have allowed the Academy to be blamed for things way beyond...
- 4/18/2018
- by Anne Thompson and Dana Harris
- Indiewire
Dan Fellman, the longtime Warner Bros distribution exec who retired in 2015, has been named governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Executives Branch, where he will serve out the term of Bill Mechanic, who resigned the post last week in news that broke yesterday.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Mechanic and now Fellman’s governor term expires June 30, 2019.
Mechanic’s exit had an incendiary backstory, as well as a letter he wrote to the board upon his resignation April 12. Sources said part of the ire was directed toward the sudden bullishness of the Academy over #MeToo issues and plans to punish for indiscretions, and also in the way that an inappropriate behavior allegation leveled at AMPAS president John Bailey was leaked internally to press. The Academy later found the complaint to be unsubstantiated and its president was cleared.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Mechanic and now Fellman’s governor term expires June 30, 2019.
Mechanic’s exit had an incendiary backstory, as well as a letter he wrote to the board upon his resignation April 12. Sources said part of the ire was directed toward the sudden bullishness of the Academy over #MeToo issues and plans to punish for indiscretions, and also in the way that an inappropriate behavior allegation leveled at AMPAS president John Bailey was leaked internally to press. The Academy later found the complaint to be unsubstantiated and its president was cleared.
- 4/18/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Sue Kroll, the former marketing and distribution head at Warner Bros., is launching her own production label titled Kroll & Co. Entertainment at the lot in Burbank, the studio announced Wednesday.
Kroll is already involved in the production and development of a range of feature film projects, but she is also looking to develop television, digital and other content.
As a producer, Kroll’s upcoming projects include the sci-fi thriller “Nemesis,” alongside producer Ridley Scott and Jules Daly, as well as the Ya drama “The Selection” and the untitled comedy starring Sandra Bullock. She also is working on the action thriller “The Six Billion Dollar Man” starring Mark Wahlberg.
Also Read: Warner Bros Leadership Shake-Up: Toby Emmerich to Run Studio, Sue Kroll Steps Down
“My passion for film and television and for telling great stories is not only the cornerstone of my wonderful career, but has also been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl enthralled by the moving image,” stated Kroll. “I am excited to be collaborating in this new capacity with amazing, visionary filmmakers, many of whom I have known and worked with, and to also champion new and unique voices. This is just the beginning and I am thrilled about our slate of films and our incredible filmmaking partners.”
Kroll most recently served as Warner Bros. Pictures president of worldwide marketing and distribution. She first joined the studio in 1994, and under her leadership the studio won the Best Picture Oscar for “Argo” as well as Best Animated Feature Oscar for “Happy Feet.” The studio has also received nominations for “Dunkirk,” “The Blind Side,” “Inception,” “American Sniper” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” during her tenure.
On Jan. 9, Warner Bros. promoted Toby Emmerich to chairman of the motion picture group while Kroll stepped aside to pursue a production deal. At the time, it was said she would transition into a three-year producing deal starting in April with her duties running distribution and marketing handed to two other veteran Warner Bros. executives.
Also Read: Sue Kroll Named President of Worldwide Distribution at Warner Bros., Dan Fellman Exits
Kroll will also next serve as an executive producer on “A Star Is Born,” which is directed and produced by Bradley Cooper and will star Lady Gaga. She also has an executive producer credit on Edward Norton’s “Motherless Brooklyn” and “The Goldfinch.”
Rounding out Kroll & Co. Entertainment are Svp of Development and Production Jennifer Malloy, Creative Executive Olivia Heighten, Chelsea Bradshaw as operations/production executive and administrative assistant Nicole Kraft.
Read original story Former Warner Bros Exec Sue Kroll Launches Own Production Banner on Studio Lot At TheWrap...
Kroll is already involved in the production and development of a range of feature film projects, but she is also looking to develop television, digital and other content.
