The first time Donna Langley came to the Cannes Film Festival she was a junior executive working on 1999’s “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.”
“I had just been promoted and I was fortunate enough to get picked to come on this trip to be part of the support team, and it was great! It was very different to this experience, I will say,” Langley said, eliciting a laugh from the well-heeled crowd at the Kering Women in Motion dinner, held at the Place de la Castre high above the Croisette. “[But] we had the time of our lives. We were just in so much awe to be in the cinema capital of the world.”
Indeed, the chairman of NBC Universal Studio Group no longer needs to share an apartment with four other young women — especially not one situated behind the fancy hotels. After all — and as Cannes president Iris Knobloch...
“I had just been promoted and I was fortunate enough to get picked to come on this trip to be part of the support team, and it was great! It was very different to this experience, I will say,” Langley said, eliciting a laugh from the well-heeled crowd at the Kering Women in Motion dinner, held at the Place de la Castre high above the Croisette. “[But] we had the time of our lives. We were just in so much awe to be in the cinema capital of the world.”
Indeed, the chairman of NBC Universal Studio Group no longer needs to share an apartment with four other young women — especially not one situated behind the fancy hotels. After all — and as Cannes president Iris Knobloch...
- 5/21/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
We’ve seen other big-screen franchises make the leap to TV over the years, but could Fast & Furious be next?
While speaking with Variety, NBCUniversal Studio group chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley teased the future of the Fast & Furious franchise, saying there’s “still gas in the tank” even after the Fast X sequel hits theaters in 2026. Where the franchise goes from there is unclear, but Langley said, “We may pivot another time and bring it back to the streets of L.A. and maybe make it a more intimate story.” After mentioning previous NBCUniversal shows based on movies, such as Pitch Perfect and Ted, Langley said, “Fast and Furious is a good one” for a potential future TV series.
Related David Ayer feels he has “nothing to show” for writing The Fast and the Furious
Despite the Fast X sequel being billed as the franchise’s grand finale,...
While speaking with Variety, NBCUniversal Studio group chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley teased the future of the Fast & Furious franchise, saying there’s “still gas in the tank” even after the Fast X sequel hits theaters in 2026. Where the franchise goes from there is unclear, but Langley said, “We may pivot another time and bring it back to the streets of L.A. and maybe make it a more intimate story.” After mentioning previous NBCUniversal shows based on movies, such as Pitch Perfect and Ted, Langley said, “Fast and Furious is a good one” for a potential future TV series.
Related David Ayer feels he has “nothing to show” for writing The Fast and the Furious
Despite the Fast X sequel being billed as the franchise’s grand finale,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
On Sunday night, May 19, under a starry Cannes night, Kering held their Women In Motion dinner bestowing NBCUniversal Studios Group chairman and chief content officer Dame Donna Langley with the Women In Motion Award, and Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu was presented the Young Talent Award. Langley is the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and Kering awarded these women for their ability to expand opportunities and networks for women and people of color in the film industry.
Held at Place de la Castre in Cannes, the event drew celebrities who attended in the name of women making breakthroughs in film. Notable names in attendance were Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Michelle Yeoh, Lily Gladstone, Zoe Saldaña, Eva Green, Judith Godrèche and directors Greta Gerwig and Justine Triet.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter before the dinner, actress and producer Salma Hayek, wife of Kering...
Held at Place de la Castre in Cannes, the event drew celebrities who attended in the name of women making breakthroughs in film. Notable names in attendance were Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Michelle Yeoh, Lily Gladstone, Zoe Saldaña, Eva Green, Judith Godrèche and directors Greta Gerwig and Justine Triet.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter before the dinner, actress and producer Salma Hayek, wife of Kering...
- 5/20/2024
- by Allyson Portee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film industry players gathered at Mr. Nakamoto at the Mondrian hotel in Cannes on Monday night to celebrate Universal Pictures International.
As Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh pointed out in his opening remarks, Universal had several big successes this past year, not the least of which was Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which took home seven Oscars. The studio also produced box office hits “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “M3GAN” and “Cocaine Bear,” and is promising a victory lap this year with “The Bikeriders,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Twisters” and “Wicked” on the lineup.
For this reason, Universal Pictures International was awarded Variety‘s international achievement in film award, which was accepted by the company’s president of distribution — international Veronika Kwan Vandenberg.
During her speech, Kwan Vandenberg thanked her team, including NBCUniversal chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley, head of business affairs Jimmy Horowitz, head of global distribution Peter Levinsohn, head...
As Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh pointed out in his opening remarks, Universal had several big successes this past year, not the least of which was Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which took home seven Oscars. The studio also produced box office hits “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “M3GAN” and “Cocaine Bear,” and is promising a victory lap this year with “The Bikeriders,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Twisters” and “Wicked” on the lineup.
For this reason, Universal Pictures International was awarded Variety‘s international achievement in film award, which was accepted by the company’s president of distribution — international Veronika Kwan Vandenberg.
During her speech, Kwan Vandenberg thanked her team, including NBCUniversal chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley, head of business affairs Jimmy Horowitz, head of global distribution Peter Levinsohn, head...
- 5/20/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
It seemed appropriate that the location for the annual Women in Motion dinner in Cannes should be at Place de la Castre, atop Suquet Hill where victors of yore could survey their domain. It was certainly the case that honored guest Dame Donna Langley had captured the castle.
Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch struck the right note when when she remarked to the NBCUniversal Studio Group Chair and Chief Content Officer, and other guests, that “you are sometimes introduced as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, but in reality you are one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, regardless of gender.”
And it’s true.
Knobloch continued, ”Yes, women can be great leaders, just like you. Yes, woman can be successful, just like you. Yes, women can take risks, just like you. And yes, women can manage 10-figure budgets, just like you.”
(L-r) Bryan Lourd, Salma Hayek,...
Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch struck the right note when when she remarked to the NBCUniversal Studio Group Chair and Chief Content Officer, and other guests, that “you are sometimes introduced as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, but in reality you are one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, regardless of gender.”
And it’s true.
Knobloch continued, ”Yes, women can be great leaders, just like you. Yes, woman can be successful, just like you. Yes, women can take risks, just like you. And yes, women can manage 10-figure budgets, just like you.”
(L-r) Bryan Lourd, Salma Hayek,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Starring an ensemble cast, including Vin Diesel, Fast and Furious has emerged as one of the most popular and beloved franchises over the past two decades. The film series, following the adventures of Dominic Toretto and his crew, has captivated audiences worldwide, with anticipation building for the upcoming eleventh installment, potentially marking the conclusion of this action-packed saga.
A still from the Fast and Furious franchise | Credit: Universal
However, as fans eagerly anticipate the return of their beloved characters, NBCUniversal has hinted at broadening the franchise’s scope. Donna Langley recently revealed that they have contemplated the franchise’s future while suggesting a possible refresh outlook for Dom Toretto and his crew.
NBCUniversal Boss Discussed the Future of the Fast and Furious Franchise
While discussing the potential future of some of the prominent franchises under Universal in a recent interview with Variety, Donna Langley, Chief Content Officer of NBCUniversal, also...
