Sony Pictures Classics' Senior VP Dylan Leiner Promoted

Sony Pictures Classics' Dylan Leiner has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Acquisitions and Production. Since 2000, he had served as a Senior Vice President in the same division. "Dylan is a major asset to the company and he clearly has an eye for emerging talent and the next wave of filmmakers as well as major skills in post-production," says Co-Presidents Michael Barker and Tom Bernard in a prepared statement. Sony Pictures Classics films that are currently playing include "Capote," which earned an Oscar nomination for best motion picture, "Why We Fight" and "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada." 
[permalink]   [ filed under Industry Moves ]

Producer Lang Acquires Film Rights to Gay Comic Drama "The Dreyfus Affair"

Producer Andrew Lang ("Loverboy") has acquired the film rights to author Peter Lefcourt's "The Dreyfus Affair." The book -- loosely based on the Dreyfus espionage controversy in France -- is about an affair that takes place between the shortstop and second baseman of a major league baseball team and the fallout that occurs when their relationship is discovered. Lang and Lefcourt are currently collaborating on the screenplay. Lefcourt will also be one of the film's producers. [M.L. Liu] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions ]

"Boys of Baraka" Receives Local Premiere

Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's documentary "The Boys of Baraka," about four 12-year-old boys from inner-city Baltimore who attend an experimental boarding school in Kenya, premiered in Baltimore earlier this week. The directors as well as the now 16-year-old boys were in attendance. Jonathan Pitts reports for the Baltimore Sun. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Movies ]

Journal of Short Film Releases "Volume 2" DVD

The Journal of Short Film recently announced its release of "Volume 2 (Winter 2006)." This DVD features a compilation of 11 shorts, including narratives, documentaries, experimental works, animation and "Walter Mondale doing hip hop." The Journal of Short Film, which models itself after a literary journal, publishes a DVD quarterly. For subscription and submission information, visit the journal's Web site. [M.L. Liu] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Releases, Shorts ]

ClickStar to Release Film Simultaneously in Theaters, Online

Morgan Freeman's company, ClickStar, recently began production on its first movie, "10 Items or Less." With funding from computer chip maker Intel, "when the movie is released, it will land in theaters and be available for download over the Internet on the same day, no doubt sending multiple studio moguls diving for their Zoloft." Kevin Maney reports for USA TODAY. 
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Interview with Berlin Film Fest Jury Member Yash Chopra

Bollywood director and producer Yash Chopra ("Veer-Zaara") speaks about being a Berlin International Film Festival jury member and the increasing popularity of Bollywood movies around the world. DW-WORLD reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Berlin ]

Powers Named New Doc Programmer for Toronto International Film Festival

Thom Powers, host and programmer of the Stranger Than Fiction series at the IFC Center in New York has been appointed international documentary programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival Group, organizers of the festival, announced this week. "Thom's dedication to the documentary form is incredibly impressive," said TIFF co-director Noah Cowan in a statement. "His experiences as a filmmaker, lecturer and writer mean that he is acutely familiar with both the theory and practice of documentary filmmaking. His enthusiasm and knowledge make him an immense asset to the festival and we are delighted to welcome him onto the programming team." Powers replaces Sean Farnel, who joined Hot Docs as director of programming late last year. [Brian Brooks] 
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Fortissimo Goes For "Fabulous"

Worldwide sales rights (outside the U.S.) for the new Independent Film Channel documentary Fabulous! The Story Of Queer Cinema" -- premiering February 12th -- have been acquired by Fortissimo Films, the company announced today. Lisa Ades and Lesli Klainberg directed the film, which looks at queer films from the 40s through the New Queer Cinema movement of the 90s, to today's gay & lesbian films. [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ]

Berlinale Adds "The Night Listener"

Patrick Stettner's "The Night Listener" has been added to the lineup of the 2006 Berlinale as a special surprise screening. The film, based on Armistead Maupin's novel, debuted last month at the Sundance Film Festival and stars Robin Williams, Tony Collette, Rory Culkin, Bobby Cannavale, Joe Morton and Sandra Oh (the director and the author are expected to travel to Berlin for the film's European premiere on February 12th. Miramax acquired North American rights to the movie shortly after its debut. Heading into Berlin's European Film Market, the film's sales company, Fortissimo Films said Wednesday that it is racking up sizable sales on the title, including selling German rights to Telepool, and other deals as well, including Forum (Israel), CMC (Taiwan), PMEG (Thailand), Hollywood Classics (Czech Republic) and ANS (Turkey), Icon (UK), Village Roadshow (Australia) and Svensk (Scandinavia). [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions ]

