Thanks to "The Harbinger," I get to ride the Andy Mitton hype train out of Fantasia Festival station a second time — 2018's "The Witch in the Window" was a Donato-approved Fantasia favorite. This time, Mitton proves that Covid-19 horror films don't have to be exploitative or the cheaply manipulative drek filmmakers have already rushed to market. I'm not talking about non-pandemic flicks shaped by Covid-19 production guidelines — more "Safer at Home" or "Songbird," which chose to highlight Covid-19 quarantines as a characteristic backdrop. "The Harbinger" blends its demonic assessment of simply vanishing from the Earth with the still omnipresent pandemic in...
The post The Harbinger Review: Sets The Bar For Covid Pandemic Horror [Fantasia] appeared first on /Film.
The post The Harbinger Review: Sets The Bar For Covid Pandemic Horror [Fantasia] appeared first on /Film.
- 8/1/2022
- by Matt Donato
- Slash Film
Paradigm on Thursday said it has hired Babacar Diene, the veteran film financing, sales and production executive who had been a VP at Voltage Pictures. He will become a Content Agent at Paradigm, which also said today it has promoted four staffers to agents.
Diene, based in Los Angeles, was most recently VP Acquisitions & Development at Voltage, the international finance, production and distribution company he joined in 2012. During his tenure he co-produced titles including Ava, starring Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell, John Malkovich, Common and Geena Davis; Good Kids starring Nicholas Braun, Zoey Deutch and Julia Garner; Fathers & Daughters, starring Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul; and Pay the Ghost starring Nicolas Cage. His executive producer credits at Voltage include Time Is Up, Archenemy, Safer at Home, Redemption Day, Follow Me and Drive Hard.
Previously, he was VP Acquisitions & Apsara Distribution at Im Global and had roles at Icon Entertainment International...
Diene, based in Los Angeles, was most recently VP Acquisitions & Development at Voltage, the international finance, production and distribution company he joined in 2012. During his tenure he co-produced titles including Ava, starring Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell, John Malkovich, Common and Geena Davis; Good Kids starring Nicholas Braun, Zoey Deutch and Julia Garner; Fathers & Daughters, starring Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul; and Pay the Ghost starring Nicolas Cage. His executive producer credits at Voltage include Time Is Up, Archenemy, Safer at Home, Redemption Day, Follow Me and Drive Hard.
Previously, he was VP Acquisitions & Apsara Distribution at Im Global and had roles at Icon Entertainment International...
- 2/3/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm Talent Agency announced that Babacar Diene has been hired as a content agent. Additionally, Sam Benfey, Josh Cohen, Natalie Handelsman and Wilson Rubinoff have been promoted to agent.
Diene is a longtime film financing, sales and production executive joining Paradigm from his previous position as vice president of acquisitions and development at Voltage Pictures. During his tenure at Voltage, which began in 2012, he served as an executive producer on films such as “Time Is Up,” “Archenemy,” “Safer at Home,” “Redemption Day,” “Follow Me” and “Drive Hard.” He co-produced movies including “Ava,” “Good Kids,” “Fathers & Daughters,” “Pay the Ghost” and “I.T.” He also previously served as vice president of acquisitions at Im Global’s Apsara Distribution, and worked for Icon Entertainment International and GreeneStreet Films International. Diene is based in Los Angeles.
Benfey enters his new position as digital and brand partnerships agent after first joining Paradigm in 2016. He...
Diene is a longtime film financing, sales and production executive joining Paradigm from his previous position as vice president of acquisitions and development at Voltage Pictures. During his tenure at Voltage, which began in 2012, he served as an executive producer on films such as “Time Is Up,” “Archenemy,” “Safer at Home,” “Redemption Day,” “Follow Me” and “Drive Hard.” He co-produced movies including “Ava,” “Good Kids,” “Fathers & Daughters,” “Pay the Ghost” and “I.T.” He also previously served as vice president of acquisitions at Im Global’s Apsara Distribution, and worked for Icon Entertainment International and GreeneStreet Films International. Diene is based in Los Angeles.
Benfey enters his new position as digital and brand partnerships agent after first joining Paradigm in 2016. He...
- 2/3/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Paradigm has hired Babacar Diene, a veteran film financing, sales and production executive formerly of Voltage Pictures, to join the agency as a content agent, the agency announced Thursday.
Paradigm also promoted four employees to agents across its departments, including Sam Benfey, Josh Cohen, Natalie Handelsman and Wilson Rubinoff.
Diene’s role as a content agent will see him handling film and series content packaging, financing, and sales. Benfey has been promoted to a digital and brand partnerships agent, Cohen and Handelsman are each talent agents, and Rubinoff is a literary agent.
