The resignation of Overture Films founders Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett late last week isn't just about the difficulties facing indie movie distributors: It's a direct result of a dramatically changed vision and turnover in management for all the Starz entertainment properties controlled by Liberty Media.
After Liberty/Starz put the film company up for sale, McGurk and Rosett had spent the past six months looking for buyers to acquire Overture and three other properties -- Anchor Bay Films, Film Roman and Starz Animation of Toronto -- under the Starz Media banner.
The asking price: $225 million plus assumption of $100 million in debt. There have been three bids for Starz Media since April, but Liberty has made no decision about whether to accept one of those offers, sell the companies individually or merge Starz Media back into Starz Entertainment, which operates 16 pay channels. Starz Entertainment itself is being split off as...
After Liberty/Starz put the film company up for sale, McGurk and Rosett had spent the past six months looking for buyers to acquire Overture and three other properties -- Anchor Bay Films, Film Roman and Starz Animation of Toronto -- under the Starz Media banner.
The asking price: $225 million plus assumption of $100 million in debt. There have been three bids for Starz Media since April, but Liberty has made no decision about whether to accept one of those offers, sell the companies individually or merge Starz Media back into Starz Entertainment, which operates 16 pay channels. Starz Entertainment itself is being split off as...
- 7/5/2010
- by By Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Starz, LLC president and CEO Chris Albrecht announced that Overture Films executives Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett, tendered their resignations due to differences over the strategic direction of the company. Overture president, worldwide marketing, distribution and new media Peter Adee will assume day-to-day operational responsibilities for the company and report directly to Albrecht. "I want to thank Chris and Danny for their dedication and hard work in building the studio from the ground up, and wish them well in their future business endeavors," said ...
- 7/2/2010
- BusinessofCinema
hollywoodnews.com: Chris Albrecht, president and chief executive officer of Starz, LLC, announced that Overture Films executives, Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett, tendered their resignations today due to differences over the strategic direction of the company. Peter Adee, president, worldwide marketing, distribution and new media for Overture, will assume day-to-day operational responsibilities for the company and report directly to Albrecht.
“I want to thank Chris and Danny for their dedication and hard work in building the studio from the ground up, and wish them well in their future business endeavors,” said Albrecht.
Founded in November 2006, Overture Films is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starz, LLC, which is a unit of Liberty Media Corp. and which also operates the Starz Entertainment premium television business and the Starz Media production and distribution company.
“I want to thank Chris and Danny for their dedication and hard work in building the studio from the ground up, and wish them well in their future business endeavors,” said Albrecht.
Founded in November 2006, Overture Films is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starz, LLC, which is a unit of Liberty Media Corp. and which also operates the Starz Entertainment premium television business and the Starz Media production and distribution company.
- 7/2/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Another indie bites the dust. At a time of serious contraction in the indie market, Overture Films has been on the block since January. The Chris McGurk/Danny Rosett era is now over. Since April 1, John Malone's Liberty Media had been examining six bids to buy the company, including the Gores brothers (who also bid for Miramax), but no movement was forthcoming on the possible sale of Overture and Starz Media. Overture CEO McGurk and COO Rosett couldn't buy or make anything, and had three films set for fall release, with no communication from above about the level of their marketing spends. They would have committed $50 million, but that might not have played with new Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. Now marketing chief Peter Adee will ...
- 7/2/2010
- Thompson on Hollywood
Overture Films chiefs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett are stepping down from their posts due to "strategic differences" with owner Starz LLC, the company announced Thursday.
CEO McGurk, who also oversees Starz division Anchor Bay, and COO Rossett, are making way for Peter Adee, president, worldwide marketing, distribution and new media for Overture. He will report to Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.
"I want to thank Chris and Danny for their dedication and hard work in building the studio from the ground up and wish them well in their future business endeavors," said Albrecht.
CEO McGurk, who also oversees Starz division Anchor Bay, and COO Rossett, are making way for Peter Adee, president, worldwide marketing, distribution and new media for Overture. He will report to Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.
"I want to thank Chris and Danny for their dedication and hard work in building the studio from the ground up and wish them well in their future business endeavors," said Albrecht.
By Daniel Frankel
Exclusive:
Coming off their fourth consecutive successful box-office launch this weekend, with Antonine Fuqua-directed cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" opening to $13.4 million, and with their three-year-old film company currently being shopped by parent Liberty Media, Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett issued a pat-on-the-back memo to staff Monday.
Overture paid less than $3 million to acquire the ensemble-casted R-rated movie from Avi Lerner's Millennium Films. A week prior, the studio opened low-budget horror film "The Cra...
Exclusive:
Coming off their fourth consecutive successful box-office launch this weekend, with Antonine Fuqua-directed cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" opening to $13.4 million, and with their three-year-old film company currently being shopped by parent Liberty Media, Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett issued a pat-on-the-back memo to staff Monday.
Overture paid less than $3 million to acquire the ensemble-casted R-rated movie from Avi Lerner's Millennium Films. A week prior, the studio opened low-budget horror film "The Cra...
- 3/9/2010
- by Daniel Frankel
- The Wrap
At Sundance this year, more than usual activity immediately kicked in among the international buyers and the international sales agents bulking up in preparation for the Berlinale's Efm even as the Us distributors were slow to show much energy in acquisitions. First out of the gate for the Americans was Lionsgate's acquisition of Buried . Next came extended discussions with CAA and Apparition and its ancillary distributor partner Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquistions for Splice for what is rumored $2.5 million while an independent source supplies $20 million P & A. Next came Newmarket's $1 million acquisition of Hesher. The Oprah Winfrey Network acquired Family Affair. Own's documentary film club is being done in partnership with doc film distributor Ro*co Films International. Own, a co-venture between Winfrey's Harpo Prods. and Discovery Communications slated for a January 2011 launch, is planning to create communities nationwide that can screen the films together and participate in a live, moderated panel discussion.
- 2/22/2010
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
By Sharon Waxman
Exclusive
The future of independent distributor Overture Films hangs in the balance as corporate parent Liberty Media led by billionaire John Malone seeks to rid itself of the unit, according to individuals knowledgeable about the company.
The three-year-old film company, led by CEO Chris McGurk (pictured, at right) and COO Danny Rosett (left), has frozen all development, and this week Liberty hired an investment bank to explore options for finding a potential ...
Exclusive
The future of independent distributor Overture Films hangs in the balance as corporate parent Liberty Media led by billionaire John Malone seeks to rid itself of the unit, according to individuals knowledgeable about the company.
