Netflix is adding to its sports docuseries lineup with three new shows centered on the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics as well as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has joined America’s Team.
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is getting into the Olympic spirit with its newest batch of sports documentaries.
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sydney Sweeney is getting in the ring.
The breakout from, well, basically everything she’s done lately is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic directed by David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom”). Insert your own joke here about being a knockout. The script for the untitled project was written by Mirrah Foulkes and Michôd.
Martin was the most successful female boxer of the 1990s. She signed with Don King and is the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Martin became welterweight champion — but that was about the end of the good things in her life. Christy was physically abused by husband Jim Martin, who was eventually convicted of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Christy Martin’s life is documented in “Untold,” the excellent series of documentaries by Chaplain and Maclain Way. Her episode is subtitled “Deal with the Devil,...
The breakout from, well, basically everything she’s done lately is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic directed by David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom”). Insert your own joke here about being a knockout. The script for the untitled project was written by Mirrah Foulkes and Michôd.
Martin was the most successful female boxer of the 1990s. She signed with Don King and is the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Martin became welterweight champion — but that was about the end of the good things in her life. Christy was physically abused by husband Jim Martin, who was eventually convicted of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Christy Martin’s life is documented in “Untold,” the excellent series of documentaries by Chaplain and Maclain Way. Her episode is subtitled “Deal with the Devil,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Is there any actor who casually oozes coolness like Kurt Russell?
As with anyone in Hollywood, the young Russell had to earn his stripes. Upon signing a contract with the Mouse House, he started out anchoring a collection of zany Disney comedies in the '60s and '70s, including "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes," "The Strongest Man in the World," and "The Barefoot Executive," a movie that paired him opposite a chimpanzee. Beginning with their 1979 made-for-tv "Elvis" biopic, however, Russell and director John Carpenter collaborated on a series of highly efficient yet firmly modest genre films, many of which became cult hits and cemented their too-cool-for-school reputation.
Russell has only continued to evolve his legacy in the 21st century, starring in everything from cult favorites as worlds apart as "Sky High" and "Bone Tomahawk" to Quentin Tarantino joints and blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and The Fast...
As with anyone in Hollywood, the young Russell had to earn his stripes. Upon signing a contract with the Mouse House, he started out anchoring a collection of zany Disney comedies in the '60s and '70s, including "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes," "The Strongest Man in the World," and "The Barefoot Executive," a movie that paired him opposite a chimpanzee. Beginning with their 1979 made-for-tv "Elvis" biopic, however, Russell and director John Carpenter collaborated on a series of highly efficient yet firmly modest genre films, many of which became cult hits and cemented their too-cool-for-school reputation.
Russell has only continued to evolve his legacy in the 21st century, starring in everything from cult favorites as worlds apart as "Sky High" and "Bone Tomahawk" to Quentin Tarantino joints and blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and The Fast...
- 4/28/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
What if finding out the truth got you killed?
Duplass Brothers Productions backs the looks-to-be-chilling Netflix docuseries “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,” which reexamines the death of West Virginian journalist Danny Casolaro. From the producers of “Wild Wild Country,” the series uncovers the organization known as the “octopus,” comprised of former government officials whose “tentacles” reach every part of the U.S. That was thanks to the software program Promis, which was used by the CIA.
The official synopsis for the four-part docuseries reads: “When journalist Danny Casolaro was found dead in a hotel bathtub, police ruled it a suicide. But his family and colleagues believe he may have been murdered for investigating a conspiracy he called ‘The Octopus,’ a hidden organization connected to stolen government spy software, a string of unsolved murders, and some of the biggest political scandals of the 20th century. Years later, researcher Christian Hansen pushes...
Duplass Brothers Productions backs the looks-to-be-chilling Netflix docuseries “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,” which reexamines the death of West Virginian journalist Danny Casolaro. From the producers of “Wild Wild Country,” the series uncovers the organization known as the “octopus,” comprised of former government officials whose “tentacles” reach every part of the U.S. That was thanks to the software program Promis, which was used by the CIA.
The official synopsis for the four-part docuseries reads: “When journalist Danny Casolaro was found dead in a hotel bathtub, police ruled it a suicide. But his family and colleagues believe he may have been murdered for investigating a conspiracy he called ‘The Octopus,’ a hidden organization connected to stolen government spy software, a string of unsolved murders, and some of the biggest political scandals of the 20th century. Years later, researcher Christian Hansen pushes...
- 2/8/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Netflix is investigating a strange conspiracy about a hidden organization known as The Octopus in its latest crime docuseries.
The streamer has ordered American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders. It comes from Duplass Brothers Productions and Stardust Frames, the two companies behind Netflix’s hit docuseries Wild Wild Country and will be directed by Zachary Treitz (Men Go To Battle).
It starts with the death of journalist Danny Casolaro, who was found in a hotel bathtub and the police ruled it a suicide. But his family and colleagues believe he may have been murdered for investigating a conspiracy he called “The Octopus” – a hidden organization connected to stolen government spy software, a string of unsolved murders, and some of the biggest political scandals of the 20th century. Years later, researcher Christian Hansen pushes to uncover the secrets behind Casolaro’s death, and the story that killed him.
The four-part series,...
The streamer has ordered American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders. It comes from Duplass Brothers Productions and Stardust Frames, the two companies behind Netflix’s hit docuseries Wild Wild Country and will be directed by Zachary Treitz (Men Go To Battle).
It starts with the death of journalist Danny Casolaro, who was found in a hotel bathtub and the police ruled it a suicide. But his family and colleagues believe he may have been murdered for investigating a conspiracy he called “The Octopus” – a hidden organization connected to stolen government spy software, a string of unsolved murders, and some of the biggest political scandals of the 20th century. Years later, researcher Christian Hansen pushes to uncover the secrets behind Casolaro’s death, and the story that killed him.
The four-part series,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s Round 3 for this acclaimed series, Untold, where controversial sports figures talk — sometimes exhaustively — about the line between their fame and infamy. “Our athletes know we’re offering an unvarnished view,” says Maclain Way, who exec produces alongside his brother Chapman. “And they know they’ll have no say in the final edit.” The latest roster is an ambitious one. Take Jake Paul, the internet star who raked in millions on his way to becoming among the most hated YouTubers, thanks in part to accusations of scamming fans. Paul later counterpunched with a successful career in professional boxing. As he claims in Jake Paul the Problem Child (recently available), “This is a story of a kid who lost himself; boxing saved his life.” Similar confessions come in Johnny Football (recently available) from Johnny Manziel, who, as a Texas A&m quarterback 11 years ago, was a Lone Star State hero.
- 8/12/2023
- TV Insider
Brothers Chapman and Maclain Way, the sons of screenwriter Rick Way, grandsons of actor Bing Russell, and nephews to Kurt Russell (that one you know), have some obvious Hollywood pedigree. They also have a Primetime Emmy for 2018’s “Wild Wild Country” and Sundance status for 2014’s “The Battered Bastards of Baseball,” both of which were distributed by Netflix.
With the Tuesday return of their best-in-genre sports-documentary series “Untold,” the guys also have a legitimate claim for Top Netflix brothers. Sorry, Duffers; and Joe and Anthony Russo, you had better make something really good out of that “Gray Man” universe.
“Untold: Volume 3” debuts with a doc about the rise of yet another pair of bothers, Jake Paul and Logan Paul. “The Problem Child,” directed by Andrew Renzi is Jake’s (pictured above) story. And though Chapman, 36, and Maclain, 32, didn’t direct any of this season’s four “Untold” installments, their style...
With the Tuesday return of their best-in-genre sports-documentary series “Untold,” the guys also have a legitimate claim for Top Netflix brothers. Sorry, Duffers; and Joe and Anthony Russo, you had better make something really good out of that “Gray Man” universe.
