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Archives for: 2007
12/30/07
Hero Pictures To Bring Albert Einstein's Life Story to The Big Screen
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Hero Pictures International has acquired exclusive rights to the biography "Private Lives of Albert Einstein," written by well-known science journalists Roger Highfield and Paul Carter. The book probes the elusively human side of Einstein, with the authors bringing to life a much more intimate picture of Einstein, from his struggles early on to his rise to fame, continuing to the end of his life.
Academy Award-winning writer Ron Bass (RAIN MAN), engaged to write the screenplay back in the summer 2007, has enormous enthusiasm for the project. "It's inspiring to be chosen to tell the story of Albert Einstein. This film will bring us closer to his genius, his imagination, his discoveries and to the drama and charm of his human side. I look forward to delivering my script as soon as possible after the WGA strike concludes," commented Bass.
Hero Pictures International was established in January 2006 and has secured development and production financing from a private equity investor group in Spain. Led by president Maria Rodriguez-Rabadan, the Hollywood-based company has five films in development along with the untitled life story of Albert Einstein.
Website: www.heropictures.net
Empire Film Group Completes Filming for Boilermaker
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Empire Film Group, Inc. has completed principal photography on the action-thriller "BOILERMAKER," starring Jack McGhee ("Crash"), Senta Moses ("Dodgeball") and Arie Vereen ("Sin City") in a stunning turn as the lead antagonist.
The bank-heist thriller was shot in and around Los Angeles by CRC Productions under the direction of Paul T. Murray, along with producer T.J. Castronovo and executive producers Joseph D. Amore, Mike Carazza, and Empire Home Entertainment C.E.O. Eric Parkinson. The film is slated for release to theaters in the U.S. on May 9, 2008 by Empire Film Group.
Read more!Indie Film Model For Coming 3-D Revolution
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Today's new, polarized, digital 3-D movies promise to fulfill the original dream of cinema: to bring the otherworldly and uncanny so close audiences feel they have entered the action. And, as seen by the recent successes of Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf and the re-release of Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas, audiences are responding.
"While the studios are making $100-200 million 3-D blockbusters, 'indie film' methods can be used to create high-quality polarized 3-D features in the $5-$15 million range," says Doug Schwartz, chairman of StereoVision Entertainment Inc., an independent, publicly-traded film production company dedicated solely to making low-cost, high-quality 3-D movies. "Similar to what Roger Corman accomplished at American International Pictures in the 1960s and 70s, such a low-budget 3-D production facility could serve as a fertile testing ground for new talent pushing the boundaries of this exciting new platform."
12/23/07
Peter Jackson to Produce The Hobbit
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.; Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly entered into the following series of agreements:
Said Peter Jackson, "I'm very pleased that we've been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. 'The Lord of the Rings' is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey."
Hero Pictures to Bring Albert Einstein's Life Story to the Big Screen
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Hero Pictures International has acquired exclusive rights to the biography "Private Lives of Albert Einstein," written by well-known science journalists Roger Highfield and Paul Carter. The book probes the elusively human side of Einstein, with the authors bringing to life a much more intimate picture of Einstein, from his struggles early on to his rise to fame, continuing to the end of his life.
Academy Award-winning writer Ron Bass (RAIN MAN), engaged to write the screenplay back in the summer 2007, has enormous enthusiasm for the project. "It's inspiring to be chosen to tell the story of Albert Einstein. This film will bring us closer to his genius, his imagination, his discoveries and to the drama and charm of his human side. I look forward to delivering my script as soon as possible after the WGA strike concludes," commented Bass.
12/22/07
Empire Film Group Acquires Successful Distributor
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Empire Film Group, Inc. has acquired a majority ownership stake in Truman Press, Inc., parent company of film distributor and book publisher Hannover House (www.HannoverHouse.com). The new film and DVD distribution division will be renamed Empire Home Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Film Group, Inc.
Hannover House is a leading independent film and DVD distributor for the U.S. marketplace and also has a successful history in book publishing. The company was formed in 1993 and has accumulated a library of more than 85 film and video properties and 15 books as well as full motion picture and video production facilities.
