Veteran media executive Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann has been named the new CEO of Telepool, the German licensing, production and distribution company owned by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook.
Her appointment comes after Westbrook’s took full control of Telepool in December 2021. The Munich-based group is being positioned to play a major role in Westbrook’s international expansion strategy. Alongside Telepool, Westbrook have production partnerships with Mo Abudu’s Nigerian production studio EbonyLife and Yasushi Akimoto’s Akimoto Project in Japan. Last January, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ Candle Media paid 60 million for a 10 percent stake in Westbrook.
As CEO, Higuchi-Zitzmann will oversee Telepool’s entire operation, from development, co-financing and co-production through to sales and distribution. Telepool’s subsidiaries include world sales group Global Screen and home entertainment label EuroVideo. The group is one of Europe’s leading licensors of film and television rights. Alongside its massive German rights library,...
Her appointment comes after Westbrook’s took full control of Telepool in December 2021. The Munich-based group is being positioned to play a major role in Westbrook’s international expansion strategy. Alongside Telepool, Westbrook have production partnerships with Mo Abudu’s Nigerian production studio EbonyLife and Yasushi Akimoto’s Akimoto Project in Japan. Last January, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ Candle Media paid 60 million for a 10 percent stake in Westbrook.
As CEO, Higuchi-Zitzmann will oversee Telepool’s entire operation, from development, co-financing and co-production through to sales and distribution. Telepool’s subsidiaries include world sales group Global Screen and home entertainment label EuroVideo. The group is one of Europe’s leading licensors of film and television rights. Alongside its massive German rights library,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The Hitman’s Bodyguard and Has Fallen outfit Millennium Media is partnering with Will Smith’s German film and TV distributor, Telepool, to co-develop three English-language features over the next three years. Millennium Media is set to produce with Telepool serving as executive producer.
Under the deal, Telepool will have an exclusive first look at all rights for German-speaking territories to the films. The deal also allows for further film collaborations following the committed three films. The pact is the first of its kind for Millennium who have not previously partnered with a distribution company so early in the development process.
Within the last year, Telepool has acquired Millennium’s current slate of productions for German-speaking territories including The Enforcer starring Antonio Banderas, which will be released by Telepool in December, and Red Sonja starring Matilda Lutz and directed by M.J. Bassett, which is currently in production. Telepool has previously...
Under the deal, Telepool will have an exclusive first look at all rights for German-speaking territories to the films. The deal also allows for further film collaborations following the committed three films. The pact is the first of its kind for Millennium who have not previously partnered with a distribution company so early in the development process.
Within the last year, Telepool has acquired Millennium’s current slate of productions for German-speaking territories including The Enforcer starring Antonio Banderas, which will be released by Telepool in December, and Red Sonja starring Matilda Lutz and directed by M.J. Bassett, which is currently in production. Telepool has previously...
- 11/1/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Jade Pettyjohn, whose credits include the Nicole Kidman film Destroyer, Deadwood: The Movie, and the TV shows School of Rock and Big Sky, seems to have made it a goal to become a scream queen in 2022. Every few weeks, we seem to hear that she has signed on to play a role in another genre project. Back in April it was the supernatural thriller Burnouts. In September, it was the Seven Deadly Sins horror film All My Friends Are Dead. And now Deadline reports that Pettyjohn will star in The Not Polly, the next horror movie from Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City director Johannes Roberts.
Producer and music industry executive Yasushi Akimoto crafted the story for The Not Polly, in which Pettyjohn will be playing Polly, the most popular and most beautiful girl in school, who wakes up after a party to find that she is trapped in a morgue,...
Producer and music industry executive Yasushi Akimoto crafted the story for The Not Polly, in which Pettyjohn will be playing Polly, the most popular and most beautiful girl in school, who wakes up after a party to find that she is trapped in a morgue,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Johannes Roberts will continue hanging out in the horror genre with The Not Polly, Deadline reports this afternoon. The upcoming horror film will star Jade Pettyjohn, with Bankside Films launching international sales.
Deadline reports, “Bankside and Johannes Roberts are teaming on the film with Japanese producer and music industry executive Yasushi Akimoto who originated the film’s story. Production is scheduled for the end of this year in Kentucky.”
In the film, “Polly, the most popular and most beautiful girl in school, wakes up after a party to find that she is trapped in a morgue, apparently dead, with no reflection, no pulse and no heartbeat. To make matters worse, she has been possessed.”
Roberts said in a statement, “I’m so excited to be working with Bankside and the whole team on this project as they truly get my twisted vision! I can’t wait for an audience to...
