Reflecting on her career, Lena Waithe says, “I think about legacy a lot.” The writer-producer-actor, whose body of work includes creating Showtime drama The Chi and BET’s Twenties, has been on a steady upward trajectory since winning a primetime Emmy Award in 2017 for outstanding writing on Netflix’s Master of None. But for Waithe, success raised questions about where she was headed. “I didn’t know what I was actually trying to build. I wanted to have real agency over my career, but it was also not just about me, it’s about who I can work with.”
Together with Rishi Rajani, a studio exec who honed his skills at 20th Century Fox, UTA, Paradigm, and Studio 8, Waithe has created a multi-platform entertainment company that accomplishes both. At Hillman Grad Productions, Waithe and Rishi develop projects that often go against the industry grain, while also hiring up-and-coming talent...
Together with Rishi Rajani, a studio exec who honed his skills at 20th Century Fox, UTA, Paradigm, and Studio 8, Waithe has created a multi-platform entertainment company that accomplishes both. At Hillman Grad Productions, Waithe and Rishi develop projects that often go against the industry grain, while also hiring up-and-coming talent...
- 5/19/2024
- by Carita Rizzo
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahead of the highly anticipated season six premiere, Paramount+ with Showtime today announced that it has already given the green light to The Chi Season 7. The first half of season six was record-breaking for The Chi, with the drama series delivering its most-watched season yet on streaming, surging nearly 25 percent over season five.
The second half of season six of The Chi returns on Friday, May 10, on-demand and on streaming for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. The seventh season will start production later this month in Chicago.
“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer,...
The second half of season six of The Chi returns on Friday, May 10, on-demand and on streaming for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. The seventh season will start production later this month in Chicago.
“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Paramount+ with Showtime has renewed The Chi for a seventh season.
The first half of The Chi’s season six delivered its most-watched season yet on streaming, increasing nearly 25 percent over season five. The second half returns on Friday, May 10 on demand and on streaming for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
The seventh season will start production later this month in Chicago. Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Common (Selma), The Chi centers on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. It’s from 20th Television.
“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering...
The first half of The Chi’s season six delivered its most-watched season yet on streaming, increasing nearly 25 percent over season five. The second half returns on Friday, May 10 on demand and on streaming for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
The seventh season will start production later this month in Chicago. Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Common (Selma), The Chi centers on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. It’s from 20th Television.
“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering...
- 5/8/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Tribeca Festival has announced its lineup of live events and official selections for audio storytelling and games with special guest stars. This year’s festival, presented by Okx, takes place June 5 through 16, with the audio storytelling program running June 9 to 13 and the games lineup June 12 to 16.
Tribeca’s 2024 audio storytelling live events program includes the 10th anniversary of Vox Media’s award-winning true crime podcast “Criminal,” with Melissa McCarthy joining. The audio storytelling section of the festival is presented by Audible.
Lena Waithe will be a guest on Stitcher Studios’ “Vibe Check,” a dissection of news, entertainment, politics, and everything in between through a Black queer lens, while Slate’s “Death Sex & Money” hosts an event on the art of the interview with special guest Kara Swisher.
This year, Tribeca received a record-breaking number of audio storytelling submissions from talented creators worldwide. Tribeca also recognizes the impact of audio...
Tribeca’s 2024 audio storytelling live events program includes the 10th anniversary of Vox Media’s award-winning true crime podcast “Criminal,” with Melissa McCarthy joining. The audio storytelling section of the festival is presented by Audible.
Lena Waithe will be a guest on Stitcher Studios’ “Vibe Check,” a dissection of news, entertainment, politics, and everything in between through a Black queer lens, while Slate’s “Death Sex & Money” hosts an event on the art of the interview with special guest Kara Swisher.
This year, Tribeca received a record-breaking number of audio storytelling submissions from talented creators worldwide. Tribeca also recognizes the impact of audio...
- 4/25/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In what will surely come as a huge shock to the general public and cause no small number of monocles to pop out, Amazon MGM Studios has elected to retitle Zoë Kravitz's feature directing debut, which was previously going under the not-at-all provocative moniker "Pussy Island." Kravitz's film will instead be released as "Blink Twice," which for me conjures memories of David Tennant's 10th Doctor desperately warning Carey Mulligan not to blink around the Weeping Angels in the classic modern "Doctor Who" episode "Blink."
That association isn't entirely inappropriate, either. "Blink Twice," like "Blink," is a potpourri of horror, mystery-thriller, and humor with an English actor at its core. In this case, it's Naomi Ackie of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Master of None" season 3 fame starring as a young woman who accompanies a tech billionaire -- played by Kravitz's current real-life significant other,...
That association isn't entirely inappropriate, either. "Blink Twice," like "Blink," is a potpourri of horror, mystery-thriller, and humor with an English actor at its core. In this case, it's Naomi Ackie of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Master of None" season 3 fame starring as a young woman who accompanies a tech billionaire -- played by Kravitz's current real-life significant other,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Paramount+ with Showtime today released the official trailer and key art for the upcoming second half of season six of The Chi series. The series will return on Friday, May 10, on streaming and on-demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
The Chi series recently wrapped production in Chicago on the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season. Produced entirely in its namesake city, the show is produced by 20th Television.
Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common (Selma), The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.
The record-breaking season-six premiere, which...
The Chi series recently wrapped production in Chicago on the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season. Produced entirely in its namesake city, the show is produced by 20th Television.
Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common (Selma), The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.
The record-breaking season-six premiere, which...
- 4/18/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Jay Duplass and Kelvin Yu are the latest additions to the cast of FX’s limited series adaptation of “Dying for Sex,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The series is based on the podcast of the same name. Duplass and Yu join previously announced series lead Michelle Williams and cast members Jenny Slate, Rob Delaney, David Rasche, and Esco Jouléy.
The official description of the series states “Molly (Williams), a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, leaves her husband of 15 years and begins to explore her sexuality. She gets the courage and support to go on this adventure from her best friend (Slate), who stays by her side all the way to the very end.”
Duplass will play Steve, Molly’s husband. Yu will play Noah, described as “a talented musician with genuinely earnest, big feelings about his girlfriend Nikki that he isn’t shy about sharing.”
As an actor, Duplass...
The series is based on the podcast of the same name. Duplass and Yu join previously announced series lead Michelle Williams and cast members Jenny Slate, Rob Delaney, David Rasche, and Esco Jouléy.
The official description of the series states “Molly (Williams), a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, leaves her husband of 15 years and begins to explore her sexuality. She gets the courage and support to go on this adventure from her best friend (Slate), who stays by her side all the way to the very end.”
Duplass will play Steve, Molly’s husband. Yu will play Noah, described as “a talented musician with genuinely earnest, big feelings about his girlfriend Nikki that he isn’t shy about sharing.”
As an actor, Duplass...
- 4/18/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount+ with Showtime has released the trailer and key art for the upcoming second half of season six of The Chi, which will return May 10.
The series recently wrapped production in Chicago on the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season.
The season-six premiere, which ranks among the top Showtime premieres ever in streaming viewership, picked up with Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blended union tested by his perilous partnership with Douda, (Curtiss Cook), who is dealing with the fallout of Q’s murder and its effect on the shifting loyalty of his inner circle. Victor’s (Luke James) tangled past impacts his new role as city councilman. Newlyweds Jada (Yolonda Ross) and Darnell (Rolando Boyce) fear for son Emmett after he makes a desperate, life-threatening move. Rob (Iman Shumpert) and Tiff’s (Hannaha Hall) cannabis business and Jake’s (Michael V. Epps) apparel line take off,...