A still from the Fast and Furious franchise | Credit: Universal
However, as fans eagerly anticipate the return of their beloved characters, NBCUniversal has hinted at broadening the franchise’s scope. Donna Langley recently revealed that they have contemplated the franchise’s future while suggesting a possible refresh outlook for Dom Toretto and his crew.
NBCUniversal Boss Discussed the Future of the Fast and Furious Franchise
While discussing the potential future of some of the prominent franchises under Universal in a recent interview with Variety, Donna Langley, Chief Content Officer of NBCUniversal, also...
- 5/19/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
2024's box office got off to a rough start, and the big boost that's typically expected in the summer has yet to materialize. John Krasinski's "If," a fantasy film about retired imaginary friends that combines live action and animation, is the latest release to debut to underwhelming numbers. Deadline reports that "If" is on track to gross $30.5 million in its opening weekend, which is at the bottom end of projections.
That's not a disaster for "If" itself, which had a relatively constrained $110 million budget. It's a bigger start than the more-expensive action comedy flick "The Fall Guy" managed a couple of weeks ago. And while "If" may not have impressed critics (its Rotten Tomatoes score is 50% as of this writing), it received an A CinemaScore from opening night exit polls, indicating that general audiences feel more warmly about it. Original movies are always a tough sell at the box office,...
That's not a disaster for "If" itself, which had a relatively constrained $110 million budget. It's a bigger start than the more-expensive action comedy flick "The Fall Guy" managed a couple of weeks ago. And while "If" may not have impressed critics (its Rotten Tomatoes score is 50% as of this writing), it received an A CinemaScore from opening night exit polls, indicating that general audiences feel more warmly about it. Original movies are always a tough sell at the box office,...
- 5/18/2024
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Universal chairman Donna Langley oversaw a record year for the studio last year, finishing No. 1 at the box office and closing out awards season with seven Oscars including best picture for Christopher Nolan’s billion dollar grosser Oppenheimer. Even with that level of success, Langley prefers to have “healthy competitors” around her in Hollywood because it’s “just better for the business.”
Which is why she says it’s “sad” to see the state of the industry right now with a potential sale of Paramount Pictures looming and continued challenges facing the theatrical marketplace. “Consolidation is inevitable,” Langley told Variety co-editor in chief Ramin Setoodeh on Saturday afternoon in Cannes during a special Women in Motion conversation presented by Kering. The luxury group is honoring Langley on Sunday evening at its Women in Motion Awards for her recent run. “I’m not suggesting it’s Paramount but there’ll just be further consolidation.
Which is why she says it’s “sad” to see the state of the industry right now with a potential sale of Paramount Pictures looming and continued challenges facing the theatrical marketplace. “Consolidation is inevitable,” Langley told Variety co-editor in chief Ramin Setoodeh on Saturday afternoon in Cannes during a special Women in Motion conversation presented by Kering. The luxury group is honoring Langley on Sunday evening at its Women in Motion Awards for her recent run. “I’m not suggesting it’s Paramount but there’ll just be further consolidation.
- 5/18/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Global may be a direct competitor, but NBCUniversal Studio group chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley will be disappointed if the media giant goes away.
“It’s sad,” Langley said at the Kering Women in Motion talk at the Cannes Film Festival, noting that a sale of Paramount means there will be fewer Hollywood studios. “These companies have been great and I’m a big believer in this competitive landscape — kind of ‘all boats will rise. There’s enough to go around.’ I like having healthy competitors; it’s much more fun and interesting and it’s just best for the business.”
Paramount has been entertaining offers in recent months, with companies like Skydance and Sony circling the studio. Langley is hopeful that the deal will be finished by the end of the year. “It’s enough already reading about this,” she said. “No one really knows what’s happening.
“It’s sad,” Langley said at the Kering Women in Motion talk at the Cannes Film Festival, noting that a sale of Paramount means there will be fewer Hollywood studios. “These companies have been great and I’m a big believer in this competitive landscape — kind of ‘all boats will rise. There’s enough to go around.’ I like having healthy competitors; it’s much more fun and interesting and it’s just best for the business.”
Paramount has been entertaining offers in recent months, with companies like Skydance and Sony circling the studio. Langley is hopeful that the deal will be finished by the end of the year. “It’s enough already reading about this,” she said. “No one really knows what’s happening.
- 5/18/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
As fears stack up in the industry over a possible Sony and Paramount merger, subtracting one major motion picture studio from the industry, The Chairman of NBCU Studio Group and Chief Content Officer Donna Langley at a Cannes Kering talk weighed in on what that impact will be.
“Consolidation is inevitable. It will happen, I’m not suggesting Paramount. There will be further consolidation. I think It’s sad,” said Langley, “I’ve a big believer in a competitive landscape; all boats will rise. I Iike having healthy competitors, it’s much more fun and interesting, it’s better for the business.”
“I’m hoping by the end of the year, we’ll know where it settles, it’s enough reading about this one or that one,” said Langley referring to Skydance and Sony/Apollo’s push and pull for Paramount.
Langley spoke about how the theatrical landscape has changed post Covid,...
“Consolidation is inevitable. It will happen, I’m not suggesting Paramount. There will be further consolidation. I think It’s sad,” said Langley, “I’ve a big believer in a competitive landscape; all boats will rise. I Iike having healthy competitors, it’s much more fun and interesting, it’s better for the business.”
“I’m hoping by the end of the year, we’ll know where it settles, it’s enough reading about this one or that one,” said Langley referring to Skydance and Sony/Apollo’s push and pull for Paramount.
Langley spoke about how the theatrical landscape has changed post Covid,...
- 5/18/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When Emma Stone, star of Disney’s Cruella and Searchlight’s Poor Things, introduced CEO Bob Iger at the company’s Upfronts presentation this week – the first time that the former TV chief had been on stage at the advertising rodeo in 30 years – it was clear that this is no longer just a TV event.
“To say a lot has changed since 1994 would be an incredible understatement and I’m not just talking about the color of my hair, or my fashion choices,” Iger said.
Stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell and Jake Gyllenhaal were all highly visible presences across the week to promote their recent and upcoming feature films.
It marked a sea change for the Madison Avenue set, who were previously treated to a cavalcade of television stars promoting the small-screen, usually fresh from the broadcast pilot process. Unlike April’s CinemaCon,...
“To say a lot has changed since 1994 would be an incredible understatement and I’m not just talking about the color of my hair, or my fashion choices,” Iger said.
Stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell and Jake Gyllenhaal were all highly visible presences across the week to promote their recent and upcoming feature films.
It marked a sea change for the Madison Avenue set, who were previously treated to a cavalcade of television stars promoting the small-screen, usually fresh from the broadcast pilot process. Unlike April’s CinemaCon,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Peter White and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Imax is going big, mega actually, unveiling on Thursday that Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated Megalopolis, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday evening, will get a global Imax release.
“The film is going to get an Imax release,” Imax CEO Richard Gelfond told the press during a Thursday event in Cannes about Megalopolis. “One of the things that we pride ourselves on is being filmmaker-friendly. So we’ve committed to Francis to do a global Imax release.”
