Studiocanal has appointed former Netflix France exec Isabelle Pain as Head of Global Acquisitions & Analytics in a new position created in response to the company’s international expansion.
Pain will be responsible for the company’s overall film acquisition strategy, overseeing multi-regional acquisitions and ensuring pan-regional acquisitions are aligned.
Based in Paris, Pain will report to Ron Halpern, EVP Global Production & Talent Management.
Studiocanal said Pain would work with all its subsidiaries, as well as with all Canal+ Group’s entities, its myCANAL platform and its channels in France and abroad.
Recent high-profile acquisitions by Studiocanal have included Past Lives, Wrath of Man, Saw X, Orphan: First Kill, John Wick, Parallel Mothers, Pain and Glory (Germany), and Miraculous Ladybug.
Studiocanal said the creation of the Global Acquisitions & Analytics role...
Pain will be responsible for the company’s overall film acquisition strategy, overseeing multi-regional acquisitions and ensuring pan-regional acquisitions are aligned.
Based in Paris, Pain will report to Ron Halpern, EVP Global Production & Talent Management.
Studiocanal said Pain would work with all its subsidiaries, as well as with all Canal+ Group’s entities, its myCANAL platform and its channels in France and abroad.
Recent high-profile acquisitions by Studiocanal have included Past Lives, Wrath of Man, Saw X, Orphan: First Kill, John Wick, Parallel Mothers, Pain and Glory (Germany), and Miraculous Ladybug.
Studiocanal said the creation of the Global Acquisitions & Analytics role...
- 5/7/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Isabelle Pain, content and strategy lead at Netflix France, is joining Studiocanal as head of global acquisitions & analytics, based in Paris.
Pain will be responsible for setting the overall strategy for Studiocanal’s film acquisitions, working with Studiocanal’s subsidiaries to run acquisitions across multiple regions through markets and festivals.
She will report to Ron Halpern, EVP global production & talent management.
“The international expansion of Studiocanal… plus the growth of our cinema releases across an increasing number of countries, means we need to further strengthen our strategy around film acquisitions,” said Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh.
Pain joins from Netflix France,...
Pain will be responsible for setting the overall strategy for Studiocanal’s film acquisitions, working with Studiocanal’s subsidiaries to run acquisitions across multiple regions through markets and festivals.
She will report to Ron Halpern, EVP global production & talent management.
“The international expansion of Studiocanal… plus the growth of our cinema releases across an increasing number of countries, means we need to further strengthen our strategy around film acquisitions,” said Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh.
Pain joins from Netflix France,...
- 5/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), and Ed Harris (The Truman Show) are set to star in the revenge thriller Huntington for writer/director John Patton Ford, and Deadline reports that A24 has just boarded the project to handle its domestic distribution.
Drawing inspiration from the 1949 crime comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets, Huntington will see Powell taking on the role of Becket Redfellow, the heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves… Or what he thinks he deserves. Kind Hearts and Coronets told the following story: When Louis D’Ascoyne Mazzini, who hails from a royal family, is denied dukedom, he plans to kill all the potential threats in his way.
Kind Hearts and Coronets is in the Studiocanal library, and the company is fully financing this take on the concept. Studiocanal’s EVP Global Production...
Drawing inspiration from the 1949 crime comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets, Huntington will see Powell taking on the role of Becket Redfellow, the heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves… Or what he thinks he deserves. Kind Hearts and Coronets told the following story: When Louis D’Ascoyne Mazzini, who hails from a royal family, is denied dukedom, he plans to kill all the potential threats in his way.
Kind Hearts and Coronets is in the Studiocanal library, and the company is fully financing this take on the concept. Studiocanal’s EVP Global Production...
- 5/1/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
A24 has officially signed on to John Patton Ford’s “Huntington” (working title) for U.S. distribution. Also joining are new cast members Ed Harris and Margaret Qualley, who will star alongside the previously announced Glen Powell.
“Huntington” is a revenge thriller that follows Becket Redfellow (Powell), the “heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves… Or what he thinks he deserves.”
Ford will direct “Huntington” (or whatever it is titled by then). He already wrote the original screenplay, which was inspired by the film’s financier Studiocanal’s “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” the classic 1949 crime film starring Alec Guinness, who famously played eight different roles in the film.
Enjoy the new casting choices? Credit casting director Lucy Bevan of “Barbie. EVP of Global Production Ron Halpern and SVP of Global Production Joe Naftalin will oversee “Huntington” for Studiocanal, with Pete Czernin and...
“Huntington” is a revenge thriller that follows Becket Redfellow (Powell), the “heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves… Or what he thinks he deserves.”
Ford will direct “Huntington” (or whatever it is titled by then). He already wrote the original screenplay, which was inspired by the film’s financier Studiocanal’s “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” the classic 1949 crime film starring Alec Guinness, who famously played eight different roles in the film.
Enjoy the new casting choices? Credit casting director Lucy Bevan of “Barbie. EVP of Global Production Ron Halpern and SVP of Global Production Joe Naftalin will oversee “Huntington” for Studiocanal, with Pete Czernin and...
- 5/1/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: A24 has come aboard as domestic distributor of John Patton Ford’s Huntington, with the revenge thriller also adding Ed Harris and Margaret Qualley to a cast that already features Glen Powell. The film follows Becket Redfellow (Powell), the heir to a multibillion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves … or what he thinks he deserves.
Ford will direct from his original screenplay inspired by Studiocanal’s Comedy library title Kind Hearts and Coronets.
Studiocanal is fully financing the film with casting director Lucy Bevan handling all casting.
EVP Global Production Ron Halpern and SVP Global Production Joe Naftalin will oversee for Studiocanal, along with Pete Czernin and Graham Broadbent at Blueprint Pictures.
CEO Anna Marsh, with Halpern and Naftalin, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be working closely again with our friends at A24 and Blueprint in bringing this incredibly special project to life.
Ford will direct from his original screenplay inspired by Studiocanal’s Comedy library title Kind Hearts and Coronets.
Studiocanal is fully financing the film with casting director Lucy Bevan handling all casting.
EVP Global Production Ron Halpern and SVP Global Production Joe Naftalin will oversee for Studiocanal, along with Pete Czernin and Graham Broadbent at Blueprint Pictures.
CEO Anna Marsh, with Halpern and Naftalin, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be working closely again with our friends at A24 and Blueprint in bringing this incredibly special project to life.
- 5/1/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Update 8 Am Pt: Studiocanal has now unveiled Sara Reese Geffroy as SVP of its nascent Studiocanal Stories label and TV series development.
She will run the French major’s new literary adaptations division, which was unveiled earlier today, while also supervising the development of Studiocanal TV series. She has held the VP Development TV series role for the past three years.
Geffroy will start on May 1 and report into new Studiocanal TV boss M-k Kennedy and Ron Halpern, EVP Global Production and Talent Management.
Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh said Geffroy’s “knowledge of the sales and production roles, as well as her trusted relationships with the production companies which form part of the Studiocanal ecosystem, are major assets to achieve our ambitions in the franchise and adaptations market.”
Previous: Studiocanal is pushing further into TV and film adaptations of literary IP.
The Canal+-owned company has launched Studiocanal Stories, two...
She will run the French major’s new literary adaptations division, which was unveiled earlier today, while also supervising the development of Studiocanal TV series. She has held the VP Development TV series role for the past three years.
Geffroy will start on May 1 and report into new Studiocanal TV boss M-k Kennedy and Ron Halpern, EVP Global Production and Talent Management.
Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh said Geffroy’s “knowledge of the sales and production roles, as well as her trusted relationships with the production companies which form part of the Studiocanal ecosystem, are major assets to achieve our ambitions in the franchise and adaptations market.”
Previous: Studiocanal is pushing further into TV and film adaptations of literary IP.
