Exclusive: Alison Lani Genest has been promoted to Vice President of Development at Ascendant Entertainment, the independent production company of veteran studio chief, Rob Friedman. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of development across Ascendant’s growing slate of films and series.
Genest came to the promotion after working at Friedman’s side as a development executive since 2020. She cut her teeth in the business developing and producing scripted digital media and music videos, prior to Ascendant serving as creative executive at Fisher Stevens’ former production company, Insurgent Media.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have found a home where I have the freedom to champion new voices, seek out creative partners, and find avenues to develop projects across both film and television,” the rising exec told Deadline. “It’s an honor and a privilege to work and learn under a truly exceptional leader and entrepreneur like Rob.
Genest came to the promotion after working at Friedman’s side as a development executive since 2020. She cut her teeth in the business developing and producing scripted digital media and music videos, prior to Ascendant serving as creative executive at Fisher Stevens’ former production company, Insurgent Media.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have found a home where I have the freedom to champion new voices, seek out creative partners, and find avenues to develop projects across both film and television,” the rising exec told Deadline. “It’s an honor and a privilege to work and learn under a truly exceptional leader and entrepreneur like Rob.
- 1/25/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Nobody sets out to make a movie that will fail, be it a tiny independent production or the biggest of big blockbusters from a major studio. On the flip side, occasionally arrogance of a sort sets in and there is an element of presumed success with a film, and those projects -- more often than not -- feel doomed to fail. Such was the case with Lionsgate's 2016 big-budget fantasy play "Gods of Egypt," which bombed spectacularly upon its initial release. Yet, lofty ambitions existed as this was eyed as just the first entry in a brand new franchise. Before it all went to hell, that is.
The film, directed by Alex Proyas, cost a whopping $140 million to produce before marketing, putting it firmly in gigantic blockbuster territory. But it made a paltry $31 million in total at the domestic box office and topped out at $150 million worldwide. Per Variety, Lionsgate...
The film, directed by Alex Proyas, cost a whopping $140 million to produce before marketing, putting it firmly in gigantic blockbuster territory. But it made a paltry $31 million in total at the domestic box office and topped out at $150 million worldwide. Per Variety, Lionsgate...
- 4/30/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
FilmNation Entertainment today announced the launch of Infrared, a new film production label that will look to finance and produce mainstream films with franchise potential, producing three to four mid-to-high level budget films each year across the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres.
The label will be led by President of Production Drew Simon, who reports to FilmNation Entertainment CEO Glen Basner. In his role, he will oversee all elements of the label’s films, from development through production, while managing the label’s team.
Simon has hired Sam Speiser as Infrared’s Vice President of Production, with Speiser to support him in overseeing all stages of project development and production. She will be responsible for sourcing and vetting new material, helping to build Infrared’s ongoing slate of films, and managing feature film projects through their complete lifecycles.
“I am thrilled to move forward with this exciting new strategic...
The label will be led by President of Production Drew Simon, who reports to FilmNation Entertainment CEO Glen Basner. In his role, he will oversee all elements of the label’s films, from development through production, while managing the label’s team.
Simon has hired Sam Speiser as Infrared’s Vice President of Production, with Speiser to support him in overseeing all stages of project development and production. She will be responsible for sourcing and vetting new material, helping to build Infrared’s ongoing slate of films, and managing feature film projects through their complete lifecycles.
“I am thrilled to move forward with this exciting new strategic...
- 9/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Division to make three to four mainstream, mid- to high-budget films a year.
FilmNation has launched production label Infrared led by Drew Simon and said the division will finance and produce three to four mid- to high-budget mainstream films a year with franchise potential.
Simon will act as president of production reporting to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and has brought on Sam Speiser as vice-president of production.
Infrared will focus on projects with broad audience appeal in the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres. FilmNation will be agnostic about distribution avenues and will handle sales on all Infrared titles.
Simon...
FilmNation has launched production label Infrared led by Drew Simon and said the division will finance and produce three to four mid- to high-budget mainstream films a year with franchise potential.
Simon will act as president of production reporting to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and has brought on Sam Speiser as vice-president of production.
Infrared will focus on projects with broad audience appeal in the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres. FilmNation will be agnostic about distribution avenues and will handle sales on all Infrared titles.
Simon...
- 9/7/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Division to make three to four broadly appealing, mid- to high-budget films a year.
FilmNation has launched production label Infrared led by Drew Simon and said the division will finance and produce three to four mid- to high-budget mainstream films a year with franchise potential.
Simon will act as president of production reporting to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and has brought on Sam Speiser as vice-president of production.
Infrared will focus on projects with broad audience appeal in the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres.
Simon began his career at New Line Cinema before following Bob Shaye to his production company Unique Features.
FilmNation has launched production label Infrared led by Drew Simon and said the division will finance and produce three to four mid- to high-budget mainstream films a year with franchise potential.
Simon will act as president of production reporting to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and has brought on Sam Speiser as vice-president of production.
Infrared will focus on projects with broad audience appeal in the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres.
Simon began his career at New Line Cinema before following Bob Shaye to his production company Unique Features.
- 9/7/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Division to make three to four broadly appealing, mid- to high-budget films a year.
FilmNation has launched production label Infrared led by Drew Simon and said the division will finance and produce three to four mid- to high-budget mainstream films a year with franchise potential.
Simon will act as president of production reporting to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and has brought on Sam Speiser as vice-president of production.
Infrared will focus on projects with broad audience appeal in the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres.
Simon began his career at New Line Cinema before following Bob Shaye to his production company Unique Features.
FilmNation has launched production label Infrared led by Drew Simon and said the division will finance and produce three to four mid- to high-budget mainstream films a year with franchise potential.
Simon will act as president of production reporting to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and has brought on Sam Speiser as vice-president of production.
Infrared will focus on projects with broad audience appeal in the action, thriller, comedy and sci-fi genres.
Simon began his career at New Line Cinema before following Bob Shaye to his production company Unique Features.
- 9/7/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The nominees list for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Board of Governors has been revealed before its June 6-10 balloting.
The candidates are hoping to fill the open seats on the 54-member board. Up to four candidates are set for the open seat at each each branch, which carries three governors with staggered terms per branch.
Board members who have termed out include Academy president David Rubin (from the casting directors branch), Jan Pascale (production designers), Mark Johnson (producers) and Nancy Utley (PR).
Candidates vying for a seat include actress Marlee Matlin, composer Hans Zimmer, and executive Toby Emmerich.
The slate faces some crucial tests once installed, including selecting a new Academy president and new CEO to replace outgoing Dawn Hudson. The Academy also must overcome perceptions created in a rocky year, with its Will Smith Oscars slap incident and the uproar over what categories would make it into the Oscars broadcast.
The candidates are hoping to fill the open seats on the 54-member board. Up to four candidates are set for the open seat at each each branch, which carries three governors with staggered terms per branch.
Board members who have termed out include Academy president David Rubin (from the casting directors branch), Jan Pascale (production designers), Mark Johnson (producers) and Nancy Utley (PR).
Candidates vying for a seat include actress Marlee Matlin, composer Hans Zimmer, and executive Toby Emmerich.
The slate faces some crucial tests once installed, including selecting a new Academy president and new CEO to replace outgoing Dawn Hudson. The Academy also must overcome perceptions created in a rocky year, with its Will Smith Oscars slap incident and the uproar over what categories would make it into the Oscars broadcast.
- 6/2/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants joined an earlier demonstration by their major league brothers honoring Black Lives Matter in a pregame ceremony.