Deadline reports, “Bankside and Johannes Roberts are teaming on the film with Japanese producer and music industry executive Yasushi Akimoto who originated the film’s story. Production is scheduled for the end of this year in Kentucky.”
In the film, “Polly, the most popular and most beautiful girl in school, wakes up after a party to find that she is trapped in a morgue, apparently dead, with no reflection, no pulse and no heartbeat. To make matters worse, she has been possessed.”
Roberts said in a statement, “I’m so excited to be working with Bankside and the whole team on this project as they truly get my twisted vision! I can’t wait for an audience to...
- 10/21/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Going into the American Film Market, Bankside Films is launching international sales on horror The Not Polly, which will be directed by 47 Meters Down filmmaker Johannes Roberts.
Bankside and Roberts are teaming on the film with Japanese producer and music industry executive Yasushi Akimoto who originated the film’s story. Production is scheduled for the end of this year in Kentucky.
Little Fires Everywhere and Destroyer actress Jade Pettyjohn is set to star in the movie as Polly, the most popular and most beautiful girl in school, who wakes up after a party to find that she is trapped in a morgue, apparently dead, with no reflection, no pulse and no heartbeat. To make matters worse, she has been possessed.
James Harris (47 Meters Down) of Tea Shop Productions is producing alongside Sean DeMott (The Free Fall). Riki Melwani (Crows Blood) and Eiko Matsumoto from Akimoto Studios will also be producing.
Bankside and Roberts are teaming on the film with Japanese producer and music industry executive Yasushi Akimoto who originated the film’s story. Production is scheduled for the end of this year in Kentucky.
Little Fires Everywhere and Destroyer actress Jade Pettyjohn is set to star in the movie as Polly, the most popular and most beautiful girl in school, who wakes up after a party to find that she is trapped in a morgue, apparently dead, with no reflection, no pulse and no heartbeat. To make matters worse, she has been possessed.
James Harris (47 Meters Down) of Tea Shop Productions is producing alongside Sean DeMott (The Free Fall). Riki Melwani (Crows Blood) and Eiko Matsumoto from Akimoto Studios will also be producing.
- 10/21/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios has acquired worldwide rights to the Japanese series We Can’t Work Together and is developing an English-language remake of the project in partnership with Japanese company Akimoto Project as part of a strategic alliance.
The relationship comedy will follow a Hollywood “it couple” who have refused to work together since their breakup 20 years ago. With hopes of reigniting their careers, they partner on a big-budget TV series that forces them to put aside their animosity for one last chance to prove their relevance in an industry ready to write them off. The project is Westbrook’s first out of Asia.
Terence Carter and David Boorstein will executive produce the series for Westbrook Studios, which will serve as the studio. Yasushi Akimoto will also executive produce. Westbrook is said to be exploring creative leads and “high-level talent” to package the two leading roles.
The relationship comedy will follow a Hollywood “it couple” who have refused to work together since their breakup 20 years ago. With hopes of reigniting their careers, they partner on a big-budget TV series that forces them to put aside their animosity for one last chance to prove their relevance in an industry ready to write them off. The project is Westbrook’s first out of Asia.
Terence Carter and David Boorstein will executive produce the series for Westbrook Studios, which will serve as the studio. Yasushi Akimoto will also executive produce. Westbrook is said to be exploring creative leads and “high-level talent” to package the two leading roles.
- 2/17/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook has acquired the German film and TV firm Telepool, taking full control over its licensing and distribution businesses as well as its subsidiaries.
The deal saw Westbrook buy out the 50% stake previously held by Zurich-based investment holding company Elysian Invest Ag — a move intended to “dramatically…expand its capabilities in international content development, financing, production and distribution,” the company said.
Telepool, one of Germany’s leading distributors, will now operate under the auspices of the newly established Westbrook International Holdings. The Munich-headquartered firm’s CEO Jan Frouman has been tapped as the new president for Westbrook International Holdings, effective immediately.
“Westbrook’s acquisition of Telepool and the launch of Westbrook International Holdings enables us to truly reach a global community, furthering our mission to empower artists to tell stories that connect the world,” said Westbrook CEO Ko Yada in a statement. “We...
The deal saw Westbrook buy out the 50% stake previously held by Zurich-based investment holding company Elysian Invest Ag — a move intended to “dramatically…expand its capabilities in international content development, financing, production and distribution,” the company said.
Telepool, one of Germany’s leading distributors, will now operate under the auspices of the newly established Westbrook International Holdings. The Munich-headquartered firm’s CEO Jan Frouman has been tapped as the new president for Westbrook International Holdings, effective immediately.