Gelford said that he met with Coppola in Cannes and that Imax will probably wait to see who will distribute the film in the U.S. and when before dating its Imax release. The film has already sold to multiple international territories.
On Monday, the director released the first teaser trailer to his epic, self-funded passion project, showcasing more of the scale and ambition of the project, with the large ensemble cast,...
“The film is going to get an Imax release,” Imax CEO Richard Gelfond told the press during a Thursday event in Cannes about Megalopolis. “One of the things that we pride ourselves on is being filmmaker-friendly. So we’ve committed to Francis to do a global Imax release.”
Gelford said that he met with Coppola in Cannes and that Imax will probably wait to see who will distribute the film in the U.S. and when before dating its Imax release. The film has already sold to multiple international territories.
On Monday, the director released the first teaser trailer to his epic, self-funded passion project, showcasing more of the scale and ambition of the project, with the large ensemble cast,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The television industry’s annual “upfront” is usually a place where advertisers get to preview new series and specials, not blockbuster movies, so NBC raised eyebrows Monday when one of the first previews it showed to an audience at Radio City Music Hall was of the coming Universal film “Wicked.”
NBCUniversal, chief content officer Donna Langley told the crowd, was “excited to build up our story legacy across film, TV and streaming.”
Movies and premium cable series from HBO and Showtime used to be something traditional TV advertisers got their hands on only after they had made their way through theaters and pay-tv windows. Now, as a batch of this year’s upfront showcases reveal, they are increasingly being dangled before Madison Avenue as a major reason to support TV companies.
Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to make a similar point at its upfront Wednesday morning, when executives talk to...
NBCUniversal, chief content officer Donna Langley told the crowd, was “excited to build up our story legacy across film, TV and streaming.”
Movies and premium cable series from HBO and Showtime used to be something traditional TV advertisers got their hands on only after they had made their way through theaters and pay-tv windows. Now, as a batch of this year’s upfront showcases reveal, they are increasingly being dangled before Madison Avenue as a major reason to support TV companies.
Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to make a similar point at its upfront Wednesday morning, when executives talk to...
- 5/15/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Langley Is Woman in Motion in Cannes
Kering’s Women in Motion has unveiled the details for its 2024 program, headlined by a series of A-listers and Universal chairman Donna Langley who will sit for conversations about representation in cinema. The schedule for the invitation-only talks features singer, songwriter and composer Yseult (May 15), actress and filmmaker Judith Godrèche (May 17), Langley ahead of her Women in Motion Award ceremony (May 18), Cannes veteran Julianne Moore (May 19), Cate Blanchett, producer Coco Francini and Dr. Stacy L. Smith (May 20), Emilia Perez star Zoe Saldana (May 20), and Anaïs Demoustier (May 21).
Donna Langley at the 96th Oscars on March 10, 2024. Cannes Vet Kruger Joins “Transcending Borders”
Breaking Through The Lens has booked an afternoon rendezvous in the Campari Lounge at the Palais on May 19, a session that will feature Diane Kruger and the distribution of a special grant that supports directors of marginalized gender.
The event, “Transcending Borders,...
Kering’s Women in Motion has unveiled the details for its 2024 program, headlined by a series of A-listers and Universal chairman Donna Langley who will sit for conversations about representation in cinema. The schedule for the invitation-only talks features singer, songwriter and composer Yseult (May 15), actress and filmmaker Judith Godrèche (May 17), Langley ahead of her Women in Motion Award ceremony (May 18), Cannes veteran Julianne Moore (May 19), Cate Blanchett, producer Coco Francini and Dr. Stacy L. Smith (May 20), Emilia Perez star Zoe Saldana (May 20), and Anaïs Demoustier (May 21).
Donna Langley at the 96th Oscars on March 10, 2024. Cannes Vet Kruger Joins “Transcending Borders”
Breaking Through The Lens has booked an afternoon rendezvous in the Campari Lounge at the Palais on May 19, a session that will feature Diane Kruger and the distribution of a special grant that supports directors of marginalized gender.
The event, “Transcending Borders,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Francis Ford Coppola has released the first teaser trailer to his epic, self-funded passion project Megalopolis.
In the clip that dropped on Monday night, we see more of the scale and ambition of the project, with the large ensemble cast, dynamic shots of a utopian society and protests.
The film, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, is a Roman epic set in an imagined modern America, according to early descriptions.
Adam Driver leads Megalopolis, and the film’s cast includes Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman, Laurence Fishburne, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney and Dustin Hoffman.
Coppola first began writing Megalopolis in 1983, and the film reportedly cost $120 million to make, which was funded in part by the sale of a significant portion of the director’s wine empire. He hosted a screening of the project...
In the clip that dropped on Monday night, we see more of the scale and ambition of the project, with the large ensemble cast, dynamic shots of a utopian society and protests.
The film, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, is a Roman epic set in an imagined modern America, according to early descriptions.
Adam Driver leads Megalopolis, and the film’s cast includes Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman, Laurence Fishburne, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney and Dustin Hoffman.
Coppola first began writing Megalopolis in 1983, and the film reportedly cost $120 million to make, which was funded in part by the sale of a significant portion of the director’s wine empire. He hosted a screening of the project...
- 5/14/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For one magical week, everybody with hands anywhere near advertising purse strings is being pampered like royalty — unless, lord help them, they attempted to capture one frame of the Wicked trailer. Because anybody who did that during Monday morning’s NBCUniversal upfront presentation is likely halfway to a black site by now.
“We do have security around the venue with night vision and laser pointers,” cautioned chief content officer Donna Langley from the Radio City Music Hall stage, the room suddenly lit emerald green. The crowd laughed, but she wasn’t kidding. Four people in my immediate vicinity were scolded with flashlights for phone use when the yet-to-be-released full trailer of the Broadway adaptation aired its sneak peek.
There is no need to dissect the irony of a media giant giving one of the most compelling slots in its near-two-hour plea for advertising to a feature film. There’s no...
“We do have security around the venue with night vision and laser pointers,” cautioned chief content officer Donna Langley from the Radio City Music Hall stage, the room suddenly lit emerald green. The crowd laughed, but she wasn’t kidding. Four people in my immediate vicinity were scolded with flashlights for phone use when the yet-to-be-released full trailer of the Broadway adaptation aired its sneak peek.
There is no need to dissect the irony of a media giant giving one of the most compelling slots in its near-two-hour plea for advertising to a feature film. There’s no...
- 5/13/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After an opening performance by a guitar-picking Jimmy Fallon — who sung about, among other things, how “next year I’ll be a hologram” — the NBCUniversal upfront got underway Monday at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
So you didn’t make it to the home of the Rockettes? Here’s what you missed:
-NBCUniversal Chairman Mark Lazarus briefly took the stage to crow “while others have been spinning, we’ve spent the last year investing in our content, tech and overall experience.” “No one else can do what we do,” he added.
-Talent like Jabari Banks and Jesse L. Martin talked up content like The Irrational and Bel-Air before tossing to a breathless video package touting NBCUni content that was hosted by Mark-Paul Gosselaar.
