If you thought the recent Golden Globes nominations slighted some of the better performances this year, allow the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to shine its spotlight on some of the underdogs (along with a few major contenders we can’t cynically roll our eyes at — they’re just too lovable). Sbiff announced in a press release Friday afternoon that it would continue its tradition of honoring the year’s standout performers by presenting The 2015 Virtuosos Award to Chadwick Boseman ("Get on Up"), Ellar Coltrane ("Boyhood"), Logan Lerman ("Fury"), David Oyelowo ("Selma"), Rosamund Pike ("Gone Girl"), J.K. Simmons ("Whiplash") and Jenny Slate ("Obvious Child"). “These are seven exemplary performers that provide us with undeniable evidence that 2014 was a dynamic year in acting," festival director Roger Durling said in a statement. If you were thinking of contending with Sbiff’s choices, allow them to defend the picks in their own words:...
- 12/12/2014
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
• The Vampire Diaries’ Paul Wesley will star in Convergence, a vehicle for him to star in and produce. Little is known about the plot at this time, but the film is said to follow a group of underground biotech engineers who experiment with a new technology that exceeds their expectations. Jeff Richard wrote the script. Filming is planned for next spring in Shanghai and Atlanta. [Deadline] • Sam Huntington, of Being Human fame, has been cast as the lead in Finding Sofia. Nico Casavecchia is directing the indie comedy, which follows Huntington as a young filmmaker who buys a ticket to Buenos...
- 11/18/2014
- by C. Molly Smith
- EW - Inside Movies
Two of the most critically acclaimed television programs of the 2012-2013 season owe the foundation of their success to horror movies: Bates Motel and Hannibal. The creators of these programs saw the potential in what has become one of the most common storytelling devices across all platforms – the origin story. They may have brought their iconic characters into the modern era, but they both got at the roots of how each horror icon eventually became so gloriously evil. How does a psychopath like Norman Bates navigate high school? What are the games that Hannibal Lecter played with Will Graham before the action of Manhunter and long before The Silence of the Lambs? They’re both brilliant programs. As anyone who knows anything about Hollywood will tell you, if there’s a good idea, it will be copied. A trend isn’t over until it’s burrowed into the ground through repetition.
- 8/23/2013
- by Brian Tallerico
- FEARnet
It is very difficult not to feel sorry for Norman (Dan Byrd). His mother died in a car accident; his father (Richard Jenkins) has opted to forgo further treatment for stomach cancer. Norman is left juggling his life as a teenager in high school with his life as the sole caretaker for his dying father. This is a lot of stress for an emotionally fragile teenager and Norman has decided not to tell anyone at school about his father's rapidly deteriorating health. With no one to confide in (or vent to) about his situation, it is no surprise when Norman snaps at his best friend (Billy Lush); but instead of explaining his situation at home -- which, it seems, Norman finds embarrassing -- Norman exclaims that he is dying of stomach cancer. Whether or not this is a simple slip of the tongue or a purposeful plea for attention and sympathy,...
- 5/5/2013
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
by Brett White
As evidenced by the film's first image and official synopsis, Captain America will be working very closely with the global peace-keeping unit S.H.I.E.L.D. in next year's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." This makes sense given that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been pulling the strings behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since Nick Fury made a surprise cameo after "Iron Man's" credits. It was S.H.I.E.L.D. that kept tabs on the burgeoning world of super heroes and it was Nick Fury's goal to make them all play nice with each other. He even added two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Hawkeye and Black Widow, to the roster to round out their ranks.
Captain America forged an even more personal connection to the organization after they resuscitated him after a nearly seventy year nap...
As evidenced by the film's first image and official synopsis, Captain America will be working very closely with the global peace-keeping unit S.H.I.E.L.D. in next year's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." This makes sense given that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been pulling the strings behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since Nick Fury made a surprise cameo after "Iron Man's" credits. It was S.H.I.E.L.D. that kept tabs on the burgeoning world of super heroes and it was Nick Fury's goal to make them all play nice with each other. He even added two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Hawkeye and Black Widow, to the roster to round out their ranks.
Captain America forged an even more personal connection to the organization after they resuscitated him after a nearly seventy year nap...
- 4/9/2013
- by Splash Page Team
- MTV Splash Page
‘Revenge’ actress Emily VanCamp beat out five other leading contenders Jessica Brown Findlay, Emilia Clarke, Teresa Palmer, Imogen Poots and Alison Brie for the role of the female lead in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Although the role isn’t specified, it’s like the role of Sharon Carter, the romantic interest of Steve Rogers, the alter ego of Captain America (Chris Evans) and the niece of Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), who will not be returning.
A sequel directed by Joe and Anthony Russo will begin filming in March and opens April 4th, 2014.
Samuel L. Jackson will return as Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson steps in a Black Widow, Colbie Smulders reprise the Maria Hill role, Toby Jones will play Arnim Zola, and Sebastian Stan will portray Captain America’s former friend, Bucky Barnes, who has been transformed into the villainous Winter Soldier.
The Winter Soldier project will easily...
Although the role isn’t specified, it’s like the role of Sharon Carter, the romantic interest of Steve Rogers, the alter ego of Captain America (Chris Evans) and the niece of Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), who will not be returning.
A sequel directed by Joe and Anthony Russo will begin filming in March and opens April 4th, 2014.
Samuel L. Jackson will return as Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson steps in a Black Widow, Colbie Smulders reprise the Maria Hill role, Toby Jones will play Arnim Zola, and Sebastian Stan will portray Captain America’s former friend, Bucky Barnes, who has been transformed into the villainous Winter Soldier.
The Winter Soldier project will easily...
- 2/2/2013
- by Nick Martin
- Filmofilia
If you remember, way, way back in October a bunch of names were said to be in the mix for the female lead in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Among them were "Game Of Thrones" stars Emilia Clarke, Jessica Brown-Findlay of "Downton Abbey" fame, Alison Brie, rising thesps Teresa Palmer and Imogen Poots, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Now, nearly three months later, the job has been filled by...none of those people... Instead, "Revenge" star Emily VanCamp has bagged the role. The actress has been steadily on the rise, mostly on TV, where she broke out in "Everwood." And while there has been some big screen work in fare like "The Ring Two," "Carriers" and the criminally underseen indie "Norman," the ABC show has put her back on the radar, and this will certainly boost her profile. As for what the role in the Marvel movie actually is, that's not clear just yet,...
- 2/1/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Deals Made At Sundance For Films Screened At Sundance
Films by women are markedwith the ♀, African American with the symbol α (9). Latino is marked by the symbol ɤ (7). Jewish by ✡ (13), Asian by ¥ (10), Middle Eastern ᵯ (4), Lgbt (13)
New
I Used To Be Darker / U.S.A. (Director: Matthew Porterfield, Screenwriters: Amy Belk, Matthew Porterfield) — A runaway seeks refuge with her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, only to find their marriage ending and her cousin in crisis. In the days that follow, the family struggles to let go while searching for things to sustain them. Cast: Deragh Campbell, Hannah Gross, Kim Taylor, Ned Oldham, Geoff Grace, Nick Petr. -- Domestic: Paradigm -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance -- Monterey Media acquires rights at Sundance.
Cutie and the Boxer / U.S.A. (Director: Zachary Heinzerling ✡) — This candid New York love story explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. Anxious to shed her role as her overbearing husband’s assistant, Noriko finds an identity of her own. Domestic: Submarine -- Radius-twc acquires N.A. and French rights at Sundance -- King Records licensed Japanese rights at Sundance.
Mother of George /α/ U.S.A. (Director: Andrew Dosunmu α, Screenwriter: Darci Picoult) — A story about a woman willing to do anything and risk everything for her marriage. Cast: Isaach De Bankolé, Danai Gurira, Anthony Okungbowa, Yaya Alafia, Bukky Ajayi. Domestic: Paradigm -- Isa: K5 -- Oscilloscope Laboratories acquired N.A. rights at Sundance
Newlyweeds /α/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Shaka King α) — A Brooklyn repo man and his globetrotting girlfriend forge an unlikely romance. But what should be a match made in stoner heaven turns into a love triangle gone awry in this dark coming-of-age comedy about dependency. Cast: Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Colman Domingo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Adrian Martinez. -- Domestic: Circus Road Films -- Phase 4 acquires N.A. rights at Sundance
Before Midnight/ U.S.A. (Director: Richard Linklater, Screenwriters: Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater— We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna. Before the clock strikes midnight, we will again become part of their story. Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Ariane Labed, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick. Domestic: Cinetic -- Isa: Im Global -- Sony Pictures Classics acquires N.A. and UK at Sundance
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: David Lowery) — The tale of an outlaw who escapes from prison and sets out across the Texas hills to reunite with his wife and the daughter he has never met. Cast: Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Nate Parker, Keith Carradine. Domestic: Elevated Film Sales / Wme Isa: TWC-- IFC Films acquires Us rights reportedly for low 7-figures at Sundance
S-vhs / U.S.A., Canada (Directors: Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Edúardo Sanchez ɤ, Gregg Hale, Timo Tjahjanto, Gareth Huw Evans, Jason Eisener, Screenwriters: Simon Barrett, Jamie Nash, Timo Tjahjanto ¥ & Gareth Huw Evans, John Davies) — Searching for a missing student, two private investigators break into his abandoned house and find another collection of mysterious VHS tapes. In viewing the horrific contents of each cassette, they realize there may be terrifying motives behind the student’s disappearance. Cast: Adam Wingard, Lawrence Levine, L.C Holt, Kelsy Abbott, Hannah Hughes. Domestic: Wme -- Magnolia acquires Us rights reportedly for over $1m at Sundance
Earlier
Computer Chess / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Andrew Bujalski) — An existential comedy about the brilliant men who taught machines to play chess – back when the machines seemed clumsy and we seemed smart. Cast: Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, James Curry, Robin Schwartz, Gerald Peary, Wiley Wiggins. Domestic: The Film Sales Company -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
Halley ɤ/ Mexico (Director: Sebastian Hofmann ɤ, Screenwriters: Sebastian Hofmann, Julio Chavezmontes) — Alberto is dead and can no longer hide it. Before surrendering to his living death, he forms an unusual friendship with Luly, the manager of the 24-hour gym where he works as a night guard. Cast: Alberto Trujillo, Lourdes Trueba, Hugo Albores. -- Isa: Visit Films -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
It Felt Like Love / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Eliza Hittman ♀) — On the outskirts of Brooklyn, a 14-year-old girl’s sexual quest takes a dangerous turn when she pursues an older guy and tests the boundaries between obsession and love. Cast: Gina Piersanti, Giovanna Salimeni, Ronen Rubinstein, Jesse Cordasco, Nick Rosen, Case Prime.- Isa: Visit Films -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
This Is Martin Bonner / U.S.A.(Director and screenwriter: Chad Hartigan) — Martin Bonner has just moved to Reno for a new job in prison rehabilitation. Starting over at age 58, he struggles to adapt until an unlikely friendship with an ex-con blossoms, helping him confront the problems he left behind. Cast: Paul Eenhoorn, Richmond Arquette, Sam Buchanan, Robert Longstreet, Demetrius Grosse. Domestic: ICM Partners / Traction Media -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
The Spectacular Now / U.S.A. (Director: James Ponsoldt, Screenwriters: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber) — Sutter is a high school senior who lives for the moment; Aimee is the introvert he attempts to “save.” As their relationship deepens, the lines between right and wrong, friendship and love, and “saving” and corrupting become inextricably blurred. Cast: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kyle Chandler. Domestic: UTA - A24 took domestic distribution at Sundance- Isa: The Exchange
The Look of Love / United Kingdom (Director: Michael Winterbottom Lgbt, Screenwriter: Matt Greenhalgh) — The true story of British adult magazine publisher and entrepreneur Paul Raymond. A modern day King Midas story, Raymond became one of the richest men in Britain at the cost of losing those closest to him. Cast: Steve Coogan, Anna Friel, Imogen Poots, Tamsin Egerton. - UTA is No.American consultant to StudioCanal -- IFC Films has acquired North American rights at Sundance - StudioCanal has UK
The Way, Way Back / U.S.A. (Directors and screenwriters: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash) — Duncan, an introverted 14-year-old, comes into his own over the course of a comedic summer when he forms unlikely friendships with the gregarious manager of a rundown water park and the misfits who work there. Cast: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Liam James. Domestic: CAA, Wme Isa: Sierra/ Affinity -- Fox Searchlight acquired N.A. and most major territories reportedly for $9.75m at Sundance.
