Seit mehr als 75 Jahren vergibt die Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation den Pioneer Award. Als erst zweite Frau nach Elizabeth Banks wird in diesem Jahr „Barbie“-Regisseurin Greta Gerwig damit geehrt.
Greta Herwig wird im September von der Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation mit dem Pioneer Award geehrt (Credit: Imago / Bestimage)
Bei ihrem jährlichen Dinner ehrt die Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation „Barbie“-Regisseurin Greta Gerwig mit dem Pioneer Award. Gerwig wird die Auszeichnung, die die Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation seit mehr als 75 Jahren an Mitglieder der Filmbranche verleiht, die sich durch außergewöhnliche Führungsqualitäten, Verdienste um die Gemeinschaft und philanthropisches Engagement auszeichnen, beim jährlichen Dinner der Organisation am 25. September entgegennehmen. Gerwig ist erst die zweite Frau nach Elizabeth Banks, die den Pioneer Award erhält.
„Greta Gerwig ist eine dynamische Filmemacherin mit einer außergewöhnlichen Vision, die das Publikum überall unterhält und inspiriert“, erklärt Jeff Goldstein, President...
Greta Herwig wird im September von der Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation mit dem Pioneer Award geehrt (Credit: Imago / Bestimage)
Bei ihrem jährlichen Dinner ehrt die Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation „Barbie“-Regisseurin Greta Gerwig mit dem Pioneer Award. Gerwig wird die Auszeichnung, die die Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation seit mehr als 75 Jahren an Mitglieder der Filmbranche verleiht, die sich durch außergewöhnliche Führungsqualitäten, Verdienste um die Gemeinschaft und philanthropisches Engagement auszeichnen, beim jährlichen Dinner der Organisation am 25. September entgegennehmen. Gerwig ist erst die zweite Frau nach Elizabeth Banks, die den Pioneer Award erhält.
„Greta Gerwig ist eine dynamische Filmemacherin mit einer außergewöhnlichen Vision, die das Publikum überall unterhält und inspiriert“, erklärt Jeff Goldstein, President...
- 7/16/2024
- by Jochen Müller
- Spot - Media & Film
Greta Gerwig has been tapped to receive this year’s Pioneer of the Year Award. She’s only the second female director to receive the prestigious honor after Elizabeth Banks.
She’ll be feted at the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s annual dinner on Sept. 25 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
All three of the films Gerwig has written and directed solo — Barbie, Lady Bird and Little Women — landed Oscar nominations for best picture, while Gerwig herself received Oscar nominations for best director and best original screenplay for Lady Bird, best adapted screenplay for Little Women and best adapted screenplay for Barbie.
Last year, Barbie, which Gerwig co-wrote with Noah Baumbach for Warner Bros., became the first film from a solo female director to gross more than $1 billion at the global box office.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year award recognizes members...
She’ll be feted at the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s annual dinner on Sept. 25 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
All three of the films Gerwig has written and directed solo — Barbie, Lady Bird and Little Women — landed Oscar nominations for best picture, while Gerwig herself received Oscar nominations for best director and best original screenplay for Lady Bird, best adapted screenplay for Little Women and best adapted screenplay for Barbie.
Last year, Barbie, which Gerwig co-wrote with Noah Baumbach for Warner Bros., became the first film from a solo female director to gross more than $1 billion at the global box office.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year award recognizes members...
- 7/16/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Barbie filmmaker is 2024’s Pioneer of the Year recipient. Greta Gerwig will be bestowed with the 75th honor at the September 25th ceremony at the Beverly Hilton by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (Wrmppf).
The Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose leadership, service to the community, and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds raised at the event benefit Wrmppf’s Pioneers Assistance Fund which provides financial assistance and supportive counseling to individuals in the motion picture distribution and exhibition community in times of need.
“Greta Gerwig is a dynamic filmmaker with extraordinary vision who entertains and inspires audiences everywhere,” said Jeff Goldstein, President of Warner Bros. Domestic Distribution and Co-Chairman, Pioneer of the Year Dinner.
“The Will Rogers Pioneers Assistance Fund is proud to celebrate Greta’s achievements and present her with the 2024 Pioneer of the Year Award,...
The Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose leadership, service to the community, and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds raised at the event benefit Wrmppf’s Pioneers Assistance Fund which provides financial assistance and supportive counseling to individuals in the motion picture distribution and exhibition community in times of need.
“Greta Gerwig is a dynamic filmmaker with extraordinary vision who entertains and inspires audiences everywhere,” said Jeff Goldstein, President of Warner Bros. Domestic Distribution and Co-Chairman, Pioneer of the Year Dinner.
“The Will Rogers Pioneers Assistance Fund is proud to celebrate Greta’s achievements and present her with the 2024 Pioneer of the Year Award,...
- 7/15/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Everyone remembers the "Star Wars" Special Editions, which came out almost 30 years ago. In 1995 and 1996, Lucasfilm marketed the Thx video release of the original "Star Wars" trilogy as, "The Original, one last time." That was because George Lucas had begun work on finishing "Star Wars" the way he saw fit, with the remastered and altered "Special Edition."
The Special Edition releases of "Star Wars" were a huge box office success and brought the saga back into the minds of an eager public in 1997, a full two years before it would take over the world once more with "The Phantom Menace." But according to Lucasfilm producer Rick McCallum, George Lucas wasn't initially interested in re-releasing the "Star Wars" films in theaters for its 20th anniversary.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
A Truck Full Of Letters
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm, I was able...
The Special Edition releases of "Star Wars" were a huge box office success and brought the saga back into the minds of an eager public in 1997, a full two years before it would take over the world once more with "The Phantom Menace." But according to Lucasfilm producer Rick McCallum, George Lucas wasn't initially interested in re-releasing the "Star Wars" films in theaters for its 20th anniversary.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
A Truck Full Of Letters
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm, I was able...
- 1/9/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (Wrmppf) is honoring one of their biggest champs this year with a posthumous recognition: late MGM and United Artists Distribution Boss Erik Lomis. The honor will be recognized at the October 4 dinner at The Beverly Hilton.
Lomis, who was a force in getting movie theaters back open as Covid quelled, and a proponent of the theatrical window with the release of the 007 title No Time to Die, passed away suddenly at 64 on March 22. Lomis was also known for his relentless and passionate fundraising for Will Rogers.
Lomis hosted last year’s Pioneer dinner which honored James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose corporate leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds...
Lomis, who was a force in getting movie theaters back open as Covid quelled, and a proponent of the theatrical window with the release of the 007 title No Time to Die, passed away suddenly at 64 on March 22. Lomis was also known for his relentless and passionate fundraising for Will Rogers.
Lomis hosted last year’s Pioneer dinner which honored James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose corporate leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds...
- 8/4/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Warner Bros. President of Sales and Distribution, D. Barry Reardon, passed at the age of 92 on May 27 in Vero Beach, Florida.
