Exclusive: Apple Studios has announced the three participants selected for its inaugural Directors Program, described as an inclusive, new initiative focused on expanding opportunities for mid-career directors across the U.S.
Maureen Bharoocha, Yoko Okumura and Marshall Tyler were chosen to participate in the six-month program which offers masterclasses focused on building and sustaining a career as a working episodic director. The program also will feature discussions with seasoned industry professionals focusing on the craft and business of directing, opportunities to participate as shadowing directors on Apple Studios series, and a “one-of-a-kind experience” in Apple Park tailored to inspire innovation and creativity.
(L-r): Maureen Bharoocha, Yoko Okumura and Marshall Tyler; Courtesy of Apple
Successful participants will be positioned to direct content for Apple TV+.
Television projects hailing from Apple Studios include Masters of the Air from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s Playtone; Lessons in Chemistry,...
Maureen Bharoocha, Yoko Okumura and Marshall Tyler were chosen to participate in the six-month program which offers masterclasses focused on building and sustaining a career as a working episodic director. The program also will feature discussions with seasoned industry professionals focusing on the craft and business of directing, opportunities to participate as shadowing directors on Apple Studios series, and a “one-of-a-kind experience” in Apple Park tailored to inspire innovation and creativity.
(L-r): Maureen Bharoocha, Yoko Okumura and Marshall Tyler; Courtesy of Apple
Successful participants will be positioned to direct content for Apple TV+.
Television projects hailing from Apple Studios include Masters of the Air from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s Playtone; Lessons in Chemistry,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Ready to mark your calendars and clear your schedules, horror fiends? March 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for the genre, with an eclectic mix of chills and thrills that promise to keep you glued to your seats. From eerie childhood toys turned sinister to spine-tingling supernatural encounters and monstrous team-ups, there’s something to satisfy every kind of scare-seeker. Let’s dive into the must-watch upcoming horror movies of March 2024, complete with all the juicy details to get your anticipation levels skyrocketing.
Imaginary (March 8 – Theaters)
Blumhouse Productions brings us a tale that blurs the lines between child’s play and unadulterated terror. When Jessica (DeWanda Wise) and her family move back to her old stomping grounds, little do they know that a seemingly innocent stuffed bear named Chauncey, discovered by Alice (Pyper Braun), harbors a malevolent spirit. As Alice’s games with Chauncey shift from innocent to insidious,...
Imaginary (March 8 – Theaters)
Blumhouse Productions brings us a tale that blurs the lines between child’s play and unadulterated terror. When Jessica (DeWanda Wise) and her family move back to her old stomping grounds, little do they know that a seemingly innocent stuffed bear named Chauncey, discovered by Alice (Pyper Braun), harbors a malevolent spirit. As Alice’s games with Chauncey shift from innocent to insidious,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
Exclusive: Iconic Events has taken domestic rights to The Prank, a dark comedy starring Egot winner Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Connor Kalopsis (Outmatched) and Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever), from Xrm Media and Sneak Preview Entertainment.
Directed by Maureen Bharoocha (Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin), the SXSW 2022 crowd pleaser will hit approximately 200 screens on March 15. Myriad Pictures is selling international rights at EFM.
The film scripted by Rebecca Flinn-White (Period’s Big Adventure) and Zak White (Creepshow) follows Ben (Kalopsis), who is your typical high-school overachiever. He’s organized, careful, goal-oriented and extremely dedicated to school. His best friend, Tanner (Young), couldn’t be more opposite. She is a lackadaisical, messy, slacker, who lives in the moment. They aren’t popular, but they don’t seem to care that much because they have each other.
Ben has a stern, mean and cruel physics teacher, Mrs. Wheeler (Moreno). She...
Directed by Maureen Bharoocha (Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin), the SXSW 2022 crowd pleaser will hit approximately 200 screens on March 15. Myriad Pictures is selling international rights at EFM.
The film scripted by Rebecca Flinn-White (Period’s Big Adventure) and Zak White (Creepshow) follows Ben (Kalopsis), who is your typical high-school overachiever. He’s organized, careful, goal-oriented and extremely dedicated to school. His best friend, Tanner (Young), couldn’t be more opposite. She is a lackadaisical, messy, slacker, who lives in the moment. They aren’t popular, but they don’t seem to care that much because they have each other.
Ben has a stern, mean and cruel physics teacher, Mrs. Wheeler (Moreno). She...
- 2/1/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Rita Moreno stars in mystery dark comedy.
Myriad Pictures has boarded international sales rights and is in talks with AFM buyers on Xrm Media and Sneak Preview Entertainment’s mystery dark comedy The Prank starring Rita Moreno.
Kirk D’Amico is screening the film today (November 2). Maureen Bharoocha directed the story of high school best friends who set out to get revenge on their cruel teacher (Moreno) after she threatens to fail the entire class when one student is suspected of cheating.
What starts out as an innocent prank soon spirals out of control, engulfing the school in a mystery. The...
Myriad Pictures has boarded international sales rights and is in talks with AFM buyers on Xrm Media and Sneak Preview Entertainment’s mystery dark comedy The Prank starring Rita Moreno.
Kirk D’Amico is screening the film today (November 2). Maureen Bharoocha directed the story of high school best friends who set out to get revenge on their cruel teacher (Moreno) after she threatens to fail the entire class when one student is suspected of cheating.
What starts out as an innocent prank soon spirals out of control, engulfing the school in a mystery. The...
- 11/2/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin” has been canceled at Peacock despite the fact the show was previously renewed for a second season.
The spinoff of the “Pitch Perfect” film franchise originally debuted on Peacock in November 2022 and was renewed in January 2023. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, the decision was made to cancel the series as the ongoing strikes in Hollywood meant that production was not able to begin as originally scheduled.
The series saw Adam Devine return as Bumper Allen as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes big in Berlin. Along with Devine, the cast of Season 1 included Flula Borg, Sarah Hyland, Lera Abova and Jameela Jamil. Per NBCU, the series scored the biggest comedy premiere in Peacock history, as it was watched by more accounts in its launch weekend than any other Peacock Original comedy to date.
The spinoff of the “Pitch Perfect” film franchise originally debuted on Peacock in November 2022 and was renewed in January 2023. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, the decision was made to cancel the series as the ongoing strikes in Hollywood meant that production was not able to begin as originally scheduled.
The series saw Adam Devine return as Bumper Allen as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes big in Berlin. Along with Devine, the cast of Season 1 included Flula Borg, Sarah Hyland, Lera Abova and Jameela Jamil. Per NBCU, the series scored the biggest comedy premiere in Peacock history, as it was watched by more accounts in its launch weekend than any other Peacock Original comedy to date.
