A reboot of “The Munsters” and a series adaptation of the 1976 Universal Pictures comedy “Car Wash” are among the projects Universal Studio Group (Usg) currently has in development, Variety has learned. In addition, Universal International Studios (Uis) and Carnival Films are developing a drama series about a newlywed woman accused of murdering her husband on their honeymoon.
The “Munsters” reboot is currently titled “1313,” a reference to the fictional family of monsters’ address at 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It is not currently set up at any network or streaming service.
The new show is described as a horror series that “lives and breathes within the Universal Monsterverse,” per the official logline. The project was developed by James Wan, Lindsey Anderson Beer, and Ingrid Bisu. Anderson Beer will serve as showrunner and executive producer via Lab Brew, with Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett executive producing via Atomic Monster. Bisu will be a co-executive producer.
The “Munsters” reboot is currently titled “1313,” a reference to the fictional family of monsters’ address at 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It is not currently set up at any network or streaming service.
The new show is described as a horror series that “lives and breathes within the Universal Monsterverse,” per the official logline. The project was developed by James Wan, Lindsey Anderson Beer, and Ingrid Bisu. Anderson Beer will serve as showrunner and executive producer via Lab Brew, with Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett executive producing via Atomic Monster. Bisu will be a co-executive producer.
- 5/22/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The cult classic 1976 Universal Pictures film Car Wash is getting the small-screen treatment from producer Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man” franchise) and writer Opey Olagbaju. A comedy series of the same name is in development at NBC from Universal Television.
Set at a modern-day DC car wash, the TV series focuses on an immigrant family’s generational and cultural clashes between father and son and their eclectic group of employees.
The logline reveals many similarities to the original film while using the TV format to make the story much bigger. The Michael Schultz-directed film follows the lives of a group of friends from Los Angeles who work at the Dee-Luxe Car Wash and the interesting characters they interact with one Friday in July.
Many notable names were part of the large ensemble cast including Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Franklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Pepe Serna,...
Set at a modern-day DC car wash, the TV series focuses on an immigrant family’s generational and cultural clashes between father and son and their eclectic group of employees.
The logline reveals many similarities to the original film while using the TV format to make the story much bigger. The Michael Schultz-directed film follows the lives of a group of friends from Los Angeles who work at the Dee-Luxe Car Wash and the interesting characters they interact with one Friday in July.
Many notable names were part of the large ensemble cast including Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Franklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Pepe Serna,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Malcolm D. Lee’s Blackmaled Productions, is helming a new drama series in development with Peacock titled, Drunk on Love. This latest venture is part of Lee’s first-look deal with Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and marks a step in amplifying the voices of creatives of color within the industry.
Drunk on Love is based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Jasmine Guillory, of the same name and follows Margot Noble, whose life is turned upside-down when she inherits a struggling vineyard in Napa Valley along with her estranged brother, Elliot. Yanked back to the small town she thought she’d escaped from, Margot meets Luke Williams, whose life has also recently been upended by his mysterious departure from the tech company he founded. When the two of them lock eyes at a late-night tasting room, sparks fly. It’s an encounter that...
Drunk on Love is based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Jasmine Guillory, of the same name and follows Margot Noble, whose life is turned upside-down when she inherits a struggling vineyard in Napa Valley along with her estranged brother, Elliot. Yanked back to the small town she thought she’d escaped from, Margot meets Luke Williams, whose life has also recently been upended by his mysterious departure from the tech company he founded. When the two of them lock eyes at a late-night tasting room, sparks fly. It’s an encounter that...
- 3/1/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor, writer and director Aml Ameen is plotting a sequel to festive film Boxing Day, as well as thriller project Night And Day, here are the details.
While Britain has produced a number of films that grew into festive favourites like Scrooge, Love, Actually and Arthur Christmas, there are a number of festive films that flew under the radar, like Eddie Izzard’s Lost Christmas.
One such film is Boxing Day, which was released in 2019. Notable as being the first British Christmas film with an almost entirely black cast. It came from actor and writer Aml Ameen, who directed the film and co-wrote the script with Bruce Purnell.
He also starred as Melvin Mackenzie, a successful author who returns home to confront his chaotic family and his past. Aja Naomi King played Lisa, a Hollywood casting director who accompanies Ameen’s Melvin home to face Georgia, his chart-topping pop-star ex,...
While Britain has produced a number of films that grew into festive favourites like Scrooge, Love, Actually and Arthur Christmas, there are a number of festive films that flew under the radar, like Eddie Izzard’s Lost Christmas.
One such film is Boxing Day, which was released in 2019. Notable as being the first British Christmas film with an almost entirely black cast. It came from actor and writer Aml Ameen, who directed the film and co-wrote the script with Bruce Purnell.
He also starred as Melvin Mackenzie, a successful author who returns home to confront his chaotic family and his past. Aja Naomi King played Lisa, a Hollywood casting director who accompanies Ameen’s Melvin home to face Georgia, his chart-topping pop-star ex,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Exclusive: Aml Ameen, who portrays Dr.Martin Luther King in Rustin, reveals that he’s in talks with Film4 and the BFI to direct and star in the sequel to holiday romance Boxing Day, his feature directorial debut — and he has a second film, a crime saga called Night and Day that he wants to make soon.
That’s not all, because the L.A.-based Brit is in London prepping to play a “transformative” lead role in an as-yet-unannounced film.
The hush-hush part in the secret film requires him to “shut down my entire life because” of the life-changing nature of the character he’ll be playing.
While Ameen’s shooting that film, he’ll pop up as a lawyer alongside Jeff Daniels in the six-part Netflix drama A Man in Full, an the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel written by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King,...
That’s not all, because the L.A.-based Brit is in London prepping to play a “transformative” lead role in an as-yet-unannounced film.
The hush-hush part in the secret film requires him to “shut down my entire life because” of the life-changing nature of the character he’ll be playing.
While Ameen’s shooting that film, he’ll pop up as a lawyer alongside Jeff Daniels in the six-part Netflix drama A Man in Full, an the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel written by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
BET+ is turning to Chris “Ludacris” Bridges for its next scripted foray.
The streaming service is developing a half-hour dramedy inspired by the life of the rapper-actor, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The streamer says the untitled DJ project is inspired by Ludacris’ “experience coming up in the competitive music scene in Atlanta as DJ Chris Lova Lova, the series follows the misadventures of a sharply drawn ensemble who are willing to do anything and everything to bolster ratings at their hip hop radio station.”
Noah Gardenswartz (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) will write the script and exec produce the potential series, which is currently in the development stage. Ludacris is on board as an exec producer and will serve as music supervisor. The series hails from Universal Television and Disturbing Tha Peace, the label Ludacris launched in the 1990s alongside his manager Chaka Zulu (who will also exec produce). Larry Wilmore,...
The streaming service is developing a half-hour dramedy inspired by the life of the rapper-actor, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The streamer says the untitled DJ project is inspired by Ludacris’ “experience coming up in the competitive music scene in Atlanta as DJ Chris Lova Lova, the series follows the misadventures of a sharply drawn ensemble who are willing to do anything and everything to bolster ratings at their hip hop radio station.”
Noah Gardenswartz (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) will write the script and exec produce the potential series, which is currently in the development stage. Ludacris is on board as an exec producer and will serve as music supervisor. The series hails from Universal Television and Disturbing Tha Peace, the label Ludacris launched in the 1990s alongside his manager Chaka Zulu (who will also exec produce). Larry Wilmore,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s Emmy season, so what better time to celebrate the Peacock limited series “The Best Man: The Final Chapters”? On Saturday, May 20, 2023, an intimate panel with leading cast members Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau and Melissa De Sousa was held at the NBCU FYC House in Los Angeles. Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford was on the red carpet to go behind the scenes with the cast and executive producers Nichelle Protho and Dominique Telson. Watch the fun, enlightening chats above.