-NBCUniversal Studio Group Chair and Chief Content Officer Donna Langley chatted about how she’s “excited to build up our story legacy across film,...
So you didn’t make it to the home of the Rockettes? Here’s what you missed:
-NBCUniversal Chairman Mark Lazarus briefly took the stage to crow “while others have been spinning, we’ve spent the last year investing in our content, tech and overall experience.” “No one else can do what we do,” he added.
-Talent like Jabari Banks and Jesse L. Martin talked up content like The Irrational and Bel-Air before tossing to a breathless video package touting NBCUni content that was hosted by Mark-Paul Gosselaar.
-NBCUniversal Studio Group Chair and Chief Content Officer Donna Langley chatted about how she’s “excited to build up our story legacy across film,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal showed major love for its film division, primarily the highly anticipated Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-led “Wicked,” during its 2024 upfront presentation Monday in New York.
While not the traditional venue for touting upcoming movies — as this week is all about wooing Madison Avenue to shell out big bucks for prime ad placement on TV — with film chief-turned-overall content boss Donna Langley on stage for her first upfront, the move was a natural moment for synergy.
Langley teed up a new trailer for “Wicked,” a treat just for those attending the presentation at Radio City Music Hall, and promised it will drop wide later this week.
Upfronts 2024: Full Coverage @ Variety.Com
NBC will air “Wicked” behind-the-scenes special “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” on Nov. 25 ahead of the Nov. 27 release of the film. The special will then be available for streaming on Peacock. Langley also boasted about...
While not the traditional venue for touting upcoming movies — as this week is all about wooing Madison Avenue to shell out big bucks for prime ad placement on TV — with film chief-turned-overall content boss Donna Langley on stage for her first upfront, the move was a natural moment for synergy.
Langley teed up a new trailer for “Wicked,” a treat just for those attending the presentation at Radio City Music Hall, and promised it will drop wide later this week.
Upfronts 2024: Full Coverage @ Variety.Com
NBC will air “Wicked” behind-the-scenes special “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” on Nov. 25 ahead of the Nov. 27 release of the film. The special will then be available for streaming on Peacock. Langley also boasted about...
- 5/13/2024
- by Jennifer Maas and Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
In an unusual move, NBCUniversal used its upfront presentation to ad buyers in New York on Monday to debut a four-minute extended first look at its forthcoming film version of Wicked.
The preview of Universal’s Thanksgiving release, which will go online later this week, elicited a warm response from the audience at Radio City Music Hall. It showed off the extensive visual effects of director Jon Chu’s adaptation of the Wizard of Oz story, including the newly conceived version of Oz, as well as the emotional interplay between the witches portrayed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Production began on the film at the end of 2022 but was paused last year due to the actors strike. It is set for release on November 27.
Last month, Universal heavily promoted the adaptation of the Broadway musical during CinemaCon, including the release of footage and appearances by cast members. That audience...
The preview of Universal’s Thanksgiving release, which will go online later this week, elicited a warm response from the audience at Radio City Music Hall. It showed off the extensive visual effects of director Jon Chu’s adaptation of the Wizard of Oz story, including the newly conceived version of Oz, as well as the emotional interplay between the witches portrayed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Production began on the film at the end of 2022 but was paused last year due to the actors strike. It is set for release on November 27.
Last month, Universal heavily promoted the adaptation of the Broadway musical during CinemaCon, including the release of footage and appearances by cast members. That audience...
- 5/13/2024
- by Dade Hayes and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and one of Hollywood’s most outspoken voices in the fight against antisemitism, will be honored at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala.
At the annual fundraiser for Swc, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.
Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went...
At the annual fundraiser for Swc, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.
Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went...
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In “Hollywood Con Queen,” director Chris Smith chronicles one of Hollywood’s most audacious scams that involved an impostor who posed as top entertainment studio executives to swindle aspiring artists. Based on the original reporting of entertainment journalist Scott Johnson, and his book, “Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius,” the three-part Apple TV+ docuseries features first-hand accounts and insights from Johnson, private investigator Nicole Kotsianas, the alleged con artist, Hargobind Tahilramani, and his victims.
In 2018, it was revealed that an imposter was posing as a variety of well-known female Hollywood executives and their assistants in a bid to lure victims out to Indonesia with the promise of work. Tahilramani became something of a media sensation when it emerged he had been impersonating women such as former Sony chief Amy Pascal, Marvel Studios executive VP Victoria Alonso and Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, and NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and...
In 2018, it was revealed that an imposter was posing as a variety of well-known female Hollywood executives and their assistants in a bid to lure victims out to Indonesia with the promise of work. Tahilramani became something of a media sensation when it emerged he had been impersonating women such as former Sony chief Amy Pascal, Marvel Studios executive VP Victoria Alonso and Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, and NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and...
- 5/8/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Off the heels of the recent growth capital investment, Range Media Partners has announced a flurry of activity including ten promotions across the company and hiring of four seasoned industry veterans.
“We are very disciplined in our growth strategy from who we hire to who we promote, ensuring our culture and commitment to our clients remains bar none. It’s humbling to welcome new top-tier colleagues at the same time as being able to honor the next generation of all-stars who have already made tremendous contributions to the company over the years through these very well-deserved promotions. On behalf of everyone at Range, we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come,” Rich Cook & Dave Bugliari, Managing Partners, said in a statement.
On the film & TV side, Andrew Nallathambi and Natalya Yonathan have both been promoted to Managers. Nallathambi began his career at Range as one of...
“We are very disciplined in our growth strategy from who we hire to who we promote, ensuring our culture and commitment to our clients remains bar none. It’s humbling to welcome new top-tier colleagues at the same time as being able to honor the next generation of all-stars who have already made tremendous contributions to the company over the years through these very well-deserved promotions. On behalf of everyone at Range, we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come,” Rich Cook & Dave Bugliari, Managing Partners, said in a statement.
On the film & TV side, Andrew Nallathambi and Natalya Yonathan have both been promoted to Managers. Nallathambi began his career at Range as one of...
- 5/8/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Driver is an architect who can control time in the first-look clip for Francis Ford Coppola’s upcoming, self-funded film, Megalopolis.
In the more-than-two-minute video, Driver’s Cesar Catilina makes his way onto the edge of a skyscraper, seemingly considering jumping. As he’s about to fully step off the building, he shouts “Time stop” and the cars below him pause at his command, and he leans back onto stable footing.
The film, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, is a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America, according to its description.
“The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests and partisan warfare,” the logline reads. “Torn between...
In the more-than-two-minute video, Driver’s Cesar Catilina makes his way onto the edge of a skyscraper, seemingly considering jumping. As he’s about to fully step off the building, he shouts “Time stop” and the cars below him pause at his command, and he leans back onto stable footing.
The film, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, is a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America, according to its description.
“The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests and partisan warfare,” the logline reads. “Torn between...
- 5/4/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal Pictures has hired Britt Hennemuth, who has worked for nearly a decade at Vanity Fair.
Hennemuth has been tapped for a role of senior vp of production development and special projects, which he will begin this summer. Hennemuth, who will report to Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer, leaves his position as West Coast director for Vanity Fair, where he has worked since starting as an intern at the Condé Nast-published magazine in 2015.