- 9/22/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin” has been renewed for Season 2 at Peacock.
The comedy series spinoff of the “Pitch Perfect” film franchise originally debuted on the streamer on the Nov. 23. The series sees Adam Devine return as Bumper Allen as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes big in Berlin.
“We knew fans of the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise were going to sing the praises of ‘Bumper in Berlin’ and enjoy seeing a new side of Adam Devine’s character,” said Susan Rovner, chairman of entertainment content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Along with our partners at Utv, Megan Amram, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman crafted an incredibly unique and charming story with new takes on iconic songs. We can’t wait to dive further into this new hit with Peacock audiences.”
Along with Devine, the cast of Season 1 includes Flula Borg, Sarah Hyland,...
The comedy series spinoff of the “Pitch Perfect” film franchise originally debuted on the streamer on the Nov. 23. The series sees Adam Devine return as Bumper Allen as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes big in Berlin.
“We knew fans of the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise were going to sing the praises of ‘Bumper in Berlin’ and enjoy seeing a new side of Adam Devine’s character,” said Susan Rovner, chairman of entertainment content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Along with our partners at Utv, Megan Amram, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman crafted an incredibly unique and charming story with new takes on iconic songs. We can’t wait to dive further into this new hit with Peacock audiences.”
Along with Devine, the cast of Season 1 includes Flula Borg, Sarah Hyland,...
- 1/9/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock will aca-keep the music going on Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.
The streamer has picked up a second season of the comedy series, in which Adam Devine reprises his role from the Pitch Perfect movie franchise. The show follows his character, Bumper Allen, as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes a hit there.
“We knew fans of the Pitch Perfect franchise were going to sing the praises of Bumper in Berlin and enjoy seeing a new side of Adam Devine’s character,” said Susan Rovner, chairman entertainment content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Along with our partners at Utv, [showrunner] Megan Amram and [executive producers] Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman crafted an incredibly unique and charming story with new takes on iconic songs. We can’t wait to dive further into this new hit with Peacock audiences.”
NBCU says Bumper in Berlin is...
The streamer has picked up a second season of the comedy series, in which Adam Devine reprises his role from the Pitch Perfect movie franchise. The show follows his character, Bumper Allen, as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes a hit there.
“We knew fans of the Pitch Perfect franchise were going to sing the praises of Bumper in Berlin and enjoy seeing a new side of Adam Devine’s character,” said Susan Rovner, chairman entertainment content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Along with our partners at Utv, [showrunner] Megan Amram and [executive producers] Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman crafted an incredibly unique and charming story with new takes on iconic songs. We can’t wait to dive further into this new hit with Peacock audiences.”
NBCU says Bumper in Berlin is...
- 1/9/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Get aca-excited, because the new "Pitch Perfect" spin-off series, "Bumper in Berlin," is coming our way. Rather than focus on the Barden Bellas or any of the other a capella groups we've come to know over the course of the "Pitch Perfect" trilogy, "Bumper in Berlin" is centered around the European adventures of Adam Devine's character, Bumper Allen. The show sees Bumper trying to restart his singing career after "Pitch Perfect 2" star Pieter Krämer (Flula Borg) informs him that a TikTok mashup he's made is going viral in Germany. Hoping to capitalize on his unexpected 15 minutes of fame, Bumper moves to Berlin to try and grow his budding fanbase.
Now in a foreign land, Bumper meets our new cast of characters, like Pieter's assistant Heidi (Sarah Hyland), Pieter's DJ sister Thea Krämer (Lera Abova), and his new rival, singer Gisela (Jameela Jamil), who also happens to be Pieter's ex-girlfriend.
Now in a foreign land, Bumper meets our new cast of characters, like Pieter's assistant Heidi (Sarah Hyland), Pieter's DJ sister Thea Krämer (Lera Abova), and his new rival, singer Gisela (Jameela Jamil), who also happens to be Pieter's ex-girlfriend.
- 11/2/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Bumper Allen is going overseas to hit the aca-stage once again.
In the first trailer for Peacock’s forthcoming “Pitch Perfect” spinoff series “Bumper in Berlin,” Adam Devine’s Bumper has some new challenges to conquer on his path to international superstardom –– including Jameela Jamil.
NBC will air the premiere episode of the series and a sneak peek at the season on Nov. 28 following Monday night’s episode of “The Voice,” the network announced. All episodes of “Bumper in Berlin” will be available on Peacock beginning Nov. 23.
Hailing from writer and showrunner Megan Amram, the series follows “Pitch Perfect” fan favorite Bumper, who moves to Berlin in an attempt to revive his music career after one of his songs becomes popular in Germany. Other cast members include Flula Borg, Sarah Hyland and Lera Abova.
The trailer opens with a reinvigorated Bumper who quickly takes off from his security job at...
In the first trailer for Peacock’s forthcoming “Pitch Perfect” spinoff series “Bumper in Berlin,” Adam Devine’s Bumper has some new challenges to conquer on his path to international superstardom –– including Jameela Jamil.
NBC will air the premiere episode of the series and a sneak peek at the season on Nov. 28 following Monday night’s episode of “The Voice,” the network announced. All episodes of “Bumper in Berlin” will be available on Peacock beginning Nov. 23.
Hailing from writer and showrunner Megan Amram, the series follows “Pitch Perfect” fan favorite Bumper, who moves to Berlin in an attempt to revive his music career after one of his songs becomes popular in Germany. Other cast members include Flula Borg, Sarah Hyland and Lera Abova.
The trailer opens with a reinvigorated Bumper who quickly takes off from his security job at...
- 11/2/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Cree Cicchino, Connor Kalopsis, Katy Mixon and Christopher Gorham have been cast in “Unplanned in Akron,” CBS’s teen-parenting comedy pilot from Schuyler Helford.
The series follows two teenagers navigating parenthood in the best way they know how. With a little help from their friends and parents, they’ll learn that mistakes in life don’t have to derail your life — that no matter what age you are, taking care of a child is no joke — but sometimes, you just have to laugh (or cry) your way through it.
Cicchino plays Brianna, who is sharp-witted, outspoken and unfiltered. She’s emotionally mature beyond her years because she basically grew up playing “mom” to her four younger siblings. Now, she has an 8-month-old of her own. She and Tyler have an unbreakable bond and find each other hilarious. Cicchino is known for starring in “And Just Like That,” “Mr. Iglesias” and “The Sleepover.
The series follows two teenagers navigating parenthood in the best way they know how. With a little help from their friends and parents, they’ll learn that mistakes in life don’t have to derail your life — that no matter what age you are, taking care of a child is no joke — but sometimes, you just have to laugh (or cry) your way through it.