Known as “The Dean of Distribution” among industry peers and filmmakers, Reardon was the head of theatrical distribution at Warner Bros from 1978 to 1999, and was known for breaking the mold on the motion picture business, i.e. getting a jumpstart on summer before Memorial Day and dating blockbusters during the early days of August, previously considered a dead zone.
Also before his departure from Warner Bros. in March 1999, Reardon had developed an internal marketing...
Known as “The Dean of Distribution” among industry peers and filmmakers, Reardon was the head of theatrical distribution at Warner Bros from 1978 to 1999, and was known for breaking the mold on the motion picture business, i.e. getting a jumpstart on summer before Memorial Day and dating blockbusters during the early days of August, previously considered a dead zone.
Also before his departure from Warner Bros. in March 1999, Reardon had developed an internal marketing...
- 6/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Barry Reardon, the veteran film executive who served as Warner Bros.’ chief of theatrical distribution from 1978 to 1999, has died at age 92, the studio announced Monday.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of College of the Holy Cross and Trinity College, Reardon got his start at the printing company Litton Industries in 1957. A decade later, he made the jump to the entertainment industry with a job at Paramount Pictures as the associate to the VP of finance in their New York office.
From 1967 to 1975, he worked his way up to become the VP of marketing and distribution at Paramount before becoming the head of marketing and film procurement for General Cinemas, which at the time was America’s largest movie theater chain. He worked at General Cinemas for three years before being recruited by Warner Bros.
Also Read:
Jacky Oh, Cast Member on MTV’s ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ Dies at...
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of College of the Holy Cross and Trinity College, Reardon got his start at the printing company Litton Industries in 1957. A decade later, he made the jump to the entertainment industry with a job at Paramount Pictures as the associate to the VP of finance in their New York office.
From 1967 to 1975, he worked his way up to become the VP of marketing and distribution at Paramount before becoming the head of marketing and film procurement for General Cinemas, which at the time was America’s largest movie theater chain. He worked at General Cinemas for three years before being recruited by Warner Bros.
Also Read:
Jacky Oh, Cast Member on MTV’s ‘Wild ‘N Out,’ Dies at...
- 6/5/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has created the Erik Lomis Leadership Award.
Modeled after the Payne Stewart Award given annually by the PGA Tour, which is given to a player whose values align with the character, charity, and sportsmanship that Stewart demonstrated, the Erik Lomis Leadership Award will be given to an individual who personifies and reflects the leadership, passion for the motion picture industry, as well as dedication to philanthropy that the late MGM Distribution Boss displayed.
Lomis passed suddenly on March 22. The distribution executive was a fierce believer in the theatrical side of the motion picture business, particularly at a time when the majors were caving in toward streaming. He was the first motion picture executive to recognize the ultimate challenges of Covid to the business by postponing MGM’s tentpole and final Daniel Craig title as James Bond, No Time to Die, in March...
Modeled after the Payne Stewart Award given annually by the PGA Tour, which is given to a player whose values align with the character, charity, and sportsmanship that Stewart demonstrated, the Erik Lomis Leadership Award will be given to an individual who personifies and reflects the leadership, passion for the motion picture industry, as well as dedication to philanthropy that the late MGM Distribution Boss displayed.
Lomis passed suddenly on March 22. The distribution executive was a fierce believer in the theatrical side of the motion picture business, particularly at a time when the majors were caving in toward streaming. He was the first motion picture executive to recognize the ultimate challenges of Covid to the business by postponing MGM’s tentpole and final Daniel Craig title as James Bond, No Time to Die, in March...
- 5/30/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
John Fithian, longtime head of the National Association of Theatre Owners, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Variety of Southern California as he prepares to step down after overseeing NATO through decades of transition.
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
- 4/5/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
William Sherak’s Hollywood career unofficially began at the age of 8, when he’d run call sheets to execs on the 20th Century Fox lot where his dad, the late Tom Sherak, was working as president of marketing and distribution.
Over the course of more than two decades in the business, Sherak has carved his own path — while still very much treating Hollywood like a family business, a mindset he got from his dad.
“My dad genuinely believed for him to succeed other people didn’t have to fail,” says Sherak. “This business is better when everybody’s succeeding. There’s enough audience out there for everybody. I like to think that I work that way too.”
In addition to his successful career as a studio exec, with a filmography including Die Hard, Independence Day and Black Hawk Down, Tom Sherak was a dedicated philanthropist, served three terms as president...
Over the course of more than two decades in the business, Sherak has carved his own path — while still very much treating Hollywood like a family business, a mindset he got from his dad.
“My dad genuinely believed for him to succeed other people didn’t have to fail,” says Sherak. “This business is better when everybody’s succeeding. There’s enough audience out there for everybody. I like to think that I work that way too.”
In addition to his successful career as a studio exec, with a filmography including Die Hard, Independence Day and Black Hawk Down, Tom Sherak was a dedicated philanthropist, served three terms as president...
- 3/27/2023
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Devastating news: MGM and United Artists Releasing distribution boss Erik Lomis died suddenly Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica, we have learned from sources. No details were provided in regards to his death. He was 64.
Lomis was a towering figure behind many filmmakers’ hits including those from Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Adam McKay, Sylvester Stallone, Ryan Coogler, David O. Russell, Lee Daniels and Tom Hooper to name a few, and most recently Michael B. Jordan with Creed III.
Related: Erik Lomis Remembered By Hollywood Colleagues And Friends: “A Part Of The Industry Has Died With Him Today”, Barbara Broccoli Says
In the wake of Amazon’s purchase of MGM, Lomis, who made the jump, becoming an entrusted consigliere to Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke as the streamer looks to capitalize on more big-screen hits.
Lomis gave Amazon a big taste of the box office with its first theatrical hit Creed III,...
Lomis was a towering figure behind many filmmakers’ hits including those from Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Adam McKay, Sylvester Stallone, Ryan Coogler, David O. Russell, Lee Daniels and Tom Hooper to name a few, and most recently Michael B. Jordan with Creed III.
Related: Erik Lomis Remembered By Hollywood Colleagues And Friends: “A Part Of The Industry Has Died With Him Today”, Barbara Broccoli Says
In the wake of Amazon’s purchase of MGM, Lomis, who made the jump, becoming an entrusted consigliere to Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke as the streamer looks to capitalize on more big-screen hits.
Lomis gave Amazon a big taste of the box office with its first theatrical hit Creed III,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When Spyglass Entertainment acquired “Scream” rights from the Weinstein Company library in 2019, the 27-year-old IP had seen better days. Wes Craven’s 1996 film grossed $103 million worldwide on a $14 million budget and revived the horror genre with a winking self awareness in Kevin Williamson’s script that somehow didn’t dilute the fear. By “Scream 4” in 2011, the franchise still made money but a lot less of it, $97 million against a $40 million budget. Reviews were terrible and the concept seemed tired: What was once fresh was now a trope.
