Writer, director and producer Michael Jenkins, known for TV series such as 'Blue Murder', 'Wildside' and 'Scales of Justice', as well as feature film 'The Heartbreak Kid', which spawned 'Heartbreak High', died on Monday, aged 77. Ian Barry penned this tribute to his friend and colleague.
The post “A prodigious creator”: Vale Michael Jenkins, writer, director and producer appeared first on If Magazine.
The post “A prodigious creator”: Vale Michael Jenkins, writer, director and producer appeared first on If Magazine.
- 3/7/2024
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Welcome to Global Breakouts, Deadline’s fortnightly strand in which we shine a spotlight on the TV shows and films killing it in their local territories. The industry is as globalized as it’s ever been, but breakout hits are emerging in pockets of the world all the time and it can be hard to keep track. So we’re going to do the hard work for you.
This week we explore Italian movie hit There’s Still Tomorrow, which begins rolling out on cinema screens worldwide this spring with other key deals underway after a stellar release back home last fall, where it is now the ninth highest-grossing film in the history of the country’s box office.
Name: There’s Still Tomorrow
Country: Italy
Producer: Wildside
Seller: Vision Distribution
Where you can watch: In cinemas worldwide (see distributor list below)
For fans of: Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful, Ettore Scola’s A Special Day,...
This week we explore Italian movie hit There’s Still Tomorrow, which begins rolling out on cinema screens worldwide this spring with other key deals underway after a stellar release back home last fall, where it is now the ninth highest-grossing film in the history of the country’s box office.
Name: There’s Still Tomorrow
Country: Italy
Producer: Wildside
Seller: Vision Distribution
Where you can watch: In cinemas worldwide (see distributor list below)
For fans of: Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful, Ettore Scola’s A Special Day,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian musician turned filmmaker Federico Zampaglione’s Sitges world premiere The Well has inked deals in 24 territories for UK genre specialist Jinga Sales.
Lighthouse Entertainment have acquired all rights for Germany, Austria and Switzerland; Media4Fun have inked for Poland and Pflug for Japan; Star Entertainment will theatrically release in India, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Butan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan; and Suraya Filem will theatrically release in South East Asia.
The gothic horror is set in a remote Italian village, with Terrifier 2 star Lauren Lavera playing a young American art restorer hired to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory.
Lighthouse Entertainment have acquired all rights for Germany, Austria and Switzerland; Media4Fun have inked for Poland and Pflug for Japan; Star Entertainment will theatrically release in India, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Butan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan; and Suraya Filem will theatrically release in South East Asia.
The gothic horror is set in a remote Italian village, with Terrifier 2 star Lauren Lavera playing a young American art restorer hired to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory.
- 1/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani are exiting their Fremantle-owned Italian production companies.
The pair are among Italy’s most well known TV and film producers, but their exits have been confirmed, with their next moves not yet official. They may team together to launch their own indie together, reports say.
A Fremantle spokesperson said the super-indie would look to work with Mieli and Gianani “in a different structure” in the future.
The Hollywood Reporter Italy, which revealed the news towards the end of 2023, reported the pair are planning their own production company, but neither could be contacted for comment before press time.
Fremantle confirmed it remains the 100% owner of both indies and new leadership to be announced in due course.
Gianani’s Wildside makes features such as There’s Still Tomorrow and Finally Dawn and TV shows including Disney+ original The Good Mothers, while Mieli’s company, The Apartment, made...
The pair are among Italy’s most well known TV and film producers, but their exits have been confirmed, with their next moves not yet official. They may team together to launch their own indie together, reports say.
A Fremantle spokesperson said the super-indie would look to work with Mieli and Gianani “in a different structure” in the future.
The Hollywood Reporter Italy, which revealed the news towards the end of 2023, reported the pair are planning their own production company, but neither could be contacted for comment before press time.
Fremantle confirmed it remains the 100% owner of both indies and new leadership to be announced in due course.
Gianani’s Wildside makes features such as There’s Still Tomorrow and Finally Dawn and TV shows including Disney+ original The Good Mothers, while Mieli’s company, The Apartment, made...
- 1/19/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
“There’s Still Tomorrow,” a dramedy inspired by Italy’s Pink Neorealism genre that follows the plight of an abused housewife in post-war Rome, is scoring record-breaking numbers at Italy’s box office.
After winning three prizes – including the audience award – at the Rome Film Festival, the black-and-white film, which marks the directorial debut of popular Italian actor Paola Cortellesi, has landed the country’s top box office slot ahead of Lionsgate’s hit slasher “Saw X.” “There’s Still Tomorrow” has grossed more than $3.7 million over the seven-day Italian holiday frame that spans Oct. 26-Nov. 1, via Vision Distribution. “Saw X,” which opened on Oct. 25, pulled roughly $2.5 million.
The first week box office haul for “There’s Still Tomorrow” marks the best opening for an Italian movie since 2022 Christmas comedy “Il Grande Giorno” by local trio Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo. Furthermore, as local box office analysts are pointing out, the...
After winning three prizes – including the audience award – at the Rome Film Festival, the black-and-white film, which marks the directorial debut of popular Italian actor Paola Cortellesi, has landed the country’s top box office slot ahead of Lionsgate’s hit slasher “Saw X.” “There’s Still Tomorrow” has grossed more than $3.7 million over the seven-day Italian holiday frame that spans Oct. 26-Nov. 1, via Vision Distribution. “Saw X,” which opened on Oct. 25, pulled roughly $2.5 million.
The first week box office haul for “There’s Still Tomorrow” marks the best opening for an Italian movie since 2022 Christmas comedy “Il Grande Giorno” by local trio Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo. Furthermore, as local box office analysts are pointing out, the...
- 11/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
There are compliments and there are compliments. For a young Italian actress making her big screen debut, being compared to Giulietta Masina — best known for her work in front of the camera of Federico Fellini (who also doubled up as her husband), most notably La Strada and Nights of Cabiria — it’s definitely one of the better ones to receive.
But it was this that, Rebecca Antonaci explains, led director Saverio Costanzo to cast her as the lead in his Venice-bowing drama Finally Dawn (Finalmente L’alba in Italian). “Saverio told me that I, in some way, reminded him of Messina,” the 18-year-old says, speaking from Rome.
If Costanzo was looking for someone who could capture Masina’s renowned youthful, wide-eyed innocence, he certainly found it with this newcomer.
Set in the mid 1950s, in the golden age of the Italian capital’s historic Cinecitta studio (and the period where Masina...
But it was this that, Rebecca Antonaci explains, led director Saverio Costanzo to cast her as the lead in his Venice-bowing drama Finally Dawn (Finalmente L’alba in Italian). “Saverio told me that I, in some way, reminded him of Messina,” the 18-year-old says, speaking from Rome.
If Costanzo was looking for someone who could capture Masina’s renowned youthful, wide-eyed innocence, he certainly found it with this newcomer.
Set in the mid 1950s, in the golden age of the Italian capital’s historic Cinecitta studio (and the period where Masina...
- 8/30/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Being an independent producer was never easy. But these days, it’s near impossible. Even before the dual writers and actors strikes, changes in the international film and TV market had made life tough for the indies. Old models of art house moviemaking have been ravaged by a combination of decline in the specialty box office, the collapse of ancillary revenue for home entertainment and TV licensing, and the more recent pullback by streaming companies, who have begun to back fewer, and more mainstream, movies.
But one indie production company has gone from making just a handful of movies a year to dozens, finding a way to turn the turbulent new reality into a business model for making cutting-edge art house cinema that, shockingly, can actually turn a profit. It’s the company behind five of the most hotly anticipated titles at the Venice Film Festival this year: Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things,...
But one indie production company has gone from making just a handful of movies a year to dozens, finding a way to turn the turbulent new reality into a business model for making cutting-edge art house cinema that, shockingly, can actually turn a profit. It’s the company behind five of the most hotly anticipated titles at the Venice Film Festival this year: Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things,...
- 8/25/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Terry Funk, the man Ric Flair called today, “A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend!” died Wednesday, according to Flair and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. He was 79.