Marvin Gaye Biopic to Begin Production

A biopic about singer Marvin Gaye is scheduled to begin production in May. The film, "Sexual Healing," will cover "Gaye's self-imposed exile in Europe after years of battling drugs, domestic issues and label headaches." Gaye made a comeback with the help of a promoter but was later murdered by his father. Lauren Goodman will direct from a script that she wrote. Jesse L. Martin, who plays a detective on the popular series "Law & Order," will assume the role of Gaye for the movie, which will be independently financed. Nellie Andreeva reports for Reuters/Hollywood Reporter. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Production ]

Interview with Berlin International Film Festival's Dieter Kosslick

Dieter Kosslick spoke with journalist Scott Roxborough about the direction in which he has steered the Berlin International Film Festival since taking over as director in 2001. The Hollywood Reporter reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Berlin ]

Reuters: 56th Berlin International Film Festival Numbers Attest to Increased Popularity

The organizers of the Berlin International Film Festival reviewed a record 4,000 film entries before deciding on the 400 that make up this year's edition. The festival, which runs February 9 through February 19, is also expecting a record number of film buyers, sellers, producers, directors, actors and journalists to attend. "'The interest has been gigantic this year,' he [festival director Dieter Kosslick] added, noting the European Film Market, where buyers and sellers from around the world gather, has shown a 45 percent increase this year with 254 companies attending. ... Now a major launching pad for Hollywood and European films at the start of the year, the Berlinale is also abuzz with filmmakers from around the world in a number of new and popular sidebar events such as a talent campus and co-production market." Erik Kirschbaum reports for Reuters. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Berlin ]

Shorts Recognized at 28th Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival

The 28th Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival wrapped up last weekend in Clermont-Ferrand, France. "Fais de Beaux Reves" by Marilyne Canto received the Grand Prix in the festival's National Competition. "Le Mammouth Pobalski" by Jacques Mitsch received the Audience Prize in the same category. The category's Special Jury Prize was given to Samuel Collardey's "Du Soleil en Hiver." In the International Competition, "Medianeras" by Gustavo Taretto (Argentina) took top honors. "Hibernation" by John Williams (U.K.) was awarded the Audience Prize, and the Special Jury Prize went to Heng Tang's "The Last Chip" (Australia). Jacques Thelemaque's "Transaction" was honored with the Grand Prix in the Lab Competition. Both "City Paradise" by Gaelle Denis and "90 Degrees" by Francois Roisin, Raphael Martinez Bachel and Jules Janaud received the category's Audience Prize. For a complete list of winners, visit the festival website. [M.L. Liu] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Honors, Shorts, Shorts ]

"If Women Ruled the World" Screening to Fete Late Betty Friedan

In memory of feminist/activist Betty Friedan who died Saturday, a screening of Richard Karz's documentary, "If Women Ruled the World" will take place Wednesday. The film is a record is a record of a June 23, 1999 dinner in Washington, D.C. with Martha Stewart, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Day O'Connor, Liv Ullmann, Friedan, Jane Goodall, Queen Noor, Madeleine Albright, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Andrea Mitchell and Judith Shapiro to discuss the state of women's issues. The screening will take place at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York, followed by a discussion with Karz and Barnard College president Judith Shapiro. For more information, visit the film's website. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Events ]

Weinstein Company Embarks on "Lovewrecked" in North America

The Weinstein Company has acquired all North American rights to "Lovewrecked," by Stephen Langford from Media 8 Entertainment, the company's co-chairman Harvey Weinstein announced Monday. The romantic comedy stars Amanda Bynes ("What a Girl Wants"), Chris Carmack ("The O.C."), Jamie-Lynn Sigler ("The Sopranos") and Jonathan Bennett ("Mean Girls") about 18-year-old, Jenny (Bynes), who finds herself stranded on a deserted island with her favorite rock star (Carmack), after being thrown overboard from a cruise ship. In order to win him over, Jenny fails to tell him that the tropical resort she works for is just around the corner. Michelle Krumm, executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productions for TWC, brought the project to The Weinstein Company. Media 8 Entertainment is a film entertainment company engaged in the production, financing, acquisition, and worldwide licensing of theatrical feature films in a variety of genres. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions ]

The Top Ten, So far...

Each Monday, indieWIRE receives the final weekend numbers for specialty releases in theaters. This is our top ten for the past weekend so far, with most numbers already in. The top ten is subject to change before the final chart is published tomorrow and the weekly box office column is written. Box office data provided by Rentrak as of Monday, 5:00pm EST.