The three-year-old film company, led by CEO Chris McGurk (pictured, at right) and COO Danny Rosett (left), has frozen all development, and this week Liberty hired an investment bank to explore options for finding a potential ...
- 2/10/2010
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
By Variety
As John Malone's Liberty Media looks to refinance or sell Starz Media, Overture Films heads Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett are exploring a management buyout of the unit that houses Overture and other production entities, knowledgeable insiders have told Variety. The duo has begun talking with investors as part of Liberty's effort, Variety reported. Under the proposal, Overture would remain intact, including its 75 employees, its library and its lucrative pay TV deal with Starz channels and its home videod pact with Anchor Bay. Liberty could retain an interest in the company. Last ...
As John Malone's Liberty Media looks to refinance or sell Starz Media, Overture Films heads Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett are exploring a management buyout of the unit that houses Overture and other production entities, knowledgeable insiders have told Variety. The duo has begun talking with investors as part of Liberty's effort, Variety reported. Under the proposal, Overture would remain intact, including its 75 employees, its library and its lucrative pay TV deal with Starz channels and its home videod pact with Anchor Bay. Liberty could retain an interest in the company. Last ...
- 1/25/2010
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
By Wrap Staff
Overture Films will distribute "Stone," starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton, in the U.S. Milla Jovovich and Frances Conroy also star.
John Curran, who directed Norton in "The Painted Veil," takes the reins on the dramatic thriller, scripted by Angus MacLachlan ("Junebug").
The film is centers on a convicted arsonist (Norton) who looks to manipulate a parole officer (De Niro) into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful wife (Jovovich) in the lawman's path.
Overture CEO Chris McGurk and chief operating officer Danny Rosett...
Overture Films will distribute "Stone," starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton, in the U.S. Milla Jovovich and Frances Conroy also star.
John Curran, who directed Norton in "The Painted Veil," takes the reins on the dramatic thriller, scripted by Angus MacLachlan ("Junebug").
The film is centers on a convicted arsonist (Norton) who looks to manipulate a parole officer (De Niro) into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful wife (Jovovich) in the lawman's path.
Overture CEO Chris McGurk and chief operating officer Danny Rosett...
- 12/7/2009
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz and Oscar®-nominee Richard Jenkins will headline the cast of Let Me In, Matt Reeves’ adaptation of Let the Right One In, when principal photography begins this fall in New Mexico. The announcement was made today by Hammer Films Co-ceo’s Simon Oakes and Nigel Sinclair, as well as Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. Director Reeves (Cloverfield) has cast Smit-McPhee (The Road) and Moretz ((500) Days of Summer) in the two lead adolescent roles of Owen and Abby for the eagerly awaited horror feature. Jenkins will play t...
- 10/2/2009
- MoviesOnline.ca
Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road), Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass) and Oscar-nominee Richard Jenkins (The Cabin in the Woods ) will headline the cast of Let Me In (thankfully dropping the title Fish Head), Matt Reeves adaptation of Let the Right One In, when principal photography begins this fall in New Mexico. The announcement was made today by Hammer Films Co-CEOs Simon Oakes and Nigel Sinclair, as well as Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. Director Reeves (Cloverfield) has cast Smit-McPhee (The Road) and Moretz ((500) Days of Summer) in the two lead adolescent roles of Owen and Abby for the eagerly awaited horror feature. Jenkins will play the lead adult character known as Hakan in the original film.
- 10/1/2009
- bloody-disgusting.com
Overture Films has issued a press release confirming the official cast members of Matt Reeves Let Me In , the remake of Tomas Alfredson's beloved Let The Right One In . (That Fish Head title seriously has to be just a shooting title) Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz and Oscar®-nominee Richard Jenkins ( The Kingdom ) will headline the cast of Let Me In , when principal photography begins this fall in New Mexico. The announcement was made today by Hammer Films Co-ceo's Simon Oakes and Nigel Sinclair, as well as Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. Director Reeves ( Cloverfield ) has cast Smit-McPhee ( The Road ) and Moretz ( (500) Days of Summer ) in the two lead adolescent roles of Owen and Abby for the eagerly awaited horror feature. Jenkins will play...
- 10/1/2009
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz and Oscar-nominee Richard Jenkins will headline the cast of Let Me In , Matt Reeves' adaptation of Let the Right One In , when principal photography begins this fall in New Mexico. The announcement was made today by Hammer Films Co-ceo's Simon Oakes and Nigel Sinclair, as well as Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. Director Reeves ( Cloverfield ) has cast Smit-McPhee ( The Road ) and Moretz ( (500) Days of Summer ) in the two lead adolescent roles of Owen and Abby for the eagerly awaited horror feature. Jenkins will play the lead adult character known as Hakan in the original film. Based on the bestselling Swedish novel, "Lat den Ratte Komma In," by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist, Let Me In is a contemporary...
- 10/1/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Apparently just one distribution deal is not enough for Antoine Fuqua's film Brooklyn's Finest. After premiering at Sundance in January the movie, starring Don Cheadle, Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke, was initially picked up by Senator Distribution to the tune of $5 million. But times are tough, and Senator couldn't get it together to get the thing out there, so now Overture Films has swooped in and made Brooklyn's Finest its own. The company's heads Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett told Variety "We loved the film when we first screened it, and we are happy Antoine's final vision for the film has found a home at Overture." That "final vision" bit is interesting, since when Senator first picked up the film back in January, Senator's president Mark Urman was promising that there would be big changes in the movie's plot. Apparently Overture feels more beholden to Fuqua's original vision, which...
- 9/14/2009
- cinemablend.com
Overture Films announced today that it has acquired Celeste and Jesse Forever , a romantic comedy co-written by Rashida Jones ("Parks and Recreation," I Love You, Man ) and Will McCormack. Jones will also star in the film to be produced by Suzanne and Jennifer Todd of Team Todd. The story focuses on a young couple in the midst of a divorce who attempt to maintain their friendship while pursuing new relationships. "Rashida is among the brightest and funniest young actresses today and we are delighted to be working with her," Overture CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett said. "The script she and Will have put together is witty and touching and with Team Todd in the mix, the project has great promise." Jennifer and Suzanne Todd added, "We are...
- 6/17/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Catherine Hardwicke is putting Twilight’s fangs behind her and embracing some Shakespeare. Along with Overture studios, she will retell the tale of Hamlet, without the help of Mel Gibson and Kenneth Branagh. Instead she’s got Emile Hirsch from Into the Wild … and suddenly I’m interested. Here’s the official news release.