In his tribute, Foley, a multiple time WWE champion, called Funk “the greatest wrestler I ever saw.”
“If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many,” Foley continued. “There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. Rip my dear friend – it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk
Championships held by Funk include the Ecw World Heavyweight Championship, Nwa World Heavyweight Championship, Uswa Unified World Heavyweight Championship, WWF World Tag Team Championship, and Ecw World Television Championship. He headlined Ecw’s premier annual pay-per-view event,...
In his tribute, Foley, a multiple time WWE champion, called Funk “the greatest wrestler I ever saw.”
“If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many,” Foley continued. “There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. Rip my dear friend – it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk
Championships held by Funk include the Ecw World Heavyweight Championship, Nwa World Heavyweight Championship, Uswa Unified World Heavyweight Championship, WWF World Tag Team Championship, and Ecw World Television Championship. He headlined Ecw’s premier annual pay-per-view event,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle, Warner Bros, Universal and Film i Väst are among the companies shortlisted.
Screen International can unveil the shortlist for the inaugural Global Production Awards which celebrates outstanding and sustainable work in the world of film and TV production, locations and studios.
The awards recognise organisations and companies working in the film and TV industry including studios, production companies, film commissions, location, suppliers and manufacturers and any services involved in film and TV production.
Among the companies shortlisted are Fremantle, Film i Väst, Warner Bros, Universal and See-Saw Films.
Scroll down for the full shortlist
The winners will be announced...
Screen International can unveil the shortlist for the inaugural Global Production Awards which celebrates outstanding and sustainable work in the world of film and TV production, locations and studios.
The awards recognise organisations and companies working in the film and TV industry including studios, production companies, film commissions, location, suppliers and manufacturers and any services involved in film and TV production.
Among the companies shortlisted are Fremantle, Film i Väst, Warner Bros, Universal and See-Saw Films.
Scroll down for the full shortlist
The winners will be announced...
- 4/12/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Afternoon all! It’s been a manic week but fortunately one that can be summarized neatly in several paragraphs, as evidenced below. Read on International Insider crew.
Big Cannes Interviews & Packages
Sitting down with David and Riz: With Cannes on the horizon, Deadline has been breaking packages here, there and everywhere this week but we still found time to sit down with two of those most prominently involved. On Tuesday, Damon Wise published his interview with Eastern Promises creator Cronenberg to talk Crimes of the Future, his latest Cannes pic. David talked variety, 25 years’ worth of Cannes trips and whether his violence in movies can go too far. Not to be missed. Meanwhile, Andreas broke the news of hot Riz feature Hamlet, a modern adaptation of the Shakespeare classic, and spoke at length with the Sound of Metal star about his plans for one of his boldest projects yet. Not...
Big Cannes Interviews & Packages
Sitting down with David and Riz: With Cannes on the horizon, Deadline has been breaking packages here, there and everywhere this week but we still found time to sit down with two of those most prominently involved. On Tuesday, Damon Wise published his interview with Eastern Promises creator Cronenberg to talk Crimes of the Future, his latest Cannes pic. David talked variety, 25 years’ worth of Cannes trips and whether his violence in movies can go too far. Not to be missed. Meanwhile, Andreas broke the news of hot Riz feature Hamlet, a modern adaptation of the Shakespeare classic, and spoke at length with the Sound of Metal star about his plans for one of his boldest projects yet. Not...
- 5/13/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle and Italy’s Cinecittà have entered a five-year pact involving the continuous rental of six sound stages at the iconic studios, which are currently undergoing a major revamp.
The deal “confirms Fremantle’s strategic decision to make some of its top international productions in Italy: a decision that finds the perfect and natural partner in Cinecittà,” Fremantle said in a statement.
A radical revamp of Cinecittà, which has been underway since May 2021, has been gaining traction with a rise in occupancy of its sound stages and backlot, realistic prospects for profitability, and new state-of-the-art filming facilities.
The Cinecittà revamp is being conceived and carried forth by Nicola Maccanico, a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec who has a mandate from Italy’s culture minister Dario Franceschini to turn the Rome studios into continental Europe’s top filming facilities thanks to a €300 million ($339) million) investment from the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund.
The deal “confirms Fremantle’s strategic decision to make some of its top international productions in Italy: a decision that finds the perfect and natural partner in Cinecittà,” Fremantle said in a statement.
A radical revamp of Cinecittà, which has been underway since May 2021, has been gaining traction with a rise in occupancy of its sound stages and backlot, realistic prospects for profitability, and new state-of-the-art filming facilities.
The Cinecittà revamp is being conceived and carried forth by Nicola Maccanico, a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec who has a mandate from Italy’s culture minister Dario Franceschini to turn the Rome studios into continental Europe’s top filming facilities thanks to a €300 million ($339) million) investment from the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund.
- 2/17/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Here’s your first look at Oscar winner Penelope Cruz in Italian drama L’immensita, which is in post-production.
Emanuele Crialese’s film is set in 1970’s Rome. The Borghetti family has just moved into one of the many freshly-built apartment blocks in the city. Despite the beautiful, sweeping views of the city from their top floor apartment, the family is not as close as they once were. Clara and Felice (Vincenzo Amato) are no longer in love, but are unable to leave each other. Clara finds refuge from her loneliness in the shelter of her special relationships with her three children. The oldest, Adriana, an unknown child in their new neighborhood, deliberately presents as a boy to the neighborhood children, pushing the family’s bond towards breaking point.
Pathé is continuing sales on the Italian-language film at this week’s virtual EFM.
Pic is produced...
Emanuele Crialese’s film is set in 1970’s Rome. The Borghetti family has just moved into one of the many freshly-built apartment blocks in the city. Despite the beautiful, sweeping views of the city from their top floor apartment, the family is not as close as they once were. Clara and Felice (Vincenzo Amato) are no longer in love, but are unable to leave each other. Clara finds refuge from her loneliness in the shelter of her special relationships with her three children. The oldest, Adriana, an unknown child in their new neighborhood, deliberately presents as a boy to the neighborhood children, pushing the family’s bond towards breaking point.
Pathé is continuing sales on the Italian-language film at this week’s virtual EFM.
Pic is produced...
- 2/14/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Shooting upcoming Netflix pic Against The Ice was no straightforward task, as its stars and director reveal to Deadline in a first interview as a trio.
The movie, which premieres at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game Of Thrones) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders) as two members of a real Danish expedition (the Alabama Expedition) between 1906 and 1908 that sought to prove that Greenland was only one island (which was disputed by the U.S.) by crossing it on foot and sledge.
Coster-Waldau plays Ejnar Mikkelsen, an experienced captain, while Cole plays Iver Iversen, an engineer who volunteers for the perilous trek despite his lack of experience.
To capture the essence of the dangerous and at times seemingly suicidal mission, the film team, led by director Peter Flinth, opted to utilize minimal green screen, relying instead on shooting in the real ice and snow (with...
The movie, which premieres at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game Of Thrones) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders) as two members of a real Danish expedition (the Alabama Expedition) between 1906 and 1908 that sought to prove that Greenland was only one island (which was disputed by the U.S.) by crossing it on foot and sledge.
Coster-Waldau plays Ejnar Mikkelsen, an experienced captain, while Cole plays Iver Iversen, an engineer who volunteers for the perilous trek despite his lack of experience.
To capture the essence of the dangerous and at times seemingly suicidal mission, the film team, led by director Peter Flinth, opted to utilize minimal green screen, relying instead on shooting in the real ice and snow (with...
- 2/14/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
British bestselling author Tessa Hadley’s latest novel “Free Love,” about a middle-aged woman’s sexual and intellectual awakening in swinging ’60s London, has been snapped up for a high-end series adaptation by Fremantle’s The Apartment and De Maio Entertainment.
Los-Angeles based Lorenzo De Maio, a former partner at Endeavor Content, has secured rights, following a bidding war for the hot book that just launched in the U.K. and will be released in the U.S. next month.