Don Jon’s Addiction / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Joseph Gordon-Levitt) — In Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s charming directorial debut, a selfish modern-day Don Juan attempts to change his ways. Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Rob Brown. Domestic: CAA, Wme -- Relativity Media reportedly bought for close to $4 million at Sundance Isa: Voltage Pictures has sold to Future Films for Finland, Remstar for Canada, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group for Germany and Switzerland, Midget Entertainment for Denmark, Noori Pictures for So. Korea.
Austenland / U.S.A., United Kingdom (Director: Jerusha Hess ♀, Screenwriters: Jerusha Hess, Shannon Hale) — Thirtysomething, single Jane is obsessed with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice. On a trip to an English resort, her fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman become more real than she ever imagined. Cast: Keri Russell, Jj Feild, Bret McKenzie, Jennifer Coolidge, Georgia King, James Callis. Domestic: UTA -- Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions takes worldwide rights at Sundance - Sony Pictures Classics has Us.
Blackfish / U.S.A. (Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite ♀) — Notorious killer whale Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in captivity. Domestic: Submarine -- CNN Films (TV) and Magnolia Pictures (theatrical) have jointly acquired domestic rights at Sundance.
Dirty Wars / U.S.A. (Director: Richard Rowley) — Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill chases down the truth behind America’s covert wars. -- Domestic: Submarine
-- Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights at Sundance
Twenty Feet From Stardom / α / U.S.A. (Director: Morgan Neville) — Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we’ve had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead – until now. -- Submarine handling U.S/ Canada/ U.K/ Australia/ N.Zealand -- Radius-twc takes N.A. rights at Sundance. Isa: Elle Driver/Wild Bunch took international rights at Sundance
Who is Dayani Cristal? / United Kingdom (Director: Marc Silver) — An anonymous body in the Arizona desert sparks the beginning of a real-life human drama. The search for its identity leads us across a continent to seek out the people left behind and the meaning of a mysterious tattoo. World Premiere. -- Domestic: Submarine -- Isa: Mundial
The Machine Which Makes Everything Disappear / Georgia, Germany (Director: Tinatin Gurchiani ♀) — A film director casting a 15-23-year-old protagonist visits villages and cities to meet people who answer her call. She follows those who prove to be interesting enough through various dramatic and funny situations. North American Premiere -- Icarus Films has acquired N.A. distribution rights pre-Sundance.
Sound City / U.S.A. (Director: Dave Grohl) — Through interviews and performances with the legendary musicians and producers who worked at America’s greatest unsung recording studio, Sound City, we explore the human element of music, and the lost art of analog recording in an increasingly digital world. Gravitas Ventures has picked up worldwide VOD rights pre-Sundance
History of the Eagles Part One / U.S.A. (Director: Alison Ellwood ♀) — Using never-before-seen home movies, archival footage and new interviews with all current and former members of the Eagles, this documentary provides an intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of their music. Domestic: Azoff Music -- Showtime picked up for cable at Sundance.
The Summit / Ireland, United Kingdom (Director: Nick Ryan) — Twenty-four climbers converged at the last stop before summiting the most dangerous mountain on Earth. Forty-eight hours later, 11 had been killed or simply vanished. Had one, Ger McDonnell, stuck to the climbers’ code, he might still be alive. International Premiere -- Domestic: Submarine -- Sundance Selects acquires N.A. rights at Sundance - Madman has Australia, N. Zealand
jOBS / U.S.A. (Director: Joshua Michael Stern ✡, Screenwriter: Matt Whiteley) — The true story of one of the greatest entrepreneurs in American history, jOBS chronicles the defining 30 years of Steve Jobs’ life. jOBS is a candid, inspiring and personal portrait of the one who saw things differently. (Synopses are written by Sundance staff.) Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, J.K. Simmons, Matthew Modine. Closing Night Film -- Domestic: CAA -- Open Road Films acquired U.S. pre-Sundance -- Entertainment One (in collaboration with Remstar) has Canada except theatrical, VOD and French-language TV rights in Quebec which Remstar holds exclusively.
Upstream Color / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Shane Carruth) — A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the life cycle of an ageless organism. Identity becomes an illusion as they struggle to assemble the loose fragments of wrecked lives. Cast: Amy Seimetz, Shane Carruth, Andrew Sensenig, Thiago Martins. -- Domestic: Mosaic -- Shane Carruth will self-distribute via his Erbp banner.
The Rambler / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Calvin Lee Reeder) — After being released from prison, a man known as “The Rambler” stumbles upon a strange mystery as he attempts the treacherous journey through back roads and small towns en route to reconnecting with his long-lost brother. Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Lindsay Pulsipher, Natasha Lyonne, James Cady, Scott Sharot. Domestic: Xyz Films -- Isa: Celluloid Nightmares -- Anchor Bay Films has picked up North America, the UK and Australia at Sundance
Pussy Riot – A Punk Prayer / Russian Federation, United Kingdom (Directors: Mike Lerner, Maxim Pozdorovkin) — Three young women face seven years in a Russian prison for a satirical performance in a Moscow cathedral. But who is really on trial: the three young artists or the society they live in? World Premiere -- Domestic: Cinetic Isa:Goldcrest Films --HBO Documentary Films has acquired U.S. television rights at Sundance
Fruitvale /α/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ryan Coogler α) — The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O’Reilly, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray. --Domestic: Wme - TWC took N.A. and English Speaking territories reportedly for $2m at Sundance Isa:TWC
Metro Manila / United Kingdom, Philippines (Director: Sean Ellis, Screenwriters: Sean Ellis, Frank E. Flowers) — Seeking a better life, Oscar and his family move from the poverty-stricken rice fields to the big city of Manila, where they fall victim to various inhabitants whose manipulative ways are a daily part of city survival. Cast: Jake Macapagal, John Arcilla, Althea Vega. World Premiere Isa:Independent Film Company --Haut et Court acquires France pre-Sundance
Concussion Lgbt/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Stacie Passon ♀,Lgbt) — After a blow to the head, Abby decides she can’t do it anymore. Her life just can’t be only about the house, the kids and the wife. She needs more: she needs to be Eleanor. Cast: Robin Weigert, Maggie Siff, Johnathan Tchaikovsky, Julie Fain Lawrence, Emily Kinney, Laila Robins. Domestic: Paradigm-- TWC takes N.A. at Sundance -- Isa: Content
Inequality for All / U.S.A. (Director: Jacob Kornbluth (✡)) — In this timely and entertaining documentary, noted economic-policy expert Robert Reich distills the topic of widening income inequality, and addresses the question of what effects this increasing gap has on our economy and our democracy. -- Domestic: Wme - Radius-twc acquired at Sundance.
Prince Avalanche / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: David Gordon Green ✡) — Two highway road workers spend the summer of 1988 away from their city lives. The isolated landscape becomes a place of misadventure as the men find themselves at odds with each other and the women they left behind. Cast: Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch. -- Magnolia took N.A. rights at Sundance
Two Mothers / Australia, France (Director: Anne Fontaine ♀, Screenwriter: Christopher Hampton) — This gripping tale of love, lust and the power of friendship charts the unconventional and passionate affairs of two lifelong friends who fall in love with each other’s sons. Cast: Naomi Watts, Robin Wright, Xavier Samuel, James Frechevile. Domestic:CAA -- Exclusive Releasing took Us, UK and Cis rights at Sundance - Isa:Gaumont sold toRemstar for Canada,Hopscotch Features for Australia/ N.Z.,Gaumont for France
Lovelace / U.S.A. (Directors: Rob Epstein ✡ Lgbt, Jeffrey Friedman ✡ Lgbt, Screenwriter: Andy Bellin) — Deep Throat, the first pornographic feature film to be a mainstream success, was an international sensation in 1972 and made its star, Linda Lovelace, a media darling. Years later the “poster girl for the sexual revolution” revealed a darker side to her story. Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Hank Azaria, Adam Brody, James Franco, Sharon Stone. Domestic:Millennium Entertainment -- Radius-twc acquires Us rights at Sundance reportedly for $3m
Kill Your Darlings/ U.S.A. (Director: John Krokidas Lgbt, Screenwriters: Austin Bunn, John Krokidas) — An untold story of murder that brought together a young Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs at Columbia University in 1944, providing the spark that led to the birth of an entire generation – their Beat revolution. Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHann, Ben Foster, Michael C. Hall, Jack Huston, Elizabeth Olsen. Domestic:UTA/Elevated Film Sales Isa: Inferno Entertainment -- Sony Pictures Classics acquired Us, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, African TV and Eastern European excluding Cis at Sundance
Toy's House / U.S.A. (Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Screenwriter: Chris Galletta) — Three unhappy teenage boys flee to the wilderness where they build a makeshift house and live off the land as masters of their own destiny. Or at least that’s the plan. Cast: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Alison Brie. Domestic: Cinetic Isa:Qed International -- CBS Films acquires domestic rights at Sundance
We Are What We Are / U.S.A. (Director: Jim Mickle, Screenwriters: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle) — A devastating storm washes up clues that lead authorities closer and closer to the cannibalistic Parker family. Cast: Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Michael Parks, Wyatt Russell, Kelly McGillis. Domestic:Wme -- eOne takes Us rights reportedly for low 7-figures at Sundance -- Isa: Memento Films
Deals Made At Sundance For Films Not Screened At Sundance
Blumhouse Productions picked up Duplass Brothers’ Peachfuzz from Submarine pre-Sundance.