“We are proud to congratulate these four exceptional and dedicated members of our team on their promotions, and look forward to their bright future at Paradigm,” Paradigm partner Andrew Ruf said on behalf of the company’s department leaders. “We welcome Babacar Diene to the company, a colleague we have long admired, who brings his extensive expertise as we redefine our content business,...
Paradigm also promoted four employees to agents across its departments, including Sam Benfey, Josh Cohen, Natalie Handelsman and Wilson Rubinoff.
Diene’s role as a content agent will see him handling film and series content packaging, financing, and sales. Benfey has been promoted to a digital and brand partnerships agent, Cohen and Handelsman are each talent agents, and Rubinoff is a literary agent.
“We are proud to congratulate these four exceptional and dedicated members of our team on their promotions, and look forward to their bright future at Paradigm,” Paradigm partner Andrew Ruf said on behalf of the company’s department leaders. “We welcome Babacar Diene to the company, a colleague we have long admired, who brings his extensive expertise as we redefine our content business,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
People often don’t witness the true demeanor of their friends, as well as the full extent that the law will take to suppress their behavior, until they’re propelled into extreme situations. That’s certainly the case for the ensemble group of characters in the new horror film, ‘Safer at Home.’ The seven friends, who are also […]
The post Video Interview: Alisa Allapach Talks Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Video Interview: Alisa Allapach Talks Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/30/2021
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
People often don’t witness the true demeanor of their friends, as well as the full extent that the law will take to suppress their behavior, until they’re propelled into extreme situations. That’s certainly the case for the ensemble group of characters in the new horror film, ‘Safer at Home.’ The seven friends, who are also […]
The post Video Interview: Daniel Robaire and Adwin Brown Talk Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Video Interview: Daniel Robaire and Adwin Brown Talk Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/29/2021
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
People often don’t witness the true demeanor of their friends, as well as the full extent that the law will take to suppress their behavior, until they’re propelled into extreme situations. That’s certainly the case for the ensemble group of characters in the new horror film, ‘Safer at Home.’ The seven friends, who are also […]
The post Video Interview: Jocelyn Hudon and Daniel L. Johnson Talk Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Video Interview: Jocelyn Hudon and Daniel L. Johnson Talk Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/22/2021
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
People often don’t witness the true demeanor of their friends, as well as the full extent that the law will take to suppress their behavior, until they’re propelled into extreme situations. That’s certainly the case for the ensemble group of characters in the new horror film, ‘Safer at Home.’ The seven friends, who are also […]
The post Video Interview: Michael Kupisk and Emma Lahana Talk Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Video Interview: Michael Kupisk and Emma Lahana Talk Safer at Home (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/19/2021
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Written, directed and starring Julie Delpy, the family drama My Zoe from Blue Fox Entertainment hit theaters this weekend before dropping on VOD on May 25. As the big banner and specialty box office attempt to find its footing as restrictions of the pandemic lift at a cautious glacial pace, the film managed to add some coin to its box office till, earning an estimated $32,506 for its opening weekend in 237 theaters.
Also reporting numbers for their opening weekends in the specialty box office space are a pair of thrillers starting with the pandemic-themed feature Safer At Home from Vertical Entertainment. The thriller hit 79 theaters in its debut and banked an estimated $41K — not too shabby. The Vigil, an IFC Films supernatural horror that is steeped in ancient Jewish lore, opened in 55 theaters and earned $25K. Another healthy number for an opening considering the circumstances.
In terms of awards season titles, they...
Also reporting numbers for their opening weekends in the specialty box office space are a pair of thrillers starting with the pandemic-themed feature Safer At Home from Vertical Entertainment. The thriller hit 79 theaters in its debut and banked an estimated $41K — not too shabby. The Vigil, an IFC Films supernatural horror that is steeped in ancient Jewish lore, opened in 55 theaters and earned $25K. Another healthy number for an opening considering the circumstances.
In terms of awards season titles, they...
- 2/28/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Is it wrong to cash in on the pandemic as part of a story idea? Obviously not since movies such as Songbird and Safer at Home are taking off with their own narratives as people are being given entertainment that isn’t too far removed from what could be the truth one of these days, though we certainly hope not. The story here is that the pandemic was apparently thought to be over, but instead of Covid simply going away it came back with a vengeance and in the year 2022 is far deadlier than it was to begin with as
Why We’ll Be Watching “Safer at Home”...
Why We’ll Be Watching “Safer at Home”...
- 2/28/2021
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
This week brings more theatrical releases than American audiences have gotten in ages — and possibly more than they’re ready for now, as vaccine rollouts still leave people questioning whether it’s safe to do things like go to the movies.