“Untold: Volume 3” debuts with a doc about the rise of yet another pair of bothers, Jake Paul and Logan Paul. “The Problem Child,” directed by Andrew Renzi is Jake’s (pictured above) story. And though Chapman, 36, and Maclain, 32, didn’t direct any of this season’s four “Untold” installments, their style...
- 8/1/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Watch as many documentaries as I do, and you’re bound to see the Chicago White Sox’s notorious Disco Demolition Night come up in a wide variety of contexts. Sometimes the 1979 fiasco is used as a case study in racism and the marginalization of Black voices in music. Sometimes it’s used as a case study in homophobia.
In Morgan Neville and Jeff Malmberg’s new documentary The Saints of Second Chances, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Disco Demolition Night is reduced to an origin story. Yes, Mike Veeck is remorseful that anybody has read negative subtext into the ill-fated promotion, but he makes it clear that he just wanted to impress his father and pack a stadium. Like several dark things in The Saint of Second Chances, any other insinuations get lost in a sea of stylistic flourishes and heart-tugging button pushing.
Don’t get me wrong,...
In Morgan Neville and Jeff Malmberg’s new documentary The Saints of Second Chances, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Disco Demolition Night is reduced to an origin story. Yes, Mike Veeck is remorseful that anybody has read negative subtext into the ill-fated promotion, but he makes it clear that he just wanted to impress his father and pack a stadium. Like several dark things in The Saint of Second Chances, any other insinuations get lost in a sea of stylistic flourishes and heart-tugging button pushing.
Don’t get me wrong,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jake Paul in Netflix’s ‘Untold volume 3’
Netflix’s four-part documentary series Untold Volume 3 delves into the short-lived career of Johnny Football and also explores the rise of the Florida Gators under Coach Urban Meyer. Controversial YouTuber Jake Paul opens up about his life in an episode of Volume 3, and the Balco Laboratories steroid scandal is examined in-depth.
The docuseries, which has already been renewed for Volume 4, drops a new episode weekly beginning on August 1, 2023.
Volume 3‘s directors include Andrew Renzi, Ryan Duffy, Bryan Storkel, and Katharine English. The documentary series was developed by executive producers Chapman Way and Maclain Way, with Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, Isabel San Vargas, Ryan Duffy, Doug Banker, Mike Seander, Louise Norman, and Tom Sheahan also executive producing.
Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child
Premieres August 1, 2023
Directed by Andrew Renzi
At 26, is Jake Paul the boxing world’s new savior or a “delusional” promoter...
Netflix’s four-part documentary series Untold Volume 3 delves into the short-lived career of Johnny Football and also explores the rise of the Florida Gators under Coach Urban Meyer. Controversial YouTuber Jake Paul opens up about his life in an episode of Volume 3, and the Balco Laboratories steroid scandal is examined in-depth.
The docuseries, which has already been renewed for Volume 4, drops a new episode weekly beginning on August 1, 2023.
Volume 3‘s directors include Andrew Renzi, Ryan Duffy, Bryan Storkel, and Katharine English. The documentary series was developed by executive producers Chapman Way and Maclain Way, with Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, Isabel San Vargas, Ryan Duffy, Doug Banker, Mike Seander, Louise Norman, and Tom Sheahan also executive producing.
Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child
Premieres August 1, 2023
Directed by Andrew Renzi
At 26, is Jake Paul the boxing world’s new savior or a “delusional” promoter...
- 6/15/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Now in its second season, Untold—the Netflix documentary series executive produced by brothers Chapman and Maclain Way (Wild Wild Country)—continues to offer an intriguing selection of sports-centered stories. From covering the world’s most successful female boxer to the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl, Volume 1 of the series became popular for choosing to tell a side of a notable story you thought you knew—essentially a nonfiction offering of feature-length episodes packaged under the Untold umbrella. As a basketball fan, I was curious to see what Volume 2 would include. Having premiered on August 16th and rolling out an episode […]
The post “Making These Documentaries Is Like a Wild Goose Chase All Over the Globe”: Chapman and Maclain Way on Untold Volume 2 first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Making These Documentaries Is Like a Wild Goose Chase All Over the Globe”: Chapman and Maclain Way on Untold Volume 2 first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 8/30/2022
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Football star Manti Te’o, the object of a notorious “catfishing” incident, is emerging from the stigma of national ridicule.
The former Notre Dame linebacker and Heisman Trophy runner-up revisits the scandal that turned him into a punchline in the new season of the Netflix documentary series Untold, executive produced by Chapman and Maclain Way. Not only does Te’o tell his story, but so does Naya Tuiasosopo as she is now known, the person who ensnared Te’o in the strange tale of the “girlfriend who didn’t exist.”
“People in the sports world have been kind of fascinated by this story,” Chapman Way tells Deadline, in what certainly qualifies as an understatement. “Neither Manti Te’o or Naya, the person behind the scandal, has talked about this really in depth before.”
The short version of the tale goes like this: Around 2009, Te’o connected online with an attractive young woman,...
The former Notre Dame linebacker and Heisman Trophy runner-up revisits the scandal that turned him into a punchline in the new season of the Netflix documentary series Untold, executive produced by Chapman and Maclain Way. Not only does Te’o tell his story, but so does Naya Tuiasosopo as she is now known, the person who ensnared Te’o in the strange tale of the “girlfriend who didn’t exist.”
“People in the sports world have been kind of fascinated by this story,” Chapman Way tells Deadline, in what certainly qualifies as an understatement. “Neither Manti Te’o or Naya, the person behind the scandal, has talked about this really in depth before.”
The short version of the tale goes like this: Around 2009, Te’o connected online with an attractive young woman,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Manti Te’o, and the football star’s family and friends open up about his headline-making catfishing incident in an exclusive sneak peek of Netflix’s “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.”
The two-parter will open Vol. 2 of the “Untold” series on Aug. 16, which re-examines big sports moments, going beyond the headlines to hear the stories from the athletes involved firsthand.
Here’s a logline for “The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” installment: “Born into a Hawaiian paradise, All-American football standout Manti Te’o leads a simple life summed up in just three words: faith, family, football. College football’s golden boy could do no wrong, but when tragedy strikes, the increased scrutiny of his online relationship causes a media maelstrom that threatens his future and legacy. Featuring in-depth interviews with Manti Te’o (he/him/his) and the person behind the online identity, Ronaiah ‘Naya’ Tuiasosopo (she/her/hers).”
Ryan Duffy...
The two-parter will open Vol. 2 of the “Untold” series on Aug. 16, which re-examines big sports moments, going beyond the headlines to hear the stories from the athletes involved firsthand.
Here’s a logline for “The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” installment: “Born into a Hawaiian paradise, All-American football standout Manti Te’o leads a simple life summed up in just three words: faith, family, football. College football’s golden boy could do no wrong, but when tragedy strikes, the increased scrutiny of his online relationship causes a media maelstrom that threatens his future and legacy. Featuring in-depth interviews with Manti Te’o (he/him/his) and the person behind the online identity, Ronaiah ‘Naya’ Tuiasosopo (she/her/hers).”
Ryan Duffy...
- 8/16/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
MTV’s “Catfish” never had an episode with the drama that surrounded former Notre Dame football standout Manti Te’o, the Hawaiian-born linebacker infamously duped into believing his longtime girlfriend, whom he never met in person, died just ahead of the 2013 Bcs National Championship Game. It was a tabloid story that left many wanting the real truth, but it took Chapman and Maclain Way’s Netflix documentary series “Untold” to reveal it.
“It’s obviously been a white whale in the sports world,” Chapman told IndieWire of the Manti episode, “The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.” The Ways, with directors Ryan Duffy and Tony Vainuku, captured a many-hours-long interview with the former linebacker (and many more hours with his catfisher). “He’s always been a hard ‘No, no, no, no, no, no.'”
Until now, now, now, now, now, now. What changed?