“Free Love” is set to be fast-tracked as a U.S./U.K. series by De Maio Entertainment and Rome-based The Apartment, the Fremantle-owned company behind Paolo Sorrentino’s international Oscar-shortlisted “The Hand of God” and his “The Young Pope” and “The New Pope” shows and HBO’s Elena Ferrante adaptation “My Brilliant Friend,” among other international titles.
“I loved ‘Hand of God’ and ‘My Brilliant Friend,’ so it’s...
Los-Angeles based Lorenzo De Maio, a former partner at Endeavor Content, has secured rights, following a bidding war for the hot book that just launched in the U.K. and will be released in the U.S. next month.
“Free Love” is set to be fast-tracked as a U.S./U.K. series by De Maio Entertainment and Rome-based The Apartment, the Fremantle-owned company behind Paolo Sorrentino’s international Oscar-shortlisted “The Hand of God” and his “The Young Pope” and “The New Pope” shows and HBO’s Elena Ferrante adaptation “My Brilliant Friend,” among other international titles.
“I loved ‘Hand of God’ and ‘My Brilliant Friend,’ so it’s...
- 1/21/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle and pay-tv operator Sky are unveiling Sky original series “The King,” an innovative prison drama toplining Luca Zingaretti, who is best known as the titular character in Italy’s widely exported “Inspector Montalbano” series.
While in “Montalbano” Zingaretti played a simpatico Mafia-fighting Sicilian sleuth, in “The King” he undergoes a monumental character change, becoming the psychopathic Buno Testori (watch trailer above) director of the lawless San Michele penitentiary, which is located on an unspecified Italian border territory that is not subject to Italian law where he can apply his totally personal idea of justice.
Testori is ruthless with those who deserve it and unexpectedly compassionate with others, “always following the principles of his own distorted and obscure morals,” according to the provided synopsis. As the trailer puts it: “Every kingdom has its own rules.”
The dark show is penned by Stefano Bises, whose credits include “Gomorrah,” “ZeroZeroZero” and “The New Pope,...
While in “Montalbano” Zingaretti played a simpatico Mafia-fighting Sicilian sleuth, in “The King” he undergoes a monumental character change, becoming the psychopathic Buno Testori (watch trailer above) director of the lawless San Michele penitentiary, which is located on an unspecified Italian border territory that is not subject to Italian law where he can apply his totally personal idea of justice.
Testori is ruthless with those who deserve it and unexpectedly compassionate with others, “always following the principles of his own distorted and obscure morals,” according to the provided synopsis. As the trailer puts it: “Every kingdom has its own rules.”
The dark show is penned by Stefano Bises, whose credits include “Gomorrah,” “ZeroZeroZero” and “The New Pope,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Italian writer-director Niccolò Ammaniti’s dystopian drama “Anna,” centered on a 13-year-old girl who must contend with a viral contagion that kills off all adults on the island of Sicily, has been sold by Fremantle to over 30 territories, including a multi-territory deal with Disney Plus for key European markets.
The Sky Original production, produced by Fremantle’s Wildside and co-produced by Arte France, the New Life Company and Kwaï, is now set to launch on Disney Plus in the U.K. and Ireland as well as Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Fremantle had previously announced that the six-part series will launch in the U.S. on AMC Plus on Nov. 18.
Several other global broadcast partners have also boarded “Anna” including TV3 Group, Cosmote TV and Hellenic (Greece), Go Plc and Melita (Malta), Manoto TV (Middle East and North Africa), Canal Plus...
The Sky Original production, produced by Fremantle’s Wildside and co-produced by Arte France, the New Life Company and Kwaï, is now set to launch on Disney Plus in the U.K. and Ireland as well as Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Fremantle had previously announced that the six-part series will launch in the U.S. on AMC Plus on Nov. 18.
Several other global broadcast partners have also boarded “Anna” including TV3 Group, Cosmote TV and Hellenic (Greece), Go Plc and Melita (Malta), Manoto TV (Middle East and North Africa), Canal Plus...
- 11/12/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino returned to the serene coasts of Italy for HBO Max’s We Are Who We Are.
The director’s debut TV project is the next stop in Deadline’s It Starts On the Page, a series that highlights the scripts that serve as the creative backbone of the now-underway TV awards season. The scripts are all being submitted for Emmy consideration this year and have been selected here using criteria that includes critical acclaim, selecting from a wide range of networks and platforms, and a mix of established and lesser-known shows.
Episode 7, the penultimate installment of the limited series, continues the saga of self-discovery and coming of age on a fictional military base in Chioggia, Italy. On the heels of Donald Trump’s presidential victory in 2016, Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón), Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer) and their friends mourn Craig, a soldier who...
The director’s debut TV project is the next stop in Deadline’s It Starts On the Page, a series that highlights the scripts that serve as the creative backbone of the now-underway TV awards season. The scripts are all being submitted for Emmy consideration this year and have been selected here using criteria that includes critical acclaim, selecting from a wide range of networks and platforms, and a mix of established and lesser-known shows.
Episode 7, the penultimate installment of the limited series, continues the saga of self-discovery and coming of age on a fictional military base in Chioggia, Italy. On the heels of Donald Trump’s presidential victory in 2016, Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón), Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer) and their friends mourn Craig, a soldier who...
- 6/16/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Wayne “Buddy” Van Horn, longtime stunt double for Clint Eastwood and director of Eastwood’s films Any Which Way You Can, The Dead Pool and Pink Cadillac, died May 11, The Los Angeles Times reported. He was 92.
Van Horn was credited as the stunt coordinator on Eastwood’s films from 1972 to 2011, including 1976’s The Enforcer, 1977’s The Gauntlet and 1983’s Sudden Impact. He also served as second unit director on Eastwood’s Magnum Force and The Rookie. As an actor, Van Horn’s most prominent onscreen appeareance was as Marshal Jim Duncan in 1973’s High Plains Drifter. The film stars Eastwood as a mysterious Stranger who metes out justice in a corrupt frontier mining town. As Eastwood’s stunt double, Duncan was cast in the role to suggest that he and the Stranger could be the same person. Van Horn is the murdered Marshal who was planning to report a gold...
Van Horn was credited as the stunt coordinator on Eastwood’s films from 1972 to 2011, including 1976’s The Enforcer, 1977’s The Gauntlet and 1983’s Sudden Impact. He also served as second unit director on Eastwood’s Magnum Force and The Rookie. As an actor, Van Horn’s most prominent onscreen appeareance was as Marshal Jim Duncan in 1973’s High Plains Drifter. The film stars Eastwood as a mysterious Stranger who metes out justice in a corrupt frontier mining town. As Eastwood’s stunt double, Duncan was cast in the role to suggest that he and the Stranger could be the same person. Van Horn is the murdered Marshal who was planning to report a gold...
- 5/31/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lion’s Heart (Corazón de León), which is one of the most successful Argentinian movies of all time with more than two million cinema tickets sold, will be getting the Italian remake treatment after the Fremantle-owned Wildside landed rights.
The deal, which was brokered by Filmsharks’ The Remake Co, is the latest such pact on the title following remakes in Colombia, Mexico and Peru, as well as in Europe where Gaumont made the French-language Up For Love (Un Homme A La Hauteur), which starred Jean Dujardin and grossed more than $5M in France.
The original movie, directed by Marcos Carnevale, starred Julieta Díaz, Mauricio Dayub and Guillermo Francella. The story follows a lawyer who, after she loses her mobile phone, receives a call from the person who found it. They talk and hit it off very quickly, but she is shocked when she sees that he’s very short.
The deal, which was brokered by Filmsharks’ The Remake Co, is the latest such pact on the title following remakes in Colombia, Mexico and Peru, as well as in Europe where Gaumont made the French-language Up For Love (Un Homme A La Hauteur), which starred Jean Dujardin and grossed more than $5M in France.
The original movie, directed by Marcos Carnevale, starred Julieta Díaz, Mauricio Dayub and Guillermo Francella. The story follows a lawyer who, after she loses her mobile phone, receives a call from the person who found it. They talk and hit it off very quickly, but she is shocked when she sees that he’s very short.
