Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones), Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery), and Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale, Orange Is the New Black) are to star in the newly unveiled Sky original series Atomic.
The five-part “dynamic and action-fueled adventure” series will follow Max (Allen) and Mohammed (Latif) two unlikely friends who become swept up in a cartel’s plot to transport uranium across North Africa and soon face an enormous decision: save themselves or risk everything to prevent a nuclear bomb falling into the wrong hands.
Pursued by Cassie Elliott (Wiley), a highly-skilled CIA agent, along with MI6 and a network of traffickers, Max and Mohammed find themselves, for once, having to be the good guys.
The show, from Gangs of London producer Pulse Films, is written by Gregory Burke (‘71, Entebbe, Rebus) and directed by Shariff Korver (Temple, Do Not Hesitate).
Writer and executive producer Burke said: “I am thrilled to...
The five-part “dynamic and action-fueled adventure” series will follow Max (Allen) and Mohammed (Latif) two unlikely friends who become swept up in a cartel’s plot to transport uranium across North Africa and soon face an enormous decision: save themselves or risk everything to prevent a nuclear bomb falling into the wrong hands.
Pursued by Cassie Elliott (Wiley), a highly-skilled CIA agent, along with MI6 and a network of traffickers, Max and Mohammed find themselves, for once, having to be the good guys.
The show, from Gangs of London producer Pulse Films, is written by Gregory Burke (‘71, Entebbe, Rebus) and directed by Shariff Korver (Temple, Do Not Hesitate).
Writer and executive producer Burke said: “I am thrilled to...
- 5/16/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sky has greenlighted a high-stakes thriller about a nuclear bomb from Pulse Films starring Game of Thrones‘ Alfie Allen.
Allen is joined by Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, What’s Love Got To Do With It) and Emmy-winner Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale, Orange is the New Black) in Atomic, which is penned by Gregory Burke (Rebus) and directed by Shariff Korver (Temple).
Filming will commence this month in Morocco on the series, in which Max (Allen) and Mohammed (Latif), two unlikely friends – and even less likely heroes – become swept up in a cartel’s plot to transport uranium across North Africa. The pair face a monumental decision: save themselves or risk everything to prevent a nuclear bomb getting into the wrong hands. Pursued by Cassie Elliott (Wiley) – a highly skilled CIA agent whose life mission is to prevent terrorists from acquiring a nuclear bomb – along with MI6 and a network of traffickers,...
Allen is joined by Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, What’s Love Got To Do With It) and Emmy-winner Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale, Orange is the New Black) in Atomic, which is penned by Gregory Burke (Rebus) and directed by Shariff Korver (Temple).
Filming will commence this month in Morocco on the series, in which Max (Allen) and Mohammed (Latif), two unlikely friends – and even less likely heroes – become swept up in a cartel’s plot to transport uranium across North Africa. The pair face a monumental decision: save themselves or risk everything to prevent a nuclear bomb getting into the wrong hands. Pursued by Cassie Elliott (Wiley) – a highly skilled CIA agent whose life mission is to prevent terrorists from acquiring a nuclear bomb – along with MI6 and a network of traffickers,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Two of-the-moment actors are leading a package headed to the Cannes market next week. Greta Lee, star of last year’s Oscar-nominated “Past Lives” and a SAG nominee for “The Morning Show,” and Kingsley Ben-Adir, whose starring vehicle “Bob Marley: One Love” exceeded box office expectations and who played Malcolm X in the three-time Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami…,” are teaming with the reliable workhorse director Louis Leterrier in a new science fiction project called “11817.”
While the title could use an adjustment, Letterier – whose previous work includes “Transporter 2,” “Now You See Me,” and “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” – is co-producing the film with his new company, Carrousel Studios, with partners Thomas Benski, and French actor Omar Sy, who happens to be on this year’s Cannes jury.
The script is by Matthew Robinson, of “Monster Trucks” and “The Invention of Lying” note, as well as the shelved Patty Jenkins “Star Wars” project,...
While the title could use an adjustment, Letterier – whose previous work includes “Transporter 2,” “Now You See Me,” and “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” – is co-producing the film with his new company, Carrousel Studios, with partners Thomas Benski, and French actor Omar Sy, who happens to be on this year’s Cannes jury.
The script is by Matthew Robinson, of “Monster Trucks” and “The Invention of Lying” note, as well as the shelved Patty Jenkins “Star Wars” project,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Here’s some buzzy casting. Greta Lee (Past Lives) and Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley: One Love) are in negotiations to star in director and producer Louis Leterrier’s (Now You See Me) upcoming sci-fi horror film 11817.
Both actors are on a roll. The former is coming off a string of hits including Oscar nominee Past Lives, Apple TV drama The Morning Show and Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, while Ben-Adir’s last two movies couldn’t have gone much better in the shape of box office hits Bob Marley: One Love and Barbie.
In 11817, inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who – or what – is keeping them trapped.
Additional casting is underway on the project, which is based on a script by Matthew Robinson.
Both actors are on a roll. The former is coming off a string of hits including Oscar nominee Past Lives, Apple TV drama The Morning Show and Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, while Ben-Adir’s last two movies couldn’t have gone much better in the shape of box office hits Bob Marley: One Love and Barbie.
In 11817, inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who – or what – is keeping them trapped.
Additional casting is underway on the project, which is based on a script by Matthew Robinson.
- 5/7/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Louis Leterrier has directed the action films The Transporter, Transporter 2, Unleashed, and Fast X, the action comedies The Brothers Grimsby and The Takedown, the mystery thriller Now You See Me, the fantasy adventure Clash of the Titans, and the comic book adaptation The Incredible Hulk (not to mention the TV shows The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and Lupin), and over the decades his films have racked up $2 billion at the box office. Now he’s set to direct and produce the film 11817, working from a screenplay by Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying), which will see him venturing into the sci-fi horror realm.
11817 will show us what happens when inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who – or what – is keeping them trapped…...
11817 will show us what happens when inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who – or what – is keeping them trapped…...
- 5/2/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Rocket Science Productions has set Louis Leterrier (“The Incredible Hulk,”) (“The Transporter”) to direct and produce the sci-fi horror film “11817.”
The film is written by Matthew Robinson Leterrier’s production companies Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment and 3 Arts Entertainment are all set to produce.
According to the official logline, “In ‘11817,’ inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”
“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817’s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an...
The film is written by Matthew Robinson Leterrier’s production companies Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment and 3 Arts Entertainment are all set to produce.
According to the official logline, “In ‘11817,’ inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”
“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817’s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an...
- 5/2/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
Rocket Science announced today that it will fully finance and launch international sales in Cannes on the sci-fi horror 11817 to be directed and produced by Louis Leterrier.
The French filmmaker’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment, and 3 Arts Entertainment are producing.
Matthew Robinson, whose credits include The Invention Of Lying, wrote the screenplay about a family of four trapped inside their house by inexplicable forces.
As modern luxuries and essential supplies start to run out, the family must adapt to survive and outsmart whoever or whatever is imprisoning them.
Casting is currently underway. CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
The French filmmaker’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment, and 3 Arts Entertainment are producing.
Matthew Robinson, whose credits include The Invention Of Lying, wrote the screenplay about a family of four trapped inside their house by inexplicable forces.
As modern luxuries and essential supplies start to run out, the family must adapt to survive and outsmart whoever or whatever is imprisoning them.
Casting is currently underway. CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
- 5/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
Louis Leterrier (Fast X) will direct and produce 11817, a sci-fi horror film scripted by Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying) that is being presented to buyers at Cannes by Rocket Science.