Overture Films announced today that it is currently developing a modern-day adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic Hamlet. SAG Award®-nominee Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) will play Hamlet for director Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight). The script is being written by Oscar®-nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) who also adapted The Painted Veil from celebrated author W. Somerset Maugham. Oscar®-winning producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen of The Jinks/Cohen Company (Milk) are producing the project.
The story – focusing on a young man burdened with the decision of whether to take revenge on his father’s...
Overture Films announced today that it is currently developing a modern-day adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic Hamlet. SAG Award®-nominee Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) will play Hamlet for director Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight). The script is being written by Oscar®-nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) who also adapted The Painted Veil from celebrated author W. Somerset Maugham. Oscar®-winning producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen of The Jinks/Cohen Company (Milk) are producing the project.
The story – focusing on a young man burdened with the decision of whether to take revenge on his father’s...
- 6/8/2009
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Overture Films announced today that it is currently developing a modern-day adaptation of the William Shakespeare
classic Hamlet.
{sidebar id=1}SAG Award(R)-nominee Emile Hirsch
(Into the Wild) will play Hamlet for director Catherine Hardwicke
(Twilight). The script is being written by Oscar(R)-nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner
( Philadelphia) who also adapted The Painted Veil from celebrated author W. Somerset Maugham. Oscar(R)-winning producers Dan Jinks
and Bruce Cohen
of The Jinks/Cohen Company (Milk) are producing the project.
The story - focusing on a young man burdened with the decision of whether to take revenge on his father's killer (his own uncle) - would take place in contemporary America.
"With its universal themes of death, revenge, love and even teen angst - the story of Hamlet is perhaps as timely and influential today as it was when it was written over 400 years ago," said Overture Films CEO...
classic Hamlet.
{sidebar id=1}SAG Award(R)-nominee Emile Hirsch
(Into the Wild) will play Hamlet for director Catherine Hardwicke
(Twilight). The script is being written by Oscar(R)-nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner
( Philadelphia) who also adapted The Painted Veil from celebrated author W. Somerset Maugham. Oscar(R)-winning producers Dan Jinks
and Bruce Cohen
of The Jinks/Cohen Company (Milk) are producing the project.
The story - focusing on a young man burdened with the decision of whether to take revenge on his father's killer (his own uncle) - would take place in contemporary America.
"With its universal themes of death, revenge, love and even teen angst - the story of Hamlet is perhaps as timely and influential today as it was when it was written over 400 years ago," said Overture Films CEO...
- 6/2/2009
- by IESB Staff <alyson@iesb.net>
- IESB.net
Here is the official news release about the next film from documentary filmmaker, and Rush Limbaugh’s best friend, Michael Moore.
Overture Films and Paramount Vantage have announced that Oscar-winner Michael Moore’s new documentary feature will be released domestically on October 2, 2009. The as-yet-untitled film will explore the root causes of the global economic meltdown and take a comical look at the corporate and political shenanigans that culminated in what Moore has described as “the biggest robbery in the history of this country” – the massive transfer of U.S. taxpayer money to private financial institutions.
On this, the 20-year anniversary of his masterpiece Roger & Me, Moore returns to the issue that began his career: the disastrous impact that corporate dominance and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world. But this time the culprit is much bigger than General Motors, and the crime scene far wider than Flint,...
Overture Films and Paramount Vantage have announced that Oscar-winner Michael Moore’s new documentary feature will be released domestically on October 2, 2009. The as-yet-untitled film will explore the root causes of the global economic meltdown and take a comical look at the corporate and political shenanigans that culminated in what Moore has described as “the biggest robbery in the history of this country” – the massive transfer of U.S. taxpayer money to private financial institutions.
On this, the 20-year anniversary of his masterpiece Roger & Me, Moore returns to the issue that began his career: the disastrous impact that corporate dominance and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world. But this time the culprit is much bigger than General Motors, and the crime scene far wider than Flint,...
- 5/22/2009
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
What do you get when you put George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges in the movie The Men Who Stare at Goats? Hopefully laughs. That’s what director Grant Heslov is hoping for. The film studio Overture has scored the satire, and sent out this official release.
May 18, 2009– Overture Films announced today its acquisition of The Men Who Stare at Goats. The Smokehouse production stars Oscar®-winner George Clooney (Syriana) and is directed by Oscar®-nominee Grant Heslov (producer and co-writer of Good Night,and Good Luck.). The comedy ensemble is rounded out by Golden Globe®-nominee Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!), Oscar®-winner Kevin Spacey (American Beauty,) and Oscar®-nominee Jeff Bridges (The Contender). ‘Goats’ is produced by Clooney, Heslov and Paul Lister. Barbara A. Hall serves as executive producer.
Based on true events described in Jon Ronson’s 2004 book of the same title, ‘Goats’ involves a...
May 18, 2009– Overture Films announced today its acquisition of The Men Who Stare at Goats. The Smokehouse production stars Oscar®-winner George Clooney (Syriana) and is directed by Oscar®-nominee Grant Heslov (producer and co-writer of Good Night,and Good Luck.). The comedy ensemble is rounded out by Golden Globe®-nominee Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!), Oscar®-winner Kevin Spacey (American Beauty,) and Oscar®-nominee Jeff Bridges (The Contender). ‘Goats’ is produced by Clooney, Heslov and Paul Lister. Barbara A. Hall serves as executive producer.
Based on true events described in Jon Ronson’s 2004 book of the same title, ‘Goats’ involves a...
- 5/19/2009
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Overture Films will release "Paper Heart," director Nicholas Jasenovec's faux documentary starring Michael Cera and real-life girlfriend Charlyne Yi.
The movie, which was packaged and repped by UTA at Sundance, was financed by Overture sister unit Anchor Bay. The movie was a potential sales target at the fest, where it won the Waldo Salt Award for best screenplay. It had a number of distributors circling, but Overture retained the right to distribute the film if it so chose.
The company will release the movie in New York and Los Angeles on Aug. 7 and widen it the following week in hopes of building a counterprogramming hit as it did with the drama "The Visitor" last spring.
Overture is overseeing worldwide distribution, with Anchor Bay releasing the movie on home video in North America, Australia and the U.K.
The art-imitating-life comedy stars Yi and Cera as themselves, though in a fictional context.