Some, such as Warner Bros.’ “Tom & Jerry,” can also be viewed via streaming for HBO Max subscribers. Others — including Anthony Hopkins-starrer “The Father” (a subjective look at the impact of dementia on an elderly man) and the aptly named Armie Hammer movie “Crisis” — will be coming to VOD shortly, but are opening today only in cinemas.
For those who are either playing it safe or simply don’t have access to theaters, subscription streaming services are bringing a pair of high-profile music-themed movies. The first, Apple’s “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry” gives audiences an intimate look at the pop star on her way up.
Some, such as Warner Bros.’ “Tom & Jerry,” can also be viewed via streaming for HBO Max subscribers. Others — including Anthony Hopkins-starrer “The Father” (a subjective look at the impact of dementia on an elderly man) and the aptly named Armie Hammer movie “Crisis” — will be coming to VOD shortly, but are opening today only in cinemas.
For those who are either playing it safe or simply don’t have access to theaters, subscription streaming services are bringing a pair of high-profile music-themed movies. The first, Apple’s “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry” gives audiences an intimate look at the pop star on her way up.
- 2/26/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics is set to release awards contender The Father in select New York and Los Angeles theaters today before expanding nationwide March 12 before landing on PVOD on March 26. That’s quite a theater-to-digital journey for the Florian Zeller-directed drama starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman.
The film, which premiered at Sundance in 2020, is adapted from Zeller’s 2014 play which starred Frank Langella, who won a Tony Award his performance. Zeller and Christopher Hampton adapted the play which follows Anthony (Hopkins), a defiant 80-year-old man who lives alone and refuses the carers that his daughter, Anne (Colman), encouragingly introduces — and she needs the help. She can’t make daily visits to her father and his grip on reality is unraveling.
The Father marks Zeller feature directorial debut — and what a debut it is.
The film has received critical acclaim and received numerous Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.
The film, which premiered at Sundance in 2020, is adapted from Zeller’s 2014 play which starred Frank Langella, who won a Tony Award his performance. Zeller and Christopher Hampton adapted the play which follows Anthony (Hopkins), a defiant 80-year-old man who lives alone and refuses the carers that his daughter, Anne (Colman), encouragingly introduces — and she needs the help. She can’t make daily visits to her father and his grip on reality is unraveling.
The Father marks Zeller feature directorial debut — and what a debut it is.
The film has received critical acclaim and received numerous Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.
- 2/26/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the sleeper hits of the shutdown last year was Rob Savage’s British horror “Host,” a very short (just under an hour) and sweetly scary tale of friends whose weekly Zoom call during Covid quarantine gets crashed by an unwelcome supernatural visitor. It was, however, bound to be the exception which proved a preexisting rule: that found-footage thrillers remain a tapped-out genre, no matter if one in every 20 or so manages to squeeze some new life from the form.
Unfortunately, we’re likely to get a lot more in the mode of “Safer at Home,” which likewise hinges on friends video-conferencing during shutdown. Will Wernick’s film not only fails to use that format in clever or suspenseful ways, it blows the basics of maintaining plausibility and viewer interest. You have to admire filmmakers finding ways to keep plugging away within pandemic restrictions. But not every story is suited for Zoom-style presentation,...
Unfortunately, we’re likely to get a lot more in the mode of “Safer at Home,” which likewise hinges on friends video-conferencing during shutdown. Will Wernick’s film not only fails to use that format in clever or suspenseful ways, it blows the basics of maintaining plausibility and viewer interest. You have to admire filmmakers finding ways to keep plugging away within pandemic restrictions. But not every story is suited for Zoom-style presentation,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Safer At Home In Select Theaters, VOD & Digital on February 26, 2021 Distributed By: Vertical Entertainment In Select Theaters, VOD & Digital: February 26, 2021 Directed By: Will Wernick Written By: Will Wernick, Lia Bozonelis Produced By: Will Wernick, John Ierardi, Bo Youngblood Starring: Jocelyn Hudon, Emma Lahana, Alisa Allapach, Adwin Brown, Dan J. …
The post Quarantine Thriller Safer At Home – Directed by Will Wernick (Escape Room) – In Select Theaters, VOD & Digital on February 26, 2021 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
The post Quarantine Thriller Safer At Home – Directed by Will Wernick (Escape Room) – In Select Theaters, VOD & Digital on February 26, 2021 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
- 2/10/2021
- by Adrian Halen
- Horror News
"Tell me what to do? What do I do?!" Vertical Entertainment has released the official trailer for Safer At Home, yet another new pandemic-inspired Zoom thriller written and filmed during the pandemic last year. This is the latest from filmmaker Will Wernick, who last directed the two escape room films Escape Room and No Escape just before this. Two years into the pandemic, a group of friends throw an online party with a night of games, drinking and drugs. After taking an ecstasy pill, things go terribly wrong and the safety of their home becomes more terrifying than the raging chaos outside. Sounds a little too crazy to be any good. The films stars Jocelyn Hudon, Emma Lahana, Alisa Allapach, Adwin Brown, Dan J. Johnson, Michael Kupisk, and Daniel Robaire. This looks super cheesy and extra fake, just doesn't seem worth it. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Will Wernick's Safer At Home,...