Ketchup Entertainment acquired Mukunda Michael Dewil’s Vehicle 19 at Sundance.
Anchor Bay Films acquired N.A. rights to Leland Orser's Morning at Sundance.
Deals Made Outside Sundance 2013
New
D Films acquires Canadian rights to Paul Haggis’ Third Person from Corsan World Sales.
Earlier
Freestyle Digital Media takes VoD and DVD rights to Jonathan Segal’s Norman.
Variance Films acquired N.A. theatrical rights to Terence Nance’s “An Oversimplification of Her Beauty,” which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. DVD and digital rights previously picked up by Cinema Guild.
A24 acquired Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring.
Cohen Media Group to distribute “What is Cinema” by Chuck Workman
Factory 25 has taken world rights to 2012 SXSW film, A Sun Don’t Shine by Amy Seimetz
Inception Media Group (Img) has acquired the Justin Donnelly’s Pressed from Double Dutch International and A Haunting At Silver Falls from Outsider Pictures.
ro*co films educational has the non-theatrical release of How To Survive A Plague and Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush’s A Place At The Table.
Zeitgeist Films has acquired Margarethe Von Trotta’s Hannah Arendt starring Barbara Sukowa from Match Factory.
Factory 25 has taken worldwide rights to Matt Boyd’s A Rubberband Is An Unlikely Instrument.
Ctb Films acquired Wrong and Wrong Cops and is in negotiation to pick up Wrong Cops 2 (in development) and Realite, Praesens has acquired all rights to Wrong Cops and Realite, in Switzerland.
Picturehouse relaunching by distributing Metallica Through The Never by Nimród Antal
CNN Films has acquired 3 docs: Untitled Roger Ebert by Steve James, Untitled Ground Zero by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein Untitled Higher Education by Andrew Rossi.
Gravitas Ventures has acquired three films from Slamdance: Steven Feinartz's doc The Bitter Buddha, Michael Urie's He's Way More Famous Than You and Peter Baxter's doc Wild In the Streets.
Gaumont acquired worldwide rights except Spain and French distribution rights to Isabel Coixet's Yesterday Never Ends (Ayer No Termina Nunca).
Breaking Glass Pictures has taken Us rights to Amelia’s 25th and N.A. rights to Christian Filippella’s Silver Case.
Paulette by Jerome Enrico -- Isa: Gaumont -- Cohen Media Group has N.A. -- Brazil (Art Films), Switzerland (Monopole-Pathe), Italy (Moviemax), Portugal (Lusomundo), Czech Republic (Hollywood Classic Entertainment) and Canada (A-z Films), among other territories.
Films by women are markedwith the ♀, African American with the symbol α (9). Latino is marked by the symbol ɤ (7). Jewish by ✡ (13), Asian by ¥ (10), Middle Eastern ᵯ (4), Lgbt (13)
New
I Used To Be Darker / U.S.A. (Director: Matthew Porterfield, Screenwriters: Amy Belk, Matthew Porterfield) — A runaway seeks refuge with her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, only to find their marriage ending and her cousin in crisis. In the days that follow, the family struggles to let go while searching for things to sustain them. Cast: Deragh Campbell, Hannah Gross, Kim Taylor, Ned Oldham, Geoff Grace, Nick Petr. -- Domestic: Paradigm -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance -- Monterey Media acquires rights at Sundance.
Cutie and the Boxer / U.S.A. (Director: Zachary Heinzerling ✡) — This candid New York love story explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. Anxious to shed her role as her overbearing husband’s assistant, Noriko finds an identity of her own. Domestic: Submarine -- Radius-twc acquires N.A. and French rights at Sundance -- King Records licensed Japanese rights at Sundance.
Mother of George /α/ U.S.A. (Director: Andrew Dosunmu α, Screenwriter: Darci Picoult) — A story about a woman willing to do anything and risk everything for her marriage. Cast: Isaach De Bankolé, Danai Gurira, Anthony Okungbowa, Yaya Alafia, Bukky Ajayi. Domestic: Paradigm -- Isa: K5 -- Oscilloscope Laboratories acquired N.A. rights at Sundance
Newlyweeds /α/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Shaka King α) — A Brooklyn repo man and his globetrotting girlfriend forge an unlikely romance. But what should be a match made in stoner heaven turns into a love triangle gone awry in this dark coming-of-age comedy about dependency. Cast: Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Colman Domingo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Adrian Martinez. -- Domestic: Circus Road Films -- Phase 4 acquires N.A. rights at Sundance
Before Midnight/ U.S.A. (Director: Richard Linklater, Screenwriters: Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater— We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna. Before the clock strikes midnight, we will again become part of their story. Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Ariane Labed, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick. Domestic: Cinetic -- Isa: Im Global -- Sony Pictures Classics acquires N.A. and UK at Sundance
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: David Lowery) — The tale of an outlaw who escapes from prison and sets out across the Texas hills to reunite with his wife and the daughter he has never met. Cast: Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Nate Parker, Keith Carradine. Domestic: Elevated Film Sales / Wme Isa: TWC-- IFC Films acquires Us rights reportedly for low 7-figures at Sundance
S-vhs / U.S.A., Canada (Directors: Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Edúardo Sanchez ɤ, Gregg Hale, Timo Tjahjanto, Gareth Huw Evans, Jason Eisener, Screenwriters: Simon Barrett, Jamie Nash, Timo Tjahjanto ¥ & Gareth Huw Evans, John Davies) — Searching for a missing student, two private investigators break into his abandoned house and find another collection of mysterious VHS tapes. In viewing the horrific contents of each cassette, they realize there may be terrifying motives behind the student’s disappearance. Cast: Adam Wingard, Lawrence Levine, L.C Holt, Kelsy Abbott, Hannah Hughes. Domestic: Wme -- Magnolia acquires Us rights reportedly for over $1m at Sundance
Earlier
Computer Chess / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Andrew Bujalski) — An existential comedy about the brilliant men who taught machines to play chess – back when the machines seemed clumsy and we seemed smart. Cast: Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, James Curry, Robin Schwartz, Gerald Peary, Wiley Wiggins. Domestic: The Film Sales Company -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
Halley ɤ/ Mexico (Director: Sebastian Hofmann ɤ, Screenwriters: Sebastian Hofmann, Julio Chavezmontes) — Alberto is dead and can no longer hide it. Before surrendering to his living death, he forms an unusual friendship with Luly, the manager of the 24-hour gym where he works as a night guard. Cast: Alberto Trujillo, Lourdes Trueba, Hugo Albores. -- Isa: Visit Films -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
It Felt Like Love / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Eliza Hittman ♀) — On the outskirts of Brooklyn, a 14-year-old girl’s sexual quest takes a dangerous turn when she pursues an older guy and tests the boundaries between obsession and love. Cast: Gina Piersanti, Giovanna Salimeni, Ronen Rubinstein, Jesse Cordasco, Nick Rosen, Case Prime.- Isa: Visit Films -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
This Is Martin Bonner / U.S.A.(Director and screenwriter: Chad Hartigan) — Martin Bonner has just moved to Reno for a new job in prison rehabilitation. Starting over at age 58, he struggles to adapt until an unlikely friendship with an ex-con blossoms, helping him confront the problems he left behind. Cast: Paul Eenhoorn, Richmond Arquette, Sam Buchanan, Robert Longstreet, Demetrius Grosse. Domestic: ICM Partners / Traction Media -- AMC/Sundance Channel acquired linear and VoD premiere rights at Sundance
The Spectacular Now / U.S.A. (Director: James Ponsoldt, Screenwriters: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber) — Sutter is a high school senior who lives for the moment; Aimee is the introvert he attempts to “save.” As their relationship deepens, the lines between right and wrong, friendship and love, and “saving” and corrupting become inextricably blurred. Cast: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kyle Chandler. Domestic: UTA - A24 took domestic distribution at Sundance- Isa: The Exchange
The Look of Love / United Kingdom (Director: Michael Winterbottom Lgbt, Screenwriter: Matt Greenhalgh) — The true story of British adult magazine publisher and entrepreneur Paul Raymond. A modern day King Midas story, Raymond became one of the richest men in Britain at the cost of losing those closest to him. Cast: Steve Coogan, Anna Friel, Imogen Poots, Tamsin Egerton. - UTA is No.American consultant to StudioCanal -- IFC Films has acquired North American rights at Sundance - StudioCanal has UK
The Way, Way Back / U.S.A. (Directors and screenwriters: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash) — Duncan, an introverted 14-year-old, comes into his own over the course of a comedic summer when he forms unlikely friendships with the gregarious manager of a rundown water park and the misfits who work there. Cast: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Liam James. Domestic: CAA, Wme Isa: Sierra/ Affinity -- Fox Searchlight acquired N.A. and most major territories reportedly for $9.75m at Sundance.
Don Jon’s Addiction / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Joseph Gordon-Levitt) — In Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s charming directorial debut, a selfish modern-day Don Juan attempts to change his ways. Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Rob Brown. Domestic: CAA, Wme -- Relativity Media reportedly bought for close to $4 million at Sundance Isa: Voltage Pictures has sold to Future Films for Finland, Remstar for Canada, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group for Germany and Switzerland, Midget Entertainment for Denmark, Noori Pictures for So. Korea.
Austenland / U.S.A., United Kingdom (Director: Jerusha Hess ♀, Screenwriters: Jerusha Hess, Shannon Hale) — Thirtysomething, single Jane is obsessed with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice. On a trip to an English resort, her fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman become more real than she ever imagined. Cast: Keri Russell, Jj Feild, Bret McKenzie, Jennifer Coolidge, Georgia King, James Callis. Domestic: UTA -- Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions takes worldwide rights at Sundance - Sony Pictures Classics has Us.