The Canal+-owned company has launched Studiocanal Stories, two...
- 4/29/2024
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Studiocanal and Editions Albert René have signed an exclusive development agreement for the fifth live action movie inspired by the adventures of French comic strip hero Asterix.
The deal comes as French publishing house Éditions Albert René marks the 65th anniversary of the creation of the plucky Gaul warrior Asterix and his sidekick Obelix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in 1959.
Since then, 400 million Asterix books in 130 languages and dialects have sold worldwide, with 40 albums of Asterix adventures published since 1961.
The Asterix & Obelix comic books are embedded in French culture and have inspired five live-action films to date: Claude Zidi’s Asterix & Obelix Take On Caesar (1999), Alain Chabat’s Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002), Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann’s Asterix At The Olympic Games (2008), Laurent Tirard’s Asterix & Obelix: God Save Britannia (2012) and Guillaume Canet’s Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom (2023).
They have had mixed fortunes...
The deal comes as French publishing house Éditions Albert René marks the 65th anniversary of the creation of the plucky Gaul warrior Asterix and his sidekick Obelix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in 1959.
Since then, 400 million Asterix books in 130 languages and dialects have sold worldwide, with 40 albums of Asterix adventures published since 1961.
The Asterix & Obelix comic books are embedded in French culture and have inspired five live-action films to date: Claude Zidi’s Asterix & Obelix Take On Caesar (1999), Alain Chabat’s Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002), Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann’s Asterix At The Olympic Games (2008), Laurent Tirard’s Asterix & Obelix: God Save Britannia (2012) and Guillaume Canet’s Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom (2023).
They have had mixed fortunes...
- 4/29/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Studiocanal and Editions Albert René have signed an exclusive development agreement for the sixth live-action film of the adventures of beloved French comic book character Asterix.
Created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Asterix is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024. The series follows the adventures of Asterix and Obelix and their friends who live in a small village in Gaul, the only outpost of resistance against Julius Caesar’s mighty Roman empire. Since the characters were launched, they have become a cultural phenomenon, both in France and internationally.
Some 400 million Asterix books in 130 languages and dialects have been sold. Since 1961, 40 albums of Asterix adventures have been published and five live-action films have been produced.
The Asterix live-action films are “Asterix and Obelix take on Caesar” (1999), “Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra” (2002), “Asterix at the Olympic Games” (2008) “Asterix and Obelix: God Save Britannia” (2012) and Asterix and Obelix : The Middle Kingdom...
Created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Asterix is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024. The series follows the adventures of Asterix and Obelix and their friends who live in a small village in Gaul, the only outpost of resistance against Julius Caesar’s mighty Roman empire. Since the characters were launched, they have become a cultural phenomenon, both in France and internationally.
Some 400 million Asterix books in 130 languages and dialects have been sold. Since 1961, 40 albums of Asterix adventures have been published and five live-action films have been produced.
The Asterix live-action films are “Asterix and Obelix take on Caesar” (1999), “Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra” (2002), “Asterix at the Olympic Games” (2008) “Asterix and Obelix: God Save Britannia” (2012) and Asterix and Obelix : The Middle Kingdom...
- 4/29/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
After announcing a whopping number of English-language films in competition, Cannes Film Festival has added some international titles: Michel Hazanavicius’ animated feature “The Most Precious of Cargoes” and Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Variety has learned.
An auteur-driven allegorical feature, “The Most Precious of Cargoes” (first-look still below) is adapted from Jean-Claude Grumberg’s bestselling novel of the same name, set during World War II against the backdrop of the Holocaust. It will be the first animated feature to compete in more than a decade, since Ari Folman’s “Waltz With Bashir” in 2008.
The film is co-produced and represented internationally by Studiocanal, which also has Gilles Lellouche’s “Beating Hearts” in competition. “The Most Precious of Cargoes” is a passion project for Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “The Artist,” who has been developing the project for years. Hazanavicius penned the script with Grumberg and created the drawings,...
An auteur-driven allegorical feature, “The Most Precious of Cargoes” (first-look still below) is adapted from Jean-Claude Grumberg’s bestselling novel of the same name, set during World War II against the backdrop of the Holocaust. It will be the first animated feature to compete in more than a decade, since Ari Folman’s “Waltz With Bashir” in 2008.
The film is co-produced and represented internationally by Studiocanal, which also has Gilles Lellouche’s “Beating Hearts” in competition. “The Most Precious of Cargoes” is a passion project for Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “The Artist,” who has been developing the project for years. Hazanavicius penned the script with Grumberg and created the drawings,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
“Beating Hearts” (“L’amour ouf”), an epic crime romance directed by Gilles Lellouche and slated to compete at the Cannes Film Festival, has lured major distributors in key markets ahead of its world premiere.
The sprawling movie, which is budgeted in the $30 million range, is financed, co-produced represented in international markets by Studiocanal. One of the most anticipated and ambitious French movies set for a theatrical release in 2024, “Beating Hearts” was produced by Hugo Selignac at Chi-Fou-Mi, a Mediawan company, and Alain Attal’s Les Films du Tresor.
Studiocanal will distribute the film in Germany and Australia, as well as France, with a release set for Oct. 16. The company has sold it to Cineart in Benelux, Filmcoopi in Switzerland, Feelgood in Greece, Lucky Red in Italy, Lusomundo in Portugal, Kinoswiat in Poland, Greenlight Films in Ukraine, Capella in Russia and Pinema in Turkey. Studiocanal will be closing more deals at the Cannes Film Festival.
The sprawling movie, which is budgeted in the $30 million range, is financed, co-produced represented in international markets by Studiocanal. One of the most anticipated and ambitious French movies set for a theatrical release in 2024, “Beating Hearts” was produced by Hugo Selignac at Chi-Fou-Mi, a Mediawan company, and Alain Attal’s Les Films du Tresor.
Studiocanal will distribute the film in Germany and Australia, as well as France, with a release set for Oct. 16. The company has sold it to Cineart in Benelux, Filmcoopi in Switzerland, Feelgood in Greece, Lucky Red in Italy, Lusomundo in Portugal, Kinoswiat in Poland, Greenlight Films in Ukraine, Capella in Russia and Pinema in Turkey. Studiocanal will be closing more deals at the Cannes Film Festival.
- 4/16/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
M-k Kennedy, formerly Netflix’s Europe vice-president of production, is joining Studiocanal as the London-based executive managing director of TV series, taking over from Françoise Guyonnet.
Kennedy joins the production and distribution giant in a role that involves overseeing Studiocanal’s network of 14 production companies. They include UK outfits Red Production Company, Urban Myth Films and Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch, as well as Bambú Producciones in Spain and Dutch Filmworks in the Netherlands.
Kennedy will report into Anna Marsh, Studiocanal chief and group deputy chief exec of parent Canal+.
Studiocanal has series in 16 languages in the market including James Norton...
Kennedy joins the production and distribution giant in a role that involves overseeing Studiocanal’s network of 14 production companies. They include UK outfits Red Production Company, Urban Myth Films and Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch, as well as Bambú Producciones in Spain and Dutch Filmworks in the Netherlands.
Kennedy will report into Anna Marsh, Studiocanal chief and group deputy chief exec of parent Canal+.
Studiocanal has series in 16 languages in the market including James Norton...
- 4/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Studiocanal has tapped former Netflix exec M-k Kennedy as its new head of TV.
Kennedy, whose new title is executive managing director of TV series, will report to Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh. She will be based in London.
Kennedy was previously located in Amsterdam where she was VP of production for Europe at Netflix, responsible for building the production teams for local-language series across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Nordics. Among the shows she worked on were “Lupin,” “Berlin” and “Machos Alfa” and films included “Society of the Snow” and “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
Prior to Netflix Kennedy was at UCP and Universal Television.