- 3/3/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney+’s new international streaming service Star has commissioned a mafia series, penned by The Last Kingdom and Baghdad Central scribe Stephen Butchard and co-produced by two high-profile outfits in the UK and Italy.
Exclusively revealed by Deadline today, The Good Mothers forms part Disney+ and Star’s first European originals slate, and promises to tell the story of how Italian mob bosses were targeted by prosecutors through their wives and daughters.
The six-part series is made by Brexit: The Uncivil War producer House Productions and Wildside, the Fremantle-backed Italian producer behind HBO’s We Are Who We Are. It is based on a book of the same name by award-winning journalist Alex Perry.
The Good Mothers tells the true story of how three courageous women inside the notorious Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia worked with newly-minted female prosecutor, Alessandra Cerreti, to bring down down the criminal empire.
Deadline hears that...
Exclusively revealed by Deadline today, The Good Mothers forms part Disney+ and Star’s first European originals slate, and promises to tell the story of how Italian mob bosses were targeted by prosecutors through their wives and daughters.
The six-part series is made by Brexit: The Uncivil War producer House Productions and Wildside, the Fremantle-backed Italian producer behind HBO’s We Are Who We Are. It is based on a book of the same name by award-winning journalist Alex Perry.
The Good Mothers tells the true story of how three courageous women inside the notorious Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia worked with newly-minted female prosecutor, Alessandra Cerreti, to bring down down the criminal empire.
Deadline hears that...
- 2/16/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has ordered a series of Italian original Everybody Loves Diamonds from Fremantle-owned outfit Wildside, which has credits including The New Pope.
The heist series with a comedic twist is inspired by the 2003 ‘Antwerp Diamond Heist’. It will follow a a team of small-time Italian thieves who manage to deceive top-level security to steal millions of dollars’ worth of precious stones from the Antwerp Diamond Centre.
Stefano Bises (Gomorrah), Michele Astori (The Mafia Only Kills In Summer), Giulio Carrieri and Bernardo Pellegrini are writing, with Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Gangarossa producing for Wildside.
“We are delighted to join forces with some of the most prestigious, creative and productive teams in Italy and to share with them our collaborative approach to working and Amazon’s unique high standards in terms of quality production and storytelling” stated Nicole Morganti, Head of Amazon Originals, Italy.
“We’re proud to strengthen our collaboration with...
The heist series with a comedic twist is inspired by the 2003 ‘Antwerp Diamond Heist’. It will follow a a team of small-time Italian thieves who manage to deceive top-level security to steal millions of dollars’ worth of precious stones from the Antwerp Diamond Centre.
Stefano Bises (Gomorrah), Michele Astori (The Mafia Only Kills In Summer), Giulio Carrieri and Bernardo Pellegrini are writing, with Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Gangarossa producing for Wildside.
“We are delighted to join forces with some of the most prestigious, creative and productive teams in Italy and to share with them our collaborative approach to working and Amazon’s unique high standards in terms of quality production and storytelling” stated Nicole Morganti, Head of Amazon Originals, Italy.
“We’re proud to strengthen our collaboration with...
- 10/16/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
We Are Who We Are is the best type of film experience, says the HBO limited series’ star Jack Dylan Grazer: voyeuristic. “[The] ignorance of any cameras anywhere or any equipment. It’s just spying on lives. You [can] capture it realistically. It’s that type of approach which allowed Oscar-nominated director Luca Guadagnino to document real human interactions and authentic expressions of love.
In that sense, Guadagnino said during the show’s panel at the virtual PaleyFest Fall TV Previews event, he hopes the audience can see themselves in the characters conducting their lives when the eight-part series premieres September 14 on HBO and HBO Max.
The coming-of-age story, from HBO and Sky Atlantic, centers on two American teenagers who, along with their military and civilian parents, are living on an American military base in Italy.
Guadagnino said he used the duality of the two nations as a setting where many...
In that sense, Guadagnino said during the show’s panel at the virtual PaleyFest Fall TV Previews event, he hopes the audience can see themselves in the characters conducting their lives when the eight-part series premieres September 14 on HBO and HBO Max.
The coming-of-age story, from HBO and Sky Atlantic, centers on two American teenagers who, along with their military and civilian parents, are living on an American military base in Italy.
Guadagnino said he used the duality of the two nations as a setting where many...
- 10/2/2020
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Eight-part series to screen in full at festival.
Luca Guadagnino’s drama series We Are Who We Are is to world premiere at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The eight-part series, co-produced by HBO and Sky, will be screened in full as part of the festival’s special screenings.
The drama centres on two adolescents on an American military base in Italy. Producers are Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Mario Gianani for Wildside, both owned by Fremantle, with Small Forward.
The series was one of only two projects selected for Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, which was unable to go...
Luca Guadagnino’s drama series We Are Who We Are is to world premiere at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The eight-part series, co-produced by HBO and Sky, will be screened in full as part of the festival’s special screenings.
The drama centres on two adolescents on an American military base in Italy. Producers are Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Mario Gianani for Wildside, both owned by Fremantle, with Small Forward.
The series was one of only two projects selected for Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, which was unable to go...
- 8/24/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
San Sebastian Film Festival (September 18-26) has added Luca Guadagnino’s We Are Who We Are to its line-up, with the event to world premiere the eight-part series in full as part of its Official Selection special screenings.
Written by Paolo Giordano and Francesca Manieri together with Guadagnino, the HBO-Sky co-production follows two adolescents living on an American military base in Italy. The cast includes Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II, Kid Cudi, Faith Alabi, Francesca Scorsese, Ben Taylor, Corey Knight, Tom Mercier and Sebastiano Pigazzi. The show was a part of this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selection. The show is produced by Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Mario Gianani for Wildside, both Fremantle companies, with Small Forward.
“In his first inroads to TV series, Guadagnino succeeds in creating a unique universe inhabited by memorable characters who try to find themselves,...
Written by Paolo Giordano and Francesca Manieri together with Guadagnino, the HBO-Sky co-production follows two adolescents living on an American military base in Italy. The cast includes Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II, Kid Cudi, Faith Alabi, Francesca Scorsese, Ben Taylor, Corey Knight, Tom Mercier and Sebastiano Pigazzi. The show was a part of this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selection. The show is produced by Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Mario Gianani for Wildside, both Fremantle companies, with Small Forward.
“In his first inroads to TV series, Guadagnino succeeds in creating a unique universe inhabited by memorable characters who try to find themselves,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Happy Friday everyone. Tom Grater here with the rundown of this week’s biggest international headlines from the worlds of film and TV. We’ve got Keanu Reeves shooting his new Matrix movie, an insightful Fremantle interview, and George Clooney fighting North Korean corruption in the Dr Congo. Enjoy!
Back To (Show) Business
On track: How about some good news to kick off your weekend? This was a positive week for major international film production, with several high-profile titles either gearing up or already back filming.
Action! Deadline brought you the news that Sony’s Camila Cabello-starring Cinderella movie is returning to production after a shutdown, with a small unit resuming this week, and filming set to continue through September. Also this week, The Matrix 4 got back shooting in Berlin after a five-month hiatus. Star Keanu Reeves said it was “a great honor” and that he was “grateful to be working”. In Ireland,...
Back To (Show) Business
On track: How about some good news to kick off your weekend? This was a positive week for major international film production, with several high-profile titles either gearing up or already back filming.
Action! Deadline brought you the news that Sony’s Camila Cabello-starring Cinderella movie is returning to production after a shutdown, with a small unit resuming this week, and filming set to continue through September. Also this week, The Matrix 4 got back shooting in Berlin after a five-month hiatus. Star Keanu Reeves said it was “a great honor” and that he was “grateful to be working”. In Ireland,...
- 8/21/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Academy Award-nominated “Call Me By Your Name” director Luca Guadagnino’s new series “We Are Who We Are” is heading to youth-skewing channel BBC Three in the U.K.
The HBO/Sky Italia co-production, which was acquired from distributor Fremantle, tells the story of two American kids who live on a U.S. military base in Italy. Jack Dylan Grazer stars as shy 14-year-old Fraser, who moves from New York to Veneto with his mothers, Sarah (Chloë Sevigny) and Maggie (Alice Braga), who are both in the U.S. Army.