His most recent role at the publication included handling talent relations and outreach across multiple platforms. Hennemuth curated the annual Hollywood Issue and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, in addition to managing the monthly Vanities column. He has written cover stories and features about such prominent talent as Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Renée Zellweger and Timothée Chalamet.
“Britt is a true cinephile, and through his stellar work at Vanity Fair, he has been a leader in telling...
Hennemuth has been tapped for a role of senior vp of production development and special projects, which he will begin this summer. Hennemuth, who will report to Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer, leaves his position as West Coast director for Vanity Fair, where he has worked since starting as an intern at the Condé Nast-published magazine in 2015.
His most recent role at the publication included handling talent relations and outreach across multiple platforms. Hennemuth curated the annual Hollywood Issue and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, in addition to managing the monthly Vanities column. He has written cover stories and features about such prominent talent as Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Renée Zellweger and Timothée Chalamet.
“Britt is a true cinephile, and through his stellar work at Vanity Fair, he has been a leader in telling...
- 5/3/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded feature Megalopolis has revealed a first look image after landing a Cannes competition berth.
The project follows the rebuilding of a metropolis after it has fallen into decline, with two competing visions — one from the idealist architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), the other from corrupt Mayor Frank Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito — colliding.
The first official image from Megalopolis reveals Driver eyeing a rebuilding of the City of New Rome, while Nathalie Emmanuel, as Julia Cicero, the socialite daughter of Mayor Cicero, looks on. Megalopolis is structured as a Roman epic fable set in an imagined modern America.
To rebuild New Rome, Julia Cicero ultimately comes between a Cesar Catilina she falls in love with and Frank Cicero whom she remains loyal to as her father, as the two men battle with competing visions.
The film will screen in competition in Cannes on May 17 in...
The project follows the rebuilding of a metropolis after it has fallen into decline, with two competing visions — one from the idealist architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), the other from corrupt Mayor Frank Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito — colliding.
The first official image from Megalopolis reveals Driver eyeing a rebuilding of the City of New Rome, while Nathalie Emmanuel, as Julia Cicero, the socialite daughter of Mayor Cicero, looks on. Megalopolis is structured as a Roman epic fable set in an imagined modern America.
To rebuild New Rome, Julia Cicero ultimately comes between a Cesar Catilina she falls in love with and Frank Cicero whom she remains loyal to as her father, as the two men battle with competing visions.
The film will screen in competition in Cannes on May 17 in...
- 4/30/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was another tumultuous year in Hollywood thanks to the dual labor strikes in 2023, the fallout on the film pipeline and the box office remaining below pre-covid pandemic levels, among other factors.
The positive: The global box office jumped 31 percent to $33.9 billion, led by Barbenheimer. But TV studios’ financials were hit by pressure on these operations across the industry, including fallout from the dual labor disputes. What did all that mean for the studio divisions of Hollywood giants? Overall, only one studio unit among entertainment conglomerates posted profit growth for the calendar year 2023, per The Hollywood Reporter‘s calculations.
Keep in mind that financial disclosures for these units remain limited and are not easily comparable. The names alone vary: Paramount reports figures for its Filmed Entertainment unit, Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast post results for their Studios divisions, and Sony has its Pictures unit. The businesses included in them differ as well.
The positive: The global box office jumped 31 percent to $33.9 billion, led by Barbenheimer. But TV studios’ financials were hit by pressure on these operations across the industry, including fallout from the dual labor disputes. What did all that mean for the studio divisions of Hollywood giants? Overall, only one studio unit among entertainment conglomerates posted profit growth for the calendar year 2023, per The Hollywood Reporter‘s calculations.
Keep in mind that financial disclosures for these units remain limited and are not easily comparable. The names alone vary: Paramount reports figures for its Filmed Entertainment unit, Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast post results for their Studios divisions, and Sony has its Pictures unit. The businesses included in them differ as well.
- 4/24/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Time100, Time Magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, includes some notable show business figures, including Taraji P. Henson, Michael J. Fox, Fantasia Barrino, Alia Bhatt, Sofia Coppola, Colman Domingo, and America Ferrera.
Also on the list: Ynon Kreiz, Donna Langley, Dua Lipa, Hayao Miyazaki, Leslie Odom Jr., Elliot Page, Dev Patel, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Maya Rudolph, and Jeffrey Wright.
The Time100 issue has four worldwide covers featuring singer-songwriter Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia’s opposition movement.
A New York City gala celebrating the issue is set for April 25, with a primetime TV special airing May 12 on ABC.
The new issue pairs well known personalities writing about the roster’s subjects. Taraji P. Henson, herself on the list, writes about Fantasia Barrino. Other pairings include Tom Harper on Alia Bhatt, Rashida Jones on Sofia Coppola, Lenny Kravitz on Colman Domingo,...
Also on the list: Ynon Kreiz, Donna Langley, Dua Lipa, Hayao Miyazaki, Leslie Odom Jr., Elliot Page, Dev Patel, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Maya Rudolph, and Jeffrey Wright.
The Time100 issue has four worldwide covers featuring singer-songwriter Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Henson, and Yulia Navalnaya, a leader of Russia’s opposition movement.
A New York City gala celebrating the issue is set for April 25, with a primetime TV special airing May 12 on ABC.
The new issue pairs well known personalities writing about the roster’s subjects. Taraji P. Henson, herself on the list, writes about Fantasia Barrino. Other pairings include Tom Harper on Alia Bhatt, Rashida Jones on Sofia Coppola, Lenny Kravitz on Colman Domingo,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The USC School of Cinematic Arts has announced that Miky Lee will deliver the 20024 Commencement address.
James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”
Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
As Commencement Speaker,...
James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”
Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
As Commencement Speaker,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Miky Lee, vice chair of Korean media giant Cj, is set to give the USC School of Cinematic Arts 2024 commencement address, organizers said Tuesday.
As a pioneer of the Korean movie wave, Lee has championed Korean directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho, and has executive producer credits that include Lady Vengeance, The Host, Snowpiercer, The Handmaiden and Parasite, the latter of which was the first non-English-language film to win the Oscar for best picture.
She will give the commencement address at the graduation ceremony set for May 10 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement.
Organizers also announced that the veteran Hollywood director, writer and...
As a pioneer of the Korean movie wave, Lee has championed Korean directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho, and has executive producer credits that include Lady Vengeance, The Host, Snowpiercer, The Handmaiden and Parasite, the latter of which was the first non-English-language film to win the Oscar for best picture.
She will give the commencement address at the graduation ceremony set for May 10 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement.
Organizers also announced that the veteran Hollywood director, writer and...
- 4/16/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal Chair Donna Langley will be honored with the 2024 Kering’s Women in Motion Award at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating, according to Kering and Cannes “a lifelong career committed to steadfast leadership and the fostering of a more inclusive industry that has helped shape diversity both in front and behind the camera.”