The series recently wrapped production in Chicago on the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season.
The season-six premiere, which ranks among the top Showtime premieres ever in streaming viewership, picked up with Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blended union tested by his perilous partnership with Douda, (Curtiss Cook), who is dealing with the fallout of Q’s murder and its effect on the shifting loyalty of his inner circle. Victor’s (Luke James) tangled past impacts his new role as city councilman. Newlyweds Jada (Yolonda Ross) and Darnell (Rolando Boyce) fear for son Emmett after he makes a desperate, life-threatening move. Rob (Iman Shumpert) and Tiff’s (Hannaha Hall) cannabis business and Jake’s (Michael V. Epps) apparel line take off,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Jane Wiseman, who was previously VP of original series at Netflix, has joined Sister Entertainment Group as the head of U.S. television, according to Cindy Holland, global CEO of Sister Entertainment Group. Wiseman is based in Los Angeles and will lead the U.S. television business for Sister, specifically focused on development and production of premium scripted series.
“Jane is a multi-faceted executive with great passion and curiosity, combined with smart business and creative instincts. She’s a powerful advocate for artists and a generous collaborator, which makes her a great fit for our team at Sister,” said Holland. “I’m really looking forward to welcoming Jane to our team and working with her again.”
Wiseman and Holland previously worked together at Netflix, where Wiseman helped develop such notable series as “Dead to Me,” “Russian Doll,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Master of None.” She was an...
“Jane is a multi-faceted executive with great passion and curiosity, combined with smart business and creative instincts. She’s a powerful advocate for artists and a generous collaborator, which makes her a great fit for our team at Sister,” said Holland. “I’m really looking forward to welcoming Jane to our team and working with her again.”
Wiseman and Holland previously worked together at Netflix, where Wiseman helped develop such notable series as “Dead to Me,” “Russian Doll,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Master of None.” She was an...
- 4/10/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
Former Netflix Head of Comedy Jane Wiseman is joining Jane Featherstone and Liz Murdoch‘s Sister entertainment group in a newly created position as Head of U.S. Television. Based in Los Angeles, Wiseman will report to Cindy Holland, Sister’s Global CEO, and will lead the company’s U.S. television business, specifically focused on development and production of premium scripted series.
This is the second senior member of Holland’s executive team at Netflix, where she led original TV content for many years, that she has brought to Sister since joining the company in July. In October, Efrain Miron was named to another newly created position as President, Strategy and Business Affairs, with a focus on the U.S. studio and portfolio companies.
Building out Sister’s U.S. operation under Holland has been a major priority as the company is plotting further expansion and a path to profitability.
This is the second senior member of Holland’s executive team at Netflix, where she led original TV content for many years, that she has brought to Sister since joining the company in July. In October, Efrain Miron was named to another newly created position as President, Strategy and Business Affairs, with a focus on the U.S. studio and portfolio companies.
Building out Sister’s U.S. operation under Holland has been a major priority as the company is plotting further expansion and a path to profitability.
- 4/10/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Jane Wiseman is reuniting with former Netflix content chief Cindy Holland at Sister.
Wiseman, who departed as head of comedy at the streaming giant in 2020, will serve as head of U.S. television and report directly to Holland.
At Sister — which is led by CEO Holland, Cco Jane Featherstone and executive chair Elisabeth Murdoch — Wiseman will specifically focus on developing and producing premium scripted programming.
The hire marks a reunion for Wiseman and Holland, who both worked together for seven years at the streaming giant. Wiseman joined Netflix in 2013 as an early member of Holland’s content team and developed hits including Dead to Me, Russian Doll, Grace and Frankie, Master of None, Narcos, Ozark and Big Mouth, among others.
Since exiting Netflix, Wiseman has served as a consultant for a variety of streamers and most recently was at Amazon MGM Studios.
“Sister’s slate is ambitious, audacious and artist-forward,...
Wiseman, who departed as head of comedy at the streaming giant in 2020, will serve as head of U.S. television and report directly to Holland.
At Sister — which is led by CEO Holland, Cco Jane Featherstone and executive chair Elisabeth Murdoch — Wiseman will specifically focus on developing and producing premium scripted programming.
The hire marks a reunion for Wiseman and Holland, who both worked together for seven years at the streaming giant. Wiseman joined Netflix in 2013 as an early member of Holland’s content team and developed hits including Dead to Me, Russian Doll, Grace and Frankie, Master of None, Narcos, Ozark and Big Mouth, among others.
Since exiting Netflix, Wiseman has served as a consultant for a variety of streamers and most recently was at Amazon MGM Studios.
“Sister’s slate is ambitious, audacious and artist-forward,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aziz Ansari cast Keanu Reeves as an angel named Gabriel in his new Lionsgate film Good Fortune, but God apparently wasn’t looking out for Reeves when he tripped on a rug in his trailer.
“About 15 days into shooting with me, I said, ‘Go chill in your trailer,'” Ansari recalled during an appearance at CinemaCon on Wednesday. “He tripped on a rug … Poor guy, he was such a trooper, and he fractured his kneecap and continued to do all the scenes.”
Ansari, appearing opposite Lionsgate’s motion picture group chair Adam Fogelson during the studio’s presentation in front of theater owners, suggested that the accident was even more striking considering that through all his physically demanding work in action pics like the John Wick franchise and Speed, “he never had to go to the hospital or anything.”
After an image surfaced earlier this year from the set showing...
“About 15 days into shooting with me, I said, ‘Go chill in your trailer,'” Ansari recalled during an appearance at CinemaCon on Wednesday. “He tripped on a rug … Poor guy, he was such a trooper, and he fractured his kneecap and continued to do all the scenes.”
Ansari, appearing opposite Lionsgate’s motion picture group chair Adam Fogelson during the studio’s presentation in front of theater owners, suggested that the accident was even more striking considering that through all his physically demanding work in action pics like the John Wick franchise and Speed, “he never had to go to the hospital or anything.”
After an image surfaced earlier this year from the set showing...
- 4/10/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Good Fortune Footage Reaction: Keanu Reeves Is Aziz Ansari's Literal Guardian Angel [CinemaCon 2024]
Aziz Ansari was a big name in comedy in the 2010s, not just from memorable roles in shows like "Parks and Recreation," but also his stellar turn as creator of the acclaimed Netflix comedy "Master of None." Ansari was set to make his directorial debut back in 2022 with "Being Mortal," but that film was shut down following sexual harassment allegations against Bill Murray, the star of the film. Not helping here were the sexual misconduct accusations against Ansari himself back in 2018.
Now, Ansari is ready to try again, making his feature directorial debut with "Good Fortune." The film is set to star Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh, which is a mighty impressive cast — anyone doubting Keanu's comedic timing needs to remember the "Bill & Ted" movies and also watch his stellar performance in "Always Be My Maybe."
/Film's own Ryan Scott was on-site at CinemaCon,...
Now, Ansari is ready to try again, making his feature directorial debut with "Good Fortune." The film is set to star Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh, which is a mighty impressive cast — anyone doubting Keanu's comedic timing needs to remember the "Bill & Ted" movies and also watch his stellar performance in "Always Be My Maybe."
/Film's own Ryan Scott was on-site at CinemaCon,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) has been tapped for a role in Lionsgate’s Good Fortune, the debut feature of Master of None and Parks and Rec star Aziz Ansari, in which he also stars alongside Seth Rogen, Keanu Reeves, and Keke Palmer.
