John Bailey, the cinematographer on Ordinary People, Groundhog Day, As Good as It Gets and dozens of other notable films who endured two “stressful” terms as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, died Friday. He was 81.
Bailey died in Los Angeles, his wife, Oscar-nominated film editor Carol Littleton (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), announced.
”It is with deep sadness I share with you that my best friend and husband, John Bailey, passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning,” she said in a statement. “During John’s illness, we reminisced how we met 60 years ago and were married for 51 of those years. We shared a wonderful life of adventure in film and made many long-lasting friendships along the way. John will forever live in my heart.”
They worked on more than a dozen features together.
The Southern California-raised Bailey served as the director of photography for...
Bailey died in Los Angeles, his wife, Oscar-nominated film editor Carol Littleton (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), announced.
”It is with deep sadness I share with you that my best friend and husband, John Bailey, passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning,” she said in a statement. “During John’s illness, we reminisced how we met 60 years ago and were married for 51 of those years. We shared a wonderful life of adventure in film and made many long-lasting friendships along the way. John will forever live in my heart.”
They worked on more than a dozen features together.
The Southern California-raised Bailey served as the director of photography for...
- 11/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Jake Brennan, the man behind the hit rock n roll true-crime podcast Disgraceland, and his production company Double Elvis, have signed with Range Media Partners.
The company will manage Brennan, whose stable of podcasts also includes Badlands and Badlands.
Brennan has been making episodes of Disgraceland, a true crime podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly, since 2018. It is currently in Season 12.
It has told stories about the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke, Gg Allin, John Lennon, Grateful Dead and, most recently, Jeff Buckley.
“I didn’t want to do just another music podcast and I don’t think there’s a lot of great music podcasts,” Brennan, who was a member of punk band Cast Iron Hike, told Deadline in 2018. “The best podcasts are all about telling stories. I knew a lot about the general aspects of these stories from being a...
The company will manage Brennan, whose stable of podcasts also includes Badlands and Badlands.
Brennan has been making episodes of Disgraceland, a true crime podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly, since 2018. It is currently in Season 12.
It has told stories about the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke, Gg Allin, John Lennon, Grateful Dead and, most recently, Jeff Buckley.
“I didn’t want to do just another music podcast and I don’t think there’s a lot of great music podcasts,” Brennan, who was a member of punk band Cast Iron Hike, told Deadline in 2018. “The best podcasts are all about telling stories. I knew a lot about the general aspects of these stories from being a...
- 6/8/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Callie Khouri’s feminist crime classic is a masterclass in narrative and character development and director Ridley Scott delivers pure action brio
Screenwriter Callie Khouri’s desperada road-movie thriller Thelma & Louise is the classic whose Bechdel test credentials go all the way up to the title. Just over 30 years later, it looks punchier, bolder, hotter and sweatier than ever. This is a masterclass in narrative construction and character development and director Ridley Scott puts his pedal to the metal with pure action brio; I always particularly love the shot where the camera lovingly counter-swooshes back along the flank of the Thunderbird while it barrels down the highway, for the pure hell of it. It is a feminist crime classic in the tradition of Gun Crazy and Bonnie and Clyde, whose two heroines, played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, get the Polaroid camera out for the most famous selfie in film history.
Screenwriter Callie Khouri’s desperada road-movie thriller Thelma & Louise is the classic whose Bechdel test credentials go all the way up to the title. Just over 30 years later, it looks punchier, bolder, hotter and sweatier than ever. This is a masterclass in narrative construction and character development and director Ridley Scott puts his pedal to the metal with pure action brio; I always particularly love the shot where the camera lovingly counter-swooshes back along the flank of the Thunderbird while it barrels down the highway, for the pure hell of it. It is a feminist crime classic in the tradition of Gun Crazy and Bonnie and Clyde, whose two heroines, played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, get the Polaroid camera out for the most famous selfie in film history.
- 5/31/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
As a filmmaker, Ridley Scott has always been somewhat reticent to embrace the urgency of the contemporary moment. Though he’s never less than competent in terms of form and as a director of actors, Scott remains to this day a genre-driven stylist and a lover of the physical design, cultural symbols, and lingo that characterize a specific era. Scott’s best films called for immense design work, the crafting of vehicles and creatures, and the imagining of a culture far removed from our current standings; Gladiator and The Duellists bloomed largely due to exhaustive detailing and accuracy of historical costume design, if not historical events exactly.
Life in the present boxes Scott in creatively, as he’s in a way required to show us a world we will recognize as the same one that we will see when we exit the theater. That world doesn’t bore Scott necessarily,...
Life in the present boxes Scott in creatively, as he’s in a way required to show us a world we will recognize as the same one that we will see when we exit the theater. That world doesn’t bore Scott necessarily,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Chris Cabin
- Slant Magazine
Recently, Katie Holmes was reading Haruki Murakami’s “Novelist as a Vocation.” Within the memoir, which is composed of 11 different essays from the revered Japanese writer, Holmes said she found a story that spoke directly to her own vocation: director.
Holmes said she was struck by a story the writer shared from early in his career, in which he lost a floppy disc that held an important first draft for a new work. “He was so upset, obviously, and had to rewrite [this section] and thought it wasn’t as good as the first draft,” Holmes said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “Years later, he found that floppy disk and he saw that actually that [lost] section wasn’t as good as what he ended up rewriting. And I thought, ‘Well, that’s kind of it.'”
That’s the way Holmes, who has directed three films since 2016 — two of them since...
Holmes said she was struck by a story the writer shared from early in his career, in which he lost a floppy disc that held an important first draft for a new work. “He was so upset, obviously, and had to rewrite [this section] and thought it wasn’t as good as the first draft,” Holmes said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “Years later, he found that floppy disk and he saw that actually that [lost] section wasn’t as good as what he ended up rewriting. And I thought, ‘Well, that’s kind of it.'”
That’s the way Holmes, who has directed three films since 2016 — two of them since...
- 4/14/2023
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The films in contention for the 2023 Best Original Screenplay Oscar are “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tar,” and “Triangle of Sadness.” Our odds currently indicate that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (10/3) will take the prize, followed in order of likelihood by “The Banshees of Inisherin” (18/5), “Tar” (9/2), “The Fabelmans” (9/2), and “Triangle of Sadness” (9/2).
For the fifth time in six years, multiple original writing nominees also picked up directing and producing bids. In fact, in a historic first, all five movies in this lineup are also in the running for Best Director, with Tony Kushner (“The Fabelmans”) being the only original scenarist not nominated there as well. He shares his writing notice with the film’s director, Steven Spielberg, who now has 22 Oscar bids to his name and has previously won for helming “Schindler’s List” (1994) and “Saving Private Ryan” (1999) and producing the former.
Of the seven...
For the fifth time in six years, multiple original writing nominees also picked up directing and producing bids. In fact, in a historic first, all five movies in this lineup are also in the running for Best Director, with Tony Kushner (“The Fabelmans”) being the only original scenarist not nominated there as well. He shares his writing notice with the film’s director, Steven Spielberg, who now has 22 Oscar bids to his name and has previously won for helming “Schindler’s List” (1994) and “Saving Private Ryan” (1999) and producing the former.
Of the seven...
- 3/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Amanda Seyfried Confirms Broadway Musical Plans With Evan Rachel Wood Amid ‘Thelma & Louise’ Reports
The Dropout star Amanda Seyfried appears to have confirmed she’s working on a Broadway-bound musical with Westworld‘s Evan Rachel Wood amid reports that the duo are workshopping a stage adaptation of the 1991 film Thelma & Louise.