Website: www.empirefilmgroup.com
12/16/07
Independent Lens Launches Second Annual Online Shorts Festival
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
The Emmy Award-winning PBS series "Independent Lens" has launched the second annual Online Shorts Festival, a "film festival at your fingertips." Animation, comedy, drama and documentary provide an eclectic mix of stories and storytelling.
The Online Shorts Festival site features an opportunity for viewers to watch the shorts on small or large players, download films, vote for the Audience Award, read about the films and filmmakers and post their comments in Talkback. The Audience Award winner will be announced February 2008. The 11 Audience Award contenders can be viewed and downloaded at: www.pbs.org/independentlens/onlineshortsfestival/.
Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Sundance Institute announced today the program of short films selected to screen at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. This year the Festival Short Film Program comprises 83 short films representing 17 countries from 5,107 submissions, from U.S. and international filmmakers. Submissions grew by more than 15% over last year. The 2008 Sundance Film Festival runs January 17-27 with screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah.
"Since the beginning we recognized short films as a viable art form and an exciting way to discover and launch new talent," said John Cooper, Sundance Film Festival Director of Programming. "We will continue to find innovative ways to extend the success and reach of this amazing work and build a world- wide audience for short-form films."
12/09/07
JWT Produces Scorsese-Directed Short for Freixenet
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
JWT, the largest advertising agency in the U.S., has released a short film directed by and starring Martin Scorsese for the Spanish cava producer Freixenet. "The Key to Reserva," a holiday campaign developed by JWT Spain for the sparkling wine Carta Nevada Reserva, includes commercials, print ads, posters and the Scorsese-directed short.
In the nine-and-half-minute film, Scorsese pays homage to Hitchcock, preserving one of his unfinished movies. While previous Freixenet campaigns have featured movie stars in traditional advertisements, this time the innovative idea, crafted by JWT executive creative director Alex Martínez and his team in Barcelona, focuses on the star behind the camera -- marking a new era in Freixenet's advertising.
JWT Produces Scorsese-Directed Short for Freixenet
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
JWT, the largest advertising agency in the U.S., has released a short film directed by and starring Martin Scorsese for the Spanish cava producer Freixenet. "The Key to Reserva," a holiday campaign developed by JWT Spain for the sparkling wine Carta Nevada Reserva, includes commercials, print ads, posters and the Scorsese-directed short.
In the nine-and-half-minute film, Scorsese pays homage to Hitchcock, preserving one of his unfinished movies. While previous Freixenet campaigns have featured movie stars in traditional advertisements, this time the innovative idea, crafted by JWT executive creative director Alex Martínez and his team in Barcelona, focuses on the star behind the camera -- marking a new era in Freixenet's advertising.
The film has Scorsese offering his vision of Carta Nevada Reserva, portraying the cava as a true cultural product.
"Never before has art been so close to and tied in with advertising," says Martínez. "We wanted to produce something that would be pure entertainment, something that was true to our philosophy that it's not enough now to 'buy' audience time -- we need to create advertising that the audience chooses to spend time with."
While previous holiday campaigns were seen primarily in Spain, today viewers anywhere can watch the work by visiting Freixenet's Web site: www.freixenet.es.
Study finds that film enjoyment is contagious
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Loud commentary and cell phone fumbling may be distracting, but new research from the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that the presence of other people may enhance our movie-watching experiences. Over the course of the film, movie-watchers influence one another and gradually synchronize their emotional responses. This mutual mimicry also affects each participant's evaluation of the overall experience – the more in sync we are with the people around us, the more we like the movie.
"When asked how much they had liked the film, participants reported higher ratings the more their assessments lined up with the other person," explain Suresh Ramanathan and Ann L. McGill (both of the University of Chicago). "By mimicking expressions, people catch each other's moods leading to a shared emotional experience. That feels good to people and they attribute that good feeling to the quality of the movie."
First Hollywood Goes Green Summit on December 11-12, 2007
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
iHollywood Forum, Inc. today announced the first summit called Hollywood Goes Green (http://hollywoodgoesgreen.com). Hollywood Goes Green takes place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from 9am-5pm each day with over 40 speakers, and cutting edge exhibitors in the expo hall. The title sponsors are NBC Universal, General Motors, IBM and Subway.