Oh’s role is being kept under wraps, as is the plot of the movie. Ansari directed from his own script and also produced alongside Anthony Katagas and Alan Yang, with Aniz Adam Ansari and Jonathan McCoy exec producing. At Lionsgate, the film is overseen by Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey.
The film is the second Ansari has looked to direct, on the heels of the Searchlight dramedy Being Mortal, which was shut down amid complaints of inappropriate behavior on the part of cast member Bill Murray in 2022. Previously, he’s helmed his 2022 comedy special Nightclub Comedian for Netflix, as well as 11 episodes of Master of None,...
Oh’s role is being kept under wraps, as is the plot of the movie. Ansari directed from his own script and also produced alongside Anthony Katagas and Alan Yang, with Aniz Adam Ansari and Jonathan McCoy exec producing. At Lionsgate, the film is overseen by Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey.
The film is the second Ansari has looked to direct, on the heels of the Searchlight dramedy Being Mortal, which was shut down amid complaints of inappropriate behavior on the part of cast member Bill Murray in 2022. Previously, he’s helmed his 2022 comedy special Nightclub Comedian for Netflix, as well as 11 episodes of Master of None,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West announced on Tuesday that American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson has been named recipient of the 2024 Paul Selvin Award for the Amazon MGM Studios film, for which he won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay earlier this month.
Additionally, American Fiction — based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett — is nominated for the WGA Award for best adapted screenplay.
The comedy, which stars Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist who writes a satirical book under a pen name that exposes the publishing industry’s limited view of Black life, has garnered numerous awards in addition to the Oscar, including the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, a BAFTA award for best adapted screenplay and Film Independent Spirit Awards for best actor (Wright) and adapted screenplay. The film was also named as one of the year’s best by the...
Additionally, American Fiction — based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett — is nominated for the WGA Award for best adapted screenplay.
The comedy, which stars Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist who writes a satirical book under a pen name that exposes the publishing industry’s limited view of Black life, has garnered numerous awards in addition to the Oscar, including the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, a BAFTA award for best adapted screenplay and Film Independent Spirit Awards for best actor (Wright) and adapted screenplay. The film was also named as one of the year’s best by the...
- 3/26/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In collaboration with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Paris Theater has announced it will be presenting the New York “Academy Museum Branch Select” screening series starting April 3. Each of the 18 branches of the Academy has selected a film for the series that represents a major milestone in the evolution of filmmaking. Some of the films included are “Fantastic Mr.Fox,” “Showgirls,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Nashville,” “Yi Yi,” “In the Mood for Love” and “Citizen Kane.”
Screenings will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m. at both the Paris Theater and the Academy Museum. Tickets will be available March 28 on the Paris Theater and Academy Museum websites respectively.
Cord Jefferson to Receive Wgaw’s Paul Selvin Award
Cord Jefferson will receive the Writers Guild of America West’s 2024 Paul Selvin Award for penning the screenplay for “American Fiction.” He will receive the honor at the 2024 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday,...
Screenings will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m. at both the Paris Theater and the Academy Museum. Tickets will be available March 28 on the Paris Theater and Academy Museum websites respectively.
Cord Jefferson to Receive Wgaw’s Paul Selvin Award
Cord Jefferson will receive the Writers Guild of America West’s 2024 Paul Selvin Award for penning the screenplay for “American Fiction.” He will receive the honor at the 2024 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Jaden Thompson and Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
This is fact: Oscar-winning American Fiction screenwriter Cord Jefferson will receive the WGA West’s 2024 Paul Selvin Award next month. The first-time feature scribe will be feted during the West Coast ceremony for strike-delayed 77th Writers Guild Awards on April 14 at the Hollywood Palladium.
He also is up for the Adapted Screenplay prize at the WGA Awards, having written his script based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure.
Jefferson also directed American Fiction, which stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a frustrated novelist fed up with the literary establishment’s continual ignorance and blind promotion of what they consider “Black” entertainment. He writes an outlandish “Black” book of his own under a pen name, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Related: 2024 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For Writers Guild, Tonys & More
Along with the accolades for Jefferson’s first big-screen script,...
He also is up for the Adapted Screenplay prize at the WGA Awards, having written his script based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure.
Jefferson also directed American Fiction, which stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a frustrated novelist fed up with the literary establishment’s continual ignorance and blind promotion of what they consider “Black” entertainment. He writes an outlandish “Black” book of his own under a pen name, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Related: 2024 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For Writers Guild, Tonys & More
Along with the accolades for Jefferson’s first big-screen script,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ilfenesh Hadera (Godfather of Harlem) has been tapped to star opposite Denzel Washington in Apple and A24’s High and Low, an English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller, from filmmaker Spike Lee.
She comes to the project following collaborations with Lee on his acclaimed Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, based on his classic 1986 film, as well as his movies Chi-Raq and Oldboy.
Loosely based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom, written by Evan Hunter under the pen name Ed McBain, the original High and Low watches as a shoe company executive becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. It’s unclear how closely Lee’s film will hew to the original storyline, and there’s no word yet as to the role Hadera will play.
Developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, Lee...
She comes to the project following collaborations with Lee on his acclaimed Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, based on his classic 1986 film, as well as his movies Chi-Raq and Oldboy.
Loosely based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom, written by Evan Hunter under the pen name Ed McBain, the original High and Low watches as a shoe company executive becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. It’s unclear how closely Lee’s film will hew to the original storyline, and there’s no word yet as to the role Hadera will play.
Developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, Lee...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
With the 2024 Academy Awards in the books, Variety is celebrating the Oscar wins of the stars and filmmaking talent that took home gold at the ceremony Sunday evening. Many of the night’s biggest winners graced the cover of Variety, guested on the Awards Circuit podcast and featured in the Actors on Actors series throughout the season. Revisit the coverage below.
Variety covers:
Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), best picture and director: Christopher Nolan on Turning ‘Oppenheimer’ Into a Near-$1 Billion Hit — And What’s Next
Kris Bowers (“The Last Repair Shop”), best documentary (short subject): ‘Origin’ and ‘The Color Purple’ Composer Kris Bowers Shares Gratitude for Kobe Bryant Mentorship, Ava DuVernay Collaborations and Scoring Empowering Stories
Billie Eilish (“Barbie”), best original song: Billie Eilish Was Made for This: ‘Being a Woman Is Just a War, Forever’
Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), best actress: Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos on ‘Poor Things,...
Variety covers:
Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), best picture and director: Christopher Nolan on Turning ‘Oppenheimer’ Into a Near-$1 Billion Hit — And What’s Next
Kris Bowers (“The Last Repair Shop”), best documentary (short subject): ‘Origin’ and ‘The Color Purple’ Composer Kris Bowers Shares Gratitude for Kobe Bryant Mentorship, Ava DuVernay Collaborations and Scoring Empowering Stories
Billie Eilish (“Barbie”), best original song: Billie Eilish Was Made for This: ‘Being a Woman Is Just a War, Forever’
Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), best actress: Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos on ‘Poor Things,...
- 3/11/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Colin From Accounts is a sweet and brilliantly funny rom-com series that will warm your heart while also making you laugh at every turn. The Australian series starring the real-life couple Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall in the lead roles of Ashley and Gordon follows two single people, one in her 30s and the other in his 40s as they are brought together by a literal accident of a sweet dog soon to be named “Colin From Accounts”. The romantic comedy series also stars Genevieve Hegney, Emma Harvie, Helen Thomson, and Michael Logo. So, if you loved the Australian rom-com series here are some similar shows you should check out next.
