The Guardian: Through being cool -- Interview with Chloe Sevigny

Chloe Sevigny has been the darling of indie filmmakers for a decade. But now, she says, she's "sick of it." So what's next? Oliver Burkeman finds out.  
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AP: Utah's 'Mollywood' a Wholesome Hollywood?

After almost five years of making movies for Mormons, the group of filmmakers who were part of the genre's most prolific production studio are branching out with projects that leave the church jokes behind with the hopes of engaging a broader audience. And they want to do it in their own backyard. Could Utah become a "Mollywood" of sorts -- a family focused, filmmaking Mecca that still caters to Molly Mormons, the nickname given to those who embrace the faith's clean-cut morality? Debbie Hummel reports. 
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LA Times: Director Warns of Big Screens' Extinction

One of Hollywood's top filmmakers delivered a rallying cry to the nation's theater owners Thursday, warning that one of the great American traditions -- the collective moviegoing experience -- was being threatened with extinction. Speaking at the annual ShowEast convention in Orlando, Fla., M. Night Shyamalan, the director and writer of such blockbusters as "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs," condemned those who are pushing to eliminate what has traditionally been a months-long delay between the release of a movie on the big screen and its debut on DVD. Doing away with that window will not only destroy the exhibition industry, Shyamalan warned, but it will also diminish the artistic integrity of moviemaking. Claudia Eller reports. 
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Sundance Fest Remaining Anchored in Park City, Institute Moving to Mountain Town

While the Sundance Film Festival recently announced a decision to expand its presence in Salt Lake City, UT, the festival will remain anchored in Park City, UT for the next 12 years. As part of a pact approved yesterday, next fall Sundance Institute will move its year-round administrative HQ from Salt Lake City to Park City. Under an agreement approved by the Park City Council last night, Sundance Institute will move into a renovated historic building at the base of the Park City Mountain Resort, according to an announcement today. The deal will also keep the Sundance Film Festival in Park City through 2018. There is also an option to renew the deal for another decade. [Eugene Hernandez]  
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals, Park City ]

Mill Valley Film Festival Inaugurates Audience Awards

The 28th Mill Valley Film Festival wrapped up on October 16 after screening over 200 movies from 55 countries. This was the first year that the festival granted audience awards. The Audience Award for dramatic feature went to Zola Maseko's "Drum," about conditions in South Africa in the 1950s. Lisa Gay Hamilton's "Beah: A Black Woman Speaks," about the life of actress, poet and activist Beah Richards, received the Audience Award for documentary feature. Stefan Scaini's "Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story" was given the Children's FilmFest Audience Award. The British Academy of Film and Television award for short films went to "City Paradise," directed by Gaelle Denis. Jacques Thelemaque's "Transaction" and John Harden's "La Vie d'un Chien" were the two runners-up. [M.L. Liu] 
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Cronenberg, Mortensen, Bello, Hurt and Shore to Discus "Violence" at Walter Reade

Director David Cronenberg will discuss his latest film, "A History of Violence" on November 9th at the Walter Reade Theater in Manhattan. The box office success, a New Line release, stars Viggo Mortensen as a "pillar of a small town community who runs a diner and lives a happy and quiet life with his wife (Maria Bello) and two children. Their lives are disrupted, however, when Mortensen thwarts an attempted robbery and is lauded as a hero by the media, attracting the attention of mobsters (William Hurt and Ed Harris) who believe he is someone else." Mortensen, Bello, Hurt and the film's composer Howard Shore will join Cronenberg in a discussion of the film following the screening, hosted by the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Richard Pena. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Events ]

Austin Film Festival Names Screenplay and Teleplay Competition Winners

The Austin Film Festival announced the winners of its 2005 screenplay and teleplay competitions. Readings of the winning screenplays took place during the conference; jury award winners were announced during the festival’s awards luncheon last weekend, and also received cash prizes. The winners were: "The Education of Kady," written by Connie O'Donahue (adult/family screenplay category); "Punctured," written by Karl Williams (comedy screenplay and Sci-Fi award); "Superego," written by Karl Williams (Burnt Orange award); "Lost: Darkest Before Dawn," written by Rebecca Kirsch (drama teleplay); and "Bernie Mac: To Kill a Mockingbird," written by Alessia Costantini (sitcom teleplay winner). The 12th annual Austin Film Festival took place in the Texas capital October 20 - 27. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Honors ]

