As contractions and cost-cutting continue to hit the nonfiction space, a major producer is changing its documentary strategy: The New York Times.
The Times is restructuring its documentary unit, which is behind its The New York Times Presents series, which has produced nearly four dozen documentaries, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It is changing the unit with the goal of further enmeshing non-fiction video filmmaking into the company’s existing sub brands and verticals.
Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the Times will be reducing its documentary output. Rumors have been swirling in the nonfiction community about the future of the Times‘ documentaries for some time. The media company released over 20 films in 2019 under their New York Times Presents banner while it released only four films in 2023.
“We just premiered a new film from The New York Times Presents last week, with two additional films presently in production, as...
The Times is restructuring its documentary unit, which is behind its The New York Times Presents series, which has produced nearly four dozen documentaries, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It is changing the unit with the goal of further enmeshing non-fiction video filmmaking into the company’s existing sub brands and verticals.
Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the Times will be reducing its documentary output. Rumors have been swirling in the nonfiction community about the future of the Times‘ documentaries for some time. The media company released over 20 films in 2019 under their New York Times Presents banner while it released only four films in 2023.
“We just premiered a new film from The New York Times Presents last week, with two additional films presently in production, as...
- 5/3/2024
- by Mia Galuppo and Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood loves a bare-knuckle brawl. And the town got a battle royal with “Road House.”
The reboot of the 1989 cult favorite, which launches on Amazon Prime on March 21, sparked a fierce fight behind the scenes over its release. While studio-filmmaker standoffs are not uncommon, this one featured such subplots as the involvement of a notorious private investigator, a producer given the heave-ho, a cameo from Ari Emanuel and a director going scorched-earth. Even more shocking, some of the embarrassing details began to publicly spill out in recent months, culminating with director Doug Liman promising to boycott the film’s premiere at SXSW on March 8.
Despite the drama, the movie is expected to be one of Amazon Prime’s most-watched films this year. So how did things go wrong?
In November 2021, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy were running MGM and began negotiating with Liman to direct and Jake Gyllenhaal to star as the tough-guy bouncer,...
The reboot of the 1989 cult favorite, which launches on Amazon Prime on March 21, sparked a fierce fight behind the scenes over its release. While studio-filmmaker standoffs are not uncommon, this one featured such subplots as the involvement of a notorious private investigator, a producer given the heave-ho, a cameo from Ari Emanuel and a director going scorched-earth. Even more shocking, some of the embarrassing details began to publicly spill out in recent months, culminating with director Doug Liman promising to boycott the film’s premiere at SXSW on March 8.
Despite the drama, the movie is expected to be one of Amazon Prime’s most-watched films this year. So how did things go wrong?
In November 2021, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy were running MGM and began negotiating with Liman to direct and Jake Gyllenhaal to star as the tough-guy bouncer,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
Some rather strange reports are circulating around the remake of Road House, ranging from the firing of its producer to using AI to finish it.
Hollywood is, of course a buzzing hive of gossip at the best of times, but a particularly strange couple of morsels emerged from Tinseltown on the 30th November. According to a Variety report, veteran producer Joel Silver has been fired from Amazon, the mega corporation which owns film studio MGM.
Before he was (allegedly) ousted, Silver was working on Road House, a remake of the 1989 action thriller which he’d also produced, as well as Play Dirty, a crime thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. Anonymous sources told Variety that Silver was fired for being “verbally abusive” to a pair of female executives.
Named sources close to Silver, meanwhile – private investigator Anthony Pellicano and attorney Bryan Freedman – refute this story. Pellicano says, “The parting of the ways is amicable.
Hollywood is, of course a buzzing hive of gossip at the best of times, but a particularly strange couple of morsels emerged from Tinseltown on the 30th November. According to a Variety report, veteran producer Joel Silver has been fired from Amazon, the mega corporation which owns film studio MGM.
Before he was (allegedly) ousted, Silver was working on Road House, a remake of the 1989 action thriller which he’d also produced, as well as Play Dirty, a crime thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. Anonymous sources told Variety that Silver was fired for being “verbally abusive” to a pair of female executives.
Named sources close to Silver, meanwhile – private investigator Anthony Pellicano and attorney Bryan Freedman – refute this story. Pellicano says, “The parting of the ways is amicable.
- 12/1/2023
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Variety has reported that Joel Silver has been fired from several projects being developed for Amazon, including Jake Gyllenhaal’s Road House remake and Mark Wahlberg’s Play Dirty. The once-iconic producer was behind some of the biggest movies of the ’80s and ’90s, including Commando, Lethal Weapon, Predator, and Die Hard, but he hasn’t been quite as prolific in recent years.
According to Variety’s sources, Joel Silver was fired for being verbally abusive to two female executives, including Amazon Studios’ Head of Marketing Sue Kroll and Amazon’s Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical Courtenay Valenti. However, other sources say that Amazon is “retaliating against the producer after he pushed back on the studio’s calls to use artificial intelligence to finish a movie during the strike.“
Related Road House: Jake Gyllenhaal films UFC scenes for the action film remake
Another Amazon source says that Joel...
According to Variety’s sources, Joel Silver was fired for being verbally abusive to two female executives, including Amazon Studios’ Head of Marketing Sue Kroll and Amazon’s Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical Courtenay Valenti. However, other sources say that Amazon is “retaliating against the producer after he pushed back on the studio’s calls to use artificial intelligence to finish a movie during the strike.“
Related Road House: Jake Gyllenhaal films UFC scenes for the action film remake
Another Amazon source says that Joel...
- 11/30/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
For the past few years, Joel Silver has kept a relatively low profile, his most recent credit on the little-seen “SuperFly” remake of 2018. Still, the hard-charging producer behind some of the biggest hits of the ’80s and ’90s was attempting to mount a comeback. And his prospects looked promising with a series of feature film and TV projects at Amazon that were based on Donald E. Westlake’s Parker noir crime novels.
Alas, the Silver comeback has hit a snag. Sources say Amazon has fired the polarizing Hollywood figure from at least two films — one starring Mark Wahlberg, the other Jake Gyllenhaal — for being verbally abusive to two female executives. But sources close to Silver say Amazon is retaliating against the producer after he pushed back on the studio’s calls to use artificial intelligence to finish a movie during the strike. Amid the chaos, Silver’s longtime friend Robert Downey Jr....
Alas, the Silver comeback has hit a snag. Sources say Amazon has fired the polarizing Hollywood figure from at least two films — one starring Mark Wahlberg, the other Jake Gyllenhaal — for being verbally abusive to two female executives. But sources close to Silver say Amazon is retaliating against the producer after he pushed back on the studio’s calls to use artificial intelligence to finish a movie during the strike. Amid the chaos, Silver’s longtime friend Robert Downey Jr....
- 11/30/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
“So we’re down in Uvalde, right?” Anita Busch tells me in one of the lengthy, emotional conversations we’ve had this summer. She is describing the aftermath of the 2022 Texas mass shooting in which 21 grade-school students and teachers died. “I have the team down here in Uvalde for a fifth time. And we’re getting ready to head over to Nashville to help over there,” she says. “As soon as we hit the road, I get word that there’s been a mass shooting at the outlet mall in Allen, Texas. So we divert over there instead.”