Lovesick (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Netflix
Lovesick aka Scrotal Recall is a brilliant rom-com series that tackles the difficult subject matter of sexually transmitted series while also delivering a genuinely heartfelt story about love and friendship. Created by Tom Edge,...
Lovesick (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Netflix
Lovesick aka Scrotal Recall is a brilliant rom-com series that tackles the difficult subject matter of sexually transmitted series while also delivering a genuinely heartfelt story about love and friendship. Created by Tom Edge,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
American Fiction filmmaker Cord Jefferson and writer John Wells have signed on to Just Cause, Amazon’s upcoming thriller limited series, starring and executive produced by Scarlett Johansson, Deadline has confirmed.
Jefferson and Wells will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series. John Wells Productions has joined as producer of the series.
Based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel, Just Cause hails from writer Christy Hall, Johansson’s These Pictures banner and Warner Bros. TV. In a very competitive situation, the project landed at Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison “Madi” Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.
Jefferson and Wells will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series. John Wells Productions has joined as producer of the series.
Based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel, Just Cause hails from writer Christy Hall, Johansson’s These Pictures banner and Warner Bros. TV. In a very competitive situation, the project landed at Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison “Madi” Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.
- 2/14/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Cord Jefferson will write and executive produce the upcoming Scarlett Johansson limited series, which serves as her first major television role.
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Emmy winning actress Keke Palmer is joining Aziz Ansari’s feature directorial debut, ‘Good Fortune’, which also stars the ‘Parks & Recreation’ and ‘Master of None’ alum, Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. Palmer was originally set to star in Ansari’s previous directorial debut at Searchlight, ‘Being Mortal’, before that movie was shut down by the studio over alleged inappropriate conduct by star Bill Murray, reports Deadline.
Palmer, in the wake of that experience, had nothing but praise for Ansari when Deadline spoke to her at the Nope premiere in summer 2022. Rogen also was set to star in ‘Being Mortal’.
“I had a wonderful time filming,” Palmer told Deadline at the ‘Nope’ premiere. “Aziz Ansari is one of the coolest people that I ever met. That was the coolest experience, but I don’t know anything more than that”.
Her role in ‘Good Fortune’ is under wraps. Ansari writes,...
Palmer, in the wake of that experience, had nothing but praise for Ansari when Deadline spoke to her at the Nope premiere in summer 2022. Rogen also was set to star in ‘Being Mortal’.
“I had a wonderful time filming,” Palmer told Deadline at the ‘Nope’ premiere. “Aziz Ansari is one of the coolest people that I ever met. That was the coolest experience, but I don’t know anything more than that”.
Her role in ‘Good Fortune’ is under wraps. Ansari writes,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Keke Palmer has joined the cast of “Good Fortune,” a comedy from Aziz Ansari.
She’ll star alongside Ansari, who wrote and directed the film in his debut feature, as well as Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves.
Palmer’s role, as well as the entire plot of the movie, is being kept under wraps. Lionsgate is backing “Good Fortune,” which is currently in production in Los Angeles.
“Keke is a delight to work with,” Ansari said in a statement. “I’m so happy she’s a part of our cast and even more excited to provide a quote for this press release announcing her casting.”
“Good Fortune” is Ansari’s second attempt to make his directorial debut. The star of “Parks and Recreation” and creator of Netflix’s “Master of None” was previously working on the comedic drama “Being Mortal” for Searchlight. But production was infinitely suspended in 2022 over complaints...
She’ll star alongside Ansari, who wrote and directed the film in his debut feature, as well as Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves.
Palmer’s role, as well as the entire plot of the movie, is being kept under wraps. Lionsgate is backing “Good Fortune,” which is currently in production in Los Angeles.
“Keke is a delight to work with,” Ansari said in a statement. “I’m so happy she’s a part of our cast and even more excited to provide a quote for this press release announcing her casting.”
“Good Fortune” is Ansari’s second attempt to make his directorial debut. The star of “Parks and Recreation” and creator of Netflix’s “Master of None” was previously working on the comedic drama “Being Mortal” for Searchlight. But production was infinitely suspended in 2022 over complaints...
- 1/30/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Seven months after Aziz Ansari’s feature directorial debut Good Fortune shut down indefinitely amid the writers strike, the film is back on track. Ansari has added Keke Palmer to cast, which also includes Ansari, Keanu Reeves, and Seth Rogen.
Ansari also wrote Good Fortune, which is being backed by Lionsgate. Anthony Katagas (Armageddon Time, Amsterdam), Alan Yang (Loot, Master of None) and Ansari will produce. Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey will oversee for the studio.
Ansari said of the casting, “Keke is a delight to work with. I’m so happy she’s a part of our cast and even more excited to provide a quote for this press release announcing her casting.”
The movie restarted production after filming was indefinitely suspended in May due to the WGA and later the SAG work stoppages. Picketers interrupted filming on May 16 and May 17 while it attempted to shoot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown.
Ansari also wrote Good Fortune, which is being backed by Lionsgate. Anthony Katagas (Armageddon Time, Amsterdam), Alan Yang (Loot, Master of None) and Ansari will produce. Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey will oversee for the studio.
Ansari said of the casting, “Keke is a delight to work with. I’m so happy she’s a part of our cast and even more excited to provide a quote for this press release announcing her casting.”
The movie restarted production after filming was indefinitely suspended in May due to the WGA and later the SAG work stoppages. Picketers interrupted filming on May 16 and May 17 while it attempted to shoot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown.
- 1/30/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival winners are in, with films like “In the Summers,” “Didi,” and “Daughters” dominating across the categories. “In the Summers” filmmaker Alessandra Lacorazza, whose film centers on a fractured family in New Mexico, also won the Directing prize in U.S. Dramatic.
On Friday, January 26, the winners of juried prizes were shared out of the competition sections, including the U.S. Dramatic Competition, U.S. Documentary Competition, World Cinema Dramatic Competition, World Cinema Documentary Competition, and the Next lineup.
The 2024 Sundance jury consisted of 16 filmmakers and artists across all sections, with the U.S. Dramatic Competition jury made up of “Winter’s Bone” director/co-writer Debra Granik, “Shortcomings” screenwriter Adrian Tomine, and “Master of None” producer Lena Waithe.
“Navalny” producer Shane Boris, “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” director Nicole Newnham, and “The Sentence” director Rudy Valdez serve on the U.S. Documentary Competition jury, with “The Babadook” director Jennifer Kent,...
On Friday, January 26, the winners of juried prizes were shared out of the competition sections, including the U.S. Dramatic Competition, U.S. Documentary Competition, World Cinema Dramatic Competition, World Cinema Documentary Competition, and the Next lineup.
The 2024 Sundance jury consisted of 16 filmmakers and artists across all sections, with the U.S. Dramatic Competition jury made up of “Winter’s Bone” director/co-writer Debra Granik, “Shortcomings” screenwriter Adrian Tomine, and “Master of None” producer Lena Waithe.
“Navalny” producer Shane Boris, “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” director Nicole Newnham, and “The Sentence” director Rudy Valdez serve on the U.S. Documentary Competition jury, with “The Babadook” director Jennifer Kent,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson and Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Variety is celebrating the 2024 Oscar nominees who have graced the magazine’s covers, participated in Actors on Actors and Directors on Directors, and spoken on the Awards Circuit podcast this season. The nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning, with “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Barbie” and “Maestro” among the best picture contenders.