The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…
Casting is currently underway on the pic to be produced by Leterrier’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment (A North Road Company) and 3 Arts Entertainment. Producers include Leterrier, Thomas Benski and Omar Sy for Carrousel Studios, Lars Sylvest for Thank You Studios, Kori Adelson for Chernin Entertainment, Oly Obst of 3 Arts Entertainment, Thorsten Schumacher for Rocket Science, and Joe Neurauter. Cecile Gaget is exec producing for Carrousel Studios.
The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…
Casting is currently underway on the pic to be produced by Leterrier’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment (A North Road Company) and 3 Arts Entertainment. Producers include Leterrier, Thomas Benski and Omar Sy for Carrousel Studios, Lars Sylvest for Thank You Studios, Kori Adelson for Chernin Entertainment, Oly Obst of 3 Arts Entertainment, Thorsten Schumacher for Rocket Science, and Joe Neurauter. Cecile Gaget is exec producing for Carrousel Studios.
- 5/2/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Louis Leterrier the director of Fast X and several Transporter action movies has been tapped to direct and produce the sci-fi horror film 11817, based on a script by Matthew Robinson.
The genre pic produced by Leterrier’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment and 3 Arts Entertainment is now casting. Rocket Science will fully finance, handle foreign sales and introduce the film in Cannes, while CAA Media Finance will handle a North American sale.
Leterrier is known as a highly reliable director on big-budget, effects-heavy fare such as Clash of the Titans, the Jason Statham-starring Transporter movies and Universal’s The Incredible Hulk. His films have earned $2 billion in box office worldwide.
“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey. It’s what excites me about...
The genre pic produced by Leterrier’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment and 3 Arts Entertainment is now casting. Rocket Science will fully finance, handle foreign sales and introduce the film in Cannes, while CAA Media Finance will handle a North American sale.
Leterrier is known as a highly reliable director on big-budget, effects-heavy fare such as Clash of the Titans, the Jason Statham-starring Transporter movies and Universal’s The Incredible Hulk. His films have earned $2 billion in box office worldwide.
“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey. It’s what excites me about...
- 5/2/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Cannes Film Festival has unveiled the eight jurors who will be joining jury president Greta Gerwig for the event’s 2024 edition (May 14-25).
They are American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, French actor and producer Omar Sy, Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, and Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino.
The jury will award the Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films in competition at the closing ceremony on May 25. Anatomy Of A Fall picked up the top prize last year.
They are American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, French actor and producer Omar Sy, Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, and Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino.
The jury will award the Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films in competition at the closing ceremony on May 25. Anatomy Of A Fall picked up the top prize last year.
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Carrousel Studios, the newly launched production company of “Lupin” star Omar Sy, “Fast X” director Louis Leterrier and “Gangs of London” producer Thomas Benski, has appointed Cécile Gaget as CEO.
A seasoned executive, the Paris-based Gaget previously worked at Wild Bunch as head of film, and also worked at Anton Capital and Gaumont where she spearheaded international sales and co-productions. While at Gaumont, she worked on many box office hits, notably “Intouchables” which traveled around the world and saw Sy delivering a breakthrough performance.
Carrousel is a European independent production company with offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal. The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
In her new role, which will effective May 1, Gaget will utilize her sales and film finance expertise to ramp up...
A seasoned executive, the Paris-based Gaget previously worked at Wild Bunch as head of film, and also worked at Anton Capital and Gaumont where she spearheaded international sales and co-productions. While at Gaumont, she worked on many box office hits, notably “Intouchables” which traveled around the world and saw Sy delivering a breakthrough performance.
Carrousel is a European independent production company with offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal. The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
In her new role, which will effective May 1, Gaget will utilize her sales and film finance expertise to ramp up...
- 4/26/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
French film executive Cécile Gaget is stepping down as CEO of Wild Bunch and joining Carrousel Studios, the new European production group launched last month by Lupin star Omar Sy, Fast X director Louis Leterrier and producer Thomas Benski. Gaget was appointed CEO of Carrousel and will take up the job on May 1.
Carrousel, launched with backing from CAA Media Finance, is being billed as an “artists first” European studio that will focus on elevated genre fare for film and TV, aiming to leverage European tax and production incentives, as well as tap into the continent’s deep well of talent, to produce content for the European and global market.
With Gaget, the company has scored one of Europe’s top film execs with a deep knowledge of both the financial and practical on-the-ground business of independent production and distribution. She’s held positions at several of the continent’s top studios and mini-majors,...
Carrousel, launched with backing from CAA Media Finance, is being billed as an “artists first” European studio that will focus on elevated genre fare for film and TV, aiming to leverage European tax and production incentives, as well as tap into the continent’s deep well of talent, to produce content for the European and global market.
With Gaget, the company has scored one of Europe’s top film execs with a deep knowledge of both the financial and practical on-the-ground business of independent production and distribution. She’s held positions at several of the continent’s top studios and mini-majors,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Newly-launched Carrousel Studios has appointed French film industry veteran Cécile Gaget as its CEO, with effect from May 1.
Billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company, Carrousel Studios was launched in March by actor-producer Omar Sy, producer-director Louis Leterrier and entrepreneur/producer Thomas Benski.
Their aim is to develop and produce multi-generational, high quality and high-concept entertainment for the global audience.
In her new role, Gaget will utilize her sales and film finance expertise to help expand and grow upon the Carrousel’s founders’ capabilities.
Based out of Paris, her mission will be to ramp up a local and global production slate, forge strategic partnerships and more specifically oversee development, production, financing and distribution strategies.
“I am very grateful to Omar, Louis, and Thomas for their trust in my abilities to help build and lead this studio to its fullest potential. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with Carrousel Studios,...
Billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company, Carrousel Studios was launched in March by actor-producer Omar Sy, producer-director Louis Leterrier and entrepreneur/producer Thomas Benski.
Their aim is to develop and produce multi-generational, high quality and high-concept entertainment for the global audience.
In her new role, Gaget will utilize her sales and film finance expertise to help expand and grow upon the Carrousel’s founders’ capabilities.
Based out of Paris, her mission will be to ramp up a local and global production slate, forge strategic partnerships and more specifically oversee development, production, financing and distribution strategies.
“I am very grateful to Omar, Louis, and Thomas for their trust in my abilities to help build and lead this studio to its fullest potential. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with Carrousel Studios,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud’s Berlinale Panorama premiere Sex has landed further theatrical deals for M-Appeal across Europe.
Deals have now been closed in Germany (Alamode), Austria (Polyfilm), Benelux (September Film Distribution), Spain (Filmin) and Italy (Wanted Cinema).
Sex follows two men, played by Jan Gunnar Røise and Thorbjørn Harr, both in heterosexual marriages, who have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender and identity.
It is produced by Yngve Sæther and Hege Hauff Hvattum for Norway’s Motlys, and is the first in a planned trilogy, with Dreams and Love to follow.
Deals have now been closed in Germany (Alamode), Austria (Polyfilm), Benelux (September Film Distribution), Spain (Filmin) and Italy (Wanted Cinema).
Sex follows two men, played by Jan Gunnar Røise and Thorbjørn Harr, both in heterosexual marriages, who have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender and identity.
It is produced by Yngve Sæther and Hege Hauff Hvattum for Norway’s Motlys, and is the first in a planned trilogy, with Dreams and Love to follow.
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Veteran international film executive Rosa Bosch has partnered with Spanish distributor and sales agency Begin Again Films, joining the company’s international department.