“I think [it was] the release of Volume 1 and seeing the...
“It’s obviously been a white whale in the sports world,” Chapman told IndieWire of the Manti episode, “The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.” The Ways, with directors Ryan Duffy and Tony Vainuku, captured a many-hours-long interview with the former linebacker (and many more hours with his catfisher). “He’s always been a hard ‘No, no, no, no, no, no.'”
Until now, now, now, now, now, now. What changed?
“I think [it was] the release of Volume 1 and seeing the...
- 8/16/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
1. “The Sandman” Season 1 (available August 5)
Developed by: Neil Gaiman & David S. Goyer & Allan Heinberg
Cast: Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Patton Oswalt, Vivienne Acheampong, Gwendoline Christie, Charles Dance, Jenna Coleman, David Thewlis, Stephen Fry, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park
Format: Series
Length: Season 1: 10 hourlong episodes
Best Reason to Watch: Prior to today, Neil Gaiman, the outspoken author behind previous book-to-screen adaptations of “Coraline,” “Stardust,” “American Gods,” and “Good Omens,” has said that his main responsibility to his award-winning 1989 comic book series was “to try and stop bad [adaptations] from happening.” Insofar as this is the first “Sandman” to be seen on screen, he succeeded. And to match his faith in the Netflix series, he’s not just attached as a producer, but a writer and co-developer, as well. Audiences will be able to determine if his devotion and protection pay off when the 10-episode first season debuts this August, and the...
Developed by: Neil Gaiman & David S. Goyer & Allan Heinberg
Cast: Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Patton Oswalt, Vivienne Acheampong, Gwendoline Christie, Charles Dance, Jenna Coleman, David Thewlis, Stephen Fry, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park
Format: Series
Length: Season 1: 10 hourlong episodes
Best Reason to Watch: Prior to today, Neil Gaiman, the outspoken author behind previous book-to-screen adaptations of “Coraline,” “Stardust,” “American Gods,” and “Good Omens,” has said that his main responsibility to his award-winning 1989 comic book series was “to try and stop bad [adaptations] from happening.” Insofar as this is the first “Sandman” to be seen on screen, he succeeded. And to match his faith in the Netflix series, he’s not just attached as a producer, but a writer and co-developer, as well. Audiences will be able to determine if his devotion and protection pay off when the 10-episode first season debuts this August, and the...
- 7/31/2022
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
The International Documentary Association has announced nominations for its 37th annual awards, with “Summer of Soul” picking up four noms and “Not Going Quietly” nabbing three.
Winners will be announced Feb. 5 at the awards ceremony at Paramount Studios.
“Summer of Soul,” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s look at 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival, picked up nominations for Thompson for director in addition to best feature, best music doc and best editing. “Not Going Quietly,” about healthcare activist Ady Barkan, received noms for Nicholas Bruckman for best director along with best feature and best writing.
IDA members may vote online for the best feature and best short categories starting Dec. 13.
PBS earned 14 nominations, followed by Netflix and Hulu with seven nominations each and HBO with six. This year’s submissions included 314 documentary features, 137 shorts, 172 series, 54 student films, 29 music docs and 41 audio documentaries or podcasts.
Here’s the full list of 2021 nominees:
Best Feature...
Winners will be announced Feb. 5 at the awards ceremony at Paramount Studios.
“Summer of Soul,” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s look at 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival, picked up nominations for Thompson for director in addition to best feature, best music doc and best editing. “Not Going Quietly,” about healthcare activist Ady Barkan, received noms for Nicholas Bruckman for best director along with best feature and best writing.
IDA members may vote online for the best feature and best short categories starting Dec. 13.
PBS earned 14 nominations, followed by Netflix and Hulu with seven nominations each and HBO with six. This year’s submissions included 314 documentary features, 137 shorts, 172 series, 54 student films, 29 music docs and 41 audio documentaries or podcasts.
Here’s the full list of 2021 nominees:
Best Feature...
- 11/15/2021
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Lace ‘em up, fans of top-notch sports docs: Netflix has renewed “Last Chance U: Basketball” for a second season and ordered what the streaming service is calling “Volume 2” of the excellent feature-length documentary series “Untold.”
The second season of “Last Chance U: Basketball” will return to East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) and head coach John Mosley. “Untold: Volume 2” will consist of four new stories told over four weeks, including a two-part film on Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te’o. Directed by Ryan Duffy and Tony Vainuku, that one will feature interviews with Manti Te’o and the catfisher behind the hoax, Netflix said.
Additionally, Netflix has ordered a new docuseries, “Bad Sport,” which examines “six unbelievable stories at the intersection of sports and crime.”
“Bad Sport” episodes include the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic figure skating scandal; superstar Indycar driver Randy Lanier’s marijuana-smuggling operation; the Arizona State University basketball point-shaving...
The second season of “Last Chance U: Basketball” will return to East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) and head coach John Mosley. “Untold: Volume 2” will consist of four new stories told over four weeks, including a two-part film on Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te’o. Directed by Ryan Duffy and Tony Vainuku, that one will feature interviews with Manti Te’o and the catfisher behind the hoax, Netflix said.
Additionally, Netflix has ordered a new docuseries, “Bad Sport,” which examines “six unbelievable stories at the intersection of sports and crime.”
“Bad Sport” episodes include the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic figure skating scandal; superstar Indycar driver Randy Lanier’s marijuana-smuggling operation; the Arizona State University basketball point-shaving...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Andy Roddick’s dad is probably a really decent guy — just maybe don’t live with him.
In the new installment of Netflix’s “Untold,” former pro tennis player Mardy Fish is wide open about his struggles with mental health. He also shares an amusing anecdote about the time he lived with The Roddicks.
Fish’s old pal, training partner and tennis rival Andy Roddick is featured throughout the excellent “Untold: Breaking Point.” Roddick respectfully explained the differences between Fish, who he described as a “laid-back beach kid,” and his own family.
Mr. Roddick, a military veteran, would wake Mardy up at 5 a.m. and insist that it was time to stretch, Fish recalled. Remember, this wasn’t just not Mr. Roddick’s son, it was a guest in his house. And that guest, like Andy, was a teenage boy.
Watch the video above to see what we mean.
Look,...
In the new installment of Netflix’s “Untold,” former pro tennis player Mardy Fish is wide open about his struggles with mental health. He also shares an amusing anecdote about the time he lived with The Roddicks.
Fish’s old pal, training partner and tennis rival Andy Roddick is featured throughout the excellent “Untold: Breaking Point.” Roddick respectfully explained the differences between Fish, who he described as a “laid-back beach kid,” and his own family.
Mr. Roddick, a military veteran, would wake Mardy up at 5 a.m. and insist that it was time to stretch, Fish recalled. Remember, this wasn’t just not Mr. Roddick’s son, it was a guest in his house. And that guest, like Andy, was a teenage boy.
Watch the video above to see what we mean.
Look,...
- 9/7/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
HBO announced that the final season of “Insecure” will premiere on Oct. 24 and released a first look at the season.
“I keep frontin’ everybody like I’m not scared about what’s next for me, but I am terrified,” Issa Rae’s character Issa says in a teaser, which you can watch below.
The comedy follows the trials, heartaches and twists of L.A.-based Issa and those closest to her as they navigate love, life, friendship and adapting to newfound responsibilities in their 30s.
Viewers last saw Issa and Lawrence (Jay Ellis) attempting to reconcile, but things got messy when his other ex, Condola (Christina Elmore), told him she was pregnant and planning on keeping the baby. Issa and Molly’s (Yvonne Orji) friendship was strained, while Molly’s relationship with Andrew (Alexander Hodge) came to an end. And Tiffany (Amanda Seales) ran away from home — causing the whole gang to search for her.
“I keep frontin’ everybody like I’m not scared about what’s next for me, but I am terrified,” Issa Rae’s character Issa says in a teaser, which you can watch below.