Langley is coming off a fantastic year. NBCUniversal topped the box office charts and was the big winner at the Oscars, thanks to Oppenheimer‘s sweep. Announcing the prize, Kering and the Cannes festival called her a “singular force in the business [who] has gained global recognition through her remarkable career supporting the creation of films that capture the cultural zeitgeist and provide a platform for women and diverse voices globally.” Langley, they said, “has been part of the vanguard of change in Hollywood, challenging the status quo and proving that inclusive casting, hiring and storytelling is smart business.
Langley is coming off a fantastic year. NBCUniversal topped the box office charts and was the big winner at the Oscars, thanks to Oppenheimer‘s sweep. Announcing the prize, Kering and the Cannes festival called her a “singular force in the business [who] has gained global recognition through her remarkable career supporting the creation of films that capture the cultural zeitgeist and provide a platform for women and diverse voices globally.” Langley, they said, “has been part of the vanguard of change in Hollywood, challenging the status quo and proving that inclusive casting, hiring and storytelling is smart business.
- 4/16/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Donna Langley, chairman and chief content officer of NBCUniversal Studio Group, will be the recipient of Kering’s Women In Motion award at this year’s Cannes film festival, recognising Langley’s support of women in the industry.
In 2009, Langley became the first UK woman to run a major Hollywood studio when she ascended to the top Universal role. She was made a dame in the UK’s 2020 New Year’s Honours List and serves as an ambassador and board member of Vital Voices, an organisation for female economic empowerment.
Langley began her career as a production executive at New Line Cinema...
In 2009, Langley became the first UK woman to run a major Hollywood studio when she ascended to the top Universal role. She was made a dame in the UK’s 2020 New Year’s Honours List and serves as an ambassador and board member of Vital Voices, an organisation for female economic empowerment.
Langley began her career as a production executive at New Line Cinema...
- 4/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and chief content officer Donna Langley will be celebrated at the Cannes Film Festival, where she will receive the Women in Motion Award from Kering’s chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault, Cannes president Iris Knobloch and director Thierry Fremaux.
The awards ceremony will take place at a glamorous gala dinner hosted by Kering on May 19, which will bring together major talent and executives attending the festival. The tribute will celebrate Langley’s career, steadfast leadership and her role in redefining popular culture, as well as fostering a more inclusive industry by creating opportunities for women and people of color in the entertainment industry.
“Receiving the Women in Motion Award is an immense honor, and to be recognized amongst such remarkable recipients is a testament to the work Kering, the Festival de Cannes and our industry peers do to propel women forward, amplify their voices, create opportunities and push boundaries,...
The awards ceremony will take place at a glamorous gala dinner hosted by Kering on May 19, which will bring together major talent and executives attending the festival. The tribute will celebrate Langley’s career, steadfast leadership and her role in redefining popular culture, as well as fostering a more inclusive industry by creating opportunities for women and people of color in the entertainment industry.
“Receiving the Women in Motion Award is an immense honor, and to be recognized amongst such remarkable recipients is a testament to the work Kering, the Festival de Cannes and our industry peers do to propel women forward, amplify their voices, create opportunities and push boundaries,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal Studio Group’s Chief Content Officer Donna Langley has officially been unveiled as the 2024 Women In Motion Award honoree for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Kering and the Festival de Cannes will present the title to the studio chief on Sunday, May 19, with François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, and Iris Knobloch, president of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, director of the Festival de Cannes, hosting the ceremony.
In presenting the Women In Motion Award to Langley, Kering and the Festival de Cannes wish to celebrate a lifelong career committed to steadfast leadership and the fostering of a more inclusive industry that has helped shape diversity both in front and behind the camera, per the press statement.
Langley serves as an ambassador for Vital Voices and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2013. She is also a key founder of The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Film Mentorship program,...
Kering and the Festival de Cannes will present the title to the studio chief on Sunday, May 19, with François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, and Iris Knobloch, president of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, director of the Festival de Cannes, hosting the ceremony.
In presenting the Women In Motion Award to Langley, Kering and the Festival de Cannes wish to celebrate a lifelong career committed to steadfast leadership and the fostering of a more inclusive industry that has helped shape diversity both in front and behind the camera, per the press statement.
Langley serves as an ambassador for Vital Voices and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2013. She is also a key founder of The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Film Mentorship program,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Universal Studios chief Donna Langley is heading to this year’s Cannes Film Festival where she will be handed Kering’s annual Women In Motion Award.
Previous Women In Motion Award winners include Jane Fonda (2015), Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon (2016), Isabelle Huppert (2017), Patty Jenkins (2018), Gong Li (2019), Salma Hayek (2021), Viola Davis (2022), and Michelle Yeoh (2023).
Recipients of the award are chosen by François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, Iris Knobloch, Cannes President, and Thierry Frémaux, Cannes Director. Announcing the award, organizers described Langley as a “singular force in the business.”
“It is an honor to be presenting the 2024 Women In Motion Award to Donna Langley, recognizing her both as one of Hollywood’s most influential leaders and as someone who has dedicated herself to demonstrating on and off-screen that gender equality and diversity are absolutely essential,” Pinault said in a statement. “It highlights the collective effort of people working behind the scenes,...
Previous Women In Motion Award winners include Jane Fonda (2015), Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon (2016), Isabelle Huppert (2017), Patty Jenkins (2018), Gong Li (2019), Salma Hayek (2021), Viola Davis (2022), and Michelle Yeoh (2023).
Recipients of the award are chosen by François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, Iris Knobloch, Cannes President, and Thierry Frémaux, Cannes Director. Announcing the award, organizers described Langley as a “singular force in the business.”
“It is an honor to be presenting the 2024 Women In Motion Award to Donna Langley, recognizing her both as one of Hollywood’s most influential leaders and as someone who has dedicated herself to demonstrating on and off-screen that gender equality and diversity are absolutely essential,” Pinault said in a statement. “It highlights the collective effort of people working behind the scenes,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Donna Langley became the first studio mogul to take the stage at CinemaCon this year in a sign of the general angst facing many Hollywood legacy studios.
Sony film boss Tom Rothman’s comments on stage usually turns heads, but his studio stayed home this year. Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav showed up to get to know theater owners, but this year he had scheduling conflicts, so wasn’t part of Warner Bros.’ presentation Tuesday. But like Langley, Paramount chairman Brian Robbins is expected to be part of his studio’s session on Thursday.
Langley has plenty of reason to crow after placing No. 1 in marketshare in 2023 and watching Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer win big at the Oscars.
“When it comes to the traditional markers of success in our business, there’s not much more you could ask for than being No. 1 at the box office and...
Sony film boss Tom Rothman’s comments on stage usually turns heads, but his studio stayed home this year. Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav showed up to get to know theater owners, but this year he had scheduling conflicts, so wasn’t part of Warner Bros.’ presentation Tuesday. But like Langley, Paramount chairman Brian Robbins is expected to be part of his studio’s session on Thursday.
Langley has plenty of reason to crow after placing No. 1 in marketshare in 2023 and watching Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer win big at the Oscars.
“When it comes to the traditional markers of success in our business, there’s not much more you could ask for than being No. 1 at the box office and...