The movie starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as pair of friends on the run from the law.
In a red carpet interview with E! News at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Seyfried said, “I wanna go to Broadway. I wanna sing, and I think I’m finally getting to that point where it’s gonna happen.” She added, “You should hear Evan Rachel Wood sing. My god.”
Deadline’s sister publication Variety first reported the Thelma & Louise project after actor Mo Brings Plenty accepted a Globe on behalf of the absent Seyfried and said she was “deep in the process of creating a new musical.”
Seyfried has appeared in a number of movie musicals,...
The movie starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as pair of friends on the run from the law.
In a red carpet interview with E! News at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Seyfried said, “I wanna go to Broadway. I wanna sing, and I think I’m finally getting to that point where it’s gonna happen.” She added, “You should hear Evan Rachel Wood sing. My god.”
Deadline’s sister publication Variety first reported the Thelma & Louise project after actor Mo Brings Plenty accepted a Globe on behalf of the absent Seyfried and said she was “deep in the process of creating a new musical.”
Seyfried has appeared in a number of movie musicals,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lewis R. “Lew” Hunter, a screenwriting professor at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (Tft) who taught many celebrated Hollywood screenwriters, including Michael Colleary, Alexander Payne and Michael Werb, died Jan. 6 at a care facility in Arizona from Covid-19. He was 87.
Hunter was a professor emeritus at UCLA, where he began teaching in 1979 and helped helm the university’s graduate Ftv 434 course, a methodical guide to writing a full-length screenplay in 10 weeks. He was named co-head of the screenwriting program in 1988, a title he held until his retirement in 2000.
“I never had the pleasure or privilege of meeting Lew Hunter, but his presence is deeply felt in the screenwriting program and his signature 434 workshop,” said screenwriting professor George Huang, who currently teaches the class, in a statement. “The idea that students have to finish a full-length feature screenplay in the 10 weeks of a quarter still seems revolutionary even today,...
Hunter was a professor emeritus at UCLA, where he began teaching in 1979 and helped helm the university’s graduate Ftv 434 course, a methodical guide to writing a full-length screenplay in 10 weeks. He was named co-head of the screenwriting program in 1988, a title he held until his retirement in 2000.
“I never had the pleasure or privilege of meeting Lew Hunter, but his presence is deeply felt in the screenwriting program and his signature 434 workshop,” said screenwriting professor George Huang, who currently teaches the class, in a statement. “The idea that students have to finish a full-length feature screenplay in the 10 weeks of a quarter still seems revolutionary even today,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Thania Garcia
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Seyfried is working on a major musical with Evan Rachel Wood, and now speculation has turned to it being an adaptation of the 1991 movie Thelma & Louise.
Amanda Seyfried was one of a handful of winners at the 80th Golden Globe Awards who was unable to attend. Seyfried–who won Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film for the Hulu series The Dropout, in which she played controversial Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes–however, had a good reason for being absent from the ceremony. According to the presenters, Seyfried was “deep in the process of creating a new musical.” But it’s not a revival of the Mean Girls musical or even more Mamma Mia!, as Seyfried is reportedly workshopping a musical version of Thelma & Louise.
While not confirming the specifics on what exactly the Thelma & Louise musical might entail, Amanda Seyfried did post...
Amanda Seyfried was one of a handful of winners at the 80th Golden Globe Awards who was unable to attend. Seyfried–who won Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film for the Hulu series The Dropout, in which she played controversial Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes–however, had a good reason for being absent from the ceremony. According to the presenters, Seyfried was “deep in the process of creating a new musical.” But it’s not a revival of the Mean Girls musical or even more Mamma Mia!, as Seyfried is reportedly workshopping a musical version of Thelma & Louise.
While not confirming the specifics on what exactly the Thelma & Louise musical might entail, Amanda Seyfried did post...
- 1/14/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Amanda Seyfried missed the Golden Globes because she was involved in a workshop of musical adaptation of Thelma & Louise, a rep for the show confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday.
The musical, which was in early stages of development in 2021, is being adapted for the stage, the rep said. Evan Rachel Wood is also said to be involved in the workshop. Her reps did not reply to a request for comment from THR as of press time.
Variety first reported news of Seyfried and Wood’s involvement in the project.
In June 2021, Thelma & Louise screenwriter Callie Khouri told THR about the “very early stages” of development for the musical. Khouri said the musical had director Trip Cullman (who has directed Choir Boy, Lobby Hero and more on Broadway) attached, a score by indie singer-songwriter Neko Case and a script by Halley Feiffer, an actress and playwright who...
The musical, which was in early stages of development in 2021, is being adapted for the stage, the rep said. Evan Rachel Wood is also said to be involved in the workshop. Her reps did not reply to a request for comment from THR as of press time.
Variety first reported news of Seyfried and Wood’s involvement in the project.
In June 2021, Thelma & Louise screenwriter Callie Khouri told THR about the “very early stages” of development for the musical. Khouri said the musical had director Trip Cullman (who has directed Choir Boy, Lobby Hero and more on Broadway) attached, a score by indie singer-songwriter Neko Case and a script by Halley Feiffer, an actress and playwright who...
- 1/14/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amanda Seyfried is achieving her dream of being on the Great White Way.
The “Dropout” Emmy winner caused waves after it was announced she was unable to attend the Golden Globes (where she also picked up a Best Actress win) due to being “deep in the process of creating a new musical.” Variety reported that the production is a musical adaptation of Oscar-winning film “Thelma & Louise.”
Evan Rachel Wood is also being eyed to join the musical, but no official casting announcement has been made yet.
IndieWire has reached out to both Seyfried and Wood’s representatives for comment.
“Thelma & Louise” starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who break free of their domestic rut and embark on a law-breaking road trip. Brad Pitt famously made his big screen debut with the film, which went on to land screenwriter Callie Khouri an Academy Award. Khouri is...
The “Dropout” Emmy winner caused waves after it was announced she was unable to attend the Golden Globes (where she also picked up a Best Actress win) due to being “deep in the process of creating a new musical.” Variety reported that the production is a musical adaptation of Oscar-winning film “Thelma & Louise.”
Evan Rachel Wood is also being eyed to join the musical, but no official casting announcement has been made yet.
IndieWire has reached out to both Seyfried and Wood’s representatives for comment.
“Thelma & Louise” starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who break free of their domestic rut and embark on a law-breaking road trip. Brad Pitt famously made his big screen debut with the film, which went on to land screenwriter Callie Khouri an Academy Award. Khouri is...
- 1/13/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
If you like gorgeous gals, movie musicals, and stories of road-trip revenge, then I have the best news in the entire world, just for you: Variety reports that Amanda Seyfried and Evan Rachel Wood are working on a musical version of the 1991 Ridley Scott classic "Thelma & Louise." Both performers have shown their skills in musicals before, with Seyfried starring in the Abba musical "Mamma Mia!" and its sequel, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," along with the movie version of the "Les Misérables" stage musical, while Wood performed the songs of The Beatles in Julie Taymor's underrated 2007 film "Across the Universe." These two have the vocal skills to tackle a musical and they're both phenomenal actors who will be able to have a blast playing best friends on the run from the law.
Even if "Evan Rachel Wood and Amanda Seyfried 'Thelma & Louise' musical" sounds like a mad-lib,...
