Screen
08 January 2009

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Bushi No Kakeibo

Based on the true story of a so-called “abacus samurai” accountant in the once-powerful Kaga fiefdom who struggled to support his wife and family in the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate. Based on historian Michifumi Isoda’s best-selling book.
Hisshiken Torisashi

A samurai known for his original “bird catching” style of swordplay is pulled into a battle to the death when he kills a feudal lord’s mistress after she uses her influence to corrupt local politics. Based on a short story by author Shuhei Fujisawa (Love and Honour, The Twilight Samurai). Billed as a “hardboiled samurai film.”
Neck

A quirky university research student attempting to create a ghost gains the affection of her male classmate and the interest of her childhood friend who’s now a famous author in this spooky romantic comedy.
Saigo No Chushingura

Based on the legendary samurai tale which has been adapted countless times for stage and screen over the past three centuries. Koji Yakusho and Koichi Sato play two survivors on both sides of an attack by 47 ronin (masterless samurai) on the mansion of a government official whose persecution of their lord led to his untimely death. Warner Brothers Japan’s first fully in-house production.
Sanctum

Things go wrong when a father and his teenage son go on a treacherous cave-diving exploration
Serious Moonlight drives strong AFM sales for D'Amico's Myriad

Santa Monica-based Myriad Pictures reported a successful AFM led by strong sales on Cheryl Hines’ directorial debut Serious Moonlight starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton.
Spanish director Antoni Sole to make English-language 3D horror

Barcelona-based director and producer Antoni Sole is set to shoot the horror film Web Cam in 3D with Michael Madsen, Robert Englund and Estella Warren attached to star.
Swerve

Noir thriller
Zebraman 2: Zebra City no Gyakushu

The creative team behind the popular 2003 original returns, transplating self-made hero Zebraman to the year 2025. Having lost his memory, Zebraman does battle with an organization set on world domination, introducing sexy new character Zebra Queen along the way.
2009 Award Winners

Screen rounds up the major award winners of 2009.
2010 BAFTA Winners

The full list of winners for the Orange British Academy Film Awards 2010.
2012 becomes China’s second biggest foreign film

Sony Pictures’ 2012 has broken the $58.6m (RMB400m) barrier to become the second biggest foreign film ever in mainland China. The film’s China gross accounts for around 10% of its worldwide box office.
2012's $165m overseas launch propels SPRI to record $1.634bn year-to-date

Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) has reported a new company record after amassing $1.634bn at the overseas box office so far this year, powered by the $165m weekend launch of Roland Emmerich’s disaster movie 2012.
4.3.2.1

Crime thriller spanning three days in the lives of four girls who are unknowingly connected by a major diamond robbery.
A Prophet takes Prix Louis Delluc in France

Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet has won France’s Louis Delluc prize for 2009. The film is France’s entry for the foreign language Oscar.
Academy announces 15-strong documentary shortlist

Fifteen documentaries have made it on to the Oscar shortlist and will go forward to the voting process for the 82nd Academy Awards from an initial pool of 89 eligible films, the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences announced today [18].
Academy announces 274 features eligible for 2009 best picture Oscar

Two hundred seventy-four features are eligible for the 2009 best picture Oscar, the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences has announced.
AFI announces ten films of the year

The American Film Institute (AFI) announced its ten films of the year ahead of the awards luncheon in Los Angeles on January 15.
AFI hails bumper year for animation, Avatar and recession-proof film-going

2009’s extraordinary crop of animated releases and James Cameron’s pioneering work on the box office smash Avatar are among the American Film Institute’s (AFI) annual AFI Moments Of Significance.
Alcon to finance and produce A Dolphin Tale

Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson’s Warner Bros-based Alcon Entertainment will finance and co-produce with Richard Ingber A Dolphin Tale.
Alien Vs Ninja

A band of ninjas do battle with aliens who crash land in Japan centuries ago. With action direction by Yuji Shimomura and Kensuke Sonomura. The inaugural film in Nikkatsu’s new Sushi Typhoon label.
Alliance, CBS Films strike Canadian distribution deal through 2012

Alliance Films will handle the release of the CBS Films slate through 2012 under the terms of a deal announced today(December 1).
Ambush boards superhero project Super with Kevin Bacon, Rainn Wilson

Miranda Bailey’s LA-based Ambush Entertainment has joined Ted Hope’s This Is That as producing partner on Super, which has just attached Kevin Bacon and is shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, through January
Anchor Bay takes select territories on Steve Austin action H2K

Anchor Bay Films has acquired US, UK and Australian rights to the next ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin action feature, Hunt To Kill (H2K).
Apparition boards all US rights to The Runaways

Apparition has acquired all US rights to The Runaways starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, which is set to receive its world premiere in Sundance next month.
Avatar

Dir/scr: James Cameron. US. 2009. 161 mins.
Avatar adds $153m as Fox Int'l sets BO industry record

Avatar grossed much more in its second weekend than Fox International originally estimated, adding $152.8m for $413.2m after 12 days in release. The result propelled Fox International’s annual box office to an industry-high $2.28bn with four days to go, overtaking Warner Bros Pictures International’s $2.24bn record from 2007.
Avatar is king of the world with $165.2m overseas launch

Avatar recorded the sixth highest day-and-date launch in history as Fox International’s epic adventure grossed an estimated $165.2m from 64 markets.
Avatar propels Fox Int'l over the $2bn barrier for third time

Last weekend’s mighty overseas launch for Avatar has propelled Fox International past the $2bn mark in overseas ticket sales for the third time in the company’s history.
Avatar soars overseas on $136.8m and $1bn worldwide

Fox International’s Avatar became only the fifth release in history to cross $1bn worldwide as it held on to the overseas crown thanks to an estimated $136.8m from 13,784 screens in 109 markets. It boosted the running total to $676.9m after three weeks.
Avatar stays top in North America on $68.3m

Avatar surged into the new year on top of the world, buoyed by exceptional word of mouth that saw the Fox release add an estimated $68.3m to boost the North American tally to $352.1m and reach $1.018bn worldwide after a mere three weekends.
Avatar stays top on $75m in record $278m weekend

Fox’s Avatar held on to pole position in North America after a mere 3% slip on an estimated $75m as the weekend set an all-time box office record of $278m.
Avatar storms to top of US charts on $77m

As expected Avatar made off with the weekend box office crown thanks to a $77m three-day haul according to figures released on December 21 that delivered the highest 3D launch for a film and the highest launch for a non-sequel, original story in North American history.
Avatar, Harry Potter 6 among 15 Oscar effects contenders

Fifteen films have been selected as semi-finalists for the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences’ achievement in visual effects award.
Bahamas to honour Johnny Depp with career award

Three-time Academy Award nominee Johnny Depp will collect the Bahamas International Film Festival’s career achievement award later this month.
Bill Condon named president of FIND board of directors