The movie, which was packaged and repped by UTA at Sundance, was financed by Overture sister unit Anchor Bay. The movie was a potential sales target at the fest, where it won the Waldo Salt Award for best screenplay. It had a number of distributors circling, but Overture retained the right to distribute the film if it so chose.
The company will release the movie in New York and Los Angeles on Aug. 7 and widen it the following week in hopes of building a counterprogramming hit as it did with the drama "The Visitor" last spring.
Overture is overseeing worldwide distribution, with Anchor Bay releasing the movie on home video in North America, Australia and the U.K.
The art-imitating-life comedy stars Yi and Cera as themselves, though in a fictional context.
- 4/7/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sean and Bryan Furst, the producing team-turned-Overture execs, are transitioning to a production deal with the Liberty Media studio.
The brothers' first producing project for Overture, to be made under their rebooted Furst Films banner, will be the thriller "Jar City," on which the pair has come aboard as producers. Overture is developing a remake of the Icelandic-language film, a cult favorite from Baltasar Kormakur that centers on a murder investigation in a small town, with Michael Ross writing the script.
The Fursts made their name as producers on such pictures as Miramax's hitman drama "The Matador" and Lionsgate's Vegas love story "The Cooler," which earned Alec Baldwin an Oscar nomination.
They came to Overture as production execs two years ago, when the company was founded, and helped develop and oversee the Jon Avnet police pic "Righteous Kill" and the Don Cheadle FBI tale "Traitor," among others. They also were...
The brothers' first producing project for Overture, to be made under their rebooted Furst Films banner, will be the thriller "Jar City," on which the pair has come aboard as producers. Overture is developing a remake of the Icelandic-language film, a cult favorite from Baltasar Kormakur that centers on a murder investigation in a small town, with Michael Ross writing the script.
The Fursts made their name as producers on such pictures as Miramax's hitman drama "The Matador" and Lionsgate's Vegas love story "The Cooler," which earned Alec Baldwin an Oscar nomination.
They came to Overture as production execs two years ago, when the company was founded, and helped develop and oversee the Jon Avnet police pic "Righteous Kill" and the Don Cheadle FBI tale "Traitor," among others. They also were...
- 2/23/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar-nominee Viola Davis ( Doubt ) will join Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler in the F. Gary Gray-directed psychological thriller Law Abiding Citizen . Also joining the cast are Bruce McGill, Leslie Bibb,, Colm Meaney and Regina Hall. The film began shooting January 21st in Philadelphia and is expected to debut in theatres in 2010. Overture is domestically distributing The Film Department-produced project. The announcement was made by Overture Films' CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett along with Mark Gill and Neil Sacker of The Film Department. Gill and Butler will produce along with Lucas Foster, Alan Siegel and Kurt Wimmer. Sacker, Robert Katz and Michael Goguen will executive produce with Jeff Waxman co-producing. Law Abiding Citizen focuses on a man...
- 1/30/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Philip Seymour Hoffman is to make his directorial debut with a romantic comedy called Jack Goes Boating.
The Oscar winning actor will helm and star in the movie, an adaptation of an Off Broadway play by Bob Glaudini about two misfits living in New York City.
Gone Baby Gone actress Amy Ryan will star opposite Hoffman, with John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega reprising their roles from the stage production.
The show will be overseen by Overture Films, the company which signed a deal with Hoffman's production house Cooper's Town last year.
Overture's chief operating officer Danny Rosett says, "Phil is such a unique talent, and this opportunity to work his creative mojo not just in front of the camera but also from the director's chair is just irresistible for us."...
The Oscar winning actor will helm and star in the movie, an adaptation of an Off Broadway play by Bob Glaudini about two misfits living in New York City.
Gone Baby Gone actress Amy Ryan will star opposite Hoffman, with John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega reprising their roles from the stage production.
The show will be overseen by Overture Films, the company which signed a deal with Hoffman's production house Cooper's Town last year.
Overture's chief operating officer Danny Rosett says, "Phil is such a unique talent, and this opportunity to work his creative mojo not just in front of the camera but also from the director's chair is just irresistible for us."...
- 1/16/2009
- WENN
Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman branches out to the directing realm by signing to helm "Jack Goes Boating". The title is an adaptation of an Off Broadway play by Bob Glaudini that ran at Hoffman and John Ortiz's LAByrinth Theater Co. in Gotham back in 2007.
Along with his directing debut, Hoffman will also be seen in front of the camera, starring opposite two of the stage version actors, Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega. The production will be tackled by Overture Films that signed a deal with Hoffman's production house Cooper's Town last summer.
"Phil is such a unique talent, and this opportunity to work his creative mojo not just in front of the camera but also from the director's chair is just irresistible for us," said Overture chief operating officer Danny Rosett.
The play is about two misfits in New York City who fill their lives with a variety of activities such as cooking classes,...
Along with his directing debut, Hoffman will also be seen in front of the camera, starring opposite two of the stage version actors, Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega. The production will be tackled by Overture Films that signed a deal with Hoffman's production house Cooper's Town last summer.
"Phil is such a unique talent, and this opportunity to work his creative mojo not just in front of the camera but also from the director's chair is just irresistible for us," said Overture chief operating officer Danny Rosett.
The play is about two misfits in New York City who fill their lives with a variety of activities such as cooking classes,...
- 1/16/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Overture Films has signed a two-year, first-look deal with Don Cheadle's production company, Crescendo Prods.
Crescendo, which along with Cheadle is run by Lenore Zerman and Kay Liberman, has a Miles Davis biopic in development as well as "Marching Powder," a drug tale it is set to produce with Plan B.
It's also looking to develop projects in less dramatic genres like comedies and young-adult.
"We don't necessarily have a specific genre; what we want is character-driven material that's well-written and has a foundation in reality," Zerman said.
Overture and Crescendo collaborated on "Traitor," the Cheadle-toplined government thriller that grossed $24 million this year.
The move also continues a pattern of Overture execs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett working with producers from their MGM/UA tenure; the pair oversaw the studio when it released Cheadle's "Hotel Rwanda" in 2004.
Overture has similar pacts with Philip Seymour Hoffman's Cooper's Town Prods.
Crescendo, which along with Cheadle is run by Lenore Zerman and Kay Liberman, has a Miles Davis biopic in development as well as "Marching Powder," a drug tale it is set to produce with Plan B.
It's also looking to develop projects in less dramatic genres like comedies and young-adult.