Even if "Evan Rachel Wood and Amanda Seyfried 'Thelma & Louise' musical" sounds like a mad-lib,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Amanda Seyfried and Evan Rachel Wood Workshopping a ‘Thelma & Louise’ Musical Adaptation (Exclusive)
When Amanda Seyfried won a Golden Globe on Tuesday night, she wasn’t in the Beverly Hills ballroom due to being “deep in the process of creating a new musical” — and now we may know what that is. Insiders tell Variety that Seyfried is involved with a workshop on the musical version of “Thelma & Louise.” There’s also talk that Evan Rachel Wood has joined Seyfried in the project.
A “Thelma & Louise” musical has been in the works since at least 2021 with the film’s screenwriter, Callie Khouri, attached, as well as indie singer/songwriter Neko Case creating the score and Haley Feiffer (“Dear Edward”) writing the book.
Reports in 2021 noted that theatre director Trip Cullman (“Six Degrees of Separation”) was also on board to helm the musical adaptation of the iconic 1991 film, which starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, and won Khouri the Oscar for best writing,...
A “Thelma & Louise” musical has been in the works since at least 2021 with the film’s screenwriter, Callie Khouri, attached, as well as indie singer/songwriter Neko Case creating the score and Haley Feiffer (“Dear Edward”) writing the book.
Reports in 2021 noted that theatre director Trip Cullman (“Six Degrees of Separation”) was also on board to helm the musical adaptation of the iconic 1991 film, which starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, and won Khouri the Oscar for best writing,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Michael Schneider and Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Sarah Polley failed to crash the boys club to land a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director for her work on “Women Talking,” but she did manage to earn one for Best Screenplay for the same film. In the unlikely event she were to win — and we say unlikely because she is picked by few to take home the statuette in Gold Derby’s predictions where she has 4/1 odds, tying her for fourth place — Polley would be the first woman in 17 years to be so honored. It’s a rare enough event in Golden Globes annals that you barely need two hands to count the total number of women (seven) who have been victorious in the category since the Globes started handing them out 75 years ago.
SEEWill Sarah Polley (‘Women Talking’) be the 3rd woman in a row to win Best Director Oscar?
The last woman to win for her...
SEEWill Sarah Polley (‘Women Talking’) be the 3rd woman in a row to win Best Director Oscar?
The last woman to win for her...
- 1/6/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
This television season, there was a network that tried to launch a drama set against the backdrop of the country music business. It failed miserably. By contrast, the show Nashville lasted for six seasons — the first four on ABC, the final two on CMT — and won critical acclaim in doing so. How did it succeed where others failed? As the show was getting ready to premiere, star Connie Britton told us that Nashville’s creator, Callie Khouri, had put the focus on creating characters who you’d really find in Nashville, rather than contrived television creations. (Click on the media bar below to hear Connie Britton) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Connie_Birrtinb_Nashville_.mp3
Nashville is currently streaming on Hulu.
The post Connie Britton: ‘Nashville’ Succeeded By Keeping It Real appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
Nashville is currently streaming on Hulu.
The post Connie Britton: ‘Nashville’ Succeeded By Keeping It Real appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 12/26/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Oscar-winning screenwriter Callie Khouri had an ace in the hole when she created the ABC-turned-cmt musical drama Nashville a decade ago: She’s married to T Bone Burnett, a songwriter and record producer with 13 Grammys to his name. And Burnett’s supervision of Nashville’s first-season music helped sell the illusion that Connie Britton’s Rayna James and Hayden Panettiere’s Juliette Barnes were actually country superstars. Unfortunately, Burnett left the show after Season 1 amid conflict with ABC executives, but his work on the show helped Nashville soundtrack albums soar on Billboard’s U.S. Country charts. With Nashville hitting its 10th anniversary on October 10, we’re sharing our favorite tracks from the show — including ones performed by costars Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Chaley Rose, and real-life sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella. “If I Didn’t Know Better” by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio Co-written by John Paul White of The Civil Wars,...
- 10/10/2022
- TV Insider
1991's comedy-drama "Thelma & Louise'" centers on housewife Thelma (Geena Davis) and her best friend, waitress Louise (Susan Sarandon), whose weekend road trip turns into an interstate womanhunt: Louise guns down a man who tries to rape Thelma during a pitstop at a tavern, and believing the cops wouldn't believe their story, they try to flee to Mexico in Louise's 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible. Though it was snubbed of a Best Picture nomination at the '92 Oscars, Davis and Sarandon both earned nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The screenplay, written by Callie Khouri, won Best Original Screenplay, and the film's director, Ridley Scott, also picked up a nomination for Best Directing. But the landmark film about women empowerment became one of the most controversial releases of the year for its unapologetic feminist take.
During a 30th anniversary Q&a moderated by The Hollywood Reporter, Sarandon reflected on the initial backlash.
During a 30th anniversary Q&a moderated by The Hollywood Reporter, Sarandon reflected on the initial backlash.
- 10/9/2022
- by J. Gabriel Ware
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Producer Daniela Taplin Lundberg’s Stay Gold Features has announced the launch of Hollywood Gold, a new talk show podcast that will pull back the curtain on the making of some of the industry’s most iconic movies, through interviews with notable producers and filmmakers.
The series will profile a wide range of films and feature conversations with such producers as Fred Roos (The Outsiders), Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise), Ron Shelton (Bull Durham), Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa (Election), and Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks (American Beauty). From stories of how the Weinsteins refused to approve the infamous Scream mask, to how The Princess Diaries inspired Julie Andrews’ return to film after a 10 year hiatus and launched Anne Hathaway’s career, to unknown filmmaker Martin Scorcese discovering Robert De Niro in the casting process for Mean Streets, the podcast will shine a light on the often unseen and...
The series will profile a wide range of films and feature conversations with such producers as Fred Roos (The Outsiders), Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise), Ron Shelton (Bull Durham), Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa (Election), and Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks (American Beauty). From stories of how the Weinsteins refused to approve the infamous Scream mask, to how The Princess Diaries inspired Julie Andrews’ return to film after a 10 year hiatus and launched Anne Hathaway’s career, to unknown filmmaker Martin Scorcese discovering Robert De Niro in the casting process for Mean Streets, the podcast will shine a light on the often unseen and...
- 9/20/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Francis Lawrence-directed feature adaptation of the Suzanne Collins prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has added 11 actors in its final casting round.
This includes Tony Award nominee Fionnula Flanagan, who’ll play Grandma’am, young Coriolanus Snow’s (Tom Blyth) strict grandmother. Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, the 18-year-old is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a postwar Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy,...
This includes Tony Award nominee Fionnula Flanagan, who’ll play Grandma’am, young Coriolanus Snow’s (Tom Blyth) strict grandmother. Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, the 18-year-old is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a postwar Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy,...
- 9/16/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 400 prominent female writers and showrunners sent a letter today to the heads of the major studios expressing their “grave concerns” about the companies’ “lack of specific production protocols” to protect their workers in anti-abortion states.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
- 7/28/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The story behind the 1991 Ridley Scott film "Thelma & Louise" is as intriguing as the film itself. The movie was revolutionary for its time, reworking the male-male buddy formula with female protagonists. There are some feminist aspects, but the film is also a take on the road film with Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) finding themselves and strengthening their friendship along the way.
"Thelma & Louise" was nominated for six Oscars and screenwriter Callie Khouri made history by becoming the first solo woman to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
But when Khouri shopped her screenplay around...
The post Thelma & Louise Marked The Beginning Of One Ridley Scott's Calling Cards appeared first on /Film.
"Thelma & Louise" was nominated for six Oscars and screenwriter Callie Khouri made history by becoming the first solo woman to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
But when Khouri shopped her screenplay around...