Hollywood Film Festival Awardees

The 9th Annual Hollywood Film Festival, which ran October 18-23, recently announced its award recipients. George Lucas's "Star Wars: Episode III - The Revenge of the Sith," was voted Hollywood Movie of the Year by the public through the Yahoo! Movies and Entertainment Tonight Web sites. The Hollywood World Award went to Stephen Frears's "Mrs. Henderson Presents," about a woman who opens a theater featuring nude revues. The Best Feature Film award was given to "The Chef" ("Kocken"), directed by Mats Arehn, about an 18-year-old who signs on as a merchant vessel's assistant cook. Richard Trank's "Beautiful Music," about a blind and autistic Palestinian girl taught to create music by an American-born pianist, won for Best Documentary. Awarded Best Short Subject was "Svetlana's Journey," by Michael Cory Davis, about a 13-year-old who's sold into prostitution by her adoptive family. "The Mantis Parable," by Josh Staub, was chosen for Best Animated Short Subject. The film is about a caterpillar trapped in a bug collector's jar. [M.L. Liu] 
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NY Times: A New Life for a Has-been, a Gehry Building

It was planned as a new headquarters for the American Center of Paris, which was founded in 1931 and had long drawn crowds to its rambling Left Bank home as a place to discover American culture and to learn English. But the dream of a dazzling image went sour. Now, thanks to the French government, the building, [a Frank Gehry design] has begun a new life, this time as the headquarters of the Cinematheque Francaise, the legendary film center that was the cradle of the New Wave movies of the 1950s and 60s. Alan Riding reports. 
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indieWIRE Presents: Greg Whiteley and "New York Doll"

Documentary coverage sponsored by SnagFilms.

indieWIRE continues its monthly series with Apple Store - SoHo that presents indie film professionals discussing various aspects of the filmmaking process. On Friday, October 28th, Greg Whiteley, director of "New York Doll," will discuss his feature film debut which follows the ups and downs of Arthur Kane. A recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, mild-mannered Arthur Kane is first introduced on the LA bus he takes most days to his job at the Family History Center library. No one would connect the shy 55-year-old in the suit and tie to Arthur "Killer" Kane, the statuesque bassist for the legendary '70s rock band, "The New York Dolls." For more details visit indieWIRE Calendar.  
[permalink]   [ filed under Documentary, Events ]

What's The Latest At Paramount Classics?

David Poland's Movie City News says tonight, about Paramount Classics:

The Hum At Paramount Remains John Lesher Taking Over Classics... But Then Again, The Last Lesher Rumor And The Ortenberg "Sure-Bet" Died Off... But Pressure Is Growing To Get Someone In Place In Time For The Sundance Market

 
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LA Times: Filmmakers Are Swept Away by Romania

Just a year ago, soundstages [in Vancouver] were half empty. Production in a city whose vibrant movie business earned the nickname "Hollywood North" had plunged to its lowest level in six years. A sagging U.S. dollar had erased many of the cost advantages enticing studios. Seizing the opening, other countries and states used incentives to poach work. So British Columbia and other Canadian provinces answered with a fresh round of sweeteners layered on top of an already generous package. Now, studio lots are jammed until well into next year. Richard Verrier reports. 
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H'wd Reporter: Industry lobbyists cautiously upbeat at conference

As Hurricane Wilma's clouds cleared over the movie theater industry's annual ShowEast conference Tuesday, top lobbyists presented bright forecasts, downplaying recent box office drops as "cyclical" while acknowledging that the industry faces such hurdles as piracy and digital distribution. Motion Picture Assn. of America president and CEO Dan Glickman urged attendees at the Orlando World Center Marriott to view new technologies as "opportunities, not as swords of Damocles." Gregg Goldstein reports. 
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Chicago International Film Festival Audiences Head to "North Country"

The 41st Chicago International Film Festival announced that Niki Caro's ("Whale Rider") "North Country" is its 2005 Audience Choice Award winner, determined by film lovers who attended the festival. A Gold Plaque went to "North Country," a Warner Bros. release, which stars Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron ("Monster"). "North Country" is a fictionalized account of the first major successful sexual harassment legal case in the United States. Also in the festival's top-10 favorite films are: "The Boys of Baraka" by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (USA), "Border Cafe" by Kambuzia Partovi (Iran), "After Innocence" by Jessica Sanders (USA), "Mrs. Henderson Presents" by Stephen Frears (United Kingdom), "The Devil's Miner" by Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani (USA), "Transamerica" by Duncan Tucker (USA), "October 17, 1961" by Alain Tasma (France), "Fateless" by Lajos Koltai (Hungary), and "How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It)" by Joe Angio (USA). [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals ]

Lions Gate Set for December Release of Roth's "Hostel"

Quentin Tarantino is presenting Eli Roth's new film, "Hostel," the follow up to his film "Cabin Fever." The Lions Gate Films release from Screen Gems will hit theaters on December 21st. Sony/Screen Gems (handling DVD) and Lions Gate (handling theatrical) last worked together on "The Punisher." "Hostel" was executive produced by Quentin Tarantino, Scott Spiegel and Boaz Yakin, and produced by Mike Fleiss and Chris Briggs. In the film, Jay Hernandez stars as, in the words of an announcement, "an American backpacker who becomes entangled in a demented underground torture ring." Lions Gate said in an announcement, "Relentlessly graphic and deeply disturbing, the film is rife with explicit sex and brutal violence that is sure to delight hard core genre fans, and prove difficult to stomach for general audiences." [Eugene Hernandez]  
[permalink]   [ filed under Biz ]