The comedy follows the trials, heartaches and twists of L.A.-based Issa and those closest to her as they navigate love, life, friendship and adapting to newfound responsibilities in their 30s.
Viewers last saw Issa and Lawrence (Jay Ellis) attempting to reconcile, but things got messy when his other ex, Condola (Christina Elmore), told him she was pregnant and planning on keeping the baby. Issa and Molly’s (Yvonne Orji) friendship was strained, while Molly’s relationship with Andrew (Alexander Hodge) came to an end. And Tiffany (Amanda Seales) ran away from home — causing the whole gang to search for her.
- 9/2/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Minor-league hockey team the Danbury Trashers were of a definite time and place, and there’s just no bringing that back, former general manager (and the owner’s son) A.J. Galante told TheWrap. Fortunately, we can relive those glory days thanks to the excellent “Untold: Crime and Penalties” documentary, now streaming on Netflix.
“Once a month” since the team was disbanded in 2006 for wildly violating the Uhl’s salary cap, A.J. Galante says he’s been asked when the Trashers, known for their violence, bad-boy image, pro-wrestling-style promotion and mob ties are coming back.
Galante told us the same thing he tells those nostalgic fans: Not possible.
“Hockey’s a different game. It’s a lot more skill-based, it’s not as rough,” Galante, the son of Genovese crime family associate Jimmy Galante, explained. “Society’s different. We would have gotten arrested now doing some of the things we did.
“Once a month” since the team was disbanded in 2006 for wildly violating the Uhl’s salary cap, A.J. Galante says he’s been asked when the Trashers, known for their violence, bad-boy image, pro-wrestling-style promotion and mob ties are coming back.
Galante told us the same thing he tells those nostalgic fans: Not possible.
“Hockey’s a different game. It’s a lot more skill-based, it’s not as rough,” Galante, the son of Genovese crime family associate Jimmy Galante, explained. “Society’s different. We would have gotten arrested now doing some of the things we did.
- 8/31/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The Danbury Trashers of the United Hockey League didn’t play by the rules — and we don’t only mean on the ice.
The latest episode of Netflix’s excellent sports-documentary series “Untold,” appropriately called “Crime and Penalties,” debuted on Tuesday. The episode drop goes way beyond puck-dropping territory and firmly into several mic-dropping moments.
Among those is a scene explaining how the Trashers were just so much better than their Uhl competition — especially with a 17-year-old general manager in A.J. Galante. We suppose it helps when dad Jimmy Galante, a waste-management mogul with mafia ties, is paying players 3x what the minor-league hockey rules allow.
But don’t take our word for it: Watch the video above.
“Every player was getting paid under the table,” one former player says to the camera.
He then looks beyond the camera and asks if he’s “supposed to say that or no?...
The latest episode of Netflix’s excellent sports-documentary series “Untold,” appropriately called “Crime and Penalties,” debuted on Tuesday. The episode drop goes way beyond puck-dropping territory and firmly into several mic-dropping moments.
Among those is a scene explaining how the Trashers were just so much better than their Uhl competition — especially with a 17-year-old general manager in A.J. Galante. We suppose it helps when dad Jimmy Galante, a waste-management mogul with mafia ties, is paying players 3x what the minor-league hockey rules allow.
But don’t take our word for it: Watch the video above.
“Every player was getting paid under the table,” one former player says to the camera.
He then looks beyond the camera and asks if he’s “supposed to say that or no?...
- 8/31/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
It’s not every day you get to interview the guy that Tony Soprano was modeled after. But that’s exactly what filmmaking brother duo Maclain and Chapman Way did for the next film in their Netflix sports docuseries, “Untold.”
The film, “Crime and Penalties,” tells the story about the Danbury Trashers, a defunct minor league hockey team that was owned by Jimmy Galante and run by his then 17-year-old son, A.J. While handing over the reigns to a professional hockey team to a high schooler is certainly unconventional, the real story behind the Trashers is that the elder Galante was a key associate of the Genovese crime family, one of the “Five Families” that dominates the New York mob scene.
Galante appears frequently in the film, which debuts on Netflix on Tuesday. We asked the Way brothers on whether or not they were intimidated by sitting across the table from a convicted mobster.
The film, “Crime and Penalties,” tells the story about the Danbury Trashers, a defunct minor league hockey team that was owned by Jimmy Galante and run by his then 17-year-old son, A.J. While handing over the reigns to a professional hockey team to a high schooler is certainly unconventional, the real story behind the Trashers is that the elder Galante was a key associate of the Genovese crime family, one of the “Five Families” that dominates the New York mob scene.
Galante appears frequently in the film, which debuts on Netflix on Tuesday. We asked the Way brothers on whether or not they were intimidated by sitting across the table from a convicted mobster.
- 8/30/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Another month, another hefty lineup of Netflix original films and television series arriving on the streaming platform. For September 2021, Netflix will debut not just new episodes of Emmy-nominated reality show “Nailed It!” but numerous high profile features including Worth (September 3) with Michael Keaton and Stanley Tucci, “Kate” (September 10) with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and “The Starling” (September 24) with Melissa McCarthy and Kevin Kline.
Ahead, the biggest new movies and shows coming to Netflix in September.
Coming Soon
Baki Hanma — Netflix Anime
Baki Hanma continues his quest to become the most powerful fighter and prepares for his battle with the strongest creature in the world — his father.
Bangkok Breaking — Netflix Series
Newly arrived in Bangkok, Wanchai joins the road rescue service and unravels a city-wide conspiracy with the help of a journalist.
Crime Stories: India Detectives — Netflix Documentary
Cameras following Bengaluru police on the job offer a rare glimpse into the complex...
Ahead, the biggest new movies and shows coming to Netflix in September.
Coming Soon
Baki Hanma — Netflix Anime
Baki Hanma continues his quest to become the most powerful fighter and prepares for his battle with the strongest creature in the world — his father.
Bangkok Breaking — Netflix Series
Newly arrived in Bangkok, Wanchai joins the road rescue service and unravels a city-wide conspiracy with the help of a journalist.
Crime Stories: India Detectives — Netflix Documentary
Cameras following Bengaluru police on the job offer a rare glimpse into the complex...
- 8/25/2021
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
“Untold” is ostensibly about sports, but there’s a curious connector across the new Netflix documentary series. In each of the five episodes, as the best laid plans of teams and athletes begin to unravel, TV ends up a catalyzing factor. Partly, that’s the inevitable byproduct of fame: More notoriety leads to more eyeballs and all the swirling problems that increased attention can bring.
But the parade of nightly news reports and late-night talk show guest spots also illustrates what makes “Untold” such an enticing premise to be seen through a sports lens. As the title implies, the series examines specific chapters in a variety of sports, offering the people at the center the chance to share their feelings years (or in some cases decades) later.
Some of these have a true-crime tinge to them, as with installments covering a minor league hockey team caught up in a federal...
But the parade of nightly news reports and late-night talk show guest spots also illustrates what makes “Untold” such an enticing premise to be seen through a sports lens. As the title implies, the series examines specific chapters in a variety of sports, offering the people at the center the chance to share their feelings years (or in some cases decades) later.
Some of these have a true-crime tinge to them, as with installments covering a minor league hockey team caught up in a federal...
- 8/10/2021
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Maclain and Chapman Way, the creators behind Netflix’s sports docuseries “Untold,” hope you don’t remember much about the Malice at the Palace. In fact, they’re betting you don’t.
“It’s been almost a little reduced to a six-minute YouTube video,” Maclain Way tells TheWrap. “Once a year, it pops up and gets like millions and millions of hits.”
The Malice at the Palace is one of the most infamous events in the NBA’s history. A quick refresher: In November 2004, a game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference (the Pistons were coming off a title the previous year), was called off before it could finish after Pacers forward Ron Artest went into the stands to fight with a fan after he was hit with a cup filled with beer. The ensuing melee ended with multiple arrests,...