Blackfish / U.S.A. (Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite ♀) — Notorious killer whale Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in captivity. Domestic: Submarine -- CNN Films (TV) and Magnolia Pictures (theatrical) have jointly acquired domestic rights at Sundance.
Dirty Wars / U.S.A. (Director: Richard Rowley) — Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill chases down the truth behind America’s covert wars. -- Domestic: Submarine
-- Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights at Sundance
Twenty Feet From Stardom / α / U.S.A. (Director: Morgan Neville) — Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we’ve had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead – until now. -- Submarine handling U.S/ Canada/ U.K/ Australia/ N.Zealand -- Radius-twc takes N.A. rights at Sundance. Isa: Elle Driver/Wild Bunch took international rights at Sundance
Who is Dayani Cristal? / United Kingdom (Director: Marc Silver) — An anonymous body in the Arizona desert sparks the beginning of a real-life human drama. The search for its identity leads us across a continent to seek out the people left behind and the meaning of a mysterious tattoo. World Premiere. -- Domestic: Submarine -- Isa: Mundial
The Machine Which Makes Everything Disappear / Georgia, Germany (Director: Tinatin Gurchiani ♀) — A film director casting a 15-23-year-old protagonist visits villages and cities to meet people who answer her call. She follows those who prove to be interesting enough through various dramatic and funny situations. North American Premiere -- Icarus Films has acquired N.A. distribution rights pre-Sundance.
Sound City / U.S.A. (Director: Dave Grohl) — Through interviews and performances with the legendary musicians and producers who worked at America’s greatest unsung recording studio, Sound City, we explore the human element of music, and the lost art of analog recording in an increasingly digital world. Gravitas Ventures has picked up worldwide VOD rights pre-Sundance
History of the Eagles Part One / U.S.A. (Director: Alison Ellwood ♀) — Using never-before-seen home movies, archival footage and new interviews with all current and former members of the Eagles, this documentary provides an intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of their music. Domestic: Azoff Music -- Showtime picked up for cable at Sundance.
The Summit / Ireland, United Kingdom (Director: Nick Ryan) — Twenty-four climbers converged at the last stop before summiting the most dangerous mountain on Earth. Forty-eight hours later, 11 had been killed or simply vanished. Had one, Ger McDonnell, stuck to the climbers’ code, he might still be alive. International Premiere -- Domestic: Submarine -- Sundance Selects acquires N.A. rights at Sundance - Madman has Australia, N. Zealand
jOBS / U.S.A. (Director: Joshua Michael Stern ✡, Screenwriter: Matt Whiteley) — The true story of one of the greatest entrepreneurs in American history, jOBS chronicles the defining 30 years of Steve Jobs’ life. jOBS is a candid, inspiring and personal portrait of the one who saw things differently. (Synopses are written by Sundance staff.) Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, J.K. Simmons, Matthew Modine. Closing Night Film -- Domestic: CAA -- Open Road Films acquired U.S. pre-Sundance -- Entertainment One (in collaboration with Remstar) has Canada except theatrical, VOD and French-language TV rights in Quebec which Remstar holds exclusively.
Upstream Color / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Shane Carruth) — A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the life cycle of an ageless organism. Identity becomes an illusion as they struggle to assemble the loose fragments of wrecked lives. Cast: Amy Seimetz, Shane Carruth, Andrew Sensenig, Thiago Martins. -- Domestic: Mosaic -- Shane Carruth will self-distribute via his Erbp banner.
The Rambler / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Calvin Lee Reeder) — After being released from prison, a man known as “The Rambler” stumbles upon a strange mystery as he attempts the treacherous journey through back roads and small towns en route to reconnecting with his long-lost brother. Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Lindsay Pulsipher, Natasha Lyonne, James Cady, Scott Sharot. Domestic: Xyz Films -- Isa: Celluloid Nightmares -- Anchor Bay Films has picked up North America, the UK and Australia at Sundance
Pussy Riot – A Punk Prayer / Russian Federation, United Kingdom (Directors: Mike Lerner, Maxim Pozdorovkin) — Three young women face seven years in a Russian prison for a satirical performance in a Moscow cathedral. But who is really on trial: the three young artists or the society they live in? World Premiere -- Domestic: Cinetic Isa:Goldcrest Films --HBO Documentary Films has acquired U.S. television rights at Sundance
Fruitvale /α/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ryan Coogler α) — The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O’Reilly, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray. --Domestic: Wme - TWC took N.A. and English Speaking territories reportedly for $2m at Sundance Isa:TWC
Metro Manila / United Kingdom, Philippines (Director: Sean Ellis, Screenwriters: Sean Ellis, Frank E. Flowers) — Seeking a better life, Oscar and his family move from the poverty-stricken rice fields to the big city of Manila, where they fall victim to various inhabitants whose manipulative ways are a daily part of city survival. Cast: Jake Macapagal, John Arcilla, Althea Vega. World Premiere Isa:Independent Film Company --Haut et Court acquires France pre-Sundance
Concussion Lgbt/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Stacie Passon ♀,Lgbt) — After a blow to the head, Abby decides she can’t do it anymore. Her life just can’t be only about the house, the kids and the wife. She needs more: she needs to be Eleanor. Cast: Robin Weigert, Maggie Siff, Johnathan Tchaikovsky, Julie Fain Lawrence, Emily Kinney, Laila Robins. Domestic: Paradigm-- TWC takes N.A. at Sundance -- Isa: Content
Inequality for All / U.S.A. (Director: Jacob Kornbluth (✡)) — In this timely and entertaining documentary, noted economic-policy expert Robert Reich distills the topic of widening income inequality, and addresses the question of what effects this increasing gap has on our economy and our democracy. -- Domestic: Wme - Radius-twc acquired at Sundance.
Prince Avalanche / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: David Gordon Green ✡) — Two highway road workers spend the summer of 1988 away from their city lives. The isolated landscape becomes a place of misadventure as the men find themselves at odds with each other and the women they left behind. Cast: Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch. -- Magnolia took N.A. rights at Sundance
Two Mothers / Australia, France (Director: Anne Fontaine ♀, Screenwriter: Christopher Hampton) — This gripping tale of love, lust and the power of friendship charts the unconventional and passionate affairs of two lifelong friends who fall in love with each other’s sons. Cast: Naomi Watts, Robin Wright, Xavier Samuel, James Frechevile. Domestic:CAA -- Exclusive Releasing took Us, UK and Cis rights at Sundance - Isa:Gaumont sold toRemstar for Canada,Hopscotch Features for Australia/ N.Z.,Gaumont for France
Lovelace / U.S.A. (Directors: Rob Epstein ✡ Lgbt, Jeffrey Friedman ✡ Lgbt, Screenwriter: Andy Bellin) — Deep Throat, the first pornographic feature film to be a mainstream success, was an international sensation in 1972 and made its star, Linda Lovelace, a media darling. Years later the “poster girl for the sexual revolution” revealed a darker side to her story. Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Hank Azaria, Adam Brody, James Franco, Sharon Stone. Domestic:Millennium Entertainment -- Radius-twc acquires Us rights at Sundance reportedly for $3m
Kill Your Darlings/ U.S.A. (Director: John Krokidas Lgbt, Screenwriters: Austin Bunn, John Krokidas) — An untold story of murder that brought together a young Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs at Columbia University in 1944, providing the spark that led to the birth of an entire generation – their Beat revolution. Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHann, Ben Foster, Michael C. Hall, Jack Huston, Elizabeth Olsen. Domestic:UTA/Elevated Film Sales Isa: Inferno Entertainment -- Sony Pictures Classics acquired Us, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, African TV and Eastern European excluding Cis at Sundance
Toy's House / U.S.A. (Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Screenwriter: Chris Galletta) — Three unhappy teenage boys flee to the wilderness where they build a makeshift house and live off the land as masters of their own destiny. Or at least that’s the plan. Cast: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Alison Brie. Domestic: Cinetic Isa:Qed International -- CBS Films acquires domestic rights at Sundance
We Are What We Are / U.S.A. (Director: Jim Mickle, Screenwriters: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle) — A devastating storm washes up clues that lead authorities closer and closer to the cannibalistic Parker family. Cast: Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Michael Parks, Wyatt Russell, Kelly McGillis. Domestic:Wme -- eOne takes Us rights reportedly for low 7-figures at Sundance -- Isa: Memento Films
Deals Made At Sundance For Films Not Screened At Sundance
Blumhouse Productions picked up Duplass Brothers’ Peachfuzz from Submarine pre-Sundance.
Ketchup Entertainment acquired Mukunda Michael Dewil’s Vehicle 19 at Sundance.
Anchor Bay Films acquired N.A. rights to Leland Orser's Morning at Sundance.
Deals Made Outside Sundance 2013
New
D Films acquires Canadian rights to Paul Haggis’ Third Person from Corsan World Sales.
Earlier
Freestyle Digital Media takes VoD and DVD rights to Jonathan Segal’s Norman.
Variance Films acquired N.A. theatrical rights to Terence Nance’s “An Oversimplification of Her Beauty,” which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. DVD and digital rights previously picked up by Cinema Guild.
A24 acquired Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring.
Cohen Media Group to distribute “What is Cinema” by Chuck Workman
Factory 25 has taken world rights to 2012 SXSW film, A Sun Don’t Shine by Amy Seimetz
Inception Media Group (Img) has acquired the Justin Donnelly’s Pressed from Double Dutch International and A Haunting At Silver Falls from Outsider Pictures.
ro*co films educational has the non-theatrical release of How To Survive A Plague and Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush’s A Place At The Table.
Zeitgeist Films has acquired Margarethe Von Trotta’s Hannah Arendt starring Barbara Sukowa from Match Factory.
Factory 25 has taken worldwide rights to Matt Boyd’s A Rubberband Is An Unlikely Instrument.
Ctb Films acquired Wrong and Wrong Cops and is in negotiation to pick up Wrong Cops 2 (in development) and Realite, Praesens has acquired all rights to Wrong Cops and Realite, in Switzerland.
Picturehouse relaunching by distributing Metallica Through The Never by Nimród Antal
CNN Films has acquired 3 docs: Untitled Roger Ebert by Steve James, Untitled Ground Zero by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein Untitled Higher Education by Andrew Rossi.
Gravitas Ventures has acquired three films from Slamdance: Steven Feinartz's doc The Bitter Buddha, Michael Urie's He's Way More Famous Than You and Peter Baxter's doc Wild In the Streets.