Revisit Variety‘s best coverage and interviews with the nominees below.
Variety covers:
Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), best actress: Lily Gladstone on Welcoming ‘Flower Moon’ Criticism, Mollie’s Agency and Scorsese’s Limitations While Telling an Osage Story
Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), best picture, director and adapted screenplay: Christopher Nolan on Turning ‘Oppenheimer’ Into a Near-$1 Billion Hit — And What’s Next
Margot Robbie & LuckyChap (“Barbie”), best picture: Margot Robbie & LuckyChap’s Entertainment Empire: How They’re Thriving Off ‘Barbie,’ ‘Saltburn’ Shocks and ‘Being Original Every Time’
Carey Mulligan...
Revisit Variety‘s best coverage and interviews with the nominees below.
Variety covers:
Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), best actress: Lily Gladstone on Welcoming ‘Flower Moon’ Criticism, Mollie’s Agency and Scorsese’s Limitations While Telling an Osage Story
Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), best picture, director and adapted screenplay: Christopher Nolan on Turning ‘Oppenheimer’ Into a Near-$1 Billion Hit — And What’s Next
Margot Robbie & LuckyChap (“Barbie”), best picture: Margot Robbie & LuckyChap’s Entertainment Empire: How They’re Thriving Off ‘Barbie,’ ‘Saltburn’ Shocks and ‘Being Original Every Time’
Carey Mulligan...
- 1/24/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson wanted to make absolutely sure he’d be asleep when the Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday morning. “I think that I might have had a heart attack if I was watching it live — it would have been too intense an experience for me,” he says when reached by phone following the noms, after receiving the news that he had been recognized for best picture (he also produced the film) and best adapted screenplay. American Fiction, Jefferson’s first feature film, also scored nominations for best actor (Jeffrey Wright) and best supporting actor (Sterling K. Brown).
“I’m a nervous person with a lot of anxiety,” says Jefferson. “So, I stayed up as late as possible, until 2:30 in the morning, and I took half a Xanax, and felt like, ‘Ok, you got to try to sleep, you can’t be up pacing and freaking out.
“I’m a nervous person with a lot of anxiety,” says Jefferson. “So, I stayed up as late as possible, until 2:30 in the morning, and I took half a Xanax, and felt like, ‘Ok, you got to try to sleep, you can’t be up pacing and freaking out.
- 1/23/2024
- by Julian Sancton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
While cinematic half-hour series that may or may not be comedies abound on streaming services today, HBO paved the way for shows like Ramy, The Bear, and Master of None during the mid ’10s by bringing several independent film directors to the small screen. Lena Dunham’s Girls has cast the longest shadow, its six-season run giving it more opportunity to endure in the cultural consciousness through clips and memes. The Tiny Furniture helmer and star’s show was also first out of the gate, premiering in 2012 and becoming an immediate sensation for both the messy millennial antics onscreen and Dunham’s inflammatory persona offscreen.
- 1/19/2024
- by Katie Chow
- Primetimer
“Abbott Elementary” star and creator Quinta Brunson took home the Emmy for best actress in a comedy series on Monday night.
“I don’t even know why I’m so emotional. I think, like, the Carol Burnett of it all,” Brunson said, beginning to choke up at the top of her acceptance speech. Burnett, smiling at the remark, had presented the award — the second major prize of the evening.
“Thank you so much. I love making ‘Abbott Elementary’ so much. And I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy. I say that every time. I just love comedy so much. I’m so happy to be able to get this. I didn’t prepare anything, because I just didn’t think — oh god,” Brunson said, before continuing. “I love my mom, my dad, my sisters, my brothers, my entire family so much. I love my husband.
“I don’t even know why I’m so emotional. I think, like, the Carol Burnett of it all,” Brunson said, beginning to choke up at the top of her acceptance speech. Burnett, smiling at the remark, had presented the award — the second major prize of the evening.
“Thank you so much. I love making ‘Abbott Elementary’ so much. And I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy. I say that every time. I just love comedy so much. I’m so happy to be able to get this. I didn’t prepare anything, because I just didn’t think — oh god,” Brunson said, before continuing. “I love my mom, my dad, my sisters, my brothers, my entire family so much. I love my husband.
- 1/16/2024
- by Clayton Davis and J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Quinta Brunson has won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance in “Abbott Elementary” Season 2, making her the second Black woman in history to receive the honor over 42 years after “The Jeffersons” star Isabel Sanford became the first.
As discouraging a time gap between wins as that is, Brunson’s beloved ABC sitcom about teachers at an underfunded school in Philadelphia has seemingly moved the needle forward for more Black talent to win in the comedy series categories. At the 2022 Primetime Emmys, Brunson earned her first Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, following “Master of None” writer-star Lena Waithe as the second Black woman to win the category. That same night her “Abbott Elementary” co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph became the second Black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, 35 years after Jackeé Henry won for her work in “227.
As discouraging a time gap between wins as that is, Brunson’s beloved ABC sitcom about teachers at an underfunded school in Philadelphia has seemingly moved the needle forward for more Black talent to win in the comedy series categories. At the 2022 Primetime Emmys, Brunson earned her first Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, following “Master of None” writer-star Lena Waithe as the second Black woman to win the category. That same night her “Abbott Elementary” co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph became the second Black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, 35 years after Jackeé Henry won for her work in “227.
- 1/16/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
In late 2020, Cord Jefferson, a journalist turned TV writer, was in a state of creative dismay.
He had just gone through a crushing professional disappointment: A big-budget series project he had spent months writing and developing for Apple TV — Scraper, based on his first career, as a writer and editor at Gawker Media — was tantalizingly close to going into production. But then, that fall, Apple abruptly pulled the plug.
It was in the aftermath of this moment — “a dark period,” as he puts it — that Jefferson happened upon a copy of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure.
“It was as exciting as it was uncanny,” Jefferson says of his experience reading the book over Christmas in 2020. “It felt like someone had decided to write a novel specifically addressing everything I was going through and thinking about for the past 20 years.”
American Fiction, Jefferson’s adaptation of Erasure, tells the story of...
He had just gone through a crushing professional disappointment: A big-budget series project he had spent months writing and developing for Apple TV — Scraper, based on his first career, as a writer and editor at Gawker Media — was tantalizingly close to going into production. But then, that fall, Apple abruptly pulled the plug.
It was in the aftermath of this moment — “a dark period,” as he puts it — that Jefferson happened upon a copy of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure.
“It was as exciting as it was uncanny,” Jefferson says of his experience reading the book over Christmas in 2020. “It felt like someone had decided to write a novel specifically addressing everything I was going through and thinking about for the past 20 years.”
American Fiction, Jefferson’s adaptation of Erasure, tells the story of...
- 1/15/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
These days, legacy can be a burden for television. Whether it’s the legacy of a beloved property poised to be bastardized via reboot, the legacy of a network or star, the legacy of a brilliant debut now hinging upon equal or better subsequent installment, there are legacies intertwined in too many new shows, hanging in the balance as studios and streamers churn out new stories.
But legacy doesn’t matter so much to Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) the lead of Marion Dayre’s “Echo,” now streaming in full on Disney+. Whether it’s her family, her employer, or the stories passed down to her as a child, Maya is more interested in forging her own path than appeasing various players around her. Like “Echo” itself, she stands alone and stands tall — distinct and imposing compared to any imitation.