“It’s been almost a little reduced to a six-minute YouTube video,” Maclain Way tells TheWrap. “Once a year, it pops up and gets like millions and millions of hits.”
The Malice at the Palace is one of the most infamous events in the NBA’s history. A quick refresher: In November 2004, a game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference (the Pistons were coming off a title the previous year), was called off before it could finish after Pacers forward Ron Artest went into the stands to fight with a fan after he was hit with a cup filled with beer. The ensuing melee ended with multiple arrests,...
- 8/10/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
1. “The Chair” Season 1 (available August 20)
Why Should I Watch: Sandra Oh! Do you need another reason beyond Sandra Oh? Of course not, but perhaps you’re curious to know how much of the “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve” star you’ll be getting. “The Chair” consists of six, half-hour episodes, all of which star Oh as Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim, the new Chair of the English department at a prestigious (fictional) university tarnished by scandal. A professor (Jay Duplass) has been accused of improper behavior, and the investigation is made all the more complicated by a) his well-liked status within the community, and b) his possible relationship with Dr. Kim. Has she been promoted to guide the university into a new era, or is she the scapegoat to help the old guard escape any blame for their current predicament?
Bonus Reason: Amanda Peet! No, the “Brockmire” and “Togetherness” star isn’t...
Why Should I Watch: Sandra Oh! Do you need another reason beyond Sandra Oh? Of course not, but perhaps you’re curious to know how much of the “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve” star you’ll be getting. “The Chair” consists of six, half-hour episodes, all of which star Oh as Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim, the new Chair of the English department at a prestigious (fictional) university tarnished by scandal. A professor (Jay Duplass) has been accused of improper behavior, and the investigation is made all the more complicated by a) his well-liked status within the community, and b) his possible relationship with Dr. Kim. Has she been promoted to guide the university into a new era, or is she the scapegoat to help the old guard escape any blame for their current predicament?
Bonus Reason: Amanda Peet! No, the “Brockmire” and “Togetherness” star isn’t...
- 8/1/2021
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
FX released a teaser for “American Horror Story: Double Feature,” premiering on Aug. 25 at 10 p.m.
The 10th installment of “American Horror Story,” which will be available the next day on FX on Hulu, will begin with “Part 1: Red Tide” and “Part 2: Death Valley.” In the teaser, worlds collide as aliens and sharp-toothed humanoids French kiss.
The series is created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who executive produce alongside Alexis Martin Woodall, John J. Gray and Manny Coto.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Amazon Prime Video announced that the fourth and final season of “Goliath” will premiere on Sept. 24. In the final season, Billy (Bob Thornton), returns to his Big Law roots after Patty (Nina Arianda) takes a job at a prestigious firm in San Francisco. As their partnership is put to the test, they attempt to take down the opioid industry.
The 10th installment of “American Horror Story,” which will be available the next day on FX on Hulu, will begin with “Part 1: Red Tide” and “Part 2: Death Valley.” In the teaser, worlds collide as aliens and sharp-toothed humanoids French kiss.
The series is created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who executive produce alongside Alexis Martin Woodall, John J. Gray and Manny Coto.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Amazon Prime Video announced that the fourth and final season of “Goliath” will premiere on Sept. 24. In the final season, Billy (Bob Thornton), returns to his Big Law roots after Patty (Nina Arianda) takes a job at a prestigious firm in San Francisco. As their partnership is put to the test, they attempt to take down the opioid industry.
- 7/27/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Tribeca has long been a difficult thing to understand. First came the nonprofit Tribeca Film Institute and the namesake festival, founded in the wake of 9/11 with a mission to revitalize lower Manhattan’s arts economy. Then came Tribeca Enterprises, a for-profit offshoot that quickly took over festival-producing duties. For nearly as long as Tribeca has been a brand, it’s held numerous identities — some overlapping, many conflicting.
Freed from its New York mandate, Tfi flourished over two decades to become a prominent funder and mentor of independent filmmakers across the globe. More visibly, Tribeca Enterprises grew, too, building out the Tribeca Film Festival and branded-content agency Tribeca Studios — both of which were powered by deep-pocketed companies seeking something different with their ad budgets.
While remaining legally separate, the two disparate entities were shepherded by some of the same people and together created the Tribeca brand. New York civic pride. Worldwide filmmaker funding.
Freed from its New York mandate, Tfi flourished over two decades to become a prominent funder and mentor of independent filmmakers across the globe. More visibly, Tribeca Enterprises grew, too, building out the Tribeca Film Festival and branded-content agency Tribeca Studios — both of which were powered by deep-pocketed companies seeking something different with their ad budgets.
While remaining legally separate, the two disparate entities were shepherded by some of the same people and together created the Tribeca brand. New York civic pride. Worldwide filmmaker funding.
- 12/7/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Netflix has been hit with a copyright infringement over its cult hit docuseries Wild Wild Country.
The Osho International Foundation and filmmaker Michael Hilow on Thursday sued Netflix, along with Duplass Brothers Productions and directors Chapman Way and Maclain Way, claiming the docuseries used a substantial amount of their footage without consent.
Osho is described in the complaint as a Swiss company that publishes, licenses and archives the work of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the controversial guru at the center of the Netflix series. Hilow directed a 1993 documentary called Rajneeshpuram an Experiment to Provoke God. Scenes from that film, along with ...
The Osho International Foundation and filmmaker Michael Hilow on Thursday sued Netflix, along with Duplass Brothers Productions and directors Chapman Way and Maclain Way, claiming the docuseries used a substantial amount of their footage without consent.
Osho is described in the complaint as a Swiss company that publishes, licenses and archives the work of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the controversial guru at the center of the Netflix series. Hilow directed a 1993 documentary called Rajneeshpuram an Experiment to Provoke God. Scenes from that film, along with ...
- 1/31/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The United Talent Agency has appointed six men and two women as new partners, the agency’s board of directors announced Friday.
Jacob Fenton, Ken Fermaglich, Susie Fox, Ben Jacobson, Ophir Lupu, John Sacks, Bec Smith and Mark Subias have been appointed from across UTA’s businesses, accounting for a 13 percent expansion of the company’s partnership. The agents come from the world of theatre, music, TV, movies, video games and more. Between them they have nearly 70 years of experience at the agency.
“These eight individuals from across our business have been a critical part of UTA’s growth over the past years,” the UTA Board of Directors said in a statement. “Their appointments reflect not just the longstanding contributions each has made, but their leadership, innovation and commitment to creating unique opportunities for our clients. We are proud to have them join our partnership.”
Also Read: Veteran Agent David Lubliner...
Jacob Fenton, Ken Fermaglich, Susie Fox, Ben Jacobson, Ophir Lupu, John Sacks, Bec Smith and Mark Subias have been appointed from across UTA’s businesses, accounting for a 13 percent expansion of the company’s partnership. The agents come from the world of theatre, music, TV, movies, video games and more. Between them they have nearly 70 years of experience at the agency.
“These eight individuals from across our business have been a critical part of UTA’s growth over the past years,” the UTA Board of Directors said in a statement. “Their appointments reflect not just the longstanding contributions each has made, but their leadership, innovation and commitment to creating unique opportunities for our clients. We are proud to have them join our partnership.”
Also Read: Veteran Agent David Lubliner...
- 1/25/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The UTA board of directors said Friday that the agency has promoted eight agents to partner, repping a 13% expansion of the group. The promotions come from across UTA’s businesses including theater, music, TV, movies and video games.
The new partners include two division heads — Video Games’ Ophir Lupu and Theatre’s Mark Subias — along with Jacob Fenton, Ken Fermaglich, Susie Fox, Ben Jacobson, John Sacks and Bec Smith.