Madrid-based Begin Again Films is known for handling arthouse fare such as doc The Year of Discovery, Zaida Carmona’s Girlfriends and Girlfriends and Nestor Ruiz Medina’s 21 Paradise.
Bosch joins as Begin Again also takes on sales for Anna Cornudella’s The Human Hibernation, winner of the Fipresci Award in the Forum section of the Berlinale 2024.
A veteran of the international film industry, Bosch’s career includes roles at AFI Fest, the London Film Festival...
Madrid-based Begin Again Films is known for handling arthouse fare such as doc The Year of Discovery, Zaida Carmona’s Girlfriends and Girlfriends and Nestor Ruiz Medina’s 21 Paradise.
Bosch joins as Begin Again also takes on sales for Anna Cornudella’s The Human Hibernation, winner of the Fipresci Award in the Forum section of the Berlinale 2024.
A veteran of the international film industry, Bosch’s career includes roles at AFI Fest, the London Film Festival...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Actor Omar Sy has teamed with Lupin and Fast X director Louis Leterrier and former Pulse Films CEO Thomas Benski to launch Carrousel Studios.
Carrousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carrousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carrousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
Carrousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carrousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carrousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
“Lupin” star Omar Sy, “Fast X” director Louis Leterrier and “Gangs of London” producer Thomas Benski have launched Carrousel Studios, a European independent production company with offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. The company will look to tap into tax credits, European incentives and brands to finance content. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
Sy, Leterrier and Benski, who have worked together on several series and films, said the name of the company, Carrousel, reflects its inclusive DNA. “A carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained the trio in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel,...
The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. The company will look to tap into tax credits, European incentives and brands to finance content. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
Sy, Leterrier and Benski, who have worked together on several series and films, said the name of the company, Carrousel, reflects its inclusive DNA. “A carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained the trio in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
French star Omar Sy (Lupin, The Intouchables) is joining forces with Fast X and Transporter director Louis Leterrier and producer Thomas Benski (American Honey, Gangs of London) to launch Carrousel Studios, a new European independent studio.
Billed as an “artists-first” studio, Carrousel aims to focus on elevated genre, in the film and TV, to “lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects,” according to a statement, by taking advantage of “myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production, incredible talent (in front and behind the camera) as well as other European incentives.”
All three men are represented by CAA and CAA Media Finance set up the financing for the venture. Carrousel Studios will have offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The company name is meant to evoke a spirit of entertainment. “By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from,...
Billed as an “artists-first” studio, Carrousel aims to focus on elevated genre, in the film and TV, to “lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects,” according to a statement, by taking advantage of “myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production, incredible talent (in front and behind the camera) as well as other European incentives.”
All three men are represented by CAA and CAA Media Finance set up the financing for the venture. Carrousel Studios will have offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The company name is meant to evoke a spirit of entertainment. “By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor and producer Omar Sy (Lupin), director-producer Louis Leterrier (Fast X) and producer and Pulse Films founder Thomas Benski (American Honey) are launching Carrousel Studios with bases in Paris, London, LA and Senegal.
The film and TV company will develop and produce projects for the global market and look to work closely with emerging and established talent. While not exclusive to the genres, the firm plans to lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects. It will also incorporate in-house marketing and communications for its projects. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
“By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained Sy, Leterrier and Benski in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel,...
The film and TV company will develop and produce projects for the global market and look to work closely with emerging and established talent. While not exclusive to the genres, the firm plans to lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects. It will also incorporate in-house marketing and communications for its projects. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
“By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained Sy, Leterrier and Benski in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Omar Sy has teamed with Lupin and Fast X director Louis Leterrier and former Pulse Films CEO Thomas Benski to launch Carousel Studios.
Carousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
Carousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Andrew Koji (Warrior), Richard Dormer (Game of Thrones) and T’Nia Miller (Fall of the House of Usher) have boarded the upcoming season of Gangs of London.
The pair join the likes of Phil Daniels and Ruth Sheen in the anticipated third season of the Sky and AMC+ series, which is produced by Pulse Films.
Koji will play an unnamed assassin at the heart of the unfolding mystery across the series. Cornelius Quinn, played by Dormer, is a face from the past whose arrival awakens old rivalries for Marian Wallace and Ed Dumani. Miller takes on the role of the formidable new Mayor of London set to wreak havoc for the gangs.
Season kicks off with ex-undercover cop Elliot Carter, played by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísu, now operating as a top-level criminal alongside the Dumanis, but their business is thrown into chaos when their shipment of cocaine is spiked, resulting in the...
The pair join the likes of Phil Daniels and Ruth Sheen in the anticipated third season of the Sky and AMC+ series, which is produced by Pulse Films.
Koji will play an unnamed assassin at the heart of the unfolding mystery across the series. Cornelius Quinn, played by Dormer, is a face from the past whose arrival awakens old rivalries for Marian Wallace and Ed Dumani. Miller takes on the role of the formidable new Mayor of London set to wreak havoc for the gangs.
Season kicks off with ex-undercover cop Elliot Carter, played by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísu, now operating as a top-level criminal alongside the Dumanis, but their business is thrown into chaos when their shipment of cocaine is spiked, resulting in the...
- 11/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
On Monday night, November 27, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the Gotham Awards presented the winners at their 33rd annual event. “All of Us Strangers” went in with a leading four bids, followed by “Past Lives,” “The Zone of Interest” and the TV limited series “Beef” with three apiece. But who prevailed? Scroll down for the full list, updated throughout the night.
The nominations were decided by panels of film and television critics, journalists, festival programmers and film curators. The winners were then selected by juries of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors and others directly involved in filmmaking. That makes these awards unique and often results in surprising winners like “The Rider” for Best Feature in 2018 over the higher-profile “The Favourite,” or Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) for Best Lead Performance in 2022 over eventual Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”). So a...
The nominations were decided by panels of film and television critics, journalists, festival programmers and film curators. The winners were then selected by juries of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors and others directly involved in filmmaking. That makes these awards unique and often results in surprising winners like “The Rider” for Best Feature in 2018 over the higher-profile “The Favourite,” or Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) for Best Lead Performance in 2022 over eventual Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”). So a...
- 11/28/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Gangs of London” has officially started production on Season 3, with Sky and AMC+ revealing the director and writer of the show’s next installment.
South Korea’s Kim Hong Sun (“Project Wolf Hunting”) will direct and executive produce the upcoming eight-episode season, with Peter McKenna (“Kin”) serving as lead writer and executive producer. Kim’s most recent film, the action horror “Project Wolf Hunting,” premiered in Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section last year. Kim has also directed “Metamorphosis” (2019) and “Traffickers” (2012), both of which have contributed to the surge in popularity of horror-based cinema in Korea. McKenna is the creator and showrunner of AMC+ and Rte drama “Kin,” starring Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne, Aidan Gillen and Ciaran Hinds. He has also worked on “Red Rock,” “The Gloaming,” “The Last Kingdom” and “Around the World in Eighty Days.”
“Gangs of London” Season 3 will see Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Joe Cole...
South Korea’s Kim Hong Sun (“Project Wolf Hunting”) will direct and executive produce the upcoming eight-episode season, with Peter McKenna (“Kin”) serving as lead writer and executive producer. Kim’s most recent film, the action horror “Project Wolf Hunting,” premiered in Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section last year. Kim has also directed “Metamorphosis” (2019) and “Traffickers” (2012), both of which have contributed to the surge in popularity of horror-based cinema in Korea. McKenna is the creator and showrunner of AMC+ and Rte drama “Kin,” starring Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne, Aidan Gillen and Ciaran Hinds. He has also worked on “Red Rock,” “The Gloaming,” “The Last Kingdom” and “Around the World in Eighty Days.”