As at the earlier Yankees/Nationals game, opening day at Dodger Stadium saw the playing of a video from The Players Alliance, a group of African American players, calling for racial justice.
The Dodgers coaching staff and the entire San Francisco Giants squad wore T-shirts with “Black Lives Matter” written on it during the pre-game warmups. Both teams took a knee and held a black ribbon encircling the field during a moment of silence following The Players Alliance video.
During the national anthem, several Giants, including manager Gabe Kapler continued to take a knee, as they had during exhibition games in San Francisco. Mookie Betts July 23, 2020...
As at the earlier Yankees/Nationals game, opening day at Dodger Stadium saw the playing of a video from The Players Alliance, a group of African American players, calling for racial justice.
The Dodgers coaching staff and the entire San Francisco Giants squad wore T-shirts with “Black Lives Matter” written on it during the pre-game warmups. Both teams took a knee and held a black ribbon encircling the field during a moment of silence following The Players Alliance video.
During the national anthem, several Giants, including manager Gabe Kapler continued to take a knee, as they had during exhibition games in San Francisco. Mookie Betts July 23, 2020...
- 7/24/2020
- by Bruce Haring and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Biden’s presidential campaign got a big boost in the latest quarter that brought it into closer parity with Donald Trump’s fundraising juggernaut, as the former vice president saw major contributions from a number of industry moguls and media titans.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, who hosted an event for Biden last month, gave $617,800 to the Biden Victory Fund, the joint fund-raising committee set up for the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties. Also giving was Steven Spielberg, who chipped in $250,000, along with his wife, Kate Capshaw, who gave the same amount.
James Murdoch, the son of Rupert Murdoch, and his wife Kathryn each donated $615,000 to the victory fund.
Other contributors included Bob Iger, the executive chairman of The Walt Disney Co., who gave $250,000. Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Roy E. Disney who is a documentary filmmaker and social activist, gave $50,000 to the Biden fund.
Biden’s fundraising accelerated...
Jeffrey Katzenberg, who hosted an event for Biden last month, gave $617,800 to the Biden Victory Fund, the joint fund-raising committee set up for the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties. Also giving was Steven Spielberg, who chipped in $250,000, along with his wife, Kate Capshaw, who gave the same amount.
James Murdoch, the son of Rupert Murdoch, and his wife Kathryn each donated $615,000 to the victory fund.
Other contributors included Bob Iger, the executive chairman of The Walt Disney Co., who gave $250,000. Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Roy E. Disney who is a documentary filmmaker and social activist, gave $50,000 to the Biden fund.
Biden’s fundraising accelerated...
- 7/16/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios has made two key hires with Sam Speiser as VP of Production and Jd Black as Svp of Digital Marketing and Media.
Speiser most recently worked as sole development executive under veteran studio head Rob Friedman, and previously under President of Production Lisa Ellzey at EuropaCorp. She started her career as a documentary and digital content editor, later transitioning to production coordinating and line producing music videos, shorts, and digital media. In her new role Speiser will report to Lisa Ellzey, Head of Production.
Black is a 20-year vet in the digital marketing and media space, working on both theatrical and streaming release campaigns for Sony Pictures Entertainment Studios and Amazon Studios. His notable campaigns include The Big Sick, Manchester By the Sea, The Aeronauts, Troop Zero, The Report, The Social Network as well as The Spider-Man and Bond franchises. At Solstice, Black will report to Brian Dailey,...
Speiser most recently worked as sole development executive under veteran studio head Rob Friedman, and previously under President of Production Lisa Ellzey at EuropaCorp. She started her career as a documentary and digital content editor, later transitioning to production coordinating and line producing music videos, shorts, and digital media. In her new role Speiser will report to Lisa Ellzey, Head of Production.
Black is a 20-year vet in the digital marketing and media space, working on both theatrical and streaming release campaigns for Sony Pictures Entertainment Studios and Amazon Studios. His notable campaigns include The Big Sick, Manchester By the Sea, The Aeronauts, Troop Zero, The Report, The Social Network as well as The Spider-Man and Bond franchises. At Solstice, Black will report to Brian Dailey,...
- 2/18/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
How far would you go? Who would you become?
In the new action/drama, The Rhythm Section, Blake Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick, an ordinary woman on a path of self-destruction after her family is tragically killed in a plane crash. When Stephanie discovers that the crash was not an accident, she enters a dark, complex world to seek revenge on those responsible and find her own redemption. Based on the novel by Mark Burnell, from director Reed Morano (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and the producers of the James Bond film series, The Rhythm Section also stars Jude Law and Sterling K. Brown.
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery Cast: Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown, Raza Jaffrey Director: Reed Morano Screenplay By: Mark Burnell Produced By: Michael G. Wilson, p.g.a. and Barbara Broccoli, p.g.a. Executive Producers: Stuart Ford, Greg Shapiro, Mark Burnell, Rob Friedman, Vaishali Mistry, Donald Tang,...
In the new action/drama, The Rhythm Section, Blake Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick, an ordinary woman on a path of self-destruction after her family is tragically killed in a plane crash. When Stephanie discovers that the crash was not an accident, she enters a dark, complex world to seek revenge on those responsible and find her own redemption. Based on the novel by Mark Burnell, from director Reed Morano (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and the producers of the James Bond film series, The Rhythm Section also stars Jude Law and Sterling K. Brown.
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery Cast: Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown, Raza Jaffrey Director: Reed Morano Screenplay By: Mark Burnell Produced By: Michael G. Wilson, p.g.a. and Barbara Broccoli, p.g.a. Executive Producers: Stuart Ford, Greg Shapiro, Mark Burnell, Rob Friedman, Vaishali Mistry, Donald Tang,...
- 1/23/2020
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Exclusive: Rob Friedman’s Ascendant Entertainment has joined forces with Patrick Wachsberger of Picture Perfect Federation to acquire the film and TV rights to Rules for Vanishing, the genre-bending Ya thriller novel by Kate Alice Marshall. This project reunites the former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen, who launched franchises like Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Divergent.
Released earlier this year, Rules for Vanishing, which is the second novel from Marshall, was published by Viking Children’s in the Us and Walker Books in the UK. It follows 17-year-old Sara and her friends who receive a mysterious invitation into the woods to “play the game.” They are challenged to walk the vanishing road, the stuff of urban legends, unaware of the very real and horrific danger they will face. One thing is for certain: this road has a toll.
“It is not only wonderful to be in business with my good friend and past partner Patrick,...
Released earlier this year, Rules for Vanishing, which is the second novel from Marshall, was published by Viking Children’s in the Us and Walker Books in the UK. It follows 17-year-old Sara and her friends who receive a mysterious invitation into the woods to “play the game.” They are challenged to walk the vanishing road, the stuff of urban legends, unaware of the very real and horrific danger they will face. One thing is for certain: this road has a toll.
“It is not only wonderful to be in business with my good friend and past partner Patrick,...
- 11/5/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The first trailer for Blake Lively’s long-anticipated spy thriller “The Rhythm Section” is here. Lively’s got dark hair, an icy cold stare and is looking to settle things “with violence.”
The movie, based on Mark Burnell’s book, as well as his own screenplay, comes from “The Handmaid’s Tale” director Reed Morano and stars Jude Law and Sterling K. Brown in what could be the start of a franchise led by the long-time producers of the James Bond films, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli.
Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick, an ordinary woman who turns self-destructive and with nothing to lose after her family is killed in a plane crash, one that turns out not to be just an accident. She then turns to a dark, complex world and enlists the help of Law’s character to seek revenge on those responsible and find her own redemption.