“These eight individuals from across our business have been a critical part of UTA’s growth over the past years,” UTA said in a statement announcing the news. “Their appointments reflect not just the longstanding contributions each has made, but their leadership, innovation and commitment to creating unique opportunities for our clients. We are proud to have them join our partnership.”
More info her, per UTA:
Jacob Fenton, an 18-year UTA veteran who started in the mailroom in 2001 and rose through...
The new partners include two division heads — Video Games’ Ophir Lupu and Theatre’s Mark Subias — along with Jacob Fenton, Ken Fermaglich, Susie Fox, Ben Jacobson, John Sacks and Bec Smith.
“These eight individuals from across our business have been a critical part of UTA’s growth over the past years,” UTA said in a statement announcing the news. “Their appointments reflect not just the longstanding contributions each has made, but their leadership, innovation and commitment to creating unique opportunities for our clients. We are proud to have them join our partnership.”
More info her, per UTA:
Jacob Fenton, an 18-year UTA veteran who started in the mailroom in 2001 and rose through...
- 1/25/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The 34th Annual Ida Documentary Awards were handed out Saturday night at the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles with Bing Liu’s Minding The Gap taking top honors in the Best Feature category.
Hosted by actress and producer Ricki Lake, the ceremony also honored Floyd Russ’s Zion as Best Short as well as Netflix’s Wild Wild Country which won for Best Limited Series.
Other winners for the evening included HBO’s John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls for the ABC News VideoSource Award, PBS’ Pov for Best Curated Series, Showtime’s The Trade for Best Episodic Series, Mel Films for Best Short Form Series, and Jayisha Patel’s Circle for the David L. Wolper Student Documentary Award. The New York Times’ Caliphate won the inaugural Best Audio Documentary category.
In addition, the Career Achievement Award was presented to three-time Academy Award winner Julia Reichert and Ida...
Hosted by actress and producer Ricki Lake, the ceremony also honored Floyd Russ’s Zion as Best Short as well as Netflix’s Wild Wild Country which won for Best Limited Series.
Other winners for the evening included HBO’s John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls for the ABC News VideoSource Award, PBS’ Pov for Best Curated Series, Showtime’s The Trade for Best Episodic Series, Mel Films for Best Short Form Series, and Jayisha Patel’s Circle for the David L. Wolper Student Documentary Award. The New York Times’ Caliphate won the inaugural Best Audio Documentary category.
In addition, the Career Achievement Award was presented to three-time Academy Award winner Julia Reichert and Ida...
- 12/9/2018
- by Erik Pedersen and Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Free Solo,” “Quincy,” “Minding the Gap,” “Rbg,” “Three identical Strangers” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” are among the films nominated for the Audience Choice Prize at the 2018 Cinema Eye Honors, an awards show devoted to all facts of nonfiction filmmaking.
“Bathtubs Over Broadway,” “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.,” “On Her Shoulders” and “Shirkers” were also nominated in the Audience Choice category, which can be voted on by members of the public at the Cinema Eye website.
The bulk of the Cinema Eye Honors nominees will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 8, and the winners will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 10 at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City.
Also Read: 'Free Solo,' 'Minding the Gap,' 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' Land Ida Documentary Nominations
In the Broadcast Film category, the nominees were four docs from HBO – “Baltimore Rising,” “Believer,” “The Final Year” and...
“Bathtubs Over Broadway,” “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.,” “On Her Shoulders” and “Shirkers” were also nominated in the Audience Choice category, which can be voted on by members of the public at the Cinema Eye website.
The bulk of the Cinema Eye Honors nominees will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 8, and the winners will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 10 at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City.
Also Read: 'Free Solo,' 'Minding the Gap,' 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' Land Ida Documentary Nominations
In the Broadcast Film category, the nominees were four docs from HBO – “Baltimore Rising,” “Believer,” “The Final Year” and...
- 10/25/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi‘s “Free Solo” leads the third annual Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards with six bids, including Best Documentary and Best Director. Also nabbing nominations in those two top categories is Bing Liu‘s “Minding the Gap,” which is also in the running for Best First Time Director, as well as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Dark Money,” “Hitler’s Hollywood,” and “Three Identical Strangers.” In all 10 films were nominated for the top prize at these awards bestowed by the Broadcast Film Critics Assn. (Bfca). The other four are “Crime + Punishment,” “Hal,” “Rbg,” and “Wild Wild Country.”
Last year the Bfca nominated 16 films for this award, three of which –“Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” “Faces Places,” and “Strong Island” — went on to contend at the Oscars. And in 2016 the Bfca shared its Best Documentary winner (“O.J.: Made in America”) with the Academy...
Last year the Bfca nominated 16 films for this award, three of which –“Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” “Faces Places,” and “Strong Island” — went on to contend at the Oscars. And in 2016 the Bfca shared its Best Documentary winner (“O.J.: Made in America”) with the Academy...
- 10/16/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s “Free Solo,” a National Geographic documentary about Alex Honnold’s attempt to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan rock formation without any ropes or protective equipment, leads all films in nominations for the third annual Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, the Broadcast Film Critics Association and Broadcast Television Journalists Associations announced on Monday.
“Free Solo” received five nominations, including Best Documentary and Best Director, and an additional honor for subject Honnold, who was one of eight subjects singled out in the Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary category.
Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap” and Chapman Way and Maclain Way’s “Wild Wild Country” each received five nominations, while Kimberly Reed’s “Dark Money,” Rüdiger Suchsland’s “Hitler’s Hollywood” and Morgan Neville’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” received four each.
Also Read: 'Fahrenheit 11/9' Director Michael Moore to Receive Critics' Choice...
“Free Solo” received five nominations, including Best Documentary and Best Director, and an additional honor for subject Honnold, who was one of eight subjects singled out in the Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary category.
Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap” and Chapman Way and Maclain Way’s “Wild Wild Country” each received five nominations, while Kimberly Reed’s “Dark Money,” Rüdiger Suchsland’s “Hitler’s Hollywood” and Morgan Neville’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” received four each.
Also Read: 'Fahrenheit 11/9' Director Michael Moore to Receive Critics' Choice...
- 10/15/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s “Free Solo,” which captured rock climber Alex Honnold’s hair-raising ascent of Yosemite National Park’s 3,000-foot El Capitan rock formation, led the nominations for the third annual Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, it was revealed Monday. The film netted six nominations including best documentary and best director.
Close behind with five mentions each were “Minding the Gap” and “Wild Wild Country,” from Hulu and Netflix respectively.
Voted on by the Broadcast Film Critics and Television Journalists Assns., the awards will be presented at a gala event hosted by science educator and television personality Bill Nye on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Bric in Brooklyn, New York.
The nominees are:
Best Documentary
“Crime + Punishment” – Director: Stephen Maing (Hulu)
“Dark Money” – Director: Kimberly Reed (PBS)
“Free Solo” – Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (National Geographic Documentary Films)
“Hal” – Director: Amy Scott (Oscilloscope)
“Hitler’s Hollywood” – Director: Rüdiger Suchsland...
Close behind with five mentions each were “Minding the Gap” and “Wild Wild Country,” from Hulu and Netflix respectively.
Voted on by the Broadcast Film Critics and Television Journalists Assns., the awards will be presented at a gala event hosted by science educator and television personality Bill Nye on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Bric in Brooklyn, New York.
The nominees are:
Best Documentary
“Crime + Punishment” – Director: Stephen Maing (Hulu)
“Dark Money” – Director: Kimberly Reed (PBS)
“Free Solo” – Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (National Geographic Documentary Films)
“Hal” – Director: Amy Scott (Oscilloscope)
“Hitler’s Hollywood” – Director: Rüdiger Suchsland...
- 10/15/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
The Broadcast Film Critics Association (Bfca) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (Btja) have announced the nominees for the third annual Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards. The winners will be presented their awards at a gala event, hosted by science educator and television personality Bill Nye, on Saturday, November 10 at Bric in Brooklyn, New York.