As a producer, Kroll’s upcoming projects include the sci-fi thriller “Nemesis,” alongside producer Ridley Scott and Jules Daly, as well as the Ya drama “The Selection” and the untitled comedy starring Sandra Bullock. She also is working on the action thriller “The Six Billion Dollar Man” starring Mark Wahlberg.
Also Read: Warner Bros Leadership Shake-Up: Toby Emmerich to Run Studio, Sue Kroll Steps Down
“My passion for film and television and for telling great stories is not only the cornerstone of my wonderful career, but has also been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl enthralled by the moving image,” stated Kroll. “I am excited to be collaborating in this new capacity with amazing, visionary filmmakers, many of whom I have known and worked with, and to also champion new and unique voices. This is just the beginning and I am thrilled about our slate of films and our incredible filmmaking partners.”
Kroll most recently served as Warner Bros. Pictures president of worldwide marketing and distribution. She first joined the studio in 1994, and under her leadership the studio won the Best Picture Oscar for “Argo” as well as Best Animated Feature Oscar for “Happy Feet.” The studio has also received nominations for “Dunkirk,” “The Blind Side,” “Inception,” “American Sniper” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” during her tenure.
On Jan. 9, Warner Bros. promoted Toby Emmerich to chairman of the motion picture group while Kroll stepped aside to pursue a production deal. At the time, it was said she would transition into a three-year producing deal starting in April with her duties running distribution and marketing handed to two other veteran Warner Bros. executives.
Also Read: Sue Kroll Named President of Worldwide Distribution at Warner Bros., Dan Fellman Exits
Kroll will also next serve as an executive producer on “A Star Is Born,” which is directed and produced by Bradley Cooper and will star Lady Gaga. She also has an executive producer credit on Edward Norton’s “Motherless Brooklyn” and “The Goldfinch.”
Rounding out Kroll & Co. Entertainment are Svp of Development and Production Jennifer Malloy, Creative Executive Olivia Heighten, Chelsea Bradshaw as operations/production executive and administrative assistant Nicole Kraft.
Read original story Former Warner Bros Exec Sue Kroll Launches Own Production Banner on Studio Lot At TheWrap...
- 4/4/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Steven Soderbergh’s “Logan Lucky” opened to $7.6 million this weekend, well short of its tracking and good for only #3 on the worst summer weekend in two years. This, despite a cast full of draws like Daniel Craig and Channing Tatum, strong reviews, a distribution team of A players, and (overhyped) coverage of its would-be groundbreaking marketing and release plan.
As it turned out, those elements contributed to a complex set of factors that resulted in this meh of a weekend.
Here’s some key ones:
“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” Got in the Way
Studios largely abandoned August, a month that in recent years saw “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Suicide Squad” thrive. Enter Lionsgate, which knows how to find opportunistic dates for its genre films. In this case, “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” overlapped some of what “Logan Lucky” had to offer, and offered greater appeal.
Read More:‘Hitman’s Bodyguard...
As it turned out, those elements contributed to a complex set of factors that resulted in this meh of a weekend.
Here’s some key ones:
“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” Got in the Way
Studios largely abandoned August, a month that in recent years saw “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Suicide Squad” thrive. Enter Lionsgate, which knows how to find opportunistic dates for its genre films. In this case, “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” overlapped some of what “Logan Lucky” had to offer, and offered greater appeal.
Read More:‘Hitman’s Bodyguard...
- 8/21/2017
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
We saw Soderbergh’s new film today and it is a gem.
by Peter Belsito and Sydney Levine, editor
Supposedly he wrote, shot and directed Logan Lucky although the writing credit goes to Rebecca Blunt, that is conjectured to be a pseudonym.
Logan Lucky
The movie is a low key, understated, hilarious, heist film with many characters who are mostly working class (mean Southern here). The principals devise an incredibly complex heist scheme that is a joy to watch and so funny that they could actually pull it off.