The movie, based on Mark Burnell’s book, as well as his own screenplay, comes from “The Handmaid’s Tale” director Reed Morano and stars Jude Law and Sterling K. Brown in what could be the start of a franchise led by the long-time producers of the James Bond films, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli.
Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick, an ordinary woman who turns self-destructive and with nothing to lose after her family is killed in a plane crash, one that turns out not to be just an accident. She then turns to a dark, complex world and enlists the help of Law’s character to seek revenge on those responsible and find her own redemption.
- 9/19/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
More than a year ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg aren’t yet fighting for the soul of the party, but they are squabbling this week over top Hollywood donors.
The poll-topping former Vice President and the South Bend’s Mayor Pete are in town today and Thursday to press the flesh and collect checks in thopes of sealing the Atm deal with the well-heeled likes of Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, J.J. Abrams and Ryan Murphy.
“Now Biden’s officially in, we want see up close if he’s got what it really takes to take down Trump,” a longtime and deep-pocked Tinseltown Dems donor said. “At the same time, we know Joe, warts and all, whereas Mayor Pete is still and unknown quality for the most part.”
Buttigieg, the gay, religious Afghanistan war veteran and Rhodes scholar, will be swooping through SoCal...
The poll-topping former Vice President and the South Bend’s Mayor Pete are in town today and Thursday to press the flesh and collect checks in thopes of sealing the Atm deal with the well-heeled likes of Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, J.J. Abrams and Ryan Murphy.
“Now Biden’s officially in, we want see up close if he’s got what it really takes to take down Trump,” a longtime and deep-pocked Tinseltown Dems donor said. “At the same time, we know Joe, warts and all, whereas Mayor Pete is still and unknown quality for the most part.”
Buttigieg, the gay, religious Afghanistan war veteran and Rhodes scholar, will be swooping through SoCal...
- 5/8/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: It was only a year ago in Berlin that newly minted Global Road Entertainment CEO Rob Friedman told international buyers on the first day of the European Film Market that Global Road planned to spend $1 billion in film production over three years. The company would exploit an East-meets-West company that would meld the best of Hollywood and China, put together by Tang Media Productions chief Donald Tang with the bedrock of acquired companies Im Global and Open Road. Just six months later, the whole thing imploded. The bold plan was predicated on fund raising that fell flat; lenders called in their loans and the majority of the staff was let go, with no severance. It was a stunning turn of events.
Months later, Tang says he is still spending most of his time trying to untangle the Global Road mess. Open Road was bought in bankruptcy by Raven Capital Management for $87.5 million,...
Months later, Tang says he is still spending most of his time trying to untangle the Global Road mess. Open Road was bought in bankruptcy by Raven Capital Management for $87.5 million,...
- 2/20/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Company owned by Tang Media Partners continues to disintegrate.
In a development that became inevitable as Global Road’s financial situation worsened, Rob Friedman has departed the company as chairman and CEO. Tang Media Partners (Tmp) confirmed the development on Friday (9).
Friedman, a well respected former studio executive who built Summit Entertainment with Patrick Wachsberger before they sold the company to Lionsgate, had stayed on despite redundancies and defections in a bid to get the company in order. Ultimately sources say he felt his position was untenable.
Screendaily broke the news in late August that lenders had taken control of Global Road,...
In a development that became inevitable as Global Road’s financial situation worsened, Rob Friedman has departed the company as chairman and CEO. Tang Media Partners (Tmp) confirmed the development on Friday (9).
Friedman, a well respected former studio executive who built Summit Entertainment with Patrick Wachsberger before they sold the company to Lionsgate, had stayed on despite redundancies and defections in a bid to get the company in order. Ultimately sources say he felt his position was untenable.
Screendaily broke the news in late August that lenders had taken control of Global Road,...
- 11/9/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Rob Friedman has left Global Road Entertainment, Im Global, and Open Road Films as chairman and chief executive officer two months after Global Road filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Friedman, who has held top executive posts at Lionsgate, Summit, Paramount, and Warner Bros., was expected to depart the positions at Global Road, which was launched in 2017 by U.S.-China broker Donald Tang’s Tang Media Partners. Global Road is the combination of Open Road Films, the Oscar-winning studio behind “Spotlight” that Tang Media Partners purchased in 2017 for $28.8 million, and Im Global, a sales and production company that it bought in 2016 for a rumored $200 million.
At the time of the unveiling of Global Road, Tang said he hoped to release approximately 15 films a year, while focusing on bridging the cultural and business divide between China and the U.S. But the distribution operations sustained box office flops with “Hotel Artemis” and “A.
Friedman, who has held top executive posts at Lionsgate, Summit, Paramount, and Warner Bros., was expected to depart the positions at Global Road, which was launched in 2017 by U.S.-China broker Donald Tang’s Tang Media Partners. Global Road is the combination of Open Road Films, the Oscar-winning studio behind “Spotlight” that Tang Media Partners purchased in 2017 for $28.8 million, and Im Global, a sales and production company that it bought in 2016 for a rumored $200 million.
At the time of the unveiling of Global Road, Tang said he hoped to release approximately 15 films a year, while focusing on bridging the cultural and business divide between China and the U.S. But the distribution operations sustained box office flops with “Hotel Artemis” and “A.
- 11/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Global Road chairman and CEO Rob Friedman is leaving his post at the studio, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Friedman’s exit comes as no surprise. Global Road, which was formed by Donald Tang’s Tang Media Partners (Tmp) by combining Im Global and Open Road, was seized by creditors in August and subsequently filed for bankruptcy after failing to raise $200 million in financing. Open Road reported at the time it had somewhere between $100 million and $500 million in liabilities.
Open Road said on Tuesday that it would sell the company and its assets to Raven Capital Management for $87.5 million after an auction for the film company’s assets was canceled due to a lack of bids.
Also Read: Raven Capital to Acquire Open Road for $87.5 Million After No Other Bidders Emerge in Bankruptcy Auction
The sale hearing to consider the approval of the sale will take place on Friday,...
Friedman’s exit comes as no surprise. Global Road, which was formed by Donald Tang’s Tang Media Partners (Tmp) by combining Im Global and Open Road, was seized by creditors in August and subsequently filed for bankruptcy after failing to raise $200 million in financing. Open Road reported at the time it had somewhere between $100 million and $500 million in liabilities.
Open Road said on Tuesday that it would sell the company and its assets to Raven Capital Management for $87.5 million after an auction for the film company’s assets was canceled due to a lack of bids.
Also Read: Raven Capital to Acquire Open Road for $87.5 Million After No Other Bidders Emerge in Bankruptcy Auction
The sale hearing to consider the approval of the sale will take place on Friday,...
- 11/9/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: I’ve confirmed that Rob Friedman will be leaving as chairman/CEO of beleaguered Global Road, immediately and as expected. Friedman hung in after the lenders took control of Donald Tang’s fusion of Im Global and Open Road, the latter of whose assets will be bought in bankruptcy by Raven Capital Management for $87.5 million.
Friedman, the longtime top exec at Warner Bros, Paramount and more recently who partnered with Patrick Wachsberger to turn Summit Entertainment into a powerhouse that was acquired by Lionsgate. Friedman became co-chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, and was vice chair at Paramount back in the day.
His exit was confirmed to Deadline by Tang Media Partners, with the following statement:
“Tang Media Partners announced that Rob Friedman is departing today as Chairman and CEO of Global Road Entertainment, Im Global and Open Road Films. “Rob has gone above and beyond the call...