Back in the late 1990s, when Busch was a leading entertainment journalist, her points of reference all centered around Hollywood: “Paramount.” “Fox.” “CAA.” But this is her road map now: “Uvalde.” “Orlando.” “Allen” — scenes of the unthinkable yet increasingly commonplace mass-casualty shootings that have thrust the country into a seemingly unending cycle of terror,...
Back in the late 1990s, when Busch was a leading entertainment journalist, her points of reference all centered around Hollywood: “Paramount.” “Fox.” “CAA.” But this is her road map now: “Uvalde.” “Orlando.” “Allen” — scenes of the unthinkable yet increasingly commonplace mass-casualty shootings that have thrust the country into a seemingly unending cycle of terror,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John McTiernan, who served a nearly one-year prison sentence in 2013-2014 for perjury and lying to an FBI investigator – both related to his ties to infamous private investigator Anthony Pellicano, who McTiernan hired to wiretap Rollerball producer Charles Roven – had no problem with his stint in the big house. He even suggested it made him feel young again.
More than a decade after he began his stay in prison, John McTiernan turned up at Switzerland’s Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival to, yes, serve on the jury. As it turns out, the prison was relatively normal for and lenient with many of its inmates, except for one notable aspect that seems directly out of a ‘70s exploitation flick. “The only thing that was a little weird was that the locals, if they saw you on a crosswalk, would speed up and try to hit you.” How many points would a...
More than a decade after he began his stay in prison, John McTiernan turned up at Switzerland’s Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival to, yes, serve on the jury. As it turns out, the prison was relatively normal for and lenient with many of its inmates, except for one notable aspect that seems directly out of a ‘70s exploitation flick. “The only thing that was a little weird was that the locals, if they saw you on a crosswalk, would speed up and try to hit you.” How many points would a...
- 7/12/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
He directed the most famous action films of the 90s – then was jailed in a wiretapping case. He talks about what he learned about America while inside – and the famous friends who stuck by him
Prison, says John McTiernan, director of Die Hard, Predator and The Hunt for Red October, wasn’t as tough as he expected. “It was a former college campus in the upper midwest, no bars, no barbed wire, nothing. The only thing that was a little weird was that the locals, if they saw you on a crosswalk, would speed up and try to hit you.”
McTiernan served 10 months in Yankton, South Dakota, between April 2013 and February 2014, before being released to house arrest for the rest of his sentence. He was convicted of lying to the FBI as part of the prosecution of private detective Anthony Pellicano for illegal wiretapping; McTiernan was accused of hiring Pellicano...
Prison, says John McTiernan, director of Die Hard, Predator and The Hunt for Red October, wasn’t as tough as he expected. “It was a former college campus in the upper midwest, no bars, no barbed wire, nothing. The only thing that was a little weird was that the locals, if they saw you on a crosswalk, would speed up and try to hit you.”
McTiernan served 10 months in Yankton, South Dakota, between April 2013 and February 2014, before being released to house arrest for the rest of his sentence. He was convicted of lying to the FBI as part of the prosecution of private detective Anthony Pellicano for illegal wiretapping; McTiernan was accused of hiring Pellicano...
- 7/11/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- The Guardian - Film News
Wearing a nondescript gray T-shirt with a backstage pass dangling from his neck, Jeff Shell looked more like a snowy-haired roadie than a VIP as he milled about in the wings of the Sahara Tent ahead of Blink-182’s set at Coachella on April 14. The NBCUniversal CEO had spent the day at the festival with his wife, Laura, in anticipation of the band’s first show in nearly a decade. Later, he took a seat alongside a leather-clad Kourtney Kardashian, whose long-running “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” holds a significant presence in the NBCUniversal spread, with all 20 seasons of the reality show having recently moved from Hulu to Peacock. But Shell wasn’t there on business. He enjoys close ties with the band’s bassist and co-lead vocalist, Mark Hoppus, a friendship forged thanks to their kids attending the same school in L.A.
While all appeared normal on the...
While all appeared normal on the...
- 4/26/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
The investigative docuseries "The New York Times Presents" has examined some of the most high-profile stories in news and pop culture since its debut in 2019, ranging from Janet Jackson's Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction to the conservatorship of Britney Spears. The latest installment in the series, "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," dives into the gritty work of "Hollywood Fixer" Anthony Pellicano, a private investigator that worked for some of Hollywood's top lawyers, musicians, comedians, actors, and more from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
Pellicano's unorthodox and often ruthless methods ultimately led to his downfall. In 2006, he was formally out of the business when he was arrested on charges of conspiring to wiretap and blackmail. After a trial that exposed his covert operation, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2008.
Before watching "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," which hit FX and Hulu on March 10, here...
Pellicano's unorthodox and often ruthless methods ultimately led to his downfall. In 2006, he was formally out of the business when he was arrested on charges of conspiring to wiretap and blackmail. After a trial that exposed his covert operation, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2008.
Before watching "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," which hit FX and Hulu on March 10, here...
- 3/10/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
When news emerged in 2021 that Anthony Pellicano, fresh from serving a 15-year prison sentence, had returned to Hollywood and was working again for a major entertainment figure, the New York Times took notice.
Then-Times reporter and New York Times Presents senior producer Rachel Abrams was intrigued by reports that Pellicano had been hired by mega-producer Joel Silver (Die Hard, The Matrix) after his release from prison in 2019. Pellicano, a former go-to private investigator for the stars — his client list included Chris Rock, Michael Jackson, Brad Grey and Michael Ovitz — came under fire in the 2000s, when the Pi was convicted of wiretapping and racketeering, among other crimes, in legal proceedings that exposed the extent of Pellicano’s surveillance apparatus and the Hollywood figures that knowingly or unknowingly benefited from it. Abrams was joined in her interest by Liz Day, then a reporter and New York Times Presents supervising producer who...
Then-Times reporter and New York Times Presents senior producer Rachel Abrams was intrigued by reports that Pellicano had been hired by mega-producer Joel Silver (Die Hard, The Matrix) after his release from prison in 2019. Pellicano, a former go-to private investigator for the stars — his client list included Chris Rock, Michael Jackson, Brad Grey and Michael Ovitz — came under fire in the 2000s, when the Pi was convicted of wiretapping and racketeering, among other crimes, in legal proceedings that exposed the extent of Pellicano’s surveillance apparatus and the Hollywood figures that knowingly or unknowingly benefited from it. Abrams was joined in her interest by Liz Day, then a reporter and New York Times Presents supervising producer who...
- 3/10/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new two-part documentary premieres on FX and Hulu this week, offering a closer look at Hollywood P.I. Anthony Pellicano. “The New York Times Presents: Sin Eater” takes viewers inside Pellicano’s career, highlighting the dirty work he did and demonstrating all of the ways he broke the rules. “Sin Eater” premieres on FX and Hulu simultaneously at 10 p.m. Et on Friday, March 10. The two parts premiere back to back, so you won’t have to wait long to hear the full story. You can watch FX with a subscription to Sling TV. You can also watch with Directv Stream, Hulu Live TV, fuboTV, or YouTube TV.