Gaumont acquired worldwide rights except Spain and French distribution rights to Isabel Coixet's Yesterday Never Ends (Ayer No Termina Nunca).
Breaking Glass Pictures has taken Us rights to Amelia’s 25th and N.A. rights to Christian Filippella’s Silver Case.
Paulette by Jerome Enrico -- Isa: Gaumont -- Cohen Media Group has N.A. -- Brazil (Art Films), Switzerland (Monopole-Pathe), Italy (Moviemax), Portugal (Lusomundo), Czech Republic (Hollywood Classic Entertainment) and Canada (A-z Films), among other territories.
- 1/25/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Freestyle Digital Media has announced that they have acquired all DVD and VOD rights to “Norman.” the critically-acclaimed film, directed by Jonathan Segal, stars Emily VanCamp, Dan Byrd, Richard Jenkins, Adam Goldberg and Billy Lush. The film was the previous winner of the Silver Hugo New Directors Competition at the Chicago International Film Festival. You can look for “Norman” on DVD and VOD on May 7. “Norman is a life-affirming film with wonderful performances and excellent reviews,” Susan Jackson, CEO of Fdm, said. “The film has real heart and we are delighted to be working with such a talented young cast and director.” Segal also added, “Freestyle emphatically connected with [ Read More ]
The post Freestyle Digital Media Gets Norman, Starring Emily VanCamp And Dan Byrd appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Freestyle Digital Media Gets Norman, Starring Emily VanCamp And Dan Byrd appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 1/24/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Emily VanCamp ("Revenge") and Dan Byrd (Easy A, "CougarTown") made a little indie three years ago called Norman. It's about a suicidal teen who tells a big lie - that he's dying of stomach cancer - and instantly becomes popular at school and attracts a girl he cares about, thus giving him something to live for while all those people who adore him are expecting him to croak. The few film critics who saw the movie loved it, but Norman learned the problem with indie filmmaking: anyone who has the money can make a movie, but getting the movie to an audience, is immensely difficult. Now, Freestyle Digital Media is solving the problem, releasing the film on DVD and On Demand (called "VOD") on May 7.
- 1/24/2013
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
At first, Norman may seem like another familiar coming-of-age story, but there are some dark themes (cancer, death, grieving, pain and depression) and enough insight to give it some depth, therefore setting this independent film from director Jonathan Segal and screenwriter Talton Wingate apart from the other, more conventional, teen movies. Norman is the film's troubled main character, a bright but quiet and alienated high school senior who is having difficulties dealing with the tragedies happening in his life. His mother was recently killed in a car accident. His father is dying from terminal gastric cancer and has chosen to decline further treatment so he can spend more time at home with his only child. Seemingly unable to cope with all the challenges that...
- 6/19/2012
- Screen Anarchy
From his breakout film role as the lovable loser Brandon in "Easy A" to playing the dry-witted, insanely tolerant Travis Cobb on ABC's "Cougar Town," Dan Byrd has got the witty, sarcastic teen thing down pat.
So it's not surprising that Byrd, 26, jumped at the chance to play someone a bit different than his usual fare in the coming-of-age indie "Norman."
The story, in which Byrd stars as the title character, follows a high school senior who perpetuates a lie that he is terminally ill with cancer to gain sympathy from his peers. Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins plays his father, who actually is the one with cancer. A pre-"Revenge" Emily VanCamp also stars as Emily, a new classmate who takes a liking to Norman. Byrd manages to capture the emotions of teen simultaneously experiencing the best and worst moments in his young life.
Byrd chatted with The Huffington Post about the challenging role,...
So it's not surprising that Byrd, 26, jumped at the chance to play someone a bit different than his usual fare in the coming-of-age indie "Norman."
The story, in which Byrd stars as the title character, follows a high school senior who perpetuates a lie that he is terminally ill with cancer to gain sympathy from his peers. Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins plays his father, who actually is the one with cancer. A pre-"Revenge" Emily VanCamp also stars as Emily, a new classmate who takes a liking to Norman. Byrd manages to capture the emotions of teen simultaneously experiencing the best and worst moments in his young life.
Byrd chatted with The Huffington Post about the challenging role,...
- 1/17/2012
- by Crystal Bell
- Huffington Post
From his breakout film role as the lovable loser Brandon in "Easy A" to playing the dry-witted, insanely tolerant Travis Cobb on ABC's "Cougar Town," Dan Byrd has got the witty, sarcastic teen thing down pat.
So it's not surprising that Byrd, 26, jumped at the chance to play someone a bit different than his usual fare in the coming-of-age indie "Norman."
The story, in which Byrd stars as the title character, follows a high school senior who perpetuates a lie that he is terminally ill with cancer to gain sympathy from his peers. Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins plays his father, who actually is the one with cancer. A pre-"Revenge" Emily VanCamp also stars as Emily, a new classmate who takes a liking to Norman. Byrd manages to capture the emotions of teen simultaneously experiencing the best and worst moments in his young life.
Byrd chatted with The Huffington Post about the challenging role,...
So it's not surprising that Byrd, 26, jumped at the chance to play someone a bit different than his usual fare in the coming-of-age indie "Norman."
The story, in which Byrd stars as the title character, follows a high school senior who perpetuates a lie that he is terminally ill with cancer to gain sympathy from his peers. Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins plays his father, who actually is the one with cancer. A pre-"Revenge" Emily VanCamp also stars as Emily, a new classmate who takes a liking to Norman. Byrd manages to capture the emotions of teen simultaneously experiencing the best and worst moments in his young life.
Byrd chatted with The Huffington Post about the challenging role,...
- 1/17/2012
- by Crystal Bell
- Aol TV.
Chicago – Some films never get a fair shot with audiences. They open in a handful of art house theaters scattered throughout the country before inconspicuously landing on DVD. Passionate movie lovers are left with the task of championing these unjustly obscure titles and helping them to acquire the audience they deserve.
Before I reveal my picks for the top ten Best Overlooked Films of 2011, here are the ten runners-up:
“Autoerotic”
Autoerotic
While Steve McQueen’s magnificent art film, “Shame,” plunges into the dark depths of sexual addiction, Joe Swanberg and Adam Wingard’s “Autoerotic” takes a decidedly more playful approach to similar material. Though Swanberg has made a series of uncommonly intimate films about the sex lives of twentysomething Chicagoans, he’s never attempted a film as overtly comic as this one, and Wingard proves to be an ideal collaborator. “Autoerotic” is easily Swanberg’s most accessible film to date,...
Before I reveal my picks for the top ten Best Overlooked Films of 2011, here are the ten runners-up:
“Autoerotic”
Autoerotic
While Steve McQueen’s magnificent art film, “Shame,” plunges into the dark depths of sexual addiction, Joe Swanberg and Adam Wingard’s “Autoerotic” takes a decidedly more playful approach to similar material. Though Swanberg has made a series of uncommonly intimate films about the sex lives of twentysomething Chicagoans, he’s never attempted a film as overtly comic as this one, and Wingard proves to be an ideal collaborator. “Autoerotic” is easily Swanberg’s most accessible film to date,...
- 12/28/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Poor George Zinavoy. He’s been cursed with striking good looks, remarkable artistic talent, a dedicated mentor and a gorgeous woman who clearly desires to have sex with him. Thankfully, nothing appears to have gotten in the way of his stubborn pessimism, comfortable apathy and belief in the meaningless of existence. How can George be expected to care about his homework when he’s too busy contemplating his mortality?
For that matter, how can audiences be expected to care about such an unsympathetic, oddly soulless Holden Caulfield clone? He goes through the usual existential motions with all the urgency and conviction of a sleepwalker. As played by baby faced, moist-eyed Freddie Highmore, George registers as a mopey bore rather than a fatalist. Highmore’s genial sweetness lacks the raw edge and rebellious spirit that the character desperately needed in order to be the least bit credible.
Blu-ray Rating: 2.0/5.0
Just...
For that matter, how can audiences be expected to care about such an unsympathetic, oddly soulless Holden Caulfield clone? He goes through the usual existential motions with all the urgency and conviction of a sleepwalker. As played by baby faced, moist-eyed Freddie Highmore, George registers as a mopey bore rather than a fatalist. Highmore’s genial sweetness lacks the raw edge and rebellious spirit that the character desperately needed in order to be the least bit credible.
Blu-ray Rating: 2.0/5.0
Just...
- 12/16/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
For as soothing as Andrew Bird's music can be, the title to his next effort is delightfully aggressive. The Chicago bard's next effort "Break It Yourself" will be out on March 6 next year through Mom + Pop. And it will presumably have some singing on it. Bird's last effort was the score and soundtrack for Jonathan Segal-directed "Norman," which was mostly instrumental. There was also "Useless Creatures," the 2010 all-instrumental companion set to his last traditional studio set "Noble Creatures," out in 2009. And if you've seen "The Muppets" this past month, then you heard his whistling workmanship in the "Whistling...
- 12/6/2011
- Hitfix
Hollywood.com Frightening visual fusions of voice actor and cartoon characters
Stale Popcorn on Melissa McCarthy doing Divine for EW. He doesn't mention it but two Drag Race alums are in the ensemble photo. Go Pandora Boxx!
Boy Culture Madonna and Lola promote the new "Material Girl" contest. If I liked reality TV I would die from wishing they had one.
In Contention looks back at the Oscar glory of Titanic before it's 3D rerelease
Grantland interviews character actor Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Rum Diary, Norman)
Film Studies For Free collects academic essays on the "philosophy of horror". I may definitely read some of the links offered if I can find the time because, as someone who has always been puzzled by the ardent love of this genre, I should look for answers to this question: "Why are those of us who enjoy the genre so attracted to watching things that,...
Stale Popcorn on Melissa McCarthy doing Divine for EW. He doesn't mention it but two Drag Race alums are in the ensemble photo. Go Pandora Boxx!
Boy Culture Madonna and Lola promote the new "Material Girl" contest. If I liked reality TV I would die from wishing they had one.
In Contention looks back at the Oscar glory of Titanic before it's 3D rerelease
Grantland interviews character actor Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Rum Diary, Norman)
Film Studies For Free collects academic essays on the "philosophy of horror". I may definitely read some of the links offered if I can find the time because, as someone who has always been puzzled by the ardent love of this genre, I should look for answers to this question: "Why are those of us who enjoy the genre so attracted to watching things that,...
- 10/29/2011
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Andrew Bird has been an anomaly in music since the mid-90s, meshing folk sounds with blues sounds with pop sounds, and doing most of it on his own, employing his violin skills, vocal skills, guitar skills and whistling skills into most of his music.