Further cast includes Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II, Kid Cudi, Faith Alabi, Francesca Scorsese, Ben Taylor, Corey Knight, Tom Mercier and Sebastiano Pigazzi.
Variety understands that while the project is technically a co-production with Sky, the pay TV operator only has exclusive rights for Italy. As such, BBC has picked up the exclusive U.K. premiere rights. The series premieres on HBO on Sept.
The HBO/Sky Italia co-production, which was acquired from distributor Fremantle, tells the story of two American kids who live on a U.S. military base in Italy. Jack Dylan Grazer stars as shy 14-year-old Fraser, who moves from New York to Veneto with his mothers, Sarah (Chloë Sevigny) and Maggie (Alice Braga), who are both in the U.S. Army.
Further cast includes Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II, Kid Cudi, Faith Alabi, Francesca Scorsese, Ben Taylor, Corey Knight, Tom Mercier and Sebastiano Pigazzi.
Variety understands that while the project is technically a co-production with Sky, the pay TV operator only has exclusive rights for Italy. As such, BBC has picked up the exclusive U.K. premiere rights. The series premieres on HBO on Sept.
- 8/11/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award-nominated Luca Guadagnino’s TV series We Are Who We Are is to premiere on HBO on September 14, and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
Starring Chloë Sevigny and newcomers, including Jack Dylan Grazer and Jordan Kristine Seamón, We Are Who We Are is a coming of age story about two American teenagers who, along with their military and civilian parents, are living on an American military base in Italy.
The eight-part drama is produced by The Apartment and The Young Pope producer Wildside and is distributed by Fremantle. Call Me By Your Name director Guadagnino writes, directs and showruns.
We Are Who We Are is executive produced by Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Mario Gianani for Wildside, with Small Forward, alongside Guadagnino, Elena Recchia, Nick Hall, Sean Conway, and Francesco Melzi d’Eril. Paolo Giordano and Francesca Manieri write alongside Guadagnino.
Check out the trailer below.
Starring Chloë Sevigny and newcomers, including Jack Dylan Grazer and Jordan Kristine Seamón, We Are Who We Are is a coming of age story about two American teenagers who, along with their military and civilian parents, are living on an American military base in Italy.
The eight-part drama is produced by The Apartment and The Young Pope producer Wildside and is distributed by Fremantle. Call Me By Your Name director Guadagnino writes, directs and showruns.
We Are Who We Are is executive produced by Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Mario Gianani for Wildside, with Small Forward, alongside Guadagnino, Elena Recchia, Nick Hall, Sean Conway, and Francesco Melzi d’Eril. Paolo Giordano and Francesca Manieri write alongside Guadagnino.
Check out the trailer below.
- 7/27/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian soccer icon Francesco Totti will be the subject of a six-part Sky Original series with the working title “Speravo De Mori’ Prima – The Series About Francesco Totti.”
Produced by Mario Gianani for Wildside, part of the Fremantle group, with Virginia Valsecchi’s Capri Entertainment, The New Life Company and Kwaï, the series is based on the book “Un Capitano” by Totti and Paolo Condò, published by Rizzoli Libri S.p.A.
Principal photography is set to commence in Rome shortly.
The series will focus on the last two years of the legendary Roma player’s career and the story of his final years with the famous “giallorossi” shirt.
The series will star Pietro Castellitto (“Don’t Move”) as Totti, and will also feature Greta Scarano (“Suburra: Blood on Rome”) as Totti’s wife Ilary Blasi, Monica Guerritore (“A Perfect Day”) as his mother, and Gianmarco Tognazzi (“There Is No Place Like Home”) as Luciano Spalletti,...
Produced by Mario Gianani for Wildside, part of the Fremantle group, with Virginia Valsecchi’s Capri Entertainment, The New Life Company and Kwaï, the series is based on the book “Un Capitano” by Totti and Paolo Condò, published by Rizzoli Libri S.p.A.
Principal photography is set to commence in Rome shortly.
The series will focus on the last two years of the legendary Roma player’s career and the story of his final years with the famous “giallorossi” shirt.
The series will star Pietro Castellitto (“Don’t Move”) as Totti, and will also feature Greta Scarano (“Suburra: Blood on Rome”) as Totti’s wife Ilary Blasi, Monica Guerritore (“A Perfect Day”) as his mother, and Gianmarco Tognazzi (“There Is No Place Like Home”) as Luciano Spalletti,...
- 7/21/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Wildside, the Italian producer behind The Young Pope and The New Pope, is to make a Sky Italia drama about A.S. Roma soccer player and World Cup winner Francesco Totti.
The Fremantle-backed outfit will work with Capri Entertainment, The New Life Company and Kwaï to adapt Totti and Paolo Condò’s book Un Capitano for the screen, with Pietro Castellitto (Freaks Out) in the lead role. In doing so, the six-part series will tell the story of the final two years of Totti’s Roma career.
The series will be directed by Luca Ribuoli (The Mafia Kills Only In Summer) and was written by Stefano Bises, Michele Astori and Maurizio Careddu. Production will begin in Rome in the next few days. Fremantle is distributing.
Nicola Maccanico, executive vice president of programing at Comcast-backed Sky Italia, said: “Francesco Totti, a unique champion who took the world by storm with a ball between his feet,...
The Fremantle-backed outfit will work with Capri Entertainment, The New Life Company and Kwaï to adapt Totti and Paolo Condò’s book Un Capitano for the screen, with Pietro Castellitto (Freaks Out) in the lead role. In doing so, the six-part series will tell the story of the final two years of Totti’s Roma career.
The series will be directed by Luca Ribuoli (The Mafia Kills Only In Summer) and was written by Stefano Bises, Michele Astori and Maurizio Careddu. Production will begin in Rome in the next few days. Fremantle is distributing.
Nicola Maccanico, executive vice president of programing at Comcast-backed Sky Italia, said: “Francesco Totti, a unique champion who took the world by storm with a ball between his feet,...
- 7/21/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Uncertainty over whether talent from US will attend amid ongoing pandemic crisis in that country.
Rome Film Fest brass are targeting a physical event that will include Cannes 2020 label films, a tribute to the late Ennio Morricone, and a film about Italian football superstar and local legend Francesco Totti.
Festival director Antonio Monda said on Friday (July 17) that Cannes head Thierry Fremaux will be in Rome accompanying Cannes selections (and to speak on the evolution of festivals in the Close Encounters section).
While the hope is that talent will also attend the event, set to run from October 15-25, uncertainty...
Rome Film Fest brass are targeting a physical event that will include Cannes 2020 label films, a tribute to the late Ennio Morricone, and a film about Italian football superstar and local legend Francesco Totti.
Festival director Antonio Monda said on Friday (July 17) that Cannes head Thierry Fremaux will be in Rome accompanying Cannes selections (and to speak on the evolution of festivals in the Close Encounters section).
While the hope is that talent will also attend the event, set to run from October 15-25, uncertainty...
- 7/17/2020
- by 1101325¦Gabriele Niola¦35¦
- ScreenDaily
The Rome Film Festival has announced plans to hold a physical edition from Oct. 15-25, featuring several titles from the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection, alongside a roster of other pics including David Bowie origin pic “Stardust” and local crowdpleaser “Mi Chiamo Francesco Totti” (“My Name is Francesco Totti”), a doc about the A.S. Roma soccer team’s iconic former captain.
Produced by Fremantle’s Italian units Lorenzo Mieli’s The Apartment and Mario Gianani’s Wildside and other partners including Vision Distribution, Rai Cinema and Amazon Prime Video, “Totti” is described in promotional materials as an intimate tale, told in first person, about both Totti the athlete and the man, a native Roman who spent his entire 24-year career with A.S. Roma before retiring in 2017. Vision is handling international sales.
“Totti” is directed by Alex Infascelli who previously made a well-received doc titled “S is for Stanley,...