“The Best Man: The Final Chapters” is a bittersweet limited series following longtime college friends who are conquering the midlife challenges of marriage, parenting, health, romance, work, and identity as they revisit and redefine their friendships. Developed by Malcolm D. Lee and Dayna Lynne North, the series stars the original cast from original box office hit franchise: Chestnut, De Sousa, Perrineau, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long.
“The Best Man: The Final Chapters” is a bittersweet limited series following longtime college friends who are conquering the midlife challenges of marriage, parenting, health, romance, work, and identity as they revisit and redefine their friendships. Developed by Malcolm D. Lee and Dayna Lynne North, the series stars the original cast from original box office hit franchise: Chestnut, De Sousa, Perrineau, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long.
- 5/22/2023
- by Latasha Ford
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Kennedy Ryan’s bestselling novel Before I Let Go is in development at Peacock from UCP and Universal Television.
Malcolm D. Lee, who recently extended his first-look deal with Universal TV, will direct and executive produce via his Blackmaled Productions banner alongside Dominique Telson as EP.
John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius’ Get Lifted Film Co. — which is under an overall deal with UCP — is also executive producing alongside Debra Martin Chase via her Martin Chase Productions. Ryan will also serve as an executive producer. There is not yet a writer attached to the project.
Before I Let Go tells the story of a divorced couple who are trying to move past the pain they’ve caused each other to continue co-parenting their two children.
Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone...
Malcolm D. Lee, who recently extended his first-look deal with Universal TV, will direct and executive produce via his Blackmaled Productions banner alongside Dominique Telson as EP.
John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius’ Get Lifted Film Co. — which is under an overall deal with UCP — is also executive producing alongside Debra Martin Chase via her Martin Chase Productions. Ryan will also serve as an executive producer. There is not yet a writer attached to the project.
Before I Let Go tells the story of a divorced couple who are trying to move past the pain they’ve caused each other to continue co-parenting their two children.
Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone...
- 4/21/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Malcolm D. Lee’s Blackmaled Productions has bolstered its executive ranks by naming Emmy-nominated producer Dominique Telson as executive VP of film and television and announcing three new key hires and promotions within the company.
Blackmaled’s new hires include Michael Scott Allen as the VP of television and Giselle Johnson as director of film. Chigo Menakaya, who has worked for the company since 2020, has been promoted to creative executive and leads Blackmaled’s unscripted content department. All three team members report to Telson and are based out of the company’s West Coast office on the Universal lot in Los Angeles.
The executive moves come hot off the success of “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” which launched on Peacock in December and rates as the streamer’s biggest debut ever. Telson served as an executive producer on the project, which concluded the franchise following 1999’s “The Best Man...
Blackmaled’s new hires include Michael Scott Allen as the VP of television and Giselle Johnson as director of film. Chigo Menakaya, who has worked for the company since 2020, has been promoted to creative executive and leads Blackmaled’s unscripted content department. All three team members report to Telson and are based out of the company’s West Coast office on the Universal lot in Los Angeles.
The executive moves come hot off the success of “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” which launched on Peacock in December and rates as the streamer’s biggest debut ever. Telson served as an executive producer on the project, which concluded the franchise following 1999’s “The Best Man...
- 2/1/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
After premiering on Dec. 22, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” became Peacock’s first original project to make it onto Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming rankings.
According to data provided to NBCU by Nielsen and exclusively obtained by Variety, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” is ranked in the No. 5 position in an early version of Nielsen’s Top 10 Streaming Originals chart for the Dec. 19-25 viewing period, during which it was available for four days. (Exact information about minutes watched during this period is not yet available.)
As such, this also marks the young NBCU-owned streamer’s biggest ever series debut. That title was previously held by “Bel-Air,” Peacock’s dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Peacock has previously appeared on the Nielsen’s overall streaming rankings, but only with acquired episodes of the Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone” and the Universal Pictures movie “Halloween Ends.” Additionally, the Universal...
According to data provided to NBCU by Nielsen and exclusively obtained by Variety, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” is ranked in the No. 5 position in an early version of Nielsen’s Top 10 Streaming Originals chart for the Dec. 19-25 viewing period, during which it was available for four days. (Exact information about minutes watched during this period is not yet available.)
As such, this also marks the young NBCU-owned streamer’s biggest ever series debut. That title was previously held by “Bel-Air,” Peacock’s dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Peacock has previously appeared on the Nielsen’s overall streaming rankings, but only with acquired episodes of the Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone” and the Universal Pictures movie “Halloween Ends.” Additionally, the Universal...
- 1/6/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The “The Best Man” cast has come back to give audiences an update on the beloved group of friends in the film franchise’s new limited series “The Best Man: The Final Chapters.” And you can watch the trailer right now.
The eight-episode continuance picks up nearly 10 years after the sequel “The Best Man Holiday,” and per the logline finds our group of friends “as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.”
We get a lot of that in the trailer — new professional opportunities, difficult relationship challenges — and Lance absolutely failing to do a remotely credible performance in a fragrance commercial. But at least we can say, based on the trailer, that the gang appears to be in a better place with one another than the last time we saw them.
Also Read:
Steve Martin, Martin Short, Keke Palmer and Austin Butler...
The eight-episode continuance picks up nearly 10 years after the sequel “The Best Man Holiday,” and per the logline finds our group of friends “as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.”
We get a lot of that in the trailer — new professional opportunities, difficult relationship challenges — and Lance absolutely failing to do a remotely credible performance in a fragrance commercial. But at least we can say, based on the trailer, that the gang appears to be in a better place with one another than the last time we saw them.
Also Read:
Steve Martin, Martin Short, Keke Palmer and Austin Butler...
- 11/30/2022
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
More than two decades after the premiere of Universal’s The Best Man, fans will revisit with the cast in Peacock‘s limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters premiering on December 22. The streamer released the first official trailer above.
Based upon the eponymous film franchise written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the 8-episode series will catch up with the beloved cast as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.
Returning cast includes all the originals: Morris Chestnut as Lance, Melissa De Sousa as Shelby, Taye Diggs as Harper, Regina Hall as Candy, Terrence Howard as Quentin, Sanaa Lathan as Robyn, Nia Long as Jordan, and Harold Perrineau as Murch. Rounding out the cast are Michael Genet, Yvonna Pearson, Aaron Serotsky, Terrence Terrell, Tobias Truvillion, and Eric Scott Ways.
The Best Man: The Final Chapters is produced by Universal Television,...
Based upon the eponymous film franchise written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the 8-episode series will catch up with the beloved cast as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.
Returning cast includes all the originals: Morris Chestnut as Lance, Melissa De Sousa as Shelby, Taye Diggs as Harper, Regina Hall as Candy, Terrence Howard as Quentin, Sanaa Lathan as Robyn, Nia Long as Jordan, and Harold Perrineau as Murch. Rounding out the cast are Michael Genet, Yvonna Pearson, Aaron Serotsky, Terrence Terrell, Tobias Truvillion, and Eric Scott Ways.
The Best Man: The Final Chapters is produced by Universal Television,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The teaser trailer for The Bast Man: The Final Chapters dropped during the Urbanworld Film Festival, the same event where the film originally premiered in 1999. The Peacock limited series will premiere all eight episodes December 22. Watch the trailer in the video posted above.
Based upon the eponymous Universal film franchise written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the series will catch up with Harper, Robyn, Jordan, Lance, Quentin, Shelby, Candace, and Murch as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.
Cast of The Best Man: The Final Chapters include Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau.
The Peacock original was filmed on locations like New York City, New Jersey and Dominican Republic. Malcom D. Lee of Blackmaled Productions is the creator of the Best Man franchise, which he co-developed, wrote,...