The post Thelma & Louise Marked The Beginning Of One Ridley Scott's Calling Cards appeared first on /Film.
- 6/9/2022
- by Travis Yates
- Slash Film
Mick Jagger, T Bone Burnett among producers.
A24 has confirmed it controls worldwide rights on Ethan Coen’s anticipated Cannes Special Screenings selection Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind heading into the festival next month.
The company financed and produced the documentary from Live Nation Productions, Jagged Films, Shangri-La Entertainment and Inaudible Films alongside Steve Bing, Mick Jagger, Victoria Pearman, Peter Afterman and T Bone Burnett.
Little else is known about Coen’s solo feature directing debut. American pianist and wild man of rock ‘n’ roll Lewis broke out with Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On in 1957 and nearly derailed his...
A24 has confirmed it controls worldwide rights on Ethan Coen’s anticipated Cannes Special Screenings selection Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind heading into the festival next month.
The company financed and produced the documentary from Live Nation Productions, Jagged Films, Shangri-La Entertainment and Inaudible Films alongside Steve Bing, Mick Jagger, Victoria Pearman, Peter Afterman and T Bone Burnett.
Little else is known about Coen’s solo feature directing debut. American pianist and wild man of rock ‘n’ roll Lewis broke out with Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On in 1957 and nearly derailed his...
- 4/27/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Lili Simmons (Power Book IV: Force), Kim Coates (The White Houe Plumbers), Igby Rigney (Midnight Mass), Tom Bower (El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie) and Justin Marcel McManus (Power Book II: Ghost) will topline Southern Gothic (working title), an upcoming indie drama from writer-director Tom Schulman (Dead Poets Society), which has wrapped production.
The story is set in the dangerous and shady world of illegal, high-stakes keno gambling, in a run-down plantation house owned by Nick (Coates) in the rural South, at the turn of the 21st century. Nick is enamored with the smart, tough and charming Keno ace Diana’s (Simmons) intent to win big and is determined to stake her. Little Nick (Rigney), a one-time prodigy keno hustler, now reduced to servicing pool tables, strikes up a friendship with Diana and coaches her to win against the odds. Diana must then prove herself in a man’s...
The story is set in the dangerous and shady world of illegal, high-stakes keno gambling, in a run-down plantation house owned by Nick (Coates) in the rural South, at the turn of the 21st century. Nick is enamored with the smart, tough and charming Keno ace Diana’s (Simmons) intent to win big and is determined to stake her. Little Nick (Rigney), a one-time prodigy keno hustler, now reduced to servicing pool tables, strikes up a friendship with Diana and coaches her to win against the odds. Diana must then prove herself in a man’s...
- 4/8/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Guillermo del Toro, Jane Campion, Nicole Holofcener, Danny Strong, Jeymes Samuel, and Ashley Lyle & Bart Nickerson are the honorees for screenwriting excellence at the 17th annual Final Draft Awards, which will be presented in a virtual ceremony March 16.
Two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker del Toro, whose current film is Nightmare Alley, will be presented with the Hall of Fame Award, honoring a writer whose body of work has had a profound influence on the industry. The inaugural Trailblazer Award will go to Oscar-winning filmmaker Campion who is currently winning much acclaim for her latest film The Power of the Dog; the honor recognizes a writer whose career exudes excellence and who consistently tells compelling and bold stories.
Two Storyteller Awards will be presented recognizing writers who consistently maintain a level of excellence and surpass expectations. Academy Award nominee Holofcener will receive the Storyteller Award (Film) for The Last Duel, on which she...
Two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker del Toro, whose current film is Nightmare Alley, will be presented with the Hall of Fame Award, honoring a writer whose body of work has had a profound influence on the industry. The inaugural Trailblazer Award will go to Oscar-winning filmmaker Campion who is currently winning much acclaim for her latest film The Power of the Dog; the honor recognizes a writer whose career exudes excellence and who consistently tells compelling and bold stories.
Two Storyteller Awards will be presented recognizing writers who consistently maintain a level of excellence and surpass expectations. Academy Award nominee Holofcener will receive the Storyteller Award (Film) for The Last Duel, on which she...
- 1/26/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Final Draft shared the honorees for the 17th Annual Final Draft Awards today, lauding some of the most influential writers currently working in the entertainment industry. Dedicated to recognizing exceptional and elevated storytelling, the awards will be held in a virtual ceremony March 16, 2022.
This year’s batch of awardees include several major award contenders with regard to both the Oscars and Emmy Awards, among them:
Academy Award winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (“Nightmare Alley”) who will receive the Final Draft Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes an artist whose body of work has left a lasting influence on the industry Academy Award winning filmmaker Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”), who will be the inaugural recipient of the Final Draft Trailblazer Award, which honors a storyteller who has established a career-long commitment to crafting evocative and audacious stories Academy Award nominee Nicole Holofcener (“The Last Duel”) will be recognized...
This year’s batch of awardees include several major award contenders with regard to both the Oscars and Emmy Awards, among them:
Academy Award winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (“Nightmare Alley”) who will receive the Final Draft Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes an artist whose body of work has left a lasting influence on the industry Academy Award winning filmmaker Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”), who will be the inaugural recipient of the Final Draft Trailblazer Award, which honors a storyteller who has established a career-long commitment to crafting evocative and audacious stories Academy Award nominee Nicole Holofcener (“The Last Duel”) will be recognized...
- 1/26/2022
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Since the academy expanded the Best Picture category at the Oscars in 2010, Best Original Screenplay has gone to writers of a wide-range of genres: dramas; comedies (“Midnight in Paris”); biopics; true-life stories (“Spotlight”); period pictures (“Django Unchained”); war movies (“The Hurt Locker”); sci-fi (“Her”), thrillers and horror (“Get Out”). (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2022 Oscars predictions for Best Original Screenplay)
Regardless of the type of film, a nominee needs broad academy support to win this race. Indeed, all 12 of the most recent Best Original Screenplay winners were, at the least, Best Picture nominees. And six of them won the big prize, bringing the total number of Best Picture champs with Oscar-winning original screenplays to 18. By comparison, 41 films have done this on the adapted side.
In 2021, all five nominees for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards were crafted by writer/directors. Expect auteurs to be well-represented in this race once again.
Regardless of the type of film, a nominee needs broad academy support to win this race. Indeed, all 12 of the most recent Best Original Screenplay winners were, at the least, Best Picture nominees. And six of them won the big prize, bringing the total number of Best Picture champs with Oscar-winning original screenplays to 18. By comparison, 41 films have done this on the adapted side.
In 2021, all five nominees for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards were crafted by writer/directors. Expect auteurs to be well-represented in this race once again.
- 1/22/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
“How do we summarize a life that has touched so many people around the world,” acclaimed songwriter Jamie Hartman declares about the original song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” from the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect.” We talked with Hartman as part of Gold Derby’s special film songwriters “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with key Oscar contenders. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
See Gold Derby interviews with 2022 Oscar contenders
Based on the life of the soul and gospel singing legend, “Respect,” was written by Tracey Scott Wilson and Oscar winner Callie Khouri and directed by Liesl Tommy in her feature directorial debut. Starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as Franklin alongside co-stars Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Tony winner Audra McDonald, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess and Mary J. Blige, the biopic follows the first three decades of the singer’s life, from childhood to her ascendancy to international musical stardom.