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s “Free Solo” leads this year with six nominations and one honor, including Best Documentary, Best Directors, Best Sports Documentary, Most Innovative Documentary, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and a Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary honor for Alex Honnold. “Minding the Gap” and “Wild Wild Country” follow with five nominations each, with “Dark Money,” “Hitler’s Hollywood,” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” each earning four nods.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s outstanding documentary work at the upcoming event,” said Broadcast Film Critics Association President...
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s “Free Solo” leads this year with six nominations and one honor, including Best Documentary, Best Directors, Best Sports Documentary, Most Innovative Documentary, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and a Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary honor for Alex Honnold. “Minding the Gap” and “Wild Wild Country” follow with five nominations each, with “Dark Money,” “Hitler’s Hollywood,” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” each earning four nods.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s outstanding documentary work at the upcoming event,” said Broadcast Film Critics Association President...
- 10/15/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
To the Way brothers, the story of the Rolls Royce-driving Indian guru who moved his sex cult to Oregon, where their search for spiritual enlightenment ended in the largest bioterror attack on American soil was the stuff of documentary gold.
But not everyone shared that vision.
Director Maclain Way said he shopped the six-part documentary series to a number of outlets where he and brother Chapman Way received a “very cold” reaction. One distributor, which initially went nameless, asked if any celebrity had been part of the 1980s cult — or at minimum, would agree to narrate Wild Wild Country.
Pressed by moderator Johanna Coles to name the outlet that spurned the Emmy Award winning documentary, Maclain Way volunteered — HBO.
The Way brothers joined Netflix’s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, its vice president of original documentary and comedy, Lisa Nishimura, in a wide-ranging discussion at Vanity Fair’s New Establishment Summit.
But not everyone shared that vision.
Director Maclain Way said he shopped the six-part documentary series to a number of outlets where he and brother Chapman Way received a “very cold” reaction. One distributor, which initially went nameless, asked if any celebrity had been part of the 1980s cult — or at minimum, would agree to narrate Wild Wild Country.
Pressed by moderator Johanna Coles to name the outlet that spurned the Emmy Award winning documentary, Maclain Way volunteered — HBO.
The Way brothers joined Netflix’s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, its vice president of original documentary and comedy, Lisa Nishimura, in a wide-ranging discussion at Vanity Fair’s New Establishment Summit.
- 10/9/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Netflix production deal may see the former first couple become the streaming service’s next stars.
“I hope so,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos when asked whether the Obamas would appear on camera in any of the projects they’re developing for the streaming giant.
The Obamas in May signed a deal with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming service. Sarandos indicated on Tuesday that the form that content will take is beginning to become clear.
“They have their eyes on film and television, fiction and non-fiction,” Sarandos said. “They want to do programming, storytelling that fits in with what they did during the presidency, obviously.” He said that among the topics the Obamas may cover are sports, lifestyle, and nutrition — but not politics. “It’s going to be great storytelling.”
Sarandos was joined onstage by Lisa Nishimura, Netflix’s head of documentary and comedy programming,...
“I hope so,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos when asked whether the Obamas would appear on camera in any of the projects they’re developing for the streaming giant.
The Obamas in May signed a deal with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming service. Sarandos indicated on Tuesday that the form that content will take is beginning to become clear.
“They have their eyes on film and television, fiction and non-fiction,” Sarandos said. “They want to do programming, storytelling that fits in with what they did during the presidency, obviously.” He said that among the topics the Obamas may cover are sports, lifestyle, and nutrition — but not politics. “It’s going to be great storytelling.”
Sarandos was joined onstage by Lisa Nishimura, Netflix’s head of documentary and comedy programming,...
- 10/9/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” was one of the many winners on day two of the Creative Arts Emmys Sunday, taking the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), which resulted in its producers John Legend, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber getting the final trophy needed to become Egot members.
The trio, who now are among the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony, celebrated the five Emmy wins in total for “Superstar” over the two-day award ceremony that honors the best and the brightest in reality television, variety series and nonfiction programming, among others.
Other standout moments included three awards for “Queer Eye” (a reboot after being away for 11 years) and six posthumous trophies for Anthony Bourdain and his CNN show “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.”
Also Read: Netflix Snaps HBO's 17-Year Emmys Streak
Saturday’s award winners included “USS Callister...
The trio, who now are among the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony, celebrated the five Emmy wins in total for “Superstar” over the two-day award ceremony that honors the best and the brightest in reality television, variety series and nonfiction programming, among others.
Other standout moments included three awards for “Queer Eye” (a reboot after being away for 11 years) and six posthumous trophies for Anthony Bourdain and his CNN show “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.”
Also Read: Netflix Snaps HBO's 17-Year Emmys Streak
Saturday’s award winners included “USS Callister...
- 9/9/2018
- by Linda Xu
- The Wrap
With five Emmy nominations under its belt – including one for best documentary – Netflix’s “Wild, Wild Country” brings to life the incredible ‘80s tale of the Indian religious cult which set up camp in eastern Oregon, drawing the ire of the local community when they began to flex their muscle.
The six-part film was co-directed by brothers Chapman, 31, and Maclain Way, 27, with a score composed by older brother Brocker, 34, which will be released in both digital and vinyl form by hip Austin indie Western Vinyl Records on Sept. 21. A playlist featuring the songs used in the film has been posted on Spotify now for several months.
Music supervisor Chris Swanson, the co-founder of Secretly Canadian, used several of the prestigious label’s artists, most notably Bill Callahan, with the lyrics to his song “Drover” giving the documentary its evocative title.
“At its core, this is a quintessentially American story about...
The six-part film was co-directed by brothers Chapman, 31, and Maclain Way, 27, with a score composed by older brother Brocker, 34, which will be released in both digital and vinyl form by hip Austin indie Western Vinyl Records on Sept. 21. A playlist featuring the songs used in the film has been posted on Spotify now for several months.
Music supervisor Chris Swanson, the co-founder of Secretly Canadian, used several of the prestigious label’s artists, most notably Bill Callahan, with the lyrics to his song “Drover” giving the documentary its evocative title.
“At its core, this is a quintessentially American story about...
- 8/24/2018
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
According to our racetrack odds, the Emmy front-runner for Best Documentary/Nonfiction Series is the nature program “Blue Planet II.” But are we underestimating Netflix‘s “Wild Wild Country”? The six-part series generated water-cooler discussion after it premiered in March and could appeal to the same voters who awarded this category to the true-crime docs “The Jinx” in 2015 and “Making a Murderer” in 2016.
Directed by Maclain Way and Chapman Way, “Wild Wild Country” recounts the story of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, his charismatic personal assistant Ma Anand Sheela, and the escalating conflict between his spiritual followers and the Oregon community that surrounded them. The series has five total nominations, also including bids for its directing, picture editing, sound editing, and sound mixing.
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As of this writing “Blue Planet II” leads our predictions with 2/5 odds. It would be the third nature series...
Directed by Maclain Way and Chapman Way, “Wild Wild Country” recounts the story of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, his charismatic personal assistant Ma Anand Sheela, and the escalating conflict between his spiritual followers and the Oregon community that surrounded them. The series has five total nominations, also including bids for its directing, picture editing, sound editing, and sound mixing.
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
As of this writing “Blue Planet II” leads our predictions with 2/5 odds. It would be the third nature series...
- 8/24/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The woman known for uttering the defiant phrase “tough titties” isn’t backing down.
Ma Anand Sheela, whose dogged defense of the controversial Rajneesh spiritual movement and its attempted takeover of a small Oregon town made her the star of the hit documentary series Wild Wild Country, says there’s nothing about her actions she would change.