Produced by Fremantle’s Italian units Lorenzo Mieli’s The Apartment and Mario Gianani’s Wildside and other partners including Vision Distribution, Rai Cinema and Amazon Prime Video, “Totti” is described in promotional materials as an intimate tale, told in first person, about both Totti the athlete and the man, a native Roman who spent his entire 24-year career with A.S. Roma before retiring in 2017. Vision is handling international sales.
“Totti” is directed by Alex Infascelli who previously made a well-received doc titled “S is for Stanley,...
- 7/17/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
It’s a difficult and anxious time for the United States and the world right now, and the Black Lives Matter protests represent an inevitable boiling point for inequality. Over the last few weeks, many celebrities and other public figures have pledged their support for the movement, including Mark Wahlberg. However, some people have brought up the actor’s own history of hate crimes to claim that he should be “cancelled.”
Wahlberg posted the following call for unity on his Twitter page last week:
The murder of George Floyd is heartbreaking. We must all work together to fix this problem. I'm praying for all of us. God bless. #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/F3UyhT7itQ
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) June 4, 2020
Since then, he’s been targeted for his past actions, which involved a series of racially-motivated incidents when the actor was a teenager in the 1980s. The cases in question are well-documented on his Wikipedia page,...
Wahlberg posted the following call for unity on his Twitter page last week:
The murder of George Floyd is heartbreaking. We must all work together to fix this problem. I'm praying for all of us. God bless. #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/F3UyhT7itQ
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) June 4, 2020
Since then, he’s been targeted for his past actions, which involved a series of racially-motivated incidents when the actor was a teenager in the 1980s. The cases in question are well-documented on his Wikipedia page,...
- 6/8/2020
- by Jessica James
- We Got This Covered
Netflix and Italy’s Fandango are teaming up to develop a series based on “The Lying Life of Adults,” the latest novel by globally bestselling Italian novelist Elena Ferrante.
The book, which became an immediate bestseller in Italy after its November 2019 publication locally, will be launched in 25 countries on September 1 and will be published in English by Europa Editions U.S. and U.K.
“The Lying Life of Adults” is a portrayal of a young woman named Giovanna’s transition from childhood to adolescence in the 1990s. “Giovanna is searching for her true reflection in two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: the Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity,” according to promotional materials provided by Europa Editions.
“She moves between these two cities, disoriented by the fact that, whether high or low,...
The book, which became an immediate bestseller in Italy after its November 2019 publication locally, will be launched in 25 countries on September 1 and will be published in English by Europa Editions U.S. and U.K.
“The Lying Life of Adults” is a portrayal of a young woman named Giovanna’s transition from childhood to adolescence in the 1990s. “Giovanna is searching for her true reflection in two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: the Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity,” according to promotional materials provided by Europa Editions.
“She moves between these two cities, disoriented by the fact that, whether high or low,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix released the trailer for Jerry Seinfeld’s new comedy special, and ABC announced its new game show “Don’t.”
Renewals
HBO, Rai and Fremantle have announced the renewal of drama series “My Brilliant Friend” for a third season, titled “My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay.” Just like the previous two seasons were inspired by the first two books in Elena Ferrante‘s four-part book series of the same name, Season 3 will be based on the third book in it. Filmed in Italian, “My Brilliant Friend” follows Elena Greco, played by Margherita Mazzucco and her friend Lila Cerullo, played by Gaia Girace, throughout the 60 years of their complicated and mysterious friendship. Season 2 of “My Brilliant Friend” is airing now on HBO, with its season finale set for May 4 at 10 p.m. “My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who...
Renewals
HBO, Rai and Fremantle have announced the renewal of drama series “My Brilliant Friend” for a third season, titled “My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay.” Just like the previous two seasons were inspired by the first two books in Elena Ferrante‘s four-part book series of the same name, Season 3 will be based on the third book in it. Filmed in Italian, “My Brilliant Friend” follows Elena Greco, played by Margherita Mazzucco and her friend Lila Cerullo, played by Gaia Girace, throughout the 60 years of their complicated and mysterious friendship. Season 2 of “My Brilliant Friend” is airing now on HBO, with its season finale set for May 4 at 10 p.m. “My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who...
- 4/30/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
HBO has picked up another season of Italian drama adaptation My Brilliant Friend.
The series, which is co-produced with Italian public broadcaster Rai and Fremantle, is based on Elena Ferrante’s novels. The eight-part second season, My Brilliant Friend: The Story Of A New Name, debuted in the U.S. on March 16.
The third season will be based on Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, Ferrante’s third book in the series.
It is produced by The Apartment, Wildside and Fandango with Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani producing for Fremantle’s The Apartment and Wildside and Domenico Procacci producing for Fandango. It was created for television by Saverio Costanz.
Starring Margherita Mazzucco and Gaia Girace, the story and screenplays are by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanzo. Paolo Sorrentino and Jennifer Schuur are the executive producers. Fremantle is the international distributor in association with Rai Com.
The series, which is co-produced with Italian public broadcaster Rai and Fremantle, is based on Elena Ferrante’s novels. The eight-part second season, My Brilliant Friend: The Story Of A New Name, debuted in the U.S. on March 16.
The third season will be based on Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, Ferrante’s third book in the series.
It is produced by The Apartment, Wildside and Fandango with Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani producing for Fremantle’s The Apartment and Wildside and Domenico Procacci producing for Fandango. It was created for television by Saverio Costanz.
Starring Margherita Mazzucco and Gaia Girace, the story and screenplays are by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanzo. Paolo Sorrentino and Jennifer Schuur are the executive producers. Fremantle is the international distributor in association with Rai Com.
- 4/30/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Rifkin’s Festival, the upcoming Woody Allen pic starring Elena Anaya, Louis Garrel and Gina Gershon, has been picked up by Spanish distribution outfit Tripictures.
The movie tells the story of a married American couple who go to the San Sebastián Film Festival. They get caught up in the magic of the festival, the beauty and charm of Spain and the fantasy of movies. She has an affair with a brilliant French movie director, and he falls in love with a beautiful Spanish woman who lives there.
The pic, which is produced by The Mediapro Studio and Gravier Production in co-production with Wildside, shot in San Sebastian last summer. Mediapro Studio Distribution is working with Gravier and Mediapro on international sales.
The movie tells the story of a married American couple who go to the San Sebastián Film Festival. They get caught up in the magic of the festival, the beauty and charm of Spain and the fantasy of movies. She has an affair with a brilliant French movie director, and he falls in love with a beautiful Spanish woman who lives there.
The pic, which is produced by The Mediapro Studio and Gravier Production in co-production with Wildside, shot in San Sebastian last summer. Mediapro Studio Distribution is working with Gravier and Mediapro on international sales.
- 4/22/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Before the coronavirus outbreak put Italy on lockdown in early March, writer-director Niccolò Ammaniti was in Palermo, shooting “Anna,” a series for Comcast-owned pay-tv operator Sky centered on a 13-year-old Sicilian girl who must contend with a viral contagion that kills off all adults on the island of Sicily.
“We were shooting scenes in which we had adults saying, ‘We have to stick together. We have to go to the countryside, because cities are [virus] hotbeds.’ There were all these elements that resonated,” recounts Ammaniti, speaking from his Rome residence.
But the director, along with producers Mario Gianani, Lorenzo Mieli and Lorenzo Gangarossa — who are making “Anna” with Fremantle’s Italian production company Wildside — were still impervious to the urgency of the impending health crisis, since there had not been any reported cases of coronavirus infections in Sicily at that point.
“We even shot some really complicated scenes that involved...
“We were shooting scenes in which we had adults saying, ‘We have to stick together. We have to go to the countryside, because cities are [virus] hotbeds.’ There were all these elements that resonated,” recounts Ammaniti, speaking from his Rome residence.
But the director, along with producers Mario Gianani, Lorenzo Mieli and Lorenzo Gangarossa — who are making “Anna” with Fremantle’s Italian production company Wildside — were still impervious to the urgency of the impending health crisis, since there had not been any reported cases of coronavirus infections in Sicily at that point.
“We even shot some really complicated scenes that involved...