See Gold Derby interviews with 2022 Oscar contenders
Based on the life of the soul and gospel singing legend, “Respect,” was written by Tracey Scott Wilson and Oscar winner Callie Khouri and directed by Liesl Tommy in her feature directorial debut. Starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as Franklin alongside co-stars Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Tony winner Audra McDonald, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess and Mary J. Blige, the biopic follows the first three decades of the singer’s life, from childhood to her ascendancy to international musical stardom.
- 1/21/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Editors note: Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series debuts and celebrates the scripts of films that will be factors in this year’s movie awards race.
When it came to encapsulating the epic life, prodigious talent and seismic impact of the iconic Aretha Franklin, the creative team behind Respect had a massive tapestry from which to draw. But the challenge was exactly which aspects of the Queen of Soul’s enormous legacy should be given sharp focus?
“We wanted to have an arc,” said screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson, who crafted the story in close collaboration with her longtime collaborator, director Liesl Tommy. “We weren’t trying to create Aretha Franklin as she was, larger than life; we were trying to see how she came to be that. So it was about a 10-year-old girl named Aretha… as opposed to trying to show the world the Aretha they think they know.
When it came to encapsulating the epic life, prodigious talent and seismic impact of the iconic Aretha Franklin, the creative team behind Respect had a massive tapestry from which to draw. But the challenge was exactly which aspects of the Queen of Soul’s enormous legacy should be given sharp focus?
“We wanted to have an arc,” said screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson, who crafted the story in close collaboration with her longtime collaborator, director Liesl Tommy. “We weren’t trying to create Aretha Franklin as she was, larger than life; we were trying to see how she came to be that. So it was about a 10-year-old girl named Aretha… as opposed to trying to show the world the Aretha they think they know.
- 1/17/2022
- by Scott Huver
- Deadline Film + TV
“Jennifer Hudson stuns with her performance” – Brian Truitt, USA Today
Jennifer Hudson Stars In Respect, The Remarkable Biopicand Dazzling Celebration Of Aretha Franklin’S Incredible Legacy – Available To OWN For The First Timewith All New Never-before-seen Extras. Respect Showcases A Spectacular Ensemble Cast Including Forest Whitaker, Mary J. Blige, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Audra McDonald And Tituss Burgess. OWN It On Digital Now Blu-ray And DVD November 9, 2021 From Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)And Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Experience the cinematic music event of the year featuring Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner and vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) as legendary singer Aretha Franklin in the inspiring true story Respect, available to own for the first time on Digital now and on Blu-ray and DVD November 9, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed by critics as “electrifying” and “extraordinary”, MGM’s musical biopic gives an authentic inside look at the life and legacy of one of the greatest,...
Jennifer Hudson Stars In Respect, The Remarkable Biopicand Dazzling Celebration Of Aretha Franklin’S Incredible Legacy – Available To OWN For The First Timewith All New Never-before-seen Extras. Respect Showcases A Spectacular Ensemble Cast Including Forest Whitaker, Mary J. Blige, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Audra McDonald And Tituss Burgess. OWN It On Digital Now Blu-ray And DVD November 9, 2021 From Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)And Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Experience the cinematic music event of the year featuring Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner and vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) as legendary singer Aretha Franklin in the inspiring true story Respect, available to own for the first time on Digital now and on Blu-ray and DVD November 9, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed by critics as “electrifying” and “extraordinary”, MGM’s musical biopic gives an authentic inside look at the life and legacy of one of the greatest,...
- 10/19/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
(The following post contains Spoilers for the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect”)
The new Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” shows the Queen of Soul grappling with fame, fortune, finding the right note at the start of her career and everything that followed. But it offers little clarity around one of the most poignant parts of her young life – Franklin’s becoming pregnant as a young girl, whether willingly or otherwise.
In the opening of the film directed by Liesl Tommy, we meet a 10-year-old Aretha (played by 12-year-old Skye Dakota Turner) whose preacher father (Forest Whitaker) brings her downstairs to a party full of famous people and asks her to sing for everybody.
In a later party scene, with the clearly pre-pubescent Aretha preparing to go to sleep in her bedroom, an unnamed man enters, closes the door and says that he’ll be her “boyfriend.” Later, we see the little girl in silhouette,...
The new Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” shows the Queen of Soul grappling with fame, fortune, finding the right note at the start of her career and everything that followed. But it offers little clarity around one of the most poignant parts of her young life – Franklin’s becoming pregnant as a young girl, whether willingly or otherwise.
In the opening of the film directed by Liesl Tommy, we meet a 10-year-old Aretha (played by 12-year-old Skye Dakota Turner) whose preacher father (Forest Whitaker) brings her downstairs to a party full of famous people and asks her to sing for everybody.
In a later party scene, with the clearly pre-pubescent Aretha preparing to go to sleep in her bedroom, an unnamed man enters, closes the door and says that he’ll be her “boyfriend.” Later, we see the little girl in silhouette,...
- 8/13/2021
- by Aarohi Sheth and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you have not seen “Respect.”)
Did Dinah Washington really lose it when she attended one of Aretha Franklin’s shows and heard Franklin sing one of Washington’s songs — as depicted in the new movie “Respect”? Not quite — but it did happen at someone else’s show.
In David Ritz’s biography of Franklin, “Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin,” he writes that Etta James told him she was playing a small club in Providence, Rhode Island, when she heard Washington would be coming to her midnight show: “With that in mind, I decided to open with her big hit, ‘Unforgettable.’ I didn’t even get to the chorus when I heard this earth-shattering crash. Dinah had got up off her chair, swept all the glasses and plates off her table, and was pointing at me, screaming, ‘Bitch, don’t you ever sing...
Did Dinah Washington really lose it when she attended one of Aretha Franklin’s shows and heard Franklin sing one of Washington’s songs — as depicted in the new movie “Respect”? Not quite — but it did happen at someone else’s show.
In David Ritz’s biography of Franklin, “Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin,” he writes that Etta James told him she was playing a small club in Providence, Rhode Island, when she heard Washington would be coming to her midnight show: “With that in mind, I decided to open with her big hit, ‘Unforgettable.’ I didn’t even get to the chorus when I heard this earth-shattering crash. Dinah had got up off her chair, swept all the glasses and plates off her table, and was pointing at me, screaming, ‘Bitch, don’t you ever sing...
- 8/13/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
“Respect” — the new musical drama based starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin — is proof that the biopic is stale, and it’s time to rework the equation.
We keep seeing the same thing. A child loves music, has crappy parental figures, faces struggles or physical ailments, gets famous, does drugs or drinks, and gets clean. Rinse and repeat. Not to be taken lightly, Jennifer Hudson is one of the best vocalists alive; however, Hollywood continues to lean on her aural talents in movies rather than provide her with substantive material to interpret and execute.
In 40 years, we’ll likely be at the precipice of a Hudson biopic. An extraordinary singer who auditioned for the third season of “American Idol” in 2004, singing an Aretha Franklin number “Share Your Love With Me.” She would shockingly place seventh on the show. Two years later, she would make her acting debut opposite Jamie Foxx,...
We keep seeing the same thing. A child loves music, has crappy parental figures, faces struggles or physical ailments, gets famous, does drugs or drinks, and gets clean. Rinse and repeat. Not to be taken lightly, Jennifer Hudson is one of the best vocalists alive; however, Hollywood continues to lean on her aural talents in movies rather than provide her with substantive material to interpret and execute.
In 40 years, we’ll likely be at the precipice of a Hudson biopic. An extraordinary singer who auditioned for the third season of “American Idol” in 2004, singing an Aretha Franklin number “Share Your Love With Me.” She would shockingly place seventh on the show. Two years later, she would make her acting debut opposite Jamie Foxx,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
From age 10 till 30, Aretha Franklin sure could sing, but she hadn’t yet found her voice. At least, that’s the take served up in “Respect,” a solid if somewhat conventional feature directing debut for Broadway helmer Liesl Tommy which flatters Franklin in practically every way, beginning with the casting of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as the First Lady of Soul’s younger self. That’s not to say that “Respect” is pure hagiography, even if the title makes clear that Tommy intends for audiences to emerge with a deeper appreciation of the personal struggles — as well as the triumphs — that shaped Franklin’s signature sound.
Pandemic delays pushed “Respect” from the 2020 release calendar to Aug. 13, giving National Geographic’s Cynthia Erivo-starring, Aretha-focused season of “Genius” a chance to reach (small) screens first, despite objections from the Franklin family to some of the series’ tawdrier bits. Still, both projects...
Pandemic delays pushed “Respect” from the 2020 release calendar to Aug. 13, giving National Geographic’s Cynthia Erivo-starring, Aretha-focused season of “Genius” a chance to reach (small) screens first, despite objections from the Franklin family to some of the series’ tawdrier bits. Still, both projects...
- 8/9/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Fandango and United Artists Releasing are holding early access screenings on Aug. 8 for MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic Respect. Tickets are now on sale on Fandango. The pic will preview at 500 theaters nationwide before its Aug. 13 release.
Respect stars Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson as Franklin. The pic is directed by award-winning theater director Liesl Tommy from a story by Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson and screenplay by Tracey Scott Wilson.
“We are thrilled to team up with United Artists Releasing to give fans early access to see ‘Respect,’ what is sure to be one of the most talked-about movies of the year,” says Lori Pantel, Fandango Chief Marketing Officer. “With our Fandango Premiere Screenings, we will be generating buzz and excitement across our expansive digital network, raising the film’s visibility leading into to opening weekend.”
“According to our latest Fandango survey, fans think Respect demands to be seen...
Respect stars Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson as Franklin. The pic is directed by award-winning theater director Liesl Tommy from a story by Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson and screenplay by Tracey Scott Wilson.
“We are thrilled to team up with United Artists Releasing to give fans early access to see ‘Respect,’ what is sure to be one of the most talked-about movies of the year,” says Lori Pantel, Fandango Chief Marketing Officer. “With our Fandango Premiere Screenings, we will be generating buzz and excitement across our expansive digital network, raising the film’s visibility leading into to opening weekend.”
“According to our latest Fandango survey, fans think Respect demands to be seen...
- 7/19/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Geena Davis-led Bentonville Film Festival announced the 2021 selections for its narrative, documentary, short and episodic film competition.
“We are proud to offer audiences an inspirational line up celebrating diversity and inclusion on screen and behind the camera, to demonstrate the power of intersectional equity in entertainment media. Through our unique inclusion qualifiers, we are giving voice to directors who are 71% Female, 75% Bipoc or Aapi and 33% Lgbtqia+,” Davis said. “We were excited last year to see our audience grow globally as a result of our virtual component. Come to our Festival this year, in person or virtually, and be transported into stories that can change the world.”
The Bentonville Film Festival will run Aug. 2 to 8 in Bentonville, Ark. and online. It will combine virtual and in-person activations, including premieres, conversations, awards and events to provide a hybrid experience for attendees.
This year’s festival will feature a 30-year anniversary...
“We are proud to offer audiences an inspirational line up celebrating diversity and inclusion on screen and behind the camera, to demonstrate the power of intersectional equity in entertainment media. Through our unique inclusion qualifiers, we are giving voice to directors who are 71% Female, 75% Bipoc or Aapi and 33% Lgbtqia+,” Davis said. “We were excited last year to see our audience grow globally as a result of our virtual component. Come to our Festival this year, in person or virtually, and be transported into stories that can change the world.”
The Bentonville Film Festival will run Aug. 2 to 8 in Bentonville, Ark. and online. It will combine virtual and in-person activations, including premieres, conversations, awards and events to provide a hybrid experience for attendees.
This year’s festival will feature a 30-year anniversary...
- 7/15/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
A special two-part episode. From the movie Werewolves Within, director Josh Ruben discusses a few of his favorite movies. Then, Werewolves Within writer Mishna Wolff plays a game of “find the woman” in some of her favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode Josh Ruben:
Werewolves Within (2021)
Werewolves On Wheels (1971) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Wrath of Man (2021)
Trapped Ashes (2006)
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary
The Fly (1986)
To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Story of Brother Theodore (2007)
Road To Perdition (2002)
Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye (1985)
Nightmare On Elm Street Part III: Dream Warriors (1987)
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Grease (1978)
Honey I Blew Up The Kid (1992)
Big Top Pee-Wee (1988)
A History of Violence (2005)
The Dead (1987)
The Peanut Butter Solution (1985)
Irreversible (2002)
Hunter Hunter (2020)
Man Bites Dog (1992)
The Human Centipede: The First Sequence (2009)
A Serbian Film (2010)
Planes Trains And Automobiles (1987)
Lost In Translation (2003)
JFK (1991)
Home Alone (1990)
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode Josh Ruben:
Werewolves Within (2021)
Werewolves On Wheels (1971) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Wrath of Man (2021)
Trapped Ashes (2006)
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary
The Fly (1986)
To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Story of Brother Theodore (2007)
Road To Perdition (2002)
Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye (1985)
Nightmare On Elm Street Part III: Dream Warriors (1987)
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Grease (1978)
Honey I Blew Up The Kid (1992)
Big Top Pee-Wee (1988)
A History of Violence (2005)
The Dead (1987)
The Peanut Butter Solution (1985)
Irreversible (2002)
Hunter Hunter (2020)
Man Bites Dog (1992)
The Human Centipede: The First Sequence (2009)
A Serbian Film (2010)
Planes Trains And Automobiles (1987)
Lost In Translation (2003)
JFK (1991)
Home Alone (1990)
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn...
- 6/29/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The writer of the 1991 feminist road movie has revealed a musical version is in progress, but will be ‘a completely different animal’
A musical based on Thelma & Louise, the Oscar-winning 1991 film starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, is in preparation, it has emerged.
The film’s writer, Callie Khouri, told the Hollywood Reporter at a 30th anniversary screening that the project was in its “very early stages”. “We’ve got a book and we’ve got music but because of the pandemic, we haven’t all been together in a very, very long time. So, it’s still in its nascent stages, but it’s very promising.”...
A musical based on Thelma & Louise, the Oscar-winning 1991 film starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, is in preparation, it has emerged.
The film’s writer, Callie Khouri, told the Hollywood Reporter at a 30th anniversary screening that the project was in its “very early stages”. “We’ve got a book and we’ve got music but because of the pandemic, we haven’t all been together in a very, very long time. So, it’s still in its nascent stages, but it’s very promising.”...
- 6/23/2021
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon celebrated 30 years of “Thelma & Louise” by reuniting at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre over the weekend for a discussion moderated by the film’s screenwriter, Callie Khouri (via The Hollywood Reporter). The Ridley Scott-directed film was a critical and commercial hit in 1991, grossing just over $45 million worldwide and earning six Oscar nominations. Khouri won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, while Davis and Sarandon were nominated for Best Actress. Davis said the film’s success led many in the industry to believe a wave of female-led movies would follow, but she’s still waiting for that to happen.
“There are going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever,” Davis said. “I’m thinking, hot dog, let’s sit back and wait for all this magic change to happen. We’re still waiting. It really did not happen.