“I do not regret anything,” she insists. “If there is again opportunity I would do it exactly the same. Maybe little bit even more feistier. Because now I have also experience under my belt.”
The Netflix series directed by Chapman and Maclain Way, which is contending for five Emmy Awards, recounts Sheela’s role in the early 1980s spearheading the construction of a massive religious commune for followers of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Residents of rural Wasco County, who considered the Rajneeshees a cult and fought the group tooth and nail, found in Sheela a formidable opponent.
Ma Anand Sheela, whose dogged defense of the controversial Rajneesh spiritual movement and its attempted takeover of a small Oregon town made her the star of the hit documentary series Wild Wild Country, says there’s nothing about her actions she would change.
“I do not regret anything,” she insists. “If there is again opportunity I would do it exactly the same. Maybe little bit even more feistier. Because now I have also experience under my belt.”
The Netflix series directed by Chapman and Maclain Way, which is contending for five Emmy Awards, recounts Sheela’s role in the early 1980s spearheading the construction of a massive religious commune for followers of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Residents of rural Wasco County, who considered the Rajneeshees a cult and fought the group tooth and nail, found in Sheela a formidable opponent.
- 8/17/2018
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Known for their contributions shepherding a new generation of behind-the-scenes talent into the mainstream, it seems only appropriate that Mark and Jay Duplass received their first Emmy nominations for doing just that with Chapman and Maclain Way’s acclaimed Netflix docuseries Wild Wild Country, depicting the rise of a cult leader in the Oregon desert.
The docuseries scored five nominations today, helping Netflix score the most noms of any platform, breaking HBO’s longtime hold on that distinction.
The Duplass brothers, boasting overall deals with Netflix and HBO and with hands in “a lot of different spheres,” have found a key element of their artistic mission by expanding their collaborations beyond those films and television series they write and direct together.
“We’re actually doing a lot less directing and opening up the collaboration to supporting a lot of newer or younger filmmakers who are super passionate, and quite frankly,...
The docuseries scored five nominations today, helping Netflix score the most noms of any platform, breaking HBO’s longtime hold on that distinction.
The Duplass brothers, boasting overall deals with Netflix and HBO and with hands in “a lot of different spheres,” have found a key element of their artistic mission by expanding their collaborations beyond those films and television series they write and direct together.
“We’re actually doing a lot less directing and opening up the collaboration to supporting a lot of newer or younger filmmakers who are super passionate, and quite frankly,...
- 7/12/2018
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Since Wild Wild Country's March debut, the gripping documentary series has become the latest unscripted phenomenon from Netflix. Executive produced by Mark and Jay Duplass, the series is the work of another set of filmmaking brothers, Chapman and Maclain Way, who made the 2014 documentary The Battered Bastards of Baseball for the platform. Over the course of six episodes, Wild Wild Country follows controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), his onetime personal assistant Ma Anand Sheela and the "free love" cult they led in 1980s Oregon.
The Way brothers spoke with THR about the genesis of the series, the one ...
The Way brothers spoke with THR about the genesis of the series, the one ...
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment the Netflix documentary series Wild Wild Country became a certified cultural phenomenon. Maybe when it got the parody treatment on Saturday Night Live. Or not long after its March debut when an unusual hashtag started to trend: #ToughTitties.
Those two words, as any fan of the series can tell you, came out of the mouth of Ma Anand Sheela, uttered in an old news clip featuring the main character in Wild Wild Country. In the early 1980s Sheela was embroiled in international controversy as the chief spokesperson for an Indian guru known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, founder of an unorthodox religious movement that advocated free love and an open embrace of wealth. When it came to defending Bhagwan and the interests of his followers, Sheela was no shrinking violet.
“She’s such a powerful, strong-willed character. She speaks her mind,” noted Maclain Way,...
Those two words, as any fan of the series can tell you, came out of the mouth of Ma Anand Sheela, uttered in an old news clip featuring the main character in Wild Wild Country. In the early 1980s Sheela was embroiled in international controversy as the chief spokesperson for an Indian guru known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, founder of an unorthodox religious movement that advocated free love and an open embrace of wealth. When it came to defending Bhagwan and the interests of his followers, Sheela was no shrinking violet.
“She’s such a powerful, strong-willed character. She speaks her mind,” noted Maclain Way,...
- 5/31/2018
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Wild Wild Country’: Ma Anand Sheela Talks New Online Support and Criticism After Netflix Docuseries
Ma Anand Sheela, one of the main subjects of the Netflix docuseries “Wild Wild Country,” has become a breakout star of sorts, tearing the internet apart with debates regarding whether the former spokesperson of the Rajneesh cult should be celebrated or scorned.
Over the course of six episodes, the documentary explores how Sheela, secretary to religious guru Bhagwan Rajneesh, and her group founded a commune in rural Oregon in the ’80s named Rajneeshpuram, which quickly led to a battle with the local townspeople. Sheela goes from confidently flashing middle fingers at her critics to eventually landing in jail, convicted of attempted murder, and gives her take on the events 30 years later.
On Tuesday, Sheela joined a panel for Netflix’s “Wild Wild Country” FYSee event via video from her home in Switzerland, where she discussed the documentary and her time leading the cult, alongside directors Chapman and Maclain Way and executive producer Mark Duplass.
Over the course of six episodes, the documentary explores how Sheela, secretary to religious guru Bhagwan Rajneesh, and her group founded a commune in rural Oregon in the ’80s named Rajneeshpuram, which quickly led to a battle with the local townspeople. Sheela goes from confidently flashing middle fingers at her critics to eventually landing in jail, convicted of attempted murder, and gives her take on the events 30 years later.
On Tuesday, Sheela joined a panel for Netflix’s “Wild Wild Country” FYSee event via video from her home in Switzerland, where she discussed the documentary and her time leading the cult, alongside directors Chapman and Maclain Way and executive producer Mark Duplass.
- 5/16/2018
- by Kirsten Chuba
- Variety Film + TV
I can't stop thinking about this documentary series. I can't stop thinking about the stories in it. I can't stop thinking about all the people in it. Wild Wild Country, directed by Maclain Way and Chapman Way, produced by filmmakers Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass, is an incredible documentary series from Netflix. I am floored, totally blown away, by everything in it. It's not just the crazy story it tells, it's everything else that goes with it - the questions, the implications, the discussions. I don't want to say my life is changed, but there are definitely things I will never forget. There are big ideas, major philosophical / moral implications, so much to talk about. And I can't help but start writing about it, I have to talk about it, I have to get all of these thoughts out of my mind. I have to rave about how phenomenal this...
- 5/2/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Mark Duplass admits that he can identify a bit with Ma Anand Sheela, the focus of Netflix’s buzzworthy docuseries “Wild Wild Country.”
The personal secretary to cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Sheela didn’t initially come to Oregon in the early 1980s to cause trouble. But after her attempts to build Rajneeshpuram — a multi-million dollar utopia in a remote part of the state — were met with resistance, she went on the offensive.
For Duplass, who executive produced “Wild Wild Country,” Sheela’s resolve kind of reminds him of his early days in filmmaking.
“Sheela started with ideological love and excitement to build this community, which is very similar to how I came into independent cinema,” Duplass told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “I just want to make my creative stuff and make it good. But then Sheela started to get threatened and she accidentally realized that she was...
The personal secretary to cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Sheela didn’t initially come to Oregon in the early 1980s to cause trouble. But after her attempts to build Rajneeshpuram — a multi-million dollar utopia in a remote part of the state — were met with resistance, she went on the offensive.
For Duplass, who executive produced “Wild Wild Country,” Sheela’s resolve kind of reminds him of his early days in filmmaking.
“Sheela started with ideological love and excitement to build this community, which is very similar to how I came into independent cinema,” Duplass told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “I just want to make my creative stuff and make it good. But then Sheela started to get threatened and she accidentally realized that she was...
- 4/19/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
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