Friedman, the longtime top exec at Warner Bros, Paramount and more recently who partnered with Patrick Wachsberger to turn Summit Entertainment into a powerhouse that was acquired by Lionsgate. Friedman became co-chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, and was vice chair at Paramount back in the day.
His exit was confirmed to Deadline by Tang Media Partners, with the following statement:
“Tang Media Partners announced that Rob Friedman is departing today as Chairman and CEO of Global Road Entertainment, Im Global and Open Road Films. “Rob has gone above and beyond the call...
- 11/9/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Rob Friedman has left his post as chairman and CEO of Global Road Entertainment, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The departure is no surprise. Friedman, a former Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment executive, joined Donald Tang's new group of entertainment companies in 2017.
However, a year after launching with the aim to become a Hollywood mini-studio, several of the most prominent divisions of Global Road Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early September in a stunning blow for U.S.-China broker Tang.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner Tang Media Partners, Tang's company,...
The departure is no surprise. Friedman, a former Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment executive, joined Donald Tang's new group of entertainment companies in 2017.
However, a year after launching with the aim to become a Hollywood mini-studio, several of the most prominent divisions of Global Road Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early September in a stunning blow for U.S.-China broker Tang.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner Tang Media Partners, Tang's company,...
- 11/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rob Friedman has left his post as chairman and CEO of Global Road Entertainment, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The departure is no surprise. Friedman, a former Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment executive, joined Donald Tang's new group of entertainment companies in 2017.
However, a year after launching with the aim to become a Hollywood mini-studio, several of the most prominent divisions of Global Road Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early September in a stunning blow for U.S.-China broker Tang.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner Tang Media Partners, Tang's company,...
The departure is no surprise. Friedman, a former Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment executive, joined Donald Tang's new group of entertainment companies in 2017.
However, a year after launching with the aim to become a Hollywood mini-studio, several of the most prominent divisions of Global Road Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early September in a stunning blow for U.S.-China broker Tang.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner Tang Media Partners, Tang's company,...
- 11/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Last fall, Donald Tang was on the brink of moguldom. He had been wooing Chinese investors and Hollywood executives for years, positioning himself at a critical intersection. He had just acquired Open Road Films, which he would marry with Im Global to form the makings of a studio with a worldwide footprint.
The first major release on his watch would be “Marshall,” the biopic about the Supreme Court justice. Tang was uncommonly enthusiastic about it. It was, he told people, the greatest film he had ever seen and he improbably predicted it would be the highest grossing film of all time.
Open Road had been a modest company by Hollywood standards, trying to stay afloat in the turbulent distribution business by keeping costs in check. But for “Marshall,” Tang wanted an extravaganza. He planned pre-screenings at high schools in 17 cities, and addressed students at Compton High School. He invited Fortune...
The first major release on his watch would be “Marshall,” the biopic about the Supreme Court justice. Tang was uncommonly enthusiastic about it. It was, he told people, the greatest film he had ever seen and he improbably predicted it would be the highest grossing film of all time.
Open Road had been a modest company by Hollywood standards, trying to stay afloat in the turbulent distribution business by keeping costs in check. But for “Marshall,” Tang wanted an extravaganza. He planned pre-screenings at high schools in 17 cities, and addressed students at Compton High School. He invited Fortune...
- 9/6/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Global Road Entertainment has hit a dead end. The fledgling movie studio filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday just weeks after it was seized by creditors.
It’s been a rather rapid decline for the cash-strapped studio, which reported liabilities between $100 million and $500 million in a filing in Delaware bankruptcy court.
“Today’s filing for bankruptcy protection for Open Road Films solely encompasses domestic related film operations and does not include Tang Media Partners, Tang Media Entertainment, Im Global Television (both scripted and non-scripted) and Im Global. Im Global Television and Im Global were re-branded earlier this year as part of Global Road Entertainment. Those entities will continue to operate as ongoing concerns working with existing and future partners,” the company said in a statement.
Also Read: Global Road to Cut Staff After Studio Seized by Creditors
Donald Tang, a former Bear Stearns executive in China, cobbled the company together...
It’s been a rather rapid decline for the cash-strapped studio, which reported liabilities between $100 million and $500 million in a filing in Delaware bankruptcy court.
“Today’s filing for bankruptcy protection for Open Road Films solely encompasses domestic related film operations and does not include Tang Media Partners, Tang Media Entertainment, Im Global Television (both scripted and non-scripted) and Im Global. Im Global Television and Im Global were re-branded earlier this year as part of Global Road Entertainment. Those entities will continue to operate as ongoing concerns working with existing and future partners,” the company said in a statement.
Also Read: Global Road to Cut Staff After Studio Seized by Creditors
Donald Tang, a former Bear Stearns executive in China, cobbled the company together...
- 9/6/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
The layoffs hitting Global Road Entertainment's mini-film studio earlier this week total about 45, insiders tell The Hollywood Reporter.
Of those shown the door, 40 worked in the company's Los Angeles office, while five worked in London.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner and U.S.-China broker Donald Tang of Tang Media Partners was unable to raise $200 million in financing. Tang had grand ambitions when launching Global Road in October 2017 and hiring veteran Hollywood studio executive Rob Friedman to run the independent studio.
Last week, banks took control of the ...
Of those shown the door, 40 worked in the company's Los Angeles office, while five worked in London.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner and U.S.-China broker Donald Tang of Tang Media Partners was unable to raise $200 million in financing. Tang had grand ambitions when launching Global Road in October 2017 and hiring veteran Hollywood studio executive Rob Friedman to run the independent studio.
Last week, banks took control of the ...
- 8/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The layoffs hitting Global Road Entertainment's mini-film studio earlier this week total about 45, insiders tell The Hollywood Reporter.
Of those shown the door, 40 worked in the company's Los Angeles office, while five worked in London.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner and U.S.-China broker Donald Tang of Tang Media Partners was unable to raise $200 million in financing. Tang had grand ambitions when launching Global Road in October 2017 and hiring veteran Hollywood studio executive Rob Friedman to run the independent studio.
Last week, banks took control of the ...
Of those shown the door, 40 worked in the company's Los Angeles office, while five worked in London.
Global Road's film operation was thrown into chaos after owner and U.S.-China broker Donald Tang of Tang Media Partners was unable to raise $200 million in financing. Tang had grand ambitions when launching Global Road in October 2017 and hiring veteran Hollywood studio executive Rob Friedman to run the independent studio.
Last week, banks took control of the ...
- 8/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bank Leumi filed lawsuits against Global Road Entertainment and Miramax on Wednesday over their refusal to release the Johnny Depp movie “City of Lies.”
The suits filed in Los Angeles federal court claim that the Israeli bank is owed millions in unpaid guarantees on the real-life crime drama.
Earlier this month, the film about the murder investigations surrounding Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G was pulled from the studio schedule just a month before it was set to hit theaters.
Also Read: Johnny Depp Gets Leg Up in Lawsuit Against Lawyer as Handshake Deal Ruled Invalid
Good Films obtained $23.2 million in loans from Bank Leumi to produce the film, which was directed by Brad Furman, written by Christian Contreras and based on the novel by Randall Sullivan. According to the lawsuit, Open Road agreed to distribute the film domestically and pay a minimum $5.4 million guarantee directly to the bank,...
The suits filed in Los Angeles federal court claim that the Israeli bank is owed millions in unpaid guarantees on the real-life crime drama.
Earlier this month, the film about the murder investigations surrounding Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G was pulled from the studio schedule just a month before it was set to hit theaters.