“Gangs of London” Season 3 will see Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Joe Cole...
- 10/17/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The Zurich Summit returned for another year bringing together some of the top creatives in the industry. More than 100 film pros took part in the all-day session that drilled down into the state of the industry.
Executives at the summit included Founder and CEO of Neon Tom Quinn, film producer Thomas Benski, Head of Anonymous Content independent Nick Shumaker and CEO of Leonine Studios Fred Kogel.
The conference gathers a line-up of film producers, sales executives and creators in film, TV and entertainment as well as technology entrepreneurs and financiers at The Dolder Grand. It offers a smart mix of knowledge transfer and inspiration, as well as ideal networking opportunities.
Panels at the summit included “Are Film Festivals Drifting Away From What Works In Cinemas,” “Rethinking Streaming,” “Streaming Scale Back,” “Now That Box Office Comes Back: What Are The Latest Business Strategies,” “What’s Behind the Success of Leonine,” “Are...
Executives at the summit included Founder and CEO of Neon Tom Quinn, film producer Thomas Benski, Head of Anonymous Content independent Nick Shumaker and CEO of Leonine Studios Fred Kogel.
The conference gathers a line-up of film producers, sales executives and creators in film, TV and entertainment as well as technology entrepreneurs and financiers at The Dolder Grand. It offers a smart mix of knowledge transfer and inspiration, as well as ideal networking opportunities.
Panels at the summit included “Are Film Festivals Drifting Away From What Works In Cinemas,” “Rethinking Streaming,” “Streaming Scale Back,” “Now That Box Office Comes Back: What Are The Latest Business Strategies,” “What’s Behind the Success of Leonine,” “Are...
- 10/1/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Thomas Benski, former CEO and co-founder of Gangs of London producer Pulse Films, stopped by Deadline’s Zurich Summit studio to discuss his time at Pulse and what the future holds for him, including an upcoming production. You can watch the video above.
Pulse, well known for its film and TV slate as well as its strong roster of commercial and music video directors (the video division has worked with artists from Radiohead to A$AP Rocky), has been majority owned by Vice Media Group since 2016 but Benski and Clifford left the company last year after 16 years. In May of this year, Vice filed for bankruptcy with its creditors ultimately assuming control of the once high-flying media company.
In his first interview since he left Pulse, Benski discussed what he is most proud of from his time running the company: “I’m most proud of our commitment to great...
Pulse, well known for its film and TV slate as well as its strong roster of commercial and music video directors (the video division has worked with artists from Radiohead to A$AP Rocky), has been majority owned by Vice Media Group since 2016 but Benski and Clifford left the company last year after 16 years. In May of this year, Vice filed for bankruptcy with its creditors ultimately assuming control of the once high-flying media company.
In his first interview since he left Pulse, Benski discussed what he is most proud of from his time running the company: “I’m most proud of our commitment to great...
- 10/1/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
MetFilm Sales has picked up worldwide rights (excluding U.K.) and will handle international sales on acclaimed documentary “Name Me Lawand” from “Gangs of London” producer Pulse Films.
Directed by Edward Lovelace (“The Possibilities Are Endless”), the documentary, filmed over four years, follows Lawand Hamad Amin, who spent his early years in Iraq unable to hear or communicate. His profound deafness meant he could not learn language, and with no access to a deaf education, Lawand grew isolated and trapped inside himself.
His parents and brother decided to take Lawand on an epic and bewildering journey across Europe to seek refuge in England. At a specialist deaf school in Derby, Lawand starts learning British Sign Language. For the first time in his life he begins to understand the world around him. In order to overcome what he’s been through, he will need to articulate who Lawand really is.
When...
Directed by Edward Lovelace (“The Possibilities Are Endless”), the documentary, filmed over four years, follows Lawand Hamad Amin, who spent his early years in Iraq unable to hear or communicate. His profound deafness meant he could not learn language, and with no access to a deaf education, Lawand grew isolated and trapped inside himself.
His parents and brother decided to take Lawand on an epic and bewildering journey across Europe to seek refuge in England. At a specialist deaf school in Derby, Lawand starts learning British Sign Language. For the first time in his life he begins to understand the world around him. In order to overcome what he’s been through, he will need to articulate who Lawand really is.
When...
- 9/20/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The film will have its international premiere at Hot Docs in May.
BFI Distribution has acquired UK-Ireland distribution rights to Name Me Lawand, Edward Lovelace’s documentary about a deaf Kurdish boy who moves from Iraq to the UK, where he learns British Sign Language.
The film debuted at the BFI London Film Festival in October last year in the documentary competition; it will have its international premiere at Hot Docs in Toronto on May 1.
BFI Distribution acquired the rights from producers Pulse Films, and will release the film in cinemas this summer.
Name Me Lawand follows the eponymous Kurdish boy,...
BFI Distribution has acquired UK-Ireland distribution rights to Name Me Lawand, Edward Lovelace’s documentary about a deaf Kurdish boy who moves from Iraq to the UK, where he learns British Sign Language.
The film debuted at the BFI London Film Festival in October last year in the documentary competition; it will have its international premiere at Hot Docs in Toronto on May 1.
BFI Distribution acquired the rights from producers Pulse Films, and will release the film in cinemas this summer.
Name Me Lawand follows the eponymous Kurdish boy,...
- 4/4/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
“Gangs of London” banner Pulse Films has hired “Fate: The Winx Saga” producer Judy Counihan as its new scripted creative director.
Counihan, who was most recently creative director at Archery Pictures, has worked across Europe and the U.S. in both film and television for the last 25 years. She officially joins the company in the new year.
The executive has twice won the Oscar for best international feature film, first in 2001 for “No Man’s Land,” and in 1995 for “Antonia’s Line.” Counihan also produced the Oscar-nominated “Before the Rain,” which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and best foreign film at the Independent Spirit Awards.
At “Riviera” and “Operation Mincemeat” production outfit Archery Pictures, Counihan worked across film and TV drama. She was executive producer on two seasons of Netflix’s global hit “Fate: The Winx Saga.”
Prior to joining Archery, Counihan was CEO of All3Media-backed Solution 3 Productions.
Counihan, who was most recently creative director at Archery Pictures, has worked across Europe and the U.S. in both film and television for the last 25 years. She officially joins the company in the new year.
The executive has twice won the Oscar for best international feature film, first in 2001 for “No Man’s Land,” and in 1995 for “Antonia’s Line.” Counihan also produced the Oscar-nominated “Before the Rain,” which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and best foreign film at the Independent Spirit Awards.
At “Riviera” and “Operation Mincemeat” production outfit Archery Pictures, Counihan worked across film and TV drama. She was executive producer on two seasons of Netflix’s global hit “Fate: The Winx Saga.”
Prior to joining Archery, Counihan was CEO of All3Media-backed Solution 3 Productions.
- 11/30/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
It may be a few weeks before the second season of Gangs of London — the ultra-violent crime series created by The Raid filmmaker Gareth Evans — lands on AMC+ in the U.S., but U.K. audiences can now watch the latest blood-soaked, body-count amassing thrill ride through the British capital.
Launching on Comcast’s Sky on Thursday (the first season broke records for the Sky Atlantic channel in 2020), Gangs of London season 2 — once again produced by Pulse Films and Sister — follows a similar theme of rival kingpins and crime families colluding and colliding in their bid for control of London’s underworld, often through the most violent means possible.