- 4/17/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
“My Brilliant Friend – The Story of a New Name,” the second season of Italian pubcaster Rai and HBO’s TV series based on Elena Ferrante’s bestselling “Neapolitan Novels,” was unveiled on Tuesday in Italy where the hotly anticipated show will start airing on Rai in February.
“New Name” will launch on Rai on Feb. 10, after a 3-day event release in Italian movie theaters, just as Ferrante-fever is being stoked. The mysterious Italian author has a new book out, “The Lying Life of Adults,” which has become an immediate bestseller since its November publication locally. The English translation of Ferrante’s new novel will reportedly be hitting international bookstores in June.
The second serving of the Ferrante show will air in the U.S. on HBO in March.
In the show’s second season protagonists Lila and Elena, now more grown up, venture out of Naples’ Luzzati quarter, where most...
“New Name” will launch on Rai on Feb. 10, after a 3-day event release in Italian movie theaters, just as Ferrante-fever is being stoked. The mysterious Italian author has a new book out, “The Lying Life of Adults,” which has become an immediate bestseller since its November publication locally. The English translation of Ferrante’s new novel will reportedly be hitting international bookstores in June.
The second serving of the Ferrante show will air in the U.S. on HBO in March.
In the show’s second season protagonists Lila and Elena, now more grown up, venture out of Naples’ Luzzati quarter, where most...
- 1/21/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast-backed Sky is making a new Italian original titled “Anna,” centered on a 13-year-old Sicilian girl who must contend with a viral contagion that has killed off all adults on the island.
The series, which has echoes of “The Walking Dead” and “Hunger Games,” is based on a book by the same title by author-turned-director Niccolò Ammaniti, who previously helmed Sky series “The Miracle.”
Shooting will start in mid-October with Ammaniti as showrunner and principal director. He also penned the screenplay in tandem with prominent Italian scribe Francesca Manieri (“Luna Nera”). Ace Sicilian cinematographer Daniele Ciprì will handle lensing duties and direct some insert segments.
“Anna” is being produced by Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli for Fremantle’s Wildside in co-production with Arte France and Fremantle-owned Kwai. It will air as a Sky exclusive in Italy and possibly on the paybox in other territories. Fremantle is handling global rights.
The series, which has echoes of “The Walking Dead” and “Hunger Games,” is based on a book by the same title by author-turned-director Niccolò Ammaniti, who previously helmed Sky series “The Miracle.”
Shooting will start in mid-October with Ammaniti as showrunner and principal director. He also penned the screenplay in tandem with prominent Italian scribe Francesca Manieri (“Luna Nera”). Ace Sicilian cinematographer Daniele Ciprì will handle lensing duties and direct some insert segments.
“Anna” is being produced by Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli for Fremantle’s Wildside in co-production with Arte France and Fremantle-owned Kwai. It will air as a Sky exclusive in Italy and possibly on the paybox in other territories. Fremantle is handling global rights.
- 10/17/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
HBO released a teaser for “The New Pope” starring Jude Law and John Malkovich on Wednesday, showing us the return of Law’s Pius Xiii and his heavenly body and the holy entrance of Malkovich’s new character — and his more traditional ways.
“The New Pope” is directed by Paolo Sorrentino, who wrote the series with Umberto Contarello and Stefano Bises. The Sky, HBO and Canal+ limited series, which will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival Sept. 1., marks Sorrentino’s second limited series set in the world of the modern papacy.
Watch the teaser for the nine-episode limited series above.
Also Read: John Malkovich to Star in HBO's 'Young Pope' Follow-Up Series With Jude Law
The original series, “The Young Pope,” also created and directed by Sorrentino, debuted on Sky in October 2016 and on HBO in January 2017. Law was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor...
“The New Pope” is directed by Paolo Sorrentino, who wrote the series with Umberto Contarello and Stefano Bises. The Sky, HBO and Canal+ limited series, which will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival Sept. 1., marks Sorrentino’s second limited series set in the world of the modern papacy.
Watch the teaser for the nine-episode limited series above.
Also Read: John Malkovich to Star in HBO's 'Young Pope' Follow-Up Series With Jude Law
The original series, “The Young Pope,” also created and directed by Sorrentino, debuted on Sky in October 2016 and on HBO in January 2017. Law was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor...
- 8/28/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
HBO has released the first official image from the second season of My Brilliant Friend, featuring Margherita Mazzucco as Elena and Gaia Girace as Lila will return to direct six episodes and Alice Rohrwacher will direct two episodes.
My Brilliant Friend is an HBO and Rai Fiction series, produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Wildside and by Domenico Procacci for Fandango, in collaboration with Rai Fiction and HBO Entertainment, in co-production with Umedia. Story and screenplays by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanzo. Paolo Sorrentino and Jennifer Schuur are the executive producers.
Fremantle will distribute internationally in association with Rai Com.
My Brilliant Friend is an HBO and Rai Fiction series, produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Wildside and by Domenico Procacci for Fandango, in collaboration with Rai Fiction and HBO Entertainment, in co-production with Umedia. Story and screenplays by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanzo. Paolo Sorrentino and Jennifer Schuur are the executive producers.
Fremantle will distribute internationally in association with Rai Com.
- 7/9/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Escape at Dannemora, On The Spectrum, My Brilliant Friend, The Good Doctor and Lethal Weapon were among the big winners of the prestigious Golden Nymphs Awards at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
Escape at Dannemora, from Showtime, Red Hour Productions, Busyhands, The White Mountain Company, Michael De Luca Productions and Bz Entertainment, took the top prize in Best Long Fiction Program. Its star Patricia Arquette also won the outstanding actress trophy.
Israeli comedy On the Spectrum, from Yes TV and Symayoko Ltd., won the Best Comedy TV Series award, and its stars Naomi Levov and Niv Majar won for outstanding actress and actor in a comedy series. Amazon is currently in production on a pilot for a U.S. adaptation of the series.
The outstanding drama TV series trophy went to HBO’s My Brilliant Friend, a Wildside/Fandango/Umedia Production For Rai/HBO Italie.
International TV Audience awards went to The Good Doctor,...
Escape at Dannemora, from Showtime, Red Hour Productions, Busyhands, The White Mountain Company, Michael De Luca Productions and Bz Entertainment, took the top prize in Best Long Fiction Program. Its star Patricia Arquette also won the outstanding actress trophy.
Israeli comedy On the Spectrum, from Yes TV and Symayoko Ltd., won the Best Comedy TV Series award, and its stars Naomi Levov and Niv Majar won for outstanding actress and actor in a comedy series. Amazon is currently in production on a pilot for a U.S. adaptation of the series.
The outstanding drama TV series trophy went to HBO’s My Brilliant Friend, a Wildside/Fandango/Umedia Production For Rai/HBO Italie.
International TV Audience awards went to The Good Doctor,...
- 6/18/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Vesper talks about collaborating with the Larrain brothers, Michael Haneke, Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagino.
Christian Vesper joined TV producer and distributor Fremantle as executive vice president and creative director, global drama, in 2016 as part of the Rtl-owned company’s ambitious strategy to become more greatly involved with the boom in high-end drama.
Vesper had spent the previous 14 years at Sundance TV where he oversaw prestige international productions including Jane Campion’s Top Of The Lake and Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Based in London and New York and reporting to Sarah Doole, head of global drama,...
Christian Vesper joined TV producer and distributor Fremantle as executive vice president and creative director, global drama, in 2016 as part of the Rtl-owned company’s ambitious strategy to become more greatly involved with the boom in high-end drama.
Vesper had spent the previous 14 years at Sundance TV where he oversaw prestige international productions including Jane Campion’s Top Of The Lake and Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Based in London and New York and reporting to Sarah Doole, head of global drama,...
- 4/6/2019
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
Vesper talks about collaborating with the Larrain brothers, Michael Haneke, Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagino.
Christian Vesper joined TV producer and distributor Fremantle as executive vice president and creative director, global drama, in 2016 as part of the Rtl-owned company’s ambitious strategy to become more greatly involved with the boom in high-end drama.