- 4/11/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal brought its CinemaCon presentation to a heartfelt finale in Las Vegas on Wednesday with a 30-minute segment dedicated to the glittering jewel of its 2024 release slate, Wicked.
Leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play the witches Elphaba and Glinda from the magical Land of Oz, introduced footage to the first part of Jon Chu’s Broadway adaptation, which recently wrapped production in London and is scheduled to open on November 27. The second instalment comes out on November 26, 2025.
Chu fought back tears as he joined the film’s producer Marc Platt, who won a Tony for the Broadway show,...
Leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play the witches Elphaba and Glinda from the magical Land of Oz, introduced footage to the first part of Jon Chu’s Broadway adaptation, which recently wrapped production in London and is scheduled to open on November 27. The second instalment comes out on November 26, 2025.
Chu fought back tears as he joined the film’s producer Marc Platt, who won a Tony for the Broadway show,...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Universal brought its CinemaCon presentation to a heartfelt finale in Las Vegas on Wednesday with a 30-minute segment dedicated to the glittering jewel of its 2024 release slate, Wicked.
Leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play the witches Elphaba and Glinda from the magical Land of Oz, introduced footage to the first part of Jon Chu’s Broadway adaptation, which recently wrapped production in London and is scheduled to open on November 27. The second instalment comes out on November 26, 2025.
Chu fought back tears as he joined the film’s producer Marc Platt, who won a Tony for the Broadway show,...
Leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play the witches Elphaba and Glinda from the magical Land of Oz, introduced footage to the first part of Jon Chu’s Broadway adaptation, which recently wrapped production in London and is scheduled to open on November 27. The second instalment comes out on November 26, 2025.
Chu fought back tears as he joined the film’s producer Marc Platt, who won a Tony for the Broadway show,...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
One year after debuting the first look of Wicked at CinemaCon, Universal Pictures brought members of the magical crew to Las Vegas on Wednesday to light up the festivities once again, with the team including filmmaker Jon M. Chu and his leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who had the honor of introducing exclusive footage for theater owners.
It was an emotional presentation for the Wicked team as Chu was moved to tears as he recounted finding the two performers to topline the film, and later Grande also got choked up as well.
The electric presentation — which featured on stage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Chu and producer Marc Platt — was telegraphed from the start as Colosseum staffers handed out Wicked lanyards to attendees when they walked into the theater. Other staffers instructed guests to be careful with tulips placed...
It was an emotional presentation for the Wicked team as Chu was moved to tears as he recounted finding the two performers to topline the film, and later Grande also got choked up as well.
The electric presentation — which featured on stage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Chu and producer Marc Platt — was telegraphed from the start as Colosseum staffers handed out Wicked lanyards to attendees when they walked into the theater. Other staffers instructed guests to be careful with tulips placed...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo traveled to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
- 4/11/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated, self-funded feature Megalopolis has landed a Cannes debut. The film will screen in competition at the festival on May 17 in a gala premiere at the 77th annual festival.
The project follows the rebuilding of a metropolis after its accidental destruction, with two competing visions — one from an idealist architect (Adam Driver), the other from its pragmatist mayor (Giancarlo Esposito) — clashing during the process. Shia Labeouf, Laurence Fishburne and Aubrey Plaza round out the cast.
The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a significant portion of his wine empire. Recently, the film had a screening for potential buyers, with Universal’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Sony’s Tom Rothman in attendance at Universal CityWalk. It is still seeking distribution, but the filmmaker has noted his desire for an Imax release.
The project follows the rebuilding of a metropolis after its accidental destruction, with two competing visions — one from an idealist architect (Adam Driver), the other from its pragmatist mayor (Giancarlo Esposito) — clashing during the process. Shia Labeouf, Laurence Fishburne and Aubrey Plaza round out the cast.
The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a significant portion of his wine empire. Recently, the film had a screening for potential buyers, with Universal’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Sony’s Tom Rothman in attendance at Universal CityWalk. It is still seeking distribution, but the filmmaker has noted his desire for an Imax release.
- 4/9/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We have recently reported that legendary Oscar-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is back after more than a decade of being absent from the scene. The project in question was Megalopolis, a sci-fi epic that was conceived way back in 1979, while Coppola was filming Apocalypse Now, one of the greatest war movies ever made. Now, 45 years later, Coppola has finally made the movie and on March 28, 10 a.m., at the Universal CityWalk Imax theater, the first screening of the movie was given, as Coppola is looking for a studio to distribute his major work.
At the time, we reported that the movie’s runtime was 2 hours and 13 minutes, and that is without the credits. But, while the movie seemed to be good, the studios aren’t really fighting to acquire the (as reported) $120-million project, which was more or less self-funded by Coppola.
As we have reported, Megalopolis is set in...
At the time, we reported that the movie’s runtime was 2 hours and 13 minutes, and that is without the credits. But, while the movie seemed to be good, the studios aren’t really fighting to acquire the (as reported) $120-million project, which was more or less self-funded by Coppola.
As we have reported, Megalopolis is set in...
- 4/9/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
NBCUniversal chief content officer Donna Langley was there. So was Sony head Tom Rothman. Bob Iger was one of the few Hollywood heavyweights who couldn’t make it, but at least he had a good excuse, still in the midst of a vicious proxy battle with investor Nelson Peltz.
The event: The grand unveiling of Megalopolis, the self-funded epic from legendary The Godfather trilogy director Francis Ford Coppola, to the titans of the film industry. The March 28 screening — held 10 a.m. at the Universal CityWalk Imax theater — was also attended by such Coppola-verse luminaries as nephew Nicolas Cage, The Godfather series star Al Pacino and Spike Jonze, Coppola’s ex-son-in-law. Two of the film’s stars — Shia Labeouf and Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire — were also on hand.
The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a...
The event: The grand unveiling of Megalopolis, the self-funded epic from legendary The Godfather trilogy director Francis Ford Coppola, to the titans of the film industry. The March 28 screening — held 10 a.m. at the Universal CityWalk Imax theater — was also attended by such Coppola-verse luminaries as nephew Nicolas Cage, The Godfather series star Al Pacino and Spike Jonze, Coppola’s ex-son-in-law. Two of the film’s stars — Shia Labeouf and Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire — were also on hand.
The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a...
- 4/8/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch, Kim Masters and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
What happens in Vegas… fuels a year’s worth of hope for theatrical exhibitors.
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
- 4/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
One year after Universal Pictures debuted the first look at footage from his upcoming two-part musical Wicked at CinemaCon, Jon M. Chu is heading back to Las Vegas for the National Association of Theater Owners’ official convention.
Chu will be the guest of honor at an annual filmmaker luncheon during which he will receive a cultural impact in filmmaking award for a “visionary approach to storytelling and his commitment to representing diverse voices and perspectives.” The Fathom-sponsored event, scheduled for April 11 in the Octavius Ballroom, will also feature a sit-down conversation with Chu.
The filmmaker luncheon will follow hot on the heels of Universal and Focus Features’ studio presentation on Wednesday at which the companies will present their upcoming slates. With Chu confirmed for the luncheon, it would not be a surprise to see him make a mark on the Colosseum main stage by presenting additional footage from Wicked ahead...