That’s no longer the case. The 2022 “Scream” grossed $140 million worldwide and the same team of Paramount Pictures, Spyglass, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and production company Project X will release “Scream VI” on Friday. It’s a bold move to unleash a sequel barely more than a year later,, but Project X recognized that the genius of Ghostface is you...
That’s no longer the case. The 2022 “Scream” grossed $140 million worldwide and the same team of Paramount Pictures, Spyglass, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and production company Project X will release “Scream VI” on Friday. It’s a bold move to unleash a sequel barely more than a year later,, but Project X recognized that the genius of Ghostface is you...
- 3/10/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Walter Mirisch, the legendary independent-minded producer who is the only person to receive the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the Irving G. Thalberg Award and an Oscar for best picture, has died. He was 101.
The affable Mirisch, who served four terms as president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences from 1973-77, died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes, AMPAS announced.
“Walter was a true visionary, both as a producer and as an industry leader,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “He had a powerful impact on the film community and the Academy, serving as our president and as an Academy governor for many years. His passion for filmmaking and the Academy never wavered, and he remained a dear friend and adviser.”
Survivors include his son Larry Mirisch, the owner of The Mirisch Agency,...
The affable Mirisch, who served four terms as president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences from 1973-77, died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes, AMPAS announced.
“Walter was a true visionary, both as a producer and as an industry leader,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “He had a powerful impact on the film community and the Academy, serving as our president and as an Academy governor for many years. His passion for filmmaking and the Academy never wavered, and he remained a dear friend and adviser.”
Survivors include his son Larry Mirisch, the owner of The Mirisch Agency,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eddie Murphy was the surest of bets in the 1980s. At the age of 19, he single-handedly yanked "Saturday Night Live" back from the brink of cancellation after the departure of the original cast, and was all of 21 when he shot to big-screen stardom opposite Nick Nolte in Walter Hill's action-comedy classic, "48 Hrs." His second feature, "Trading Places," was also a critical and commercial hit, while his stand-up LP "Eddie Murphy: Comedian" went platinum. By 1984, Murphy was so hot, Paramount inserted him into the finished Dudley Moore comedy "Best Defense" in the hopes that he could enliven the deathly unfunny film with his ad-libbed brilliance. It didn't work, but no one held it against Murphy. The movie was just that bad.
There was no question that Murphy had turned into one of Hollywood's biggest stars overnight, but his first two hits had been two-handers. He had yet to carry a film on his own.
There was no question that Murphy had turned into one of Hollywood's biggest stars overnight, but his first two hits had been two-handers. He had yet to carry a film on his own.
- 9/11/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Here’s a wish for Tuesday:
Sometime during the day, governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will meet to elect new officers, including a president to replace termed-out David Rubin. I wish they would choose a Great Communicator for the top job.
The film Academy already has a Great Operator running its staff in the person of recently appointed Bill Kramer. Less than a month on the job, Kramer has already restructured management (a new 14-member ‘masthead’ on the Oscars.org Web site integrates Academy and Museum officers), re-ordered priorities (appointment of an executive vice-president for revenue and business development points toward fiscal rigor), and laid track for a possible repositioning of the Oscar ceremony.
There’s every reason to believe that Kramer, who is articulate and not shy, could also serve as principal spokesman for the Academy in his role as chief executive.
But the members, around 10,000 of them at this point, deserve to have an elected president, one of their own, serving as their collective voice—to be their Communicator.
It’s a function that has become considerably diminished in the last decade, as a series of presidents—Rubin, John Bailey, Cheryl Boone-Isaacs—retreated from the more freewheeling public posture of previous top officers—Hawk Koch, Tom Sherak, Sidney Ganis.
Partly, it was a matter of professional background. Rubin, a casting director, and Bailey, a cinematographer, were clearly rooted in a Hollywood tradition that has restricted most communication to the public relations pros. Neither talked much publicly, and when they did speak, it was carefully, and often in tandem with Kramer’s predecessor, Dawn Hudson.
Similarly, Boone-Isaacs, though a marketing and PR professional, was fairly tight-lipped. An old-school executive, she seemed to believe that Hollywood’s business was Hollywood’s business, and mostly none of yours—a contrast with the prior three presidents, who were notably outgoing.
But Tuesday brings an inflection point. The next president, to be elected by and from among a 54-member governing board, will be in the hot spot eight months from now when the Academy finally implements an elaborate, long-promised system of racial, gender and disability standards and quotas governing Best Picture contenders.
The Identity Oscars are going to take a lot of explaining, both to contenders and to the public at large.
Already, questions are bubbling up in the expanded Faq section of the Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry platform, on which Oscar contenders are required to enter data about their performers, filmmakers, crew, distributors and content.
Yes, says the platform, it is necessary for all of the hundreds of Oscar-submitted pictures to create a Raise entry, even if they don’t want to be considered for Best Picture, “as we cannot distinguish a Best Picture entry at the point of submission.”
No, the platform says, you cannot review your own submission until you have entered information for all of the many standards.
Of course, the bigger questions will arise when the Academy inevitably discloses its list of films that qualify under the inclusion standards—leaving the unqualified, if any, to explain their exclusion. Are they racist? Are they sexist? Are they simply films born in a national culture that is less multi-ethnic or diversity-conscious than our own?
And if no films are disqualified, why are we doing this at all?
According to the current whisper, front-runners in the Academy’s closed-door presidential race are Janet Yang and DeVon Franklin, both of whom were appointed as governors-at-large—representing no specific branch–under the board’s diversity initiative.
In truth, their provenance matters less than their powers of persuasion. As the next president, Yang, or Franklin, or anyone else will at last have to sell this new system as best for the Academy and for the industry it serves.
Sometime during the day, governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will meet to elect new officers, including a president to replace termed-out David Rubin. I wish they would choose a Great Communicator for the top job.
The film Academy already has a Great Operator running its staff in the person of recently appointed Bill Kramer. Less than a month on the job, Kramer has already restructured management (a new 14-member ‘masthead’ on the Oscars.org Web site integrates Academy and Museum officers), re-ordered priorities (appointment of an executive vice-president for revenue and business development points toward fiscal rigor), and laid track for a possible repositioning of the Oscar ceremony.
There’s every reason to believe that Kramer, who is articulate and not shy, could also serve as principal spokesman for the Academy in his role as chief executive.
But the members, around 10,000 of them at this point, deserve to have an elected president, one of their own, serving as their collective voice—to be their Communicator.
It’s a function that has become considerably diminished in the last decade, as a series of presidents—Rubin, John Bailey, Cheryl Boone-Isaacs—retreated from the more freewheeling public posture of previous top officers—Hawk Koch, Tom Sherak, Sidney Ganis.
Partly, it was a matter of professional background. Rubin, a casting director, and Bailey, a cinematographer, were clearly rooted in a Hollywood tradition that has restricted most communication to the public relations pros. Neither talked much publicly, and when they did speak, it was carefully, and often in tandem with Kramer’s predecessor, Dawn Hudson.