He’s a very private personality with a potent fan following, most accurately illustrated at one of the many music festivals the man plays at. Appropriately, Bird’s music documentary, Fever Year, began its life recently at the New York Film Festival, and may end its life within the festival circuit. This means no Video on Demand release, no DVD with special Behind-The-Scenes whatever and no one-week run at the IFC theater in New York City.
Directed by Xan Aranda – this is her directorial debut, after helping Bird with some of his music videos – the filmmaker has stated that it is Bird’s wish to...
He’s a very private personality with a potent fan following, most accurately illustrated at one of the many music festivals the man plays at. Appropriately, Bird’s music documentary, Fever Year, began its life recently at the New York Film Festival, and may end its life within the festival circuit. This means no Video on Demand release, no DVD with special Behind-The-Scenes whatever and no one-week run at the IFC theater in New York City.
Directed by Xan Aranda – this is her directorial debut, after helping Bird with some of his music videos – the filmmaker has stated that it is Bird’s wish to...
- 10/25/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Four new movies are opening in wide release this weekend. Apart from Paranormal Activity 3, which is expected to top the weekend box office and doesn’t feature any original music, the following three movies are receiving a wide release:
The Three Musketeers directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Matthew MacFayden, Luke Evans, Mads Mikkelsen, Juno Temple and Ray Stevenson features music by Paul Haslinger. A soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as Take That’s end title song When We Were Young has been released earlier this week by Milan Records. Check out our previous article for the full details and audio clips from the score.
Also opening wide is the action spoof Johnny English Reborn starring Oliver Parker and starring Rowan Atkinson, Rosamunde Pike, Dominic West and Gillian Anderson. The film’s score is written by Ilan Eshkeri.
The Three Musketeers directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Matthew MacFayden, Luke Evans, Mads Mikkelsen, Juno Temple and Ray Stevenson features music by Paul Haslinger. A soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as Take That’s end title song When We Were Young has been released earlier this week by Milan Records. Check out our previous article for the full details and audio clips from the score.
Also opening wide is the action spoof Johnny English Reborn starring Oliver Parker and starring Rowan Atkinson, Rosamunde Pike, Dominic West and Gillian Anderson. The film’s score is written by Ilan Eshkeri.
- 10/22/2011
- by filmmusicreporter
- Film Music Reporter
IndieWIRE Pick of the Week Martha Marcy May Marlene and Aki Kaurismäki's Le Havre are this weekend's best bets, scoring high with critics across the board. Jc Chandor's Margin Call--a showcase for talented actors--is arriving at a propitious moment, and could Occupy the box office with the same conviction that protesters are sticking it to Wall Street. (Producer-star Zachary Quinto's pitch-perfect coming out was also well-timed.) Brit import Oranges and Sunshine offers earnest true-story TV-level drama; critics cite Norman's always-watchable Richard Jenkins; Paranormal Activity 3 serves up ample scares; and yet another The Three Musketeers proves just how cheesy 3-D profiteering can be. Reviews, more details and trailers are below: Martha Marcy May Marlene, Fox Searchlight, Us | Director: Sean Durkin; Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Brady ...
- 10/20/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Being a teenager is hard enough, but for Norman (Dan Byrd), the minefield of emotions he is forced to navigate is almost absurd in its proportion. Certainly not popular, but not a total exile either, Norman seems to exist is own bubble at high school, one that keeps his pervading depression and suicidal thoughts as a close companion. But if this weren't enough, Norman, still reeling from the tragic death of his mother in a car accident, is also bearing witness to his father (Richard Jenkins) wasting away in the final stage of stomach cancer, with this painful experience compounded…...
- 10/20/2011
- The Playlist
An angsty teenager looking to find himself falls in love and deals with tremendous personal pain. Sound familiar? It should; that could be the basic log line to a multitude of indie coming-of-age dramedies. Norman, from director Jonathan Segal, doesn’t really break the mold of said formula, even installing a hipster-accessible soundtrack, courtesy of Andrew Bird, for added oomph.
Still, there are some truly moving and memorable performances that keep it afloat. Dan Byrd stars as the title character, a 16-year old who is not only reeling from the death of his mother six months before, but is also taking care of his father (Richard Jenkins), who’s slowly losing his battle with stomach cancer. Needless to say, all of this is getting to him, and he lashes out against himself (by putting himself into emotionally painful situations, like getting made fun of by the popular kids when he...
Still, there are some truly moving and memorable performances that keep it afloat. Dan Byrd stars as the title character, a 16-year old who is not only reeling from the death of his mother six months before, but is also taking care of his father (Richard Jenkins), who’s slowly losing his battle with stomach cancer. Needless to say, all of this is getting to him, and he lashes out against himself (by putting himself into emotionally painful situations, like getting made fun of by the popular kids when he...
- 10/20/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Chicago – His eyes are at once weary and sardonic, brooding and vulnerable. He doesn’t know how to cry for help, apart from crying wolf. He resists the spotlight when it’s placed upon him and yet still craves attention from his peers. He’s deeply cynical about life in general, yet is prone to falling for the sweetness of a pure-hearted soul. And he’d probably be well adjusted if it weren’t for the enormous weight on his shoulders.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
He’s Norman, the titular subject of Jonathan Segal’s terrific indie dramedy, which is finally making its theatrical debut after garnering acclaim on the festival circuit. Unlike many high school outcasts in modern film, Norman has the look, the behavior and the attitude of a real teenager. His uncommon intelligence and natural wit are apparent in his dialogue, but he’s not scoring hyper-stylized punchlines like Juno.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
He’s Norman, the titular subject of Jonathan Segal’s terrific indie dramedy, which is finally making its theatrical debut after garnering acclaim on the festival circuit. Unlike many high school outcasts in modern film, Norman has the look, the behavior and the attitude of a real teenager. His uncommon intelligence and natural wit are apparent in his dialogue, but he’s not scoring hyper-stylized punchlines like Juno.
- 10/20/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chances are, Norman would have seemed like a retread whenever it came out, but it does the movie no favors to release it in the shadow of Terri and Submarine, both far more compelling portraits of high-school loners, and both released to DVD in the last few weeks. Dan Byrd—looking, like co-star Emily VanCamp, far too old to be still in high school, at least without being held back several times—plays a bright, socially awkward student dealing with his mother’s recent death and his father’s terminal cancer. Desperate to unburden himself, he turns a theater audition ...
- 10/20/2011
- avclub.com
Thanks to particularly successful productions like Easy A and Cougar Town, Dan Byrd is really making a name for himself in the comedy genre. However, that certainly doesn’t mean he shies away from more dramatic projects. In fact, he’s got no problem at all getting serious for a role and his latest film, Norman, really proves it. Byrd is Norman, a high school kid with some serious issues. Not only is he perpetually worried about his ailing father (Richard Jenkins) who’s dying of cancer and refuses treatment, but his mother passed away in a car accident and, at school, he’s got a mere friend to lean on. Even though he’s...
- 10/20/2011
- by Perri Nemiroff
- ShockYa
Dan Byrd returns to ABC.s hit series Cougar Town this season and brings his effortless sense of comedic timing and charm, playing the role Courteney Cox.s son .Travis Cobb.. Carrying his own in this impressive ensemble cast, Byrd uses his real-life wit and charisma to light up a scene. Byrd will also show off his impeccable range as an actor in the film Norman, due out on October 21st. Byrd plays the title role of .Norman Long,. a self-aware, darkly funny and troubled teen who is trying to handle his daily high school existence. An unexpected set of life-changing circumstances turns his world upside down when he meets a magnetic girl (played by Emily VanCamp). With love, humility and a heavy dose of truth, Norman emerges to face challenges not meant for a boy his age. (Presented by AMC Independent.opening in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston,...
- 10/8/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Norman Trailer. Jonathan Segal‘s Norman (2010) movie trailer stars Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard Jenkins, Adam Goldberg, and Billy Lush. Norman‘s plot synopsis: “Norman Long is a high school loner, a self-aware and darkly funny teen who’s just trying to handle his daily existence. In the wake of his mother’s sudden death, Norman must now also deal with the reality that his father is starting to lose his battle with stomach cancer.
Norman, depressed and angry, unintentionally gets caught in a lie that he, in fact, has stomach cancer. Soon his complete distortion of the facts spirals out of control. Part coping mechanism, partially as a way to feel closer to his father, and to a certain degree to prepare others for his possible suicide, Norman begins to imitate his father’s debilitating physical symptoms, dramatically affecting his life and the world around him.
Emily, a magnetic...
Norman, depressed and angry, unintentionally gets caught in a lie that he, in fact, has stomach cancer. Soon his complete distortion of the facts spirals out of control. Part coping mechanism, partially as a way to feel closer to his father, and to a certain degree to prepare others for his possible suicide, Norman begins to imitate his father’s debilitating physical symptoms, dramatically affecting his life and the world around him.
Emily, a magnetic...
- 10/7/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
Here is a pretty harmless trailer for Norman starring Dan Byrd as the title character; you may remember him from Easy A or The Hills Have Eyes (2006). In the second feature from director Jonathan Segal, Byrd has just lost his mother to a car accident and his father (Richard Jenkins) is dying of cancer. When Norman accidentally starts a rumor around school that he has stomach cancer, he finds himself dealing with the consequences. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful classmate (Emily VanCamp) who becomes the best thing in his life.
It’s an indie with a sweet soundtrack, no surprise there. Norman will get a limited release October 21, watch the trailer below:...
It’s an indie with a sweet soundtrack, no surprise there. Norman will get a limited release October 21, watch the trailer below:...
- 10/6/2011
- by Graham
- City of Films
Being a teenager was never easy... it was full of drama and discovering the person that you are. But hell, being an adult didn't turn out to be any easier either! Here's the trailer to a wonderful looking teenage drama from director Jonathan Segal called Norman. The movie has a solid cast of actors that include Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard Jenkins and Adam Goldberg.
I know this may look like your average run of the mill indie teenage drama's, but the reviews that have been coming out for Norman have been very positive. It looks like it has solid performances, and a moving story.
Here's the synopsis:
Norman Long is a high school loner, a self-aware and darkly funny teen who’s just trying to handle his daily existence. In the wake of his mother’s sudden death, Norman must now also deal with the reality that his father...
I know this may look like your average run of the mill indie teenage drama's, but the reviews that have been coming out for Norman have been very positive. It looks like it has solid performances, and a moving story.