How to Watch 'The New York Times Presents: Sin Eater' When: Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:00 Pm Est TV: FX Stream: Watch with a subscription to Sling TV. Get 50% Off$40+ / month sling.com About 'The New York Times Presents: Sin Eater'
Pellicano worked with wealthy,...
How to Watch 'The New York Times Presents: Sin Eater' When: Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:00 Pm Est TV: FX Stream: Watch with a subscription to Sling TV. Get 50% Off$40+ / month sling.com About 'The New York Times Presents: Sin Eater'
Pellicano worked with wealthy,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Aubrey Chorpenning
- The Streamable
Throughout dozens of interviews in FX’s Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano, one particular description of the whole saga comes up again and again: “It’s like a movie.” And it really is, with its attention-grabbing combination of big money, celebrity scandal and illegal espionage. A drama, perhaps, about the sordid excesses of showbiz. Or one about determined journalists taking a corrupt system to task. Maybe it’s a spy thriller, or a juicy tell-all, or a character study of a villain, or a tragedy about lingering trauma.
Each version of this tale has its undeniable pull, and Sin Eater takes on notes of them all at various points. But if such a multifaceted approach reflects admirable and ambitious intentions, it also scatters its attention — resulting in a gripping docuseries that nevertheless lands more softly than it should.
Directed by John Pappas, Sin Eater is loosely split into two parts.
Each version of this tale has its undeniable pull, and Sin Eater takes on notes of them all at various points. But if such a multifaceted approach reflects admirable and ambitious intentions, it also scatters its attention — resulting in a gripping docuseries that nevertheless lands more softly than it should.
Directed by John Pappas, Sin Eater is loosely split into two parts.
- 3/9/2023
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The newest trailer for Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano shares a look at never-before-heard evidence recordings used to take down former Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano.
“This film is the first time a lot of these recordings are going to be heard,” reporter Allison Hope Weiner, who covered the notorious Hollywood fixer extensively, said in the trailer released Monday.
Pellicano was arrested in 2002 and 2006, and the trial for his latter charges revealed the industry’s rich and famous, and the lawyers they employed, that used the Pi to dig up dirt on their enemies and one another, often illegally.
Following his 15-year sentence in prison for wiretapping and racketeering, Pellicano was presented with the recordings, confidential documents from the FBI’s case file and victims’ accounts of his illegal behavior. The two-part documentary, presented by The New York Times, reveals the dirty methods and vast lengths the ruthless...
“This film is the first time a lot of these recordings are going to be heard,” reporter Allison Hope Weiner, who covered the notorious Hollywood fixer extensively, said in the trailer released Monday.
Pellicano was arrested in 2002 and 2006, and the trial for his latter charges revealed the industry’s rich and famous, and the lawyers they employed, that used the Pi to dig up dirt on their enemies and one another, often illegally.
Following his 15-year sentence in prison for wiretapping and racketeering, Pellicano was presented with the recordings, confidential documents from the FBI’s case file and victims’ accounts of his illegal behavior. The two-part documentary, presented by The New York Times, reveals the dirty methods and vast lengths the ruthless...
- 3/6/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FX’s most acclaimed rap-themed comedy series, now that “Atlanta” has ended, returns for its third season this spring. Season 3 of “Dave” premieres April 5 on Fxx, the network announced during the Television Critics Association winter press conference January 12.
In addition, FX set the dates for two new “New York Times Presents” specials. “Sin Eater” premieres March 10 simultaneously on FX and Hulu, while “The Legacy of J Dilla” is set for April 7. A new docuseries about Tupac Shakur, “Dear Mama,” premieres on FX April 21.
Created by and starring comedy rapper David Burd, known by his stage name Lil Dicky, “Dave” presents a fictionalized version of Burd as he attempts to make it as a hip-hop star. Season 3 sees him and his entourage of friends — played by GaTa, Andrew Santino, Travis Bennett, and Christine Ko — as they leave Philadelphia for Dave’s first headlining tour. Burd executive produces the series with his co-creator Jeff Schaffer,...
In addition, FX set the dates for two new “New York Times Presents” specials. “Sin Eater” premieres March 10 simultaneously on FX and Hulu, while “The Legacy of J Dilla” is set for April 7. A new docuseries about Tupac Shakur, “Dear Mama,” premieres on FX April 21.
Created by and starring comedy rapper David Burd, known by his stage name Lil Dicky, “Dave” presents a fictionalized version of Burd as he attempts to make it as a hip-hop star. Season 3 sees him and his entourage of friends — played by GaTa, Andrew Santino, Travis Bennett, and Christine Ko — as they leave Philadelphia for Dave’s first headlining tour. Burd executive produces the series with his co-creator Jeff Schaffer,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
FX has set premiere dates for new docuseries “Dear Mama,” “Dave” Season 3 and two documentaries under the “New York Times Presents” banner.
“Dear Mama,” a new docuseries following the legacies of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur, premieres Friday, April 21 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt on FX, while “Dave” returns for its third season Wednesday, April 5 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt on FX.
Under “The New York Times Presents” banner, which produces standalone documentary films in collaboration with the legacy news organization, “The New York Times Presents ‘Sin Eater'” will premiere Friday, March 10 at 10 p.m. Et simultaneously on FX and Hulu while “The New York Times Presents: ‘The Legacy of J Dilla'” will air simultaneously on FX and Hulu Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. Et. The premiere dates join the previously announced sixth and final season of FX’s “Snowfall,” which is slated to hit FX Wednesday, Feb.
“Dear Mama,” a new docuseries following the legacies of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur, premieres Friday, April 21 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt on FX, while “Dave” returns for its third season Wednesday, April 5 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt on FX.
Under “The New York Times Presents” banner, which produces standalone documentary films in collaboration with the legacy news organization, “The New York Times Presents ‘Sin Eater'” will premiere Friday, March 10 at 10 p.m. Et simultaneously on FX and Hulu while “The New York Times Presents: ‘The Legacy of J Dilla'” will air simultaneously on FX and Hulu Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. Et. The premiere dates join the previously announced sixth and final season of FX’s “Snowfall,” which is slated to hit FX Wednesday, Feb.
- 1/12/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
During its presentation at the Winter 2023 Television Critics Association Press Tour, FX announced premiere dates for four of its upcoming projects: “Dave” Season 3, “Dear Mama,” “Sin Eater” and “The Legacy of J Dilla.”
“Dave” returns to FX with two episodes on April 5.
In Season 3, Dave (series co-creator Dave Burd aka Lil Dicky) is headlining his first-ever tour, and looking for love along the way. But as he and the gang crisscross America, they discover firsthand how diverse the cultural landscape of the United States really is – and how often fame puts pressure on love and friendship. The cast also includes GaTa, Andrew Santino, Taylor Misiak, Travis Bennett and Christine Ko.
Burd co-created “Dave” with Jeff Schaffer. Both executive produce along with Luvh Rakhe, Vanessa McGee, Kris Eber, Rob Rosell, Kevin Hart via Hartbeat Productions, Scooter Braun, Marty Bowen, Mike Hertz and Sb Projects’ James Shin and Scott Manson. The series is produced by FX Productions.