1."Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story" (Picturehouse) - $40,704 wknd ($13,568 per scrn)
2. "Who Gets to Call It Art?" (Palm Pictures) - $7,520 wknd ($7,520 per scrn)
3. "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" (Sony Pictures Classics) - $205,994 wknd ($6,242 per scrn)
4. "Transamerica"(The Weinstein Company/IFC) - $542,640 wknd ($5,373 per scrn)
5. "Dorian Blues" (TLA Releasing) - $5,226 wknd ($5,226 per scrn)
6. "Why We Fight" (Sony Pictures Classics) - $42,719 wknd ($4,747 per scrn)
7. "Cache (Hidden)" (Sony Pictures Classics) - $284,694 wknd ($4,448 per scrn)
8. "Mrs. Henderson Presents" (The Weinstein Company) - $1,038,849 ($3,996 per scrn)
9. "Match Point" (Dreamworks) - $1,840,093 wknd ($3,615 per scrn)
10."The World's Fastest Indian" (Magnolia Pictures) - $400,782 wknd ($3,516 per scrn)
 
[permalink]   [ filed under Biz ]

THINKFilm Sweetens to "Strangers With Candy"

THINKFilm has acquired all worldwide rights to "Strangers With Candy," a feature film adaptation of the Comedy Central series of the same name, it was announced today by the company's president and CEO, Jeff Sackman, and head of U.S. theatrical, Mark Urman. Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello, who wrote and starred in the series, repeat those chores here, with Dinello also directing. In the film, Sedaris plays Jerri Blank, a 46 year-old ex-junkie, ex-con who decides to get a fresh start in life and regain the trust of her family, by returning to high school. The deal was negotiated by Randy Manis, THINKFilm EVP of acquisitions and business affairs, and CAA on behalf of the filmmakers. Warner Independent Pictures originally acquired theatrical rights to the comedy at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, but later dropped the film when they were unable to conclude the deal. "At this important stage of our company's development, we were looking for a film that combined all of the best qualities of 'Crash,' 'Brokeback Mountain,' and 'Capote," said Urman in a statement. "'Strangers with Candy' has ethnic slurs, clandestine gay sex, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. What more could we want?" [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions ]

NY Times: Making Moves at Paramount

Brad Grey may have an image problem, but he says it is not something that has him terribly worried. In March, Mr. Grey, the former talent manager who is now chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures, was criticized for the way he handled the ouster of a well-liked senior executive. In the fall, some producers complained he was not developing movies quickly enough to fill Paramount's 2006 slate. Mr. Grey believes he has a plan for reviving Paramount, which in 2004 ranked seventh in domestic box-office receipts. And the plan is similar to the one he had as a talent manager aggressively guiding the careers of A-list actors like Brad Pitt or developing television shows like "The Sopranos": he will buy good scripts, bet heavily on talented executives and filmmakers and, he hopes, watch the money follow. Laura M. Holson reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Biz ]

The Guardian: Al Gore: the second coming

Park City coverage sponsored by BE KIND REWIND.

Celebrity took an unusually nerdy form at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The man everyone wanted to meet, talk to and be seen with wasn't a film star or daring new director. It was a politician, who is in his sixth year of retirement and more famous for what he didn't achieve than for what he did. Al Gore has been to Sundance before, but never as a leading man. This year he was appearing in "An Inconvenient Truth," a 90-minute star-vehicle documentary. "An Inconvenient Truth" sold out at Sundance and received standing ovations. The Q&As with Gore following the screenings were packed. "The reception he got was extraordinary," says the film's producer, Lawrence Bender ("Pulp Fiction," "Good Will Hunting"). "He was a phenomenon at Sundance." Geraldine Bell reports in The Guardian. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Park City, People ]

Reuters: "Brokeback" scribe's friends reluctant to see film

"Brokeback Mountain" co-screenwriter and producer Diana Ossana, said some of her own friends and family in places other than "the coasts" have had a hard time coming to grips with the homosexual love story at the film's center. "I finally had to say to them, 'It's just a movie. What do you think is going to happen to you if you see it?"' she said. "It hasn't been easy. Trust me." ("Brokeback Mountain" and "Crash" went on to win the WGA's respective awards Saturday for adapted and original screenplay." Reuters reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Movies ]

AP: Clooney Honored at Santa Barbara Film Fest

Wrapping a week that included receiving three Oscar nominations, George Clooney traveled up the coast to collect the Modern Master Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. "It's a bad week to be me," Clooney joked with AP Television News at the Friday night ceremony. "Yeah, it's been a rough time," he continued, smirking. "But I'll struggle through it. What I'll be doing is a lot of therapy. And I'll be fine." AP reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Honors ]

"Brokeback" and "Capote" Win WGA Awards

The Writers Guild Awards were presented last night by The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and The Writers Guild of America, west (WGAW). The guild honored Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco with the award for original screenplay, while the prize for adapted screenplay went to Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana for "Brokeback Mountain," based on the short story by Annie Proulx. [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Honors ]