“For season 1, we all mucked in together and tried to put in everything that we loved and believed in to raise the genre mix in a family saga like this, and we hoped it would go down well,...
It may be a few weeks before the second season of Gangs of London — the ultra-violent crime series created by The Raid filmmaker Gareth Evans — lands on AMC+ in the U.S., but U.K. audiences can now watch the latest blood-soaked, body-count amassing thrill ride through the British capital.
Launching on Comcast’s Sky on Thursday (the first season broke records for the Sky Atlantic channel in 2020), Gangs of London season 2 — once again produced by Pulse Films and Sister — follows a similar theme of rival kingpins and crime families colluding and colliding in their bid for control of London’s underworld, often through the most violent means possible.
“For season 1, we all mucked in together and tried to put in everything that we loved and believed in to raise the genre mix in a family saga like this, and we hoped it would go down well,...
- 10/20/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Singapore Bans ‘#Lookatme’
Singapore has banned the release of “#LookAtMe,” a feature film by local director Ken Kwek. The InfoComm Media Development Authority said that the film exceeds film classification guidelines because it denigrates a religious community. Supposedly based in true events, the film depicts a man who is offended by a pastor who preaches against homosexuality, but whose behavior contradicts his teachings. The protagonist’s viral video about the aberrant priest lands him in jail, causing the man’s gay identical twin to fight for justice.
“#LookAtMe,” premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival and local media report that the film has been selected for next month’s Singapore International Film Festival. But the Imda ruling means that it cannot now be shown in any form in Singapore unless Kwek is successful with an appeal.
Singapore recently banned Indian film “The Kashmir Files” on religious grounds. It is...
Singapore has banned the release of “#LookAtMe,” a feature film by local director Ken Kwek. The InfoComm Media Development Authority said that the film exceeds film classification guidelines because it denigrates a religious community. Supposedly based in true events, the film depicts a man who is offended by a pastor who preaches against homosexuality, but whose behavior contradicts his teachings. The protagonist’s viral video about the aberrant priest lands him in jail, causing the man’s gay identical twin to fight for justice.
“#LookAtMe,” premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival and local media report that the film has been selected for next month’s Singapore International Film Festival. But the Imda ruling means that it cannot now be shown in any form in Singapore unless Kwek is successful with an appeal.
Singapore recently banned Indian film “The Kashmir Files” on religious grounds. It is...
- 10/18/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Kate Ward, Vice Studios Global President and the boss of Pulse Films, has joined BBC Studios to oversee factual.
The signature hire was unveiled this afternoon and will see Ward take over from Tom McDonald, who departed to Nat Geo earlier this year.
Ward will oversee a portfolio that includes the prolific Natural History Unit, which recently opened an LA office, along with the Docs, Science and Factual Units. She will also look after the factual indies BBC Studios has stakes in, such as Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions and Rogan Productions.
BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee hailed her “infectious passion for great documentary storytelling and a deep understanding of the content market.”
“Our Factual portfolio, with the Natural History, Docs and Science units at its heart and a range of brilliant indie partners, is critical to our success and growth,” he added.
Ward has been president of Vice Studios...
The signature hire was unveiled this afternoon and will see Ward take over from Tom McDonald, who departed to Nat Geo earlier this year.
Ward will oversee a portfolio that includes the prolific Natural History Unit, which recently opened an LA office, along with the Docs, Science and Factual Units. She will also look after the factual indies BBC Studios has stakes in, such as Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions and Rogan Productions.
BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee hailed her “infectious passion for great documentary storytelling and a deep understanding of the content market.”
“Our Factual portfolio, with the Natural History, Docs and Science units at its heart and a range of brilliant indie partners, is critical to our success and growth,” he added.
Ward has been president of Vice Studios...
- 9/22/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Gangs of London” producer Pulse Films has unveiled the first clip from “Name Me Lawand,” which will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.
Directed by Edward Lovelace (“The Possibilities Are Endless”), the film is in competition at the festival’s The Grierson Award for documentaries.
The documentary, filmed over four years, follows Lawand Hamad Amin, who spent his early years in Iraq unable to hear or communicate. His profound deafness meant he could not learn language, and with no access to a deaf education, Lawand grew isolated and trapped inside himself.
His parents and brother decided to take Lawand on an epic and bewildering journey across Europe to seek refuge in England. At a specialist deaf school in Derby, Lawand starts learning British Sign Language. For the first time in his life he begins to understand the world around him. In order to overcome what he’s been through,...
Directed by Edward Lovelace (“The Possibilities Are Endless”), the film is in competition at the festival’s The Grierson Award for documentaries.
The documentary, filmed over four years, follows Lawand Hamad Amin, who spent his early years in Iraq unable to hear or communicate. His profound deafness meant he could not learn language, and with no access to a deaf education, Lawand grew isolated and trapped inside himself.
His parents and brother decided to take Lawand on an epic and bewildering journey across Europe to seek refuge in England. At a specialist deaf school in Derby, Lawand starts learning British Sign Language. For the first time in his life he begins to understand the world around him. In order to overcome what he’s been through,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Utopia and Showtime have partnered to acquire “Meet Me in the Bathroom,” the documentary film about the early 2000s New York City rock and roll scene that made its premiere at this year’s Sundance.
Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern directed the film that’s based on the 2017 book by Lizzy Goodman. Goodman’s book is a comprehensive oral history of the bands that redefined the rock scene in the early 2000s and late ’90s, including The Strokes, Interpol, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem and more. The film specifically is an assemble of archival footage from that era and forgoes talking head interviews, instead featuring rare early performances and behind the scenes looks at NYC’s top bands.
Utopia will release the film theatrically in theaters later this year, and Showtime will air “Meet Me in the Bathroom” by the end of 2022.
Also Read:
Why ‘Meet Me in the Bathroom...
Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern directed the film that’s based on the 2017 book by Lizzy Goodman. Goodman’s book is a comprehensive oral history of the bands that redefined the rock scene in the early 2000s and late ’90s, including The Strokes, Interpol, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem and more. The film specifically is an assemble of archival footage from that era and forgoes talking head interviews, instead featuring rare early performances and behind the scenes looks at NYC’s top bands.
Utopia will release the film theatrically in theaters later this year, and Showtime will air “Meet Me in the Bathroom” by the end of 2022.
Also Read:
Why ‘Meet Me in the Bathroom...
- 8/10/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Utopia and Showtime have acquired the North American rights to Pulse Films’ “Meet Me in the Bathroom,” a documentary about the explosion of rock ‘n’ roll that helped define the early 2000s in New York City and ushered in a new generation of musical talent. The film, which is directed by Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern, premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Utopia will release “Meet Me in the Bathroom” in theaters later this year. The film will air on Showtime at the end of 2022.
Based on the hit 2017 oral history of the same name by Lizzy Goodman, “Meet Me in the Bathroom” says it “tells the story of the last great romantic age of rock,” one that looks at the impact that bands like The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Interpol had on revitalizing the cultural life of a reeling, post-9/11 city. To tell its story of this pivotal moment in music,...
Based on the hit 2017 oral history of the same name by Lizzy Goodman, “Meet Me in the Bathroom” says it “tells the story of the last great romantic age of rock,” one that looks at the impact that bands like The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Interpol had on revitalizing the cultural life of a reeling, post-9/11 city. To tell its story of this pivotal moment in music,...
- 8/10/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
On Thursday, Vice Media Group announced that the company has acquired full ownership of Pulse Films, after buying a controlling interest in 2016. Pulse Films was founded by CEOs Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford in 2005. The brand will join Vice Studios’ portfolio and be managed by Vice Studios president Kate Ward.