“Westbrook’s acquisition of Telepool and the launch of Westbrook International Holdings enables us to truly reach a global community, furthering our mission to empower artists to tell stories that connect the world,” said Westbrook CEO Ko Yada in a statement. “We...
- 1/7/2022
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Inc. has acquired full control of German film and TV firm Telepool, including the 50 percent stake previously owned by Swiss financier Elysian Invest.
Westbrook takes full control from Elysian and The Smith Family Circle, Will and Jada Smith’s family office. The transaction gives Westbrook full control of the German licensing and distribution company and all of its subsidiary entities.
Telepool, one of Germany’s leading film distributors, will fall under Westbrook’s newly-formed Westbrook International banner with Jan Frouman, CEO of Telepool, newly tapped as President of Westbrook International effective immediately.
Frouman will continue to oversee Telepool’s operations and is being tasked with driving growth of Westbrook’s portfolio outside the U.S. with “dramatic expansion” on the agenda. The respected TV industry vet joins Westbrook a decade after launching and serving as Chairman and CEO of super indie Red Arrow Studios.
Westbrook takes full control from Elysian and The Smith Family Circle, Will and Jada Smith’s family office. The transaction gives Westbrook full control of the German licensing and distribution company and all of its subsidiary entities.
Telepool, one of Germany’s leading film distributors, will fall under Westbrook’s newly-formed Westbrook International banner with Jan Frouman, CEO of Telepool, newly tapped as President of Westbrook International effective immediately.
Frouman will continue to oversee Telepool’s operations and is being tasked with driving growth of Westbrook’s portfolio outside the U.S. with “dramatic expansion” on the agenda. The respected TV industry vet joins Westbrook a decade after launching and serving as Chairman and CEO of super indie Red Arrow Studios.
- 1/7/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Recent Japanese suspense drama series “Guilty Flag” is to be launched at next week’s Asian Television Forum (Atf) as a scripted format by entertainment group Nippon Television.
“Guilty Flag,” which runs to twenty 60-minute episodes, follows a man whose wife and kids suddenly disappear. He frantically searches for them but has no leads. To convince the police to start an investigation, he uses the power of social media to bring their disappearance to the public’s attention. However, speculative minds begin to think that maybe he is the real culprit, and eyes are focused on him as he becomes driven into a corner. At the same time, as if to hint at the abduction of his wife and kids, their belongings are inexplicably found one after another, which sway him, the police and everyone watching this case.
It was created by the team that previously hatched hit suspense drama...
“Guilty Flag,” which runs to twenty 60-minute episodes, follows a man whose wife and kids suddenly disappear. He frantically searches for them but has no leads. To convince the police to start an investigation, he uses the power of social media to bring their disappearance to the public’s attention. However, speculative minds begin to think that maybe he is the real culprit, and eyes are focused on him as he becomes driven into a corner. At the same time, as if to hint at the abduction of his wife and kids, their belongings are inexplicably found one after another, which sway him, the police and everyone watching this case.
It was created by the team that previously hatched hit suspense drama...
- 11/26/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Inc. have entered into a strategic partnership with Yasushi Akimoto’s Akimoto Project.
The first project under their teaming is developing the feature movie The Elephant’s Back with several television projects in development to be announced shortly.
Akimoto Project is one of Japan’s most innovative producers and creators with a long track record of creating hit content in a variety of fields. The Elephant’s Back is an adaptation of a book written by Akimoto by the same name. Jon Herman (Straight Outta Compton) is set to write the screenplay. The film is an original Yasushi Akimoto project for North America.
In Elephant’s Back, an elephant knows he will die soon and tries to instill in his son, Poppo, various wisdoms and to provide him the power to live. But Poppo does not understand “death.”
“We are excited...
The first project under their teaming is developing the feature movie The Elephant’s Back with several television projects in development to be announced shortly.
Akimoto Project is one of Japan’s most innovative producers and creators with a long track record of creating hit content in a variety of fields. The Elephant’s Back is an adaptation of a book written by Akimoto by the same name. Jon Herman (Straight Outta Compton) is set to write the screenplay. The film is an original Yasushi Akimoto project for North America.
In Elephant’s Back, an elephant knows he will die soon and tries to instill in his son, Poppo, various wisdoms and to provide him the power to live. But Poppo does not understand “death.”
“We are excited...
- 7/8/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Those Damned Robocalls!”