On her path to becoming the eponymous Echo, Maya is a...
But legacy doesn’t matter so much to Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) the lead of Marion Dayre’s “Echo,” now streaming in full on Disney+. Whether it’s her family, her employer, or the stories passed down to her as a child, Maya is more interested in forging her own path than appeasing various players around her. Like “Echo” itself, she stands alone and stands tall — distinct and imposing compared to any imitation.
On her path to becoming the eponymous Echo, Maya is a...
- 1/10/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
“Master of None” star Lena Waithe, directors Mira Nair and Debra Granik, and astrophysicist Dr. Nia Imara are among the jurors who will be bestowing awards at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
They will be making the trek to Park City for the 40th annual festival, which takes place from Jan. 18-28.
The 2024 jurors include Granik, Adrian Tomine and Waithe for U.S. Dramatic Competition; Shane Boris, Nicole Newnham and Rudy Valdez for U.S. Documentary Competition; Jennifer Kent, Nair and Rui Poças for World Cinema Dramatic Competition; Mandy Chang, Monica Hellström and Shaunak Sen for World Cinema Documentary Competition; Christina Oh, Danny Pudi and Charlotte Regan for Short Film Program Competition; and Zal Batmanglij for the Next competition section.
“For our 40th festival, the jury members this year are all artists who have had films at prior festivals,” said Kim Yutani, Sundance’s director of programming. “They know...
They will be making the trek to Park City for the 40th annual festival, which takes place from Jan. 18-28.
The 2024 jurors include Granik, Adrian Tomine and Waithe for U.S. Dramatic Competition; Shane Boris, Nicole Newnham and Rudy Valdez for U.S. Documentary Competition; Jennifer Kent, Nair and Rui Poças for World Cinema Dramatic Competition; Mandy Chang, Monica Hellström and Shaunak Sen for World Cinema Documentary Competition; Christina Oh, Danny Pudi and Charlotte Regan for Short Film Program Competition; and Zal Batmanglij for the Next competition section.
“For our 40th festival, the jury members this year are all artists who have had films at prior festivals,” said Kim Yutani, Sundance’s director of programming. “They know...
- 1/3/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival jury has officially been unveiled, with 16 filmmakers and artists on the juries across sections.
Multi-hyphenate producer Lena Waithe, actor Danny Pudi, and directors Debra Granik, Nicole Newnham, Jennifer Kent, Christina Oh, and Charlotte Regan are just a sampling of filmmakers who have had projects at prior Sundance festivals. All of this year’s jury members are Sundance alums to mark the festival’s 40th anniversary.
The 2024 Festival will take place January 18 through 28 in-person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah along with a selection of films available online across the country from January 25 through 28. Many of the jurors will participate in 2024 festival programming, including announcing the awards on January 26. Awards across five categories will be honored at an intimate award ceremony held at The Ray Theatre in Park City; the short film jury winners will be announced at the Shorts Awards & Party presented by Argo...
Multi-hyphenate producer Lena Waithe, actor Danny Pudi, and directors Debra Granik, Nicole Newnham, Jennifer Kent, Christina Oh, and Charlotte Regan are just a sampling of filmmakers who have had projects at prior Sundance festivals. All of this year’s jury members are Sundance alums to mark the festival’s 40th anniversary.
The 2024 Festival will take place January 18 through 28 in-person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah along with a selection of films available online across the country from January 25 through 28. Many of the jurors will participate in 2024 festival programming, including announcing the awards on January 26. Awards across five categories will be honored at an intimate award ceremony held at The Ray Theatre in Park City; the short film jury winners will be announced at the Shorts Awards & Party presented by Argo...
- 1/3/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Picture: Netflix / 20th Television
A New Year is just around the corner, and Netflix’s upcoming roster of Original titles includes over 100 returning shows that will be back for new seasons. Some Netflix shows remain unclear on whether they’ll ever return, and in the case of the below, we suspect they’ve all been quietly canceled.
For these shows, we refer to them as ghost canceled. This means they’ve been effectively canceled behind the scenes but haven’t been publicly announced. These announcements are either because Netflix won’t confirm or nobody behind the show publicly announced the cancelation.
As always, cancelations are due to a number of reasons. With a few of these, it’ll be purely down to the length of time since the last season premiered, and then you’ve got the usual issues of performance.
You can find our expanded full list of shows...
A New Year is just around the corner, and Netflix’s upcoming roster of Original titles includes over 100 returning shows that will be back for new seasons. Some Netflix shows remain unclear on whether they’ll ever return, and in the case of the below, we suspect they’ve all been quietly canceled.
For these shows, we refer to them as ghost canceled. This means they’ve been effectively canceled behind the scenes but haven’t been publicly announced. These announcements are either because Netflix won’t confirm or nobody behind the show publicly announced the cancelation.
As always, cancelations are due to a number of reasons. With a few of these, it’ll be purely down to the length of time since the last season premiered, and then you’ve got the usual issues of performance.
You can find our expanded full list of shows...
- 12/26/2023
- by Kasey Moore
- Whats-on-Netflix
Cliffhanger producer and The Legend of Hercules director Renny Harlin is back with another hard-hitting action film that aims to hit you like a ton of bricks. Hailing from Vertical, The Bricklayer stars Aaron Eckhart and revolves around a rogue insurgent blackmailing the CIA by assassinating foreign journalists and making it appear the agency is responsible. As other nations turn against the U.S., the CIA must lure Steve Vail (Eckhart) – their most brilliant and rebellious operative – out of retirement. With an elite and deadly skill set, Vail is tasked with helping clear the agency’s name, forcing him to confront his checkered past while unraveling an international conspiracy.
Bringing pain alongside Steve to those who deserve it most is Nina Dobrev’s Kate, a young, no-nonsense agent with a penchant for violence and a mean trigger finger. Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Blake Nelson, and Ilfenesh Hadera also star as primary cast members.
Bringing pain alongside Steve to those who deserve it most is Nina Dobrev’s Kate, a young, no-nonsense agent with a penchant for violence and a mean trigger finger. Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Blake Nelson, and Ilfenesh Hadera also star as primary cast members.
- 12/14/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
“American Fiction” writer-director Cord Jefferson knew the best way to capture the strangeness of modern life was to adapt an ironic dark comedy novel.
Jefferson, whose Indie Spirit Award-nominated film is based on Percival Everrett’s novel “Erasure,” unpacked the timeless appeal of a story involving a highbrow Black novelist who parodies the perpetuation of racial stereotypes and unwittingly writes a hit novel.
IndieWire Honors recipient Jefferson and author Everett, as well as lead star Jeffrey Wright, detailed the making of “American Fiction” in an exclusive “Page to Screen” featurette courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.
“When I read the book, I felt the material deep in my bones,” Jefferson said. “So I knew almost immediately that I wanted to adapt it. There’s levity but also surprise. That to me is really keeping in essence with the book.”
Everett added, “As soon as I met Cord, it was clear that...
Jefferson, whose Indie Spirit Award-nominated film is based on Percival Everrett’s novel “Erasure,” unpacked the timeless appeal of a story involving a highbrow Black novelist who parodies the perpetuation of racial stereotypes and unwittingly writes a hit novel.
IndieWire Honors recipient Jefferson and author Everett, as well as lead star Jeffrey Wright, detailed the making of “American Fiction” in an exclusive “Page to Screen” featurette courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.