Cicchino plays Brianna, who is sharp-witted, outspoken and unfiltered. She’s emotionally mature beyond her years because she basically grew up playing “mom” to her four younger siblings. Now, she has an 8-month-old of her own. She and Tyler have an unbreakable bond and find each other hilarious. Cicchino is known for starring in “And Just Like That,” “Mr. Iglesias” and “The Sleepover.
- 4/5/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The Prank Review — The Prank (2022) Film Review from the 29th Annual South By Southwest Film Festival, a movie directed by Maureen Bharoocha, starring Rita Moreno, Connor Kalopsis, Ramona Young, Keith David, Kate Flannery, Meredith Salenger, Jonathan Kimmel, Nathan Janak, Betsy Sodaro, Ahmed Bharoocha, Talia Jackson, Armani Jackson, Romel [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: The Prank: A Predictable Teen Horror-Comedy With Some Campy Charm [SXSW 2022]...
Continue reading: Film Review: The Prank: A Predictable Teen Horror-Comedy With Some Campy Charm [SXSW 2022]...
- 3/23/2022
- by Jacob Mouradian
- Film-Book
Everyone has that one teacher they absolutely loathe. The kind who inspires ridiculous yet horrible rumors because kids just want to justify their illogical anger with a darker truth. When some wild rumor spreads about a teacher like this, it becomes all too easy to believe. The best part about Maureen Bharoocha's "The Prank" is seeing how blatantly and quickly everyone in this quiet, small-town jumps at the chance to believe the local physics teacher is a cold-blooded murderer.
The film focuses on two high school seniors with squeaky voices. There's Ben (Connor Kalopsis), an...
The post The Prank Review: Rita Moreno Is Deliciously Evil In a Black Comedy About a Teacher Framed For Murder [SXSW] appeared first on /Film.
The film focuses on two high school seniors with squeaky voices. There's Ben (Connor Kalopsis), an...
The post The Prank Review: Rita Moreno Is Deliciously Evil In a Black Comedy About a Teacher Framed For Murder [SXSW] appeared first on /Film.
- 3/18/2022
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
It’s set during the senior year of Ben (Connor Kalopsis), the kind of obsessive-compulsive overachiever who prints out several backup copies of his homework assignments, and Tanner (Ramona Young), a hacker, high on energy drinks, who’s his equally brainy but less responsible best friend. These two exist in their own unpopular cloistered geek space. But then fate throws a curveball at the striving-to-be-perfect Ben.
His AP physics class is run by the most infamous teacher at West Greenview High: a veteran instructor named Mrs. Wheeler — played, in a performance of must-see deviousness and passive-aggressive glee, by Rita Moreno. Mrs. Wheeler, with great pride, presents herself as the ultimate stern taskmaster, a kind of knowingly formidable teacher-as-drill-sergeant. She’s not just explaining the intricacies of physics (which she’s actually quite good at); she’s “training young minds” to be ready for everything the world will throw at them.
His AP physics class is run by the most infamous teacher at West Greenview High: a veteran instructor named Mrs. Wheeler — played, in a performance of must-see deviousness and passive-aggressive glee, by Rita Moreno. Mrs. Wheeler, with great pride, presents herself as the ultimate stern taskmaster, a kind of knowingly formidable teacher-as-drill-sergeant. She’s not just explaining the intricacies of physics (which she’s actually quite good at); she’s “training young minds” to be ready for everything the world will throw at them.
- 3/17/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
If you go to see this, The Prank’s on you.
Unspeakably lame in every department—writing, directing, acting and intent—this immature little goof on a high school murder mystery is notable only for the presence of Rita Moreno, looking and sounding some twenty years younger than her actual 90 as a sinister school teacher who should have retired and abandoned her wicked ways while she was still ahead. Absurdly plotted and handicapped by two massively unappealing lead teen characters, this is a very unlikely entry in any film festival, but it nonetheless did debut at South by Southwest.
None of Maureen Bharoocha’s three previous films over the past seven years—Fatal Flip, I Am Watching You and the decently reviewed Golden Arm—has served to put her firmly on the map, and matters are not bound to change due to the dim-witted plot, lame dialogue and thoroughly obnoxious...
Unspeakably lame in every department—writing, directing, acting and intent—this immature little goof on a high school murder mystery is notable only for the presence of Rita Moreno, looking and sounding some twenty years younger than her actual 90 as a sinister school teacher who should have retired and abandoned her wicked ways while she was still ahead. Absurdly plotted and handicapped by two massively unappealing lead teen characters, this is a very unlikely entry in any film festival, but it nonetheless did debut at South by Southwest.
None of Maureen Bharoocha’s three previous films over the past seven years—Fatal Flip, I Am Watching You and the decently reviewed Golden Arm—has served to put her firmly on the map, and matters are not bound to change due to the dim-witted plot, lame dialogue and thoroughly obnoxious...
- 3/13/2022
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite releasing a retrospective documentary about her astounding eight-decade career, Rita Moreno shows no signs of slowing down. The 90-year-old Egot winner has reinvented herself many times over the years, but she dons yet another beguiling disguise as a psychopathic physics teacher in the dark teen comedy “The Prank.” Her sleek black Cadillac may be an obvious nod to Cruella de Vil, but Moreno’s severe Mrs. Wheeler looks more like a Bond villain in her precise grey bob and black leather gloves.
Most of “The Prank” revolves around two squeaky-voiced teenagers: floppy-haired overachiever Ben (Connor Kalopsis) and ditzy-but-brilliant slacker Tanner (Ramona Young), broadly sketched types we’ve seen a million times. The outsized caricatures work when it comes to Mrs. Wheeler, whose slight stature collides playfully with the outsized fear she instills in her students. But the tired Gen Z tropes and cheesy one liners suck the life out...
Most of “The Prank” revolves around two squeaky-voiced teenagers: floppy-haired overachiever Ben (Connor Kalopsis) and ditzy-but-brilliant slacker Tanner (Ramona Young), broadly sketched types we’ve seen a million times. The outsized caricatures work when it comes to Mrs. Wheeler, whose slight stature collides playfully with the outsized fear she instills in her students. But the tired Gen Z tropes and cheesy one liners suck the life out...