- 2/1/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
We're back with a new installment of Horror Highlights! Watch the trailer for The Sinners, learn more about the upcoming novel Shelter for the Damned, watch the trailer for A Writer's Odyssey, and learn more about the upcoming movie Safer at Home:
The Sinners: "Seven schoolgirls, part of a clique dubbed The Sins, become the lethal target of an unknown killer after a harmless prank goes horribly wrong."
Director: Courtney Paige Writers: Courtney Paige, Erin Hazlehurst, Madison Smith Cast: Kaitlyn Bernard, Brenna Llewellyn, Brenna Coates, Keilani Elizabeth Rose, Jasmine Randhawa, Carly Fawcett, Natalie Malaika, Aleks Paunovic, Lochlyn Munro Run Time: 88 mins
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Shelter For The Damned: "While looking for a secret place to smoke cigarettes with his two best friends, troubled teenager Mark discovers a mysterious shack in a suburban field. Alienated from his parents and peers, Mark finds within the shack an escape greater than anything he has ever experienced.
The Sinners: "Seven schoolgirls, part of a clique dubbed The Sins, become the lethal target of an unknown killer after a harmless prank goes horribly wrong."
Director: Courtney Paige Writers: Courtney Paige, Erin Hazlehurst, Madison Smith Cast: Kaitlyn Bernard, Brenna Llewellyn, Brenna Coates, Keilani Elizabeth Rose, Jasmine Randhawa, Carly Fawcett, Natalie Malaika, Aleks Paunovic, Lochlyn Munro Run Time: 88 mins
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Shelter For The Damned: "While looking for a secret place to smoke cigarettes with his two best friends, troubled teenager Mark discovers a mysterious shack in a suburban field. Alienated from his parents and peers, Mark finds within the shack an escape greater than anything he has ever experienced.
- 1/16/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Falcom acquires German-speaking Europe, Signature takes UK rights, eOne picks up for Canada.
Voltage Pictures has sold US rights to Will Wernick’s (Follow Me) upcoming pandemic thriller Safer At Home to Vertical Entertainment.
The distributor has set a February release for the film, which takes place in 2022 as a group of friends under lockdown join an online party and take what turns out to be a dangerous drug.
Safer At Home was one of the first projects to go safely into production last year during the pandemic. Wernick and Lia Bozonelis wrote the screenplay from a story by Wernick,...
Voltage Pictures has sold US rights to Will Wernick’s (Follow Me) upcoming pandemic thriller Safer At Home to Vertical Entertainment.
The distributor has set a February release for the film, which takes place in 2022 as a group of friends under lockdown join an online party and take what turns out to be a dangerous drug.
Safer At Home was one of the first projects to go safely into production last year during the pandemic. Wernick and Lia Bozonelis wrote the screenplay from a story by Wernick,...
- 1/15/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired rights to Safer at Home, a pandemic thriller directed by Will Wernick that Voltage Pictures had introduced to buyers at last November at the virtual American Film Market. The pic, which went into production during the Covid pandemic, will now get a day-and-date release in February.
It’s the latest tie-up for Wernick, Voltage and Vertical after they worked together on Wernick’s horror thriller Follow Me (aka No Escape) last year.
Written by Wernick and Lia Bozonelis, Safer at Home is set in 2022 when the coronavirus pandemic has created mass chaos in Los Angeles and turned the city into a police state. To escape the grim reality, a group of friends get together for an online party: a night of music, drinking, games and drugs. After they collectively take a hit of what they think is molly, things go terribly wrong. The ensemble cast includes Alisa Allapach,...
It’s the latest tie-up for Wernick, Voltage and Vertical after they worked together on Wernick’s horror thriller Follow Me (aka No Escape) last year.
Written by Wernick and Lia Bozonelis, Safer at Home is set in 2022 when the coronavirus pandemic has created mass chaos in Los Angeles and turned the city into a police state. To escape the grim reality, a group of friends get together for an online party: a night of music, drinking, games and drugs. After they collectively take a hit of what they think is molly, things go terribly wrong. The ensemble cast includes Alisa Allapach,...
- 1/15/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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