These shrewd ‘hillbilly’ types (West Virginia) go after the concession stand dollars at a huge fan car racetrack event (Coca-Cola 600 Nascar race). These dollars are moved to an underground vault through a large system of air tubes (pneumatics) and our crew figures out how to intercept and take the money in a variety of extremely clever and hilarious maneuvers. Timing is...
by Peter Belsito and Sydney Levine, editor
Supposedly he wrote, shot and directed Logan Lucky although the writing credit goes to Rebecca Blunt, that is conjectured to be a pseudonym.
Logan Lucky
The movie is a low key, understated, hilarious, heist film with many characters who are mostly working class (mean Southern here). The principals devise an incredibly complex heist scheme that is a joy to watch and so funny that they could actually pull it off.
These shrewd ‘hillbilly’ types (West Virginia) go after the concession stand dollars at a huge fan car racetrack event (Coca-Cola 600 Nascar race). These dollars are moved to an underground vault through a large system of air tubes (pneumatics) and our crew figures out how to intercept and take the money in a variety of extremely clever and hilarious maneuvers. Timing is...
- 8/21/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
In a career that began with “sex lies and videotape” in 1989, “Logan Lucky” is Steven Soderbergh’s 26th theatrical release. It will extend his record as the top-grossing American director to come out of the independent scene in its formative years — a period we’ll define as 1975 (Joan Micklin Silver’s “Hester Street”) through 1992 (Quentin Tarantino’s debut, “Reservoir Dogs”).
To be clear, Soderbergh’s an outlier; his billion-dollar box office dwarfs every other indie filmmaker. However, looking at the performance of his contemporaries who got their start in that indie film movement, you may be surprised at who’s on the list. (Note: “Outside wide release” means less than 1,000 screens. Also, the list doesn’t include directors like Sam Raimi and Abel Ferrara, who have independent roots but were not discovered via the film festival/arthouse pathway, or Alan Rudolph, another significant ’80s figure; he started in horror films in the early ’70s.
To be clear, Soderbergh’s an outlier; his billion-dollar box office dwarfs every other indie filmmaker. However, looking at the performance of his contemporaries who got their start in that indie film movement, you may be surprised at who’s on the list. (Note: “Outside wide release” means less than 1,000 screens. Also, the list doesn’t include directors like Sam Raimi and Abel Ferrara, who have independent roots but were not discovered via the film festival/arthouse pathway, or Alan Rudolph, another significant ’80s figure; he started in horror films in the early ’70s.
- 8/19/2017
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Amazon has announced a new partnership with famed director Steven Soderbergh, who has once again emerged from retirement to direct Logan Lucky -- a heist comedy starring Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, Adam Driver, Seth MacFarlane, and Hilary Swank. That film, which is slated to hit theaters on August 18, will premiere on Prime Video during its first-run U.S. streaming window, which Amazon expects will be in the first quarter of 2018.
At the same time, Amazon has inked a two-year exclusive first-look deal with Fingerprint Releasing -- an independent film distribution company formed by Soderbergh and longtime Warner Bros. executive Dan Fellman.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
At the same time, Amazon has inked a two-year exclusive first-look deal with Fingerprint Releasing -- an independent film distribution company formed by Soderbergh and longtime Warner Bros. executive Dan Fellman.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 5/26/2017
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Amazon is getting into business with Steven Soderbergh's Fingerprint Releasing.
The e-commerce giant has nabbed the streaming rights to Soderbergh's Logan Lucky to kick-start a two-year first-look deal with the new domestic film distributor formed by the Ocean's Eleven director and piloted by Dan Fellman, former longtime president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros.
As part of their deal, Amazon will offer strategic P&A financing to bolster the marketing of Fingerprint’s theatrical releases. Prime Video customers will also be able to stream Logan Lucky during the film's home entertainment window. The movie is set to hit theaters on...
The e-commerce giant has nabbed the streaming rights to Soderbergh's Logan Lucky to kick-start a two-year first-look deal with the new domestic film distributor formed by the Ocean's Eleven director and piloted by Dan Fellman, former longtime president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros.