- 3/13/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Rita Moreno stars in an upcoming dark comedy feature titled The Prank, and ahead of the film’s premiere at SXSW 2022 this weekend, Deadline had scored a first-look clip. Maureen Bharoocha directed The Prank, wherein legendary actress Moreno stars as a “stern, mean, and cruel physics teacher, Mrs. Wheeler. She has been teaching at the […]
The post ‘The Prank’ Clip – First Look at Rita Moreno in SXSW Dark Comedy appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The post ‘The Prank’ Clip – First Look at Rita Moreno in SXSW Dark Comedy appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 3/11/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Peacock TV series “Pitch Perfect” has added to its growing cast. Joining Adam Devine, whose character, Bumper, the show is centered around, are “Modern Family” alum Sarah Hyland, “The Good Place” star Jameela Jamil and Lera Abova from the 2019 film “Anna,” all in series regular roles.
It was previously announced that Flula Borg, from the popular film franchise, is returning alongside Devine, reprising the role of Piëter Krämer. All three newcomers to the series have connections to both characters.
Hyland will play Heidi, described by Peacock as “Piëter and Bumper’s cheery and slightly odd American assistant. While working on Bumper’s team by day, she secretly harbors dreams of being a singer-songwriter herself and moonlights by performing original songs in a Berlin cabaret.”
Jamil is playing Gisela, “a bombastic and flashy up-and-coming German pop star.” She is “Piëter’s ex-girlfriend and Bumper’s main rival [at] the German Unity Day concert.
It was previously announced that Flula Borg, from the popular film franchise, is returning alongside Devine, reprising the role of Piëter Krämer. All three newcomers to the series have connections to both characters.
Hyland will play Heidi, described by Peacock as “Piëter and Bumper’s cheery and slightly odd American assistant. While working on Bumper’s team by day, she secretly harbors dreams of being a singer-songwriter herself and moonlights by performing original songs in a Berlin cabaret.”
Jamil is playing Gisela, “a bombastic and flashy up-and-coming German pop star.” She is “Piëter’s ex-girlfriend and Bumper’s main rival [at] the German Unity Day concert.
- 3/4/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
The Sonoma International Film Festival celebrates its 25th edition from March 23 to 27 in the Northern California wine country town. More than 120 independent and international films will be screening, including 79 premieres. The festival will open with Sandra Bullock’s “The Lost City” and close with French film “The Butcher’s Daughter.” Jacqueline Bisset will be honored with the Cinematic Excellence award, while Jacques Pepin will be feted with the Culinary Excellence Award at a five-course dinner.
Head to Sonoma Film Festival’s website for more info.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Daveed Diggs Reunite to Open SAG Awards
“Hamilton” trio Daveed Diggs, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. will reunite to open the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sun. Feb. 27.
Following the Tony-winning blockbuster stage show, Diggs, Miranda and Odom Jr. have gone on to other major projects. Diggs stars in “Snowpiercer” and, last year, earned a SAG...
Head to Sonoma Film Festival’s website for more info.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Daveed Diggs Reunite to Open SAG Awards
“Hamilton” trio Daveed Diggs, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. will reunite to open the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sun. Feb. 27.
Following the Tony-winning blockbuster stage show, Diggs, Miranda and Odom Jr. have gone on to other major projects. Diggs stars in “Snowpiercer” and, last year, earned a SAG...
- 2/25/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The DGA Women’s Steering Committee (Wsc) announces the second cycle of the Wsc Squad mentorship program with its second class of mentees and filmmakers.
Led by Wsc Squad co-chairs Amy J. Aniobi, Maureen Bharoocha, Lena Khan and Amber Sealey, the program supports other working directors to achieve their goals by pairing 10 mid-career directors with well-established mentors. The Wsc Squad is made up of a diverse community with the goal of preparing directors for the next step up, as well as forging a ‘sisterhood’ to create genuine connection, collaboration, and camaraderie within the DGA.
The Wsc Squad’s aim is to support and prepare the DGA Women’s Steering Committee members as they seek to advance their directing careers by providing valuable tools and information to strengthen their craft.
The co-chairs of The Wsc Squad select up to ten participants from a pool of applicants. Each participant is paired with one specially-curated-for-them mentor,...
Led by Wsc Squad co-chairs Amy J. Aniobi, Maureen Bharoocha, Lena Khan and Amber Sealey, the program supports other working directors to achieve their goals by pairing 10 mid-career directors with well-established mentors. The Wsc Squad is made up of a diverse community with the goal of preparing directors for the next step up, as well as forging a ‘sisterhood’ to create genuine connection, collaboration, and camaraderie within the DGA.
The Wsc Squad’s aim is to support and prepare the DGA Women’s Steering Committee members as they seek to advance their directing careers by providing valuable tools and information to strengthen their craft.
The co-chairs of The Wsc Squad select up to ten participants from a pool of applicants. Each participant is paired with one specially-curated-for-them mentor,...
- 2/23/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
In-person festival to run in Austin, Texas, from March 11-20.
A starry SXSW 2022 film line-up announced on Wednesday (2) includes world premieres of new work from Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Richard Linklater and Nicolas Cage, among many others.
The Austin, Texas, festival ran online editions over the past two years and is planned to take place from March 11-20 as an in-person event against a backdrop of declining Omicron infection levels across the United States.
The roster includes Irish filmmaker and actor Campbell-Hughes’s It Is In Us All (pictured) in Narrative Feature Competition starring Cosmo Jarvis, Claes Bang and Campbell-Hughes about a...
A starry SXSW 2022 film line-up announced on Wednesday (2) includes world premieres of new work from Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Richard Linklater and Nicolas Cage, among many others.
The Austin, Texas, festival ran online editions over the past two years and is planned to take place from March 11-20 as an in-person event against a backdrop of declining Omicron infection levels across the United States.
The roster includes Irish filmmaker and actor Campbell-Hughes’s It Is In Us All (pictured) in Narrative Feature Competition starring Cosmo Jarvis, Claes Bang and Campbell-Hughes about a...
- 2/2/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Egot winner Rita Moreno has been cast in a starring role in the feature film The Prank, to be directed by Maureen Bharoocha (Golden Arm), opposite Connor Kalopsis and Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever). Filming begins this month in and around Los Angeles.
The Prank follows two high school students who play a prank on their physics teacher, Mrs. Wheeler, played by Moreno. When she fails them on a test; they teach the imperious, demanding, insulting instructor a lesson by falsely accusing her of the murder of a missing student.
Other cast in The Prank includes Keith David, Meredith Salenger, Jonathan Kimmel, Nathan Janak and Kate Flannery.
The dark comedy is written by Rebecca Flinn-White & Zak White. Bharoocha was recently named IndieWire’s Rising Female Directors of 2020, was on HBO’s 2018 Director’s List, and was nominated for the SXSW 2020 Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Visionary Directing Award.