By Raymond Benson
The J-Horror phenomenon (the modern Japanese horror films that erupted in the late 1990s and continue to this day) enjoyed serious success and critical acclaim in its early period for bringing some originality to the horror genre in general. Motion pictures of the ilk are usually derived from ghost stories, Japanese folklore, and revenge tales, mixed with a modern sensibility, a dash of gruesomeness, and often a creepy dripping-wet ghost-girl (a yūrei) with long black hair covering her face coming to get you in your dreams or out of, say, a television set, in your waking hours.
In this case, the yūrei is Mimiko (played by Karen Oshima), a young girl who is probably between the age of ten and fifteen (it’s hard to tell). She is a spirit with the ability to manipulate your cell phone service and kill you with a voice message.
By Raymond Benson
The J-Horror phenomenon (the modern Japanese horror films that erupted in the late 1990s and continue to this day) enjoyed serious success and critical acclaim in its early period for bringing some originality to the horror genre in general. Motion pictures of the ilk are usually derived from ghost stories, Japanese folklore, and revenge tales, mixed with a modern sensibility, a dash of gruesomeness, and often a creepy dripping-wet ghost-girl (a yūrei) with long black hair covering her face coming to get you in your dreams or out of, say, a television set, in your waking hours.
In this case, the yūrei is Mimiko (played by Karen Oshima), a young girl who is probably between the age of ten and fifteen (it’s hard to tell). She is a spirit with the ability to manipulate your cell phone service and kill you with a voice message.
- 2/24/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
One night the relatively ordinary life of college student Yumi (Kou Shibasaki) is violently disturbed when one of her friends dies. Just days ago, at a restaurant, her friend missed a call, which, as she found out, was from her own number, but which was dated two days in advance. The message consisted of her scream followed by what the two girls assumed would be her death. Soon after her friend’s death another friend of hers dies after having received a similar message.
When her best friend Natsumi (Kazue Fukiishi) receives another call, Yumi and Yamashita (Shinichi Tsutsumi), a detective investigating what he assumes is a series of murders, attempt to find out more about the strange curse and its background. At the same time the events have gotten the media’s attention and while her friend is searching for a way to prevent her death, Natsumi prepares to...
When her best friend Natsumi (Kazue Fukiishi) receives another call, Yumi and Yamashita (Shinichi Tsutsumi), a detective investigating what he assumes is a series of murders, attempt to find out more about the strange curse and its background. At the same time the events have gotten the media’s attention and while her friend is searching for a way to prevent her death, Natsumi prepares to...
- 8/5/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
On tap right now we have a fresh crop of stills from the Darren Lynn Bousman-produced terror tale Crow’s Blood. Check ’em out! Yasushi Akimoto and Joseph White direct select episodes of this 6-part mini-series which will be playing at… Continue Reading →
The post Darren Bousman Bathes in Crow’s Blood appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Darren Bousman Bathes in Crow’s Blood appeared first on Dread Central.
- 7/4/2017
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Already out in Japan, FrightFest in the UK will be screening “Crow’s Blood“, a brand new six-episode horror/suspense TV show that brings together some of the biggest names from both the U.S. and Japan. The series is being executive produced by Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-IV, 11-11-11,Repo!) from a screenplay by Yasushi Akimoto and Clint Sears. […]...
- 7/3/2017
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
One of the buzz titles of the recent Afm has found its Us home.
Miramax has picked up Us rights to the edgy comedy that will star Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, the disgraced figure skater who was convicted of hindering the prosecution in a 1994 attack on her skating rival Nancy Kerrigan
Craig Gillespie will direct and Bryan Unkeless produces for Clubhouse Pictures with Robbie and Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment and the film’s screenwriter Steven Rogers.
Len Blavatnik and Aviv Giladi will serve as executive producers for AI Film, which is financing the project. Rosanne Korenberg will oversee for Miramax.
Sierra/Affinity handles international sales and introduced I, Tonya to buyers in Santa Monica last month.
UTA Independent Film Group and CAA brokered the Us deal with Miramax.
Separately, Miramax has secured worldwide sales rights excluding Japan to Crow’s Blood, the six-part horror suspense mini-series created by Japanese producer Yasushi Akimoto with Saw film...
Miramax has picked up Us rights to the edgy comedy that will star Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, the disgraced figure skater who was convicted of hindering the prosecution in a 1994 attack on her skating rival Nancy Kerrigan
Craig Gillespie will direct and Bryan Unkeless produces for Clubhouse Pictures with Robbie and Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment and the film’s screenwriter Steven Rogers.