Similarly, Boone-Isaacs, though a marketing and PR professional, was fairly tight-lipped. An old-school executive, she seemed to believe that Hollywood’s business was Hollywood’s business, and mostly none of yours—a contrast with the prior three presidents, who were notably outgoing.
But Tuesday brings an inflection point. The next president, to be elected by and from among a 54-member governing board, will be in the hot spot eight months from now when the Academy finally implements an elaborate, long-promised system of racial, gender and disability standards and quotas governing Best Picture contenders.
The Identity Oscars are going to take a lot of explaining, both to contenders and to the public at large.
Already, questions are bubbling up in the expanded Faq section of the Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry platform, on which Oscar contenders are required to enter data about their performers, filmmakers, crew, distributors and content.
Yes, says the platform, it is necessary for all of the hundreds of Oscar-submitted pictures to create a Raise entry, even if they don’t want to be considered for Best Picture, “as we cannot distinguish a Best Picture entry at the point of submission.”
No, the platform says, you cannot review your own submission until you have entered information for all of the many standards.
Of course, the bigger questions will arise when the Academy inevitably discloses its list of films that qualify under the inclusion standards—leaving the unqualified, if any, to explain their exclusion. Are they racist? Are they sexist? Are they simply films born in a national culture that is less multi-ethnic or diversity-conscious than our own?
And if no films are disqualified, why are we doing this at all?
According to the current whisper, front-runners in the Academy’s closed-door presidential race are Janet Yang and DeVon Franklin, both of whom were appointed as governors-at-large—representing no specific branch–under the board’s diversity initiative.
In truth, their provenance matters less than their powers of persuasion. As the next president, Yang, or Franklin, or anyone else will at last have to sell this new system as best for the Academy and for the industry it serves.
- 8/1/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
James Bond franchise architects Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have been set to receive the 2022 Pioneer of the Year Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The honor will be bestowed September 21 during a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
The Pioneer of the Year Award honors leaders in the movie industry whose career achievements and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. The award, handed out for more than 70 years, is part of a gala to support the foundation’s Pioneers Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals in need in the distribution and exhibition community.
Wilson and Broccoli have produced nine 007 films together: GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and last year’s No Time to Die which marked the final Bond appearance by Daniel Craig.
“We are thrilled that Michael and Barbara will be receiving this well-deserved honor,...
The Pioneer of the Year Award honors leaders in the movie industry whose career achievements and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. The award, handed out for more than 70 years, is part of a gala to support the foundation’s Pioneers Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals in need in the distribution and exhibition community.
Wilson and Broccoli have produced nine 007 films together: GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and last year’s No Time to Die which marked the final Bond appearance by Daniel Craig.
“We are thrilled that Michael and Barbara will be receiving this well-deserved honor,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson said Monday that her current term will be her last. She signed a new deal in March of 2020 for what was expected to be three years through May of 2023, but a statement to be released later today does not specify an actual date of her departure, saying simply “when this term concludes.” Sources added nothing further on the exact timing of her exit.
A search for a new CEO will be starting shortly.
“After more than ten years and the incredibly successful opening of our new museum, I’ve decided, when this term concludes, it will be time for me to explore other opportunities and adventures as this can hardly be topped,” said Hudson. “We’ve achieved so much together that’s been most important to me — our ongoing commitment to representation and inclusion; adapting the Academy into a...
A search for a new CEO will be starting shortly.
“After more than ten years and the incredibly successful opening of our new museum, I’ve decided, when this term concludes, it will be time for me to explore other opportunities and adventures as this can hardly be topped,” said Hudson. “We’ve achieved so much together that’s been most important to me — our ongoing commitment to representation and inclusion; adapting the Academy into a...
- 10/18/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is officially 30 years old as of July 1, 2021. The James Cameron-directed film is widely regarded as one of the best action films ever made and one of the best sequels ever made. To mark the 30th anniversary, Cameron participated in a lengthy oral history of the film published by The Ringer. While discussing the early writing process, the director revealed the idea to create Sarah Connor’s 10-year-old son, John Connor, hit him during an ecstasy trip.
“I remember sitting there once, high on E, writing notes for ‘Terminator,’ and I was struck by Sting’s song, that ‘I hope the Russians love their children too,'” Cameron said. “And I thought, ‘You know what? The idea of a nuclear war is just so antithetical to life itself.’ That’s where the kid came from.”
Who knew one of the seminal figures of “The Terminator” franchise...
“I remember sitting there once, high on E, writing notes for ‘Terminator,’ and I was struck by Sting’s song, that ‘I hope the Russians love their children too,'” Cameron said. “And I thought, ‘You know what? The idea of a nuclear war is just so antithetical to life itself.’ That’s where the kid came from.”
Who knew one of the seminal figures of “The Terminator” franchise...
- 7/1/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
What a difference a decade makes.
At the beginning of the 2010s, the Oscars were already showing signs of change: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had expanded the Best Picture category from five to 10 nominees and given the Best Director award to a woman for the first time ever, while also looking for new income sources as Oscar show ratings fell and the economic downturn hit AMPAS investments.
Even so, nobody could have foreseen just how dramatically the awards, and the Academy that hands them out, would be transformed over the next 10 years. While the 1930s saw the Oscars grow from seven categories decided by committee to 20 categories and thousands of voters, and the 1950s put the Oscars on television, it’s hard to find a more transformational decade than the 2010s.
Here’s a look at the changes, which have included the profound impact of #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo,...
At the beginning of the 2010s, the Oscars were already showing signs of change: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had expanded the Best Picture category from five to 10 nominees and given the Best Director award to a woman for the first time ever, while also looking for new income sources as Oscar show ratings fell and the economic downturn hit AMPAS investments.
Even so, nobody could have foreseen just how dramatically the awards, and the Academy that hands them out, would be transformed over the next 10 years. While the 1930s saw the Oscars grow from seven categories decided by committee to 20 categories and thousands of voters, and the 1950s put the Oscars on television, it’s hard to find a more transformational decade than the 2010s.
Here’s a look at the changes, which have included the profound impact of #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo,...
- 12/29/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Pop Oscars. Off-screen awards. A host-free ceremony. What will they think of next at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences?
In truth, it’s hard to know, because the Academy has been fairly successful in dropping a veil of secrecy over its internal deliberations. The next agenda, who backs whom, and who supports what are all treated as confidential matters by the 57-member Board of Governors, and its large staff of helpers. What passes for transparency is the occasional “Dear Member” email, usually sent after a policy has been set. Committee debates are closely held. Missteps, as with the abortive push to move some Oscar awards off the live telecast, only become apparent when members protest a change that’s already on the way.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t always so—at least, not officially. A bit of research at the Academy’s Margaret Herrick library makes clear that...