As part of their deal, Amazon will offer strategic P&A financing to bolster the marketing of Fingerprint’s theatrical releases. Prime Video customers will also be able to stream Logan Lucky during the film's home entertainment window. The movie is set to hit theaters on...
- 5/25/2017
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bleecker Street set to distribute in the U.S.; film gets August release date.
Bleecker Street are partnering with Fingerprint Releasing to distribute Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky in the United States.
The film, Soderbergh’s first after a four-year hiatus, is set for wide release in the U.S. on 18 August.
Logan Lucky is a thriller about two brothers who attempt a heist during a Nascar race. It stars Daniel Craig (pictured), Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough, Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane, Katie Holmes and Katherine Waterston.
Glen Basner of FilmNation is handling international sales. FilmNation previously handled Magic Mike and Side Effects for Soderbergh.
Fingerprint Releasing was created by Soderbergh and is piloted by former Warner Bros. head of distribution Dan Fellman.
Says Soderbergh: “This is the result of sixteen years of conversations I’ve had with Dan about creating a new distribution paradigm for star-driven, wide release projects. With Logan Lucky I have the right movie, the...
Bleecker Street are partnering with Fingerprint Releasing to distribute Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky in the United States.
The film, Soderbergh’s first after a four-year hiatus, is set for wide release in the U.S. on 18 August.
Logan Lucky is a thriller about two brothers who attempt a heist during a Nascar race. It stars Daniel Craig (pictured), Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough, Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane, Katie Holmes and Katherine Waterston.
Glen Basner of FilmNation is handling international sales. FilmNation previously handled Magic Mike and Side Effects for Soderbergh.
Fingerprint Releasing was created by Soderbergh and is piloted by former Warner Bros. head of distribution Dan Fellman.
Says Soderbergh: “This is the result of sixteen years of conversations I’ve had with Dan about creating a new distribution paradigm for star-driven, wide release projects. With Logan Lucky I have the right movie, the...
- 2/17/2017
- ScreenDaily
Steven Soderbergh’s first theatrical release since “Side Effects” in 2013 now has a release date. “Logan Lucky,” his new comedy starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, and Riley Keough, will be released August 18.
Bleecker Street and Soderbergh’s newly formed Fingerprint Releasing have partnered for a wide release at the end of the summer. Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane, Katie Holmes, and Katerine Waterston co-star.
Here’s the official synopsis: Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Read More: Film Festival Roundup: Sun-Ray Cinema Unveils Sleeping Giant Fest, Sfiff Announces Closing Night and More
According to the press release, the production shot at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the actual Nascar Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500, as well as at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Six actual Nascar...
Bleecker Street and Soderbergh’s newly formed Fingerprint Releasing have partnered for a wide release at the end of the summer. Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane, Katie Holmes, and Katerine Waterston co-star.
Here’s the official synopsis: Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Read More: Film Festival Roundup: Sun-Ray Cinema Unveils Sleeping Giant Fest, Sfiff Announces Closing Night and More
According to the press release, the production shot at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the actual Nascar Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500, as well as at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Six actual Nascar...
- 2/16/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Although he’s directed two seasons of The Knick, another entire TV show yet to premiere, and an HBO movie, Steven Soderbergh hasn’t helmed a theatrical feature since Side Effects over four years ago. He’ll finally return this year with Logan Lucky, which features the eclectic cast of Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, Adam Driver, Riley Keough, Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane, Katie Holmes, Katherine Waterston, Dwight Yoakam, Sebastian Stan, David Denman, Macon Blair, Jack Quaid, and Brian Gleeson (not to mention cameos from six Nascar drivers).
The Rebecca Blunt-scripted heist comedy follows a pair of brothers, Jimmy (Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Driver), who attempt to reverse a family curse by executing an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While it was initially rumored to be arriving in October, it’s now been set for an August opening by Bleecker Street and Fingerprint Releasing,...
The Rebecca Blunt-scripted heist comedy follows a pair of brothers, Jimmy (Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Driver), who attempt to reverse a family curse by executing an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While it was initially rumored to be arriving in October, it’s now been set for an August opening by Bleecker Street and Fingerprint Releasing,...