Chu will be the guest of honor at an annual filmmaker luncheon during which he will receive a cultural impact in filmmaking award for a “visionary approach to storytelling and his commitment to representing diverse voices and perspectives.” The Fathom-sponsored event, scheduled for April 11 in the Octavius Ballroom, will also feature a sit-down conversation with Chu.
The filmmaker luncheon will follow hot on the heels of Universal and Focus Features’ studio presentation on Wednesday at which the companies will present their upcoming slates. With Chu confirmed for the luncheon, it would not be a surprise to see him make a mark on the Colosseum main stage by presenting additional footage from Wicked ahead...
- 4/6/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After the March 28 friends, family, and industry screening for Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” at Universal’s CityWalk AMC in IMAX, reactions were wild. Some said it was his most ambitious film since “Apocalypse Now;” another described it to Puck as “batshit crazy.” Made for $120 million and bankrolled entirely by Coppola through the sale of one of his vineyards, it incorporates new VFX techniques — ones, the filmmakers hope, will be seen on the biggest screens possible.
For that to happen, it will need a major theatrical deal and the filmmakers are now in talks with distributors and major studios. However, those entities have been particularly risk averse these days — and while Coppola is a legend, he hasn’t made a commercial success in three decades.
The film’s stars include Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito; maybe, say, Paramount or Universal want to be back in the Coppola business.
For that to happen, it will need a major theatrical deal and the filmmakers are now in talks with distributors and major studios. However, those entities have been particularly risk averse these days — and while Coppola is a legend, he hasn’t made a commercial success in three decades.
The film’s stars include Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito; maybe, say, Paramount or Universal want to be back in the Coppola business.
- 4/2/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Francis Ford Coppola screened his long-awaited, self-funded $120m epic Megalopolis to buyers in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 28) after years of speculation and a lengthy production schedule.
Universal’s Donna Langley and Sony’s Tom Rothman were among studio heads who according to reports mingled with the likes of Darren Aronofsky, Roger Corman, Al Pacino, Nicolas Cage and Andy Garcia in a crowd said to number more than 300 at Universal CityWalk’s Imax theatre.
The epic story stars Adam Driver as Caesar, a driven architect striving to rebuild a massive city who falls in love with Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), the...
Universal’s Donna Langley and Sony’s Tom Rothman were among studio heads who according to reports mingled with the likes of Darren Aronofsky, Roger Corman, Al Pacino, Nicolas Cage and Andy Garcia in a crowd said to number more than 300 at Universal CityWalk’s Imax theatre.
The epic story stars Adam Driver as Caesar, a driven architect striving to rebuild a massive city who falls in love with Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), the...
- 3/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Tuesday was not a good day for Ronna McDaniel — or, is it Ronna Romney McDaniel again, as she now admits the 2020 election was not stolen? She went from a high-profile gig on NBC to no gig and no agent, as CAA also dropped her.
It was also a bad day for NBC News Group chairman Cesar Conde, who found it necessary to “personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down.” Conde didn’t exactly fall on his sword by himself; he mentioned in his letter to staff that this was “a collective recommendation by some members of our leadership team.” But he acknowledged that the buck stopped with him.
At least McDaniel is getting a payout. So, no harm, no foul, right? Well, not exactly. This was hardly the simple loss of a job, as the fallout at NBC has made it impossible for her to...
It was also a bad day for NBC News Group chairman Cesar Conde, who found it necessary to “personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down.” Conde didn’t exactly fall on his sword by himself; he mentioned in his letter to staff that this was “a collective recommendation by some members of our leadership team.” But he acknowledged that the buck stopped with him.
At least McDaniel is getting a payout. So, no harm, no foul, right? Well, not exactly. This was hardly the simple loss of a job, as the fallout at NBC has made it impossible for her to...
- 3/27/2024
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Darren Star is on the move.
The creator of hits including Netflix’s Emily in Paris and TV Land’s Younger has departed his longtime home at Paramount Global’s MTV Entertainment Studios for a rich overall deal with Universal Television.
Star has a carveout in his new eight-figure deal and will remain showrunner on Emily in Paris should Netflix continue the show beyond its upcoming fourth season. Beyond that, Star will create and develop new series for NBCUniversal’s broadcast network and streamers as well as for outside platforms.
“Darren is a singular voice who has created signature shows for multiple networks and platforms since the beginning of his career, from the hills of Beverly to the streets of NYC to the Champs-Elysees,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studio Group. “As we think about the talent we want to bring to the studios, Donna [Langley] and I often talk about brand-defining storytellers,...
The creator of hits including Netflix’s Emily in Paris and TV Land’s Younger has departed his longtime home at Paramount Global’s MTV Entertainment Studios for a rich overall deal with Universal Television.
Star has a carveout in his new eight-figure deal and will remain showrunner on Emily in Paris should Netflix continue the show beyond its upcoming fourth season. Beyond that, Star will create and develop new series for NBCUniversal’s broadcast network and streamers as well as for outside platforms.
“Darren is a singular voice who has created signature shows for multiple networks and platforms since the beginning of his career, from the hills of Beverly to the streets of NYC to the Champs-Elysees,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studio Group. “As we think about the talent we want to bring to the studios, Donna [Langley] and I often talk about brand-defining storytellers,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: After a decade at Paramount Global and its predecessors ViacomCBS and Viacom, Darren Star is making a move. In a competitive situation, the prolific TV creator of such shows as Beverly Hills, 90210, Sex and the City and Emily In Paris, has signed a big multi-year overall deal at Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. No one is commenting on the size of the pact, but I hear it is in the eight figures and in the top tier of premium overall deals; certainly the biggest we have seen since the end of the strikes.
Under the pact, Star will develop and produce new series projects for broadcast and streaming through his Darren Star Productions exclusively for Universal Television. Outside of the deal, he will continue as executive producer/showrunner on his popular Netflix series Emily In Paris, which is currently filming Season 4, if it is renewed...
Under the pact, Star will develop and produce new series projects for broadcast and streaming through his Darren Star Productions exclusively for Universal Television. Outside of the deal, he will continue as executive producer/showrunner on his popular Netflix series Emily In Paris, which is currently filming Season 4, if it is renewed...
- 3/27/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Two nights before Cillian Murphy won the Best Actor Oscar for the Universal Pictures blockbuster Oppenheimer, the studio completed a pre-emptive acquisition for the Mark A. Bradley book Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America. It’s an epic story of a corrupt union leader who murders a rival and is taken down by the lawyer son of the slain coal miner. It will be scripted as a starring and producing vehicle for Murphy.
Jez Butterworth will write the script with John-Henry Butterworth. That duo worked together on Edge of Tomorrow. There is a lot here for them to mine.
Blood Runs Coal takes place in the late 1960s in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and chronicles one of the most infamous crimes in the history of organized labor.
Jez Butterworth will write the script with John-Henry Butterworth. That duo worked together on Edge of Tomorrow. There is a lot here for them to mine.
Blood Runs Coal takes place in the late 1960s in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and chronicles one of the most infamous crimes in the history of organized labor.
- 3/25/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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