Based upon the eponymous Universal film franchise written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the series will catch up with Harper, Robyn, Jordan, Lance, Quentin, Shelby, Candace, and Murch as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.
Cast of The Best Man: The Final Chapters include Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau.
The Peacock original was filmed on locations like New York City, New Jersey and Dominican Republic. Malcom D. Lee of Blackmaled Productions is the creator of the Best Man franchise, which he co-developed, wrote,...
- 10/30/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The 2022 Tribeca Festival presented awards in its competition categories on Thursday, with Good Girl Jane and The Cave of Adullam among this year’s top winners.
Good Girl Jane won the Founders’ Award for best U.S. narrative feature, with a 20,000 prize, with star Rain Spencer winning best performance in the U.S. narrative competition. The film, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, also stars Andie MacDowell, Patrick Gibson, Odessa A’Zion, Olan Prenatt and Eloisa Huggins.
The movie follows Spencer’s lonely high schooler Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, as she spirals out of control after falling for a charismatic drug dealer. Other awards in the U.S. Narrative Competition went to Allswell (best screenplay) and Next Exit (best cinematography), with the screenplay winner receiving 2,500. The U.S. narrative jury also gave a special...
The 2022 Tribeca Festival presented awards in its competition categories on Thursday, with Good Girl Jane and The Cave of Adullam among this year’s top winners.
Good Girl Jane won the Founders’ Award for best U.S. narrative feature, with a 20,000 prize, with star Rain Spencer winning best performance in the U.S. narrative competition. The film, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, also stars Andie MacDowell, Patrick Gibson, Odessa A’Zion, Olan Prenatt and Eloisa Huggins.
The movie follows Spencer’s lonely high schooler Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, as she spirals out of control after falling for a charismatic drug dealer. Other awards in the U.S. Narrative Competition went to Allswell (best screenplay) and Next Exit (best cinematography), with the screenplay winner receiving 2,500. The U.S. narrative jury also gave a special...
- 6/16/2022
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Coming-of-age drama Good Girl Jane, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, took the Tribeca Festival Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature on Thursday while its star Rain Spencer won for Best Performance at the fest, which announced its winners ahead of wrapping this weekend.
The film follows lonely teenager Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, who spirals out of control after falling in with a hard-partying crowd and becoming smitten with a dangerously charismatic bad boy, played by Patrick Gibson. Andie MacDowell is Jane’s beleaguered mom. It’s produced by Fred Bernstein, Dominique Telson, Lauren Pratt, Mintz and Simone Williams.
January (Janvaris) by Viesturs Kairiss, from Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, about an aspiring filmmaker searching for identity against the backdrop of Latvian independence, was named Best International Narrative Feature.
Best Documentary Feature and Editing awards went Laura Checkoway’s The Cave of Adullam.
The film follows lonely teenager Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, who spirals out of control after falling in with a hard-partying crowd and becoming smitten with a dangerously charismatic bad boy, played by Patrick Gibson. Andie MacDowell is Jane’s beleaguered mom. It’s produced by Fred Bernstein, Dominique Telson, Lauren Pratt, Mintz and Simone Williams.
January (Janvaris) by Viesturs Kairiss, from Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, about an aspiring filmmaker searching for identity against the backdrop of Latvian independence, was named Best International Narrative Feature.
Best Documentary Feature and Editing awards went Laura Checkoway’s The Cave of Adullam.
- 6/16/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2022 Tribeca Festival has officially announced the slate of award-winning films, marking the end of the 21st annual event.
Presented by Okx, the Tribeca Festival unveiled the winning storytellers in its competition categories on June 16 at the awards ceremony at New York City restaurant Thalassa. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human/Nature, and Tribeca X.
“Good Girl Jane” took home the top prize, the Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, the film marked its World Premiere at the festival. “Good Girl Jane” follows a private school dropout teen who falls in love with a charismatic drug dealer. Lead star Rain Spencer also won Best Performance for her turn as Jane.
Latvian drama “January (Janvaris)” won Best International Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Viesturs Kairiss it’s about an aspiring...
Presented by Okx, the Tribeca Festival unveiled the winning storytellers in its competition categories on June 16 at the awards ceremony at New York City restaurant Thalassa. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human/Nature, and Tribeca X.
“Good Girl Jane” took home the top prize, the Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, the film marked its World Premiere at the festival. “Good Girl Jane” follows a private school dropout teen who falls in love with a charismatic drug dealer. Lead star Rain Spencer also won Best Performance for her turn as Jane.
Latvian drama “January (Janvaris)” won Best International Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Viesturs Kairiss it’s about an aspiring...
- 6/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peacock‘s The Best Man: The Final Chapters announce Nicole Ari Parker, Ron Canada, and Tony winner Brandon Victor Dixon is among its recurring guest stars. They join previously announce franchise stars Morris Chesnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrance Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, and Harold Perrineau.
Rounding out the cast are Michael Genet, Yvonna Pearson, Aaron Serotsky, Terrence Terrell, Tobias Truvillion, and Eric Scott Ways.
Parker will play Xiomara Amani, a captivating, high-profile, multi-hyphenate beauty who is sure to disrupt the dynamic of the Best Man crew.
Canada will play Wellington, Quentin’s (Howard) father. He is the patriarch of the family and is uncertain...
Rounding out the cast are Michael Genet, Yvonna Pearson, Aaron Serotsky, Terrence Terrell, Tobias Truvillion, and Eric Scott Ways.
Parker will play Xiomara Amani, a captivating, high-profile, multi-hyphenate beauty who is sure to disrupt the dynamic of the Best Man crew.
Canada will play Wellington, Quentin’s (Howard) father. He is the patriarch of the family and is uncertain...
- 4/29/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Further Christmas releases include ‘Silent Night’, ‘CBeebies Christmas Show’.
Aml Ameen’s romantic comedy Boxing Day heads the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office, as one of six Christmas-themed releases this weekend.
Released in 439 sites through Warner Bros, Boxing Day is inspired by Ameen’s own experiences, and follows a UK author who returns home from Los Angeles to introduce his US fiancée to his eccentric British-Caribbean family at Christmas.
The film is produced by Screen Star of Tomorrow 2020 Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, alongside Damian Jones of DJ Films, plus Ameen, Dominique Telson and Matthew G. Zamias; backing came from the BFI Film Fund and Film4.
Aml Ameen’s romantic comedy Boxing Day heads the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office, as one of six Christmas-themed releases this weekend.
Released in 439 sites through Warner Bros, Boxing Day is inspired by Ameen’s own experiences, and follows a UK author who returns home from Los Angeles to introduce his US fiancée to his eccentric British-Caribbean family at Christmas.
The film is produced by Screen Star of Tomorrow 2020 Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, alongside Damian Jones of DJ Films, plus Ameen, Dominique Telson and Matthew G. Zamias; backing came from the BFI Film Fund and Film4.
- 12/3/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
MGM has picked up several global territories on well-regarded comedy-drama “Queen Bees,” starring Ellen Burstyn, Jane Curtin, Loretta Devine, Ann-Margret and James Caan.
The film is directed by Michael Lembeck and written by Donald Martin. Arclight Films has sold distribution rights to MGM for the territories of Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Iceland, U.K., Middle East, Greece, Portugal/Portuguese-speaking Africa, Cis/Russia, India, South Africa, Pan Asia Pay TV, Caribbean Basin and Latin America. Additional international distribution deals have also been signed with Kismet for Australia and New Zealand, Cannonball Films for Spain and Monolith for Poland.
Arclight Films previously sold the North American rights to Gravitas Ventures, who released “Queen Bees” in theatres and on demand in June in the U.S. and Canada.
While her house undergoes repairs, fiercely independent senior Helen (Oscar winner Burstyn) moves into a nearby retirement community, where she encounters all sorts of characters.