Benski and Clifford are stepping down after 16 years of leading the company, although Benski will continue to executive produce and co-produce Pulse projects including “Gangs of London” and Olivia Wilde’s feature “Perfect.”
Pulse’s output includes the Sky/AMC series “Gangs of London,” Cannes Film Festival winner “American Honey,” films such as “Pig”, and “Mogul Mowgli,” music documentaries including Beyonce’s “Lemonade” and the Emmy-nominated documentary “Beastie Boys Story,” as well as the HBO Max reunion special “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.”
Said Benski in a statement, “Leaving Pulse Films is for us a watershed moment. When...
Benski and Clifford are stepping down after 16 years of leading the company, although Benski will continue to executive produce and co-produce Pulse projects including “Gangs of London” and Olivia Wilde’s feature “Perfect.”
Pulse’s output includes the Sky/AMC series “Gangs of London,” Cannes Film Festival winner “American Honey,” films such as “Pig”, and “Mogul Mowgli,” music documentaries including Beyonce’s “Lemonade” and the Emmy-nominated documentary “Beastie Boys Story,” as well as the HBO Max reunion special “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.”
Said Benski in a statement, “Leaving Pulse Films is for us a watershed moment. When...
- 3/17/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Vice Media Group has taken full control of “Gangs of London” producer Pulse Films.
Pulse co-founders Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, who founded the edgy production outfit back in 2005, have departed the company following the takeover, although Variety understands it was their decision to step down ahead of the acquisition. It’s believed the duo will continue to work together in another capacity.
Vice took a controlling stake in Pulse Films in 2016, long before the youth-skewing media brand overseen by Nancy Dubuc launched its own in-house production arm in Vice Studios. Pulse won’t be folded into the company, Variety can confirm, and will remain a distinct brand.
Pulse will be managed by the newly appointed global creative director of non-fiction Diene Petterle; chief operating officer of scripted Jamie Hall; and global president of commercials and entertainment Davud Karbassioun. They will all report into Vice Studios CEO Kate Ward.
The...
Pulse co-founders Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, who founded the edgy production outfit back in 2005, have departed the company following the takeover, although Variety understands it was their decision to step down ahead of the acquisition. It’s believed the duo will continue to work together in another capacity.
Vice took a controlling stake in Pulse Films in 2016, long before the youth-skewing media brand overseen by Nancy Dubuc launched its own in-house production arm in Vice Studios. Pulse won’t be folded into the company, Variety can confirm, and will remain a distinct brand.
Pulse will be managed by the newly appointed global creative director of non-fiction Diene Petterle; chief operating officer of scripted Jamie Hall; and global president of commercials and entertainment Davud Karbassioun. They will all report into Vice Studios CEO Kate Ward.
The...
- 3/17/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, the founders of Gangs of London producer Pulse Films, have chosen to step down after 16 years and Vice has taken full control of the London-headquartered outfit.
According to UK TV trade Broadcast, which broke the news, Pulse will be fully integrated into production outfit Vice Studios under President Kate Ward, while retaining its own brand.
In place of Benski and Clifford, Global Creative Director of Non-Fiction Diene Petterle, Chief Operating Officer of Scripted Jamie Hall and Global President of Commercials & Entertainment Davud Karbassioun will oversee Pulse, reporting to Ward.
Vice credited Pulse with driving its plus-50% UK revenue increase last year.
Benski and Clifford are expected to announce future plans soon.
Benski will continue working for a time on projects including Gangs of London, the hit Sky drama that airs on AMC in the U.S.
The transatlantic outfit was set up by Benski and...
According to UK TV trade Broadcast, which broke the news, Pulse will be fully integrated into production outfit Vice Studios under President Kate Ward, while retaining its own brand.
In place of Benski and Clifford, Global Creative Director of Non-Fiction Diene Petterle, Chief Operating Officer of Scripted Jamie Hall and Global President of Commercials & Entertainment Davud Karbassioun will oversee Pulse, reporting to Ward.
Vice credited Pulse with driving its plus-50% UK revenue increase last year.
Benski and Clifford are expected to announce future plans soon.
Benski will continue working for a time on projects including Gangs of London, the hit Sky drama that airs on AMC in the U.S.
The transatlantic outfit was set up by Benski and...
- 3/17/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American and UK/Ire rights to the political comedy The Hater, from writer-director Joey Ally, in which she stars alongside Bruce Dern, Meredith Hagner, D’Angelo Lacy (aka musical artist Black Gatsby), Ian Harding, Ali Larter, and Nora Dunn. The independent distributor has slated it for a day-and-date release on March 18.
In the film, Ally plays Dorothy, a liberal speechwriter on a U.S. Senate campaign, who finds herself unemployed and living back in her conservative Texas hometown with her estranged grandfather (Dern), after a political protest goes wrong. Dorothy soon learns that her childhood nemesis, Brent (Harding), is running for office as the sole Republican candidate. Determined to thwart him at any cost,...
In the film, Ally plays Dorothy, a liberal speechwriter on a U.S. Senate campaign, who finds herself unemployed and living back in her conservative Texas hometown with her estranged grandfather (Dern), after a political protest goes wrong. Dorothy soon learns that her childhood nemesis, Brent (Harding), is running for office as the sole Republican candidate. Determined to thwart him at any cost,...
- 2/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Streaming
Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru, best known for hit Amazon Prime Video India series “The Family Man,” are partnering with Netflix on series “Guns & Gulaabs” under their D2R Films banner. “The series is set to uniquely blend the romance of the 90s with a crime thriller while effortlessly lacing it in humor,” according to Netflix. The series is created, directed and produced by Krishna and Nidimoru, who also write alongside Suman Kumar and Sumit Arora.
Krishna and Nidimoru said: “Last year, we had a great outing on Netflix with our indie gem, ‘Cinema Bandi.’ And now we look forward to a larger collaboration on our first Netflix series, ‘Guns & Gulaabs.’ We are especially thrilled to roll out this wicked genre mash with some of the finest cast and crew from our country.”
Tanya Bami, series head, Netflix India, said: “Bringing their unique storytelling style to Netflix, Raj & Dk blend romance,...
Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru, best known for hit Amazon Prime Video India series “The Family Man,” are partnering with Netflix on series “Guns & Gulaabs” under their D2R Films banner. “The series is set to uniquely blend the romance of the 90s with a crime thriller while effortlessly lacing it in humor,” according to Netflix. The series is created, directed and produced by Krishna and Nidimoru, who also write alongside Suman Kumar and Sumit Arora.
Krishna and Nidimoru said: “Last year, we had a great outing on Netflix with our indie gem, ‘Cinema Bandi.’ And now we look forward to a larger collaboration on our first Netflix series, ‘Guns & Gulaabs.’ We are especially thrilled to roll out this wicked genre mash with some of the finest cast and crew from our country.”
Tanya Bami, series head, Netflix India, said: “Bringing their unique storytelling style to Netflix, Raj & Dk blend romance,...
- 1/31/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Gangs of London producer Pulse Films has signed former Darlow Smithson Creative Director and BBC Commissioner Diene Petterle as Global Creative Director of Non-Fiction.
Petterle, who won an International Emmy for ITV’s In Cold Blood, will focus on developing and delivering a premium slate of factual programming and documentaries in both the UK and U.S., while looking to expand the indie’s presence in Latin America.
She will report to CEO (UK / Europe)/Founder Marisa Clifford and work closely with CEO/Founder Thomas Benski.