“There are going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever,” Davis said. “I’m thinking, hot dog, let’s sit back and wait for all this magic change to happen. We’re still waiting. It really did not happen.
- 6/21/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
When MGM’s Thelma & Louise hit theaters 30 years ago, Geena Davis said the press predicted it would change everything.
“There are going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever,” she recalled of the swirl surrounding the Ridley Scott-directed film starring Davis opposite Susan Sarandon from a script by Callie Khouri. “I’m thinking, hot dog, let’s sit back and wait for all this magic change to happen. We’re still waiting. It really did not happen. It seems like every five years or so, there’s another movie starring women that’...
“There are going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever,” she recalled of the swirl surrounding the Ridley Scott-directed film starring Davis opposite Susan Sarandon from a script by Callie Khouri. “I’m thinking, hot dog, let’s sit back and wait for all this magic change to happen. We’re still waiting. It really did not happen. It seems like every five years or so, there’s another movie starring women that’...
- 6/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When MGM’s Thelma & Louise hit theaters 30 years ago, Geena Davis said the press predicted it would change everything.
“There are going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever,” she recalled of the swirl surrounding the Ridley Scott-directed film starring Davis opposite Susan Sarandon from a script by Callie Khouri. “I’m thinking, hot dog, let’s sit back and wait for all this magic change to happen. We’re still waiting. It really did not happen. It seems like every five years or so, there’s another movie starring women that’...
“There are going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever,” she recalled of the swirl surrounding the Ridley Scott-directed film starring Davis opposite Susan Sarandon from a script by Callie Khouri. “I’m thinking, hot dog, let’s sit back and wait for all this magic change to happen. We’re still waiting. It really did not happen. It seems like every five years or so, there’s another movie starring women that’...
- 6/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MGM’s Thelma & Louise is turning 30, and the studio is holding a special drive-in screening event June 18 in partnership with Cinespia’s Drive In at The Greek in Los Angeles. The pic was originally released over Memorial Day weekend in 1991, on May 24.
Geena Davis, who played Thelma, and Susan Sarandon, who played Louise, will participate in a Q&a before the screening.
“Thelma & Louise is a landmark film that left an indelible mark on popular culture when it was released 30 years ago,” Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group chairman, and Pamela Abdy, MGM’s Film Group president, said Thursday. “We’re thrilled to celebrate its lasting legacy with a special screening event, and look forward to honoring Geena and Susan, whose groundbreaking characters paved the way for female empowerment stories in Hollywood.”
Said Davis: “What was so striking was the intense reaction to the film. Thelma and Louise...
Geena Davis, who played Thelma, and Susan Sarandon, who played Louise, will participate in a Q&a before the screening.
“Thelma & Louise is a landmark film that left an indelible mark on popular culture when it was released 30 years ago,” Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group chairman, and Pamela Abdy, MGM’s Film Group president, said Thursday. “We’re thrilled to celebrate its lasting legacy with a special screening event, and look forward to honoring Geena and Susan, whose groundbreaking characters paved the way for female empowerment stories in Hollywood.”
Said Davis: “What was so striking was the intense reaction to the film. Thelma and Louise...
- 6/3/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The official trailer and poster for Respect, the biopic of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, have been released.
The film from MGM Pictures in association with Bron Creative and One Community arrives August 13 in theaters and stars Jennifer Hudson as Franklin. The story follows her rise from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to international superstardom.
Also on board for the film are Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Audra McDonald as Barbara Franklin, Tituss Burgess asReverend Dr. James Cleveland, Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler, Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin, Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin, Hailey Kilgore asCarolyn Franklin, Heather Headley as Clara Ward, Skye Dakota Turner as Young Aretha Franklin, Tate Donovan as John Hammond, and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington.
Director Liesl Tommy makes her feature film debut with Respect. Tommy is the first Black woman nominated for a...
The film from MGM Pictures in association with Bron Creative and One Community arrives August 13 in theaters and stars Jennifer Hudson as Franklin. The story follows her rise from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to international superstardom.
Also on board for the film are Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Audra McDonald as Barbara Franklin, Tituss Burgess asReverend Dr. James Cleveland, Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler, Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin, Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin, Hailey Kilgore asCarolyn Franklin, Heather Headley as Clara Ward, Skye Dakota Turner as Young Aretha Franklin, Tate Donovan as John Hammond, and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington.
Director Liesl Tommy makes her feature film debut with Respect. Tommy is the first Black woman nominated for a...
- 5/19/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
To become the queen, she needed to find her voice.
Academy Award® Winner Jennifer Hudson is Aretha Franklin. Watch the new trailer now, and don’t miss Respect in theaters this August.
Director Liesl Tommy makes her feature film debut with Respect. Tommy is the first Black woman ever nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Direction of a Play in 2016 for Eclipsed, and is an Associate Artist at the Berkeley Rep and an Artist Trustee with the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.
With a story by Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson, and screenplay written by Tracey Scott Wilson. Wilson and Tommy have worked together creatively since the 2009 play The Good Negro written by Wilson, directed by Tommy at The Public Theatre. Wilson was a writer on FX’s The Americans which garnered her a Peabody Award as well as Emmy® and WGA Award nominations.
The cast includes Jennifer Hudson,...
Academy Award® Winner Jennifer Hudson is Aretha Franklin. Watch the new trailer now, and don’t miss Respect in theaters this August.
Director Liesl Tommy makes her feature film debut with Respect. Tommy is the first Black woman ever nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Direction of a Play in 2016 for Eclipsed, and is an Associate Artist at the Berkeley Rep and an Artist Trustee with the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.
With a story by Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson, and screenplay written by Tracey Scott Wilson. Wilson and Tommy have worked together creatively since the 2009 play The Good Negro written by Wilson, directed by Tommy at The Public Theatre. Wilson was a writer on FX’s The Americans which garnered her a Peabody Award as well as Emmy® and WGA Award nominations.
The cast includes Jennifer Hudson,...
- 5/19/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
After the 2010s closed without a female writing Oscar winner in either category, the 2020s will not suffer the same fate. Emerald Fennell won Best Original Screenplay for “Promising Young Woman” on Sunday, ending a 13-year drought for female screenwriters at the Oscars.
The last woman to win a writing Oscar, solo or as a co-writer was Diablo Clody, who nabbed Best Original Screenplay for 2007’s “Juno.” The drought is longer in Best Adapted Screenplay, with Diana Ossana, co-writer of 2005’s “Brokeback Mountain” with Larry McMurtry, the most recent one.
Counting the now-defunct Best Story and Best Writing categories, Fennell’s victory marks the 13th time a woman has won original screenplay. The four winners prior to her were also solo writers: Cody, Sofia Coppola (2003’s “Lost in Translation”), Jane Campion (1993’s “The Piano”) and Callie Khouri (1991’s “Thelma & Louise”).
See Full list of Oscar winners
Fennell was the...
The last woman to win a writing Oscar, solo or as a co-writer was Diablo Clody, who nabbed Best Original Screenplay for 2007’s “Juno.” The drought is longer in Best Adapted Screenplay, with Diana Ossana, co-writer of 2005’s “Brokeback Mountain” with Larry McMurtry, the most recent one.
Counting the now-defunct Best Story and Best Writing categories, Fennell’s victory marks the 13th time a woman has won original screenplay. The four winners prior to her were also solo writers: Cody, Sofia Coppola (2003’s “Lost in Translation”), Jane Campion (1993’s “The Piano”) and Callie Khouri (1991’s “Thelma & Louise”).