Press and analysts are invited to attend a PRESS CONFERENCE on Dec. 11 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Academy Room, from 9:30-10:30 am. Check in will take place at the registration area in the first floor lobby. This press conference will consist of news announcements by IBM, General Motors, NBC Universal and Subway in connection with Hollywood Goes Green. We will be issuing a press release on Monday containing more details about each announcement. Press are invited to remain the entire day to cover the conference sessions and lunch. Please reply with "pressconfirm" in subject line if you would like to be listed on the press list; and receive the press release for Thursday with more details. To register, send email with "press confirm" to jay@ihollywoodforum.com or call 310-566-7743.
First Hollywood Goes Green Summit on December 11-12, 2007
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
iHollywood Forum, Inc. today announced the first summit called Hollywood Goes Green (http://hollywoodgoesgreen.com). Hollywood Goes Green takes place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from 9am-5pm each day with over 40 speakers, and cutting edge exhibitors in the expo hall. The title sponsors are NBC Universal, General Motors, IBM and Subway.
Press and analysts are invited to attend a PRESS CONFERENCE on Dec. 11 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Academy Room, from 9:30-10:30 am. Check in will take place at the registration area in the first floor lobby. This press conference will consist of news announcements by IBM, General Motors, NBC Universal and Subway in connection with Hollywood Goes Green. We will be issuing a press release on Monday containing more details about each announcement. Press are invited to remain the entire day to cover the conference sessions and lunch. Please reply with "pressconfirm" in subject line if you would like to be listed on the press list; and receive the press release for Thursday with more details. To register, send email with "press confirm" to jay@ihollywoodforum.com or call 310-566-7743.
12/02/07
Empire Film Group Launches of Latin Entertainment Division
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Empire Film Group, Inc. will launch a new Latin Entertainment Division to develop and produce original entertainment programming for over 600 million Spanish speaking people worldwide.
Industry veteran Herman Valerius will lead the new division as President. Mr. Valerius' entire career has been in the communications and entertainment industries. In 1971 he became International Editor for Gabriela Mistral, the largest Publishing Company in Latin America with publications such as Omni, Parents, Playboy, Readers Digest, Estadio, Bravo and many other internationally known titles. In 1981, Mr. Valerius was appointed International Editor for Playboy under a publishing license agreement with Gabriela Mistral.
Celebrity Pet Filmmakers Capture DogCatemy Awards
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
They were clapping, cheering and barking as well last night as the winners of the 2007 DogCatemy Awards were announced at the second annual gala, a Red Carpet event attended by pet-lovers and their dogs, hosted by North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal shelter.
Celebrities Rachael Ray, Howard Stern, Beth Ostrosky, Richard Belzer, Josh Flitter, Brandon Hannan, Hallie Kate Eisenberg and several hundred League supporters, many accompanied by their dogs, filled the ballroom of Capitale in New York City. Mistress of Ceremonies was Fox TV's Good Day New York anchor Jodi Applegate, with Fox TV Entertainment Reporter Toni Senecal introducing the videos and celebrity presenters.
Casting is Complete on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Casting has been completed on the much-anticipated sixth installment of the Warner Bros. Pictures Harry Potter film franchise, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
David Yates, who directed this year’s summer blockbuster "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," returns to direct "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." David Heyman, the producer of all of the Harry Potter films, is producing the film, together with David Barron. Screenwriter Steve Kloves, who scripted the first four installments of the film franchise, is adapting the screenplay based on the book by J.K. Rowling.
11/25/07
2008 Backlot Film Festival Announces Call For Entries
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
The third Backlot Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the 2008 festival to be held April 2 through April 5 at Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Culver City, California.
This years' festival will open with a tribute to legendary M-G-M producer and songwriter Arthur Freed ("An American In Paris"/ "Gigi") and establish the Arthur Freed Award for ‘Best Student Film,' in fiction or documentary, with an emphasis on carrying on the tradition of family entertainment. Memorable films produced by Freed include "Singing' In The Rain," "On The Town," "Showboat" and "The Clock." A prolific songwriter, some of his contemporary classics include "Singin' In The Rain," originally written for "Hollywood Revue of 1929," "You Were Meant For Me" from "Broadway Melody" and "Good Morning" first heard in "Babes in Arms." Presenting the award will be Freed's grandson, Stephen A. Saltzman, president of Arthur Freed Productions.