Also Read: Johnny Depp Gets Leg Up in Lawsuit Against Lawyer as Handshake Deal Ruled Invalid
Good Films obtained $23.2 million in loans from Bank Leumi to produce the film, which was directed by Brad Furman, written by Christian Contreras and based on the novel by Randall Sullivan. According to the lawsuit, Open Road agreed to distribute the film domestically and pay a minimum $5.4 million guarantee directly to the bank,...
- 8/30/2018
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Exclusive Update, 11:30 Am: We understand that at least 60 U.S. Global Road staffers are to be let go in addition to at least five in the UK. That’s around half the total workforce. The culls come from domestic theatrical, production and distribution. Many workers have been told this is their last week, and none are due to get severance pay. Some are even being told today is their last day.
Key senior execs are being kept on to steer what remains of the ship, but the abruptness of the move has left many angered and at a loss.
“It’s f*cked up,” one departing employee told us. “They know they are breaking laws by not offering any severance or consultation. I don’t even have a termination letter. It’s not clear why some have been let go and others kept on. My colleagues and I are discussing possible next steps.
Key senior execs are being kept on to steer what remains of the ship, but the abruptness of the move has left many angered and at a loss.
“It’s f*cked up,” one departing employee told us. “They know they are breaking laws by not offering any severance or consultation. I don’t even have a termination letter. It’s not clear why some have been let go and others kept on. My colleagues and I are discussing possible next steps.
- 8/28/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Global Road, having been seized by creditors a week ago, is now looking to lay off staff as it hopes to avoid bankruptcy.
A person familiar with the situation told TheWrap that the studio would be cutting jobs on Tuesday, but that the number of staff cuts is not yet known.
Global Road has 120 employees and roughly 50 in the domestic theatrical film production, distribution and marketing division that is expected to be directly impacted.
Layoffs come on the heels of another box office disappointment for the studio last weekend. Global Road’s “A.X.L.” opened to a paltry $2.9 million in its wide release.
Also Read: Global Road Creditors Shop Films in Attempt to Stave Off Bankruptcy
Global Road declined to comment for this story.
The company, after failing to raise much-needed $200 million in capital from foreign and U.S. investors, has been in financial disarray.
Global Road’s film...
A person familiar with the situation told TheWrap that the studio would be cutting jobs on Tuesday, but that the number of staff cuts is not yet known.
Global Road has 120 employees and roughly 50 in the domestic theatrical film production, distribution and marketing division that is expected to be directly impacted.
Layoffs come on the heels of another box office disappointment for the studio last weekend. Global Road’s “A.X.L.” opened to a paltry $2.9 million in its wide release.
Also Read: Global Road Creditors Shop Films in Attempt to Stave Off Bankruptcy
Global Road declined to comment for this story.
The company, after failing to raise much-needed $200 million in capital from foreign and U.S. investors, has been in financial disarray.
Global Road’s film...
- 8/28/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Development offers stark reminder of ongoing difficulties facing Us distribution sector.
Staff at beleaguered Los Angeles-based Global Road are likely to be told about lay-offs on Tuesday, Screen understands.
The move was expected and comes after Screen first reported last week that the banks, led as it subsequently emerged by Bank Of America, had taken control of the company as the financial status of its domestic theatrical feature division deteriorated.
Donald Tang (pictured) of owner Tang Media Partners struggled to raise money earlier in the year, and 10 months after launch, Global Road has laboured at the North American box office.
Staff at beleaguered Los Angeles-based Global Road are likely to be told about lay-offs on Tuesday, Screen understands.
The move was expected and comes after Screen first reported last week that the banks, led as it subsequently emerged by Bank Of America, had taken control of the company as the financial status of its domestic theatrical feature division deteriorated.
Donald Tang (pictured) of owner Tang Media Partners struggled to raise money earlier in the year, and 10 months after launch, Global Road has laboured at the North American box office.
- 8/27/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Global Road Entertainment’s film division is looking to sell off finished movies to recoup investments and stave off bankruptcy, a knowledgable insider told TheWrap.
“The Silence,” a horror film lead by “Mad Men” star Kiernan Shipka, the live action-animation hybrid “Playmobil” and the recently shelved Johnny Depp true-life detective story “City of Lies” are among the projects on the market, said the insider.
Global Road’s film division was effectively taken over by its creditors earlier this week, after previously operating under the control of CEO Rob Friedman. Lenders are hoping to set meetings and set up screenings with several top indie distributors to unload much of the existing slate of film projects, a second individual said.
Global Road declined to comment on the state of the company.
Also Read: Global Road Film Division Seized by Creditors
Top lenders to Global Road include Bank of America, which is taking the lead on sales,...
“The Silence,” a horror film lead by “Mad Men” star Kiernan Shipka, the live action-animation hybrid “Playmobil” and the recently shelved Johnny Depp true-life detective story “City of Lies” are among the projects on the market, said the insider.
Global Road’s film division was effectively taken over by its creditors earlier this week, after previously operating under the control of CEO Rob Friedman. Lenders are hoping to set meetings and set up screenings with several top indie distributors to unload much of the existing slate of film projects, a second individual said.
Global Road declined to comment on the state of the company.
Also Read: Global Road Film Division Seized by Creditors
Top lenders to Global Road include Bank of America, which is taking the lead on sales,...
- 8/24/2018
- by Trey Williams and Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
The town is lamenting the expected loss of another independent company, as Global Road heads into a weekend where it is releasing A.X.L., a film that will lose enough in releasing costs that it will likely tip Global Road into some kind of default situation with the banks that earlier this week took control of its domestic theatrical business.
It is stunning if you consider it has been just six months ago that new CEO Rob Friedman boldly told international buyers that Donald Tang’s Tang Media Partners would spend $1 billion in productions over three years to bolster a company that fused together Im Global and Open Road. Estimates had the company generating 15 movies per year by 2020, eight of which would be homegrown.
Now, the expectation is that the company will look to sell off some completed titles like Playmobil and send them back to the filmmakers that brokered deals with Open Road.
It is stunning if you consider it has been just six months ago that new CEO Rob Friedman boldly told international buyers that Donald Tang’s Tang Media Partners would spend $1 billion in productions over three years to bolster a company that fused together Im Global and Open Road. Estimates had the company generating 15 movies per year by 2020, eight of which would be homegrown.
Now, the expectation is that the company will look to sell off some completed titles like Playmobil and send them back to the filmmakers that brokered deals with Open Road.
- 8/24/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Just six months ago, Global Road Entertainment executives boasted at the Berlin Film Festival that they planned to pour $1 billion into production budgets over the coming three years.
But that ambitious claim appeared to come almost literally to naught this week with news that parts of Global Road’s U.S. operations had been taken over by the company’s financial backers. Staff members were told at an all-hands meeting Tuesday that their U.S. domestic production and distribution operations were flirting with bankruptcy. (The U.S. television and film sales divisions were not immediately affected.)
The crash is a major blow to high-flying executive Donald Tang, whose privately held company, Tang Media Partners, owns Global Road. Now, some are asking how much capital Tmp ever had in the first place, despite its ambitious announcements and acquisitions, and who the backers are who have asserted control over Global Road operations in the U.
But that ambitious claim appeared to come almost literally to naught this week with news that parts of Global Road’s U.S. operations had been taken over by the company’s financial backers. Staff members were told at an all-hands meeting Tuesday that their U.S. domestic production and distribution operations were flirting with bankruptcy. (The U.S. television and film sales divisions were not immediately affected.)