In truth, it’s hard to know, because the Academy has been fairly successful in dropping a veil of secrecy over its internal deliberations. The next agenda, who backs whom, and who supports what are all treated as confidential matters by the 57-member Board of Governors, and its large staff of helpers. What passes for transparency is the occasional “Dear Member” email, usually sent after a policy has been set. Committee debates are closely held. Missteps, as with the abortive push to move some Oscar awards off the live telecast, only become apparent when members protest a change that’s already on the way.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t always so—at least, not officially. A bit of research at the Academy’s Margaret Herrick library makes clear that...
- 7/21/2019
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Elizabeth Banks will receive the Pioneer of the Year Award, “The Great Hack” launches a festival, Women In Media launch the CAMERAderie Initiative and UCLA, University of Michigan and USC are receiving $50 million.
Banks Honored
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has selected Elizabeth Banks as the recipient of its Pioneer of the Year Award.
The honor will be presented on Sept. 25 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Banks is the first female director to receive the honor, which is given to a member of the motion picture community who exemplifies professional leadership, service and commitment to philanthropy.
Banks made her directorial debut with Universal Pictures’ “Pitch Perfect 2,” the top grossing musical comedy of all time with $287 million. she is also currently directing, producing, co-writing and starring as Bosley in “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony Pictures and has starred in “The Hunger Games...
Banks Honored
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has selected Elizabeth Banks as the recipient of its Pioneer of the Year Award.
The honor will be presented on Sept. 25 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Banks is the first female director to receive the honor, which is given to a member of the motion picture community who exemplifies professional leadership, service and commitment to philanthropy.
Banks made her directorial debut with Universal Pictures’ “Pitch Perfect 2,” the top grossing musical comedy of all time with $287 million. she is also currently directing, producing, co-writing and starring as Bosley in “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony Pictures and has starred in “The Hunger Games...
- 6/21/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation announced today that actress, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks will receive the 2019 Pioneer of the Year Award on September 25, 2019 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Banks is the first female director to receive the honor.
The Pioneer of the Year Award is given to a respected member of the motion picture community whose professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. Banks will receive the Award at the Pioneer of the Year Dinner – the annual fundraiser benefiting the Wrmppf’s Pioneers Assistance Fund (Paf) which provides financial support and services to individuals in the theatrical entertainment community who are encountering an illness, injury or a life-changing event. There wasn’t a Pioneer of the Year Dinner at CinemaCon in Las Vegas back in April because the event was moved to Beverly Hills this fall.
Banks’ filmography counts $5.6 billion at the global box office.
The Pioneer of the Year Award is given to a respected member of the motion picture community whose professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. Banks will receive the Award at the Pioneer of the Year Dinner – the annual fundraiser benefiting the Wrmppf’s Pioneers Assistance Fund (Paf) which provides financial support and services to individuals in the theatrical entertainment community who are encountering an illness, injury or a life-changing event. There wasn’t a Pioneer of the Year Dinner at CinemaCon in Las Vegas back in April because the event was moved to Beverly Hills this fall.
Banks’ filmography counts $5.6 billion at the global box office.
- 6/20/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Keanu Reeves was game for two John Wick sequels, but there’s one franchise he wasn’t so keen on continuing: Speed.
The actor told GQ in a recent interview that his decision to bow out of the 1994 thriller’s sequel prompted the movie’s studio, Fox, to place him in “movie jail” for 10 years.
“I didn’t work with [Fox] again until [2008’s] The Day the Earth Stood Still,” Reeves said.
At the time of the Speed sequel, Reeves left Hollywood altogether, opting instead to tackle the title role in a regional production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Winnipeg, Canada.
Speed,...
The actor told GQ in a recent interview that his decision to bow out of the 1994 thriller’s sequel prompted the movie’s studio, Fox, to place him in “movie jail” for 10 years.
“I didn’t work with [Fox] again until [2008’s] The Day the Earth Stood Still,” Reeves said.
At the time of the Speed sequel, Reeves left Hollywood altogether, opting instead to tackle the title role in a regional production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Winnipeg, Canada.
Speed,...
- 4/15/2019
- by Rachel DeSantis
- PEOPLE.com
A profoundly grateful Tom Cruise received the pioneer of the year award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation — the first actor to be so honored.
Cruise was feted Wednesday night on the third day of Cinemacon, the National Association of Theater Owners’ annual convention in Las Vegas. The pioneer of the year award is given to a member of the motion picture community to honor professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy.
“I grew up going to the movies, and I wanted to make movies since I was 4,” Cruise said in his acceptance speech. “I’m very proud to be part of this family. We take care of our own, that’s what families do. I love what I do, and I will cherish this beautiful award.”
Cruise spent most of the 15-minute speech offering thanks. He recalled one of the early instances of that came when Stanley...
Cruise was feted Wednesday night on the third day of Cinemacon, the National Association of Theater Owners’ annual convention in Las Vegas. The pioneer of the year award is given to a member of the motion picture community to honor professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy.
“I grew up going to the movies, and I wanted to make movies since I was 4,” Cruise said in his acceptance speech. “I’m very proud to be part of this family. We take care of our own, that’s what families do. I love what I do, and I will cherish this beautiful award.”
Cruise spent most of the 15-minute speech offering thanks. He recalled one of the early instances of that came when Stanley...
- 4/26/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ken Ziffren grades himself a B-minus when it comes to using new technology, but after more than 50 years as one of Los Angeles’ top attorneys, he remains fully up-to-date on the legal implications of the ongoing digital revolution.
“The experiences that I’ve had get experienced in new bottles, if you will,” says Ziffren. “I look at it as a challenge, but the challenge is the opportunity.”
Recently, Ziffren — who will be the keynote speaker at Variety’s Power of Law breakfast on April 20 — helped spearhead an effort to bring exhibitors and the major studios together on a deal to make films available for early home viewing via premium VOD. Negotiations were derailed by pending mergers, but he’s hopeful they’ll be revived soon.
“The whole VOD movement has changed not just television but also home viewing … so we have to focus on how we develop our programming to work with that audience,...
“The experiences that I’ve had get experienced in new bottles, if you will,” says Ziffren. “I look at it as a challenge, but the challenge is the opportunity.”
Recently, Ziffren — who will be the keynote speaker at Variety’s Power of Law breakfast on April 20 — helped spearhead an effort to bring exhibitors and the major studios together on a deal to make films available for early home viewing via premium VOD. Negotiations were derailed by pending mergers, but he’s hopeful they’ll be revived soon.
“The whole VOD movement has changed not just television but also home viewing … so we have to focus on how we develop our programming to work with that audience,...
- 4/18/2018
- by Todd Longwell
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ mission is to spotlight Hollywood, with the Oscars providing a global, glamorous platform to promote the year’s best movies. This year, however, the ceremony included some unusual omissions — tacit acknowledgements that the industry is also capable of making some significant missteps.