"We don't necessarily have a specific genre; what we want is character-driven material that's well-written and has a foundation in reality," Zerman said.
Overture and Crescendo collaborated on "Traitor," the Cheadle-toplined government thriller that grossed $24 million this year.
The move also continues a pattern of Overture execs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett working with producers from their MGM/UA tenure; the pair oversaw the studio when it released Cheadle's "Hotel Rwanda" in 2004.
Overture has similar pacts with Philip Seymour Hoffman's Cooper's Town Prods.
- 11/17/2008
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Hey David Gordon Green made me afraid of lose piee osf wood with nails in them with an itsy bitsy scene in UNdertow and he made me worry Based on the Dark Horse graphic novel written by Steve Niles and written by scribes Peter Sattler and Geoff Davey, this was a six-part 2004 series about the horrible secret of a rural Middle American town involves Trevor Owen's attempts to protect his "monster" of a 6-year-old younger brother and Gristlewood Valley's other "freaks" from their parents' worst instincts. Overture Films has tapped David Gordon Green to direct the horror thriller "Freaks of the Heartland," written by freshman scribes Peter Sattler and Geoff Davey. The company recently purchased the rights to the Dark Horse graphic novel written by Steve Niles. Green and Dark Horse Entertainment president Mike Richardson are producing. Niles, who also wrote "30 Days of Night," is executive producing. Illustrated by Greg Ruth,
- 10/21/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
- If we had a measuring stick we'd say that Philip Seymour Hoffman's rise to fame came almost a decade back with noticeable supporting roles in Boogie Nights (97) and The Big Lebowski (98) and the memorable lead part in the Solondz's ensemble pic Happiness (1998). Now in the perfect position to add some clout to projects in development, the actor will start wearing a producer's hat in a deal that Variety reports as a two-year, first look contract with Overture Films. Hoffman and Emily Ziff's Cooper's Town Prods. will commence with a feature adaptation of Brett C. Leonard's play Unconditional. Leonard who made the little seen film Jailbait, will also write the screenplay. Playbill describes the play about nine characters and nine New York stories "as a racially and sexually charged tale of rage, love, justice and betrayal." Leonard gravitates toward the unsung and unrecognized and unappreciated in the American social system.
- 6/27/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Overture Films has acquired a pitch from Karl Gajdusek called "Taken", with veteran producer Irwin Winkler attached to produce.
The project is a dramatic thriller in which a married couple that has been coping with infidelity and other adversity heals its wounds after a home invasion; it is described as containing elements of "Panic Room" and "Unfaithful".
Gajdusek, who is repped by William Morris and Benderspink, was a writer on the TV series "Dead Like Me" and is also penning the screenplay for "Pandora", which is set up at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
Winkler and Overture execs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett collaborated when the duo were at MGM on the Cole Porter pic "De-Lovely".
The project is a dramatic thriller in which a married couple that has been coping with infidelity and other adversity heals its wounds after a home invasion; it is described as containing elements of "Panic Room" and "Unfaithful".
Gajdusek, who is repped by William Morris and Benderspink, was a writer on the TV series "Dead Like Me" and is also penning the screenplay for "Pandora", which is set up at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
Winkler and Overture execs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett collaborated when the duo were at MGM on the Cole Porter pic "De-Lovely".
- 6/18/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Overture president Chris McGurk allows himself a moment of contemplation when asked about the spate of movies his company is about to release.
"When you think about it, a year ago there were four people in a small office in Century City and no movies," he said. "We were starting with great assets, but we didn't have much."
Cut to a year later, when the Liberty Media theatrical division has a diverse slate, about 70 employees and a plan to embrace the first half of 2008.
That plan begins Friday, when Overture unspools the Callie Khouri-directed Mad Money, one of the more commercial movies on its slate. It will be the first test of what is a unique startup model that fuses John Malone's capital, the Liberty distribution platforms and the savvy of UA veterans McGurk and Danny Rosett.
If the past few months have been the quiet buildup period, the next few will be the noisy phase that will yield early verdicts on the Overture experiment. Between now and March, the company will release three movies representing different genres.
Those releases include more serious fare like Tom McCarthy's middle-age drama The Visitor and the Charlize Theron drama Sleepwalking as well as Money, a comedy that stars Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes.
"When you think about it, a year ago there were four people in a small office in Century City and no movies," he said. "We were starting with great assets, but we didn't have much."
Cut to a year later, when the Liberty Media theatrical division has a diverse slate, about 70 employees and a plan to embrace the first half of 2008.
That plan begins Friday, when Overture unspools the Callie Khouri-directed Mad Money, one of the more commercial movies on its slate. It will be the first test of what is a unique startup model that fuses John Malone's capital, the Liberty distribution platforms and the savvy of UA veterans McGurk and Danny Rosett.
If the past few months have been the quiet buildup period, the next few will be the noisy phase that will yield early verdicts on the Overture experiment. Between now and March, the company will release three movies representing different genres.
Those releases include more serious fare like Tom McCarthy's middle-age drama The Visitor and the Charlize Theron drama Sleepwalking as well as Money, a comedy that stars Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes.
- 1/16/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Overture Films has signed on to produce and distribute "Humboldt Park", a family dramedy starring John Leguizamo and Freddy Rodriguez.
State Street Pictures ("Barbershop") and 2DS Prods. are behind the film, which focuses on a family reunion over the holidays in the Chicago neighborhood of Humboldt Park.
The script -- which was penned by Rick Najera, Ted Perkins and Alison Swan -- was completed before the strike, which will allow production to move forward early next year. Overture is tentatively planning a fall 2008 release. Alfredo De Villa will direct the picture, which in addition to Leguizamo and Rodriguez is expected to feature a large ensemble cast.
Robert Teitel and George Tillman Jr. will produce for State Street, while Rodriguez, Rene Rigal, Reid Brody and Paul Kim will executive produce.
The movie continues a relationship between State Street and Overture execs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett, who while with MGM collaborated with State Street on the "Barbershop" movies.
Overture, a unit of Liberty Media-owned Starz, has been beefing up its slate as it prepares to release its first batch of movies next year.
State Street Pictures ("Barbershop") and 2DS Prods. are behind the film, which focuses on a family reunion over the holidays in the Chicago neighborhood of Humboldt Park.
The script -- which was penned by Rick Najera, Ted Perkins and Alison Swan -- was completed before the strike, which will allow production to move forward early next year. Overture is tentatively planning a fall 2008 release. Alfredo De Villa will direct the picture, which in addition to Leguizamo and Rodriguez is expected to feature a large ensemble cast.