Vesper had spent the previous 14 years at Sundance TV where he oversaw prestige international productions including Jane Campion’s Top Of The Lake and Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Based in London and New York and reporting to Sarah Doole, head of global drama,...
Christian Vesper joined TV producer and distributor Fremantle as executive vice president and creative director, global drama, in 2016 as part of the Rtl-owned company’s ambitious strategy to become more greatly involved with the boom in high-end drama.
Vesper had spent the previous 14 years at Sundance TV where he oversaw prestige international productions including Jane Campion’s Top Of The Lake and Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Based in London and New York and reporting to Sarah Doole, head of global drama,...
- 4/6/2019
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
Vesper talks about collaborating with the Larrain brothers, Michael Haneke, Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagino.
Christian Vesper joined TV producer and distributor FremantleMedia as executive vice president and creative director, global drama, in 2016 as part of the Rtl-owned company’s ambitious strategy to become more greatly involved with the boom in high-end drama.
Vesper had spent the previous 14 years at Sundance TV where he oversaw prestige international productions including Jane Campion’s Top Of The Lake and Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Based in London and New York and reporting to Sarah Doole, head of global drama,...
Christian Vesper joined TV producer and distributor FremantleMedia as executive vice president and creative director, global drama, in 2016 as part of the Rtl-owned company’s ambitious strategy to become more greatly involved with the boom in high-end drama.
Vesper had spent the previous 14 years at Sundance TV where he oversaw prestige international productions including Jane Campion’s Top Of The Lake and Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Based in London and New York and reporting to Sarah Doole, head of global drama,...
- 4/6/2019
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
Amazon hit London for its show-and-tell Tuesday with a starry cast in tow: Julia Roberts, Jon Hamm, Rachel Brosnahan, John Krasinksi, Orlando Bloom and Matthew Weiner were all in town to talk about their Amazon projects. Mark Burnett and Neil Gaiman also made cameos, the latter fresh off the announcement of his new overall deal with the streamer.
With Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke presiding, the company showcased clips from upcoming British fantasy comedy “Good Omens,” the second season of Emmy-winning “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” a few new French- and German-language series, and one French-and-German-language show. Here are five things we learned from the event:
1.) Amazon’s Europe strategy: international talent deals and non-English drama
Amazon has already locked “Catastrophe” co-creator Sharon Horgan into a deal and has now added Gaiman to its international bench. He said the deal came about after he worked with Amazon “almost accidentally” on “American Gods” and “Good Omens,...
With Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke presiding, the company showcased clips from upcoming British fantasy comedy “Good Omens,” the second season of Emmy-winning “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” a few new French- and German-language series, and one French-and-German-language show. Here are five things we learned from the event:
1.) Amazon’s Europe strategy: international talent deals and non-English drama
Amazon has already locked “Catastrophe” co-creator Sharon Horgan into a deal and has now added Gaiman to its international bench. He said the deal came about after he worked with Amazon “almost accidentally” on “American Gods” and “Good Omens,...
- 10/2/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: Jennifer Mullin will take one of the biggest jobs in international TV, as CEO of production and distribution giant FremantleMedia. Mullin has been CEO of FremantleMedia North America, the company’s largest unit, since May 2017.
She joined the North America operation in 2005 as senior vice president of current programming, rising to executive vice president of current programming in 2012 and co-ceo, alongside Craig Cegielski, in 2015.
Mullin, who will be FremantleMedia’s first American CEO, will move to London and start her new job Sept. 1. She replaces Cecile Frot-Coutaz, who is leaving the company after more than two decades to head YouTube’s Emea business, as first reported by Variety in March. Frot-Coutaz has been CEO of FremantleMedia since 2012 and, like Mullin, rose to the position after having served as head of FremantleMedia North America.
Bert Habets, CEO of Luxembourg-based Rtl, which owns FremantleMedia, announced Mullin’s appointment Thursday morning. “A strong and hugely respected leader,...
She joined the North America operation in 2005 as senior vice president of current programming, rising to executive vice president of current programming in 2012 and co-ceo, alongside Craig Cegielski, in 2015.
Mullin, who will be FremantleMedia’s first American CEO, will move to London and start her new job Sept. 1. She replaces Cecile Frot-Coutaz, who is leaving the company after more than two decades to head YouTube’s Emea business, as first reported by Variety in March. Frot-Coutaz has been CEO of FremantleMedia since 2012 and, like Mullin, rose to the position after having served as head of FremantleMedia North America.
Bert Habets, CEO of Luxembourg-based Rtl, which owns FremantleMedia, announced Mullin’s appointment Thursday morning. “A strong and hugely respected leader,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
FremantleMedia International to handle global distribution.
John Malkovich is to join Jude Law in the cast of The New Pope, director Paolo Sorrentino’s follow-up to his HBO/Sky limited series The Young Pope.
The limited series, written by Sorrentino with Umberto Contarello and Stefano Bises, is set to begin production in Italy in November.
HBO gave no details about the role Malkovich will play, though it did confirm that the new series, like its predecessor, will be set in the world of the modern papacy.
Malkovich’s previous TV appearances include movies Heart Of Darkness, RKO281, and Death Of A Salesman,...
John Malkovich is to join Jude Law in the cast of The New Pope, director Paolo Sorrentino’s follow-up to his HBO/Sky limited series The Young Pope.
The limited series, written by Sorrentino with Umberto Contarello and Stefano Bises, is set to begin production in Italy in November.
HBO gave no details about the role Malkovich will play, though it did confirm that the new series, like its predecessor, will be set in the world of the modern papacy.
Malkovich’s previous TV appearances include movies Heart Of Darkness, RKO281, and Death Of A Salesman,...
- 7/2/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
John Malkovich is set to star in The New Pope, Paolo Sorrentino’s follow-up to the critically praised The Young Pope limited series, with Jude Law returning following his star turn as tormented American pontiff Lenny Belardo in the first series. Production on The New Pope, from FremantleMedia-owned Wildside (The Young Pope) and Spain’s Mediapro, is set to begin in Italy in November.
Written by Sorrentino with his frequent Italian co-writer Umberto Contarello, who also served as co-writer on Young Pope, and Stefano Bises, The New Pope limited series also is set in the world of modern papacy. The New Pope, an original production of HBO-Sky, is produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Wildside and co-produced by Mediapro. The series has been in the works since last year.
Producers are keeping mum on Law & Malkovich’s roles in The New Pope. There were questions...
Written by Sorrentino with his frequent Italian co-writer Umberto Contarello, who also served as co-writer on Young Pope, and Stefano Bises, The New Pope limited series also is set in the world of modern papacy. The New Pope, an original production of HBO-Sky, is produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Wildside and co-produced by Mediapro. The series has been in the works since last year.
Producers are keeping mum on Law & Malkovich’s roles in The New Pope. There were questions...
- 7/2/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Sarah Doole, FremantleMedia director of global drama, reveals details of the TV version of Elena Ferrante’s bestselling novel.
HBO suggested transplanting the TV version of Elena Ferrante’s Naples-set novel My Brilliant Friend to Brooklyn, according to FreemantleMedia director of global drama Sarah Doole.
HBO is co-producing the eight-part series with FreemantleMedia and Rai.
Doole, speaking at the 8th annual Incontri Conference (March 22-24) in South Tyrol, Italy, said: “HBO wanted to change the setting and move the story to Brooklyn. We really had to stand by our point to obtain maximum fidelity to the books.”
Despite this, negotiations...
HBO suggested transplanting the TV version of Elena Ferrante’s Naples-set novel My Brilliant Friend to Brooklyn, according to FreemantleMedia director of global drama Sarah Doole.
HBO is co-producing the eight-part series with FreemantleMedia and Rai.
Doole, speaking at the 8th annual Incontri Conference (March 22-24) in South Tyrol, Italy, said: “HBO wanted to change the setting and move the story to Brooklyn. We really had to stand by our point to obtain maximum fidelity to the books.”
Despite this, negotiations...
- 4/13/2018
- by Gabriele Niola
- ScreenDaily
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