“I am truly delighted to welcome the immensely talented M-k Kennedy to Studiocanal to oversee our TV business, succeeding Francoise Guyonnet, whom I sincerely thank for her contribution in building such a strong, prosperous activity,” Marsh said in a statement. “M-k’s in-depth...
Kennedy, whose new title is executive managing director of TV series, will report to Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh. She will be based in London.
Kennedy was previously located in Amsterdam where she was VP of production for Europe at Netflix, responsible for building the production teams for local-language series across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Nordics. Among the shows she worked on were “Lupin,” “Berlin” and “Machos Alfa” and films included “Society of the Snow” and “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
Prior to Netflix Kennedy was at UCP and Universal Television.
“I am truly delighted to welcome the immensely talented M-k Kennedy to Studiocanal to oversee our TV business, succeeding Francoise Guyonnet, whom I sincerely thank for her contribution in building such a strong, prosperous activity,” Marsh said in a statement. “M-k’s in-depth...
- 4/4/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Studiocanal has signed the person responsible for setting up Netflix production hubs around Europe as its new TV boss.
M-k Kennedy, who has spent the past few years as the streamer’s VP Production, Europe, has joined the Paris Has Fallen outfit as Executive Managing Director of TV Series, reporting to CEO Anna Marsh and based in London. She succeeds Françoise Guyonnet, who has become EVP of Kids Brands at the Paddington outfit as it pushes further into the space.
She will oversee a team that currently has series in 16 languages including the likes of the TV version of the Has Fallen franchise starring Gerard Butler and Thomas Vinterberg’s Families Like Ours. Past shows including Russell T Davies’ It’s a Sin.
Kennedy takes on the lucrative gig after spending the past seven years as Netflix’s Vice President of Production for Europe, based in Amsterdam. There, she built the...
M-k Kennedy, who has spent the past few years as the streamer’s VP Production, Europe, has joined the Paris Has Fallen outfit as Executive Managing Director of TV Series, reporting to CEO Anna Marsh and based in London. She succeeds Françoise Guyonnet, who has become EVP of Kids Brands at the Paddington outfit as it pushes further into the space.
She will oversee a team that currently has series in 16 languages including the likes of the TV version of the Has Fallen franchise starring Gerard Butler and Thomas Vinterberg’s Families Like Ours. Past shows including Russell T Davies’ It’s a Sin.
Kennedy takes on the lucrative gig after spending the past seven years as Netflix’s Vice President of Production for Europe, based in Amsterdam. There, she built the...
- 4/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Studiocanal is launching a genre label and has brought back former acquisitions, development, and production executive Jed Benedict to run it.
The as-yet-unnamed genre division will encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution with the opportunity to dig deeper into Studiocanal’s catalogue of 9,000 titles spanning 100 years of film history.
Benedict is based in the UK and will also work with Studiocanal’s French production team. He reports to EVP global production Ron Halpern.
Benedict served at Studiocanal UK from 2012-20. He joined as senior acquisitions manger and acquired titles like David Mackenzie’s Hell Or High Water,...
The as-yet-unnamed genre division will encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution with the opportunity to dig deeper into Studiocanal’s catalogue of 9,000 titles spanning 100 years of film history.
Benedict is based in the UK and will also work with Studiocanal’s French production team. He reports to EVP global production Ron Halpern.
Benedict served at Studiocanal UK from 2012-20. He joined as senior acquisitions manger and acquired titles like David Mackenzie’s Hell Or High Water,...
- 3/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
The UK company Studiocanal is looking to dive further into the genre space, with Variety reporting that they’ve minted a new label specifically for horror and science fiction projects.
According to Variety’s report, the new label is “dedicated to the development, production and distribution of horror, thriller, sci fi and action films and TV series.”
Jed Benedict (Elysian Film Group) has been appointed to run the label. Of note, Jed Benedict had previously acquired Rose Glass’s horror movie Saint Maud for Studiocanal.
Variety notes, “He’ll be spearheading the editorial line in genre content, and will also work with the French production team at Studiocanal.”
“Benedict’s knowledge of content, his international network and his expertise in acquisitions, development and production make him the ideal profile to develop Studiocanal’s genre content,” said Studiocanal’s CEO Anna Marsh. “This new label will increase our presence in the...
According to Variety’s report, the new label is “dedicated to the development, production and distribution of horror, thriller, sci fi and action films and TV series.”
Jed Benedict (Elysian Film Group) has been appointed to run the label. Of note, Jed Benedict had previously acquired Rose Glass’s horror movie Saint Maud for Studiocanal.
Variety notes, “He’ll be spearheading the editorial line in genre content, and will also work with the French production team at Studiocanal.”
“Benedict’s knowledge of content, his international network and his expertise in acquisitions, development and production make him the ideal profile to develop Studiocanal’s genre content,” said Studiocanal’s CEO Anna Marsh. “This new label will increase our presence in the...
- 3/6/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Studiocanal, the European powerhouse behind “Paddington,” has created a genre label dedicated to the development, production and distribution of horror, thriller, sci fi and action films and TV series.
The company has hired Jed Benedict, a well-known executive who previously worked for the U.K. distribution banner Elysian Film Group, to run the new label.
Benedict will be based in the U.K. and will be reporting to Ron Halpern, the EVP of global production. He’ll be spearheading the editorial line in genre content, and will also work with the French production team at Studiocanal.
Benedict’s “knowledge of content, his international network and his expertise in acquisitions, development and production make him the ideal profile to develop Studiocanal’s genre content,” said Studiocanal’s CEO Anna Marsh. “This new label will increase our presence in the market which has many dedicated genre enthusiasts we want to cater for,...
The company has hired Jed Benedict, a well-known executive who previously worked for the U.K. distribution banner Elysian Film Group, to run the new label.
Benedict will be based in the U.K. and will be reporting to Ron Halpern, the EVP of global production. He’ll be spearheading the editorial line in genre content, and will also work with the French production team at Studiocanal.
Benedict’s “knowledge of content, his international network and his expertise in acquisitions, development and production make him the ideal profile to develop Studiocanal’s genre content,” said Studiocanal’s CEO Anna Marsh. “This new label will increase our presence in the market which has many dedicated genre enthusiasts we want to cater for,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
European production powerhouse StudioCanal has announced the launch of its first-ever genre label and has appointed former Studiocanal UK exec Jed Benedict to run it.
Benedict held various positions at Studiocanal from 2012 through 2020 including as senior acquisitions manager in the U.K., picking up such titles as David Mackenzie’s Hell or High Water, Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan, S. Craig Zahler’s Dragged Across Concrete, and Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar winner Another Round. In 2020, Benedict shifted to Danny Perkins’ CAA-backed U.K. distributor Elysian Film Group, becoming its head of acquisitions and development.
Benedict will be based in the U.K. and report to StudioCanal’s executive vp, global production Ron Halpern. The new, as-yet-unnamed genre label will encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution, focusing on exploiting StudioCanal’s catalog of some 9,000 titles across a century of movie history. In a statement, Benedict said...
Benedict held various positions at Studiocanal from 2012 through 2020 including as senior acquisitions manager in the U.K., picking up such titles as David Mackenzie’s Hell or High Water, Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan, S. Craig Zahler’s Dragged Across Concrete, and Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar winner Another Round. In 2020, Benedict shifted to Danny Perkins’ CAA-backed U.K. distributor Elysian Film Group, becoming its head of acquisitions and development.
Benedict will be based in the U.K. and report to StudioCanal’s executive vp, global production Ron Halpern. The new, as-yet-unnamed genre label will encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution, focusing on exploiting StudioCanal’s catalog of some 9,000 titles across a century of movie history. In a statement, Benedict said...