“Dave” returns to FX with two episodes on April 5.
In Season 3, Dave (series co-creator Dave Burd aka Lil Dicky) is headlining his first-ever tour, and looking for love along the way. But as he and the gang crisscross America, they discover firsthand how diverse the cultural landscape of the United States really is – and how often fame puts pressure on love and friendship. The cast also includes GaTa, Andrew Santino, Taylor Misiak, Travis Bennett and Christine Ko.
Burd co-created “Dave” with Jeff Schaffer. Both executive produce along with Luvh Rakhe, Vanessa McGee, Kris Eber, Rob Rosell, Kevin Hart via Hartbeat Productions, Scooter Braun, Marty Bowen, Mike Hertz and Sb Projects’ James Shin and Scott Manson. The series is produced by FX Productions.
- 1/12/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood actors, writers and executives gathered at a memorial on Sunday in Santa Monica to remember power attorney Bert Fields with a string of stories about his legal prowess and sometimes unorthodox way of helping clients.
The larger-than-life litigator — with clients that included The Beatles, Warren Beatty, Tom Cruise, Edward G. Robinson and Michael Jackson — knew a lot of the secrets behind Hollywood scandals that happened throughout his six-decade-long career. Not to mention, he was yanked into a federal wiretapping and conspiracy probe into notorious private investigator Anthony Pellicano in the early 2000s.
The video that played to kick off the tribute addressed the controversies head-on — putting up a fake tabloid cover with the word “escandalo.” It also included a 1967 clip of his appearance on “Dragnet” (Jack Webb was a client) and a tribute from Tom Cruise.
“He’s a very unique adventure, someone I knew we could always count on.
The larger-than-life litigator — with clients that included The Beatles, Warren Beatty, Tom Cruise, Edward G. Robinson and Michael Jackson — knew a lot of the secrets behind Hollywood scandals that happened throughout his six-decade-long career. Not to mention, he was yanked into a federal wiretapping and conspiracy probe into notorious private investigator Anthony Pellicano in the early 2000s.
The video that played to kick off the tribute addressed the controversies head-on — putting up a fake tabloid cover with the word “escandalo.” It also included a 1967 clip of his appearance on “Dragnet” (Jack Webb was a client) and a tribute from Tom Cruise.
“He’s a very unique adventure, someone I knew we could always count on.
- 10/2/2022
- by Joe Bel Bruno
- The Wrap
John McTiernan's career was cut short and he hasn't been properly celebrated. Starting with his 1987 classic "Predator" the hits just kept coming with "Die Hard," "The Hunt For Red October," and "The Thomas Crown Affair." McTiernan's signature is big, brawny, macho action movies with a human touch. His heroes, like the wise-cracking John McClane, are tough but relatable. Heck, he even made an oiled-up Arnold Schwarzenegger seem vulnerable. McTiernan's Hollywood adventure ended prematurely in 2013 when he went to prison for lying to the FBI. He was caught up in a dragnet involving crooked Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano and served almost a year in the slammer.
The Pellicano case was supposed to be an epic Hollywood scandal. Vanity Fair predicted it would "bring down some of the town's top names." In the end, McTiernan was the only notable collar. He'd first hired the Pi in 1998 while going through a divorce.
The Pellicano case was supposed to be an epic Hollywood scandal. Vanity Fair predicted it would "bring down some of the town's top names." In the end, McTiernan was the only notable collar. He'd first hired the Pi in 1998 while going through a divorce.
- 8/26/2022
- by Gino Orlandini
- Slash Film
Anthony Pellicano, the former private eye to the stars, is working for the billionaire owner of the Edmonton Oilers as he seeks to fight off a sexual misconduct lawsuit.
Pellicano confirmed to Variety that he has been retained by Daryl Katz, who made his fortune in Canadian pharmacies before venturing into sports and entertainment, to help combat allegations that Katz engaged in sex with a teenage dancer.
Those allegations have already been dismissed in court, but Pellicano was hired to help get them dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning they could not be revived later on.
Pellicano spent 16 years in federal prison for wiretapping, racketeering, fraud and conspiracy. He is no longer licensed to work as a private investigator. Since his release in 2019, he has advertised his services in “crisis management,” “trouble resolution” and “due diligence.”
“My client is Daryl Katz,” Pellicano told Variety on Wednesday. “People like to call me a fixer.
Pellicano confirmed to Variety that he has been retained by Daryl Katz, who made his fortune in Canadian pharmacies before venturing into sports and entertainment, to help combat allegations that Katz engaged in sex with a teenage dancer.
Those allegations have already been dismissed in court, but Pellicano was hired to help get them dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning they could not be revived later on.
Pellicano spent 16 years in federal prison for wiretapping, racketeering, fraud and conspiracy. He is no longer licensed to work as a private investigator. Since his release in 2019, he has advertised his services in “crisis management,” “trouble resolution” and “due diligence.”
“My client is Daryl Katz,” Pellicano told Variety on Wednesday. “People like to call me a fixer.
- 8/25/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
In July 2012, I showed up at the office of legendary Hollywood litigator Bert Fields along with Variety freelancer Bob Verini. We were doing a Q&a with the legendary Hollywood lawyer, a partner at Greenberg Glusker, in one of those nondescript Century City steel-and-glass skyscrapers. But once ushered into Fields’ inner sanctum, we stepped into a bespoke space of dim lighting, hushed tones, wood paneling and tomes of case law lining the walls.
“Hold all my calls,” Fields told his assistant, “unless it’s Tom Cruise.”
By then, Fields had long held a top position in the pantheon of entertainment attorneys. In addition to Cruise, clients included Michael Jackson, Warren Beatty, James Cameron, Madonna, the Beatles – not to mention Spielberg, Lucas, Ovitz and Katzenberg.
On the darker side of the business, Fields became embroiled in some of the shenanigans of shadowy showbiz detective Anthony Pellicano, whose services he often retained.
“Hold all my calls,” Fields told his assistant, “unless it’s Tom Cruise.”
By then, Fields had long held a top position in the pantheon of entertainment attorneys. In addition to Cruise, clients included Michael Jackson, Warren Beatty, James Cameron, Madonna, the Beatles – not to mention Spielberg, Lucas, Ovitz and Katzenberg.
On the darker side of the business, Fields became embroiled in some of the shenanigans of shadowy showbiz detective Anthony Pellicano, whose services he often retained.
- 8/9/2022
- by Peter Caranicas
- Variety Film + TV
Bertram “Bert” Fields, the larger-than-life entertainment lawyer whose roster of star clients and studios spoke to a penchant for doling out legal threats with a rhetorical flourish, along with a capacity for winning lucrative settlements, has died at his Malibu home, his rep confirmed to Variety. He was 93.
Fields thrived on the notion that he never lost a trial, and even if the Perry Mason-like reputation wasn’t exactly true, he was a relentless litigator who defined some of the industry’s most heralded cases of the 1980s and ’90s, with clients that included Warren Beatty, Tom Cruise, the Beatles, Edward G. Robinson, Michael Jackson, Rupert Murdoch and, at one time or another, just about all of the major studios.