There were no ritual accountants on the red carpet, thanks to last year’s PriceWaterhouseCoopers mistake that allowed the wrong Best Picture ballot to reach the stage. There was no Best Actor winner to presenting the Best Actress award, as tradition usually dictates; the sexual harassment accusations faced by last year’s winner, Casey Affleck, wouldn’t play in the #MeToo world. And, for reasons unknown, there was no speech from the new president of the Academy, John Bailey.
Now we may have an inkling as to why: Yesterday, Variety reported that Bailey is under investigation for sexual harassment. The...
There were no ritual accountants on the red carpet, thanks to last year’s PriceWaterhouseCoopers mistake that allowed the wrong Best Picture ballot to reach the stage. There was no Best Actor winner to presenting the Best Actress award, as tradition usually dictates; the sexual harassment accusations faced by last year’s winner, Casey Affleck, wouldn’t play in the #MeToo world. And, for reasons unknown, there was no speech from the new president of the Academy, John Bailey.
Now we may have an inkling as to why: Yesterday, Variety reported that Bailey is under investigation for sexual harassment. The...
- 3/17/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ mission is to spotlight Hollywood, with the Oscars providing a global, glamorous platform to promote the year’s best movies. This year, however, the ceremony included some unusual omissions — tacit acknowledgements that the industry is also capable of making some significant missteps.
There were no ritual accountants on the red carpet, thanks to last year’s PriceWaterhouseCoopers mistake that allowed the wrong Best Picture ballot to reach the stage. There was no Best Actor winner to presenting the Best Actress award, as tradition usually dictates; the sexual harassment accusations faced by last year’s winner, Casey Affleck, wouldn’t play in the #MeToo world. And, for reasons unknown, there was no speech from the new president of the Academy, John Bailey.
Now we may have an inkling as to why: Yesterday, Variety reported that Bailey is under investigation for sexual harassment. The...
There were no ritual accountants on the red carpet, thanks to last year’s PriceWaterhouseCoopers mistake that allowed the wrong Best Picture ballot to reach the stage. There was no Best Actor winner to presenting the Best Actress award, as tradition usually dictates; the sexual harassment accusations faced by last year’s winner, Casey Affleck, wouldn’t play in the #MeToo world. And, for reasons unknown, there was no speech from the new president of the Academy, John Bailey.
Now we may have an inkling as to why: Yesterday, Variety reported that Bailey is under investigation for sexual harassment. The...
- 3/17/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy Board of Governors convenes Tuesday night to pick their next president. Three major candidates have emerged from the 54-member body, although anything can happen.
Dern would be the first actress since Bette Davis’s notoriously short two-month 1941 tenure. (She quit when she realized the all-male board would give her no power.) While movie stars like Gregory Peck and Douglas Fairbanks have served as president, only two women have served since Davis: Screenwriter Fay Kanin presided effectively from 1979 to 1983, and publicity executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs (the first African-American to hold the post) is exiting at the end of a tumultuous four-year term. During that time, she and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson spearheaded a concerted drive to add more diversity to the Academy, urging the 17 branches to actively recruit a younger and more inclusive membership from all over the world.
Isaacs also presided over the infamous last Oscar show, with...
Dern would be the first actress since Bette Davis’s notoriously short two-month 1941 tenure. (She quit when she realized the all-male board would give her no power.) While movie stars like Gregory Peck and Douglas Fairbanks have served as president, only two women have served since Davis: Screenwriter Fay Kanin presided effectively from 1979 to 1983, and publicity executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs (the first African-American to hold the post) is exiting at the end of a tumultuous four-year term. During that time, she and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson spearheaded a concerted drive to add more diversity to the Academy, urging the 17 branches to actively recruit a younger and more inclusive membership from all over the world.
Isaacs also presided over the infamous last Oscar show, with...
- 8/8/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy Board of Governors convenes Tuesday night to pick their next president. Three major candidates have emerged from the 54-member body, although anything can happen.
Dern would be the first actress since Bette Davis’s notoriously short two-month 1941 tenure. (She quit when she realized the all-male board would give her no power.) While movie stars like Gregory Peck and Douglas Fairbanks have served as president, only two women have served since Davis: Screenwriter Fay Kanin presided effectively from 1979 to 1983, and publicity executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs (the first African-American to hold the post) is exiting at the end of a tumultuous four-year term. During that time, she and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson spearheaded a concerted drive to add more diversity to the Academy, urging the 17 branches to actively recruit a younger and more inclusive membership from all over the world.
Isaacs also presided over the infamous last Oscar show, with...
Dern would be the first actress since Bette Davis’s notoriously short two-month 1941 tenure. (She quit when she realized the all-male board would give her no power.) While movie stars like Gregory Peck and Douglas Fairbanks have served as president, only two women have served since Davis: Screenwriter Fay Kanin presided effectively from 1979 to 1983, and publicity executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs (the first African-American to hold the post) is exiting at the end of a tumultuous four-year term. During that time, she and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson spearheaded a concerted drive to add more diversity to the Academy, urging the 17 branches to actively recruit a younger and more inclusive membership from all over the world.
Isaacs also presided over the infamous last Oscar show, with...
- 8/8/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Universal Filmed Entertainment Chairman Jeff Shell will be honored at an upcoming event supporting The Fulfillment Fund, the nonprofit said Wednesday. The executive, whose studio enjoyed the highest grosses in box office history last year thanks to “Jurassic World” among others films, will receive the organization’s Tom Sherak Award at its annual Stars Benefit. Fulfillment Fund raises money to help local Los Angeles students overcome obstacles to achieve a college education. Also Read: Universal's Jeff Shell Promises 'Firehose of Promotion' for DreamWorks Animation Films “As a Los Angeles native and product of public education, Jeff is deeply invested in...
- 5/18/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Ahead of the signing this week of a much-enlarged California production tax-incentive package, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told a conference of U.S. and Chinese film and TV executives that “Hollywood is open for business and we will roll out the red carpet” for projects that bolster the city’s entertainment industry. It was mostly a feel-good speech before about 400 attendees at the U.S. China Film & Television Industry Expo, but a Garcetti spokesperson said afterward that it also was designed to reach out to Chinese production executives ahead of his November trip on trade and business to four cities there.
The 10-day trip to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen will feature representatives from the city’s port and airport authorities, both major conduits for trade into Los Angeles. But Garcetti wanted to signal his interest in meeting during the trip with Chinese entertainment executives to discuss bringing business or joint projects to L.
The 10-day trip to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen will feature representatives from the city’s port and airport authorities, both major conduits for trade into Los Angeles. But Garcetti wanted to signal his interest in meeting during the trip with Chinese entertainment executives to discuss bringing business or joint projects to L.
- 9/16/2014
- by David Bloom
- Deadline
Women presidents at the Academy: Cheryl Boone Isaacs is only the third one (photo: Angelina Jolie, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Brad Pitt) (See previous post: "Honorary Award Non-Winners: Too Late for Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich.") Wrapping up this four-part "Honorary Oscars Bypass Women" article, let it be noted that in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 85-year history there have been only two women presidents: two-time Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis (for two months in 1941, before the Dangerous and Jezebel star was forced to resign) and screenwriter Fay Kanin (1979-1983), whose best-known screen credit is the 1958 Doris Day-Clark Gable comedy Teacher's Pet. Additionally, following some top-level restructuring in April 2011, the Academy created the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, with the CEO post currently held by a woman, former Film Independent executive director and sometime actress Dawn Hudson. The COO post is held...
- 9/4/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Ryan Lambie Jul 3, 2019
The original Independence Day changed summer movies forever.
This article originally appeared on Den of Geek UK.
In 1990, Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were Hollywood outsiders. Devlin was a young New York-born actor who'd appeared in a few TV shows and movies, such as the 1985 comedy Real Genius. Emmerich was a German filmmaker whose credits consisted of low budget films such as The Noah's Ark Principle (1984) and Hollywood-Monster (1987). Emmerich's 1990 film, Moon 44, was about pilots defending mining colonies with space-faring helicopters, and featured a glum-looking Malcolm McDowell.
Dean Devlin was also among Moon 44's cast, and it was here that he forged a partnership with Emmerich: Devlin hated Moon 44's dialogue, so he went and wrote his own. Within two years, they'd made their first film together, Universal Soldier, written by Devlin, directed by Emmerich, and produced by Carolco. It was a larger-than-life, daft sci-fi...
The original Independence Day changed summer movies forever.
This article originally appeared on Den of Geek UK.
In 1990, Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were Hollywood outsiders. Devlin was a young New York-born actor who'd appeared in a few TV shows and movies, such as the 1985 comedy Real Genius. Emmerich was a German filmmaker whose credits consisted of low budget films such as The Noah's Ark Principle (1984) and Hollywood-Monster (1987). Emmerich's 1990 film, Moon 44, was about pilots defending mining colonies with space-faring helicopters, and featured a glum-looking Malcolm McDowell.
Dean Devlin was also among Moon 44's cast, and it was here that he forged a partnership with Emmerich: Devlin hated Moon 44's dialogue, so he went and wrote his own. Within two years, they'd made their first film together, Universal Soldier, written by Devlin, directed by Emmerich, and produced by Carolco. It was a larger-than-life, daft sci-fi...
- 7/4/2014
- Den of Geek
Independence Day was released in the Us 18 years ago today. Ryan looks at its ongoing impact on how summer movies are made and marketed...
Feature
In 1990, Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were Hollywood outsiders. Devlin was a young New York-born actor who'd appeared in a few TV shows and movies, such as the 1985 comedy, Real Genius. Emmerich was a German filmmaker whose credits consisted of low-budget films such as The Noah's Ark Principle (1984), and Hollywood-Monster (1987). Emmerich's 1990 film, Moon 44, was about pilots defending mining colonies with space-faring helicopters, and featured a glum-looking Malcolm McDowell.
Dean Devlin was also among Moon 44's cast, and it was here that he forged a partnership with Emmerich: Devlin hated Moon 44's dialogue, so he went and wrote his own. Within two years, they'd made their first film together - Universal Soldier, written by Devlin, directed by Emmerich, and produced by Carolco.
Feature
In 1990, Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were Hollywood outsiders. Devlin was a young New York-born actor who'd appeared in a few TV shows and movies, such as the 1985 comedy, Real Genius. Emmerich was a German filmmaker whose credits consisted of low-budget films such as The Noah's Ark Principle (1984), and Hollywood-Monster (1987). Emmerich's 1990 film, Moon 44, was about pilots defending mining colonies with space-faring helicopters, and featured a glum-looking Malcolm McDowell.
Dean Devlin was also among Moon 44's cast, and it was here that he forged a partnership with Emmerich: Devlin hated Moon 44's dialogue, so he went and wrote his own. Within two years, they'd made their first film together - Universal Soldier, written by Devlin, directed by Emmerich, and produced by Carolco.
- 7/2/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
The city’s first Film Czar was praised by La Mayor Eric Garcetti today in his inaugural State of the City address. “With the help of my dear friend the late Tom Sherak and Ken Ziffren, who’s continued the fight, we reignited the movement to expand film tax credits in Sacramento,” said the SAG-aftra card carrying politician this evening. A couple of months after Garcetti took office, the former AMPAS president and studio exec was named head of La’s Film Office late last September in an effort to expand and evolve production in the city after years of decline due to runaway production. After Sherak passed away on January 28, heavyweight entertainment lawyer Ziffren was appointed La’s second Film Czar on February 10. “In just nine months, we are changing the landscape—one summer job, one red button, one film production and one balanced budget at a time.” Related: L.
- 4/11/2014
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Tom Sherak was remembered as a consummate entertainer, humanitarian and rabid Dodgers fan during an emotional tribute Wednesday night at the exhibition trade show, CinemaCon. The former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and longtime studio executive was honored posthumously with the 2014 Pioneer of the Year award by the the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneer Foundation, in an event expected to raise roughly $1 million for charity. It was an evening filled with reflections from Sherak's friends and colleagues such as DreamWorks Animation chief Jeffrey Katzenberg and 20th Century Fox distribution head Chris Aronson, as well as an emotional performance by.
- 3/27/2014
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Las Vegas -- Hollywood studio chiefs and theater owners turned out in force Wednesday night to pay tribute to the late Tom Sherak, the former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and longtime top studio executive who was beloved across the film industry. DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg was the master of ceremonies at the 73rd annual Will Rogers Pioneers Dinner in Las Vegas, where Sherak received the Pioneer of the Year award posthumously. His wife, Madeline Sherak, accepted the award at the close of a touching ceremony that included remembrances, a performance by the singing quartet
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- 3/27/2014
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here we are again after the Golden Globes, Mike Fleming and Anita Busch taking on the task of play by play during the most wide-open Oscar race we can remember. Even on the party circuit, industry insiders who usually have a grasp of who’ll walk away with Oscars were evenly torn between Alfonso Cuaron’s 3D masterpiece Gravity and Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave. Then again, there were so many terrific films that got Best Picture nominations, and all of them have at least a puncher’s chance at an upset. Related: Oscars: Pete Hammond’s Absolute Final Predictions That includes American Hustle, where David O Russell co-wrote the Best Original Script nominee with Eric Warren Singer and got tour de force performances and nominations for Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Perfs so strong there was no room on the nomination roster for perennial Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner.