- 3/6/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
StudioCanal said today that it has set plans to launch a new film and TV genre label led by Jed Benedict, who will rejoin the company to lead the brand.
Benedict will be based in the UK and report to EVP, of Global Production Ron Halpern. The company said he will be responsible for “ensuring StudioCanal’s editorial line in genre content as Head of StudioCanal new genre label.” He will also work with the StudioCanal French production team.
The company has said the new label will “encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution.”
“I am so delighted to return to StudioCanal, who have fully embraced the opportunity to create a destination for talented artists – established and new – with bold and daring visionary ambition,” Benedict said.
Benedict added that the new genre label will have the “freedom of working in the shadows where we believe the genre film...
Benedict will be based in the UK and report to EVP, of Global Production Ron Halpern. The company said he will be responsible for “ensuring StudioCanal’s editorial line in genre content as Head of StudioCanal new genre label.” He will also work with the StudioCanal French production team.
The company has said the new label will “encompass film and TV series development, production, and distribution.”
“I am so delighted to return to StudioCanal, who have fully embraced the opportunity to create a destination for talented artists – established and new – with bold and daring visionary ambition,” Benedict said.
Benedict added that the new genre label will have the “freedom of working in the shadows where we believe the genre film...
- 3/6/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s upcoming Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black” may have access to the late singer’s globally recognized back catalog, but another legendary musician is lending his talents to the project.
Nick Cave, alongside his long-time collaborator Warren Ellis, is scoring the StudioCanal and Focus Features film, which sees “Industry” star Marisa Abela play Winehouse. Abela is joined by a cast including Jack O’Connell (playing Blake Fielder-Civil), Eddie Marsan (Mitch Winehouse), Juliet Cowan (Janis Winehouse) and Lesley Manville.
Variety has been given an exclusive photo taken of Cave, Ellis and Taylor-Johnson recording in the studio earlier this week.
While Winehouse’s own songs, such as “Back to Black” (which featured in the recent trailer), “Valerie” and “Rehab” will undoubtedly take center stage in the film (with most recorded and performed by Abela), Cave and Ellis are understood to have composed about 20-30 minutes of music.
“Nick and Warren...
Nick Cave, alongside his long-time collaborator Warren Ellis, is scoring the StudioCanal and Focus Features film, which sees “Industry” star Marisa Abela play Winehouse. Abela is joined by a cast including Jack O’Connell (playing Blake Fielder-Civil), Eddie Marsan (Mitch Winehouse), Juliet Cowan (Janis Winehouse) and Lesley Manville.
Variety has been given an exclusive photo taken of Cave, Ellis and Taylor-Johnson recording in the studio earlier this week.
While Winehouse’s own songs, such as “Back to Black” (which featured in the recent trailer), “Valerie” and “Rehab” will undoubtedly take center stage in the film (with most recorded and performed by Abela), Cave and Ellis are understood to have composed about 20-30 minutes of music.
“Nick and Warren...
- 2/7/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
“I want people to hear my voice and just forget their troubles for five minutes,” says Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in the official trailer for Back to Black. After promising the film will show the love story behind one of the greatest albums of all times, the trailer ends with Abela as Amy saying, “I don’t write songs to be famous. I write songs ’cause I’ve got to make something good outta something bad.”
In addition to Marisa Abela (Industry), the cast includes Jack O’Connell (Ferrari), Eddie Marsan (Fair Play), and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris). Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) directs from a screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh.
Back to Black was made with the full cooperation of Amy Winehouse’s estate. Alison Owen, Debra Hayward, and Nicky Kentish-Barnes served as producers, with Sam Taylor-Johnson, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Joe Naftalin executive producing.
In addition to Marisa Abela (Industry), the cast includes Jack O’Connell (Ferrari), Eddie Marsan (Fair Play), and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris). Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) directs from a screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh.
Back to Black was made with the full cooperation of Amy Winehouse’s estate. Alison Owen, Debra Hayward, and Nicky Kentish-Barnes served as producers, with Sam Taylor-Johnson, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Joe Naftalin executive producing.
- 2/2/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Amy Winehouse had a quick rise to fame and unfortunately, it lasted just as quickly when her addictions would take a toll on her tumultuous life. Her talent would not go unnoticed as the singer gained a huge following, and her fans celebrate her music to this day. Focus Features has now released the official trailer for the biopic about Winehouse as it chronicles her meteoric celebrity and how the dark forces of it all would become too much for her. Marisa Abela, of the TV series Industry and Barbie, plays the singer. The film also stars Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville. The biopic comes from filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.
The official plot synopsis from Focus Features reads,
“The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame.
The official plot synopsis from Focus Features reads,
“The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame.
- 2/2/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Amy Winehouse’s legacy is getting the big screen treatment.
Following the acclaimed A24 documentary “Amy,” Winehouse’s life now lands a narrative feature with biopic “Back to Black” directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. “Industry” breakout star Marisa Abela portrays the ill-fated British crooner who died at age 27.
The official synopsis reads: “The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking 2006 album, ‘Back to Black,’ that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.”
The film is written by “Nowhere Boy” scribe Matt Greenhalgh, and co-stars Jack O’Connell as Winehouse’s ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, Eddie Marsan as Winehouse’s father Mitch Winehouse,...
Following the acclaimed A24 documentary “Amy,” Winehouse’s life now lands a narrative feature with biopic “Back to Black” directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. “Industry” breakout star Marisa Abela portrays the ill-fated British crooner who died at age 27.
The official synopsis reads: “The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking 2006 album, ‘Back to Black,’ that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.”
The film is written by “Nowhere Boy” scribe Matt Greenhalgh, and co-stars Jack O’Connell as Winehouse’s ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, Eddie Marsan as Winehouse’s father Mitch Winehouse,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: With Anyone But You having just crossed $100M at the global box office and Top Gun 3 chatter lighting up the internet, Hollywood man of the moment Glen Powell has found his next project in the shape of thriller Huntington from Emily The Criminal writer-director John Patton Ford.
As we revealed last year, Euro studio Studiocanal and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri producer Blueprint are behind the project, which has now attracted Green Book and Spotlight outfit Participant as co-financier with Studiocanal.
We understand A24 is close to finalizing a domestic deal, though none of the parties could confirm at time of going to press.
The partners are aiming for an early summer shoot on the movie, which is described to us as “raucous revenge thriller” about Becket Redfellow (Powell), the heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves…Or what he thinks he deserves.
As we revealed last year, Euro studio Studiocanal and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri producer Blueprint are behind the project, which has now attracted Green Book and Spotlight outfit Participant as co-financier with Studiocanal.
We understand A24 is close to finalizing a domestic deal, though none of the parties could confirm at time of going to press.
The partners are aiming for an early summer shoot on the movie, which is described to us as “raucous revenge thriller” about Becket Redfellow (Powell), the heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune who will stop at nothing to get what he deserves…Or what he thinks he deserves.
- 1/22/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Because the fall festivals had fewer actors and writers on hand due to the strikes, more independent movies came into the season looking for buyers. And even with AMPTP buyers getting cold feet on some with interim agreements, many titles have already found homes, making it one of the busiest fall festival seasons across Venice, Toronto, and Telluride in recent memory.
Below is the running list of movies that have found buyers.
Movies Acquired After the Festivals
“Ezra”
Section: TIFF Gala Presentations
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Date Acquired: Nov. 6
Bleecker Street’s second TIFF acquisition is “Ezra,” the family dramedy from director Tony Goldwyn that stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro. The distributor is planning a 2024 theatrical release.
“Ezra” follows a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comic also struggling through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro...
Below is the running list of movies that have found buyers.