Robert Teitel and George Tillman Jr. will produce for State Street, while Rodriguez, Rene Rigal, Reid Brody and Paul Kim will executive produce.
The movie continues a relationship between State Street and Overture execs Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett, who while with MGM collaborated with State Street on the "Barbershop" movies.
Overture, a unit of Liberty Media-owned Starz, has been beefing up its slate as it prepares to release its first batch of movies next year.
- 12/4/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Canadian distributor Alliance Films has inked a deal to release Overture Films titles in Canada through 2010.
The multiyear distribution deal, unveiled Tuesday, gives Alliance, formerly Motion Picture Distribution LLP, rights to an initial 8-12 Overture titles released annually in Canada.
The agreement kicks off Jan. 25 with "Mad Money", directed by Callie Khouri and starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes.
"(Alliance Films) are one-stop shopping for us," Overture CEO Chris McGurk said, pointing to the Canadian distributor's theatrical releasing arm, home video distribution and nationwide pay TV footprint.
"And there's no one as talented as (Alliance executive chairman) Victor Loewy). He's part of the landscape in Canada," McGurk added. "There's no one in his league".
Alliance Films also releases titles from Miramax, New Line, the Weinstein Co. and Focus Features.
For his part, Alliance Films' Loewy said he was drawn to Overture's "well-seasoned team," led by McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. He also pointed to Overture's deep pockets via backing from John Malone's Liberty Media.
The multiyear distribution deal, unveiled Tuesday, gives Alliance, formerly Motion Picture Distribution LLP, rights to an initial 8-12 Overture titles released annually in Canada.
The agreement kicks off Jan. 25 with "Mad Money", directed by Callie Khouri and starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes.
"(Alliance Films) are one-stop shopping for us," Overture CEO Chris McGurk said, pointing to the Canadian distributor's theatrical releasing arm, home video distribution and nationwide pay TV footprint.
"And there's no one as talented as (Alliance executive chairman) Victor Loewy). He's part of the landscape in Canada," McGurk added. "There's no one in his league".
Alliance Films also releases titles from Miramax, New Line, the Weinstein Co. and Focus Features.
For his part, Alliance Films' Loewy said he was drawn to Overture's "well-seasoned team," led by McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. He also pointed to Overture's deep pockets via backing from John Malone's Liberty Media.
- 9/26/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Overture Films has picked up all North American rights to Righteous Kill, a $60 million thriller starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as two detectives tracking a serial killer.
Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is in final negotiations to co-star as a drug dealer who helps the detectives with their investigation. Director Jon Avnet is set to begin principal photography in Bridgeport, Conn., and New York in September.
Kill marks the biggest acquisition for Overture since CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett founded the studio in the fall and carries a price tag near the top of the planned budget range for its inaugural slate. Russell Gewirtz (Inside Man, Labyrinth) is writing the screenplay, which has De Niro and Pacino onscreen together for nearly the entire film. The two longtime friends shared no screen time in 1974's The Godfather: Part II and only one scene in 1995's Heat.
A Millenium Films production, Kill is being produced by Avi Lerner, Boaz Davidson, Lati Grobman, Randall Emmett, Rob Cowan and Avnet.
Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is in final negotiations to co-star as a drug dealer who helps the detectives with their investigation. Director Jon Avnet is set to begin principal photography in Bridgeport, Conn., and New York in September.
Kill marks the biggest acquisition for Overture since CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett founded the studio in the fall and carries a price tag near the top of the planned budget range for its inaugural slate. Russell Gewirtz (Inside Man, Labyrinth) is writing the screenplay, which has De Niro and Pacino onscreen together for nearly the entire film. The two longtime friends shared no screen time in 1974's The Godfather: Part II and only one scene in 1995's Heat.
A Millenium Films production, Kill is being produced by Avi Lerner, Boaz Davidson, Lati Grobman, Randall Emmett, Rob Cowan and Avnet.
- 6/26/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Overture Films has appointed Justin Alvarado-Brown as its senior vp business and legal affairs, overseeing all of the indie studio's productions, acquisitions and business affairs. He arrives from HBO, where he served as senior counsel and oversaw business and legal affairs for theatrical films and tv series. He will report to Overture COO Danny Rosett, who he worked with while serving as VP in the business and legal affairs department at MGM.
- 6/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Overture Films has appointed Adam Keen to manage all of its public relations operations as its senior vp worldwide publicity.
Keen will report to Overture president of worldwide marketing, distribution and new media Peter Adee. He will be based in the company's Beverly Hills offices and handle all of the new independent distributor's theatrical releases and corporate communications.
He joins the company after two years as vp of I/D Public Relations, where he founded the company's entertainment and brand division. Keen worked with such clients as Overture, Fox Searchlight, Starbucks Entertainment, M.A.C and First Look Pictures. The executive previously was senior vp special projects at MGM/UA for five years, where he worked on campaigns for Bowling for Columbine and the Legally Blonde and Barbershop films, among others.
"It is a thrill to be back in business with my MGM and United Artists colleagues Chris McGurk, Danny Rosett and Peter Adee," Keen said. Before MGM/UA, Keen worked on special projects in the marketing division of DreamWorks SKG.
Keen will report to Overture president of worldwide marketing, distribution and new media Peter Adee. He will be based in the company's Beverly Hills offices and handle all of the new independent distributor's theatrical releases and corporate communications.
He joins the company after two years as vp of I/D Public Relations, where he founded the company's entertainment and brand division. Keen worked with such clients as Overture, Fox Searchlight, Starbucks Entertainment, M.A.C and First Look Pictures. The executive previously was senior vp special projects at MGM/UA for five years, where he worked on campaigns for Bowling for Columbine and the Legally Blonde and Barbershop films, among others.
"It is a thrill to be back in business with my MGM and United Artists colleagues Chris McGurk, Danny Rosett and Peter Adee," Keen said. Before MGM/UA, Keen worked on special projects in the marketing division of DreamWorks SKG.
- 6/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- New indie distributor Overture Films has forged a two-year, first-look deal with Lawrence Bender Prods., its first production pact since the company launched in the fall.
Overture CEO Chris McGurk, who announced the deal with COO Danny Rosett, had been discussing the deal with Bender for more than six months. He said his development team had a meeting with Bender on Monday to discuss four potential projects. All will be budgeted at less than $30 million.