The crash is a major blow to high-flying executive Donald Tang, whose privately held company, Tang Media Partners, owns Global Road. Now, some are asking how much capital Tmp ever had in the first place, despite its ambitious announcements and acquisitions, and who the backers are who have asserted control over Global Road operations in the U.
- 8/22/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Global Road management on Tuesday told staff that the studio’s lenders would be taking over the film company.
Last week it was reported that the Donald Tang-run studio was struggling and was strapped for cash.
In February, Tang tapped investment banks Moelis & Co. and Morgan Stanley to raise roughly $200 million in capital, but they failed to secure investors for the studio, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Also Read: 'City of Lies': Johnny Depp's Biggie, Tupac Thriller Film Yanked Month Before Release
It’s unclear at this time whether there will be layoffs associated with the bank take over, or what will happen with the studio. The lenders could potentially feed more capital into the studio, sell off chucks or assets, or even file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The fact that third parties could not generate the interest of investors is illuminating, but how...
Last week it was reported that the Donald Tang-run studio was struggling and was strapped for cash.
In February, Tang tapped investment banks Moelis & Co. and Morgan Stanley to raise roughly $200 million in capital, but they failed to secure investors for the studio, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Also Read: 'City of Lies': Johnny Depp's Biggie, Tupac Thriller Film Yanked Month Before Release
It’s unclear at this time whether there will be layoffs associated with the bank take over, or what will happen with the studio. The lenders could potentially feed more capital into the studio, sell off chucks or assets, or even file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The fact that third parties could not generate the interest of investors is illuminating, but how...
- 8/21/2018
- by Trey Williams and Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Global Road Entertainment’s financial situation is growing dire. Lenders have taken over control of parts of the studio behind “Marshall” and “Hotel Artemis,” Variety has confirmed.
At an all-hands meeting on Tuesday, staffers were told that management of the company’s domestic feature production and distribution division will now be overseen by its financial backers, according to a knowledgeable insider. Bankruptcy seems like a definite possibility unless Global Road can find fresh sources of capital. The company has been trying to raise $200 million since last winter, but those efforts have been unsuccessful.
Global Road’s television and sales division have not been impacted by the take-over, the insider said. Moreover, the company will continue with this weekend’s planned debut of “A.X.L.,” a family adventure film with Alex Neustaedter. Marketing materials have been paid for in advance, so the cash crunch won’t impact the picture’s distribution.
Global...
At an all-hands meeting on Tuesday, staffers were told that management of the company’s domestic feature production and distribution division will now be overseen by its financial backers, according to a knowledgeable insider. Bankruptcy seems like a definite possibility unless Global Road can find fresh sources of capital. The company has been trying to raise $200 million since last winter, but those efforts have been unsuccessful.
Global Road’s television and sales division have not been impacted by the take-over, the insider said. Moreover, the company will continue with this weekend’s planned debut of “A.X.L.,” a family adventure film with Alex Neustaedter. Marketing materials have been paid for in advance, so the cash crunch won’t impact the picture’s distribution.
Global...
- 8/21/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Global Road has headed down a dicey path. Word is that staffers today were told that the banks backing Donald Tang’s venture are now in control of the company’s domestic theatrical production and distribution operations. TV and international sales are intact for now. The staff was told this today by CEO Rob Friedman.
Rumors of financial woes have been rampant lately, as attempts to raise new funds have been unavailing so far. This is a surprise given it hasn’t been that long since Tang acquired Im Global and nudged its principal Stuart Ford out the door. That followed with a deal for Open Road that saw founder Tom Ortenberg leave. Ford resurfaced with Agc Studios and took most of his staff, and Ortenberg is reformulating a distribution shingle that will start with Michael Moore’s docu Fahrenheit 11/9.
Former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chair Friedman took over the...
Rumors of financial woes have been rampant lately, as attempts to raise new funds have been unavailing so far. This is a surprise given it hasn’t been that long since Tang acquired Im Global and nudged its principal Stuart Ford out the door. That followed with a deal for Open Road that saw founder Tom Ortenberg leave. Ford resurfaced with Agc Studios and took most of his staff, and Ortenberg is reformulating a distribution shingle that will start with Michael Moore’s docu Fahrenheit 11/9.
Former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chair Friedman took over the...
- 8/21/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
North American release of A.X.L. remains on schedule for Friday.
Lenders have taken control of Global Road Entertainment’s domestic feature production and distribution division as the company’s financial woes deepen.
Global Road management met with staff on Tuesday (August 21) to explain the situation. Screen understands that at time of writing there was no mention of lay-offs at the company formed by Donald Tang’s (pictured) Tang Media Partners (Tmp).
Furthermore the development is not believed to impact the television or sales divisions, which according to sources remain going concerns.
In situations when a lender assumes control of a company,...
Lenders have taken control of Global Road Entertainment’s domestic feature production and distribution division as the company’s financial woes deepen.
Global Road management met with staff on Tuesday (August 21) to explain the situation. Screen understands that at time of writing there was no mention of lay-offs at the company formed by Donald Tang’s (pictured) Tang Media Partners (Tmp).
Furthermore the development is not believed to impact the television or sales divisions, which according to sources remain going concerns.
In situations when a lender assumes control of a company,...
- 8/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
North American release of A.X.L. remains on schedule for Friday.
Lenders have taken control of Global Road Entertainment’s domestic feature production and distribution division as the company’s financial woes deepen.
Global Road management met with staff on Tuesday (August 21) to explain the situation. Screen understands that at time of writing there was no mention of lay-offs at the company formed by Donald Tang’s (pictured) Tang Media Partners (Tmp).
Furthermore the development is not believed to impact the television or sales divisions, which according to sources remain going concerns.
In situations when a lender assumes control of a company,...
Lenders have taken control of Global Road Entertainment’s domestic feature production and distribution division as the company’s financial woes deepen.
Global Road management met with staff on Tuesday (August 21) to explain the situation. Screen understands that at time of writing there was no mention of lay-offs at the company formed by Donald Tang’s (pictured) Tang Media Partners (Tmp).
Furthermore the development is not believed to impact the television or sales divisions, which according to sources remain going concerns.
In situations when a lender assumes control of a company,...
- 8/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Company recently pulled Johnny Depp thriller City Of Lies from release.
Less than one year after it launched Global Road Entertainment, Tang Media Partners (Tmp) is reportedly struggling to raise funds to keep its film and TV venture alive beyond 2018.
Chatter about Global Road intensified after last week’s news that the company had pulled its Johnny Depp crime drama City Of Lies over concerns about the star’s lifestyle, ongoing legal woes, and a tell-all interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
However of deeper concern will be a report in The Hollywood Reporter claiming that a $200m cash raise overseen by Moelis & Co.
Less than one year after it launched Global Road Entertainment, Tang Media Partners (Tmp) is reportedly struggling to raise funds to keep its film and TV venture alive beyond 2018.
Chatter about Global Road intensified after last week’s news that the company had pulled its Johnny Depp crime drama City Of Lies over concerns about the star’s lifestyle, ongoing legal woes, and a tell-all interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
However of deeper concern will be a report in The Hollywood Reporter claiming that a $200m cash raise overseen by Moelis & Co.
- 8/16/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Company recently pulled Johnny Depp crime drama City Of Lies from release.
Less than one year after it launched Global Road Entertainment, Tang Media Partners (Tmp) is reportedly struggling to raise funds to keep its film and TV venture alive beyond 2018.