Movies Acquired After the Festivals
“Ezra”
Section: TIFF Gala Presentations
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Date Acquired: Nov. 6
Bleecker Street’s second TIFF acquisition is “Ezra,” the family dramedy from director Tony Goldwyn that stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro. The distributor is planning a 2024 theatrical release.
“Ezra” follows a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comic also struggling through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro...
- 11/6/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired rights in North America and China to mystery-comedy Wicked Little Letters from Studiocanal, for a 2024 theatrical release.
The film is directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet (Greed). Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley co-star in the period comedy-drama which world premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Additional cast include Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Hugh Skinner, Malachi Kirby, Gemma Jones), Lolly Adefope), Eileen Atkins and Alisha Weir.
The deal was negotiated between SPC and Studiocanal, which financed the film with Film4. Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films previously acquired additional international rights.
The film is produced by Blueprint Pictures alongside South of The River Pictures and Jo Wallett.
It is executive produced by Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Joe Naftalin for Studiocanal and Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden, and Farhana Bhula for Film4. In addition to writing the screenplay,...
The film is directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet (Greed). Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley co-star in the period comedy-drama which world premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Additional cast include Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Hugh Skinner, Malachi Kirby, Gemma Jones), Lolly Adefope), Eileen Atkins and Alisha Weir.
The deal was negotiated between SPC and Studiocanal, which financed the film with Film4. Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films previously acquired additional international rights.
The film is produced by Blueprint Pictures alongside South of The River Pictures and Jo Wallett.
It is executive produced by Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Joe Naftalin for Studiocanal and Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden, and Farhana Bhula for Film4. In addition to writing the screenplay,...
- 11/3/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Delivering some late deal-making momentum to the American Film Market, Sony Pictures Classics snatched up North America and China distribution rights to the British black comedy mystery film Wicked Little Letters, starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley.
Sony acquired the rights from StudioCanal and will release the film theatrically in 2024.
Directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet (Greed), Wicked Little Letters is based on a true scandal that stunned 1920s England. The story centers on neighbors Edith Swan (Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Buckley) in the seaside town of Littlehampton. One day, a series of obscene letters begin to target Edith and others, and when suspicion falls on Rose, the women of the town suspect something is amiss and decide to investigate.
Wicked Little Letters recently had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film’s cast is rounded...
Sony acquired the rights from StudioCanal and will release the film theatrically in 2024.
Directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet (Greed), Wicked Little Letters is based on a true scandal that stunned 1920s England. The story centers on neighbors Edith Swan (Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Buckley) in the seaside town of Littlehampton. One day, a series of obscene letters begin to target Edith and others, and when suspicion falls on Rose, the women of the town suspect something is amiss and decide to investigate.
Wicked Little Letters recently had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film’s cast is rounded...
- 11/3/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony Pictures Classics just picked up the distribution rights in both North America and China for “Wicked Little Letters.” The StudioCanal film, directed by Thea Sharrock (“Me Before You”) and penned by Jonny Sweet (“Greed”), stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley and made its premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The film is expected to open theatrically in 2024.
“Wicked Little Letters” takes place in a 1920s English seaside town which gets turned upside down when the residents begin receiving mysterious letters filled with profanities. The scandal, based on true-life events, creates a national uproar as the town’s women take it upon themselves to deduce the culprit.
StudioCanal’s Head of International Sales Chloe Marquet said, “We are thrilled to partner with SPC on ‘Wicked Little Letters’ and closely following the fantastic reception in TIFF. We know that SPC is the ideal partner to bring this very...
“Wicked Little Letters” takes place in a 1920s English seaside town which gets turned upside down when the residents begin receiving mysterious letters filled with profanities. The scandal, based on true-life events, creates a national uproar as the town’s women take it upon themselves to deduce the culprit.
StudioCanal’s Head of International Sales Chloe Marquet said, “We are thrilled to partner with SPC on ‘Wicked Little Letters’ and closely following the fantastic reception in TIFF. We know that SPC is the ideal partner to bring this very...
- 11/3/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to “Wicked Little Letters,” a stranger-than-fiction mystery comedy starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. The movie, directed by “Me Before You” filmmaker Thea Sharrock, had its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
“Wicked Little Letters” will debut in theaters sometime in 2024.
Set in a 1920s English seaside town amid a “dark and absurd scandal,” the film follows the true story of two neighbors: the deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Colman) and the rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, fouth-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues — but as the town’s women start to investigate, they suspect that Rose may not be the culprit after all.
“’Wicked Little Letters’ not only showcases great...
“Wicked Little Letters” will debut in theaters sometime in 2024.
Set in a 1920s English seaside town amid a “dark and absurd scandal,” the film follows the true story of two neighbors: the deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Colman) and the rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, fouth-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues — but as the town’s women start to investigate, they suspect that Rose may not be the culprit after all.
“’Wicked Little Letters’ not only showcases great...
- 11/3/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The comedy with Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley premiered at this year’s Toronto.
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired rights for North America and China to Thea Sharrock’s comedy Wicked Little Letters.
SPC is planning a 2024 theatrical release for the film, which had its premiere at this year’s Toronto festival.
Sony’s Stage 6 Films previously acquired rights to the film for markets including Latin America, Scandinavia, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltics.
Financed by Studiocanal and Film4, Wicked Little Letters is directed by British theatre and film maker Sharrock from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet.
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired rights for North America and China to Thea Sharrock’s comedy Wicked Little Letters.
SPC is planning a 2024 theatrical release for the film, which had its premiere at this year’s Toronto festival.
Sony’s Stage 6 Films previously acquired rights to the film for markets including Latin America, Scandinavia, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltics.
Financed by Studiocanal and Film4, Wicked Little Letters is directed by British theatre and film maker Sharrock from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet.
- 11/3/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Update Oct 24 01:30Am Pst: One thing that slipped under the radar yesterday was that Spanish newcomer Carla Tous took over the Gina Cabot role that was to be played by Rachel Zegler who had to drop out due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. We had checked in with the producers in recent months about how they were planning to get round the Zegler-strike issue but it only quietly came to light yesterday that she had been recast.
Original Oct 23, 07.18Am Pst: Paddington in Peru will hit U.S. cinemas on January 17, 2025 MLK Weekend, but will debut in the UK about two months prior on November 8, 2024, Sony said Monday.
Deadline told you first during Cannes that Sony snapped up U.S., Canada and key international territories including Latin America for the Studiocanal and Heyday Films threequel.
In the Dougal Wilson-directed picture, Paddington heads to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy,...
Original Oct 23, 07.18Am Pst: Paddington in Peru will hit U.S. cinemas on January 17, 2025 MLK Weekend, but will debut in the UK about two months prior on November 8, 2024, Sony said Monday.
Deadline told you first during Cannes that Sony snapped up U.S., Canada and key international territories including Latin America for the Studiocanal and Heyday Films threequel.
In the Dougal Wilson-directed picture, Paddington heads to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The Paddington films are some of the most acclaimed family films with high audience ratings and nearly 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with 97% for the first film and an astounding 99% for Paddington 2. Paddington 2 was even given a humorous shout out in the Nicolas Cage comedy, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, with a rousing recommendation by Pedro Pascal’s character. The third film, Paddington in Peru has secured a release date for November 8, 2024 in the UK and will fly on over to the United States on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, January 17, 2025.
The synopsis for Paddington in Peru, according to Deadline, reads,
“In the Dougal Wilson directed picture, Paddington heads to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon...
The synopsis for Paddington in Peru, according to Deadline, reads,
“In the Dougal Wilson directed picture, Paddington heads to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon...
- 10/23/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
“Paddington in Peru,” the third adventure about the lovable bear with a fondness for marmalade, will make its way to theaters during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in 2025.
The movie is set to release on Jan. 17, 2025, in the United States, about two months after it lands in the United Kingdom on Nov. 8, 2024.