The Prank follows two high school students who play a prank on their physics teacher, Mrs. Wheeler, played by Moreno. When she fails them on a test; they teach the imperious, demanding, insulting instructor a lesson by falsely accusing her of the murder of a missing student.
Other cast in The Prank includes Keith David, Meredith Salenger, Jonathan Kimmel, Nathan Janak and Kate Flannery.
The dark comedy is written by Rebecca Flinn-White & Zak White. Bharoocha was recently named IndieWire’s Rising Female Directors of 2020, was on HBO’s 2018 Director’s List, and was nominated for the SXSW 2020 Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Visionary Directing Award.
- 8/9/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Directors Guild of America announced its new Women’s Steering Committee Squad Mentorship Program along with its first class of mentees. In the program, 10 mid-career directors are each paired with filmmakers that are well established in the field.
The Wsc Squad will last for six months. Mentors will not only discuss craft and artistic opportunities with their mentees, but will also provide guidance on the unique challenges involved with navigating the film industry as women. A second round of the Wsc Squad will begin in Jan. 2022.
“We started this program because the need for mentorship and community never goes away, even when you are working at very high levels in the industry. Women-identifying directors deal with particular situations and it was our goal to forge a sort of sisterhood of mid-career directors,” said Amber Sealey, co-chair of the program. “We purposely paired them with mentors who can offer advice...
The Wsc Squad will last for six months. Mentors will not only discuss craft and artistic opportunities with their mentees, but will also provide guidance on the unique challenges involved with navigating the film industry as women. A second round of the Wsc Squad will begin in Jan. 2022.
“We started this program because the need for mentorship and community never goes away, even when you are working at very high levels in the industry. Women-identifying directors deal with particular situations and it was our goal to forge a sort of sisterhood of mid-career directors,” said Amber Sealey, co-chair of the program. “We purposely paired them with mentors who can offer advice...
- 8/4/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Twenty-one DGA members have graduated from the guild’s 2021 TV Mentorship Program, which pairs seasoned episodic television directors with members seeking to develop TV directing careers. Read the names below.
The program, which is part of the DGA’s diversity and inclusion initiative, pairs early-career directors (protégés) with veteran TV directors (mentors) who serve as their professional guides to the working world of episodic television.
“Today we shine a light on our graduating class for their talent, commitment and hard work – and extend our heartfelt gratitude to this exceptional group of accomplished mentors who dedicated so much of their time to teach, to listen, and to set their protégés up for success,” said DGA president Thomas Schlamme. “Seeking to build a career as an aspiring episodic television director in the middle of a pandemic couldn’t be more challenging, but every one of our graduates chose to take that time...
The program, which is part of the DGA’s diversity and inclusion initiative, pairs early-career directors (protégés) with veteran TV directors (mentors) who serve as their professional guides to the working world of episodic television.
“Today we shine a light on our graduating class for their talent, commitment and hard work – and extend our heartfelt gratitude to this exceptional group of accomplished mentors who dedicated so much of their time to teach, to listen, and to set their protégés up for success,” said DGA president Thomas Schlamme. “Seeking to build a career as an aspiring episodic television director in the middle of a pandemic couldn’t be more challenging, but every one of our graduates chose to take that time...
- 6/24/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Whether you love the Sylvester Stallone-starring arm wrestling comedy “Over the Top” or think, “eh, maybe I don’t need a Sylvester Stallone-starring arm wrestling comedy in my life,” there’s a new option that will be more appealing: Maureen Bharoocha’s “Golden Arm,” which that it should please every stripe of arm wrestling comedy fan. Aided by a go-for-broke performance by star Mary Holland — consistently the best thing in many projects, and here finally getting the lead role she deserves — “Golden Arm” might be destined for the same sort of cult status as Sly’s version, and that’s just fine for this charming indie comedy.
Written by screenwriting duo Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly, who make their feature debut with the film, “Golden Arm” ably contorts the usual sports film tropes — an unlikely contender, a big final match, plenty of personal demons — into a new take on the genre.
Written by screenwriting duo Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly, who make their feature debut with the film, “Golden Arm” ably contorts the usual sports film tropes — an unlikely contender, a big final match, plenty of personal demons — into a new take on the genre.
- 4/28/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
"Arm wrestling isn't going to solve my problems anymore..." Utopia has debuted an official trailer for an indie comedy titled Golden Arm, marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Maureen Bharoocha. This originally premiered at the Milwaukee and Austin Film Festivals last year, and will be arriving on VOD this spring. Golden Arm is a female buddy comedy about a wimpy baker who gets roped into the world of ladies arm wrestling by her truck driving best friend. Starring Mary Holland, Betsy Sodaro, Dot-Marie Jones, Eugene Cordero, Ron Funches, Dawn Luebbe, and Kate Flannery. Described as a "true gem of a film that will delight and surprise audiences; a hilarious story of badass women and female friendship." It looks damn good! The music they use for this trailer is just the best, makes all this comedy play perfectly. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Maureen Bharoocha's Golden Arm, from Utopia...
- 3/11/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Company boards sales on Moments Like This Never Last, Shit & Champagne, Dilemma Of Desire
Robert Schwartzman’s US sales and distribution company Utopia has announced a raft of deals at EFM including 2020 SXSW, Toronto, and Outfest selection Shiva Baby.
Emma Seligman’s comedy has gone to HBO for the US, Pacific Northwest Pictures for Canada, Filmin for Spain, and Watcha for South Korea. As previously announced, Mubi has acquired the film for the UK, Germany, Latin America, India, and Turkey.
Rachel Sennott, Fred Melamed, Polly Draper, and Dianna Agron lead an ensemble cast in the story of secrets that erupt at a Jewish funeral.
Robert Schwartzman’s US sales and distribution company Utopia has announced a raft of deals at EFM including 2020 SXSW, Toronto, and Outfest selection Shiva Baby.
Emma Seligman’s comedy has gone to HBO for the US, Pacific Northwest Pictures for Canada, Filmin for Spain, and Watcha for South Korea. As previously announced, Mubi has acquired the film for the UK, Germany, Latin America, India, and Turkey.
Rachel Sennott, Fred Melamed, Polly Draper, and Dianna Agron lead an ensemble cast in the story of secrets that erupt at a Jewish funeral.
- 3/8/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
NBCUniversal has selected the directed the 2020-2021 classes for the Female Forward and the Emerging Director Program. The scripted directing initiatives aim to increase representation of female and ethnically diverse male and non-binary directors, respectively, by creating a pipeline into scripted television. The announcement was made by Janine Jones-Clark as Executive Vice President, Inclusion – Talent & Content, NBCUniversal Film, Television and Streaming.