Cruise said in a statement, “Bert Fields was a gentleman; an extraordinary human being. He had a powerful intellect, a keen wit, and charm that made one enjoy every minute of his company.
Fields thrived on the notion that he never lost a trial, and even if the Perry Mason-like reputation wasn’t exactly true, he was a relentless litigator who defined some of the industry’s most heralded cases of the 1980s and ’90s, with clients that included Warren Beatty, Tom Cruise, the Beatles, Edward G. Robinson, Michael Jackson, Rupert Murdoch and, at one time or another, just about all of the major studios.
Cruise said in a statement, “Bert Fields was a gentleman; an extraordinary human being. He had a powerful intellect, a keen wit, and charm that made one enjoy every minute of his company.
- 8/8/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Variety Film + TV
Bert Fields, the relentlessly loyal powerhouse entertainment lawyer who repped clients including Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Tom Cruise, George Lucas, the Beatles, Michael Jackson and many others in myriad headline-making cases in Hollywood, has died. He was 93.
His rep told Deadline that Fields died Sunday at his home in Malibu with his longtime wife Barbara Guggenheim by his side.
A partner at Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger Llp, Fields tried many of the landmark cases in the entertainment and communications industries during the past several decades. He represented most major Hollywood studios and talent agencies during his singular career and such other bold-faced names as Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen, James Cameron, Warren Beatty, Dustin Hoffman, Mike Nichols, Jerry Bruckheimer, Joel Silver, Madonna and writers Mario Puzo, James Clavell, Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler.
Bert Fields Q&a: Disney Ban, George Lucas, James Cameron, Harvey Weinstein, Napoleon & The Next Big Thing
Harvey Weinstein,...
His rep told Deadline that Fields died Sunday at his home in Malibu with his longtime wife Barbara Guggenheim by his side.
A partner at Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger Llp, Fields tried many of the landmark cases in the entertainment and communications industries during the past several decades. He represented most major Hollywood studios and talent agencies during his singular career and such other bold-faced names as Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen, James Cameron, Warren Beatty, Dustin Hoffman, Mike Nichols, Jerry Bruckheimer, Joel Silver, Madonna and writers Mario Puzo, James Clavell, Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler.
Bert Fields Q&a: Disney Ban, George Lucas, James Cameron, Harvey Weinstein, Napoleon & The Next Big Thing
Harvey Weinstein,...
- 8/8/2022
- by Erik Pedersen and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Bert Fields, the renowned entertainment litigator whose clients included Edward G. Robinson, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Tom Cruise, Warren Beatty, The Beatles and a host of other luminaries, studios and talent agencies, has died. He was 93.
Fields died peacefully late Sunday night at his Malibu home, a spokesperson for his law firm, Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger Llp., announced.
“For forty years, we were graced with Bert’s brilliance, decency and charm,” said Bob Baradaran, managing partner of Greenberg Glusker. “Bert was a beloved colleague, friend and mentor who trained a generation of outstanding lawyers. We were blessed to know and work with such a truly remarkable lawyer and human being.”
A longtime partner at Greenberg Glusker and mainstay on THR‘s annual Power Lawyer list, Fields during his six-decade career also represented the likes of David Geffen, James Cameron, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Jackson, Mike Nichols,...
Bert Fields, the renowned entertainment litigator whose clients included Edward G. Robinson, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Tom Cruise, Warren Beatty, The Beatles and a host of other luminaries, studios and talent agencies, has died. He was 93.
Fields died peacefully late Sunday night at his Malibu home, a spokesperson for his law firm, Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger Llp., announced.
“For forty years, we were graced with Bert’s brilliance, decency and charm,” said Bob Baradaran, managing partner of Greenberg Glusker. “Bert was a beloved colleague, friend and mentor who trained a generation of outstanding lawyers. We were blessed to know and work with such a truly remarkable lawyer and human being.”
A longtime partner at Greenberg Glusker and mainstay on THR‘s annual Power Lawyer list, Fields during his six-decade career also represented the likes of David Geffen, James Cameron, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Jackson, Mike Nichols,...
- 8/8/2022
- by Jonathan Handel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive updated with NBCU response and clarification: More than a year after Ron Meyer suddenly was shown the door at NBCUniversal over an affair, a payout by him and alleged extortion attempt against him, the former vice chairman of the Comcast-owned company has received a payout of his own.
In a deal negotiated by Hollywood heavyweight attorney Patricia Glaser, Meyer has landed a settlement in the realm of $20 million, we hear. Months in the making, the confidential agreement came together in late September, with all the parties signing off on the specifics. In a larger sense, there were millions more paid to Meyer over the past year such as his final salary, pension and some stock.
Contacted by Deadline this morning, the Glaser Weil litigator said, “We are prohibited from commenting because of a confidentiality clause.” NBCUniversal declined to comment on the matter or the settlement.
Of course, as...
In a deal negotiated by Hollywood heavyweight attorney Patricia Glaser, Meyer has landed a settlement in the realm of $20 million, we hear. Months in the making, the confidential agreement came together in late September, with all the parties signing off on the specifics. In a larger sense, there were millions more paid to Meyer over the past year such as his final salary, pension and some stock.
Contacted by Deadline this morning, the Glaser Weil litigator said, “We are prohibited from commenting because of a confidentiality clause.” NBCUniversal declined to comment on the matter or the settlement.
Of course, as...
- 10/6/2021
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Ovitz’s insurance company says it’s not obligated to pay a larger share of his nearly $13 million settlement with journalist Anita Busch — in a suit that alleged he hired infamous fixer Anthony Pellicano to intimidate her following a series of critical articles — because her claims against him didn’t arise from an accident.
Ovitz has admitted he hired Pellicano to investigate Busch but denies directing the harassment, and agreed to a settlement in 2018 just days before trial was set to begin. Busch had alleged that Ovitz paid Pellicano to intimidate her in 2002 and 2003, which ...
Ovitz has admitted he hired Pellicano to investigate Busch but denies directing the harassment, and agreed to a settlement in 2018 just days before trial was set to begin. Busch had alleged that Ovitz paid Pellicano to intimidate her in 2002 and 2003, which ...
- 8/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Ovitz’s insurance company says it’s not obligated to pay a larger share of his nearly $13 million settlement with journalist Anita Busch — in a suit that alleged he hired infamous fixer Anthony Pellicano to intimidate her following a series of critical articles — because her claims against him didn’t arise from an accident.
Ovitz has admitted he hired Pellicano to investigate Busch but denies directing the harassment, and agreed to a settlement in 2018 just days before trial was set to begin. Busch had alleged that Ovitz paid Pellicano to intimidate her in 2002 and 2003, which ...
Ovitz has admitted he hired Pellicano to investigate Busch but denies directing the harassment, and agreed to a settlement in 2018 just days before trial was set to begin. Busch had alleged that Ovitz paid Pellicano to intimidate her in 2002 and 2003, which ...