See Full list of Oscar winners
Fennell was the...
- 4/26/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Beginning with the 13th Academy Awards ceremony in 1941, the Best Original Screenplay prize has been given in honor of each year’s most outstanding script written directly for the screen. The category was originally created to draw a distinction between the work of these writers and those who adapt existing works. The latter type is recognized in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
The films in contention for the 2021 Best Original Screenplay Oscar are “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Minari,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Sound of Metal,” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Our odds currently indicate that “Promising Young Woman” (16/5) will come out on top, followed in order by “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (19/5), “Minari” (4/1), “Sound of Metal” (9/2), and “Judas and the Black Messiah” (9/2).
For the first time in 19 years, every individual writer included in the current lineup is new to the category. Aaron Sorkin, who penned “The Trial of the Chicago 7...
The films in contention for the 2021 Best Original Screenplay Oscar are “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Minari,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Sound of Metal,” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Our odds currently indicate that “Promising Young Woman” (16/5) will come out on top, followed in order by “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (19/5), “Minari” (4/1), “Sound of Metal” (9/2), and “Judas and the Black Messiah” (9/2).
For the first time in 19 years, every individual writer included in the current lineup is new to the category. Aaron Sorkin, who penned “The Trial of the Chicago 7...
- 4/19/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: After a year of virtual festivals and Zoom-centric events, the Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference is ready to bring things into the new normal this fall with an in-person festival — one of the first since the pandemic. The eight-day festival is now set to take place October 21–28 in Austin, Texas.
Now in its 28th year, Aff will feature four full days of panel conversations and discussions on the art, craft, and business of screenwriting with some of the industry’s biggest names and eight days of film screenings highlighting some of the best emerging talent as well as premieres of studio films as part of its marquee programming.
Aff will also offer a virtual badge that will include a selection of panels and films recorded at the festival for those who cannot attend the in-person event.
As part of this year’s edition, the fest will present Scott Frank,...
Now in its 28th year, Aff will feature four full days of panel conversations and discussions on the art, craft, and business of screenwriting with some of the industry’s biggest names and eight days of film screenings highlighting some of the best emerging talent as well as premieres of studio films as part of its marquee programming.
Aff will also offer a virtual badge that will include a selection of panels and films recorded at the festival for those who cannot attend the in-person event.
As part of this year’s edition, the fest will present Scott Frank,...
- 3/31/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Every day on the set of “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Sacha Baron Cohen, in the spirit of collaborative filmmaking, gave his director Aaron Sorkin ideas for cool things to stick into his screenplay. And every day, Sorkin politely said, “No.”
Sorkin likes to say that he’s already thought of everything as he paced around his office, acting out all the lines his characters are going to say. And after 10 years in the making, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Paramount/Netflix) is certainly deserving of the first ever Zeitgeist Final Draft Award for “a writer whose work consistently captures the mood of our time,” said presenter Baron Cohen.
“I’ve been asked many times if I changed the film to mirror events in our country,” said Sorkin, accepting the award on a virtual Zoom-cast Tuesday night. “Events in our country changed to mirror the film. We thought...
Sorkin likes to say that he’s already thought of everything as he paced around his office, acting out all the lines his characters are going to say. And after 10 years in the making, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Paramount/Netflix) is certainly deserving of the first ever Zeitgeist Final Draft Award for “a writer whose work consistently captures the mood of our time,” said presenter Baron Cohen.
“I’ve been asked many times if I changed the film to mirror events in our country,” said Sorkin, accepting the award on a virtual Zoom-cast Tuesday night. “Events in our country changed to mirror the film. We thought...
- 3/3/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Former Disney Television executive Emily Cummins has joined Julie Plec’s Universal Television-based banner My So-Called Company as President. In her new role, Cummins will oversee development and produce projects for the company, including those which Plec will create and write, and those for which she will supervise other writers.
“I’ve known Emily for years,” said Plec. “We’ve had a lot of good times together as we both grew up from assistants and baby execs into the established women we are today. She’s smart and driven and fearless — and most importantly she’s a good human. She’ll be a terrific creative partner for me and any storyteller who walks through our (virtual) doors at My So-Called Company.”
Cummins moves to My So-Called Company from Disney Television where she had served as VP Drama Development at ABC Studios since 2011. During her tenure, she recruited talent and...
“I’ve known Emily for years,” said Plec. “We’ve had a lot of good times together as we both grew up from assistants and baby execs into the established women we are today. She’s smart and driven and fearless — and most importantly she’s a good human. She’ll be a terrific creative partner for me and any storyteller who walks through our (virtual) doors at My So-Called Company.”
Cummins moves to My So-Called Company from Disney Television where she had served as VP Drama Development at ABC Studios since 2011. During her tenure, she recruited talent and...
- 2/16/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime Disney/ABC exec Emily Cummins has been named president of Julie Plec’s Universal Television-based banner My So-Called Company.
There, she will oversee development and produce projects for the company, including those that “Vampire Diaries” creator Plec creates and writes.
“I’ve known Emily for years,” said Plec. “We’ve had a lot of good times together as we both grew up from assistants and baby execs into the established women we are today. She’s smart and driven and fearless — and most importantly she’s a good human. She’ll be a terrific creative partner for me and any storyteller who walks through our (virtual) doors at My So-Called Company.”
Cummins has been vice president of drama development for Disney/ABC Signature Television since 2011, recruiting writers, producers and directors and shepherding limited-series and one-hour drama development. She developed “Nashville,” “Intelligence,” “Red Band Society,” “The Whispers,” “Astronaut Wives Club,...
There, she will oversee development and produce projects for the company, including those that “Vampire Diaries” creator Plec creates and writes.
“I’ve known Emily for years,” said Plec. “We’ve had a lot of good times together as we both grew up from assistants and baby execs into the established women we are today. She’s smart and driven and fearless — and most importantly she’s a good human. She’ll be a terrific creative partner for me and any storyteller who walks through our (virtual) doors at My So-Called Company.”
Cummins has been vice president of drama development for Disney/ABC Signature Television since 2011, recruiting writers, producers and directors and shepherding limited-series and one-hour drama development. She developed “Nashville,” “Intelligence,” “Red Band Society,” “The Whispers,” “Astronaut Wives Club,...
- 2/16/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
“Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” “Promising Young Woman” and “Nomadland” have made strong impacts in the early awards season, including for their screenplays by Eliza Hittman, Emerald Fennell and Chloe Zhao, respectively. If any of them go all the way to the Oscar podium, it’ll only be the third time that a woman wins a writing prize for a movie she wrote and directed herself.
Only seven women have ever won Best Adapted Screenplay in the history of the Oscars; of those, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala is the only one to win twice, for “A Room with a View” (1986) and “Howards End” (1992). Women have had slightly better luck in the Best Original Screenplay contest, where 11 female scribes have won, with Frances Marion prevailing twice for “The Big House” (193) and “The Champ” (1931).
See‘Promising Young Woman’: Will the Oscars respect female rage like they usually do male rage?
Prawer Jhabvala and...
Only seven women have ever won Best Adapted Screenplay in the history of the Oscars; of those, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala is the only one to win twice, for “A Room with a View” (1986) and “Howards End” (1992). Women have had slightly better luck in the Best Original Screenplay contest, where 11 female scribes have won, with Frances Marion prevailing twice for “The Big House” (193) and “The Champ” (1931).
See‘Promising Young Woman’: Will the Oscars respect female rage like they usually do male rage?
Prawer Jhabvala and...
- 1/25/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
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