Bill Condon, Rodrigo Garcia, Alan Poul and Stephanie Allain have been elected to Film Independent’s board of directors.
Bob Iger, Barry Meyer to be named DGA honorary life members

The Directors Guild Of America will present Walt Disney Company president and CEO Bob Iger and Warner Bros chairman and CEO Barry Meyer with the DGA Honorary Life Member Award.
Brad Pitt steps into Dark Void for Plan B, Reliance BIG

Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment has acquired film rights to the upcoming Capcom video game Dark Void under Plan B’s creative partnership with Reliance BIG Entertainment.
Bridges, Sidibe, Bullock, Mirren earn SAG nominations

Jeff Bridges, Colin Firth, Helen Mirren, Gabourey Sidibe, Christoph Waltz, Sandra Bullock (pictured) and Mo’Nique are in the running for top honours in the 16th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.Awards ballots will be posted out on December 29 when the entire 100,000-strong Guild membership will have the opportunity to vote. Ballots must be received by January 21 2010 and the awards ceremony is set for January 23.The motion picture nominations are:Lead male:
Brothers

Dir: Jim Sheridan. US. 2009. 110 mins.
California court denies request to dismiss Polanski case

Roman Polanski may have to return to the US for the first time since he fled the country in 1978 after a California appeals court rejected a bid to have sex charges against him dropped.
Camelot fetches worldwide rights to family title Wiener Dog Nationals

Camelot Entertainment Group has picked up worldwide distribution rights to the upcoming family film Wiener Dog Nationals that is set to begin filming in 2010.
Cell 211 (Celda 211)

Dir: Daniel Monzon. Spain/France. 2009. 114 mins.
Chadha, Cholodenko, Niederhoffer added to Sundance world premiere roster

The Sundance Institute has added world premieres of Gurinder Chadha’s (pictured) It’s A Wonderful Afterlife, Lisa Cholodenko’s The Kids Are Alright and Galt Niederhoffer’s The Romantics to the festival.
Chatroom

A psychological thriller about teenagers who encourage each other’s destructive behavior.
Children Of God, Precious to bookend sixth Bahamas Int'l Film Festival

Bahamian film-maker Kareem Mortimer’s drama Children Of God and Lee Daniels’ critical darling Precious bookend the sixth annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF).
Chin Han joins cast of Gus Van Sant’s next project

Singaporean actor Chin Han has joined Mia Wasikowska, Henry Hopper and Ryo Case in the cast of Gus Van Sant’s next as-yet-untitled project, which is being produced by Imagine Entertainment and Columbia Pictures.
Chris Menges to receive ASC International Achievement Award

British cinematographer Chris Menges will receive the 2010 American Society Of Cinematographers (ASC) International Achievement Award.
CineAsia opens with focus on mainland China’s growth

The CineAsia distribution and exhibition conference got underway in Hong Kong on Tuesday, with a focus on multiplex development and the rollout of d-cinema systems in the mainland China market, which is currently enjoying 40% box office growth.
Cinema Epoch to open Skirt Day in theatres in spring 2010

Cinema Epoch has acquired US rights to Jean-Paul Lilienfeld’s drama Skirt Day (La Journee De La Jupe) starring Isabelle Adjani.
Circus Road takes worldwide rights to Right To Bear Arms

Producers reps Circus Road Films has acquired worldwide rights to Blue Wood Films’ Right To Bear Arms and is in talks with North American distributors.
City of Life

Dir. Ali F Mostafa. UAE. 2009. 97mins
Comcast, GE unveil joint entertainment venture

Comcast has made its long awaited play for NBC Universal, agreeing to form a joint entertainment venture with General Electric granting Comcast 51% ownership and 49% to General Electric managed by Comcast.
Coraline, Up, Fantastic Mr Fox make 15-strong Golden Globe animated shortlist

Fifteen animated features have qualified for consideration for the 67th Golden Globes best animated feature category.The 15 features are:9Alvin And The Chipmunks: The SqueakquelBattle For TerraCloudy With A Chance Of MeatballsCoraline (pictured)Disney’s A Christmas CarolFantastic Mr FoxIce Age: Dawn Of The DinosaursMary And MaxThe Mi
Cotillard, Tarantino earn Palm Springs special awards

Marion Cotillard and Quentin Tarantino (pictured) have been added to the honours roster at the upcoming 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).
Crazy Heart

Dir: Scott Cooper. US. 2009. 111 mins.
Cyrus, Howl among Sundance Film Festival USA touring series

Sundance Institute has unveiled the eight films that will make up the inaugural Sundance Film Festival USA touring series.
Day Of The Flowers

Production company: Rogue Elephant Pictures Limited Producer: Jonathan Rae Director: John Roberts Cast: Charity Wakefield, Eva Birthistle Locations: Cuba, Glasgow
DeaPlaneta picks up four high profile US titles for Spain

Leading Spanish distributor DeaPlaneta has closed Spanish rights to Robert Luketic’s Killers, starring Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher, and How To Make Love To An Englishman, starring Pierce Brosnan.DeaPlaneta’s head of acquisitions Yolanda Del Val had a busy AFM picking up three titles from Inferno: Gary McKendry’s $40m action thriller The Killer Elite, starring Jason Statham as a former Navy Seal forced out of retirement to save his friend from assassins
Devil’s Playground

A man tries to locate the one woman who may hold the key to a killer virus that is turning the world into zombies.
Did You Hear About The Morgans?

Dir. Marc Lawrence. US. 2009. 102 mins
Digital Economy Bill proposes legal mandate for Channel 4 film investment

The UK’s new Digital Economy Bill plans to place a legal commitment on broadcaster Channel 4 to invest in film.
Disney partners with Huayi and SMG on High School Musical: China

The Walt Disney Company in China is partnering with China’s Huayi Brothers Media Corporation and Shanghai Media Group to co-produce Disney High School Musical: China, a Chinese version of Disney’s High School Musical franchise.
Disney's Princess belle of the ball on $25m as annual box office record tumbles

The Princess And The Frogstruck a blow for the 2D animated musical as Buena Vista expanded it wide, stealing the number one spot from The Blind Side with an estimated $25m weekend haul.
Dragon Tattoo scores four Guldbagge nominations

Niels Arden Oplev’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Män Som Hatar Vvinnor) has scored four nominations for the Guldbagge, Sweden’s national film prize.
E1 Entertainment US takes North America on Yesterday Was A Lie

E1 Entertainment US has acquired North American rights to Helicon Arts Cooperative’s sci-fi film noir Yesterday Was A Lie by writer-director James Kerwin.
Elevator to the Gallows

A Japanese remake of Louis Malle’s classic 1957thriller.Hiroshi Abe stars as a doctor having an affair with the wife of a medical services company president. The pair scheme to make her husband’s murder look like a suicide.
Elliot Gould, Paul Schrader to be honoured at 24th Israel Film Festival

The 24th Israel Film Festival will open in New York on December 5 with the presentation of the IFF Lifetime Achievement Award to Elliott Gould and the IFF Achievement in Cinema Award to Paul Schrader.
Essential, Gigapix team up on children's film slate

Essential Entertainment has signed a multi-picture deal with Gigapix Studios for five G and PG-rated live-action children’s films through its subsidiary Recess Films.
Film Bazaar focuses on packaging, digital distribution

The third edition of Film Bazaar kicked off in Goa on Tuesday (Nov 24), with delegates discussing how to package projects for both India and European markets, and how Indian filmmakers can increase revenues by exploiting digital rights.
Film Department to launch distribution operation

The Film Department has filed for a public stock offering to fund a North American distribution apparatus.
Fitzgerald teams with Chang on BackNine

Right Angle Studios founder Jon Fitzgerald and design industry veteran Bobby Chang have launched the entertainment company BackNine Studios aimed at creating inspirational stories for global audiences.
Five films to contest Golden Globe animated feature category

Five nominees will vie for the best animated feature Golden Globe this season after members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) voted to expand the category.
Focus Features CEO James Schamus unveils 'audacious' 2010 slate

Unveiling a 2010 theatrical slate that Focus Features CEO James Schamus called “as audacious as any in our history”, the company has announced its six confirmed releases on the back of strong sales at AFM through Focus Features International.
Former Lionsgate executive Craig Cegielski to head Graham King's GK-TV

Graham King’s GK Films has launched GK-TV to develop, produce and distribute television programming worldwide and installed former Lionsgate executive Craig Cegielski as president.
Future Films plots Maria Callas biopic

UK production company Future Films is to co-produce a feature biopic about opera diva Maria Callas with Italy-based production company De Angelis Group (DAP).
Future Films, Zero Gravity Management seal transatlantic partnership

Film financier and producer Future Films is embarking on a new joint venture with US producer Mark Williams’ Zero Gravity Management.
GDC announces slew of 3D deals at close of CineAsia

Digital cinema provider GDC Technology announced a slew of deals to equip Asian exhibitors with 3D technology, provided by RealD, as the three-day CineAsia conference drew to a close.
Girlfriend Experience, Sin Nombre among 38 features to screen in Bahamas

Steven Soderbergh’s drama The Girlfriend Experience and Joshua Goldin’s dark comedy Wonderful World starring Matthew Broderick ar
Gravity Films signs Katherine Brooks to direct female jockey biopic Freak

LA-based Gravity Films has attached Katherine Brooks (pictured) to direct its first film Freak, based on the life of Julie Krone, the only female jockey in the US to win a Triple Crown race.
Greg Silverman promoted to new development and production role at Warner Bros

Greg Silverman has been promoted to the newly created position of executive vice-president of creative development and production at Warner Bros.
Griff The Invisible

A romantic comedy about a superhero and a scientist in a world that just wants them to be normal
Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw join Screen Gems' Love Don't Let Me Down

Gwyneth Paltrow will star opposite country singer and actor Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester in Screen Gems’ drama Love Don’t Let Me Down.
Haneke, White Ribbon triumph at European Film Awards

Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band) was the big winner at this year’s European Film Awards, taking awards for European film, director and screenwriter of the year.
Harden, Aghdashloo join Sherry Hormann's The No Game for The Match Factory

Marcia Gay Harden and Shohreh Aghdashloo have joined the contemporary romance The No Game, which is scheduled to commence shooting shortly in New York and Israel.
Hong Kong's Golden Scene joins the Break-up Club

Hong Kong sales and distribution outfit Golden Scene has picked up international rights to Barbara Wong Chun-chun’s upcoming docu-drama Break-up Club.
Howard Gantman named MPAA vp corporate communications in DC

Howard Gantman has been named vice-president of corporate communications at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
HPI boards AFM sales on Hyde Park, Essen's Leonie

Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group and Hisako Matsui of Essen Communications are partnering on Leonie, based on the life story of Leonie Gilmour, American mother of world-renowned American-Japanese sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
Huge

A feuding double act try to make it in the cut-throat world of stand-up comedy.
Hurt Locker takes top honours from National Society

The Hurt Locker earned three of The National Society Of Film Critics’ top 2009 prizes, claiming best picture, best director for Kathryn Bigelow and best actor for Jeremy Renner.
Hurt Locker, The Maid among IFP New York Gotham winners

IFP New York handed out the first prizes in the 2009/10 awards season last night [November 30] as Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker and Robert Kenner’s Food, Inc were named best feature and documentary at the 19th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York.
IFC picks up SXSW hit The Overbrook Brothers

IFC Films has acquired US rights to John Bryant’s road movie and SXSW hit The Overbrook Brothers.
IFC steps into Toronto thriller Cracks for North America

IFC Films has picked up North American rights to Jordan Scott’s boarding school thriller Cracks starring Eva Green.
IFC takes Spanish prison drama Cell 211

IFC Films has acquired US rights to Daniel Monzon’s Spanish prison drama Cell 211 (Celda 211) ahead of its New York premiere on December 4 as the opening night film of the Film Society Of Lincoln Center’s Spanish Cinema Now series.
IFC, SBS team up on release of Falling Awake

IFC Entertainment and Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) have formed a broad marketing partnership between IFC Films and SBS division Mega Films to release Falling Awake in January 2010.
IFP names Joana Vicente interim executive director as Michelle Byrd departs

Joana Vicente (pictured) will serve as interim executive director of IFP following the departure of Michelle Byrd, who is stepping down after 16 years of service.
Iger switches around top lieutenants at Disney

Disney president and CEO Bob Iger has switched the roles of Thomas Staggs, senior executive vice-president and Disney CFO, and James Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
IIFAs to be held in Toronto in 2011

The organisers of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAs) have announced that the 2011 edition of the event will be held in Toronto, marking the first time that the Bollywood awards show has been held in North America.
Inception

A company boss becomes involved in a blackmail scandal
India’s PVR Pictures plans wide release for New Moon

Following the recent success of Twilight at the Indian box office, local distributor-exhibitor PVR Pictures is ramping up the December 11 release of New Moon (pictured) to around 400 screens.
Inferno turns up the heat as Arabian Nights leads $30m AFM charge

Inferno chiefs Bill Johnson and Jim Siebel have taken more than $30m in multiple territory sales on key AFM titles Arabian Nights, The Killer Elite and The Kids Are All Right.
Inglourious Basterds, Hunger share Toronto critics feature prize

The Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) has split its 2009 best feature prize between Hunger (pictured) and Inglourious Basterds.
Invictus

Dir: Clint Eastwood. US. 2009. 133 mins.
It's Complicated

Dir/scr: Nancy Meyers. US. 2009. 116 mins.
J K Simmons to receive Denver's John Cassavetes Award

J K Simmons will be honored with the 2009 Starz Denver Film Festival’s John Cassavetes Award.
Jeff Bridges, Jeremy Renner among Critics Choice Awards contenders

The Hurt Locker, A Serious Man and Inglourious Basterds are nominated for best picture in the Broadcast Film Critics Association’s Critics Choice Awards announced earlier today [December 14].
Jenna Rosher's Junior takes Sheffield audience award

Junior, the debut from US director Jenna Rosher, has won this year’s audience award at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival. The film looks at the relationship between a 75 year old Italian American and his 98 year old mother.
Jorge Ballos, Luis Pedron announce SoHo International Film Festival

New York talent agent Jorge Ballos announced the launch of the SoHo International Film Festival will take place on February 18.
Julianne Moore to receive Santa Barbara's Montecito Award

Julianne Moore, a strong Oscar contender for her performance opposite Colin Firth in A Single Man, will receive the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Montecito Award.
Just For The Record

Mockumentary about the British film industry
Killing Bono

Two brothers set up a band in Dublin in the late 70’s. Sadly for them, so do their classmates and rivals, who go on to become U2.
Kino, Lorber join forces to establish Kino Lorber Inc

Lorber HT Digital holding company Hidden Treasures Inc has acquired Kino International Corp to form Kino Lorber Inc, creating a notable arthouse distributor with a combined library of more than 600 titles.
KOFIC presents reform plan to culture ministry

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC), led by recently-appointed chairman Cho Hee-moon, reported on a plan for reform today (November 11) to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yoo In-chon.
Korea’s CJ CGV opens third multiplex in China

Major South Korean exhibitor CJ CGV is set to open its third multiplex in China on Nov 19 – the CGV Wuhan – located in the capital of Hubei Province, which will have six screens, 940 seats and 3D projection.
Korea’s Finecut wraps up pre-sales on action thriller Iris

South Korean sales outfit Finecut has announced a slew of AFM pre-sales deals on the espionage action thriller Iris: The Movie, starring pan-Asian heart-throb Lee Byung-hun.
La Bocca Del Lupo becomes first Italian film to win Turin's main prize

Pietro Marcello La Bocca Del Lupo made history at the 27th Turin Film Festival as it became the first Italian film to win the event’s main competition prize.
LAFF receives $30,000 Academy Foundation grant for International Spotlight

Film Independent has received a $30,000 grant for the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF) from the Academy Foundation of The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences.
Last Station, Lightkeepers bookend 21st Palm Springs

Sony Pictures Classics’ The Last Station (pictured) will open the 21st Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) on January 7 and New Films International’s The Lightkeepers will close the event ten days later.
Leap Year

Dir. Anand Tucker. US. 2009. 102 mins
Lionsgate reports second quarter year-on-year revenues hike

Bolstered by strong gains in its television production business, new revenue from TV Guide Network and TV Guide.com and reduced theatrical marketing costs, Lionsgate reported revenues of $393.7m and net income of $31.7m for the fiscal 2010 second quarter ended September 30.
Lorber Films takes US rights to Berlusconi doc Videocracy

Kino Lorber’s theatrical distribution arm Lorber Films has acquired all US rights to Erik Gandini’s Videocracy.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura boards Nicholas Flamel youth fantasy series

Lorenzo di Bonaventura and his Di Bonaventura Pictures have signed a deal with bestselling author Michael Scott to adapt Scott’s young adult six-part fantasy series The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel.
Louis D’Esposito promoted to Marvel Studios co-president

Marvel Studios has promoted Louis D’Esposito to co-president. The executive will work alongside marvel Studios president Kevin Feige overseeing the production schedule.
Love/Loss

Two childhood sweethearts are reunited after 60 years
Mandate Pictures signs first-look deal with comedy outfit Rough House

Mandate Pictures has signed a two-year first-look deal with David Gordon Green, Jody Hill and Danny McBride’s(all pictured) new Rough House Pictures comedy production venture.
Mankell to develop Ingmar Bergman drama

Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell is to write a drama series on the life of iconic director Ingmar Bergman (pictured). The series will be shown by national broadcaster Sveriges Television (STV) in 2012.
Mark Zoradi out as Disney continues to shuffle the pack

In the biggest executive departure since the arrival of Rich Ross as chairman, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group president Mark Zoradi has exited his post.
Martin Scorsese to receive HFPA's Cecil B DeMille award

Martin Scorsese will receive the Cecil B DeMille Award for his “outstanding contribution to the entertainment field” at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 17, 2010.
MarVista boards Another Harvest Moon for AFM

MarVista Entertainment has acquired international rights from Ostrow And Company to Another Harvest Moonstarring Ernest Borgnine, Piper Laurie and Cybill Shepherd.
MIAAC Film Festival in New York closes with US premiere of The Endless Wait

The Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council’s New York-based film festival (MIAAC) wrapped five days of screenings and events at the weekend with the US premiere of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s The Endless Wait (Antaheen).
Michael Puopolo named vp, research at WBITD

Michael Puopolo has been named vice-president, research, at Warner Bros International Television Distribution (WBITD).
Micro-budget smash Paranormal Activity sweeps past $100m

Oren Peli’s micro-budget horror hit Paranormal Activity has crossed $100m at the North American box office, the film’s distributor Paramount announced last night [12].
Mission London

A satire presenting Bulgarian situations depicted with refined English humour.
Mo Tzu Yi joins cast of Singaporean comedy Forever

Rising Taiwanese star Mo Tzu Yi is heading the cast of Singaporean director Wee Li Lin’s (pictured) romantic comedy Forever, which started shooting in Singapore this week.
Moon, Fish Tank lead charge at 12th BIFAs in London

Duncan Jones’ Moon was named best British independent film at the 12th British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) in London last night [December 6] in a successful night for Jones, who also took the Douglas Hickox Award for best debut director.
Morenita, La Soga, Traces Of The Trade, Gaining Ground win in Bahamas

Alan Jonsson Gavica’s Spanish drama Morenita (pictured) has won the sixth Bahamas International Film Festival’s New Vision Award.
Mr Nice

biopic of Howard Marks
Music Box takes US rights to Mafia tale The Sicilian Girl

Music Box Films has acquired all US rights to Marco Amenta’s The Sicilian Girl (pictured), based on the story of Rita Atria, who testified against the Mafia after her father and brother were murdered.
Neds

Set in the Glasgow of 1973 it follows a bright, sensitive youngster drawn towards the violence of the local gang culture.
NeoClassics boards worldwide rights to The Over The Hill Band

Canada-based NeoClassics Films has acquired worldwide rights to Geoffrey Enthoven’s Belgian comedy drama The Over The Hill Band.
New Films delivers Chain Letter starring Nikki Reed

New Films has acquired worldwide rights to Deon Taylor’s horror film Chain Letter starring Nikki Reed and Brad Dourif.
New Moon bites further $85.1m out of overseas box office to reach $243m

Summit Entertainment’s Twilight Saga: New Moon maintained a devastating early pace as an estimated $85.1m international haul in the second weekend raised the tally to $243m.
New Moon casts historic shadow over pack with $142.8m US launch

The hype and anticipation surrounding Summit Entertainment’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon paid off handsomely as the vampire sequel delivered $142.8m from 4,024 theatres in the third highest North American opening weekend in history.
New Moon eclipses 2012 with heavenly $132.1m overseas launch

Summit Entertainment’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon delivered an astonishing $132.1m weekend launch including previews from 6,873 prints in just 24 markets, a result made all the more remarkable by the fact that this was an independent release.
New Moon eclipses launch day record with $72.7m in US

Setting up what will be an astonishing first weekend, TheTwilight Saga: New Moon grossed an estimated $72.7m on its first day through Summit Entertainment to beat the old mark set by The Dark Knight.
New Moon eclipses North American midnight opening record on $26.3m

Teeing up what looks to become an astonishing opening weekend for The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Summit Entertainment top brass said the film had shattered the domestic midnight opening record with an estimated $26.27m.
New Moon holds on to overseas crown with $23.2m haul

Summit International’s New Moon held on to the overseas crown in what will almost certainly be its last weekend in charge ahead of the global launch of Avatar, adding an estimated $23.2m from 8,735 sites in 66 territories.
New Moon leads record Thanksgiving weekend with $42.5m gross

The Twilight Saga: New Moon narrowly held on to its number one berth over a record Thanksgiving holiday weekend that saw it add a further $42.5m over three days and $66m over five according to estimates from Summit Entertainment, raising the domestic tally to $230.7m.
New Moon rises to great heights in first wave of overseas debuts

The Twilight Saga: New Moon, licensed overseas by Summit International, has got off to a flying start overseas, opening top in France on $4.4m from 751 screens and drawing 488,000 on its first day. By comparison Twilight mustered $1.2m on its first day.
New Moon seeks to retain overseas crown before Avatar touchdown

Summit Entertainment’s New Moon has reached $321.5m overseas and should register another solid weekend as it surges towards the $350m mark.
Newmarket acquires US rights to Alejandro Amenabar's Agora

Newmarket Films has picked up US rights from Cinetic Media to Alejandro Amenabar’s historical drama Agora starring Rachel Weisz following the film’s sensational run in Spain.
Newsweek critic David Ansen named LAFF artistic director

Newsweek film critic David Ansen is joining Film Independent as artistic director of the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival.
Nikkatsu sells Alien Vs Ninja to UK and Thailand

Japanese studio Nikkatsu has sold Alien Vs Ninja to Revolver Entertainment for the UK and M Pictures for Thailand.
Nine

Dir: Rob Marshall. US. 2009. 110mins
Ninja Assassin

Dir: James McTeigue. US. 2009. 99 mins.
No Ordinary Trifle

Romantic Comedy
No Puedo triumphs at Golden Horse Awards

Taiwanese director Leon Dai’s No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti (pictured) took four of the top prizes at the 46th Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan (November 28), including best picture, best director, best original screenplay and Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year.
Old Dogs

Dir.Walt Becker. US. 2009. 89 mins
Olivia Thirlby to star in Sherry Hormann's The No Game

Olivia Thirlby (pictured) will star alongside Marcia Gay Harden and Shohreh Aghdashloo on Sherry Hormann’s drama The No Game, set to commence shooting in New York and Israel in March 2010.
OSGH opens four multiplexes in Chinese-speaking territories

Hong Kong-listed Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment (OSGH) has announced the opening of four new multiplexes with 27 screens in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Overture acquires US rights to De Niro-Norton thriller Stone for 2010

Overture Films has snapped up US rights to the thriller Stone starring Robert De Niro (pictured), Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich and Frances Conroy.
Oz tax rebate delivers $83m but picture remains murky

Screen Australia chief executive Ruth Harley released new figures at the close of the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) conference which showed that the 40% producer offset has injected $83m (A$91m) into the budgets of 19 films in the past two years.
Padilha, Gibney, Morris, Ruffalo in Sundance competitions

Sundance festival director John Cooper and programming director Trevor Groth today [December 2] hailed an “exciting and diverse” competitive roster for the 2010 edition that honours the festival’s democratic sensibility and mandate for discovery while broadening its global reach.
Paladin snaps up civil rights drama Blood Done Sign My Name

Mark Urman’s fledgling distributor Paladin has pounced on domestic rights to Jeb Stuart’s civil rights drama Blood Done Sign My Name.
Palm Springs puts Oscar contenders under the spotlight

Lee Daniels, Rob Marshall and Lone Scherfig will take part in on-stage interviews following screenings of Precious, Nineand An Education under the auspices of the 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) Talking Pictures: The Contenders series.
Palm Springs to honour Crazy Heart star Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges, an awards contender for his portrayal of an alcoholic country music singer seeking redemption in Crazy Heart, will receive the 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) Desert Palm Achievement Award.
Palm Springs to honour Helen Mirren with career award

Helen Mirren will receive the 21stPalm Springs International Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award on January 5.
Palm Springs to honour Jason Reitman, Jeremy Renner, T Bone Burnett

Jason Reitman, Jeremy Renner and T Bone Burnett will receive awards at the upcoming 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).
Palm Springs to honour Mariah Carey with breakthrough award

The 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present Mariah Carey with the Breakthrough Performance Award for her role in Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire.
Palm Springs to honour Morgan Freeman with career award

Morgan Freeman will receive the Career Achievement Award For Acting at the The 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival in January.
Paramount Digital Entertainment takes worldwide rights to talhotblond

Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) has acquired worldwide distribution rights excluding US television to Barbara Schroeder’s documentary talhotblond.
Paramount takes US rights to red-hot Oren Peli's Area 51

Paramount Pictures has reunited with Paranormal Activity (pictured) director Oren Peli, paying high seven figures for US rights to the in-demand film-maker’s alien thriller follow-up Area 51.
Paranormal Activity scores $19m international weekend

Paranormal Activity, already a bona fide North American smash on more than $107m, has been making waves overseas and grossed $19.4m at the weekend according to LA-based international sales agent IM Global, bringing the tally after two weekends to $34m.
Patagonia

Producers: Rebeka Gilbertson, Oscar KramerInternational sales: The Little Film CompanyDirector: Marc Evans Screenplay: Laurence CoriatCast: Matthew Rhys, Nia RobertsLocations: Argentina, WalesShooting dates: Spring 2009
PGA to honour Joss Whedon with 2010 Vanguard Award

Joss Whedon will receive the Producers Guild Of America’s (PGA) 2010 Vanguard Award in Hollywood on January 24, 2010.
Philippe Lioret's Welcome finds US home at Film Movement

Film Movement has bought US rights to Philippe Lioret’s French, English and Arabic-language drama Welcome (pictured).
PIFF, Chapman University team for Pusan West

Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) has formed a partnership with Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts to launch a filmmaker showcase to bring a selection of Korean films and filmmakers from PIFF to the US.
Pinewood Shepperton expands into Asia

Pinewood Shepperton is making its first move into Asia with the development of a film and TV studio in Malaysia.
Planet 51

Dirs. Jorge Blanco, Javier Abad, Marcos Martinez. UK/Spain/US. 2009. mins
Polanski faces house arrest after Swiss grant $4.5m bail

Roman Polanski is leaving prison and will return imminently to his Swiss chalet after the Swiss Criminal Court granted $4.5m bail earlier today [November 25].
Precious to receive PGA's 2010 Stanley Kramer Award

Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire will receive the Producers Guild Of America’s (PGA) 2010 Stanley Kramer Award.
Prodigal Sons finds home at First Run Features

First Run Features has acquired US rights to Kimberly Reed’s (pictured) festival favourite documentary Prodigal Sons and plans a late February 2010 in New York followed by a nationwide rollout through March.
Protektor, The Good Soldier among winners at Starz Denver Film Festival

Marek Najbrt’s Protektor (still pictured) won the Starz Denver Film Festival’s (SDFF) Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for best feature film as the event came to a close on November 22.
PSIFF launches Australian sidebar G'Day USA

The 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has unveiled G’Day USA, a showcase of Australian cinema on January 9 that will kick off the nationwide G’Day USA Australia Week business and cultural initiative.Australia Film Day will launch with a screening of My Year Without Sex and the programme includes the US premiere of Glendyn Ivin’s Last Ride starring Hugo Weaving, Warwick Thornton’s Australian foreign-language Oscar submission and Ca
PVR acquires DT Cinemas, sells stake to Major

India’s PVR Cinemas has reached an agreement to acquire DLF Group’s DT Cinemas, and also offered 10% of its equity to Thailand’s Major Cineplex Group, which will invest about $9m in the company.
QED International and sales chief Kimberly Fox part ways

QED International executive vice-president of worldwide sales and distribution Kimberly Fox has left the LA-based company in a move that both parties said was amicable.
Rapt

Dir. Lucas Belvaux . France-Belgium. 2009. 125 mins.
Reliance, In-Three team for 3D conversions

India’s Reliance MediaWorks, owned by the Reliance ADA group, has partnered with California-based In-Three to establish a facility in Mumbai to convert 2D films and videos into 3D.
Reliance's 3 Idiots breaks box office records for Hindi film

Reliance Big Pictures’ 3 Idiots has broken all previous international box office records for Hindi features. The film, released on Christmas Day, had grossed $52m (R2.4bn) worldwide by January 3.
Rentrak buys Nielsen EDI, builds global box office data service

Rentrak Corporation is acquiring Nielsen EDI in a deal the parties said would create a box office data service offering real-time measurement of theatrical box office ticket sales across 90% of the globe.
Resistance is futile: Fox's Avatar invades 106 territories

This weekend the world will enter a new world as Fox International unleashes Avatar day-and-date with North America in 106 territories.
Ross ushers in the new guard at Disney in major reshuffle

Acknowledging the fundamental shift in the way audiences consume entertainment, Disney chairman Rich Ross today [November 11) unveiled a restructure of marketing, distribution, and operations. He said the move would equip the studio to “find innovative ways to provide quality entertainment that is readily available.”
Route Irish

Two soldiers work as private security contractors in Iraq, but when one of them is killed, the other rejects the official explanation and investigates the truth of his friend’s death
Roy Disney, rebel shareholder and studio guardian, dies at 79

Roy Disney, Walt Disney’s nephew who led two major shareholder revolts that shaped the modern profile of the studio, has died in Newport Beach, California, following a long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79.
Samson & Delilah continues winning streak at AFI Awards

Warwick Thornton’s Samson & Delilah has proved its critical prowess once again, this time at Australia’s most prestigious awards ceremony, the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards, held Dec 12 in Melbourne.
Samson & Delilah sweeps Australia’s IF Awards

Samson & Delilah, which dramatically illustrates what it can be like to be black, Australian, and living in the desert, took home six of the ten Inside Film Awards given out tonight to features.
Samson & Delilah wins best film at Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Samson & Delilah, produced by Kath Shelper and from the host country of Australia, has won the best feature category at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), held Nov 26 on the Gold Coast.
Samuel Goldwyn snaps up US rights to thriller Harry Brown

Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired all US rights to Harry Brown starring Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer following its UK premiere on Wednesday night [11].
Santa Barbara announces four Virtuosos honourees

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will present 2010 Chopin Virtuosos Award to Carey Mulligan (An Education), Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) and Michael Stuhlbarg
Santa Barbara to honour awards contender Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow, currently drawing awards heat for directing The Hurt Locker, has been named the 2010 Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Outstanding Director of the Year.
Santa Barbara to honour Farmiga, Sarsgaard, Tucci and Waltz

Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Stanley Tucci and Christoph Waltz will each receive the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Cinema Vanguard Award on February 12.
Second Women's Film & TV Showcase to start on Nov 29 in LA

The second annual Women’s International Film & Television Showcase (The WIFTS) will kick off in Los Angeles on Nov 29 with a screening of Brian Jamieson’s ToWhom It May Concern: Ka Shen’s Journey which will also serve to honour actress Nancy Kwan with a lifetime tribute award.
sex&drugs&rock&roll

Dir. Mat Whitecross. UK. 2009. 113mins.
Shanda, Hunan TV to invest $88m in production

Chinese entertainment giants Shanda Interactive and Hunan Broadcasting and Television Group have formed a joint venture that will invest $87.8m (RMB600m) in film and TV production.
Shank

In a London of the future, where the divide between rich and poor has grown and food has replaced drugs and guns as a priceless commodity, a tip off about a food delivery leads to a conflict between two rival gangs.
Sherlock Holmes

Dir: Guy Ritchie. US. 2009. 133 mins.
Shoreline takes worldwide rights to Bolivian Oscar entry Zona Sur

Morris Ruskin’s LA-based Shoreline Entertainment has acquired worldwide sales rights to Juan Carlos’ Valvidia’s Bolivian foreign language Oscar and Golden Globes submission Zona Sur (Southern District).
Singapore’s Zhao Wei Films builds Sandcastle

Singaporean production outfit Zhao Wei Films, founded by filmmaker Eric Khoo and James Toh, is set to start shooting Sandcastle, the debut feature from award-winning shorts director Boo Junfeng (pictured), on Jan 2, 2010.
Sixty-nine films vie for foreign language Golden Globe award

Palme d’Or winner The White Ribbon (pictured), A Prophet,Mother, and City Of Life And Death are among a record 69 foreign-language films that have qualified for the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
Sixty-three songs make it on to Academy shortlist

Sixty-three songs from eligible features will compete for the title of best original song at the 82nd Academy Awards.The original songs, along with the film in which they are featured, are listed below in alphabetical order by song title:All Is Love from Where The Wild Things Are (pictured)Almost Over You from My One And OnlyAlmost There from The Princess And The FrogAyAyAyAy from The MaidBack to Tennessee
Song boards Korean remake of A Better Tomorrow

The Korean remake of John Woo’s classic Hong Kong noir film A Better Tomorrow (pictured) is set to be directed by Song Hae-sung, with a cast of young stars including Song Seung-hun and Ju Jin-mo.
Song Of Siren wins top prize at Golden Horse FTPP

Taiwanese filmmaker Shen Ko-shang’s Borneo-set drama The Song Of Siren took the top prize at the Film and TV Project Promotion (FTPP) of the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. The award came with development funds of $30,900 (NT$1m).
Sony Classics takes US on Campanella's Secret

Argentinian director Juan Jose Campanella’s new drama The Secret In Their Eyes, starring Ricardo Darin, has been sold by Latido Films to Sony Pictures Classics for distribution in the US.
Sony plans remake of Swedish Millennium crime series

Sony Pictures Entertainment is about to close a deal to option English-language remake rights to the Millennium Series, based on the late Swedish writer Stieg Larsson’s crime novels.
Sony promotes Marisa McGrath to svp national theatrical publicity

Marisa McGrath has been promoted to Sony’s senior vice-president of national theatrical publicity.
Sony reports eighth number one launch of the year as 2012 takes $65m

Befitting its apocalyptic theme, 2012 brushed aside all before it and roared to number one thanks to an estimated $65m launch that delivered Sony’s eighth number one release of the year-to-date.
Sony set to cross $2bn internationally this weekend

Sony Pictures Releasing International will cross $2bn at the overseas box office this weekend, powering Sony towards its best worldwide haul.
Sony to adapt Quebecois action comedy hit Fathers And Guns

Sony Pictures has acquired remake rights to Fathers And Guns based on Emile Gaudreault’s action comedy De Pere En Flic that became the highest grossing French-language film ever released in Quebec and Canada this summer.
Sony unleashes 2012 in global day-and-date rampage

Sony launches the disaster movie 2012 across the globe this weekend in a thunderous assault echoing that unleashed by the elements in Roland Emmerich’s film.
Sony, CBS Films strike international distribution deal

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) has signed a three-year marketing and distribution deal with CBS Films, under which Sony will handle international theatrical distribution of the inaugural CBS Films slate and service DVD releases.
Sony, RealD sign technology deal to bring 3D into the home

Sony Corporation and RealD have signed a technology partnership to bring 3D home entertainment to the market in 2010.
Sophie Okonedo to receive Bahamas rising star tribute

Sophie Okonedo will be the subject of the sixth Bahamas International Film Festival’s Rising Star Tribute in Nassau on December 16.
SPAA to ask Oz government for $84m cash injection

The Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) is to formally ask the federal government for a one-off $84m (A$90m) injection of cash for the production of feature films.
Spike Jonze, James Franco shorts to screen in Sundance

New work from Spike Jonze (pictured), James Franco, Ira Sachs and Alex Montoya are among the line-up of short films that will screen at Sundance 2010.
SPRI crosses $2bn overseas while Summit's New Moon stays top on $41.3m

Summit International’s New Moon stayed top overseas and soared past the $300m mark as approximately $41.3m from 9,167 screens in 62 markets boosted the overseas running total to $317.1m and the global tally to $572.5m.
SPRI nears $2bn milestone, New Moon expected to rule overseas

Summit International’s New Moon enters the weekend on around $270m as the favourite to dominate the international arena, however Sony deserves to take the plaudits as it prepares to cross $2bn overseas
St Trinian's 2: The Legend Of Fritton's Gold

Dirs/prods: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson. UK. 2009. 106 mins
Stealth Media boards FilmTiger's upcoming Wild East Trilogy

Michael Cowan and Jason Piette’s UK-based Stealth Media has acquired FilmTiger’s Wild East Trilogy, comprising Come The Assassin, Three$um, and Hour Of The Gun.
Stockholm International Film Festival reveals jury

The Stockholm festival jury, chaired by producer Olivier Guerpillon, will also include Screen International’s reviews editor and film critic Fionnuala Halligan, Swedish actress Linda Englund, director Björn Stein and singer Maria Andersson. The festival will run from November 18-29.
Strand takes US rights to My Year Without Sex

Strand Releasing has acquired all US rights to Sarah Watt’s Australian film My Year Without Sex from The Works International at AFM.
Stuart Townsend to play adventurer Fandral in Marvel's Thor

Stuart Townsend has joined the cast of Marvel Studios’ Thor, which stars Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and Samuel L Jackson and is being directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Summit sets US release for Polanski's The Ghost Writer for first half of 2010

Summit Entertainment will release Roman Polanski’s retitled The Ghost Writer in North America in the first half of 2010.
Sundance announces 13 artists for New Frontier programme

Sundance Institute has announced 13 artists from six countries whose works will be presented as part of the 2010 edition of New Frontier at Sundance Film Festival.
Sundance Institute announces 12 Screenwriters Lab fellows

Sundance Institute has selected 12 projects for the annual January Screenwriters Lab to be held in Utah from January 15-20.
Sundance Institute unveils 23-strong Documentary Film Programme roster

Sundance Institute has announced 23 feature projects awarded grants across four funding categories that will receive financial and creative support from the Sundance Documentary Film Program.
Sundance picks Metropolitan, Poison, Harold And Maude for UCLA screenings

The Sundance Institute has selected Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, Todd Haynes’ Poison and Harold And Maude directed by Hal Ashby as the three films selected for the 2010 Sundance Film Festival’s From The Collection screenings.
Survival Of The Dead attracts US distributor Magnet

Magnet Releasing has taken US rights to George A Romero’s latest zombie episode, Survival Of The Dead.
Symphony 3D acquires Korea’s MasterImage

US-based Symphony 3D Holdings has acquired Korean 3D solution provider MasterImage Co. Infused with a $15m investment, the company has been renamed MasterImage 3D, LLC and moved to headquarters in Burbank, California.
Tales Of The Golden Age dawns in France; Love Happens in Spain

ScreenDaily’s weekly round-up of the local and independent releases in key markets this week.
Ten named in Academy live-action short film pool

The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences has announced that ten live-action short films have made it on to the shortlist.
The Actresses

Dir: E J-yong. South Korea. 2009. 104 mins.
The Blind Side finishes top in third weekend on $20.4m

2009, already a career-best year for Sandra Bullock, just got a little better for the actress and Warner Bros as The Blind Side leapfrogged New Moon to round off its third weekend as the number one release thanks to a $20.4m estimated haul.
The Hurt Locker builds awards momentum as New York critics unveil winners

Kathryn Biglow and The Hurt Locker scored their second one-two punch in two days as the New York Film Critics Circle gave its two top awards to the Iraq War film.
The Hurt Locker takes two main awards from LA Film Critics

The Hurt Lockerclaimed the two top honours from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association as president Brent Simon and the group awarded it with the best film prize and the best director award for Kathryn Bigelow.
The Last Station, Precious lead Indie Spirit nominations

The Last Station and Precious lead FIND’s 25th Indie Spirit Award nominations with five apiece following the announcement in Los Angeles earlier today [December 1].
The Lovely Bones

Dir: Peter Jackson. US. 2009. 135 mins.
The Most Dangerous Man In America lands at First Run Features

First Run Features has acquired all US rights to Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith’s documentary The Most Dangerous Man In America: Daniel Ellsberg And The Pentagon Paper (pictured).
The Princess And The Frog

Dirs: Ron Clements & John Musker. US. 2009. 96 mins.
The Runaways, Twelve, Buried screen out of competition at Sundance

World premieres of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Jack Goes Boating, Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini’s The Extra Man, Joel Schumacher’s closing night film Twelve, the Untitled Duplass Brothers Project, Michael Winterbottom’s The Killer Inside Me and The Runaways starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett populate Sundance 2010’s Premieres section.
The Secret of Kells heads for US release through GKIDS

GKIDS has acquired US rights to Irish director Tomm Moore’s animated film The Secret Of Kells.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Dir: Chris Weitz. US. 2009. 130 mins.
Thora Birch, Taryn Manning join Cypress Moon's Bonnie & Clyde project

Tonya S Holly of Alabama-based Cypress Moon Studios has cast Thora Birch, Taryn Manning and Cloris Leachman in The Story Of Bonnie And Clyde.
TLA acquires UK rights to Latin American duo Leo's Room and Vile Romance

TLA Releasing has acquired all UK rights from Wide Management to Enrique Buchichio’s Uruguayan film Leo’s Room (pictured) and Jose Campusano’s Vile Romance from Argentina.
Today's Special

Dir. David Kaplan. US. 2008. 99mins.
Tribeca Cinemas to screen shortlist Oscar docs

Tribeca Cinemas in New York is returning its two-day series Tribeca Cinemas Presents: Docs On The Shortlist on January 8-9.
Twelve vie for 2010 Sundance/NHK International Filmmakers Awards

Sundance Institute and Japanese broadcaster NHK have unveiled the 12 finallists in the 2010 Sundance/NHK International Filmmakers Award.
Twenty films submitted for Academy Award animation race

Up to five animated films could be nominated in this season’s Oscar race after the Academy announced it had received 20 submissions.
Twilight Saga: Eclipse books summer 2010 IMAX launch

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Summit Entertainment’s third film in the vampire franchise, will be released on IMAX theatres simultaneously with the conventional release on June 30, 2010
Twosome takes Hubert Bals award at busy Film Bazaar

Siddharth Sinha’s Hindi-language drama Twosome picked up the Hubert Bals award for most promising feature film project at the close of a busy three days of networking and project meetings at India’s Film Bazaar (Nov 24-26).
UK hands New Year Honours to Graham King, Tessa Ross

Graham King has been named an OBE in the UK’s New Year’s Honours List, while Film4 head Tessa Ross has been made CBE.
UKFC appoints Film Tree to develop advertiser-funding for film

The UK Film Council (UKFC) has appointed partnership agency Film Tree to develop advertiser-funded opportunities in film production.
Universal confirms Debbie Liebling as president of production

Universal Pictures has confirmed the appointment of former Fox production executive vice-president Debbie Liebling as president of production.
Universal keeps tight-lipped about Liebling production role

Universal Pictures is refusing to comment on speculation that former Fox executive vice-president of production Debbie Liebling may be about to join the studio as president of production.
Up In The Air dominates NBR's 2009 film poll

Jason Reitman’s Up In The Air has been named the National Board Of Review’s 2009 Best Film Of The Year, a day before Paramount releases it in limited markets.
US-based financier Film Production Capital taps into Australia

Will French’s tax credit-based financier Film Production Capital (FPC) is opening offices in Australia to capitalise on growing government tax incentives behind the boom in Australian film and television production.
Veteran film historian and critic Ron Holloway dies at 76

The international film festival circuit will not be the same following the sad news that the veteran film historian, critic and filmmaker Ron Holloway died in Berlin on Wednesday morning at the age of 76.
Video game hot-shot Keith Arem to direct Frost Road

Keith Arem, director of the video game Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 that achieved $550m in sales in its first five days earlier in the month, will make his feature directorial debut on the action thriller Frost Road.
Virgil Films, National Geographic partner on Amreeka DVD release

Virgil Films and Entertainment and National Geographic Entertainment are partnering on the DVD release of Cherien Dabis’ festival favourite and Indie Spirit nominee Amreeka.
Vivendi Entertainment names Yolanda Macias evp business development and acquisitions

Vivendi Entertainment has promoted Yolanda Macias to executive vice-president of business development and acquisitions.
Warner Bros India teams with Wide Frame on Guest

Warner Bros Pictures India has unveiled a new Hindi film production, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (Guest, When Will You Leave?), in collaboration with Mumbai-based production outfit Wide Frame Films.
Warner Bros Pictures names Paul Broucek music chief

Paul Broucek has been named president of music at Warner Bros. Pictures and will assume control of overall creative direction of music operations and oversee administrative, production and day-to-day business functions.
Warner Bros to reach record $3.99bn global BO in 2009

Warner Bros Pictures Group is on course to reach a global box office industry record of $3.99bn for the 2009 reporting year, beating its previous industry mark of $3.66bn set in 2007.
WBITD promotes sales executives Roni Patel, Rita Akkari

Warner Bros International Television Distribution (WBITD) has promoted Roni Patel to vice president, sales – Scandinavia, Benelux and Middle East, and Rita Akkari to director, sales – Central and Eastern Europe.
WBPI strikes direct digital deployment deals with Asian circuits

Warner Bros Pictures International (WBPI) has entered into a slew of direct digital cinema deployment agreements with key Asian circuits.
West Is West

Sequel to East Is East, about the dysfunctional Khan family
Withoutabox launches online festival submission model Secure Online Screeners

Independent film-maker and festival resource Withoutabox has launched Secure Online Screeners in a move that allows festival to manage submissions entirely over the internet.
Woochi

Dir: Choi Dong-hoon. South Korea. 2009. 136 mins.
WTO rejects China’s appeal against opening its film market

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has rejected China’s appeal against a ruling that it must stop forcing US content owners to use state-owned companies to distribute movies and books.
Wuthering Heights

New version of Emily Bronte’s classic
Yang's Breathless takes top prize at Tokyo Filmex

Director Yang Ik-june’s Breathless (Ddongpari) was awarded the grand prize and $11,560 (Y1m) and the audience award at the tenth Tokyo Filmex, which ran from November 21-29.
Your Highness

A fantasy movie about an arrogant, lazy prince and his more heroic brother who must complete a quest in order to save their father’s kingdom.
Zounds

Forced to take a fall in his first fight by crime lord John Coban; Framed for a drug heist and murder, boxer Tommy Mc Grath is on the run. But as he fights for survival, he uncovers an even darker past.

Screen08 January 2009

Screen
08 January 2009