The film is directed by Michael Lembeck and written by Donald Martin. Arclight Films has sold distribution rights to MGM for the territories of Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Iceland, U.K., Middle East, Greece, Portugal/Portuguese-speaking Africa, Cis/Russia, India, South Africa, Pan Asia Pay TV, Caribbean Basin and Latin America. Additional international distribution deals have also been signed with Kismet for Australia and New Zealand, Cannonball Films for Spain and Monolith for Poland.
Arclight Films previously sold the North American rights to Gravitas Ventures, who released “Queen Bees” in theatres and on demand in June in the U.S. and Canada.
While her house undergoes repairs, fiercely independent senior Helen (Oscar winner Burstyn) moves into a nearby retirement community, where she encounters all sorts of characters.
- 9/10/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Arclight Films has sold Michael Lembeck’s comedy-drama Queen Bees to a host of international territories.
MGM has picked up Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Iceland, UK, Middle East, Greece, Portugal/Portuguese-speaking Africa, Cis/Russia, India, South Africa, Pan Asia Pay TV, Caribbean Basin and Latin America on the title. In addition, Kismet has taken Australia and New Zealand, Cannonball Films has taken Spain and Monolith has picked up Poland.
Gravitas Ventures released the movie in North America on June 11.
The pic stars Ellen Burstyn, Jane Curtin, Loretta Devine, Ann-Margret and James Caan. Donald Martin wrote the screenplay, which follows a fiercely independent senior who moves into a retirement community while her home undergoes repairs. Once there, she encounters lusty widows, cutthroat bridge tournaments and a hotbed of bullying ‘mean girls’ the likes of which she hasn’t encountered since high school.
Pic is an Astute Films production with Harrison Powell,...
MGM has picked up Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Iceland, UK, Middle East, Greece, Portugal/Portuguese-speaking Africa, Cis/Russia, India, South Africa, Pan Asia Pay TV, Caribbean Basin and Latin America on the title. In addition, Kismet has taken Australia and New Zealand, Cannonball Films has taken Spain and Monolith has picked up Poland.
Gravitas Ventures released the movie in North America on June 11.
The pic stars Ellen Burstyn, Jane Curtin, Loretta Devine, Ann-Margret and James Caan. Donald Martin wrote the screenplay, which follows a fiercely independent senior who moves into a retirement community while her home undergoes repairs. Once there, she encounters lusty widows, cutthroat bridge tournaments and a hotbed of bullying ‘mean girls’ the likes of which she hasn’t encountered since high school.
Pic is an Astute Films production with Harrison Powell,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime has greenlighted Safe Space, a new original movie thriller starring Nicole Ari Parker and her husband Boris Kodjoe (Soul Food), who also makes his directorial debut. Drea de Matteo (The Sopranos), Nik Sanchez (The Rookie) and Mackenzie Astin (The Magicians) also star. Production is currently underway, with premiere slated for 2022.
Written by Nneka Gerstle and directed by Kodjoe, Safe Space centers on recently widowed Lila Jackson (Ari Parker) and her 14-year-old, autistic son Ian (Sanchez). Since the death of her husband, Lila is grateful for their kind neighbor Neil Hargrove (Kodjoe), who looks out for them. After Ian accidentally witnesses a break-in in the house across the street and records the horrific murder of the homeowner, Lila becomes embroiled in a deadly struggle to protect her son from intruders Dominic (Astin) and Rocco (De Matteo), who will stop at nothing to retrieve the video...
Written by Nneka Gerstle and directed by Kodjoe, Safe Space centers on recently widowed Lila Jackson (Ari Parker) and her 14-year-old, autistic son Ian (Sanchez). Since the death of her husband, Lila is grateful for their kind neighbor Neil Hargrove (Kodjoe), who looks out for them. After Ian accidentally witnesses a break-in in the house across the street and records the horrific murder of the homeowner, Lila becomes embroiled in a deadly struggle to protect her son from intruders Dominic (Astin) and Rocco (De Matteo), who will stop at nothing to retrieve the video...
- 6/30/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
If you didn’t Meet The Blacks in 2016, they’re back this weekend in Deon Taylor’s second horror-comedy installment.
The first film was a send-up of The Purge. This one – The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2 — goes gothic. Star Mike Epps returns as Carl Black, about to face off with a neighbor from hell, Dr. Mamuwalde (Katt Williams). He’s a pimp who may or may not be a vampire and Carl’s got to figure out what he’s up to in the middle of the night before it’s too late for him and his family.
“In 2016, I made this little movie that cost $900,000. We put it out there ourselves, independently, cut our own trailers, did our own marketing,” Taylor told Deadline. It made $9.1 million. His credits since include Fatale and Black and Blue, “but everywhere I would go, people would say, “Are you going...
The first film was a send-up of The Purge. This one – The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2 — goes gothic. Star Mike Epps returns as Carl Black, about to face off with a neighbor from hell, Dr. Mamuwalde (Katt Williams). He’s a pimp who may or may not be a vampire and Carl’s got to figure out what he’s up to in the middle of the night before it’s too late for him and his family.
“In 2016, I made this little movie that cost $900,000. We put it out there ourselves, independently, cut our own trailers, did our own marketing,” Taylor told Deadline. It made $9.1 million. His credits since include Fatale and Black and Blue, “but everywhere I would go, people would say, “Are you going...
- 6/11/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
This year’s Cannes Film Festival lineup may yet again be thin on British movies but UK public financiers the BFI, Film4 and BBC Film have joined with the British Council to launch the fourth edition of their ‘Great 8’ program, which will showcase emerging Brit filmmakers to international distributors and fest programmers. Scroll down for the full list.
In previous years, the ‘Great 8’ was launched during the physical Cannes festival but this year the event will be streamed on June 17 in advance of the Cannes virtual market at the end of the month. Buyers and festival programmers will have exclusive access to unseen footage from each of the titles, which will be introduced by their filmmakers and made available across five different time zones.
All titles are now in post-production and are available to buyers during the online Cannes Marché, which takes place June 21-25. Movies selected in previous years...
In previous years, the ‘Great 8’ was launched during the physical Cannes festival but this year the event will be streamed on June 17 in advance of the Cannes virtual market at the end of the month. Buyers and festival programmers will have exclusive access to unseen footage from each of the titles, which will be introduced by their filmmakers and made available across five different time zones.
All titles are now in post-production and are available to buyers during the online Cannes Marché, which takes place June 21-25. Movies selected in previous years...
- 6/10/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Now in its fourth edition, the showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
New films from Harry Wootliff, the directors of Notes On Blindness and Yardie star Aml Ameen are among the titles selected for this year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The selected filmmakers will present unseen footage from their films to international buyers and festival programmers online on June 17. All eight films are in post-production and will be available to buyers at the pre-Cannes screenings virtual market (June...
New films from Harry Wootliff, the directors of Notes On Blindness and Yardie star Aml Ameen are among the titles selected for this year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The selected filmmakers will present unseen footage from their films to international buyers and festival programmers online on June 17. All eight films are in post-production and will be available to buyers at the pre-Cannes screenings virtual market (June...
- 6/10/2021
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Tiffany Haddish and Billy Crystal dramedy Here Today has been picked up by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions’ Stage 6 Films and will open in theaters on May 7.
Crystal directed the movie, repping his eighth time directing and his third on a feature film.
Crystal co-wrote the screenplay with his fellow Saturday Night Live alum and Emmy-award winning writer Alan Zweibel inspired by the short story The Prize also written by Zweibel.
Here Today follows veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Crystal), who is going through a tough time in his life. He meets New York singer Emma Payge (Haddish) and they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust. Zweibel published his original short story The Prize in his eBook From the Bottom Drawer of: Alan Zweibel in 2011. He and Crystal decided to adapt the short...