Both initiatives remain unique within the industry in that they are the only network programs to guarantee that participating directors will helm an episode of primetime television by the conclusion of the program. Program directors shadow on up to two episodes of their assigned NBC scripted series before receiving an in-season assignment to helm an episode of the same series.
Female Forward and the Emerging Director Program will become building blocks for a cross-functional directors initiative under the Global Talent Development & Inclusion team that will service the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group,...
Both initiatives remain unique within the industry in that they are the only network programs to guarantee that participating directors will helm an episode of primetime television by the conclusion of the program. Program directors shadow on up to two episodes of their assigned NBC scripted series before receiving an in-season assignment to helm an episode of the same series.
Female Forward and the Emerging Director Program will become building blocks for a cross-functional directors initiative under the Global Talent Development & Inclusion team that will service the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group,...
- 10/22/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Edson Oda’s science-fiction fantasy drama “Nine Days” has been selected to open the 27th edition of the Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference on Oct. 22.
The film stars Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Bill Skarsgård, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, David Rysdahl, and Arianna Ortiz. Oda received the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the film following its premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Duke and Beetz will participate in a post-screening Q&a at the Austin festival, which is being held virtually.
Duke portrays a recluse in a house distant from the reality we know. He interviews prospective candidates — personifications of human souls — for the privilege he once had: to be born. Five contenders emerge but he can choose only one. The victor will be rewarded with a coveted opportunity to become a newborn in the real world, while the others will cease to exist.
The film stars Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Bill Skarsgård, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, David Rysdahl, and Arianna Ortiz. Oda received the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the film following its premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Duke and Beetz will participate in a post-screening Q&a at the Austin festival, which is being held virtually.
Duke portrays a recluse in a house distant from the reality we know. He interviews prospective candidates — personifications of human souls — for the privilege he once had: to be born. Five contenders emerge but he can choose only one. The victor will be rewarded with a coveted opportunity to become a newborn in the real world, while the others will cease to exist.
- 10/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Golden Arm,” a buddy comedy set in the world of ladies arm wrestling, has sold global rights to Utopia, Variety has learned. The film will be released theatrically in the first half of 2021. HBO has licensed rights to broadcast and stream “Golden Arm.”
“Golden Arm” was originally intended to premiere at this year’s SXSW, but those plans were upended when the festival was cancelled due to coronavirus. The movie centers on a tough lady trucker who trains her timid best friend to compete in the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Championship.
“Golden Arm” was directed by Maureen Bharoocha and boasts a cast that includes Mary Holland, Betsy Sodaro, Dot-Marie Jones, Eugene Cordero, Ron Funches, Dawn Luebbe, Ahmed Bharoocha, Aparna Nancherla, Olivia Stambouliah and Kate Flannery.
“‘Golden Arm’ is a true gem of a film that will delight and surprise audiences; a hilarious story of badass women and female friendship, set...
“Golden Arm” was originally intended to premiere at this year’s SXSW, but those plans were upended when the festival was cancelled due to coronavirus. The movie centers on a tough lady trucker who trains her timid best friend to compete in the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Championship.
“Golden Arm” was directed by Maureen Bharoocha and boasts a cast that includes Mary Holland, Betsy Sodaro, Dot-Marie Jones, Eugene Cordero, Ron Funches, Dawn Luebbe, Ahmed Bharoocha, Aparna Nancherla, Olivia Stambouliah and Kate Flannery.
“‘Golden Arm’ is a true gem of a film that will delight and surprise audiences; a hilarious story of badass women and female friendship, set...
- 8/21/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Editors’ Note: With full acknowledgment of the big-picture implications of a pandemic that already has claimed thousands of lives, cratered global economies and closed international borders, Deadline’s Coping With Covid-19 Crisis series is a forum for those in the entertainment space grappling with myriad consequences of seeing a great industry screech to a halt. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. If you have a story, email mike@deadline.com.
When Amazon Prime Video and SXSW announced they were partnering to provide an online screening platform to rescue the festival’s content following its cancellation, not every filmmaker felt confident. Amazon Prime Video would, for a 10-day period, allow its entire audience to view these films previously privy only to those who gained SXSW festival entry. Some filmmakers wondered if they wanted to allow broad online viewing of their as-yet unreleased films. How would they market them if they’d been seen already? But one filmmaker who has opted in to this new “virtual festival” plan, the lineup of which will be unveiled Tuesday, is Alex Lee Moyer. Bringing her film Tfw No Gf to SXSW Prime Video is a gift, she points out, and this time of uncertainty and change could bring increased connectivity and positivity for independent filmmakers. Here, in her own op-ed, she explains her decision to embrace the virtual festival.
More from DeadlineTwo SXSW-Awarded Films Among 70 From Canceled Festivals To Be Screened For Sales Agents, Distributors By Stage 32Sxsw Debut Nixed, Rod Lurie-Directed Afghan War Thriller 'The Outpost' Lands Screen Media DealSundance Pic 'Miss Juneteenth' To Hit Screens In June With Vertical Entertainment Deal
***
In a recent interview, my fellow filmmaker Maureen Bharoocha bemoaned the cancellation of Swsw, along with her film’s premiere. “That night never happened,” she was quoted as saying. “Instead, the world was hit with a pandemic and life was canceled.”
But really Maureen, was it?
I’m posing this question sincerely, because I went through the same experience. I felt the loss, the uncertainty, but I arrived at a very different conclusion. I was recently considering the hope that we’ll expand our connections and creativity as a group, and that hope was bolstered when SXSW and Amazon announced that they were partnering to provide a virtual festival instead of SXSW. I was being given an opportunity to screen my first film as a director, Tfw No Gf—a tiny, but I think important, film about a subculture of alienated youth that was made on a shoestring budget, a wing and a prayer—on the world’s largest media platform to an untold, huge audience. To me, it was simply exciting. But many others responded with worry: Why would a big studio or platform or distributor then invest in a film that’s already been glimpsed by the masses in this virtual festival format? Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?
But in this case, that metaphor is flawed. I’m not selling milk, I’m sharing stories. And while real-life, non-virtual festivals are a vital, important component of keeping cinema alive— incubating creativity and nurturing its participants—we as filmmakers ought to keep in mind the true spirit of this venture. We talk about the value of storytelling, but who are we making these stories for? Other filmmakers? The industry? No, we’re making them for audiences.
And most of us are not making giant blockbusters that need to be rolled out as quickly as possible, with the most marketing, to the most screens, to reach the most people, before that tiny window of mainstream public attention passes, and before people discover that film maybe wasn’t even good. Our films are small seeds, that, if we are lucky, can grow with the nourishment of exposure and word of mouth. For independent filmmakers, we need to be seen to exist.