Here's the synopsis:
Norman Long is a high school loner, a self-aware and darkly funny teen who’s just trying to handle his daily existence. In the wake of his mother’s sudden death, Norman must now also deal with the reality that his father...
- 10/5/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
[1] Aw, poor Dan Byrd. The kid who had such a tough time getting through high school in Easy A is having teenage misfit woes all over again in Norman, the second feature by director Jonathan Segal. Byrd stars as the title character, who's just lost his mother to a car accident and whose father (Richard Jenkins) is dying of cancer. When Norman accidentally starts a rumor around school that he has stomach cancer, he finds himself dealing with the consequences. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful classmate (Emily VanCamp) who becomes the best thing in his life. Indie coming-of-age dramedies are a dime a dozen, but early reviews have praised Norman for setting itself apart through strong performances and a genuinely moving story -- not to mention its sweet soundtrack, by indie rock star Andrew Bird. Watch the trailer after the jump. [via First Showing [2]] The part of the...
- 10/5/2011
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
Filed under: Movie News
For decades, filmmakers have been trying to capture the angst and unpredictable nature of the high school teenager. There are only a handful who have succeeded (John Hughes and Richard Linklater to name a couple), but after watching the trailer for 'Norman,' director Jonathan Segal may soon add his name to the list.
Continue Reading...
For decades, filmmakers have been trying to capture the angst and unpredictable nature of the high school teenager. There are only a handful who have succeeded (John Hughes and Richard Linklater to name a couple), but after watching the trailer for 'Norman,' director Jonathan Segal may soon add his name to the list.
Continue Reading...
- 10/4/2011
- by Alex Suskind
- Moviefone
We're getting into the fall season, which means indies aplenty are finally getting released. Here's another one from Spokane, Washington and the festival circuit last year, titled Norman, about a high school boy named Norman Long, played by Dan Byrd (seen in The Hills Have Eyes, Lonely Hearts, Easy A, "Cougar Town"), with a bleak outlook on life who is pretending to have cancer. This trailer sells it in a different way though, involving a story with his dad, played by Richard Jenkins. The cast includes Emily VanCamp, Adam Goldberg, Billy Lush and Camille Mana. This looks quite good, thought it was worth featuring today. Watch the official theatrical trailer for Jonathan Segal's Norman, via Apple: You can also download this new Norman trailer in High Definition on Apple A troubled high-school kid named Norman pretending to have cancer deals with problems involving his new girlfriend and terminally ill father.
- 10/2/2011
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Mom + Pop Records has announced a soundtrack release for the indie comedy drama Norman. The album includes the original score and songs from the movie by Andrew Bird, as well as a couple of songs from the film by Wolf Parade, the Blow, Richard Swift and Chad VanGaalen. The soundtrack will be released on October 11, 2011 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. Check out audio clips from all tracks on the album below. Norman is directed by Jonathan Segal and stars Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard Jenkins and Adam Goldberg. The movie centers on a troubled high-school kid pretending to be dying of cancer who confronts problems with his new girlfriend and terminally ill father as he struggles with his daily existence. The picture will be released in select cities on October 21. To find out more about the film and the music, visit the official movie website and Facebook page.
- 10/2/2011
- by filmmusicreporter
- Film Music Reporter
'Norman' trailer: 'Cougar Town' and 'Revenge' stars highlight a sarcastic and sad coming-of-age tale
What if the best thing that ever happened to you came at the worst possible time?
So asks the (pretty depressing) trailer for the new independent release, Norman (out Oct. 21), starring Couger Town and Easy A’s Dan Byrd and Revenge’s Emily VanCamp.
Byrd plays Norman, a sardonic and sarcastic outcast in what looks to be a darker coming-of-age tale than typical movie fare. The trailer starts with off-hand comments and pithy insults, much like fellow loner Juno, but Norman’s torture becomes much more real with the cutaways to his daily self-harm. The always great Richard Jenkins co-stars as Norman’s father,...
So asks the (pretty depressing) trailer for the new independent release, Norman (out Oct. 21), starring Couger Town and Easy A’s Dan Byrd and Revenge’s Emily VanCamp.
Byrd plays Norman, a sardonic and sarcastic outcast in what looks to be a darker coming-of-age tale than typical movie fare. The trailer starts with off-hand comments and pithy insults, much like fellow loner Juno, but Norman’s torture becomes much more real with the cutaways to his daily self-harm. The always great Richard Jenkins co-stars as Norman’s father,...
- 9/30/2011
- by Erin Strecker
- EW - Inside Movies
It seems like an increasing trend for a musician to either score or form the soundtrack for a film. We’ve had Karen O and Where the Wild Things Are, Eddie Vedder and Into the Wild, Jonny Greenwood and There Will Be Blood, Trent Reznor and The Social Network and the upcoming The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Chemical Brothers and Hanna; the list goes on and on. The latest to add to the category is Jonathan Segal‘s Norman.
It is easily the lowest profile of the bunch, but he was able to get Andrew Bird to come on board for a full original soundtrack in this teen drama that stars Dan Byrd (Cougar Town, Easy A), Emily VanCamp (Revenge, Everwood) and most notably Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Step Brothers) and Adam Goldberg (Dazed and Confused, Saving Private Ryan) in supporting roles. The first trailer actually hints at a personal,...
It is easily the lowest profile of the bunch, but he was able to get Andrew Bird to come on board for a full original soundtrack in this teen drama that stars Dan Byrd (Cougar Town, Easy A), Emily VanCamp (Revenge, Everwood) and most notably Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Step Brothers) and Adam Goldberg (Dazed and Confused, Saving Private Ryan) in supporting roles. The first trailer actually hints at a personal,...
- 9/30/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Hear The Song "Hospital" From The Score Below For his sophomore feature film, director Jonathan Segal has rounded up quite the array of talent both in front of and behind the camera. To help tell the story penned by Talton Wingate, he's got veterans Richard Jenkins and Adam Goldberg to slot into supporting roles around his young leads Dan Byrd ("Cougar Town") and Emily VanCamp ("Brothers & Sisters") and to power it all, none other than Andrew Bird has written an original score. The result is "Norman" and it promises to be a quietly affecting drama about the pain of…...
- 9/30/2011
- The Playlist
The trailer and poster for AMC Independent’s “Norman” has been released. The film, starring Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp and Richard Jenkins, will be coming to theaters October 21 and has already received accolades from Roger Ebert and awards from various film festivals, such as the Chicago International Film Festival (Silver Hugo New Directors Competition), Rhode Island International Film Festival (Grand Prize Best Feature, Best Actor), San Diego Film Festival (Best Actress), Breckenridge Festival Of Film (Best Ensemble Cast) and Woodstock Film Festival (Best Editing). The trailer and poster can be viewed below. The synopsis of “Norman” involves a high school student full of dark humor: “Norman Long is a high...
- 9/30/2011
- by monique
- ShockYa
Norman starring Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp and Richard Jenkins has just released their trailer and poster… and we have them for you! Norman will be in theaters October 21 from AMC Independent.
Festival Awards include:
Silver Hugo New Directors Competition- Chicago International Film Festival
Grand Prize Best Feature- Rhode Island International Film Festival
Best Actor (Dan Byrd)- Rhode Island International Film Festival
Best Actress (Emily VanCamp)- San Diego Film Festival
Best Ensemble Cast- Breckenridge Festival Of Film
Best Editing- Woodstock Film Festival
Synopsis:
Norman Long is a high school loner, a self-aware and darkly funny teen who.s just trying to handle his daily existence. In the wake of his mother.s sudden death, Norman must now also deal with the reality that his father is starting to lose his battle with stomach cancer.
Norman, depressed and angry, unintentionally gets caught in a lie that he, in fact, has stomach cancer.
Festival Awards include:
Silver Hugo New Directors Competition- Chicago International Film Festival
Grand Prize Best Feature- Rhode Island International Film Festival
Best Actor (Dan Byrd)- Rhode Island International Film Festival
Best Actress (Emily VanCamp)- San Diego Film Festival
Best Ensemble Cast- Breckenridge Festival Of Film
Best Editing- Woodstock Film Festival
Synopsis:
Norman Long is a high school loner, a self-aware and darkly funny teen who.s just trying to handle his daily existence. In the wake of his mother.s sudden death, Norman must now also deal with the reality that his father is starting to lose his battle with stomach cancer.
Norman, depressed and angry, unintentionally gets caught in a lie that he, in fact, has stomach cancer.
- 9/28/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Gen Art Harvey Keitel in “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings”
Although Gen Art’s future was uncertain earlier this year, the experimental marketing organization has reemerged, announcing the lineup for their 16th Anniversary Film Festival. Known as an organization that nurtures and promotes emerging talent, Gen Art’s festival will run June 8 – 14 and open with “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings,” the first film by 35-year-old Jonathan Sobol.
“It’s tough to be emerging at 35,” Sobol said. “But Gen...
Although Gen Art’s future was uncertain earlier this year, the experimental marketing organization has reemerged, announcing the lineup for their 16th Anniversary Film Festival. Known as an organization that nurtures and promotes emerging talent, Gen Art’s festival will run June 8 – 14 and open with “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings,” the first film by 35-year-old Jonathan Sobol.
“It’s tough to be emerging at 35,” Sobol said. “But Gen...
- 5/18/2011
- by Alexandra Cheney
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
From director Rod Lurie (Resurrecting The Champ, The Last Castle, The Contender), here’s a first look at two new stills from Screen Gems’ thriller Straw Dogs. The one above is that of Kate Bosworth as “Amy Sumner” and James Marsden as “David Sumner.” The one below features Drew Powell as “Bic”, Billy Lush as “Chris”, Rhys Coiro as “Norman” and Alexander Skarsgard as “Charlie.” Straw Dogs is based on the ABC Motion Picture screenplay by David Zelag Goodman and Sam Peckinpah.
Synopsis:
David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife, return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father.s death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy.s ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård), leading to a violent confrontation.
The film stars James Marsden,...
Synopsis:
David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife, return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father.s death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy.s ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård), leading to a violent confrontation.
The film stars James Marsden,...
- 5/12/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The 2011 Cannes Film Festival doesn't get under way until next week, but the market is already getting busy. Sierra/Affinity, which will be handling such titles as the Gavin Hood-directed adaptation of Ender's Game, has bolstered its sales force by hiring Jonathan Kier as exec veep of sales. Kier was senior veep of international sales and distribution for The Weinstein Company. Sierra/Affinity principals Nick Meyer and Marc Schaberg will be handling product for Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, OddLot, Bold Films and Incentive Filmed Entertainment. ... Paul W.S. Anderson is re-teaming with his Three Musketeers collaborators Constantin and Summit on Pompeii, a period pic which builds drama around the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. That was a devastating explosion estimated to have been more powerful than the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. The subject matter, and its impact on Rome, is something James Cameron has long wanted to cover in grand detail,...