Len Blavatnik and Aviv Giladi will serve as executive producers for AI Film, which is financing the project. Rosanne Korenberg will oversee for Miramax.
Sierra/Affinity handles international sales and introduced I, Tonya to buyers in Santa Monica last month.
UTA Independent Film Group and CAA brokered the Us deal with Miramax.
Separately, Miramax has secured worldwide sales rights excluding Japan to Crow’s Blood, the six-part horror suspense mini-series created by Japanese producer Yasushi Akimoto with Saw film...
- 12/12/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Miramax has picked up worldwide sales rights, excluding Japan, for six-part horror-suspense mini-series Crow's Blood. It's created by Japanese record producer and television writer Yasushi Akimoto, who is the mastermind behind a number of the country's top idol groups including AKB48. Saw franchise director Darren Lyn Bousman is exec producer. Ryo Nishimura directs the series with AKB48 members Mayu Watanabe and Sakura Miyawaki starring. Story is set 20 years since Dolly…...
- 12/12/2016
- Deadline TV
Saw sequel director to exec produce new Japanese horror miniseries. Variety reported this morning that the Japanese arm of streaming service Hulu has picked up the rights for executive producer Darren Lynn Bousman‘s new 6-part horror miniseries Crow’S Blood. Crow’S Blood is the brainchild of Japanese girl-band guru Yasushi Akimoto and casts HKT48 (a popular…
The post Hulu Japan to Stream Bousman’s Crow’S Blood appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Hulu Japan to Stream Bousman’s Crow’S Blood appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 5/19/2016
- by Chris Alexander
- shocktillyoudrop.com
I really don't put much stock in the International Animated Film Society's 2013 Annie Awards, which is why I didn't rush to report on their results on Saturday. One year Disney and Pixar boycott the event, feeling there was an unfair advantage paid to larger contributing sponsors, DreamWorks being the primary example. So with such a nasty stench over the event what good does it do to pay it much mind? That said, I'll be brief in mentioning Wreck-It Ralph topped Saturday night's winners with five awards, including Best Animated Picture. The awards have something like a 75% streak when it comes to helping predict the eventual Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature and as the days have gone on, it's looking more and more like Ralph will be this year's winner (see my predictions here). Pixar's Brave, Laika's ParaNorman and DreamWorks' Rise of the Guardians each took home two awards in lesser,...
- 2/4/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Disney's animated comedy hit "Wreck-It-Ralph" dominated Saturday's Annies, winning five awards including best animated feature at UCLA's Royce Hall. It is considered the frontrunner for the animated feature Oscar. Director Rich Moore also won best director; Alan Tudyk (King Candy) won voice acting; Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee won for writing and Henry Jackman, Skrillex, Adam Young, Matthew Thiessen, Jamie Houston and Yasushi Akimoto won for music. Animated Special Production: "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" (Illumination Entertainment) Animated Short Subject: black-and-white "Paperman" – (Walt Disney Animation Studios) General Audience Animated TV Production For Preschool Children: "Bubble Guppies" -- "A Tooth on the Looth" (Nickelodeon Animation Studios) Animated Television Production For Children: "Dragons: Riders of Berk" -- "How to Pick Your Dragon"...
- 2/3/2013
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Tokyo -- AKB48 is not exactly a band. It's an army of girls-next-door, ranked by its fans, and after taking Japan by storm it's getting ready to go global.
More than 60 girls and young women, split into four teams, make up what is arguably Japan's most popular pop group. It performs almost every day, has spawned affiliates across the country and has given rise to sister mega-groups in China, Taiwan and Indonesia.
AKB48's big event is an annual vote – by almost 1.4 million fans this year – to determine who gets to record their next single, which inevitably becomes a hit. AKB48 raked in more than $200 million in CD sales last year alone.
The girls pranced and sang on stage before last week's vote as their fans waved glow sticks and sang to familiar tunes. When the winners were announced, the girls cried, bowed deeply, thanked fans for their loyalty and...
More than 60 girls and young women, split into four teams, make up what is arguably Japan's most popular pop group. It performs almost every day, has spawned affiliates across the country and has given rise to sister mega-groups in China, Taiwan and Indonesia.
AKB48's big event is an annual vote – by almost 1.4 million fans this year – to determine who gets to record their next single, which inevitably becomes a hit. AKB48 raked in more than $200 million in CD sales last year alone.
The girls pranced and sang on stage before last week's vote as their fans waved glow sticks and sang to familiar tunes. When the winners were announced, the girls cried, bowed deeply, thanked fans for their loyalty and...
- 6/12/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
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