11/18/07
Lionsgate Reports Record Revenues of $343.5 Million
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Lionsgate, the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, reported record high quarterly revenues of $343.5 million and a net loss of $56.2 million for its fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007. The Company noted that revenue growth was driven by strong theatrical box office results and television production revenue gains in the quarter.
Lionsgate reported basic and diluted net loss per common share of $0.47 on 119.2 million weighted average common shares outstanding. The Company noted that its loss in the quarter was driven by $122.5 million in theatrical marketing spend expensed in the quarter.
Fantasm Films Signs Tony Moran
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Fantasm Films principals Woody Bavota and Kevin MacDonald are producing their second film Beg. Beg is more of a psycological thriller than a slasher film, we work very hard on our scripts to convey the human factor of each character and to tell their story of how they got to where they are in their lives.
Image Entertainment Acquires US Rights to the Feature Film
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.comstrong>
Image Entertainment, Inc., a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of feature films and entertainment programming in North America, has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Numb Productions, Inc. to bring the feature film, Numb, starring Matthew Perry, to home video, pay-per-view, VOD and digital throughout the United States. The deal was concluded at the American Film Market in Santa Monica.
11/11/07
New Website Lets the Public Own a Film Production Company
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
OwnAFilmCompany.com is a new website that intends to get 100,000 members of the public together to make fund a feature film. Initial registration is free, and open to anyone in the world. Once the site has 100,000 registered free members, they will be asked to pay a £30 (£35.25 with VAT) membership fee, which will be put towards the running of the website and the funding of a £2.5m feature film.
In return for paying their £30 membership fee, members get to vote for the script as well as the lead actors and main crew members. A Limited company will be set up, with all paid up members owning 1 share, this means that if the film fails or the company goes into debt, members will not be liable. All they will "lose" is their £30 membership fee.
Silicon Valley Meets Hollywood
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Sandlot Venture Group has partnered with Red Bird Cinema to fund a variety of future movie ventures. Founded in 2007, Sandlot Venture Group is focused on the financing and development of high profile film projects. Its first act in alliance with Red Bird Cinema will be to produce a feature film based on the life story of boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard, with Pulitzer Prize winning author H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger to write the screenplay.
Based in Silicon Valley, Sandlot Venture Group (SVG) is a $25 million private equity fund to procure, develop and package its high-profile film projects. Comprised of individual investors from technology, entertainment and professional sports as well as several successful business entrepreneurs, SVG will combine outstanding deal flow, great experience in optimizing investment terms and an investor base that is focused on developing outstanding feature films and a solid return on investment.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Acquires North American Rights to Peter Jackson's Film
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights as well as distribution rights in a significant number of foreign territories, including all English speaking territories, to the Peter Jackson produced sci-fi motion picture "District 9" from QED International. The announcement was jointly made today by Peter Schlessel, President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, and QED International CEO Bill Block.
Academy Award(R) winner Peter Jackson is producing "District 9" through his WingNut Films production banner. QED International, the Los Angeles based production, financing and international sales company, is fully financing the film. Jackson's manager Ken Kamins of Key Creatives is serving as executive producer along with Bill Block.
11/04/07
Bankable Productions Inks Deal with Warner Bros.
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Multitalented producer, talk show host, entrepreneur and supermodel Tyra Banks has signed an exclusive development and production deal with Warner Bros. Entertainment. Under terms of the multiyear pact, Banks' production company – Bankable Productions – will create and produce original primetime television series programming via the Studio's Warner Bros. Television (WBTV) and Warner Horizon Television (WHTV) production units, as well as original movies for Warner Premiere, the Studio's direct-to-consumer production arm. Tyra will continue her dual role as host and executive producer of both Telepictures Productions' syndicated "The Tyra Banks Show," as well as The CW's hit show "America’s Next Top Model" ("ANTM"), now in its 10th cycle.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Stars in Spike Original Movie
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Jean-Claude Van Damme ("Sudden Death," "Timecop") and Academy Award(R)-nominated actor Stephen Rea ("The Crying Game," "V for Vendetta") star in the Spike original movie, "Until Death," premiering on Sunday, November 25th from 9-11 p.m. (ET/PT). "Until Death" is the first of thirteen films slated under the "Spike Guy Movies" umbrella that will air through 2008.