- 5/3/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Chicago – The 2010 46th Annual Chicago International Film Festival and Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director, announced the competition award winners at a ceremony at the Pump Room in Chicago on October 16th. The Gold Hugo for Best Film went to “How I Ended the Summer,” from Russia.
Kutza made the announcements, along with Mimi Plauché, Head of Programming, and Associate Programmers Joel Hoglund and Penny Bartlett. The Pump Room is the legendary restaurant inside the Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago. The Festival’s highest honor is the Gold Hugo, named for the mythical God of Discovery.
International Feature Film Competition
’How I Ended The Summer’
Photo Credit: Chicago International Film Festival
The Gold Hugo for Best Film: “How I Ended the Summer” (Russia), directed by Aleksei Popogrebsky
The Silver Hugo – Special Jury Award: “A Somewhat Gentle Man” (Norway), directed by Hans Petter Moland
The Silver Hugo – Special Jury Award: “We...
Kutza made the announcements, along with Mimi Plauché, Head of Programming, and Associate Programmers Joel Hoglund and Penny Bartlett. The Pump Room is the legendary restaurant inside the Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago. The Festival’s highest honor is the Gold Hugo, named for the mythical God of Discovery.
International Feature Film Competition
’How I Ended The Summer’
Photo Credit: Chicago International Film Festival
The Gold Hugo for Best Film: “How I Ended the Summer” (Russia), directed by Aleksei Popogrebsky
The Silver Hugo – Special Jury Award: “A Somewhat Gentle Man” (Norway), directed by Hans Petter Moland
The Silver Hugo – Special Jury Award: “We...
- 10/17/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Best Actress award winner Liana Liberato
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff 2010) Award Winners Announced
Click Here for complete coverage of the Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff 2010)
Russia, Mexico, Norway, Germany and USA win top awards in Chicago …
Chicago, October 16, 2010 – Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the
Chicago International Film Festival, Mimi Plauché, Head of Programming, and Associate
Programmers Joel Hoglund and Penny Bartlett proudly announce the winners of the 46th
Chicago International Film Festival competitions. The Festival’s highest honor is the
Gold Hugo, named after the mythological God of Discovery.
International Feature Film Competition
Gold Hugo for Best Film to How I Ended The Summer (Russia) for the brilliantly
acted and dynamically staged exploration of human nature under pressure. Director:
Aleksei Popogrebsky
Special Jury Prize shared by:
Silver Hugo Special Jury Prize to A Somewhat Gentle Man (Norway) for a
hilarious and deeply serious adventure into crime and,...
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff 2010) Award Winners Announced
Click Here for complete coverage of the Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff 2010)
Russia, Mexico, Norway, Germany and USA win top awards in Chicago …
Chicago, October 16, 2010 – Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the
Chicago International Film Festival, Mimi Plauché, Head of Programming, and Associate
Programmers Joel Hoglund and Penny Bartlett proudly announce the winners of the 46th
Chicago International Film Festival competitions. The Festival’s highest honor is the
Gold Hugo, named after the mythological God of Discovery.
International Feature Film Competition
Gold Hugo for Best Film to How I Ended The Summer (Russia) for the brilliantly
acted and dynamically staged exploration of human nature under pressure. Director:
Aleksei Popogrebsky
Special Jury Prize shared by:
Silver Hugo Special Jury Prize to A Somewhat Gentle Man (Norway) for a
hilarious and deeply serious adventure into crime and,...
- 10/17/2010
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
• Bill Stamets and Roger Ebert
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival will play this year at one central location, on the many screens of the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois. A festivalgoers and filmmakers' lounge will be open during festival hours at the Lucky Strike on the second level. Tickets can be ordered online at Ciff's website, which also organizes the films by title, director and country. Tickets also at AMC; sold out films have Rush Lines. More capsules will be added here.
"127 Hours" (USA)A tour de force by James Franco and Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"). Many are familiar with the true story, and just as many probably thought it could never be filmed. Boyle succeeds. A climber named Aron Ralston went climbing by himself in remote canyons, and was trapped deep in a crevice when a falling rock pinned his arm. He had limited food and water, no...
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival will play this year at one central location, on the many screens of the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois. A festivalgoers and filmmakers' lounge will be open during festival hours at the Lucky Strike on the second level. Tickets can be ordered online at Ciff's website, which also organizes the films by title, director and country. Tickets also at AMC; sold out films have Rush Lines. More capsules will be added here.
"127 Hours" (USA)A tour de force by James Franco and Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"). Many are familiar with the true story, and just as many probably thought it could never be filmed. Boyle succeeds. A climber named Aron Ralston went climbing by himself in remote canyons, and was trapped deep in a crevice when a falling rock pinned his arm. He had limited food and water, no...
- 10/16/2010
- by Roger Ebert
- blogs.suntimes.com/ebert
Chicago – We’ve been working our way through the schedule for the upcoming 46th Annual Chicago International Film Festival, kicking off tonight with the premiere of “Stone,” starring Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, and Milla Jovovich. While this year’s festival includes a few high-profile films with A-list stars, we’ve dipped below the line, watching screeners of films that might slide below your radar. Here are the highlights of the opening weekend and into the beginning of next week covering October 7th to October 12th, 2010 (and come back next week for the rest).
The best films of the opening act include an amazing Chicago-set documentary about poetry, a small drama starring two potential future stars, a Russian existential piece, an Australian thriller, and two more documentaries about the transformative sociological power of art. The lineup for this year doesn’t immediately pop like last year’s, which unspooled “An Education,...
The best films of the opening act include an amazing Chicago-set documentary about poetry, a small drama starring two potential future stars, a Russian existential piece, an Australian thriller, and two more documentaries about the transformative sociological power of art. The lineup for this year doesn’t immediately pop like last year’s, which unspooled “An Education,...
- 10/7/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
For those of you who’ve never heard of Dubrovnik, let me clue you in. It is one of Eastern Europe’s oldest cities and hottest Mediterranean tourist spots. Situated on the Croatian Riviera on the Adriatic Sea, this ancient fairy tale city is the home of the annual Libertas Film Festival, which I had the pleasure of attending earlier this month. Celebrating its sixth consecutive year, the Libertas Ff represents freedom, creativity and harmony that the once sovereign state was built on. Surrounded by beautiful islands, the historic city is defined by its marvelous architecture, mesmerizing landscape, endless monuments and bountiful resources. So while most fanboys and film geeks were anxiously counting down the days to San Diego’s annual Comic Con, the rest of us film and travel enthusiasts were frolicking in this heavenly destination, hobnobbing with talented filmmakers and actors, and screening a variety of acclaimed, independent and unique foreign films.
- 8/2/2010
- LRMonline.com
Cougar Town may not be the right title for Courteney Cox's hit comedy, but so be it. Despite all the chatter that the show will be renamed, costar Dan Byrd tells me… "I think it seemed like a very real possibility when we wrapped up the first season," Byrd said last night at the Maui Film Festival screening of his flick Norman, in which he stars as a high schooler who pretends to have cancer. "But I think the problem they've run into is that they can't come up with a better name to really justify doing that and the repercussions that come along with it." Perhaps it could be called The Show Formerly Known As Cougar Town? "Yeah, and then we can just be a...
- 6/19/2010
- E! Online
The 2010 Maui Film Festival, which runs from June 16-20 at the Wailea Resort and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, will honor Zac Efron and producer/director Taylor Steele and include appearances by Malin Akerman, Justin Chambers and Josh Radnor.
More than 40 film screenings and events are scheduled. "This year's line-up encapsulates the festival's mission to showcase life-affirming and compassionate filmmakers and their films," festival director Barry Rivers said.
Efron is set to receive the fest's Shining Star Award, recognizing a film performer whose career is on the rise. Steele will be given the Beacon Award, and he will present his latest film "Castles in the Sky."
Justin Chambers will screen the world premiere of the comedy short "The Happiest Man Alive," in which he stars; Dan Byrd will unveil "Norman," in which he plays the title role; and Josh Radnor and Malin Akerman from "Happythankyoumoreplease" will also be in attendance.
More than 40 film screenings and events are scheduled. "This year's line-up encapsulates the festival's mission to showcase life-affirming and compassionate filmmakers and their films," festival director Barry Rivers said.
Efron is set to receive the fest's Shining Star Award, recognizing a film performer whose career is on the rise. Steele will be given the Beacon Award, and he will present his latest film "Castles in the Sky."
Justin Chambers will screen the world premiere of the comedy short "The Happiest Man Alive," in which he stars; Dan Byrd will unveil "Norman," in which he plays the title role; and Josh Radnor and Malin Akerman from "Happythankyoumoreplease" will also be in attendance.
Emily VanCamp, Dan Byrd and Adam Goldberg are starring in the indie coming-of-age drama Norman.
Byrd plays the title character, a darkly comic teen who deals with his problems by pretending to be dying of cancer. The lie complicates relationships between him and his new high school girlfriend (VanCamp) and between him and his teacher (Goldberg).
Jonathan Segal is directing the feature, which is shooting in Spokane, Wash. Dan Keston and Segal are producing.
VanCamp (ABC's Brothers and Sisters) will star opposite Chris Pine in the upcoming thriller Carriers. She is repped by ICM and Thruline Entertainment. Byrd, star of the CW's Aliens in America, is repped by Innovative and Artistry Entertainment. Goldberg, soon to be seen in the ABC series The Unusuals, is repped by ICM and Luber/Roklin Management.
Gregg Goldstein reported from New York; Borys Kit reported from Los Angeles....
Byrd plays the title character, a darkly comic teen who deals with his problems by pretending to be dying of cancer. The lie complicates relationships between him and his new high school girlfriend (VanCamp) and between him and his teacher (Goldberg).
Jonathan Segal is directing the feature, which is shooting in Spokane, Wash. Dan Keston and Segal are producing.
VanCamp (ABC's Brothers and Sisters) will star opposite Chris Pine in the upcoming thriller Carriers. She is repped by ICM and Thruline Entertainment. Byrd, star of the CW's Aliens in America, is repped by Innovative and Artistry Entertainment. Goldberg, soon to be seen in the ABC series The Unusuals, is repped by ICM and Luber/Roklin Management.
Gregg Goldstein reported from New York; Borys Kit reported from Los Angeles....
- 6/23/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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