“When I read the book, I felt the material deep in my bones,” Jefferson said. “So I knew almost immediately that I wanted to adapt it. There’s levity but also surprise. That to me is really keeping in essence with the book.”
Everett added, “As soon as I met Cord, it was clear that...
- 12/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Beach House put together a pretty stellar setlist for their stripped-down show at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia Monday night (December 11th), including some live debuts and a few rarities they haven’t performed in over a decade.
After a surprise opening set from Philly’s own Kurt Vile, Beach House’s Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally did an intimate gig full of songs for the real heads. They performed “Many Nights” and “The Bells” — both from 2022’s Once Twice Melody: Chapter 3 — live for the very first time, and debuted “Devil’s Pool” from last April’s Become EP.
But the real surprises were the throwback rarities, including “Childhood” from their self-titled debut, which they hadn’t played in a whopping 16 years. They also did “Auburn and Ivory,” another Beach House deep cut, for the first time since 2012. And, for the first time since 2016, they performed Devotion’s “D.A.R.L.I.N.G.” and...
After a surprise opening set from Philly’s own Kurt Vile, Beach House’s Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally did an intimate gig full of songs for the real heads. They performed “Many Nights” and “The Bells” — both from 2022’s Once Twice Melody: Chapter 3 — live for the very first time, and debuted “Devil’s Pool” from last April’s Become EP.
But the real surprises were the throwback rarities, including “Childhood” from their self-titled debut, which they hadn’t played in a whopping 16 years. They also did “Auburn and Ivory,” another Beach House deep cut, for the first time since 2012. And, for the first time since 2016, they performed Devotion’s “D.A.R.L.I.N.G.” and...
- 12/12/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
Melina Matsoukas has already produced a body of impressive work before she even made the jump to scripted fiction, via her Grammy-winning music video work for massive stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé. And 2019’s “Queen & Slim,” as well as her work on TV shows like “Insecure” and “Master of None,” affirmed her talents as a visual stylist. This year, on the pilot of Apple TV+ series “The Changeling,” Matsoukas applied her gifts to a completely new aim: making a fairy tale.
For her work on the series, Matsoukas received the Auteur Award from IndieWire Honors, alongside “The Changeling” creator Kelly Marcel. Matsoukas appeared at the Los Angeles ceremony to accept the award on her and Marcel’s behalf. Both women executive produce the series, which is adapted from the 2017 dark fantasy novel from Victor Lavalle and focuses on the love story between Apollo (Lakeith Stanfield) and Emma (Clark Backo...
For her work on the series, Matsoukas received the Auteur Award from IndieWire Honors, alongside “The Changeling” creator Kelly Marcel. Matsoukas appeared at the Los Angeles ceremony to accept the award on her and Marcel’s behalf. Both women executive produce the series, which is adapted from the 2017 dark fantasy novel from Victor Lavalle and focuses on the love story between Apollo (Lakeith Stanfield) and Emma (Clark Backo...
- 12/7/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
“He’s changing the narrative.” The new comedy, “American Fiction,” features a wickedly sharp and bitingly funny premise. The feature-length directorial debut of Cord Jefferson, a producer and writer on acclaimed series such as “Watchmen,” “Station Eleven” and “Master Of None,” the film is adapted from Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” a brilliant indictment of the way modern culture handles race, a pointed satire about the commodification of marginalized voices and a writer forced to confront himself and his own creative integrity.
Continue reading ‘American Fiction’ First-Look Featurette: Jeffrey Wright & Cast On The Sharp Audacity Of This Black Cultural Satire [Exclusive] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘American Fiction’ First-Look Featurette: Jeffrey Wright & Cast On The Sharp Audacity Of This Black Cultural Satire [Exclusive] at The Playlist.
- 12/7/2023
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Cord Jefferson would love to stay and chat with his icons, but he’s in the midst of a long awards season and has to “talk to some strangers” about his debut feature “American Fiction.”
So upon accepting the Breakthrough Award at the IndieWire Honors ceremony on December 6 at NeueHouse Hollywood, he said he’s ducking out early not because he’s a “snob,” but because he cares deeply about his work and he wants to make sure he can keep meeting people he admires.
“I’m an artist, so I’m sensitive about my shit. That is 100 percent true. I am deeply insecure,” Jefferson said, quoting the singer Erykah Badu. “I’ve never directed anything before I made this movie, I’ve never written a movie before I made this movie. Putting it into the world is a vulnerable experience. It is something that I was terrified people were...
So upon accepting the Breakthrough Award at the IndieWire Honors ceremony on December 6 at NeueHouse Hollywood, he said he’s ducking out early not because he’s a “snob,” but because he cares deeply about his work and he wants to make sure he can keep meeting people he admires.
“I’m an artist, so I’m sensitive about my shit. That is 100 percent true. I am deeply insecure,” Jefferson said, quoting the singer Erykah Badu. “I’ve never directed anything before I made this movie, I’ve never written a movie before I made this movie. Putting it into the world is a vulnerable experience. It is something that I was terrified people were...
- 12/7/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Cord Jefferson has had quite a week and it’s barely Wednesday.
The American Fiction writer-director spent Monday evening in San Francisco where he received the George Gund III Award for Virtuosity presented by one of his stars, John Ortiz, during the Sffilm Awards at the city’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Shortly after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jefferson received word that his feature directorial debut snagged five Spirit Award nominations including nods for feature, screenplay, lead performance for star Jeffrey Wright and supporting performance for both Sterling K. Brown and Erika Alexander.
By nightfall, Jefferson and his team of collaborators headed to Beverly Hills’ Samuel Goldwyn Theatre for the film’s red carpet premiere where the filmmaker was still trying to process the swirl. “I was preparing myself for the film to not get into the Toronto Film Festival. This is a year in which all the...
The American Fiction writer-director spent Monday evening in San Francisco where he received the George Gund III Award for Virtuosity presented by one of his stars, John Ortiz, during the Sffilm Awards at the city’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Shortly after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jefferson received word that his feature directorial debut snagged five Spirit Award nominations including nods for feature, screenplay, lead performance for star Jeffrey Wright and supporting performance for both Sterling K. Brown and Erika Alexander.
By nightfall, Jefferson and his team of collaborators headed to Beverly Hills’ Samuel Goldwyn Theatre for the film’s red carpet premiere where the filmmaker was still trying to process the swirl. “I was preparing myself for the film to not get into the Toronto Film Festival. This is a year in which all the...
- 12/6/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This interview contains spoilers about the end of “A Thousand And One.”
“It was a beautiful moment,” reflects Lena Waithe on the 33rd annual Gotham Awards, where the producer of the film “A Thousand And One” celebrated three nominations and a victory for A.V. Rockwell for Breakthrough Director. As she explains, “We’ve been rocking with A.V. for a while… A.V. has passion and something to say.” Rishi Rajani, the CEO of Waithe’s production company Hillman Grad, had pitched her on the idea that she “should be working with directors like A.V.,” and, indeed, she signed on to producer the writer-director’s first feature film before she had even seen a script. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“A Thousand And One” follows the mother-son relationship of Inez (Teyana Taylor) and Terry as they lean on each other after Inez is released from Rikers Island and...