- 8/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: My Entertainment’s recently launched One Foot Forward division, formed to develop and produce premium, non-scripted content targeting the leading streaming services, has unveiled an impressive list of initial content deals and IP. Partners include Michael Sugar’s Sugar23, Mark Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas, Laurent Bouzereau, original Saturday Night Live writer Alan Zweibel, Jeremiah Crowell, Paul Pawlowski Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Dave Check, and Scout Productions. The division is overseen...
- 4/27/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In April 2019, Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and Ron Meyer, then vice chairman of NBCUniversal, made their way to Canadian billionaire Daryl Katz’s compound at the Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, about 15 miles east of Palm Springs.
The two top Hollywood players were on a mission to help their friend, high-rolling producer Joel Silver, whose deal with his latest financial backer had, unsurprisingly, fallen into acrimony. The shaggy-haired Katz — who had built a drugstore chain into an empire that includes the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers as well as the arena in which they play — was ...
The two top Hollywood players were on a mission to help their friend, high-rolling producer Joel Silver, whose deal with his latest financial backer had, unsurprisingly, fallen into acrimony. The shaggy-haired Katz — who had built a drugstore chain into an empire that includes the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers as well as the arena in which they play — was ...
- 3/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Producer Joel Silver has officially settled his long-running dispute with Canadian billionaire Daryl Katz, six years after the two went into business together.
Silver exited his namesake company, Silver Pictures, in 2019, but the two sides continued to wage a legal battle in arbitration. Katz accused Silver of failing to meet his projections due to his voluminous debts, and Silver accused Katz of reneging on their deal and of making “extortionate threats.”
Lately, Silver hired former private eye Anthony Pellicano to help reach a resolution. According to a statement obtained by Variety, the dispute is now settled. Under the terms, Silver Pictures — owned by Katz — will get the rights to all existing projects and development deals.
Silver will pursue his own projects separate from the company.
“Today’s announcement follows the signing of a binding settlement agreement resolving their disputes,” the parties said in a joint statement. “All existing projects and...
Silver exited his namesake company, Silver Pictures, in 2019, but the two sides continued to wage a legal battle in arbitration. Katz accused Silver of failing to meet his projections due to his voluminous debts, and Silver accused Katz of reneging on their deal and of making “extortionate threats.”
Lately, Silver hired former private eye Anthony Pellicano to help reach a resolution. According to a statement obtained by Variety, the dispute is now settled. Under the terms, Silver Pictures — owned by Katz — will get the rights to all existing projects and development deals.
Silver will pursue his own projects separate from the company.
“Today’s announcement follows the signing of a binding settlement agreement resolving their disputes,” the parties said in a joint statement. “All existing projects and...
- 2/3/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Joel Silver paid $1.7 million to the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas to cover Ron Meyer’s gambling debt in July 2014, multiple sources confirmed to Variety.
At the time, Meyer was the vice chairman of NBCUniversal and Silver — his close friend — had a distribution deal with the studio. A few months earlier, Silver had received a $4 million advance from NBCUniversal on his cut of the proceeds from “Non-Stop,” an action film starring Liam Neeson.
The casino transaction has come to the attention of NBCUniversal within the last two weeks, prompting the studio to ask attorney Daniel Petrocelli to look into it, according to a source who spoke to Petrocelli about the matter.
The payment from Silver was specifically designated to pay off Meyer’s marker at the casino, according to a source who viewed an email confirming the transaction.
Anthony Pellicano, the former private investigator who has been working for Silver as a negotiator,...
At the time, Meyer was the vice chairman of NBCUniversal and Silver — his close friend — had a distribution deal with the studio. A few months earlier, Silver had received a $4 million advance from NBCUniversal on his cut of the proceeds from “Non-Stop,” an action film starring Liam Neeson.
The casino transaction has come to the attention of NBCUniversal within the last two weeks, prompting the studio to ask attorney Daniel Petrocelli to look into it, according to a source who spoke to Petrocelli about the matter.
The payment from Silver was specifically designated to pay off Meyer’s marker at the casino, according to a source who viewed an email confirming the transaction.
Anthony Pellicano, the former private investigator who has been working for Silver as a negotiator,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
In 2019, Ari Emanuel tried to play peacemaker between producer Joel Silver and Silver’s financial backer, Daryl Katz.
It did not work, and now Emanuel finds himself dragged into the bitter feud between the ex-partners.
Silver, producer of “The Matrix” and “Lethal Weapon,” went into business with Katz, the pharmaceutical billionaire who owns the Edmonton Oilers, in 2015. But the relationship soured, and by 2019 Katz was accusing Silver of failing to meet his financial projections in part due to Silver’s colossal debts.
Silver has accused Katz of reneging on their agreement, and of making “extortionate threats” and threatening to slash Silver’s salary from $7 million a year to $1 million.
Enter Ari Emanuel, the consummate Hollywood dealmaker. In March 2019, Emanuel held a meeting in his office with Silver and with Katz’s lawyers in an effort to hash things out. He floated the idea of bringing in fresh financing — from Genesis...
It did not work, and now Emanuel finds himself dragged into the bitter feud between the ex-partners.
Silver, producer of “The Matrix” and “Lethal Weapon,” went into business with Katz, the pharmaceutical billionaire who owns the Edmonton Oilers, in 2015. But the relationship soured, and by 2019 Katz was accusing Silver of failing to meet his financial projections in part due to Silver’s colossal debts.
Silver has accused Katz of reneging on their agreement, and of making “extortionate threats” and threatening to slash Silver’s salary from $7 million a year to $1 million.
Enter Ari Emanuel, the consummate Hollywood dealmaker. In March 2019, Emanuel held a meeting in his office with Silver and with Katz’s lawyers in an effort to hash things out. He floated the idea of bringing in fresh financing — from Genesis...
- 1/26/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony Pellicano, the former private eye who spent 16 years in federal prison, is back in business as a Hollywood fixer.
Pellicano confirmed to Variety that he is working for Joel Silver, the “Die Hard” and “Lethal Weapon” producer who exited his company in 2019. Silver has since been engaged in an arbitration case with Daryl Katz, his former financier, and Pellicano said he has been hired to help resolve it.
Pellicano is on supervised release for one more year, and is barred from working as a private investigator, as his state license has been revoked. But Pellicano has set up a website for a company called Pellicano Negotiations, which advertises his services in crisis communications as, “trouble resolution” and “due diligence.”
In an interview, Pellicano said he is not working as a private investigator.
“I have no interest in that at all,” he said. “If I was back in the P.
Pellicano confirmed to Variety that he is working for Joel Silver, the “Die Hard” and “Lethal Weapon” producer who exited his company in 2019. Silver has since been engaged in an arbitration case with Daryl Katz, his former financier, and Pellicano said he has been hired to help resolve it.
Pellicano is on supervised release for one more year, and is barred from working as a private investigator, as his state license has been revoked. But Pellicano has set up a website for a company called Pellicano Negotiations, which advertises his services in crisis communications as, “trouble resolution” and “due diligence.”
In an interview, Pellicano said he is not working as a private investigator.
“I have no interest in that at all,” he said. “If I was back in the P.