Dougal Wilson directed the movie, which, as the title suggests, brings Paddington’s story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton are returning as Paddington and Aunt Lucy, with Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman rounding out the live-action cast. Rachel Zegler was supposed to join the film but was unable to...
The movie is set to release on Jan. 17, 2025, in the United States, about two months after it lands in the United Kingdom on Nov. 8, 2024.
Dougal Wilson directed the movie, which, as the title suggests, brings Paddington’s story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton are returning as Paddington and Aunt Lucy, with Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman rounding out the live-action cast. Rachel Zegler was supposed to join the film but was unable to...
- 10/23/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exec tells Mipcom he wants to increase the amount that Studiocanal invests in content.
Canal+ Group chairman and CEO Maxime Saada stressed his ambition to grow in-house production arm Studiocanal during a keynote address at Mipcom this week.
Saada said that Canal+ is still too dependent on acquiring third-party content, particularly premium film and sports rights.
He noted that Canal+ Group invests €3.5bn annually on content; of this Studiocanal spends €300m. “So less than 10% really is in-house on the producing side. It is not enough,” said Saada.
“I think one of the big moves going forward is for Studiocanal to...
Canal+ Group chairman and CEO Maxime Saada stressed his ambition to grow in-house production arm Studiocanal during a keynote address at Mipcom this week.
Saada said that Canal+ is still too dependent on acquiring third-party content, particularly premium film and sports rights.
He noted that Canal+ Group invests €3.5bn annually on content; of this Studiocanal spends €300m. “So less than 10% really is in-house on the producing side. It is not enough,” said Saada.
“I think one of the big moves going forward is for Studiocanal to...
- 10/17/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
In a significant declaration of large intentions and strategy at Studiocanal, owned by Vivendi’s Canal Plus Group, Françoise Guyonnet has been appointed Studiocanal CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands as the European production-distribution giant looks to drive powerfully into children’s IP.
Studiocanal described the appointment in a written statement on Thursday as “a confident move for the studio which wishes to accelerate growth in children’s IP.” Copyrights Group is an international intellectual property management agency, it added.
The new high-ranking role for Guyonnet at Studiocanal has been announced just two days after it unveiled plans at Brand Licensing Europe (Ble) to produce with Superprod Group and Mercis a CGI series of world famous character “Miffy,” created in 1955 by Dutch author-illustrator Dick Bruna. Guyonnet said the move underlined “our ambition in the quality franchise space.”
Significantly, Guyonnet has served as Studiocanal director of TV series from 2017. Her...
Studiocanal described the appointment in a written statement on Thursday as “a confident move for the studio which wishes to accelerate growth in children’s IP.” Copyrights Group is an international intellectual property management agency, it added.
The new high-ranking role for Guyonnet at Studiocanal has been announced just two days after it unveiled plans at Brand Licensing Europe (Ble) to produce with Superprod Group and Mercis a CGI series of world famous character “Miffy,” created in 1955 by Dutch author-illustrator Dick Bruna. Guyonnet said the move underlined “our ambition in the quality franchise space.”
Significantly, Guyonnet has served as Studiocanal director of TV series from 2017. Her...
- 10/5/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Studiocanal has named Patrick Schweitzer as CEO of its UK-based It’s a Sin and Years and Years producer Red Production Company. An industry veteran, Schweitzer has worked across high-end television drama for 30 years. Prior to joining Red, he spent five years at Tall Story Pictures and executive produced such series as ITV’S Grace, Redemption, Bancroft season 2 and The Bay.
Previously, Schweitzer was producer in development on Sky’s Gangs of London, having also produced Sky’s Save Me, the BBC’s Ssgb, The Interceptor, Doctor Who and the final season of ITV’s Whitechapel.
Other credits include working as a location manager, then line producer. He was involved in launching such returning TV series as Ashes to Ashes, Spooks, Hustle, The Hour, Blackpool and Call the Midwife.
On Red’s upcoming slate is Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys in co-production with Endor for delivery to Prime Video...
Previously, Schweitzer was producer in development on Sky’s Gangs of London, having also produced Sky’s Save Me, the BBC’s Ssgb, The Interceptor, Doctor Who and the final season of ITV’s Whitechapel.
Other credits include working as a location manager, then line producer. He was involved in launching such returning TV series as Ashes to Ashes, Spooks, Hustle, The Hour, Blackpool and Call the Midwife.
On Red’s upcoming slate is Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys in co-production with Endor for delivery to Prime Video...
- 9/25/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Patrick Schweitzer has been named the new CEO of Red Production Company, the U.K. producer behind such hits as It’s a Sin, Years and Years and the upcoming Neil Gaiman-adapted fantasy series Anansi Boys.
Red parent company Studiocanal unveiled the news on Monday, with Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh calling Schweitzer “an incredible asset to Red. He already has an extraordinary portfolio of drama to his name and an innate ability to create programming that is relatable to every kind of audience…Patrick’s relationships with writers, acting talent, broadcasters and his team members are second to none. We are thrilled to know that Red is in such excellent hands.”
Over his 30-year-career in television, Schweitzer has worked on such high-end drama series as Grace, Redemption and Whitechapel for ITV, Sky’s hit Gangs of London and Save Me, and such BBC shows as Ssgb, The Interceptor and Doctor Who.
Red parent company Studiocanal unveiled the news on Monday, with Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh calling Schweitzer “an incredible asset to Red. He already has an extraordinary portfolio of drama to his name and an innate ability to create programming that is relatable to every kind of audience…Patrick’s relationships with writers, acting talent, broadcasters and his team members are second to none. We are thrilled to know that Red is in such excellent hands.”
Over his 30-year-career in television, Schweitzer has worked on such high-end drama series as Grace, Redemption and Whitechapel for ITV, Sky’s hit Gangs of London and Save Me, and such BBC shows as Ssgb, The Interceptor and Doctor Who.
- 9/25/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emilia Jones (Coda) and Nicholas Braun (Succession) do not appear to be a match made in heaven in the first trailer for Cat Person.
Set for release Oct. 6 from Rialto Pictures, director Susanna Fogel’s feature premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival and is adapted from author Kristen Roupenian’s viral New Yorker short story of the same name. Cat Person offers a look at contemporary dating by focusing on college student Margot (Jones), who has a fling with an older man named Robert (Braun) but soon gets suspicious about him.
After Margot expresses regrets about her time spent with Robert — who had previously described himself as a cat person — her friend Taylor (Geraldine Viswanathan) asks if at least his pet felines were cute. “I never saw them,” Margot replies ominously as she begins to doubt how honest he’s been.
Later in the trailer, Margot concludes nonchalantly,...
Set for release Oct. 6 from Rialto Pictures, director Susanna Fogel’s feature premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival and is adapted from author Kristen Roupenian’s viral New Yorker short story of the same name. Cat Person offers a look at contemporary dating by focusing on college student Margot (Jones), who has a fling with an older man named Robert (Braun) but soon gets suspicious about him.
After Margot expresses regrets about her time spent with Robert — who had previously described himself as a cat person — her friend Taylor (Geraldine Viswanathan) asks if at least his pet felines were cute. “I never saw them,” Margot replies ominously as she begins to doubt how honest he’s been.
Later in the trailer, Margot concludes nonchalantly,...
- 8/24/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Rachel Zegler, and Emily Mortimer are all in talks to star in the long-awaited movie threequel Paddington In Peru. The quartet will join series favorites Ben Whishaw and Hugh Bonneville, who are set to return.
Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Imelda Staunton are also in talks with Studiocanal and producer David Heyman to return for the pic, which will film in the UK, Peru, and Colombia with principal photography set for July 24.