"Until Death" is a gritty action-thriller centered around the life of a dirty cop (Van Damme) and follows his downward spiral and eventual salvation. Anthony Stowe (Van Damme) is a down-and-out narcotics cop who spends his days strung out on heroine, drunk, cheating on his wife with prostitutes and haunted by the elusive Callahan (Rea), his former partner turned crime boss. After a vicious gunfight with Callahan and his men, Stowe is left for dead and falls into a coma. After nearly losing his life while hunting his former partner, Anthony recovers, a changed man and sets out to right his wrongs and bring down his nemesis.
Hit Web Animation Series Spawns Feature Film
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
BloodSpell, the "punk fantasy" Web series, spawns its own feature film after more than 100,000 viewers. In 2006, Web animation viewers watched as beautiful swordswomen battled on a pyrotechnic chess board. A gladiator with a steam-powered arm fled an army of wraiths. A sorcerer and an angel fought atop a cliff overlooking a fantasy city.
This was BloodSpell, the animated epic released online last year. Now, the series has spawned an 84-minute feature film.
Regent Releasing Acquires North American Rights to Comedy Feature
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Regent Releasing has acquired North American distribution rights to the romantic comedy The Hottie and the Nottie. The film is scheduled for a Valentine's Day release on February 8th, 2008 and will play in theaters nationwide. Hadeel Reda's Purple Pictures developed and produced the film. The Hottie and the Nottie stars Paris Hilton, Joel David Moore, and Christine Lakin and is directed by Tom Putnam.
Written by Heidi Ferrer, The Hottie and the Nottie is a comedy with heart centering on a "perfect 10" woman, Cristabel Abbott (Hilton); her less fortunate best friend, June Phigg (Lakin); and the guy who gets in the middle. Having pined for Cristabel since the first grade, twentysomething Nate Cooper (Moore) must find a boyfriend for the less-than-beautiful June before he will have a shot at landing the girl of his dreams.
10/28/07
Hollywood's Handpicked Films Enters Into Nine-Figure, Multi-Year Deal
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Michel Shane of Handpicked Films announced the company has entered into a multi-year deal with New York-based hedge fund Ginepri Capital Partners. Handpicked Films, based in Los Angeles and run by film veterans Michel Shane and Anthony Romano, will act as Executive Producers and have oversight over the first GINEPRI MOTION PICTURE SLATE. The first array of 11 films values at approximately $110 million dollars with three more slates lined up to follow.
The range of film budgets is $5 million to $40 million. Michel Shane is working hand in hand with Ginepri Capital managing partner S.K. Dean in financial structuring and evaluating various distribution avenues for the pics. Ginepri and Handpicked will continue on an ongoing basis to develop slates of films for the term of the deal.
2008 Texas High School Film Competition
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is happy to announce the call for entries for the Texas High School Film Competition. This will be the fourth year for this very popular program, which is now a regularly featured component of the Film Festival, scheduled March 7-15, 2008 in Austin, TX.
The deadline for entering films for the 2008 SXSW Texas High School film competition is December 20, 2007. High School films can be submitted via a special Web site: http://2008.sxsw.com/film/submit/texas_students. The competition is open to all Texas high schools students enrolled in the 9th through 12th grades for the full 2007-2008 academic year. Only films completed in 2007 will be considered. All films that are chosen as finalists will be shown in a special program as part of the regular SXSW Film 2008 schedule. Final round judging will be done by independent filmmakers and industry professionals.
10/27/07
First Scripted Webisode to Stream Live on the Internet
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenWriter.com
Synchronis.tv made history as the first company to stream a scripted drama live over the Internet. Using three Panasonic DVX 100's mixed in real time and streamed live to Ustream.tv via a Tri-Caster Studio, Synchronis.tv presented "35", 10, 10 minute episodes shot over 12 consecutive evenings.
Written by award winning writer Sharr White and directed by Adam Forgash, Synchronis.tv's first series "35" introduces us to Christian and Sarah, a couple, who on the cusp of their long awaited success, are visited by an unwelcome houseguest whose presence unearths their deeply-buried skeletons, paving the way for a razors-edge triangle of possession, deceit and retribution.