- 2/16/2017
- by Mike Mazzanti
- The Film Stage
A version of this story first appeared in the Jan. 22 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. During Dan Fellman’s retirement party at the Four Seasons on Nov. 11, Clint Eastwood announced to the VIP crowd — among them Adam Sandler, Brett Ratner, Sylvester Stallone, Todd Phillips and Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara — that though the studio’s longtime president of domestic distribution was stepping down, he’s “going to release my next picture, whenever that is.” Eastwood wasn't kidding. That film looks to be Eastwood's Miracle on the Hudson drama Sully,
read more...
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- 1/15/2016
- by Chris Gardner, Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dan Fellman, the outgoing distribution president at Warner Bros., is a big New York Yankees fan. Coincidentally, his studio has for years been the Bronx Bombers of the movie industry, spending more than other studios and taking big swings at blockbuster projects that bring in home runs. But not this year. Of the 21 movies Warner Bros. has rolled out in 2015, only two have made more than $100 million domestically: the Dwayne Johnson earthquake epic “San Andreas” and George Miller‘s long-gestating sequel “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The studio’s top five films have grossed less than half than those each of.
- 10/23/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
It was 11 years ago that Warner Bros. last tried to deliver a successful Scooby-Doo movie into cinemas – and they would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for all that pesky live-action business. For we all know that the Scooby Gang works best in animation – and it would seem that the studio behind the legendary cartoon has come to accept this, too. Warner Bros. has now confirmed that an animated Scooby-Doo film will arrive in theatres in 2018.
Scooby-Doo was created in 1969 by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, and was conceived as a Saturday morning cartoon about four teenage friends and their titular talking Great Dane. The group works together to solve mysteries that appear, on the surface, to involve elements of the supernatural. The show has continued in various guises, on and off, for thirty six years, and has enjoyed enduring fandom and popularity across generations of children and adults.
Scooby-Doo was created in 1969 by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, and was conceived as a Saturday morning cartoon about four teenage friends and their titular talking Great Dane. The group works together to solve mysteries that appear, on the surface, to involve elements of the supernatural. The show has continued in various guises, on and off, for thirty six years, and has enjoyed enduring fandom and popularity across generations of children and adults.
- 8/17/2015
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
Scooby-Doo and his crime-busting pals will soon embark on a brand new comedy adventure, as Warner Bros. Pictures prepares to bring the beloved Hanna-Barbera franchise back to theaters on September 21, 2018.
The announcement was made jointly today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film reunites Oscar-nominated producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle (“American Hustle”), who previously produced the Studio’s hugely successful live-action features “Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.”
Joining them is BAFTA Award-winning producer Allison Abbate (“The Iron Giant”), who produced the Oscar-nominated features “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” and “Frankenweenie.”
It will be directed by multiple Emmy Award nominee Tony Cervone (“Space Jam,” Cartoon Network’s “The Looney Tunes Show” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”). Renowned...
The announcement was made jointly today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film reunites Oscar-nominated producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle (“American Hustle”), who previously produced the Studio’s hugely successful live-action features “Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.”
Joining them is BAFTA Award-winning producer Allison Abbate (“The Iron Giant”), who produced the Oscar-nominated features “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” and “Frankenweenie.”
It will be directed by multiple Emmy Award nominee Tony Cervone (“Space Jam,” Cartoon Network’s “The Looney Tunes Show” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”). Renowned...
- 8/17/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The game is on in 2017. Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures’ Ready Player One – the already much-anticipated sci-fi action adventure, to be directed by Steven Spielberg – has been slated for release on December 15, 2017.
The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution; Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution; and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
A three-time Academy Award winner, Spielberg (“Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan”) is directing Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon.
The film is being produced by Spielberg; Donald De Line, under his De Line Pictures banner; Dan Farah; and Spielberg’s longtime colleague Kristie Macosko Krieger; with Bruce Berman serving as executive producer. De Line and Farah originally brought the project to Warner Bros.