Colman will play The Reverend Mother, described as a blithe and sunny guitar-playing nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears. Banderas plays Hunter Cabot, a dashing and intrepid riverboat captain who offers to help the Brown family on their Peruvian adventure. His daughter, Gina Cabot, will be played by Rachel Zegler. Mortimer joins the Brown family as Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins, who portrayed the character in Paddington and...
Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Imelda Staunton are also in talks with Studiocanal and producer David Heyman to return for the pic, which will film in the UK, Peru, and Colombia with principal photography set for July 24.
Colman will play The Reverend Mother, described as a blithe and sunny guitar-playing nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears. Banderas plays Hunter Cabot, a dashing and intrepid riverboat captain who offers to help the Brown family on their Peruvian adventure. His daughter, Gina Cabot, will be played by Rachel Zegler. Mortimer joins the Brown family as Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins, who portrayed the character in Paddington and...
- 6/23/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Principal photography will begin on July 24 this year.
Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas and Rachel Zegler are all set to join the cast of Studiocanal’s Paddington In Peru, while Emily Mortimer will replace Sally Hawkins in the role of Mrs. Brown.
Production on the film will begin on July 24, 2023, with filming taking place in the UK, Peru and Colombia. Colman, Banderas, Zegler and Mortimer are all in advanced negotiations to join the cast, which will include returning cast members Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin, plus Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and Imelda Staunton...
Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas and Rachel Zegler are all set to join the cast of Studiocanal’s Paddington In Peru, while Emily Mortimer will replace Sally Hawkins in the role of Mrs. Brown.
Production on the film will begin on July 24, 2023, with filming taking place in the UK, Peru and Colombia. Colman, Banderas, Zegler and Mortimer are all in advanced negotiations to join the cast, which will include returning cast members Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin, plus Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and Imelda Staunton...
- 6/23/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Rachel Zegler and Emily Mortimer are in talks to join the cast of “Paddington in Peru,” the third opus of the beloved bear’s adventures.
Set to start filming on July, the third installment film will also star Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin. Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton will also be back as the voices of Paddington and Aunt Lucy, respectively. Filming locations will include the U.K., Peru and Colombia.
The story will follow Paddington returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Paddington and the Brown Family embark on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
This third installment will see Mortimer taking over from Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown. Hawkins, who starred in in “Paddington” and “Paddington 2” said,...
Set to start filming on July, the third installment film will also star Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin. Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton will also be back as the voices of Paddington and Aunt Lucy, respectively. Filming locations will include the U.K., Peru and Colombia.
The story will follow Paddington returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Paddington and the Brown Family embark on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
This third installment will see Mortimer taking over from Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown. Hawkins, who starred in in “Paddington” and “Paddington 2” said,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: StudioCanal has acquired a minority stake in The Picture Company, the production venture run by partners Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman that has generated a steady stream of genre and action hits under a first-look deal with Europe’s leading production and distribution studio.
Aside from the stake in the company, StudioCanal has closed a new five-year overall deal with the producers. The goal of all this is to scale up The Picture Company to be an even more prolific supplier of films with global appeal. The relationship between the companies began in 2015. Rona and Heineman will continue to make films, and lean in on TV series as well that they generate and that are part of StudioCanal’s vast library.
Deal was closed at Cannes by StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh.
Marsh said the development of The Picture Company as a major Hollywood-based supplier for StudioCanal coincides with a...
Aside from the stake in the company, StudioCanal has closed a new five-year overall deal with the producers. The goal of all this is to scale up The Picture Company to be an even more prolific supplier of films with global appeal. The relationship between the companies began in 2015. Rona and Heineman will continue to make films, and lean in on TV series as well that they generate and that are part of StudioCanal’s vast library.
Deal was closed at Cannes by StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh.
Marsh said the development of The Picture Company as a major Hollywood-based supplier for StudioCanal coincides with a...
- 5/22/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Studiocanal fully financing third entry in hit $500m global family franchise.
Sony Pictures has acquired US, Canadian and select international rights to Studiocanal and Heyday Films’ Paddington In Peru.
Studiocanal is fully financing the third entry in the hit $500m global family franchise and will self-distribute in the UK, France, Germany, Benelux, Australia andNew Zealand, and Poland.
Sony Pictures holds rights for the rest of the world excluding Russia, China and Japan.
Commercials director Dougal Wilson is set to direct from a screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and Hames Lamont based on a story by Paddington 1 & 2 collaborators Paul King,...
Sony Pictures has acquired US, Canadian and select international rights to Studiocanal and Heyday Films’ Paddington In Peru.
Studiocanal is fully financing the third entry in the hit $500m global family franchise and will self-distribute in the UK, France, Germany, Benelux, Australia andNew Zealand, and Poland.
Sony Pictures holds rights for the rest of the world excluding Russia, China and Japan.
Commercials director Dougal Wilson is set to direct from a screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and Hames Lamont based on a story by Paddington 1 & 2 collaborators Paul King,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Sony Pictures has snapped up U.S., Canada and key international for Studiocanal and Heyday Films’ threequel Paddington in Peru.
Sony, which has a long history with live-action kids movies, i.e., Lyle Lyle Crocodile and Goosebumps, always wanted in on this franchise, and now they’ve notched it. When the North American rights for Paddington 2 came up in a $30 million-plus auction, Sony was one of the bidders with Warner Bros, though that sequel ultimately went to Heyday’s Harry Potter studio. Through two movies worldwide, Paddington has reaped over a half-billion at the box office with the franchise counting such BAFTA nominations as Best British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Deadline first told you that the threequel was in the works. Paddington in Peru sees the bear embark on a new adventure that will take him from Windsor Gardens to Peru in the latest installment of the Paddington franchise.
Sony, which has a long history with live-action kids movies, i.e., Lyle Lyle Crocodile and Goosebumps, always wanted in on this franchise, and now they’ve notched it. When the North American rights for Paddington 2 came up in a $30 million-plus auction, Sony was one of the bidders with Warner Bros, though that sequel ultimately went to Heyday’s Harry Potter studio. Through two movies worldwide, Paddington has reaped over a half-billion at the box office with the franchise counting such BAFTA nominations as Best British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Deadline first told you that the threequel was in the works. Paddington in Peru sees the bear embark on a new adventure that will take him from Windsor Gardens to Peru in the latest installment of the Paddington franchise.
- 5/19/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Benjamin Zephaniah’s memoir Life and Rhymes is being developed into a TV series by Baby Cow and Timewasters creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor.
The project forms part of a funded development slate from Steve Coogan’s indie, unveiled by CEO Sarah Monteith to Deadline earlier this week, which also features shows about Margaret Thatcher and forensic scientist Patricia Wiltshire.
The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah tells the story of the celebrated poet, artist, activist and Peaky Blinders actor who was born into poverty and produced radical poetry that led him to perform in every continent of the world, meeting the likes of Nelson Mandela and The Wailers along the way.
Sarah Monteith. Image: Baby Cow
BAFTA-winning Timewasters creator Lawrence Taylor is developing with Zephaniah on the show that is in late-stage development with a yet-to-be-revealed UK broadcaster.
Having been elevated to CEO two years ago, Monteith said Life...
The project forms part of a funded development slate from Steve Coogan’s indie, unveiled by CEO Sarah Monteith to Deadline earlier this week, which also features shows about Margaret Thatcher and forensic scientist Patricia Wiltshire.
The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah tells the story of the celebrated poet, artist, activist and Peaky Blinders actor who was born into poverty and produced radical poetry that led him to perform in every continent of the world, meeting the likes of Nelson Mandela and The Wailers along the way.
Sarah Monteith. Image: Baby Cow
BAFTA-winning Timewasters creator Lawrence Taylor is developing with Zephaniah on the show that is in late-stage development with a yet-to-be-revealed UK broadcaster.
Having been elevated to CEO two years ago, Monteith said Life...
- 5/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Thomas Follin, the former director general of shuttered French streaming platform Salto, has joined France’s Canal+ Group in the role of Chief Global Transformation Officer.
His mission will be to accelerate recent growth and create synergies and cooperation across the group.
Underlining its recent trajectory, Canal+ noted that it counted 11 million subscribers across 14 territories in 2016, which had risen to 25.5 million subscribers in 50 territories by the end of 2022.
“Thomas Follin will be tasked with accelerating the Group’s transformation to be even stronger in a rapidly changing market, strengthening its integration and the pooling of its strategic assets,” the group said in a statement.
He will be particularly responsible for overseeing the pooling of efforts to create and produce audiovisual content for all of the group’s different territories, alongside Anna Marsh and separate territory heads, read the release.
Follin arrives at the Canal+ Group from Salto, the streaming service...
His mission will be to accelerate recent growth and create synergies and cooperation across the group.
Underlining its recent trajectory, Canal+ noted that it counted 11 million subscribers across 14 territories in 2016, which had risen to 25.5 million subscribers in 50 territories by the end of 2022.
“Thomas Follin will be tasked with accelerating the Group’s transformation to be even stronger in a rapidly changing market, strengthening its integration and the pooling of its strategic assets,” the group said in a statement.
He will be particularly responsible for overseeing the pooling of efforts to create and produce audiovisual content for all of the group’s different territories, alongside Anna Marsh and separate territory heads, read the release.
Follin arrives at the Canal+ Group from Salto, the streaming service...
- 5/5/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Cannes — News of the death of Mip-tv looked greatly exaggerated if the 2023 edition, which played out over April 17-19 in Cannes, was anything to go by, with Lucy Smith, director of MipTV and Mipcom, Cannes two TV trade fairs, announcing final figures of 5,560 participants, including 5,510 on-site delegates.
That said, attendance was sizeably down on pre-pandemic levels – 9,500 attendees in 2019 – with major European drama sales companies literally counting the cost of attendance and exhibition space versus Mip-driven sales. In a fast-evolving TV landscape, the future and identity of MipTV still remains uncertain. 10 takeaways from this year’s edition:
MipTV: The Impact of Brute Market Forces
Two major macro market trends, both presented by Ampere Analysis’ Guy Bisson’ in an early MipTV panel, go a long way to explaining 2023 MipTV. Global streaming commissions in the fourth quarter of 2022 were the lowest in over two years; unscripted represented 30.35% of streaming commissions last quarter 2019, 50.3% Oct.
That said, attendance was sizeably down on pre-pandemic levels – 9,500 attendees in 2019 – with major European drama sales companies literally counting the cost of attendance and exhibition space versus Mip-driven sales. In a fast-evolving TV landscape, the future and identity of MipTV still remains uncertain. 10 takeaways from this year’s edition:
MipTV: The Impact of Brute Market Forces
Two major macro market trends, both presented by Ampere Analysis’ Guy Bisson’ in an early MipTV panel, go a long way to explaining 2023 MipTV. Global streaming commissions in the fourth quarter of 2022 were the lowest in over two years; unscripted represented 30.35% of streaming commissions last quarter 2019, 50.3% Oct.
- 4/19/2023
- by John Hopewell, Marta Balaga and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
First the good news: the weather was spectacular. For three days, the international television market MIPTV, which wraps up in Cannes on Wednesday, was blessed with the clear blue skies and blinding sunshine that have always been the main attraction of this bit of the Mediterranean.
But if the beaches, cafes and seaside restaurants along the Croisette felt like a postcard paradise, the market itself — downstairs in the Palais, the concrete bunker by the Cannes harbor that hosts MIPTV — had a more dystopian vibe. The long, empty, echoing halls and bare walls mark the spots which, in previous years, would have been jam-packed with splashy stands from the U.S. studios and the super-indies: Fremantle, Banijay, All3Media and the like. In their place were a few lonely outposts from public broadcasters and a handful of second-tier sales outfits. It looked like a once-bustling megamall that’s lost its anchor stores...
But if the beaches, cafes and seaside restaurants along the Croisette felt like a postcard paradise, the market itself — downstairs in the Palais, the concrete bunker by the Cannes harbor that hosts MIPTV — had a more dystopian vibe. The long, empty, echoing halls and bare walls mark the spots which, in previous years, would have been jam-packed with splashy stands from the U.S. studios and the super-indies: Fremantle, Banijay, All3Media and the like. In their place were a few lonely outposts from public broadcasters and a handful of second-tier sales outfits. It looked like a once-bustling megamall that’s lost its anchor stores...
- 4/19/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MipTV 2023 is coming to an end, with many international execs and stars having jetted in for the 60th edition of the sales confab and Canneseries events. Despite large portions of the Croisette being dug up amidst reams of construction work before the Cannes Film Festival, there was a positive feel. That will please organizer Rx France, which has faced down of ongoing talk of the event’s reduced status in the post-Covid-19 era. Footfall was notably lighter than pre-pandemic, but a less frenetic pace isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Read on for our key takeaways.
Scripted Slowdown Is Real
“The TV bubble has burst,” said Studiocanal boss Anna Marsh, who delivered the weighty proclamation during a keynote on Monday afternoon. Her refreshingly candid admission, a reference to the end of the high-end TV drama boom, was echoed by many of the execs Deadline chatted with throughout the week in Cannes.
Scripted Slowdown Is Real
“The TV bubble has burst,” said Studiocanal boss Anna Marsh, who delivered the weighty proclamation during a keynote on Monday afternoon. Her refreshingly candid admission, a reference to the end of the high-end TV drama boom, was echoed by many of the execs Deadline chatted with throughout the week in Cannes.
- 4/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Sister co-chief executive predicts new opportunities as streamers tighten their belts
Sister chief executive Jane Featherstone has predicted that the TV distribution model will be “reignited in a serious way” as streamers and broadcasters rein in their budgets.
Speaking at Mip TV, Featherstone acknowledged the current financially-challenged market and predicted that changing distribution models will help indies make projects work.
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” she said. “I believe there’ll be far more space for traditional distribution but in a modern, digital way. The period of ‘exclusivity in perpetuity’ is probably numbered.”
The former Kudos chief executive observed...
Sister chief executive Jane Featherstone has predicted that the TV distribution model will be “reignited in a serious way” as streamers and broadcasters rein in their budgets.
Speaking at Mip TV, Featherstone acknowledged the current financially-challenged market and predicted that changing distribution models will help indies make projects work.
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” she said. “I believe there’ll be far more space for traditional distribution but in a modern, digital way. The period of ‘exclusivity in perpetuity’ is probably numbered.”
The former Kudos chief executive observed...
- 4/18/2023
- by Heather Fallon Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Universal Pictures International handles international distribution.
Focus Features and Working Title have set a September 22 theatrical release date for Ethan Coen’s comedy caper and feature directing debut and have revealed the title is Drive-Away Dolls.
Coen directed from a screenplay he co-wrote and produced with his wife, Tricia Cooke. Margaret Qualley (pictured), Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, Bill Camp and Matt Damon star.
Drive-Away Dolls follows a free-spirited young woman bemoaning yet another break-up with a girlfriend who embarks on a road trip with her uptight friend to Tallahassee in search of a fresh start. Things...
Focus Features and Working Title have set a September 22 theatrical release date for Ethan Coen’s comedy caper and feature directing debut and have revealed the title is Drive-Away Dolls.
Coen directed from a screenplay he co-wrote and produced with his wife, Tricia Cooke. Margaret Qualley (pictured), Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, Bill Camp and Matt Damon star.
Drive-Away Dolls follows a free-spirited young woman bemoaning yet another break-up with a girlfriend who embarks on a road trip with her uptight friend to Tallahassee in search of a fresh start. Things...
- 4/17/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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