10/21/07
H.G. Buzz Bissinger To Write Screenplay
reported by Melissa G., CyberScreenwriter.com
Red Bird Cinema will produce a feature film based on the life story of boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard, and has enlisted Pulitzer Prize winning author H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger to write the screenplay. Bissinger recently wrote the New York Bestseller, Three Nights In August, about baseball and 2006 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinal manager Tony La Russa. Actor/writer Kevin Pollak did the screenplay adaptation, which Red Bird Cinema is also producing.
Imperia Entertainment Acquires Muller Film Library
reported by Melissa G., CyberScreenwriter.com
Imperia Entertainment, Inc., in conjunction with its sale of an equity interest in Muller Media, Inc., has acquired Muller's film and television library, by assignment of all copyrights owned by Muller to Imperia, in exchange for a royalty agreement. The titles include the sci-fi cult classic, "A Boy and His Dog," starring Don Johnson, "A Man of Passion," starring Anthony Quinn, and "Under Milkwood," starring Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter O'Toole.
Other titles include "The Being," "Final Terror," "Day of the Cobra," "Final Terror," "L.A. Bounty" and "Rush Week." The company will seek to exploit these titles in television, cable and DVD distribution, as well as remake rights. "It is often more attractive to a distributor when a production company has a library of films," said Gregory Webb, Vice President and Head of Production.
"Imperia is also seeking to acquire a distribution company with an established sales staff to exploit its films and those of other production companies," he added. The company recently announced that it did not intend to seek new capital through stock sales, that it did not intend to reverse split the stock, and that it has launched a new private placement up to $5 million, which provides investors a return of capital plus interest, and equity participation in its motion picture, "Never Submit."
10/20/07
How to Avoid an Acting Scam - A Guide to the Arizona Film Market
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
With the migration of Hollywood films to Arizona comes an influx of talent scams. Hopeful actors are often all too quick to buy into the promise of easy success. Matthew Dearing, (owner/head instructor of Dearing Acting Studio) provides tips on insider information on the Arizona acting schools and the film market. "As a teacher in various Arizona acting schools for over six years, I have seen many eager, talented individuals disillusioned by scam agencies." says Dearing. "They've come to believe that there is no career possible outside of the Los Angeles market." Are all Arizona acting schools a hoax? Absolutely not. There are credible Arizona acting schools that can give you the training you need.
10/14/07
Filmmakers Driving 10,000 Miles to Ask Oprah for $1
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Colbert, and Kevin Bacon are just a few of the many celebrities joining thousands of producers to help create "The 1 Second Film," an online-based non-profit art project being called the "largest collaboration in filmmaking history." On September 20th, the non-profit collaboration began a 10,000 mile quest to ask Oprah Winfrey to join their list of producers, simply by donating $1.
One dollar is the minimum amount to be credited as a producer of the innovative micro-collaborative project, which is using the internet to allow anyone in the world to make a movie together. To date, the production has raised over $222,315.34 of a $1 million goal with the help of over 8,084 producers from 50 countries. But will Oprah join them? That is the question the filmmakers are preparing to drive 10,000 miles to find out.
How to Write a Screenplay for Doctor Who
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
Fresh from writing two episodes of the Doctor Who spin-off show The Sarah Jane Adventures, Philip Gladwin is offering free membership of a one-on-one email Mentor program for the first fifty people to buy his Screenwriting Goldmine package.
This multi book and CD course contains a powerful step by step method detailing how to write a screenplay. It takes screenwriters all the way from generating the initial concepts through to the end of their first draft, and is priced at $97. It can be found at http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com
YouTube Premieres First International Film Competition
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
YouTube has launched Project Direct, its first international film promotion, sponsored by HP, that aims to discover the top filmmakers within its community. (http://www.youtube.com/projectdirect)
Now through Friday, Nov. 9, filmmakers from Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States can submit their best original works that showcase their personal style and creativity. Jason Reitman, director of "Thank You For Smoking" and upcoming Fox Searchlight release "Juno," along with a panel of experts, will narrow the field of entries down to 20 finalists. The YouTube community will then vote on the finalists from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 2. The winners will be unveiled on Wednesday, December 5.