- 3/3/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
The 2014 Oscars "In Memoriam" segment left out Glee star Cory Monteith, former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star James Avery and Tom Clancy among others. The segment acknowledged most of the many stars who died over the past year, including Roger Ebert, James Gandolfini, Paul Walker, Sid Caesar, Shirley Temple Black, Ray Dolby, Tom Sherak, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Harold Ramis. The segment even acknowledged camera assistant Sarah Jones, who died when she was struck and killed by a train during pre-production on the Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider. Oscars 2014: Live Blog But, the Oscars left out
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- 3/3/2014
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar-nominated films Her, The Croods and Frozen are among the recipients of the 2014 Made-in-Hollywood awards to be presented Thursday. Los Angeles City Councilmen Tom Labonge and Mitch O’Farrell announced the latest honorees Monday as part of an initiative to keep film productions local. Also Monday, Ken Ziffren officially was named the city's film czar, replacing former Academy chief Tom Sherak, who died late last month after battling prostate cancer. Photos: 2014 Oscar Nominees The Made-in-Hollywood Awards were launched two years ago and given to Oscar-nominated feature films that were made in the historic
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- 2/11/2014
- by Debbie Emery
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New Film Czar Ken Ziffren Calls Runaway TV, Film Production a ‘Devastating Blow to the Middle-Class’
Ken Ziffren, the veteran entertainment attorney introduced Monday as the city’s new film and TV czar, said maintaining Hollywood’s grip on production won’t be easy, given the huge toll already taken by the exodus of projects lured by tax and and other financial incentives. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti introduced Ziffren, who is replacing Tom Sherak, the former film executive and film academy president who died earlier this month after being named to the post in September. “This is a critical moment for our industry and our economy,” Ziffren said. “If we don’t fight back now,...
- 2/10/2014
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Update, 1:13 Pm: La Mayor Eric Garcetti today made official what I exclusively revealed Saturday to Deadline readers: Hollywood heavyweight attorney Ken Ziffren will be the head of the City of La’s Entertainment Industry and Production office. The card-carrying SAG-aftra member Garcetti said that Ziffren will be “a powerful leader in our fight against other states that are taking our jobs, and he will be aggressive about streamlining government so red tape doesn’t contribute to driving production away.” Ziffren takes over from former AMPAS president and studio exec Tom Sherak. who died January 28. See today’s full release below the original story. Related: R.I.P. Tom Sherak Previous Exclusive, Saturday Pm: Los Angeles is about to get its second Film Czar. Mayor Eric Garcetti has decided on Ken Ziffren for the job he created last fall and the powerhouse entertainment attorney has accepted the gig, I’ve learned.
- 2/10/2014
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday officially announced that veteran entertainment attorney Ken Ziffren will become the city's next film czar, replacing former Academy chief Tom Sherak, who died late last month after battling prostate cancer. "This is a critical moment for our industry and our economy," Ziffren said in a prepared statement at a news conference at Los Angeles' City Hall. "If we don't fight back now, these jobs are going to be lost for good, and that would be a devastating blow to our middle class. This is about jobs for carpenters, electricians, makeup artists-- good
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- 2/10/2014
- by Tina Daunt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ken Ziffren will be named Los Angeles' next film czar, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. He will replace former Academy chief Tom Sherak, who died late last month after battling prostate cancer for a dozen years. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's office expected to make the announcement next week. Garcetti created the position last fall to boost film and television production in L.A. Sherak's appointment came as the city faced an exodus of production to other states and countries offering tax rebates. Story: Power Lawyer Ken Ziffren on Netflix, TV and Future of Hollywood Ziffren will be charged with
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- 2/9/2014
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will name entertainment attorney Ken Ziffren as the city’s new film czar, according to an individual with knowledge of the mayor’s plans. Ziffren succeeds former AMPAS president Tom Sherak, who died last month. Garcetti appointed Sherak as the city’s first film czar after he was elected last year. He hoped the beloved former executive could bring more production back to Los Angeles, as countless movie and TV productions have decamped for states and countries with more lucrative tax incentives. “The entertainment industry generates more than 500,000 local jobs. Protecting and expanding it is an absolute necessity,...
- 2/9/2014
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
It has not been an easy week, saying goodbye to two old friends, Hollywood producer Jim Jacks and studio executive Tom Sherak, who shared something in common; they were both good guys. They were generous and giving to their friends; they were adored by the people who worked for them. At the Academy Board of Governors meeting on Monday night, the governors gave former AMPAS president Sherak a moment of silence, and talked about how much he had done to help shepherd the organization through a challenging time. Wednesday brought a Catholic Mass in North Hollywood, followed by a heartfelt celebration of the life of Jim Jacks at West Hollywood restaurant Craig's, where he used to have dinner once a week. Along with his family, the friends who shared Jacks stories included Circle Releasing's Ted Pedas (who backed three Coen brothers movies, "Raising Arizona, " "Miller's Crossing" and "Barton Fink," produced...
- 1/31/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Tom Sherak, the longtime Hollywood executive and former Academy president who died Tuesday almost 13 years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, was eulogized on Thursday as a man whose accomplishments in the movie industry were overshadowed by his humanitarian efforts and especially his family life. “He was an executive, a philanthropist, a community leader and a mover and shaker of the first order – but as a man of goodness, he stood even taller,” said Rabbi Uri Herscher, one of several speakers who gave emotional talks to a crowd of more than 1,000 mourners that included Sherak’s friends and...
- 1/30/2014
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
They came by the hundreds, more than a thousand Hollywood insiders crowding into pews at a synagogue in Woodland Hills before a simple, cream-colored casket. The walls were unadorned, the music a simple guitar. They sat in silence, wiping tears. Not a BlackBerry was opened. Not an iPhone was seen. It was a rare, silent display of utter respect, admiration and love. They came to celebrate a man, not a mogul. Tom Sherak was not a powerbroker because he’d been a big executive at Fox and Revolution, or because he ran the Motion Picture Academy. He was powerful because he was.
- 1/30/2014
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
If any of the films he worked on got the same turnout as his funeral, Tom Sherak would have been one happy distribution exec. The parking lot at Woodland Hills' Temple Aliyah was completely full; there was no parking available for blocks and it was standing-room-only inside the Conservative Jewish congregation's hall. Among the roughly 1,000 seated for the 10 a.m. service were Sony Pictures' Amy Pascal, Disney's Alan Horn, producer Joe Roth, Legendary board member Dick Cook, former Yahoo chief Terry Semel, Fox Filmed Entertainment's Jim Gianopulos, TriStar's Tom Rothman, Warner Bros.' Barry Meyer
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- 1/30/2014
- by Bill Higgins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Add Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh to the chorus of industry heavyweights who owe a debt to Tom Sherak, who died this week. The film business basically shuts down part of today as they gather to pay tribute to the former AMPAS head. Related: Hollywood Remembers Tom Sherak An Open Letter from Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity: I first met Tom Sherak when I was a student at UCLA. Tom taught a course called “Distribution 101.” I was fortunate enough to not only have him as my teacher, but for him to become my mentor. That first class led to what would become a lifelong friendship and an incredible source of personal encouragement and strength for me. I always knew that no matter what the issue or how seemingly unsurmountable the problem, Tom would be there to guide me. I deeply mourn his loss, but more importantly, celebrate his life. This is an incredible man.
- 1/30/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
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