Chatter about Global Road intensified after it pulled the release of Johnny Depp crime drama City Of Lies last week, in response to the star’s deteriorating public profile, ongoing legal woes, and a tell-all interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
Perhaps of deeper concern will be a report in The Hollywood Reporter claiming that a $200m cash raise that...
Less than one year after it launched Global Road Entertainment, Tang Media Partners (Tmp) is reportedly struggling to raise funds to keep its film and TV venture alive beyond 2018.
Chatter about Global Road intensified after it pulled the release of Johnny Depp crime drama City Of Lies last week, in response to the star’s deteriorating public profile, ongoing legal woes, and a tell-all interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
Perhaps of deeper concern will be a report in The Hollywood Reporter claiming that a $200m cash raise that...
- 8/15/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: MGM’s VP Of International Sales Antonio Salas is joining Donald Tang’s Global Road Entertainment in the same role.
Salas begins at Global Road next week and will report to President Of International Sales Charlotte Van Weede, with whom he previously worked at eOne Films International. Salas will manage all film sales relationships in Emea territories including France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Turkey and the Middle East as well as all Asian territories (excluding Japan and China). He will be based in London.
Salas joined MGM in April 2016 and worked on movies including Bruce Willis action pic Death Wish, horror Wish Upon and Annapurna titles including Adam McKay’s Dick Cheney biopic.
Global Road was set up last year following the merger of sales outfit Im Global with U.S. distributor Open Road Films, both of which were acquired by Tang Media Partners in 2017. At the Efm in Berlin this year,...
Salas begins at Global Road next week and will report to President Of International Sales Charlotte Van Weede, with whom he previously worked at eOne Films International. Salas will manage all film sales relationships in Emea territories including France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Turkey and the Middle East as well as all Asian territories (excluding Japan and China). He will be based in London.
Salas joined MGM in April 2016 and worked on movies including Bruce Willis action pic Death Wish, horror Wish Upon and Annapurna titles including Adam McKay’s Dick Cheney biopic.
Global Road was set up last year following the merger of sales outfit Im Global with U.S. distributor Open Road Films, both of which were acquired by Tang Media Partners in 2017. At the Efm in Berlin this year,...
- 6/26/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Given the myriad challenges that face the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it’s surprising that more than 180 members vied for 17 available spots on the 54-member Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy’s strategic mission, financial health and the Oscars. The run-off voting ended May 18 to cull the field to four nominees per branch. The elected 2018–19 Board of Governors will assume their posts on July 1.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Given the myriad challenges that face the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it’s surprising that more than 180 members vied for 17 available spots on the 54-member Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy’s strategic mission, financial health and the Oscars. The run-off voting ended May 18 to cull the field to four nominees per branch. The elected 2018–19 Board of Governors will assume their posts on July 1.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Predictions of the Marche du Film’s death were greatly exaggerated. While indie film prices have come back to earth after big-spending streaming giants rattled the ecosystem a few years back, industry players told TheWrap, the market at Cannes was buzzing this year from start to finish.
“A lot of times, people associate activity with the big players spending a lot of money and buying movies for big price tags,” Saban Films President Bill Bromiley told TheWrap from France on Friday.
“That can be a little misleading,” said the executive, whose company brought home five films — more than any other distributor to visit the festival this year.
Also Read: The Cannes - Oscar Connection: How Strong Will It Be This Year?
It was a polarizing year at Cannes, with no shortage of hemming and hawing about the state of affairs in the coastal haven. The headlines and soundbites came in...
“A lot of times, people associate activity with the big players spending a lot of money and buying movies for big price tags,” Saban Films President Bill Bromiley told TheWrap from France on Friday.
“That can be a little misleading,” said the executive, whose company brought home five films — more than any other distributor to visit the festival this year.
Also Read: The Cannes - Oscar Connection: How Strong Will It Be This Year?
It was a polarizing year at Cannes, with no shortage of hemming and hawing about the state of affairs in the coastal haven. The headlines and soundbites came in...
- 5/21/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Nathan Kahane has been named president of the Motion Picture Proup for Lionsgate. The producer of Juno and Blockers co-founded Good Universe with Joe Drake who is chairman of the Motion Picture Group. Lionsgate had acquired Good Universe last year.
Other moves includes Good Universe’s Erin Westerman coming in as executive VP of production. Lionsgate has been in the throes of changes with the motion picture division for some time when Erik Feig and Patrick Wachsberger exited the ranks. That followed Rob Friedman’s exit from the Motion Picture unit in August. Both Wachsberger and Friedman had come into Lionsgate about six years earlier after Lionsgate acquired Summit Entertainment.
Feig has since been raising money to launch a new company focused on youth-oriented entertainment properties, one that may include Lionsgate as an investor. Wachsberger said he will build another business while Friedman took a post as Chairman/CEO of...
Other moves includes Good Universe’s Erin Westerman coming in as executive VP of production. Lionsgate has been in the throes of changes with the motion picture division for some time when Erik Feig and Patrick Wachsberger exited the ranks. That followed Rob Friedman’s exit from the Motion Picture unit in August. Both Wachsberger and Friedman had come into Lionsgate about six years earlier after Lionsgate acquired Summit Entertainment.
Feig has since been raising money to launch a new company focused on youth-oriented entertainment properties, one that may include Lionsgate as an investor. Wachsberger said he will build another business while Friedman took a post as Chairman/CEO of...
- 5/17/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amid the shifting landscape of the international business comes a big change at Lionsgate. Veteran international exec and Motion Picture Group Co-Chairman Patrick Wachsberger is exiting the company as he sets his sights on building a new business. Wachsberger is pleased to be moving on to another adventure. “I am an entrepreneur by nature,” he told me as we chatted in the Lionsgate office this week at the Cannes Film Festival.
Wachsberger’s departure comes six-and-a-half years after Lionsgate merged with Summit Entertainment, which he helped launch in 1993. The France native is not by any means looking to slow down. He told a group of industry revelers here, “There is a lot I intend to do between Lionsgate and the Pearly Gates.”
His exit comes at a time of transition not only for Lionsgate, but also for the industry. Potential buyers have in the past year circled Lionsgate, which...
Wachsberger’s departure comes six-and-a-half years after Lionsgate merged with Summit Entertainment, which he helped launch in 1993. The France native is not by any means looking to slow down. He told a group of industry revelers here, “There is a lot I intend to do between Lionsgate and the Pearly Gates.”
His exit comes at a time of transition not only for Lionsgate, but also for the industry. Potential buyers have in the past year circled Lionsgate, which...
- 5/13/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Global Road Entertainment has acquired the North American distribution rights to “The Secret Garden,” a film adaptation of the beloved British children’s novel, starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters, Rob Friedman, Chairman and CEO of Global Road and StudioCanal announced during the Cannes Film Festival Saturday.
The film is directed by Marc Munden from a script written by Jack Thorne.
“‘The Secret Garden’ is one of the world’s most beloved stories of all time celebrating friendship, nature and the limitless power of childhood imagination,” Friedman said. “We are proud to work with StudioCanal in bringing Marc’s version, starring an incredible cast led by Colin and Julie, to North American audiences and continue the legacy of the touching message that has prevailed for over a century.”
Also Read: Marion Cotillard's Careless Motherhood Hurts in 'Angel Face'
The movie is based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel of the same name, which centers around 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox, who feels lonely when she’s sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald (Firth) and his strict housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Walters) in a mysterious Yorkshire manor. Her curiosity leads her to disobey the adults and explore the forbidding house. While roaming the grounds she discovers an enchanted garden that has been hidden for years and reflects her limitless imagination. With local boy Dickon, her sick cousin Colin and a playful stray dog, she unlocks secrets from the past, revealing a new life of hope and friendship.