Overture plans to start production on two to four features with Bender before the deal ends and hopes to begin principal photography on the first project in the second half of this year.
"We'd hope to be in business with him 10 years from now," McGurk said, citing the wide range of genres on Bender's resume that his company hopes to emulate.
McGurk began working with Bender while overseeing Miramax Films for the Walt Disney Co. Bender is the producer behind such Quentin Tarantino-directed Miramax hits as "Pulp Fiction", "Reservoir Dogs" and the "Kill Bill" films, along with "Good Will Hunting" and "A Price Above Rubies". He also has produced such studio fare as "Anna and the King" and "The Mexican" and recently produced one of his biggest indie hits, the Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth".
The pact will help Overture meet its goal of releasing eight films next year, eventually ramping up to 10-12 films annually.
Overture CEO Chris McGurk, who announced the deal with COO Danny Rosett, had been discussing the deal with Bender for more than six months. He said his development team had a meeting with Bender on Monday to discuss four potential projects. All will be budgeted at less than $30 million.
Overture plans to start production on two to four features with Bender before the deal ends and hopes to begin principal photography on the first project in the second half of this year.
"We'd hope to be in business with him 10 years from now," McGurk said, citing the wide range of genres on Bender's resume that his company hopes to emulate.
McGurk began working with Bender while overseeing Miramax Films for the Walt Disney Co. Bender is the producer behind such Quentin Tarantino-directed Miramax hits as "Pulp Fiction", "Reservoir Dogs" and the "Kill Bill" films, along with "Good Will Hunting" and "A Price Above Rubies". He also has produced such studio fare as "Anna and the King" and "The Mexican" and recently produced one of his biggest indie hits, the Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth".
The pact will help Overture meet its goal of releasing eight films next year, eventually ramping up to 10-12 films annually.
- 4/17/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Overture Films is partnering with Echo Lake Prods. to produce 105 Degrees and Rising, a film set against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon in 1975.
Jon Amiel (Copycat, Entrapment) is attached to direct from a script by William M. Akers.
The story weaves together several arcs as the characters struggle to escape South Vietnam during the final days of the U.S. control over the former capital city, culminating with the dramatic evacuation of the last Americans and many South Vietnamese via helicopter from the roof of the American embassy.
The film's title is based on a secret code broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. The announcement that "the temperature is 105 degrees and rising," followed by eight bars of Bing Crosby's White Christmas, meant all U.S. citizens should immediately evacuate Saigon.
There is no cast attached yet.
Echo Lake's Doug Mankoff, Mike Marcus and Andy Spaulding are producing alongside Rob Cowan. Echo Lake developed the project with Amiel and brought it to Overture, where it is the first production to be developed by the new company under the leadership of Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett.
Jon Amiel (Copycat, Entrapment) is attached to direct from a script by William M. Akers.
The story weaves together several arcs as the characters struggle to escape South Vietnam during the final days of the U.S. control over the former capital city, culminating with the dramatic evacuation of the last Americans and many South Vietnamese via helicopter from the roof of the American embassy.
The film's title is based on a secret code broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. The announcement that "the temperature is 105 degrees and rising," followed by eight bars of Bing Crosby's White Christmas, meant all U.S. citizens should immediately evacuate Saigon.
There is no cast attached yet.
Echo Lake's Doug Mankoff, Mike Marcus and Andy Spaulding are producing alongside Rob Cowan. Echo Lake developed the project with Amiel and brought it to Overture, where it is the first production to be developed by the new company under the leadership of Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett.
NEW YORK -- Calling her "my No. 2, go-to person," Picturehouse president Bob Berney named GreeneStreet Films partner Vicki Cherkas senior executive vp operations Monday.
Cherkas will oversee all daily business operations for Picturehouse, including productions and acquisitions, and serve as a liaison between the distributor and parent companies New Line Cinema and HBO. Berney said her appointment will be key in establishing international operations at the company.
She is the second executive to leave producer GreeneStreet in the past month, following director of development Annie Marter's recent jump to serve as manager of production and acquisitions at the new indie Overture Films. Marter will report to executive vp productions and acquisitions Robert Kessel, who is leading the New York office for Overture CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett and will be joined there by two publicity and marketing executives.
Cherkas' appointment is a move toward strengthening the corporate structure at Picturehouse and establishing international operations, Berney said. "One of her responsibilities is to coordinate the traffic as productions and scripts come in through our parent companies and create seamless continuity," he said.
Cherkas, who reports to Berney when she starts April 1, will work with such point people as Picturehouse senior vp acquisitions Sara Rose, HBO Films senior vp Julie Goldstein and New Line vp production and acquisitions Merideth Finn, production president Toby Emmerich and international president Camela Galano.
Cherkas will oversee all daily business operations for Picturehouse, including productions and acquisitions, and serve as a liaison between the distributor and parent companies New Line Cinema and HBO. Berney said her appointment will be key in establishing international operations at the company.
She is the second executive to leave producer GreeneStreet in the past month, following director of development Annie Marter's recent jump to serve as manager of production and acquisitions at the new indie Overture Films. Marter will report to executive vp productions and acquisitions Robert Kessel, who is leading the New York office for Overture CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett and will be joined there by two publicity and marketing executives.
Cherkas' appointment is a move toward strengthening the corporate structure at Picturehouse and establishing international operations, Berney said. "One of her responsibilities is to coordinate the traffic as productions and scripts come in through our parent companies and create seamless continuity," he said.
Cherkas, who reports to Berney when she starts April 1, will work with such point people as Picturehouse senior vp acquisitions Sara Rose, HBO Films senior vp Julie Goldstein and New Line vp production and acquisitions Merideth Finn, production president Toby Emmerich and international president Camela Galano.
PARK CITY -- Overture Films has made its first acquisition, picking up all U.S. rights to producer-star Charlize Theron's drama Ferris Wheel for about $4 million.
Although Wheel was not shown at the Sundance Film Festival, Overture, the new indie production-distribution company, completed the deal in Park City during the fest. The film was produced by Denver and Delilah Films, Theron's production outfit, and Film Engine.
Directed by Bill Maher in his helming debut, Wheel stars Theron as a poor mother who gets caught up with the wrong crowd and abandons her young daughter (AnnaSophia Robb). She leaves the girl with her brother (Nick Stahl), and the girl develops a special bond with her uncle as they deal with the situation. Dennis Hopper plays the father of Theron's character, and Woody Harrelson plays a member of her circle of troubled friends.