Ready Player One marks a return to Warner Bros. for Spielberg,...
The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution; Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution; and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
A three-time Academy Award winner, Spielberg (“Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan”) is directing Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon.
The film is being produced by Spielberg; Donald De Line, under his De Line Pictures banner; Dan Farah; and Spielberg’s longtime colleague Kristie Macosko Krieger; with Bruce Berman serving as executive producer. De Line and Farah originally brought the project to Warner Bros.
Ready Player One marks a return to Warner Bros. for Spielberg,...
- 8/6/2015
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
As Warner Bros. distribution veteran Dan Fellman leaves the fray after four decades, as planned, the studio has named Sue Kroll, a 21-year-studio veteran who currently runs worldwide marketing and international distribution, to run North American distribution as well. This secures Kroll's position as an effective executive during a time when Warners has suffered at the box office, from femme comedy “Hot Pursuit" and HBO sequel "Entourage" to the sequel to "Magic Mike," "Xxl," and the Wachowskis' sci-fi epic "Jupiter Ascending." Recent hits include Dwayne Johnson actioner “San Andreas” and comedy “Get Hard," while George Miller's “Mad Max: Fury Road” was a too-expensive success d'estime beloved by critics that may show legs at Oscar time. Sequel "Vacation" is expected to perform this weekend. In fact, it's international distribution head Veronika Kwan Vandenberg who will assume Fellman’s job (now...
- 7/29/2015
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Warner Bros. worldwide marketing and international distribution chief Sue Kroll will take over domestic oversight duties when the studio’s veteran distribution chief Dan Fellman exits at the end of the year, the studio said Wednesday. Kroll will become president of worldwide distribution, adding North America to her portfolio. International distribution chief Veronika Kwan Vandenberg will take over Fellman’s day-to-day responsibilities, continuing to report to Kroll. Her title will be president of domestic and international distribution. The moves consolidate the studio’s domestic and international film distribution into a global function and were announced Wednesday by Kevin Tsujihara, Chairman and CEO,...
- 7/29/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
The box-office numbers for “Magic Mike Xxl” — which took in $12 million over the weekend — were underwhelming except for one: the audience was 96 percent female. The low-budget Warner Bros. sequel about male strippers featured hunky stars Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello and Adam Rodriguez doing their groove thing in thongs, so it’s not a shock it played strongly with women — but 96 percent? “The only movie I recall with numbers like that was ‘Sex and the City’,” said Dan Fellman, who heads domestic distribution for Warner Bros., the studio responsible “Xxl” as well as 2008’s Satc release —...
- 7/6/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
With Paramount’s Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi epic “Terminator: Genisys” and Warner Bros.’ male stripper tale “Magic Mike: Xxl” opening Wednesday and holdovers “Jurassic World” and ‘Inside Out” still going strong, there should be plenty of fireworks at the box office over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Think of the four movies as Roman candles — all expected to land in the $50 million range for the five days — with fuses lit at the same time. One will burn a little hotter and faster than the others, and skyrocket higher than the others. “We have a good shot,” said Dan Fellman,...
- 6/30/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Breaking an industry record, Warner Bros. Pictures announced on Friday that it expected to exceed $1 billion at the domestic box office, becoming the only studio ever to reach that benchmark 15 years in a row. It is also the fastest the Studio has ever climbed to the billion dollar sum. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The Studio surpasses the billion dollar mark on the strength of a range of films, beginning with the carryover of two blockbuster 2014 releases: Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper (with Village Roadshow Pictures) and Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (with New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures). Warner Bros. has more recently scored major hits with Brad Peyton’s San Andreas (with New Line Cinema), starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino; George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road (with Village Roadshow Pictures), starring...
The Studio surpasses the billion dollar mark on the strength of a range of films, beginning with the carryover of two blockbuster 2014 releases: Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper (with Village Roadshow Pictures) and Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (with New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures). Warner Bros. has more recently scored major hits with Brad Peyton’s San Andreas (with New Line Cinema), starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino; George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road (with Village Roadshow Pictures), starring...