“The Secret Garden” is financed by StudioCanal, and hails from Heyday Film’s David Heyman and Rosie Alison, with StudioCanal’s Didier Lupfer, Danny Perkins, and Dan MacRae executive producing. The acquisition was negotiated by John Zois, Global Road Entertainment’s Head of Worldwide Acquisitions & Co-Productions and StudioCanal. StudioCanal will handle international sales for the film. Principal photography on “The Secret Garden” began April 30 in the U.K.
“We are delighted to find a partner in Global Road and to work with Rob and his incredible team to bring Marc Munden’s fantastical reimagining of ‘The Secret Garden’ to North American audiences,” Anna Marsh Evp International Distribution for StudioCanal. “They quickly understood and shared our passion for and commitment to this incredibly special film.”
Read original story ‘Secret Garden’ Gets North American Distribution Deal With Global Road At TheWrap...
The film is directed by Marc Munden from a script written by Jack Thorne.
“‘The Secret Garden’ is one of the world’s most beloved stories of all time celebrating friendship, nature and the limitless power of childhood imagination,” Friedman said. “We are proud to work with StudioCanal in bringing Marc’s version, starring an incredible cast led by Colin and Julie, to North American audiences and continue the legacy of the touching message that has prevailed for over a century.”
Also Read: Marion Cotillard's Careless Motherhood Hurts in 'Angel Face'
The movie is based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel of the same name, which centers around 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox, who feels lonely when she’s sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald (Firth) and his strict housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Walters) in a mysterious Yorkshire manor. Her curiosity leads her to disobey the adults and explore the forbidding house. While roaming the grounds she discovers an enchanted garden that has been hidden for years and reflects her limitless imagination. With local boy Dickon, her sick cousin Colin and a playful stray dog, she unlocks secrets from the past, revealing a new life of hope and friendship.
“The Secret Garden” is financed by StudioCanal, and hails from Heyday Film’s David Heyman and Rosie Alison, with StudioCanal’s Didier Lupfer, Danny Perkins, and Dan MacRae executive producing. The acquisition was negotiated by John Zois, Global Road Entertainment’s Head of Worldwide Acquisitions & Co-Productions and StudioCanal. StudioCanal will handle international sales for the film. Principal photography on “The Secret Garden” began April 30 in the U.K.
“We are delighted to find a partner in Global Road and to work with Rob and his incredible team to bring Marc Munden’s fantastical reimagining of ‘The Secret Garden’ to North American audiences,” Anna Marsh Evp International Distribution for StudioCanal. “They quickly understood and shared our passion for and commitment to this incredibly special film.”
Read original story ‘Secret Garden’ Gets North American Distribution Deal With Global Road At TheWrap...
- 5/12/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Production in UK commenced on April 30.
Global Road has picked up North American rights from Studiocanal to The Secret Garden starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters, which began production on April 30 in the UK.
Marc Munden directs the Heyday Films and Studiocanal children’s story from an adapted screenplay by Jack Thorne based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel.
Heyday Film’s David Heyman and Rosie Alison are producing, and Studiocanal’s Didier Lupfer, Danny Perkins, and Dan MacRae are on board as executive producers.
Firth plays reclusive uncle Archibald, whose 10-year niece Mary is sent from India to live...
Global Road has picked up North American rights from Studiocanal to The Secret Garden starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters, which began production on April 30 in the UK.
Marc Munden directs the Heyday Films and Studiocanal children’s story from an adapted screenplay by Jack Thorne based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel.
Heyday Film’s David Heyman and Rosie Alison are producing, and Studiocanal’s Didier Lupfer, Danny Perkins, and Dan MacRae are on board as executive producers.
Firth plays reclusive uncle Archibald, whose 10-year niece Mary is sent from India to live...
- 5/12/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Adding to the first projects under the recently rebranded Global Road Entertainment, the company has acquired North American distribution rights to The Secret Garden. Directed by Marc Munden from a script written by Jack Thorne, the film is financed and sold by Studiocanal and produced by Heyday Films’ David Heyman and Rosie Alison. Colin Firth and Julie Walters are starring in the adaptation of one the most enduring children’s stories ever told.
Principal photography started on April 30 in the UK on the project that’s based on
the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The deal follows a presentation by Studiocanal earlier this week.
When 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald (Firth) and his strict housekeeper Mrs Medlock (Walters) in a mysterious Yorkshire manor, she feels lonelier than ever before. But her curiosity and determination lead her to disobey the adults and explore the forbidding house.
Principal photography started on April 30 in the UK on the project that’s based on
the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The deal follows a presentation by Studiocanal earlier this week.
When 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald (Firth) and his strict housekeeper Mrs Medlock (Walters) in a mysterious Yorkshire manor, she feels lonelier than ever before. But her curiosity and determination lead her to disobey the adults and explore the forbidding house.
- 5/12/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Global Road Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to “The Secret Garden,” a big-screen adaptation of a much-loved children’s novel that inspired everything from Broadway musicals to television series.
The film stars Oscar winner Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”) and Julie Walters (“Billy Elliott”). Marc Munden (“The Crimson Petal and the White”) directs from a script written by Jack Thorne (“National Treasure”).
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and first published in 1911, “The Secret Garden” follows 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox, who is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald (Firth) and his strict housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Walters) in an eerie mansion. The lonely girl defies her strict guardians, exploring the house and finding a hidden garden. Mary, local boy Dickon, sick cousin Colin and a stray dog bond in the mysterious garden and bond over a shared fantasy world.
“‘The Secret Garden’ is one of...
The film stars Oscar winner Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”) and Julie Walters (“Billy Elliott”). Marc Munden (“The Crimson Petal and the White”) directs from a script written by Jack Thorne (“National Treasure”).
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and first published in 1911, “The Secret Garden” follows 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox, who is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald (Firth) and his strict housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Walters) in an eerie mansion. The lonely girl defies her strict guardians, exploring the house and finding a hidden garden. Mary, local boy Dickon, sick cousin Colin and a stray dog bond in the mysterious garden and bond over a shared fantasy world.
“‘The Secret Garden’ is one of...
- 5/12/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
At this point, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ governors election looks more like a round-up than a race; more than 180 members have declared their interest in filling 17 contested spots on the 54-member Board of Governors.
Voting in the run-off round starts on Monday and ends May 18. That will narrow the present field to a maximum of four nominees per branch in the final round, which follows.
For now, there are on average about 11 candidates in the running for each slot. In the casting directors and costume design branches, only three members have declared for each slot. But not so in the actors branch, where 17 members — including Brie Larson, Jacki Weaver and Meg Ryan — are vying for the spot being vacated by termed-out Tom Hanks; or the producers, executives, and public relations branches, all of which have a bumper crop of candidates. Marvin Levy, currently a governor in the public relations branch,...
Voting in the run-off round starts on Monday and ends May 18. That will narrow the present field to a maximum of four nominees per branch in the final round, which follows.
For now, there are on average about 11 candidates in the running for each slot. In the casting directors and costume design branches, only three members have declared for each slot. But not so in the actors branch, where 17 members — including Brie Larson, Jacki Weaver and Meg Ryan — are vying for the spot being vacated by termed-out Tom Hanks; or the producers, executives, and public relations branches, all of which have a bumper crop of candidates. Marvin Levy, currently a governor in the public relations branch,...
- 5/11/2018
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
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