Overture chief operating officer Danny Rosett said Overture execs, including CEO Chris McGurk, viewed about 45 minutes of the unfinished film before making their decision.
Although Wheel was not shown at the Sundance Film Festival, Overture, the new indie production-distribution company, completed the deal in Park City during the fest. The film was produced by Denver and Delilah Films, Theron's production outfit, and Film Engine.
Directed by Bill Maher in his helming debut, Wheel stars Theron as a poor mother who gets caught up with the wrong crowd and abandons her young daughter (AnnaSophia Robb). She leaves the girl with her brother (Nick Stahl), and the girl develops a special bond with her uncle as they deal with the situation. Dennis Hopper plays the father of Theron's character, and Woody Harrelson plays a member of her circle of troubled friends.
Overture chief operating officer Danny Rosett said Overture execs, including CEO Chris McGurk, viewed about 45 minutes of the unfinished film before making their decision.
- 1/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Overture Films, the newly formed production company backed by John Malone's Starz pay TV empire, has named indie film veterans Sean Furst and Robert Kessel executive vps productions and acquisitions.
Bryan Furst, Sean's brother, also is joining Overture as senior vp productions and acquisitions.
Overture CEO Chris McGurk and chief operating officer Danny Rosett announced the appointments Monday. The Furst brothers will be based in Los Angeles, while Kessel will be headquartered in New York; all three execs will report to Rosett.
They will be charged with building Overture's first slate of films, expected to include eight to 12 productions a year encompassing various genres.
Sean and Bryan Furst have been owners of the film and TV production company Furst Films, which has produced such features as "The Matador" and "The Cooler". Because their new posts are full-time positions, the Fursts will no longer be heading a production company, though some of the projects they have been developing could move with them to Overture.
Bryan Furst, Sean's brother, also is joining Overture as senior vp productions and acquisitions.
Overture CEO Chris McGurk and chief operating officer Danny Rosett announced the appointments Monday. The Furst brothers will be based in Los Angeles, while Kessel will be headquartered in New York; all three execs will report to Rosett.
They will be charged with building Overture's first slate of films, expected to include eight to 12 productions a year encompassing various genres.
Sean and Bryan Furst have been owners of the film and TV production company Furst Films, which has produced such features as "The Matador" and "The Cooler". Because their new posts are full-time positions, the Fursts will no longer be heading a production company, though some of the projects they have been developing could move with them to Overture.
- 1/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Overture Films, the newly formed production studio backed by John Malone's Starz pay TV empire, has named indie film veterans Sean Furst and Robert Kessel as executive vps productions and acquisitions.
Furst and Kessel are charged with building Overture's first slate of films, expected to include eight to 12 productions a year encompassing a variety of genres, under the leadership of Overture CEO Chris McGurk and chief operating officer Danny Rosett. Furst will based at Overture's Los Angeles office; Kessel will be based in New York.
In addition Bryan Furst has signed on to Overture as senior vp productions and acquisitions, based in Los Angeles. All three executives report to Rosett.
"We very specifically looked for individuals with significant experience and quality track records in the independent film community and who also have extensive production experience," McGurk said of the appointments. "We were not looking to hire executives schooled in the traditional big studio system of making movies.
Furst and Kessel are charged with building Overture's first slate of films, expected to include eight to 12 productions a year encompassing a variety of genres, under the leadership of Overture CEO Chris McGurk and chief operating officer Danny Rosett. Furst will based at Overture's Los Angeles office; Kessel will be based in New York.
In addition Bryan Furst has signed on to Overture as senior vp productions and acquisitions, based in Los Angeles. All three executives report to Rosett.
"We very specifically looked for individuals with significant experience and quality track records in the independent film community and who also have extensive production experience," McGurk said of the appointments. "We were not looking to hire executives schooled in the traditional big studio system of making movies.
- 1/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The movie business has another much-needed new buyer.
On Monday, Liberty Media Corp.'s Starz Llc. announced the launch of Overture Films, a Film Production and distribution company, which it is funding to the tune of $500 million. Liberty chairman John Malone has installed Starz Media senior adviser and former MGM vice chairman Chris McGurk, an 18-year industry veteran, as CEO, and his former United Artists president Danny Rosett as chief operating officer.
Overture, billing itself as a studio, plans to produce or acquire eight to 12 live-action features a year and distribute them, which will feed much-needed content to Malone's hungry premium television business, Starz Entertainment, as well as its Vongo Internet subscription movie download service.
Liberty and Starz are fully funding Overture's overhead as well as all negative and P&A costs on their films. "This was a chance to build something from the ground up for the 21st century," McGurk said. "For the last 18 years I've taken high-level jobs at studios where you spend a lot of time fixing things that are broken. We're offering one thing that is scarce today: soup-to-nuts quality domestic distribution. We don't need money. We need great movies."
With five-year deals in place for pay-TV at Starz and home video distribution at Anchor Bay Entertainment, McGurk and Rosett will now start building some strong theatrical marketing and distribution muscle for their new studio. Former MGM executives Peter Adee and Erik Lomis are likely candidates. McGurk said will not pull the trigger on any projects until the key marketing and distribution positions are filled.
On Monday, Liberty Media Corp.'s Starz Llc. announced the launch of Overture Films, a Film Production and distribution company, which it is funding to the tune of $500 million. Liberty chairman John Malone has installed Starz Media senior adviser and former MGM vice chairman Chris McGurk, an 18-year industry veteran, as CEO, and his former United Artists president Danny Rosett as chief operating officer.
Overture, billing itself as a studio, plans to produce or acquire eight to 12 live-action features a year and distribute them, which will feed much-needed content to Malone's hungry premium television business, Starz Entertainment, as well as its Vongo Internet subscription movie download service.
Liberty and Starz are fully funding Overture's overhead as well as all negative and P&A costs on their films. "This was a chance to build something from the ground up for the 21st century," McGurk said. "For the last 18 years I've taken high-level jobs at studios where you spend a lot of time fixing things that are broken. We're offering one thing that is scarce today: soup-to-nuts quality domestic distribution. We don't need money. We need great movies."
With five-year deals in place for pay-TV at Starz and home video distribution at Anchor Bay Entertainment, McGurk and Rosett will now start building some strong theatrical marketing and distribution muscle for their new studio. Former MGM executives Peter Adee and Erik Lomis are likely candidates. McGurk said will not pull the trigger on any projects until the key marketing and distribution positions are filled.
- 11/14/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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