What has happened has been unprecedented and requires unprecedented solutions. For those fearful they will be rejected by the Hollywood establishment for taking a chance and showing your work directly to the public at large for a limited time—especially under these extraordinary circumstances—I implore you to envision a different model. Everything is different now. We don’t know what will happen. And as independent filmmakers, we’re the ones who can take risks. It is the responsibility of the film community to challenge the status quo in order to support our filmmakers and our audiences. Our real audiences. The ones we’ll never meet.
Lastly, there has never been a more opportune moment than this one. We are all confined to our homes, desperate for optimism, creativity and connection, and ultimately, that is what my film Tfw No Gf was about—the ways we are turning to the modern miracle of the Internet as a surrogate for lost connection. Content creators have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to answer a calling. So I applaud SXSW for recognizing that opportunity, taking a risk, and making good on their promise to support the filmmakers. After all, that’s what festivals are for.
When Amazon Prime Video and SXSW announced they were partnering to provide an online screening platform to rescue the festival’s content following its cancellation, not every filmmaker felt confident. Amazon Prime Video would, for a 10-day period, allow its entire audience to view these films previously privy only to those who gained SXSW festival entry. Some filmmakers wondered if they wanted to allow broad online viewing of their as-yet unreleased films. How would they market them if they’d been seen already? But one filmmaker who has opted in to this new “virtual festival” plan, the lineup of which will be unveiled Tuesday, is Alex Lee Moyer. Bringing her film Tfw No Gf to SXSW Prime Video is a gift, she points out, and this time of uncertainty and change could bring increased connectivity and positivity for independent filmmakers. Here, in her own op-ed, she explains her decision to embrace the virtual festival.
More from DeadlineTwo SXSW-Awarded Films Among 70 From Canceled Festivals To Be Screened For Sales Agents, Distributors By Stage 32Sxsw Debut Nixed, Rod Lurie-Directed Afghan War Thriller 'The Outpost' Lands Screen Media DealSundance Pic 'Miss Juneteenth' To Hit Screens In June With Vertical Entertainment Deal
***
In a recent interview, my fellow filmmaker Maureen Bharoocha bemoaned the cancellation of Swsw, along with her film’s premiere. “That night never happened,” she was quoted as saying. “Instead, the world was hit with a pandemic and life was canceled.”
But really Maureen, was it?
I’m posing this question sincerely, because I went through the same experience. I felt the loss, the uncertainty, but I arrived at a very different conclusion. I was recently considering the hope that we’ll expand our connections and creativity as a group, and that hope was bolstered when SXSW and Amazon announced that they were partnering to provide a virtual festival instead of SXSW. I was being given an opportunity to screen my first film as a director, Tfw No Gf—a tiny, but I think important, film about a subculture of alienated youth that was made on a shoestring budget, a wing and a prayer—on the world’s largest media platform to an untold, huge audience. To me, it was simply exciting. But many others responded with worry: Why would a big studio or platform or distributor then invest in a film that’s already been glimpsed by the masses in this virtual festival format? Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?
But in this case, that metaphor is flawed. I’m not selling milk, I’m sharing stories. And while real-life, non-virtual festivals are a vital, important component of keeping cinema alive— incubating creativity and nurturing its participants—we as filmmakers ought to keep in mind the true spirit of this venture. We talk about the value of storytelling, but who are we making these stories for? Other filmmakers? The industry? No, we’re making them for audiences.
And most of us are not making giant blockbusters that need to be rolled out as quickly as possible, with the most marketing, to the most screens, to reach the most people, before that tiny window of mainstream public attention passes, and before people discover that film maybe wasn’t even good. Our films are small seeds, that, if we are lucky, can grow with the nourishment of exposure and word of mouth. For independent filmmakers, we need to be seen to exist.
What has happened has been unprecedented and requires unprecedented solutions. For those fearful they will be rejected by the Hollywood establishment for taking a chance and showing your work directly to the public at large for a limited time—especially under these extraordinary circumstances—I implore you to envision a different model. Everything is different now. We don’t know what will happen. And as independent filmmakers, we’re the ones who can take risks. It is the responsibility of the film community to challenge the status quo in order to support our filmmakers and our audiences. Our real audiences. The ones we’ll never meet.
Lastly, there has never been a more opportune moment than this one. We are all confined to our homes, desperate for optimism, creativity and connection, and ultimately, that is what my film Tfw No Gf was about—the ways we are turning to the modern miracle of the Internet as a surrogate for lost connection. Content creators have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to answer a calling. So I applaud SXSW for recognizing that opportunity, taking a risk, and making good on their promise to support the filmmakers. After all, that’s what festivals are for.
- 4/21/2020
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
The world has changed a lot since the SXSW Film Festival was canceled as the coronavirus pandemic spread, but that tragic outcome didn’t stop us from exploring the program. Despite all the disruptions of the past week and change, IndieWire has been spending some of that time proceeding as usual by covering highlights from the SXSW lineup.
While the handful of anticipated studio movies were not made available for review, many of the smaller films looking for distribution were left in an unusual position, seeking attention as they sought to find support from the media and buyers alike.
More from IndieWireHow the Cannes Market Will Survive Online, Even If the Festival Is CanceledMemo to Distributors: Seek Out These 2020 SXSW TV Pilots
As it turns out, many of these films are worthwhile — and as distributors sort out their strategies, some have considered fast-tracking digital releases. Many of these SXSW films could benefit from that approach,...
While the handful of anticipated studio movies were not made available for review, many of the smaller films looking for distribution were left in an unusual position, seeking attention as they sought to find support from the media and buyers alike.
More from IndieWireHow the Cannes Market Will Survive Online, Even If the Festival Is CanceledMemo to Distributors: Seek Out These 2020 SXSW TV Pilots
As it turns out, many of these films are worthwhile — and as distributors sort out their strategies, some have considered fast-tracking digital releases. Many of these SXSW films could benefit from that approach,...
- 3/19/2020
- by Eric Kohn, Kate Erbland and David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Indie comedy Golden Arm has rounded out its cast with Dot-Marie Jones, Eugene Cordero, Ron Funches as well as Dawn Luebbe (HBO’s High Maintenance), Ahmed Bharoocha (Adult Swim’s Dream Corp LLC), and Olivia Rose Stambouliah. They join previously announced stars Mary Holland and Betsy Sodaro. Maureen Bharoocha is directing the film, which is currently before cameras in Oklahoma. The buddy comedy follows a tough lady trucker who trains her timid best friend to compete in the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Championship. Jones will play Big Sexy, the rough-and-tumble mentor who puts her trainees through a rigorous schooling in order to create a winner. Cordero is Greg, an Mlb ref who – in the off-season – refs the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Tournament. Funches will portray Carl, the crass Mc of...