- 1/23/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Ron Meyer’s departure from Universal amid rumors of scandal has stirred a strong emotional response in Hollywood, perhaps more than any other executive exit within memory. Few had a wider circle of friendships than the 75-year-old ex-agent, some entailing deep trust and loyalty among the top stars and power players.
“Ronnie loves people. He loves women. Those two qualities have made him extinct,” said one senior colleague at his company who does not want to be quoted.
Having survived at least seven ownership regimes at Universal, Meyer was widely respected for his diplomacy and caution. His alleged former involvement with actress Charlotte Kirk runs counter to that reputation, since Kirk also had a relationship with Kevin Tsujihara, resulting in the end of his executive career as chairman and CEO of Warner Bros.
During his CAA career Meyer was the “fixer,” the agent who comforted clients who were offended by the aggressions of Michael Ovitz.
“Ronnie loves people. He loves women. Those two qualities have made him extinct,” said one senior colleague at his company who does not want to be quoted.
Having survived at least seven ownership regimes at Universal, Meyer was widely respected for his diplomacy and caution. His alleged former involvement with actress Charlotte Kirk runs counter to that reputation, since Kirk also had a relationship with Kevin Tsujihara, resulting in the end of his executive career as chairman and CEO of Warner Bros.
During his CAA career Meyer was the “fixer,” the agent who comforted clients who were offended by the aggressions of Michael Ovitz.
- 8/18/2020
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Notorious Hollywood fixer and private investigator Anthony Pellicano was released from prison on Friday — his 75th birthday — after serving 15 years at Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution in San Pedro, California.
Pellicano had an A-list clientele of Hollywood stars and executives that included Michael Jackson, CAA co-founder Michael Ovitz and Tom Cruise. Pellicano spent more than a decade in prison after being convicted of 78 crimes, including wiretapping, racketeering and wire fraud.
In 2017, a judge upheld Pellicano’s 15-year prison sentence, calling it “reasonable and sufficient” despite a technical error in the 2008 trial which resulted in two of Pellicano’s charges being vacated by an appeals court in 2015.
Also Read: Former La Times Reporter Anita Busch's Suit Against Hollywood Pi Gets June Trial Date
Pellicano faces three years of supervision.
In December 2008, a federal judge sentenced Pellicano to 15 years in prison and ordered him and two other defendants to forfeit a total of $2 million.
Pellicano had an A-list clientele of Hollywood stars and executives that included Michael Jackson, CAA co-founder Michael Ovitz and Tom Cruise. Pellicano spent more than a decade in prison after being convicted of 78 crimes, including wiretapping, racketeering and wire fraud.
In 2017, a judge upheld Pellicano’s 15-year prison sentence, calling it “reasonable and sufficient” despite a technical error in the 2008 trial which resulted in two of Pellicano’s charges being vacated by an appeals court in 2015.
Also Read: Former La Times Reporter Anita Busch's Suit Against Hollywood Pi Gets June Trial Date
Pellicano faces three years of supervision.
In December 2008, a federal judge sentenced Pellicano to 15 years in prison and ordered him and two other defendants to forfeit a total of $2 million.
- 3/22/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: When Anthony Pellicano walks out of a California prison tomorrow, the once notorious Hollywood P.I. will be welcomed by some of the biggest names in Hollywood with dual gifts of deep appreciation and cold hard cash.
Ending a 15-year sentence behind bars on his 75th birthday, the soon-to-be former inmate of Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution is the recipient of a flush fund set up by Tinseltown power players, I’ve learned.
Intended to help Pellicano get solidly back on his feet as he steps back into freedom, the fund is in the six-figure category, one insider confirmed. The fund has seen donations from top executives and former clients of the fixer.
While more than some would think appropriate and less than others feel Pellicano deserves, the rich and famous are writing fat checks in no small part because the former sleuth kept his mouth shut to the...
Ending a 15-year sentence behind bars on his 75th birthday, the soon-to-be former inmate of Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution is the recipient of a flush fund set up by Tinseltown power players, I’ve learned.
Intended to help Pellicano get solidly back on his feet as he steps back into freedom, the fund is in the six-figure category, one insider confirmed. The fund has seen donations from top executives and former clients of the fixer.
While more than some would think appropriate and less than others feel Pellicano deserves, the rich and famous are writing fat checks in no small part because the former sleuth kept his mouth shut to the...
- 3/22/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Anita Busch has been waiting more than a decade to resolve civil claims against investigator Anthony Pellicano and former super-agent Michael Ovitz — and now a judge has ruled that she'll have to take them to trial separately.
The journalist sued in 2004, and added Ovitz as a defendant two years later, claiming he was involved in the harassment campaign meant to deter her from her reporting. In 2002 — when a dead fish appeared on Busch's broken windshield alongside a note that read "Stop" — she had finished a series of stories about Ovitz's career after his...
The journalist sued in 2004, and added Ovitz as a defendant two years later, claiming he was involved in the harassment campaign meant to deter her from her reporting. In 2002 — when a dead fish appeared on Busch's broken windshield alongside a note that read "Stop" — she had finished a series of stories about Ovitz's career after his...
- 11/8/2017
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Ovitz, the former Hollywood super-agent, is finally showcasing what his defense will be when he stands trial in February for hiring Anthony Pellicano to allegedly surveil and threaten entertainment journalist Anita Busch.
In court documents filed earlier this month, Ovitz argues that he should be able to pin blame on actor Steven Seagal for what happened in 2002, when Busch found a dead fish with a rose in its mouth on the broken windshield of her car, with a card that said, "Stop."
Busch's lawsuit is the last of many civil actions over the activities of private eye Anthony Pellicano, who is...
In court documents filed earlier this month, Ovitz argues that he should be able to pin blame on actor Steven Seagal for what happened in 2002, when Busch found a dead fish with a rose in its mouth on the broken windshield of her car, with a card that said, "Stop."
Busch's lawsuit is the last of many civil actions over the activities of private eye Anthony Pellicano, who is...
- 10/30/2017
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A judge upheld the 15-year prison sentence for former Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano on Monday. According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer ruled that the sentence was “reasonable and sufficient” despite a technical error in the 2008 trial which resulted in two of Pellicano’s charges being vacated by an appeals court in 2015. Pellicano, who was charged with illegal wiretapping and running a criminal enterprise, is expected to be released in March 2019 and faces three years of supervision following his release. Also Read: Former La Times Reporter Anita Busch's Suit Against Hollywood Pi Gets June Trial Date In.
- 8/1/2017
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
"I have no intention of appealing anything," Anthony Pellicano told a federal judge today as the disgraced former Hollywood private investigator was re-sentenced. In a short hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Dale Fisher on Monday morning, Pellicano joined in via videoconference to learn he will remain in the big house until March 2019. As prosecutors had requested, Pellicano was re-sentenced to 180 months for violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act with three…...
- 7/31/2017
- Deadline
Anthony Pellicano, the notorious private eye who once spied on behalf of powerful clients such as Michael Ovitz and Kirk Kerkorian as well as celebrities including Tom Cruise and Chris Rock, is scheduled to appear before a California federal judge next Monday.