Petterle is a highly respected figure on the British factual scene. She helped double Banijay indie Darlow Smithson’s (now Dsp) turnover during her tenure, before leaving last year to launch Petterle Films, selling an unannounced premium series to a major streamer with Waterloo Road producer Wall to Wall.
She is also a former BBC commissioner, having overseen the likes of Who Do You Think You Are?...
Petterle, who won an International Emmy for ITV’s In Cold Blood, will focus on developing and delivering a premium slate of factual programming and documentaries in both the UK and U.S., while looking to expand the indie’s presence in Latin America.
She will report to CEO (UK / Europe)/Founder Marisa Clifford and work closely with CEO/Founder Thomas Benski.
Petterle is a highly respected figure on the British factual scene. She helped double Banijay indie Darlow Smithson’s (now Dsp) turnover during her tenure, before leaving last year to launch Petterle Films, selling an unannounced premium series to a major streamer with Waterloo Road producer Wall to Wall.
She is also a former BBC commissioner, having overseen the likes of Who Do You Think You Are?...
- 1/31/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gangs of London producer Pulse Films has optioned the rights to UK writer Moses McKenzie’s debut novel An Olive Grove in Ends.
Following a competitive bidding war, the transatlantic producer will adapt for TV, with McKenzie, who was named one of the 10 debut novelists of 2022 by The Observer, penning the series.
The coming-of-age tale follows Sayon Hughes, a Black man from Bristol who dreams of a world far removed from the one within which he was raised. Set within a richly drawn Jamaican-Somali community, it follows the turbulent, often painful childhood and youth of Sayon, who tries to keep his crimes secret from the pastor’s daughter he’s in love with while seeking respite from chaos.
The deal was struck by Pulse Senior Development Producer Abigail Dennis and COO – Scripted Jamie Hall with Anne-Marie Doulton of The Ampersand Agency, which represents McKenzie in the UK.
McKenzie said:...
Following a competitive bidding war, the transatlantic producer will adapt for TV, with McKenzie, who was named one of the 10 debut novelists of 2022 by The Observer, penning the series.
The coming-of-age tale follows Sayon Hughes, a Black man from Bristol who dreams of a world far removed from the one within which he was raised. Set within a richly drawn Jamaican-Somali community, it follows the turbulent, often painful childhood and youth of Sayon, who tries to keep his crimes secret from the pastor’s daughter he’s in love with while seeking respite from chaos.
The deal was struck by Pulse Senior Development Producer Abigail Dennis and COO – Scripted Jamie Hall with Anne-Marie Doulton of The Ampersand Agency, which represents McKenzie in the UK.
McKenzie said:...
- 1/26/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Pulse Films Options ‘Underbelly,’ Bestselling Book About Complexity of Modern Motherhood (Exclusive)
“Gangs of London” producer Pulse Films has secured the rights to Anna Whitehouse and Matt Farquharson’s Sunday Times-bestselling novel “Underbelly.”
Released early in August, the book tells the story of two women, Lo and Dylan, who are living parallel lives while being worlds apart. Lo is a middle-class mother with perfectly polished Instagram posts, while Dylan holds down a zero-hours telemarketing job while trying to keep food on the table. When they meet at the school gates, they are catapulted into each other’s homes and lives — with devastating consequences.
The book deal was brokered for the authors by Luke Speed on behalf of Cathryn Summerhayes of the Curtis Brown Group and by Jamie Hall and Tim O’Shea for Pulse Films. Storylining has begun, with the novel being adapted for the screen by Farquharson and Whitehouse, who are married and write together under the latter’s name.
Whitehouse is the founder of Mother Pukka,...
Released early in August, the book tells the story of two women, Lo and Dylan, who are living parallel lives while being worlds apart. Lo is a middle-class mother with perfectly polished Instagram posts, while Dylan holds down a zero-hours telemarketing job while trying to keep food on the table. When they meet at the school gates, they are catapulted into each other’s homes and lives — with devastating consequences.
The book deal was brokered for the authors by Luke Speed on behalf of Cathryn Summerhayes of the Curtis Brown Group and by Jamie Hall and Tim O’Shea for Pulse Films. Storylining has begun, with the novel being adapted for the screen by Farquharson and Whitehouse, who are married and write together under the latter’s name.
Whitehouse is the founder of Mother Pukka,...
- 11/30/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The Gotham Awards will be the first awards body on the independent circuit to choose its winners for the year on Monday.
On the film side, two Netflix features lead the tally, both from debut women filmmakers — Rebecca Hall’s “Passing” and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter.” There isn’t always an obvious blueprint to predicting this group. As we saw with last year’s two tied categories, things could get interesting at Cipriani Wall Street. The Gotham are just the start of a busy week that has a great influence on the Oscar race. After Monday’s first critics and guild screening of Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and Wednesday’s unveiling of Guillermo del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley,” Thursday brings us the National Board of Review selections before the New York Film Critics Circle weighs in on Friday.
As for the television side, the Gothams will...
On the film side, two Netflix features lead the tally, both from debut women filmmakers — Rebecca Hall’s “Passing” and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter.” There isn’t always an obvious blueprint to predicting this group. As we saw with last year’s two tied categories, things could get interesting at Cipriani Wall Street. The Gotham are just the start of a busy week that has a great influence on the Oscar race. After Monday’s first critics and guild screening of Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and Wednesday’s unveiling of Guillermo del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley,” Thursday brings us the National Board of Review selections before the New York Film Critics Circle weighs in on Friday.
As for the television side, the Gothams will...
- 11/28/2021
- by Clayton Davis and Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter and Rebecca Hall’s Passing, both from Netflix, swept the top nominations for the Gotham Awards this year as the independent film honors and awards-season portal unveiled its noms list Thursday morning ahead of an in-person ceremony next month.
The Lost Daughter was nominated in the Best Feature, Breakthrough Director and Screenplay for Gyllenhall, lead performance for Olivia Colman and Supporting Performance for Jessie Buckley. Passing scored four noms including Best Feature.
Others in the Best Feature category include The Green Knight (A24), Pig (Neon) and Test Pattern (Kino Lorber).
Films released from March 1-December 31, 2021 and TV series from Oct. 1, 2020-September 30, 2021 were eligible. See full list of nominations below.
A24 and Netflix each had 10 nominations overall. Others were spread across distributors. A24 titles included Red Rocket; lead performance nods to Taylour Paige...
The Lost Daughter was nominated in the Best Feature, Breakthrough Director and Screenplay for Gyllenhall, lead performance for Olivia Colman and Supporting Performance for Jessie Buckley. Passing scored four noms including Best Feature.
Others in the Best Feature category include The Green Knight (A24), Pig (Neon) and Test Pattern (Kino Lorber).
Films released from March 1-December 31, 2021 and TV series from Oct. 1, 2020-September 30, 2021 were eligible. See full list of nominations below.
A24 and Netflix each had 10 nominations overall. Others were spread across distributors. A24 titles included Red Rocket; lead performance nods to Taylour Paige...
- 10/21/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahead of a ceremony on November 29, this year’s Gotham Awards nominations have been unveiled, featuring some of the year’s finest cinema. Among the nominations are some personal favorites here at The Film Stage, including Drive My Car, Faya Dayi, The Worst Person in the World (a film that still doesn’t have an actual 2021 U.S. release date), Test Pattern, and El Planeta.
This year, the Gothams made a switch to have all performance categories be gender neutral, with those categories have been restructured into Outstanding Leading and Supporting Performance categories for feature films, joining the already existing Breakthrough Performer category.
Check out the film nominations for the Gotham Awards below.