“It was a beautiful moment,” reflects Lena Waithe on the 33rd annual Gotham Awards, where the producer of the film “A Thousand And One” celebrated three nominations and a victory for A.V. Rockwell for Breakthrough Director. As she explains, “We’ve been rocking with A.V. for a while… A.V. has passion and something to say.” Rishi Rajani, the CEO of Waithe’s production company Hillman Grad, had pitched her on the idea that she “should be working with directors like A.V.,” and, indeed, she signed on to producer the writer-director’s first feature film before she had even seen a script. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“A Thousand And One” follows the mother-son relationship of Inez (Teyana Taylor) and Terry as they lean on each other after Inez is released from Rikers Island and...
- 12/4/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Nicolas Cage is getting his long-awaited recognition for being a beacon of cinema over the course of his almost half-century-long career.
The Oscar-winning actor will be recognized with the Maria Manetti Shrem Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting during the 2023 Sffilm Awards, which will take place Monday, December 4 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
The award has been given out to actors such as Glenn Close, Kate Winslet, Robert Duvall, Robin Williams, and Adam Driver. Margot Robbie received the honor in 2022.
Cage appears in this year’s critically acclaimed dark comedy “Dream Scenario.” His classic films range from “Peggy Sue Got Married” to “Moonstruck,” “Face/Off” and “Con Air.” Cage previously has received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his work in “Leaving Las Vegas,” and later earned a second Academy Award nomination for his performance in “Adaptation.”
Cage additionally...
The Oscar-winning actor will be recognized with the Maria Manetti Shrem Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting during the 2023 Sffilm Awards, which will take place Monday, December 4 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
The award has been given out to actors such as Glenn Close, Kate Winslet, Robert Duvall, Robin Williams, and Adam Driver. Margot Robbie received the honor in 2022.
Cage appears in this year’s critically acclaimed dark comedy “Dream Scenario.” His classic films range from “Peggy Sue Got Married” to “Moonstruck,” “Face/Off” and “Con Air.” Cage previously has received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his work in “Leaving Las Vegas,” and later earned a second Academy Award nomination for his performance in “Adaptation.”
Cage additionally...
- 11/29/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Five top film directors will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2024 awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Tuesday, December 5, at 4:00 p.m. Pt; 7:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Christopher Rosen and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
American Fiction (MGM)
Synopsis: A novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Bio: Cord Jefferson was an Emmy winner for “Watchmen.” Other...
RSVP today to our entire ongoing contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
American Fiction (MGM)
Synopsis: A novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Bio: Cord Jefferson was an Emmy winner for “Watchmen.” Other...
- 11/28/2023
- by Chris Beachum and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Cord Jefferson didn’t always know he wanted to be a director. While working on Netflix’s comedy series “Master of None,” actor/writer/creator Aziz Ansari asked Jefferson out of the blue if he ever wanted to direct. Jefferson recalls, “I said, ‘No, I’ve never been to film school, I don’t know anything about cameras or lighting. I don’t think that’s for me.”
But Jefferson says Ansari’s response “planted the seed” for what would be a catalyst for him to tackle his directorial debut, “American Fiction,” based on the novel “Erasure.” “He said, ‘Dude, I went to NYU for business. I never went to film school. I’ve just been on sets and paid attention. All you need to do is hire people who understand the technical stuff and then be able to articulate what’s in your head.”
On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
But Jefferson says Ansari’s response “planted the seed” for what would be a catalyst for him to tackle his directorial debut, “American Fiction,” based on the novel “Erasure.” “He said, ‘Dude, I went to NYU for business. I never went to film school. I’ve just been on sets and paid attention. All you need to do is hire people who understand the technical stuff and then be able to articulate what’s in your head.”
On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
A release date has been set for February 2, 2024.
Curzon Film will release Cord Jefferson’s Toronto’s people’s choice award winner American Fiction in the UK and Ireland on February 2, 2024, in a deal done with Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios.
“Curzon Film will be involved across all areas of the theatrical release, in close collaboration with the US,” said a Curzon spokesperson of the awards hopeful.
The satire starring Jeffrey Wright and Tracee Ellis Ross is an adaptation of the novel Erasure by Percival Everett about a novelist who is frustrated with how the establishment profits from Black entertainment...
Curzon Film will release Cord Jefferson’s Toronto’s people’s choice award winner American Fiction in the UK and Ireland on February 2, 2024, in a deal done with Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios.
“Curzon Film will be involved across all areas of the theatrical release, in close collaboration with the US,” said a Curzon spokesperson of the awards hopeful.
The satire starring Jeffrey Wright and Tracee Ellis Ross is an adaptation of the novel Erasure by Percival Everett about a novelist who is frustrated with how the establishment profits from Black entertainment...
- 11/1/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Fox’s Animal Control is headed to Channel 4 in the UK.
Joel McHale’s series that follows a group of local animal control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not, will air on youth channel E4.
Canada’s CBC, Australia’s Foxtel and New Zealand’s Tvnz have already bought the series from Fox Entertainment Global (Feg), the U.S. network’s international distribution outfit, and it marks the first such deal between Channel 4 and Feg.
In Animal Control, one of Fox’s most prominent originals of the past year that was recently recommissioned, McHale plays Frank, an opinionated, eccentric animal control officer and ex-cop who, after a failed attempt at exposing corruption in his police department, finds himself incarcerating animals and becoming all the more cynical and curmudgeonly. The show also stars Vella Lovell (Mr. Mayor), Ravi Patel (Master of None...
Joel McHale’s series that follows a group of local animal control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not, will air on youth channel E4.
Canada’s CBC, Australia’s Foxtel and New Zealand’s Tvnz have already bought the series from Fox Entertainment Global (Feg), the U.S. network’s international distribution outfit, and it marks the first such deal between Channel 4 and Feg.
In Animal Control, one of Fox’s most prominent originals of the past year that was recently recommissioned, McHale plays Frank, an opinionated, eccentric animal control officer and ex-cop who, after a failed attempt at exposing corruption in his police department, finds himself incarcerating animals and becoming all the more cynical and curmudgeonly. The show also stars Vella Lovell (Mr. Mayor), Ravi Patel (Master of None...
- 10/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Blue Bayou filmmaker Justin Chon has signed with WME and Blue Marble Management for representation.
Chon recently directed and executive produced the new Apple TV+ series Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa and produced by Chernin and Fifth Season. The series will premiere in 2024 on Apple TV+.
He also wrote, directed, and starred in the 2021 film Blue Bayou, which sold competitively to Focus Features and premiered at Cannes as part of the Un Certain Regard selection. In the film, Justin stars opposite Oscar winner Alicia Vikander. His fourth feature film, Jamojaya, which he wrote and directed, premiered at Sundance in 2023. Ms. Purple, which he wrote, directed and produced, premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. His feature, Gook, premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Next Audience Award.
Chon also executive produced and directed episodes of Apple TV+’s Peabody Award winning Season 1 of Pachinko.
Chon began...
Chon recently directed and executive produced the new Apple TV+ series Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa and produced by Chernin and Fifth Season. The series will premiere in 2024 on Apple TV+.
He also wrote, directed, and starred in the 2021 film Blue Bayou, which sold competitively to Focus Features and premiered at Cannes as part of the Un Certain Regard selection. In the film, Justin stars opposite Oscar winner Alicia Vikander. His fourth feature film, Jamojaya, which he wrote and directed, premiered at Sundance in 2023. Ms. Purple, which he wrote, directed and produced, premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. His feature, Gook, premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Next Audience Award.
Chon also executive produced and directed episodes of Apple TV+’s Peabody Award winning Season 1 of Pachinko.
Chon began...
- 10/19/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.