- 6/28/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Warner Bros. has crossed the $1 billion mark at the domestic box office, the studio announced Friday. The studio now becomes the only one to ever reach that benchmark 15 years in a row. It is also the fastest the studio has ever climbed to the billion dollar sum. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution of Warner Bros. Pictures. The studio surpassed the billion dollar mark on the strength of a range of films, beginning with the carryover of two blockbuster 2014 releases: Clint Eastwood‘s “American Sniper” (with Village Roadshow Pictures) and Peter Jackson‘s “The Hobbit: The Battle.
- 6/26/2015
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Mad Max: Fury Road is continuing to draw moviegoers around the globe, now surpassing $300 million at the worldwide box office. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Directed, written and produced by George Miller, the feature marks the filmmaker’s return to the post-apocalyptic landscape of his iconic Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky. Domestically, the movie has held firm at the box office since its opening, earning $125.1 million to date.
The widely praised film is also still pulling in big crowds overseas, so far taking in an estimated $177 million at the international box office for a worldwide total of more than $302 million and counting.
Read Tom Stockman’s review Here.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ has proven to be a hit with followers of...
Directed, written and produced by George Miller, the feature marks the filmmaker’s return to the post-apocalyptic landscape of his iconic Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky. Domestically, the movie has held firm at the box office since its opening, earning $125.1 million to date.
The widely praised film is also still pulling in big crowds overseas, so far taking in an estimated $177 million at the international box office for a worldwide total of more than $302 million and counting.
Read Tom Stockman’s review Here.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ has proven to be a hit with followers of...
- 6/7/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Fans flocked to theaters this weekend to see "Mad Max: Fury Road," a reboot of the classic apocalyptic action series, dropping a collective $44.4 million at the domestic box office on the long-in-the-works flick. Based on those numbers, it seems that a sequel to the reenergized franchise is a no-brainer, and now, director George Miller himself has stated that audiences will be seeing more "Max" in the future.
Miller, who just joined Twitter this weekend, didn't mince words with his first tweet ever, thanking fans and critics alike for the love, and revealing that a follow-up is indeed in the works. "We had a lot of fun making it..and there's more Max to come," Miller wrote on Sunday evening.
Hello Twitter! Thanks for all the kind words written and said about the film. We had a lot of fun making it..and there's more Max to come.
- George Miller...
Miller, who just joined Twitter this weekend, didn't mince words with his first tweet ever, thanking fans and critics alike for the love, and revealing that a follow-up is indeed in the works. "We had a lot of fun making it..and there's more Max to come," Miller wrote on Sunday evening.
Hello Twitter! Thanks for all the kind words written and said about the film. We had a lot of fun making it..and there's more Max to come.
- George Miller...
- 5/18/2015
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
Riding on rave reviews and huge anticipation around the globe, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Mad Max: Fury Road thundered at the worldwide box office with an opening weekend of more than $109.4 million, making it the #1 new release at the global box office.
It is also the biggest opening ever for director George Miller and is already the highest grossing of all the “Mad Max” films. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
George Miller’s return to the world of “Mad Max” was a major draw overseas, where it earned an aggregate estimated $65 million in 68 territories on 16,900 screens. It was #1 at the box office in almost 40 territories, including Australia, the birthplace of the post-apocalyptic anti-hero, as well as such key markets as France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Korea, all of Scandinavia,...
It is also the biggest opening ever for director George Miller and is already the highest grossing of all the “Mad Max” films. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
George Miller’s return to the world of “Mad Max” was a major draw overseas, where it earned an aggregate estimated $65 million in 68 territories on 16,900 screens. It was #1 at the box office in almost 40 territories, including Australia, the birthplace of the post-apocalyptic anti-hero, as well as such key markets as France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Korea, all of Scandinavia,...
- 5/17/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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