Best Feature
The Green Knight
David Lowery, director; Toby Halbrooks, James M. Johnston, David Lowery, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, producers (A24)
The Lost Daughter
Maggie Gyllenhaal, director; Osnat Handelsman Keren, Talia Kleinhendler, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Charles Dorfman,...
This year, the Gothams made a switch to have all performance categories be gender neutral, with those categories have been restructured into Outstanding Leading and Supporting Performance categories for feature films, joining the already existing Breakthrough Performer category.
Check out the film nominations for the Gotham Awards below.
Best Feature
The Green Knight
David Lowery, director; Toby Halbrooks, James M. Johnston, David Lowery, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, producers (A24)
The Lost Daughter
Maggie Gyllenhaal, director; Osnat Handelsman Keren, Talia Kleinhendler, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Charles Dorfman,...
- 10/21/2021
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
“The Green Knight,” “The Lost Daughter,” “Passing,” “Pig” and “Test Pattern” will compete for best feature film at the 31st annual Gotham Awards. The event is key stop in the awards season marathon, particularly for lower-budgeted indie fare that is looking to elbow into the Oscars race.
At the Gothams, “Passing,” a black-and-white drama that examines racism and colorist, and “The Lost Daughter,” a searing look at motherhood, led the pack with five nominations apiece. Close behind was “Coda,” a tender look at a teenager who is the only hearing member of a deaf family, earned three nominations including one of breakthrough performer for its star Emilia Jones. “Red Rocket,” the story of a washed-up porn star who returns to his hometown, also nabbed three nominations.
Nominees for the best documentary prize include “Ascension,” “Faya Dayi,” “Flee,” “President,” and “Summer Of Soul.” Best international feature is a race between “Azor,...
At the Gothams, “Passing,” a black-and-white drama that examines racism and colorist, and “The Lost Daughter,” a searing look at motherhood, led the pack with five nominations apiece. Close behind was “Coda,” a tender look at a teenager who is the only hearing member of a deaf family, earned three nominations including one of breakthrough performer for its star Emilia Jones. “Red Rocket,” the story of a washed-up porn star who returns to his hometown, also nabbed three nominations.
Nominees for the best documentary prize include “Ascension,” “Faya Dayi,” “Flee,” “President,” and “Summer Of Soul.” Best international feature is a race between “Azor,...
- 10/21/2021
- by Brent Lang and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Handmaid’s Tale star Mckenna Grace is joining Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) in Olivia Wilde and Searchlight’s feature Perfect.
Filming is set to begin in 2022 on the buzzy package about Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug. Based on the book Landing On My Feet, A Diary Of Dreams by Strug and John P. Lopez, the movie will tell the true story of the gymnast’s triumph against the odds to win Team USA’s first gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. Strug was hailed as an American hero when she completed her final vault at the Atlanta games on a badly injured ankle to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
McKenzie will be playing Strug. Grace’s role has yet to be revealed. Searchlight snapped the project up out of the EFM last year, as we first revealed.
Producers are Riverstone Pictures and Pulse Films from...
Filming is set to begin in 2022 on the buzzy package about Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug. Based on the book Landing On My Feet, A Diary Of Dreams by Strug and John P. Lopez, the movie will tell the true story of the gymnast’s triumph against the odds to win Team USA’s first gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. Strug was hailed as an American hero when she completed her final vault at the Atlanta games on a badly injured ankle to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
McKenzie will be playing Strug. Grace’s role has yet to be revealed. Searchlight snapped the project up out of the EFM last year, as we first revealed.
Producers are Riverstone Pictures and Pulse Films from...
- 8/25/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice TV will debut “Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11” on Sept. 8, days before the 20th anniversary of 2001 attacks. The Pulse Films documentary features interviews with entertainers including David Cross, Nathan Lane and Marc Maron about the struggle to re-establish humor’s place in the aftermath of the attacks that day.
The documentary’s title takes its name from the response Gilbert Gottfried received after cracking a joke about the airline attacks shortly after they occurred. He will also appear in the documentary, along with Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Broderick, Aasif Mandvi, Rob Riggle, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Kattan, Lewis Black and Doug Stanhope.
Directed by Nick Fituri Scown and Julie Seabough, it explores how stand-up comedians, Broadway performers, late-night hosts and “Saturday Night Live” cast members helped audiences laugh even in the darkest of days.
Executive Producers for Pulse Films Dan Baglio, Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford served as executive producers for Pulse Films,...
The documentary’s title takes its name from the response Gilbert Gottfried received after cracking a joke about the airline attacks shortly after they occurred. He will also appear in the documentary, along with Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Broderick, Aasif Mandvi, Rob Riggle, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Kattan, Lewis Black and Doug Stanhope.
Directed by Nick Fituri Scown and Julie Seabough, it explores how stand-up comedians, Broadway performers, late-night hosts and “Saturday Night Live” cast members helped audiences laugh even in the darkest of days.
Executive Producers for Pulse Films Dan Baglio, Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford served as executive producers for Pulse Films,...
- 8/17/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
Neon announced that “Pig” will be available to rent or own on digital starting Tuesday, Aug. 3.
The film, directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Nicolas Cage and Alex Wolff, was released in theaters just two weeks ago on July 16. It will be available on VOD platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, Spectrum and more.
Cage plays an off-the-grid truffle hunter who returns to Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped. Variety’s Michael Nordine praised the “National Treasure” actor, writing in his review, “Less revenge thriller than intimate character study, ‘Pig’ is above all else a reminder that Cage is among the most gifted, fearless actors working today… The Oscar winner delivers his best performance in years as a chef-turned-recluse who briefly reenters society.”
The film currently holds a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 82 percent on Metacritic.
Predicting next...
The film, directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Nicolas Cage and Alex Wolff, was released in theaters just two weeks ago on July 16. It will be available on VOD platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, Spectrum and more.
Cage plays an off-the-grid truffle hunter who returns to Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped. Variety’s Michael Nordine praised the “National Treasure” actor, writing in his review, “Less revenge thriller than intimate character study, ‘Pig’ is above all else a reminder that Cage is among the most gifted, fearless actors working today… The Oscar winner delivers his best performance in years as a chef-turned-recluse who briefly reenters society.”
The film currently holds a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 82 percent on Metacritic.
Predicting next...
- 8/2/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Gangs of London’s second season is currently shooting ahead of its return to Sky and AMC next year.
Production got underway on the eight-part mob drama three weeks ago, with Pulse Films producing in association with Sister. No news yet though on whether Joe Cole will reprise his role as Sean Wallace after Season 1’s cliffhanger ending.
Returning cast includes Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuka, Asif Raza, and Narges Rashid. New cast includes Baghdad Central star Waleed Zuaiter, as previously revealed by Deadline.
French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali (Un Prophete), Aymen Hamdouchi (Sas: Red Notice) and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central) have also joined the gangland drama series.
Created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery, Season 2 is set a year after the events of the first season. Since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire,...
Production got underway on the eight-part mob drama three weeks ago, with Pulse Films producing in association with Sister. No news yet though on whether Joe Cole will reprise his role as Sean Wallace after Season 1’s cliffhanger ending.
Returning cast includes Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuka, Asif Raza, and Narges Rashid. New cast includes Baghdad Central star Waleed Zuaiter, as previously revealed by Deadline.
French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali (Un Prophete), Aymen Hamdouchi (Sas: Red Notice) and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central) have also joined the gangland drama series.
Created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery, Season 2 is set a year after the events of the first season. Since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire,...
- 6/28/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.