First Look Studios Acquires THE AMATEURS
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
First Look Studios has acquired THE AMATEURS, which is slated for theatrical release on November 30, 2007. THE AMATEURS, a comedy by first time director/writer Michael Traeger, 'exposes' how a small town is brought together by a common dream... to create their own adult film.
Gary Hirsch, executive vice president of Acquisitions, negotiated the deal on behalf of First Look Studios. Rob Cain negotiated the deal on behalf of producer Aaron Ryder for Raygun Productions.
10/07/07
First Look Studios Acquires DAY ZERO
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
First Look Studios has acquired DAY ZERO, which is set for theatrical release on January 18, 2008. DAY ZERO, a selection in this year's Tribeca Film Festival, explores the story of three lifelong friends (Chris Klein, Jon Bernthal and Elijah Wood), drafted into the military. This film is directed by Bryan Gunnar Cole, written by Robert Malkani and produced by Anthony Moody of Indalo Productions.
The US Motion Picture Production and Distribution Industry Includes About 11,000 Companies with Combined Annual Revenue of $33 Billion
The US motion picture production and distribution industry includes about 11,000 companies with combined annual revenue of $33 billion. Major companies include Disney, Sony Pictures, MGM, Paramount, FOX, Universal, and Warner Bros. The top motion picture studios are generally part of larger media companies. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 80 percent of industry revenue. Most companies are small and privately held. Most of the industry, including many independent firms, engages in both production and distribution; about 500 firms are solely distributors.
Third-Annual Filmmaker Forum: Empower the Filmmaker
reported by Jesse Desi, CyberScreenwriter.com
Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent, announced today the third-annual Filmmaker Forum will be held October 19-21 at the Directors Guild of America, giving attendees access to some of the most innovative names in indie filmmaking.
"Our Filmmaker Forum is not your conventional 'How to Make it in the Business’ seminar," said Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent. "It’s an honest, off-the-record discussion about a filmmaker's options. Our highly respected panel won't sugarcoat the potential pitfalls of filmmaking, and will empower the participants to make the best choices possible."
09/30/07
Entries Sought for 9th Annual PlanetOut Short Movie Awards
reported by Becky D. Werner, CyberScreenwriter.com
PlanetOut Inc. is seeking entries for the 9th Annual PlanetOut Short Movie Awards (POSMA) 2008, sponsored by Scion in association with the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF).
The PlanetOut Short Movie Awards, the largest online awards honoring film and video shorts by, about, and of interest to LGBT audiences, is an acclaimed international platform for top gay and lesbian filmmakers. Noted winners include Angela Robinson ("D.E.B.S.," "Herbie Fully Loaded," and "The L Word"); Jamie Babbitt ("But I'm a Cheerleader!," "Ugly Betty," "Alias," "Malcolm in the Middle," "Gilmore Girls," and "Nip/Tuck"); and Q. Allan Brocka ("Eating Out," "Boy Culture," and "Rick and Steve the Happiest Gay Couple in all the World").
The Weinstein Company Acquires 'Walk All Over Me' From IndustryWorks Distribution
reported by Bernie Walker, CyberScreenwriter.com
The Weinstein Company has acquired U.S. rights to the thriller WALK ALL OVER ME from IndustryWorks Distribution. Directed by Robert Cuffley and co-starring Golden-Globe nominee Leelee Sobieski ("Joan of Arc," "Eyes Wide Shut") and Tricia Helfer ("Battlestar Galactica"), the film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received critical acclaim from viewers and film industry insiders alike. TWC will distribute WALK ALL OVER ME on DVD through Genius Products, their exclusive home video distributor.
09/29/07
The 2007 International Film Festival Summit Unveils The Inaugural IFFS Excellence Awards
reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com
The 4th Annual International Film Festival Summit (IFFS) will take place Dec. 2-4, 2007, in Las Vegas, at the Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort.
The IFFS is the only event in the world that brings together professionals and executives from the film festival and entertainment industry to converse and address the advancement of film festivals, and this year the IFFS will pay special tribute recognizing these individuals.
What's the Most Famous One-Liner of All Time?
by Gary Brunson, CyberScreenwriter.com
Ask any movie or TV buff what their favorite one-liner is a