- 7/18/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, stunt coordinator Shauna Duggins is moving into the director’s chair, an arm-wrestling comedy is heading for the big screen and “Socrates” gets sold.
Director Hired
Emmy-winning stunt coordinator Shauna Duggins will direct the action drama “Guardian” from Cory Byam’s script in her directorial debut.
Voltage Pictures and Wonderland Sound are the production companies. Producers are McG and Mary Viola, Voltage’s Nicolas Chartier and Dominic Rustam. Steven Bello of Wonderland and Jonathan Deckter of Voltage are also executive producers of the project, alongside Duggin’s long-time collaborator Brian Machleit.
“Guardian” tells the multi-layered story of a top assassin who becomes the reluctant guardian for the son of the last man he killed – entangling himself in a mob power struggle and an unexpected crisis of conscience. Duggins became the first female stunt professional to win an Emmy in 2018 for her work on Netflix’s “Glow.
Director Hired
Emmy-winning stunt coordinator Shauna Duggins will direct the action drama “Guardian” from Cory Byam’s script in her directorial debut.
Voltage Pictures and Wonderland Sound are the production companies. Producers are McG and Mary Viola, Voltage’s Nicolas Chartier and Dominic Rustam. Steven Bello of Wonderland and Jonathan Deckter of Voltage are also executive producers of the project, alongside Duggin’s long-time collaborator Brian Machleit.
“Guardian” tells the multi-layered story of a top assassin who becomes the reluctant guardian for the son of the last man he killed – entangling himself in a mob power struggle and an unexpected crisis of conscience. Duggins became the first female stunt professional to win an Emmy in 2018 for her work on Netflix’s “Glow.
- 6/11/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” sets a Sony Pictures record, Chris O’Dowd is honored, “The Spongebob Movie” gets a date change, and arm-wrestling movie “Golden Arm” gets a director.
Box Office Milestone
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has topped $170 million at the domestic box office to become Sony Pictures’ biggest animated film, surpassing the lifetime total of “Hotel Transylvania 2.”
Sony’s eighth weekend of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is heading for another $4 million at 2,234 venues this weekend as it battles Warner Bros.’ seventh frame of “Aquaman” and Universal’s 12th weekend of “Green Book” for fourth place.
Sources said in November before “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” opened that Sony Pictures was developing a sequel and spinoffs. The film, with Shameik Moore voicing Miles Morales/Spider-Man, has also taken in nearly $170 million from international markets.
Honor
Chris O’Dowd will be honored with an Oscar Wilde Award by the U.
Box Office Milestone
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has topped $170 million at the domestic box office to become Sony Pictures’ biggest animated film, surpassing the lifetime total of “Hotel Transylvania 2.”
Sony’s eighth weekend of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is heading for another $4 million at 2,234 venues this weekend as it battles Warner Bros.’ seventh frame of “Aquaman” and Universal’s 12th weekend of “Green Book” for fourth place.
Sources said in November before “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” opened that Sony Pictures was developing a sequel and spinoffs. The film, with Shameik Moore voicing Miles Morales/Spider-Man, has also taken in nearly $170 million from international markets.
Honor
Chris O’Dowd will be honored with an Oscar Wilde Award by the U.
- 2/2/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
HBOAccess has announced the top 20 semi-finalists for their 2018 Directing Fellowship. The program supports directors who are interested in a career in television by giving them the opportunity to shoot a pilot presentation which will air on HBO, HBO Go, and HBO Now.
HBO received over 1,000 submissions when it opened its application portal in February. “There are so many talented new directors doing great work. Getting this list down to only three fellows will be difficult,” remarked President of HBO Films Len Amato, “but we gladly accept that challenge and are excited to support and give a platform to new voices and artists with vision.”
The 2018 HBOAccess semi-finalists are:
Alicia J. Rose
Carey Williams
Damon Russell
Dinh Thai
Dubois Ashong
Erika Bagnarello
Huay-Bing Law
Jacqueline Dow
Kaitlin Fontana
Mary Gulino
Maureen Bharoocha
Michael Olmos
Mylissa Fitzsimmons
Olivia Clare Newman
Ryan Richmond
Ryan Zaragoza
Tanuj Chopra
Tarik Jackson
Thembi Banks
Zao Wang...
HBO received over 1,000 submissions when it opened its application portal in February. “There are so many talented new directors doing great work. Getting this list down to only three fellows will be difficult,” remarked President of HBO Films Len Amato, “but we gladly accept that challenge and are excited to support and give a platform to new voices and artists with vision.”
The 2018 HBOAccess semi-finalists are:
Alicia J. Rose
Carey Williams
Damon Russell
Dinh Thai
Dubois Ashong
Erika Bagnarello
Huay-Bing Law
Jacqueline Dow
Kaitlin Fontana
Mary Gulino
Maureen Bharoocha
Michael Olmos
Mylissa Fitzsimmons
Olivia Clare Newman
Ryan Richmond
Ryan Zaragoza
Tanuj Chopra
Tarik Jackson
Thembi Banks
Zao Wang...
- 4/11/2018
- by Sean McAloon
- Age of the Nerd
In today’s roundup, Lifetime released the trailer for new thriller series “You,” and the CW announced the return dates for several summer shows.
Frist Looks
Lifetime released the first official trailer of thriller series “You” based on the best-selling book of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. From executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, the show follows a twisted, obsessive love story about a man who uses the hyper-connectivity of today’s world to make a woman fall for him. “You” stars Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Luca Padovan, and Zach Cherry, with a special guest appearance by John Stamos. It premieres September 9 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Watch the trailer below.
Casting
Undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son of God” Ward will host Mark Burnett’s boxing competition series “The Contender.” Freddie Roach and Naazim Richardson have also joined the series as trainers. The 12-episode season will...
Frist Looks
Lifetime released the first official trailer of thriller series “You” based on the best-selling book of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. From executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, the show follows a twisted, obsessive love story about a man who uses the hyper-connectivity of today’s world to make a woman fall for him. “You” stars Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Luca Padovan, and Zach Cherry, with a special guest appearance by John Stamos. It premieres September 9 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Watch the trailer below.
Casting
Undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son of God” Ward will host Mark Burnett’s boxing competition series “The Contender.” Freddie Roach and Naazim Richardson have also joined the series as trainers. The 12-episode season will...
- 4/10/2018
- by Ariana Brockington
- Variety 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.