In 2008, Pellicano was convicted of 78 felony offenses including racketeering, wiretapping and illegal weapons possession. He was sentenced to a 15-year prison term. Widely expected to remain in jail until at least 2019, Pellicano got the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2015 to vacate his sentence with the overturning of a conviction for violation of the...
In 2008, Pellicano was convicted of 78 felony offenses including racketeering, wiretapping and illegal weapons possession. He was sentenced to a 15-year prison term. Widely expected to remain in jail until at least 2019, Pellicano got the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2015 to vacate his sentence with the overturning of a conviction for violation of the...
- 7/24/2017
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran film journalist Anita Busch’s civil lawsuit against former Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano has landed a June 5 court date, TheWrap has learned. Barring a settlement, the trial would begin nearly 15 years after the journalist, then writing for the Los Angeles Times, reported finding a dead fish with a rose in its mouth and a note reading, “Stop” on her car’s windshield after she wrote articles about one of Pellicano’s clients, industry power player Michael Ovitz. The threat and the federal investigation that flowed from it riveted Hollywood and the rest of the country for the better part of.
- 3/6/2017
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Matthew Byrd Jan 18, 2017
Die Hard director John McTiernan was the man behind a videogame promo released earlier this year...
Director John McTiernan may have three excellent action films on his resume (Die Hard, Predator, and The Hunt For Red October), but that resume only consists of 11 feature length movies. In fact, the last film we received from the legendary director was 2003's Basic. Since then, McTiernan's career has gone as silent as the Red October (partly due to his incarceration, which he continues to protest).
As such, you would think that the first John McTiernan directed live-action piece in 14 years would be a cause for uproarious celebration that would have genre fans lining up around the block. Instead, that release took the form of a Ghost Recon: Wildlands trailer quietly uploaded online earlier this year.
Yes, it turns out that the incredible live-action short intended to promote Ubisoft's next entry...
Die Hard director John McTiernan was the man behind a videogame promo released earlier this year...
Director John McTiernan may have three excellent action films on his resume (Die Hard, Predator, and The Hunt For Red October), but that resume only consists of 11 feature length movies. In fact, the last film we received from the legendary director was 2003's Basic. Since then, McTiernan's career has gone as silent as the Red October (partly due to his incarceration, which he continues to protest).
As such, you would think that the first John McTiernan directed live-action piece in 14 years would be a cause for uproarious celebration that would have genre fans lining up around the block. Instead, that release took the form of a Ghost Recon: Wildlands trailer quietly uploaded online earlier this year.
Yes, it turns out that the incredible live-action short intended to promote Ubisoft's next entry...
- 1/17/2017
- Den of Geek
Anthony Pellicano, the former “detective to the stars” who was convicted on racketeering charges in 2008, had his sentence partially vacated by an appeals court on Tuesday. Pellicano had been sentenced to 180 months for two racketeering counts, which included charges of computer fraud and identity theft and operating a criminal enterprise aimed at wiretapping rich and famous victims. Court papers filed in federal court in California on Tuesday, indicated that a panel had vacated Pellicano’s convictions for aiding and abetting both computer fraud and unauthorized computer access, after determining that the jury instructions defining computer fraud and unauthorized computer access.
- 8/25/2015
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
A decade after private eye Anthony Pellicano captured the attention of the public after it was revealed he spied for powerful clients like Michael Ovitz and Kirk Kerkorian as well as celebrities like Tom Cruise and Chris Rock, he could be tasting freedom much sooner than expected. After being convicted in 2008 of an assortment of charges, Pellicano sits in a Texas prison cell at the moment. He was scheduled to serve prison time until 2019 and be released at the age of 75. On Tuesday, however, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated his prison sentence. The federal appeals
read more...
read more...
- 8/25/2015
- by Austin Siegemund-Broka, Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Pictures chief Brad Grey remains free of legal responsibility for the wiretapping of Scary Movie executive producer Bo Zenga. On Wednesday, a California appeals court affirmed the trial judge’s ruling that Zenga waited too long to file his lawsuit. The dispute traces back to separate litigation in 2000 between Zenga and Grey over an alleged breach of a producer partnership agreement on Scary Movie, a huge box-office hit. During the course of Zenga’s earlier lawsuit, Grey and his attorneys at Greenberg Glusker hired infamous private eye Anthony Pellicano to dig into Zenga. Only later did Pellicano’s wiretapping of
read more...
read more...
- 9/25/2014
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stick around a Wyoming bankruptcy court long enough and you'll never know what you'll hear -- John Travolta signing up for a forthcoming Top Gun-type film, a lack of universal love for the acting chops of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and most especially, what in the world Die Hard director John McTiernan has been up to lately. Once the film world's top gun himself for such blockbusters as The Hunt for Red October and Predator, McTiernan spent 10 months in a South Dakota prison cell after pleading guilty to lying to law enforcement officers investigating him for hiring private eye Anthony Pellicano
read more...
read more...
- 8/28/2014
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anthony Pellicano made a rare appearance in court via teleconference Wednesday to discuss Anita Busch's case against him and other defendants. The former Hollywood private investigator spoke from prison with Busch's lawyer, Evan Marshall, and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle about whether he would give a deposition in Busch's lawsuit. The case stems from an infamous June 2002 incident in which Busch, an entertainment journalist, found a dead fish with a rose in its mouth and a note that read "Stop" on her car windshield. It was revealed that Pellicano ordered the intimidation attempt, but who bears responsibility
read more...
read more...
- 7/18/2014
- by Austin Siegemund-Broka
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nicholas Cage is attached to John McTiernan’s first post-prison film, Red Squad. The legendary action director (Die Hard, Predator, Last Action Hero, Die Hard…) spent 12-months last year in prison after getting mixed up in a shady wiretapping affair with racketeering Pi Anthony Pellicano. Released in February, McTiernan has been busy prepping his comeback. Needless to say, it’s not a prison movie… Lining up a sequel to his 1999 heist flick, The Thomas Crown Affair (something about Alexander The Great’s missing lions turning up at...
.
.
- 5/29/2014
- by Paul Bradshaw
- TotalFilm
After serving 12 months in prison due to his involvement in the Anthony Pellicano wiretapping scandal – in which he lied to an FBI agent about his history with Pellicano - Die Hard helmer John McTiernan is finally ready to jump back into filmmaking. Though the bankrupt director is still struggling to recover from the prison stint, word is that his DEA thriller Red Squad is gearing up to shoot soon, with Nicolas Cage attached to star.
Apparently, McTiernan is under the gun to get moving on Red Squad and other projects, so that he can fight foreclosure on his ranch by proving in an evidentiary hearing on July 8th that he’ll soon be able to pay off bank loans with money from directing. In the film, Cage will play “a former DEA agent with a rogue streak.” The story focuses on the agent and his select team of mercenaries, who...
Apparently, McTiernan is under the gun to get moving on Red Squad and other projects, so that he can fight foreclosure on his ranch by proving in an evidentiary hearing on July 8th that he’ll soon be able to pay off bank loans with money from directing. In the film, Cage will play “a former DEA agent with a rogue streak.” The story focuses on the agent and his select team of mercenaries, who...
- 5/28/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.