HR: Day-and-date VOD, theatrical bow for Rainbow pics

In yesterday's Hollywood Reporter, a look at a plan by Rainbow Media and IFC to release films in theaters and via video-on-demand. Films would be released at IFC Center in New York and also available through a new VOD service. The HR story says that some 18 - 24 films each year could be released as part of the strategy. "I have for a long time held the view that art houses as we know them are disappearing," said Rainbow CEO Josh Sapan, citing the opportunity to create "an electronic art house for a discreet, defined, limited audience in every village, town and city." IFC Films president Jonathan Sehring added, "We're recreating an art house on a national basis electronically. We are uniquely positioned to do this." 
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Focus Features Enters Term Deal with New Garcia Bernal/Luna Production Company Canana Films

Focus Features has entered a two-year agreement with an option for a third year with Mexico City-based production company, Canana Films, the new venture by actors Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna as well as producer Pablo Cruz, Focus president of production John Lyons announced Monday. The deal will give Focus worldwide rights to Canana's planned slate of features. The three partners plan to make both modestly budgeted Spanish-language films in Mexico and higher-budget English-language films. "Our partnership with Canana promises to be a fruitful one, as Gael, Diego, and Pablo identify promising and fresh talent," said Lyons in a statement. "There are so many filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors in Mexico - both up-and-coming and established - that they can bring to our attention." Bernal starred in Focus' Academy Award-winning "The Motorcycle Diaries," by Walter Salles and Focus International handled his last year's feature, "Bad Education," directed by Pedro Almodovar. [Brian Brooks]  
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Skouras Gets "Swimmers"

Skouras Films has announced a deal for U.S. rights to Doug Sadler's "Swimmers." The company plans to release the movie in major markets next year and Sundance Channel has secured pay television rights, in a deal negotiated by Cinetic Media. Melanie Backer, David W. Leitner, and Michael Yanko produced the movie, which won the Grand Jury Prize Award for Best New American Film at the 2005 Seattle International Film Festival. It debuted earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is described as the "inspiring story of human frailty and individual strength in the face of a fracturing American dream." Tara Devon Gallagher, featured as one of the dancers in "Mad Hot Ballroom", makes her debut in the film, which also stars Tony Award winning actress Cherry Jones ("Doubt", "The Heiress"). [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions ]

Weinsteins Announce Completion of $490 Million Equity Investment

The Weinstein Company announced today that it has completed its $490 million private placement of equity. the company said this afternoon that it is working with a number of strategic, financial and individual investors, including GLG Partners, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Perry Capital, Quinta Communications S.A., SOFTBANK Corp., TF1 S.A., WPP, a Mark Cuban investment company, Vivi Nevo, and a Todd Wagner investment company, among others. Among its board are Dirk Ziff (Chairman of Ziff Brothers Investments), Tarak Ben Ammar (Chairman of Quinta Communications S.A), Mathilde Krim (a biomedical scientist and leader in the battle against HIV/AIDS worldwide as well as the Founding Chairman and Chairman of the Board of American Foundation for AIDS Research), Andrew Metcalfe (an Advisory Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co.), and Richard Koenigsberg (CPA and Partner at Spielman, Koenigsberg & Parker, LLP). Citing their excitement in making the announcement, Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein said in their statement:

Twenty-six years ago, we founded Miramax and named it after our parents, Miriam and Max, and we want to continue to pay tribute to our parents by naming our new company after them, The Weinstein Company. We are thrilled with the important relationships we have formed with our investors over the past few months. We couldn't be happier with the members of the Board whom we will be working closely with on an ongoing basis, building and operating The Weinstein Company.

Next up for the Weinsteins will be an announcement of its other distribution arrangements, with a home video/DVD deal anticipated. [Eugene Hernandez] 
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"Cave of the Yellow Dog" Wins Big at Hamptons Fest

Byambasuren Daava's follow-up to the "The Story of the Weeping Camel" was the big winner of jury awards at the 2005 Hamptons International Film Festival. "Cave of the Yellow Dog" nabbed the Golden Starfish Award for best feature, as well as the best cinematography and best score prizes. It is the story of a real Mongolian family integrated into the story of a young girl who finds a puppy in a cave. The Golden Starfish award for best documentary went to David Zieger's "Sir! No Sir!" about an anti-war movement of military men and women during the Vietnam War. The narrative audience award was shared by Marc Rothemund's "Sophie Scholl: The Last Days" and Ali Selim's "Sweet Land", while the documentary audience award went to Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine's "Ballet Russes" and the prize in the shorts category went to Eric Smith's "Irene Williams: Queen of Lincoln Road." The audience prize for best Long Island film went to Kevin Jordan's "Brooklyn Lobster," while the audience award for chidren's feature went to Polly Draper's "The Naked Brothers Band". A full story including a broader list of winners will be published this week. [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ]