Exclusive: The Sydney Sweeney & Paul Walter Hauser title, Americana, which was one of the prolific acquisition titles from last year’s SXSW, has finally seen its worldwide rights go to Lionsgate.
Why did a movie with big stars and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes take so long to sell? I understand part of the hold-up stems from the pic’s financier, Bron Studios, going into bankruptcy.
The Tony Tost written and directed movie follows local outsiders and outcasts in a small South Dakota town whose lives violently intertwine after a rare artifact falls onto the black market. Americana also stars pop singer Halsey, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Simon Rex, Derek Hinkey, Toby Huss, and Harriet Sansom Harris.
Pic is produced by Alex Saks. EPs are Aaron L. Gilbert, Steven Thibault, Alison-Jane Roney, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Terry Dougas, and Jean-Luc de Fanti.
Said Lauren Bixby, SVP, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group,...
Why did a movie with big stars and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes take so long to sell? I understand part of the hold-up stems from the pic’s financier, Bron Studios, going into bankruptcy.
The Tony Tost written and directed movie follows local outsiders and outcasts in a small South Dakota town whose lives violently intertwine after a rare artifact falls onto the black market. Americana also stars pop singer Halsey, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Simon Rex, Derek Hinkey, Toby Huss, and Harriet Sansom Harris.
Pic is produced by Alex Saks. EPs are Aaron L. Gilbert, Steven Thibault, Alison-Jane Roney, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Terry Dougas, and Jean-Luc de Fanti.
Said Lauren Bixby, SVP, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Sometimes it can be fun to watch a skillful band cover songs. Tony Tost’s Americana is precisely that: an ode to the drive-in B-movie which in turn influenced filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, who in turn influenced a generation of filmmakers making quirky violent ensemble films with scrambled chronologies. What’s new is old again and Americana, influenced by films from the 1970s, feels more like a film from the 1990s with notes of Allison Anders’ Gas Food Lodging, David Lynch’s Wild at Heart, and the Kiefer Sutherland-directed neo-noir Truth or Consequences, N.M. The result, thanks in part to a compelling cast, elevates this material past the cinematic equivalent of the local dad band playing Springsteen covers at the corner bar on a Saturday night.
Americana is divided into chapter. In the first, “Old New West,” we’re introduced to Cal (Gavin Maddox Bergman), a caucasian boy who grew...
Americana is divided into chapter. In the first, “Old New West,” we’re introduced to Cal (Gavin Maddox Bergman), a caucasian boy who grew...
- 3/27/2023
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
The theft of a valuable Native American artifact triggers a cascading series of violent crimes in Americana, a revisionist Western set in present-day South Dakota. Writer-director Tony Tost brings his years of experience on similarly themed episodic series like Damnation and Longmire to his directing debut, an ensemble feature with multiple overlapping storylines. The plot premise for Americana concerns a Lakota nation “ghost shirt,” a garment fashioned from animal skin that was thought to be instilled with special powers for adherents of the ghost dance, a late 19th century Native American religious movement.
Although stylistically and thematically a Western, the borderline comedic tone of Tost’s script, along with frequent gratuitous violence, rapid-fire dialogue and a non-linear narrative structure, suggest Americana is more of a hybrid crime drama in the Tarantino mold. The film’s appeal for genre enthusiasts should also be enhanced by the appearance of multi-platinum singer-songwriter Halsey in her first dramatic role,...
Although stylistically and thematically a Western, the borderline comedic tone of Tost’s script, along with frequent gratuitous violence, rapid-fire dialogue and a non-linear narrative structure, suggest Americana is more of a hybrid crime drama in the Tarantino mold. The film’s appeal for genre enthusiasts should also be enhanced by the appearance of multi-platinum singer-songwriter Halsey in her first dramatic role,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Justin Lowe
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are few movie genres with as close a relationship with the concept of “Americana” as the Western. This is a genre deeply steeped in the history of American cinema, but one rife with as many highs as it has problematic lows. For every revolutionary and complex idea, there is a racist trope that has been intricately connected to the genre for decades; for every nuanced character, there is a broad and problematic one.
It is this legacy, the good and the bad, that writer and director Tony Tost wrestles with in “Americana,” , while never feeling derivative of either of the filmmakers. Tost’s film is charming, gritty, and all-round entertaining one that boasts gallows humor, compelling performances, and a big heart (plus lots of actual hearts being shot at and stabbed). Tost’s feature directorial debut shows confidence and an ability to weave the personal with the universal.
Like “Pulp Fiction,...
It is this legacy, the good and the bad, that writer and director Tony Tost wrestles with in “Americana,” , while never feeling derivative of either of the filmmakers. Tost’s film is charming, gritty, and all-round entertaining one that boasts gallows humor, compelling performances, and a big heart (plus lots of actual hearts being shot at and stabbed). Tost’s feature directorial debut shows confidence and an ability to weave the personal with the universal.
Like “Pulp Fiction,...
- 3/18/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Indiewire
This year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival opened with the premiere of Swarm, the dark tale of Dre (Dominique Fishback), a stan whose obsession with a Beyoncé-esque pop idol turns deadly. And the Prime Video series’ fourth episode treated audiences to a little surprise: Billie Eilish’s screen acting debut as Eva, the leader of a Nxivm-like cult whose indoctrination of Dre ends in disaster. Not to be outdone, Halsey’s entrée into the world of movies left the crowd at the Texas fest hooting and hollering.
In Tony Tost’s crime-western Americana,...
In Tony Tost’s crime-western Americana,...
- 3/18/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Ghost shirts, which are sacred to certain Indigenous communities, were thought to guard the wearer against bullets through spiritual power. This precious heirloom is at the center of Tony Tost’s directorial debut film at SXSW, Americana. This western dramedy has some tricks up its sleeve, thanks to the brilliant writing and the script’s comedic timing. It boasts a big cast of actors including Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, Zahn McClarnon, Simon Rex, Eric Dane and Gavin Maddox Bergman.
Related: SXSW 2023: All Of Deadline’s Movie Reviews
Cal (Bergman) loves to watch black-and-white, cowboys-and-Indians films. While he’s enthralled with what he sees on the television, Joan Jett lookalike Mandy (Halsey) and local thug Dillian (Dane) argue about why Cal, her brother, is so weird. Maybe it’s because he’s a white kid who claims to be the reincarnation of Lakota ancestor Sitting Bull. To get...
Related: SXSW 2023: All Of Deadline’s Movie Reviews
Cal (Bergman) loves to watch black-and-white, cowboys-and-Indians films. While he’s enthralled with what he sees on the television, Joan Jett lookalike Mandy (Halsey) and local thug Dillian (Dane) argue about why Cal, her brother, is so weird. Maybe it’s because he’s a white kid who claims to be the reincarnation of Lakota ancestor Sitting Bull. To get...
- 3/18/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Tony Tost’s feature directorial debut Americana, from Bron Studios/Saks Picture Company is making its world premiere at SXSW on March 17 at the Paramount Theatre in the festival’s Narrative Spotlight section.
Formerly known as National Anthem, the pic stars Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Simon Rex, Derek Hinkey, Toby Huss and Harriet Sansom Harris. In the pic, unlikely heroes and villains must navigate a complex playing field in pursuit of a legendary Native American artifact with ties to the complicated history of the American West in this elevated, darkly comedic crime thriller.
The movie also marks multi-platinum, chart-topping singer-songwriter Halsey’s first on-screen role. The award-winning, Grammy-nominated recording artist has amassed more than 50 billion streams worldwide, and over 75 million RIAA-certified singles and albums sold.
Bron and WME Independent are repping worldwide sales for the acquisition title.
Formerly known as National Anthem, the pic stars Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Simon Rex, Derek Hinkey, Toby Huss and Harriet Sansom Harris. In the pic, unlikely heroes and villains must navigate a complex playing field in pursuit of a legendary Native American artifact with ties to the complicated history of the American West in this elevated, darkly comedic crime thriller.
The movie also marks multi-platinum, chart-topping singer-songwriter Halsey’s first on-screen role. The award-winning, Grammy-nominated recording artist has amassed more than 50 billion streams worldwide, and over 75 million RIAA-certified singles and albums sold.
Bron and WME Independent are repping worldwide sales for the acquisition title.
- 2/24/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone have rounded out the cast of Tony Tost’s directorial debut National Anthem, from Bron Studios. Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, Simon Rex, Toby Huss, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Harriet Sansom Harris and newcomer Derek Hinkey are also on board.
The film is a Page Fifty-Four Pictures and Bron Studios production in association with Creative Wealth Media. Page Fifty-Four’s Alex Saks and Bron Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert are producing. Creative Wealth Media’s Jason Cloth is an executive producer. Native American activist Marcus RedThunder serves as a consultant on the film.
The film revolves around a gritty hunt for a valuable rare Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt. Some are hunting for fortune, others for personal freedom, while others simply want to return it properly to its home. No longer will the marginalized be ignored — all must learn to survive or else.
The film is a Page Fifty-Four Pictures and Bron Studios production in association with Creative Wealth Media. Page Fifty-Four’s Alex Saks and Bron Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert are producing. Creative Wealth Media’s Jason Cloth is an executive producer. Native American activist Marcus RedThunder serves as a consultant on the film.
The film revolves around a gritty hunt for a valuable rare Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt. Some are hunting for fortune, others for personal freedom, while others simply want to return it properly to its home. No longer will the marginalized be ignored — all must learn to survive or else.
- 2/14/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Halsey is making their acting debut! On Feb. 3, Deadline reported that the 27-year-old singer is starring in a new film titled "National Anthem" alongside Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Simon Rex, Toby Huss, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Derek Hinkey.
Directed by Tony Tost, the movie centers around an intense hunt for a valuable Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt. According to the publication, "Some are hunting for fortune, others for personal freedom, while others simply want to return it properly to its home. No longer will the marginalized be ignored - all must learn to survive or else."
"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to bring 'National Anthem' to life on film, and to work with Page Fifty-Four Pictures, Bron Studios and this incredible cast," Tost says in a statement to Deadline about his directorial debut. "I'm especially thrilled to be bringing to the screen a...
Directed by Tony Tost, the movie centers around an intense hunt for a valuable Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt. According to the publication, "Some are hunting for fortune, others for personal freedom, while others simply want to return it properly to its home. No longer will the marginalized be ignored - all must learn to survive or else."
"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to bring 'National Anthem' to life on film, and to work with Page Fifty-Four Pictures, Bron Studios and this incredible cast," Tost says in a statement to Deadline about his directorial debut. "I'm especially thrilled to be bringing to the screen a...
- 2/4/2022
- by Monica Sisavat
- Popsugar.com
With the success of “Yellowstone” and basically everything else that Taylor Sheridan is working on, there is a clear desire for that down and dirty, country vibe project in Hollywood. Something that features dusty roads and guns. Well, it appears Tony Tost is ready to give us that with the upcoming film, “National Anthem.”
According to Deadline, Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, Simon Rex, Toby Huss, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Derek Hinkey have all joined the ensemble cast of the upcoming film, “National Anthem.” The film will serve as the directorial debut of Tony Tost, who is probably best known for being a writer-producer on series such as “Longmire,” “Damnation,” and “The Terror.” “National Anthem” is said to be about a group of people on the hunt for a valuable Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt, with some people only looking to cash in on the item,...
According to Deadline, Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, Simon Rex, Toby Huss, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Derek Hinkey have all joined the ensemble cast of the upcoming film, “National Anthem.” The film will serve as the directorial debut of Tony Tost, who is probably best known for being a writer-producer on series such as “Longmire,” “Damnation,” and “The Terror.” “National Anthem” is said to be about a group of people on the hunt for a valuable Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt, with some people only looking to cash in on the item,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, Simon Rex, Toby Huss, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Harriet Sansom Harris and newcomer Derek Hinkey are set to star in Tony Tost’s directorial debut National Anthem from Bron Studios.
The film is a Page Fifty-Four Pictures and Bron Studios production in association with Creative Wealth Media. Page Fifty-Four’s Alex Saks and Bron Studio’s Aaron L. Gilbert are producing. Creative Wealth Media’s Jason Cloth is an executive producer. Native American activist Marcus RedThunder serves as a consultant on the film.
The film revolves around a gritty hunt for a valuable rare Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt. Some are hunting for fortune, others for personal freedom, while others simply want to return it properly to its home. No longer will the marginalized be ignored — all must learn to survive or else.
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to bring National Anthem to life on film,...
The film is a Page Fifty-Four Pictures and Bron Studios production in association with Creative Wealth Media. Page Fifty-Four’s Alex Saks and Bron Studio’s Aaron L. Gilbert are producing. Creative Wealth Media’s Jason Cloth is an executive producer. Native American activist Marcus RedThunder serves as a consultant on the film.
The film revolves around a gritty hunt for a valuable rare Lakota Native American Ghost Shirt. Some are hunting for fortune, others for personal freedom, while others simply want to return it properly to its home. No longer will the marginalized be ignored — all must learn to survive or else.
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to bring National Anthem to life on film,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Michaela Sprague, Molly Fahey, Jake Katzman, Rick Irwin, Alex Emanuel, Henry Gagliardi, Laura Spaeth, Ava-Riley Miles, Matan Barr, Angela Rambourg, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Chelsea Reed Davis, Ciara McKay, Patricia Hammond | Written and Directed by Christopher Wells
Are horror filmmakers running out of titles? If the generic title of The Luring is anything to go by, I would suggest that they are… and it’s a shame when good films are hidden behind generic titles.
The Luring kicks off with a nice young family viewing a holiday home in Vermont, but of course there was a tragedy at the house, that had little to do with the hammy acting of the estate agent. We then skip forward to our protagonist, who suffers from amnesia around his childhood, and seems to be related to his time in the family holiday home. The two things are connected. We also discover that, for a time,...
Are horror filmmakers running out of titles? If the generic title of The Luring is anything to go by, I would suggest that they are… and it’s a shame when good films are hidden behind generic titles.
The Luring kicks off with a nice young family viewing a holiday home in Vermont, but of course there was a tragedy at the house, that had little to do with the hammy acting of the estate agent. We then skip forward to our protagonist, who suffers from amnesia around his childhood, and seems to be related to his time in the family holiday home. The two things are connected. We also discover that, for a time,...
- 6/30/2020
- by Chris Thomas
- Nerdly
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