Crystal directed the movie, repping his eighth time directing and his third on a feature film.
Crystal co-wrote the screenplay with his fellow Saturday Night Live alum and Emmy-award winning writer Alan Zweibel inspired by the short story The Prize also written by Zweibel.
Here Today follows veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Crystal), who is going through a tough time in his life. He meets New York singer Emma Payge (Haddish) and they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust. Zweibel published his original short story The Prize in his eBook From the Bottom Drawer of: Alan Zweibel in 2011. He and Crystal decided to adapt the short...
- 4/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Gravitas Ventures has picked up the North American rights to “Queen Bees,” a romance set in a retirement community that stars Ellen Burstyn and James Caan. The distributor has also set a release date for June 11, both in theaters and on demand.
Along with Burstyn and Caan, the romantic comedy stars Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd, Loretta Devine, Elizabeth Mitchell and French Stewart.
Burstyn plays Helen, a fiercely independent senior temporarily stuck inside a retirement community while her home undergoes repairs. Inside, she meets lusty widows, cutthroat bridge players and even a posse of bullying “mean girls.” But somewhere between flower arranging and water aerobics, Helen discovers it’s never too late to make new friends — and perhaps even find a new love.
“Queen Bees,” which was previously known as “At Last,” is inspired by the true story of how producer Harrison Powell’s own grandmother found a second chance...
Along with Burstyn and Caan, the romantic comedy stars Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd, Loretta Devine, Elizabeth Mitchell and French Stewart.
Burstyn plays Helen, a fiercely independent senior temporarily stuck inside a retirement community while her home undergoes repairs. Inside, she meets lusty widows, cutthroat bridge players and even a posse of bullying “mean girls.” But somewhere between flower arranging and water aerobics, Helen discovers it’s never too late to make new friends — and perhaps even find a new love.
“Queen Bees,” which was previously known as “At Last,” is inspired by the true story of how producer Harrison Powell’s own grandmother found a second chance...
- 4/6/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights from Arclight Films, to distribute dramatic comedy Queen Bees which stars Ellen Burstyn, James Caan, Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd, Loretta Devine, Elizabeth Mitchell, and French Stewart. A theatrical and PVOD release of June 11 is currently planned.
While her house undergoes repairs, fiercely independent senior Helen (Oscar winner Burstyn) moves into a nearby retirement community ― just temporarily. Once behind the doors of Pine Grove Senior Community, she encounters lusty widows, cutthroat bridge tournaments and a hotbed of bullying “mean girls” the likes of which she hasn’t encountered since high school, all of which leaves her yearning for the solitude of home. But somewhere between flower arranging and water aerobics Helen discovers that it’s never too late to make new friends and perhaps even find a new love. The Michael Lembeck directed movie is inspired by the true story of producer Harrison Powell...
While her house undergoes repairs, fiercely independent senior Helen (Oscar winner Burstyn) moves into a nearby retirement community ― just temporarily. Once behind the doors of Pine Grove Senior Community, she encounters lusty widows, cutthroat bridge tournaments and a hotbed of bullying “mean girls” the likes of which she hasn’t encountered since high school, all of which leaves her yearning for the solitude of home. But somewhere between flower arranging and water aerobics Helen discovers that it’s never too late to make new friends and perhaps even find a new love. The Michael Lembeck directed movie is inspired by the true story of producer Harrison Powell...
- 4/6/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Lembeck directed Astute Films production based on story by producer Harrison Powell.
Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights from Arclight Films to dramatic comedy Queen Bees (formerly At Last) starring Ellen Burstyn and James Caan.
Michael Lembeck directed the Astute Films production from a screenplay by Donald Martin based on a story by producer Harrison Powell about a fiercely independent senior who is reminded of high school antics when she moves into a retirement home and finds love.
The cast includes Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd, Loretta Devine, Elizabeth Mitchell, and French Stewart.
Powell, who based the story...
Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights from Arclight Films to dramatic comedy Queen Bees (formerly At Last) starring Ellen Burstyn and James Caan.
Michael Lembeck directed the Astute Films production from a screenplay by Donald Martin based on a story by producer Harrison Powell about a fiercely independent senior who is reminded of high school antics when she moves into a retirement home and finds love.
The cast includes Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd, Loretta Devine, Elizabeth Mitchell, and French Stewart.
Powell, who based the story...
- 4/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Titles include animation ’Kensuke’s Kingdom’ and Terence Davies’ next feature, ‘Benediction’.
The 10 biggest recipients of BFI production funding in 2020 received a total of £11.6m in support.
They include additional Covid-related production awards for BFI-backed projects interrupted at the start of pandemic such as Benediction, True Things and Pirates.
Nearly all 10 titles, with the exception of Earwig, also received £20,000 as part of pilot initiative BFI Step-up, which enabled productions to provide opportunities for production crew from under-represented groups to work on BFI-funded features
1. Kensuke’s Kingdom, Jigsaw Films (£1.62m)
Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe are among the English-language voice cast of this animated feature,...
The 10 biggest recipients of BFI production funding in 2020 received a total of £11.6m in support.
They include additional Covid-related production awards for BFI-backed projects interrupted at the start of pandemic such as Benediction, True Things and Pirates.
Nearly all 10 titles, with the exception of Earwig, also received £20,000 as part of pilot initiative BFI Step-up, which enabled productions to provide opportunities for production crew from under-represented groups to work on BFI-funded features
1. Kensuke’s Kingdom, Jigsaw Films (£1.62m)
Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe are among the English-language voice cast of this animated feature,...
- 12/27/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: I May Destroy You and The Maze Runner actor Aml Ameen has commenced production on his directorial debut feature, Boxing Day, a UK based Christmas romantic comedy in which he’ll also star. Joining him on the call sheet are How to Get Away with Murder alum Aja Naomi King, Leigh-Anne Pinnock of the British girl group Little Mix (in her first film role), and Golden Globe and BAFTA-winner Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies).
Ameen and Bruce Purnelln co-wrote the screenplay, which is inspired by the diary of Ameen’s life. The film, which the filmmakers are saying is the first UK holiday film featuring an all-black cast, follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author living in America who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée Lisa (King) to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test, as she discovers the world her fiancé has left behind.
Ameen and Bruce Purnelln co-wrote the screenplay, which is inspired by the diary of Ameen’s life. The film, which the filmmakers are saying is the first UK holiday film featuring an all-black cast, follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author living in America who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée Lisa (King) to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test, as she discovers the world her fiancé has left behind.
- 11/24/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Lembeck directed from screenplay by Donald Martin.
Arclight Films has commenced talks with AFM buyers on Astute Films’ rom-com A Very Senior High featuring an ensemble cast led by Ellen Burstyn, James Caan and Ann-Margret.
Company chairman Gary Hamilton and his team represents worldwide rights and will be screening the film, formerly known as Never Too Late, for the first time at the virtual market.
Burstyn plays Helen, an independent widow who moves into a residential home and must learn how to negotiate cliques, powerplays and flirtatious suitors. Her life is changed when she learns to love again. Caan plays Dan,...
Arclight Films has commenced talks with AFM buyers on Astute Films’ rom-com A Very Senior High featuring an ensemble cast led by Ellen Burstyn, James Caan and Ann-Margret.
Company chairman Gary Hamilton and his team represents worldwide rights and will be screening the film, formerly known as Never Too Late, for the first time at the virtual market.
Burstyn plays Helen, an independent widow who moves into a residential home and must learn how to negotiate cliques, powerplays and flirtatious suitors. Her life is changed when she learns to love again. Caan plays Dan,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Last year’s Tribeca Film Festival winning-title The Short History of the Long Road will be hitting VOD on June 16 via FilmRise. Written and directed by Ani Simon-Kennedy, the film tells the story of Nola (Sabrina Carpenter), a teenager who grew up living out of a van with her beloved father Clint (Steven Ogg), two nomads against the world. When tragedy strikes, Nola is confronted by the reality that life as an outsider may not be her only choice.
The movie is also hoping to open in theaters on June 12 ahead of its digital release. The Short History of the Long Road won a Special Jury Mention for Best Screenplay at last year’s Tribeca.
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The movie is also hoping to open in theaters on June 12 ahead of its digital release. The Short History of the Long Road won a Special Jury Mention for Best Screenplay at last year’s Tribeca.
More from DeadlineFilmRise Nabs North American Rights To James Schamus-Produced Berlin & Tribeca Title 'Driveways'Lukas Haas Pic 'Browse' Acquired By FilmRiseAlex Wolff: Nickelodeon Boy Band Member Grows Into Indie Auteur With 'The Cat And The Moon...
- 4/6/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Sabrina Carpenter’s “The Short History of the Long Road” gets a home, comedian Jo Koy’s life will become a movie, “True to the Game” is getting a sequel and Apa promotes Chris Ridenhour.
Acquisition
FilmRise has acquired Sabrina Carpenter’s coming-of-age drama “The Short History of the Long Road” and is planning a May 15 theatrical release.
The film, written and directed by Ani Simon-Kennedy, won a special jury mention for screenplay at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. “The Short History of the Long Road” also stars Maggie Siff, Steven Ogg and Danny Trejo.
Carpenter portrays a teenager who grew up living out of a van with her beloved father. When tragedy strikes, she is confronted by the reality that life as an outsider may not be her only choice.
The film is produced by Darren Dean, Bettina Kadoorie, Kishori Rajan, Eddie Rubin, Ani Simon-Kennedy,...
Acquisition
FilmRise has acquired Sabrina Carpenter’s coming-of-age drama “The Short History of the Long Road” and is planning a May 15 theatrical release.
The film, written and directed by Ani Simon-Kennedy, won a special jury mention for screenplay at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. “The Short History of the Long Road” also stars Maggie Siff, Steven Ogg and Danny Trejo.
Carpenter portrays a teenager who grew up living out of a van with her beloved father. When tragedy strikes, she is confronted by the reality that life as an outsider may not be her only choice.
The film is produced by Darren Dean, Bettina Kadoorie, Kishori Rajan, Eddie Rubin, Ani Simon-Kennedy,...
- 2/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
FilmRise has acquired the worldwide rights to “The Short History of the Long Road,” featuring singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter in her first lead role in a feature film, TheWrap has learned exclusively.
Danny Trejo, Steven Ogg and Maggie Siff also star in the film that is set for a theatrical release on May 15. Ani Simon-Kennedy wrote and directed the feature. Simon-Kennedy was the winner of the Special Jury Mention Best Screenplay Award at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.
“The Short History of the Long Road” stars Carpenter as Nola, a teenager who grew up living out of a van with her father. When tragedy strikes, she must come to terms with the fact that living life as an outsider might not be her only choice, and she must integrate into a society she’s never known.
Also Read: 'Adventures in Babysitting' Review: Disney Delivers a Fresh and Fun...
Danny Trejo, Steven Ogg and Maggie Siff also star in the film that is set for a theatrical release on May 15. Ani Simon-Kennedy wrote and directed the feature. Simon-Kennedy was the winner of the Special Jury Mention Best Screenplay Award at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.
“The Short History of the Long Road” stars Carpenter as Nola, a teenager who grew up living out of a van with her father. When tragedy strikes, she must come to terms with the fact that living life as an outsider might not be her only choice, and she must integrate into a society she’s never known.
Also Read: 'Adventures in Babysitting' Review: Disney Delivers a Fresh and Fun...
- 2/18/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Gossip Girl alum Penn Badgley, who currently stars on the Netflix series, You, and Tony-winning actress Laura Benanti have been added to the cast of Here Today along with Anna Deavere Smith and Nyambi Nyambi. Emmy winners Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish are toplining the Astute Films comedy, which is currently filming in New York City.
Here Today will mark Crystal’s eighth time directing and his third on a feature. It follows veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Crystal), who is slowly but surely losing his grip on reality, befriends a talented young New York street singer Emma Payge (Haddish). Together, they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust.
Crystal co-wrote the screenplay with his fellow Saturday Night Live alum and Emmy-award winning writer Alan Zweibel...
Here Today will mark Crystal’s eighth time directing and his third on a feature. It follows veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Crystal), who is slowly but surely losing his grip on reality, befriends a talented young New York street singer Emma Payge (Haddish). Together, they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust.
Crystal co-wrote the screenplay with his fellow Saturday Night Live alum and Emmy-award winning writer Alan Zweibel...
- 10/7/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish will star in and produce the independent comedy “Here Today,” with Crystal directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Alan Zweibel.
“Here Today” is based on Zweibel’s short story “The Prize.” Crystal will portray a veteran comedy writer who is slowly but surely losing his grip on reality and befriends a talented young New York street singer, played by Haddish. Together, they form an unlikely friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust.
Rocket Science is handling international sales at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, while CAA will handle Us rights. Principal photography starts in New York in October.
Astute Films’ President Fred Bernstein made the announcement Wednesday. Besides Crystal and Haddish, producers are Bernstein, Zweibel and Dominique Telson. Rick Jackson, Claudine Marrotte and Samantha Sprecher will serve as executive producers. “Here Today” is a co-production between Astute Films,...
“Here Today” is based on Zweibel’s short story “The Prize.” Crystal will portray a veteran comedy writer who is slowly but surely losing his grip on reality and befriends a talented young New York street singer, played by Haddish. Together, they form an unlikely friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust.
Rocket Science is handling international sales at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, while CAA will handle Us rights. Principal photography starts in New York in October.
Astute Films’ President Fred Bernstein made the announcement Wednesday. Besides Crystal and Haddish, producers are Bernstein, Zweibel and Dominique Telson. Rick Jackson, Claudine Marrotte and Samantha Sprecher will serve as executive producers. “Here Today” is a co-production between Astute Films,...
- 9/4/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Tiffany Haddish and Billy Crystal will star together in the Astute Films’ comedy Here Today, a project that the latter Saturday Night Live alum will co-write and direct.
Here Today is billed as a May/September romantic comedy – but without the romance. Crystal plays veteran comedy writer Charlie Berns, who is slowly but surely losing his grip on reality. He befriends a talented young New York street singer Emma Paige played by Haddish and they form an unlikely, touching friendship that defies the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust.
Here Today marks Crystal’s eighth time directing and his third on a feature film following Mr. Saturday Night and Forget Paris, in which he also starred. Crystal directed the HBO film 61*, starring Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane in 2001 which earned him an Emmy and Director’s Guild Nomination as Best Director for a film made for television.
Here Today is billed as a May/September romantic comedy – but without the romance. Crystal plays veteran comedy writer Charlie Berns, who is slowly but surely losing his grip on reality. He befriends a talented young New York street singer Emma Paige played by Haddish and they form an unlikely, touching friendship that defies the generation gap aside and redefines the meaning of love and trust.
Here Today marks Crystal’s eighth time directing and his third on a feature film following Mr. Saturday Night and Forget Paris, in which he also starred. Crystal directed the HBO film 61*, starring Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane in 2001 which earned him an Emmy and Director’s Guild Nomination as Best Director for a film made for television.
- 9/4/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
CAA handles Us rights. Production set for New York in October.
Rocket Science will launch international sales in Toronto on Astute Films’ Here Today, which stars Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish and is described as a rom-com that tears up the rule book on the generational divide.
Crystal will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with his fellow Saturday Night Live alum Alan Zweibel based on Zweibel’s short story The Prize.
Principal photography is set to begin in New York in October on Here Today, which redefines the meaning of love and trust as it follows a veteran comedy...
Rocket Science will launch international sales in Toronto on Astute Films’ Here Today, which stars Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish and is described as a rom-com that tears up the rule book on the generational divide.
Crystal will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with his fellow Saturday Night Live alum Alan Zweibel based on Zweibel’s short story The Prize.
Principal photography is set to begin in New York in October on Here Today, which redefines the meaning of love and trust as it follows a veteran comedy...
- 9/4/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The 18th edition of Tribeca Film Festival will get underway next month, featuring 103 films from 124 filmmakers, with 50% women-directed films in the three competition sections. Highlights include world premieres directed by Abel Ferrara, Werner Herzog, Christoph Waltz, as well as films by Sebastian Schipper, Mary Harron, Peter Strickland, and Andrew Ahn.
Check out the lineup below for the festival taking place April 24 – May 5.
U.S. Narrative Competition
Tribeca’s U.S. Narrative Competition showcases extraordinary work from breakout independent voices and distinguished filmmaking talent. These ten world premieres will vie for the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Last year, the award for Best Narrative Feature went to Kent Jones’ Diane while Jeffrey Wright was awarded Best Actor for his role in O.G. Other previous films from this section include Reed Morano’s Meadowland (2015), Ingrid Jungermann’s Women Who Kill (2016), and...
Check out the lineup below for the festival taking place April 24 – May 5.
U.S. Narrative Competition
Tribeca’s U.S. Narrative Competition showcases extraordinary work from breakout independent voices and distinguished filmmaking talent. These ten world premieres will vie for the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Last year, the award for Best Narrative Feature went to Kent Jones’ Diane while Jeffrey Wright was awarded Best Actor for his role in O.G. Other previous films from this section include Reed Morano’s Meadowland (2015), Ingrid Jungermann’s Women Who Kill (2016), and...
- 3/5/2019
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The Tribeca Film Festival has set its full feature slate for 2019, selecting 103 titles including world premieres of films by Jared Leto, Christoph Waltz, and Margot Robbie.
The 18th edition of the festival, which runs from April 24 to May 5, will include documentaries from Antoine Fuqua, Werner Herzog, and Abel Ferrara, and music-focused docs highlighting the lead singer of band Inxs (“Mystify: Michael Hutchence”), Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman (“The Quiet One”), and musician Linda Ronstadt (“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”) with Sheryl Crow performing after the premiere.
Leto’s “A Day in the Life of America” is a crowd-sourced documentary featuring footage from all 50 states on July 4, 2017. Waltz is making his directorial debut with the crime drama “Georgetown,” starring himself, Annette Bening, and Vanessa Redgrave. Robbie stars in and produces “Dreamland,” a Depression-era drama set in the Oklahoma dustbowl.
Other notable titles include “Mad Men” producer Semi Chellas making...
The 18th edition of the festival, which runs from April 24 to May 5, will include documentaries from Antoine Fuqua, Werner Herzog, and Abel Ferrara, and music-focused docs highlighting the lead singer of band Inxs (“Mystify: Michael Hutchence”), Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman (“The Quiet One”), and musician Linda Ronstadt (“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”) with Sheryl Crow performing after the premiere.
Leto’s “A Day in the Life of America” is a crowd-sourced documentary featuring footage from all 50 states on July 4, 2017. Waltz is making his directorial debut with the crime drama “Georgetown,” starring himself, Annette Bening, and Vanessa Redgrave. Robbie stars in and produces “Dreamland,” a Depression-era drama set in the Oklahoma dustbowl.
Other notable titles include “Mad Men” producer Semi Chellas making...
- 3/5/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
STXfilms has set an April 5, 2019 release date for The Best of Enemies, the drama starring Taraji P Henson and Sam Rockwell based on the real-life unlikely relationship between an outspoken civil rights activist and a local Ku Klux Klan leader in 1971 North Carolina. Hunger Games producer Robin Bissell directed the pic and penned the original screenplay inspired by Osha Gray Davidson’s book.
Stx Entertainment acquired rights to the film in July.
Henson plays Ann Atwater and Rockwell is C.P. Ellis, who in 1971 reluctantly co-chaired a community summit in Durham, Nc, during the battle over the desegregation of schools in the city. The events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever. Babou Ceesay, Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, Nick Searcy, John Gallagher Jr. and Bruce McGill co-star.
Producers are Danny Strong, Fred Bernstein, Matt Berenson, Bissell, Dominique Telson, Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe.
The pic...
Stx Entertainment acquired rights to the film in July.
Henson plays Ann Atwater and Rockwell is C.P. Ellis, who in 1971 reluctantly co-chaired a community summit in Durham, Nc, during the battle over the desegregation of schools in the city. The events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever. Babou Ceesay, Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, Nick Searcy, John Gallagher Jr. and Bruce McGill co-star.
Producers are Danny Strong, Fred Bernstein, Matt Berenson, Bissell, Dominique Telson, Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe.
The pic...
- 10/9/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
STXfilms has set an April 5 release for civil rights drama “The Best of Enemies,” starring Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell.
Henson portrays Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist in Durham, N.C., who battled Kkk leader C.P. Ellis (Rockwell) for a decade until 1971, when the two agreed to co-chair a two-week community meeting to deal with a court-ordered school desegregation decree. That event changed both of their lives. Babou Ceesay portrays Bill Riddick, who reluctantly persuaded Ellis and Atwater to head the community summit to try and reach a compromise. The cast also includes Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, Bruce McGill, John Gallagher Jr., and Nick Searcy.
Robin Bissell, an executive producer on “The Hunger Games” and “Seabiscuit,” is making his directorial debut from his own script, inspired by Osha Gray Davidson’s book “The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South.” Producers include Danny Strong, Fred Bernstein,...
Henson portrays Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist in Durham, N.C., who battled Kkk leader C.P. Ellis (Rockwell) for a decade until 1971, when the two agreed to co-chair a two-week community meeting to deal with a court-ordered school desegregation decree. That event changed both of their lives. Babou Ceesay portrays Bill Riddick, who reluctantly persuaded Ellis and Atwater to head the community summit to try and reach a compromise. The cast also includes Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, Bruce McGill, John Gallagher Jr., and Nick Searcy.
Robin Bissell, an executive producer on “The Hunger Games” and “Seabiscuit,” is making his directorial debut from his own script, inspired by Osha Gray Davidson’s book “The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South.” Producers include Danny Strong, Fred Bernstein,...
- 10/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Elizabeth Mitchell boards “Welcome to Pine Grove!,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” hits a box office milestone, and Lionsgate signs a music publishing deal.
Casting
Elizabeth Mitchell has joined the cast of romantic comedy “Welcome to Pine Grove!” and will play the daughter of Ellen Burstyn’s character.
Michael Lembeck is directing from a screenplay by Donald Martin based on a story by Harrison Powell, inspired by his grandmother’s own experience of moving into a retirement community. The Astute Films production is currently filming in Atlanta.
Burstyn plays an independent widow who reluctantly moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community after accidentally setting her home on fire and realizes that it is like being in high school all over again. Mitchell plays a successful real estate agent with a complicated relationship with her mother. The cast includes James Caan as the love interest of Burstyn’s character and Ann-Margret,...
Casting
Elizabeth Mitchell has joined the cast of romantic comedy “Welcome to Pine Grove!” and will play the daughter of Ellen Burstyn’s character.
Michael Lembeck is directing from a screenplay by Donald Martin based on a story by Harrison Powell, inspired by his grandmother’s own experience of moving into a retirement community. The Astute Films production is currently filming in Atlanta.
Burstyn plays an independent widow who reluctantly moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community after accidentally setting her home on fire and realizes that it is like being in high school all over again. Mitchell plays a successful real estate agent with a complicated relationship with her mother. The cast includes James Caan as the love interest of Burstyn’s character and Ann-Margret,...
- 8/3/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Jj Feild has secured the role of Roy Luns in the James Mangold-directed biopic about the battle between Ford and Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans World Championship, which is set up at 20th Century Fox. Christian Bale and Matt Damon topline the pic which follows the true story of automotive visionary Carroll Shelby (Damon), British driver Ken Miles (Bale) and a team of American engineers and designers who were dispatched by Ford with the mission of building from scratch a new race car to defeat the perennially dominant Ferrari at the iconic Le Mans race. Feild’s Roy Luns is the British head of Ford Advanced vehicles in England and the right hand man and confidant to Enzo Ferrari. Chernin Entertainment is producing. Feild appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger and starred in AMC’s Turn: Washington’s Spies series. He’s repped by Paradigm, Mosaic, and Bloom,...
- 8/2/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to Pine Grove! has added new residents. Emmy winning actors Ann-Margret, Lloyd, Loretta Devine, Jane Curtin are joining Ellen Burstyn and James Caan in the Michael Lembeck-directed romantic comedy set in a retirement home.
Described as Mean Girls meets Golden Girls, the storyline centers on Helen (Burstyn), an independent widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school — full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. What she initially avoids leads her to exactly what she has been missing: new friendships and a chance at love again with newcomer Dan (Caan).
Janet (Curtin) is the self-appointed ruler of the Queen B’s who feels that Pine Grove is her own personal kingdom. Although a member of the clique,...
Described as Mean Girls meets Golden Girls, the storyline centers on Helen (Burstyn), an independent widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school — full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. What she initially avoids leads her to exactly what she has been missing: new friendships and a chance at love again with newcomer Dan (Caan).
Janet (Curtin) is the self-appointed ruler of the Queen B’s who feels that Pine Grove is her own personal kingdom. Although a member of the clique,...
- 8/1/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Astute Films has signed Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd and Loretta Devine.
Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd and Loretta Devine are set to join the cast of Astute Films’ romantic comedy Welcome To Pine Grove!
The new additions join stars Ellen Burstyn and James Caan on the film, about the occupants of a senior community. Currently shooting in the Us state of Georgia, the comedy has Michael Lembeck directing from a screenplay by Donald Martin.
Astute Films’ Harrison Powell, Dominique Telson and Fred Bernstein are producing, with Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte serving as executive producers.
Telson commented: “We...
Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Christopher Lloyd and Loretta Devine are set to join the cast of Astute Films’ romantic comedy Welcome To Pine Grove!
The new additions join stars Ellen Burstyn and James Caan on the film, about the occupants of a senior community. Currently shooting in the Us state of Georgia, the comedy has Michael Lembeck directing from a screenplay by Donald Martin.
Astute Films’ Harrison Powell, Dominique Telson and Fred Bernstein are producing, with Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte serving as executive producers.
Telson commented: “We...
- 8/1/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, Loretta Devine, and Christopher Lloyd have joined the cast of the romantic comedy “Welcome to Pine Grove!,” starring Ellen Burstyn and James Caan.
Michael Lembeck is directing from a screenplay by Donald Martin. The Astute Films production is currently filming in Atlanta.
Burstyn portrays a widow who reluctantly moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community after accidentally setting her home on fire — and quickly realizes that it’s just like being back in high school where mean girls rule. Curtin plays the self-appointed ruler, Devine portrays a free spirit, and Ann-Margret’s character is looking for husband number six.
Martin wrote the screenplay based on a story by Harrison Powell, inspired by his grandmother’s own experience of moving into a retirement community. Astute Films’ Powell, Dominique Telson, and Fred Bernstein will produce. Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte are executive producing.
“We are thrilled this amazing cast...
Michael Lembeck is directing from a screenplay by Donald Martin. The Astute Films production is currently filming in Atlanta.
Burstyn portrays a widow who reluctantly moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community after accidentally setting her home on fire — and quickly realizes that it’s just like being back in high school where mean girls rule. Curtin plays the self-appointed ruler, Devine portrays a free spirit, and Ann-Margret’s character is looking for husband number six.
Martin wrote the screenplay based on a story by Harrison Powell, inspired by his grandmother’s own experience of moving into a retirement community. Astute Films’ Powell, Dominique Telson, and Fred Bernstein will produce. Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte are executive producing.
“We are thrilled this amazing cast...
- 8/1/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ellen Burstyn and James Caan have been set to star in Welcome to Pine Grove!, a romantic comedy set at a senior-living center. Michael Lembeck (Tooth Fairy) is directing a script by Donald Martin. Astute Films, which is co-producing Stx’s upcoming Taraji P Henson-Sam Rockwell pic The Best of Enemies, is producing and financing. Shooting is set to begin later this summer.
The story, from Harrison Powell and inspired by his grandmother’s experiences moving into a retirement community, centers on Helen (Burstyn), an independent widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school — full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. What she initially avoids leads her to exactly what she has been missing: new friendships and a chance at love again with newcomer Dan (Caan).
Powell is producing with Dominique Telson and Fred Bernstein, with Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte executive producing.
The story, from Harrison Powell and inspired by his grandmother’s experiences moving into a retirement community, centers on Helen (Burstyn), an independent widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school — full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. What she initially avoids leads her to exactly what she has been missing: new friendships and a chance at love again with newcomer Dan (Caan).
Powell is producing with Dominique Telson and Fred Bernstein, with Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte executive producing.
- 7/26/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ellen Burstyn and James Caan are starring in the romantic comedy “Welcome to Pine Grove!” with shooting expected to begin later this summer.
Astute Films is the production company. Producers are Harrison Powell, Dominique Telson, and Fred Bernstein. Executive producers are Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte.
Burstyn will play a widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school, full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. Caan plays the hot new guy at Pine Grove and Burstyn’s love interest.
Donald Martin wrote the screenplay based on a story by Powell, which was inspired by his grandmother’s own experience of moving into a retirement community.
“’Welcome to Pine Grove!’ is ‘Mean Girls’ meets ‘Golden Girls’ in a senior community,” said Powell. “We wanted to make a film that inspires others because it is never too late to make friends, to laugh, to dance,...
Astute Films is the production company. Producers are Harrison Powell, Dominique Telson, and Fred Bernstein. Executive producers are Rick Jackson and Claudine Marrotte.
Burstyn will play a widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school, full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. Caan plays the hot new guy at Pine Grove and Burstyn’s love interest.
Donald Martin wrote the screenplay based on a story by Powell, which was inspired by his grandmother’s own experience of moving into a retirement community.
“’Welcome to Pine Grove!’ is ‘Mean Girls’ meets ‘Golden Girls’ in a senior community,” said Powell. “We wanted to make a film that inspires others because it is never too late to make friends, to laugh, to dance,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ellen Burstyn and James Caan are set to star in the romantic comedy Welcome to Pine Grove!
Donald Martin wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Harrison Powell, which is described as Mean Girls meets Golden Girls. Michael Lembeck (Santa Clause 2, The Tooth Fairy) is directing.
Welcome to Pine Grove! follows Helen Wilson (Burstyn), an independent widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school, full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. Caan will play Dan Simpson, the hot new guy at Pine Grove and Burstyn’s love interest.
Powell, Dominique Telson and Fred ...
Donald Martin wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Harrison Powell, which is described as Mean Girls meets Golden Girls. Michael Lembeck (Santa Clause 2, The Tooth Fairy) is directing.
Welcome to Pine Grove! follows Helen Wilson (Burstyn), an independent widow who moves into the Pine Grove Senior Community and discovers it’s just like high school, full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. Caan will play Dan Simpson, the hot new guy at Pine Grove and Burstyn’s love interest.
Powell, Dominique Telson and Fred ...
- 7/26/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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