Screen
25 Aug 2011

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Ami Canaan Mann's Texas Killing Fields to open retrospective at San Sebastian

The retrospective will feature 40 films from directors including David Fincher and Ami Canaan’s famous director father Michael Mann.
Ben Stiller to receive BAFTA LA’s Charlie Chaplin comedy award

The actor will collect the honour at the 2011 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards on Nov 30 in Beverly Hills.
Brandenburg launches €5m gap financing programme

The State of Brandenburg and the regional investment bank ILB have launched a € 5m gap financing programme for films produced in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
Carnage

Dir: Roman Polanski. France-Germany-Poland. 2011. 79mins
Criticising The Critics

I think Goodbye First Love is a great film, but Screen’s critic Lisa Nesselson didn’t respond in the same way. When it comes to movies, it seems everyone has their own opinion.
David Hodgkinson promoted to senior vice president theatrical operations at UPI

He has been with the company for 13 years, where he currently serves as vice president of theatrical operations.
Given

Dir: Wojciech Pus. Poland. 2011. 85mins
Guilty

Dir/scr: Vincent Garenq. France-Belgium. 2011. 102mins
It Looks Pretty From A Distance

Dirs: Anna Sasnal, Wilhelm Sasnal. Poland. 2011. 77mins
Jeff and Michael Zimbalist to direct Rio set MMA documentary Bushido 3D

Two Escobars directors (and brothers) Jeff and Michael Zimbalist are about to start shooting their latest feature documentary set in the world of Mixed Martial Arts and the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Love And Bruises

Dir: Lou Ye. France-China. 103mins
Miramax partners with Facebook on digital delivery

CEO Mike Lang has cut his latest deal in ongoing efforts to promote the storied library following pacts earlier in the summer with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and iTunes.
My Worst Nightmare

Dir: Anne Fontaine. France-Belgium. 2011. 100mins
National Youth Film Academy launches summer programme

Iain Canning and Gareth Edwards will give masterclasses at the BFI supported initiative which runs from August 15-26.
One Day

Dir: Lone Scherfig. US-UK. 2011. 107mins
Piotr Trzaskalski shooting third feature My Father's Bike

The cast includes jazz musician Michal Urbaniak alongside Polish actors Artur Zmijewski, Witold Debicki and Anna Nehrebecka.
Rome to open with Luc Besson’s Aung San Suu Kyi biopic The Lady

Besson to present the premiere with stars Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis.
The Gravedigger

Dir: Sándor Kardos. Hungary. 2010. 85mins
Towards The East

Dirs: Tomasz Budzynski, Lukasz Jankowski. Poland. 2010. 103mins
10 artists shortlisted for Film London's Jarman award

This year’s shortlist has been extended from 4 to 10 artists film-makers including The Arbor director Clio Barnard.
14th Strategic Partners co-production market unveils line-up

Agnieszka Holland, Michael Radford, Helen Mirren and Ryan Phillippe are amongst the talent attached to projects being showcased at the annual co-production event which takes place during the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax in September.
30 Minutes Or Less

Dir: Ruben Fleischer. US. 2011. 83mins
4 Days in May

Dir/scr: Achim von Borries. Germany-Russia-Ukraine. 2011. 97mins
A FrightFest surprise hit

The Glass Man dazzled on day two of FrightFest.
A Walk To Remember

Screen will be out in force for MediCinema’s annual Movie Walk in London on September 4 in aid of bringing the medium of cinema to hospital patients.
Academy grants $50,000 to Telluride Film Festival

For the fourth consecutive year the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences has awarded a $50,000 grant to underwrite the Colorado event’s guest director programme.
Academy sets Sept 1 short doc deadline

To be eligible for consideration in the 84th Academy Awards, the documentaries must complete a seven-day commercial run in a theatre in either Los Angeles County or in the Borough of Manhattan in New York from Jan 1-Dec 31 2011.
After 18 years, a documentary gets a happy ending

A tribute to the work of Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky and HBO Films, as the West Memphis 3 are freed.
All Our Desires

Dr: Philippe Lioret. France. 2011. 120mins
Anchor Bay acquires Berlin comedy Father Of Invention

The distributor has picked up US, UK, Australia and New Zealand rights to the latest outing for Kevin Spacey, who plays an eccentric inventor on the comeback trail after eight years in prison who moves in with his estranged daughter.
Anchor Bay pounces on Wicker Man follow-up

The distributor has taken all rights in the US, Canada and the UK to The Wicker Tree from Robin Hardy, whose 1973 horror film remains one of the great cult films of British cinema.
And If We All Lived Together

Dir/scr: Stephane Robelin. France-Germany. 2011. 96mins
ANEW to boost Japanese content in global market

Newly announced company All Nippon Entertainment Works Co Ltd (ANEW) will become Japan’s primary seller of remake rights for films and other content upon its planned launch this October.
Aoife Madden to produce A Landscape of Lies

The first feature to come out of Madden’s new UK production company Evolved Pictures will be a British thriller about an ex Gulf War soldier, written and directed by Paul Knight.
Apes continue to rule US for Fox on $28m hold

The well received Rise of The Planet Of The Apes crossed $100m in its second weekend following an estimated $27.5m number one hold in North America.
Apes storm the citadel in $54m US launch

A stirring first release for Rupert Murdoch’s former lieutenant Peter Chernin saw Fox’s prequel rise to the top and beat projections to open on an estimated $54m.
ARC, XLrator Media take North America on Killing Bono

The rock ‘n roll comedy will go out on VoD in October and arrive in theatres the following month.
ARP takes French rights to Venice title Seediq Bale

Fortissimo Films has sold French rights to Venice title Warriors Of The Rainbow: Seediq Bale to leading independent distributor ARP.
ARPA unveils 30-strong roster for September festival

The annual ARPA International Film Festival will take place from Sept 22-24 in Hollywood and will open with Braden King’s Sundance premiere Here starring Ben Foster and Lubna Azabal.
As Venice 2011 kicks off, Mueller talks about final edition under his current mandate

George Clooney’s Ides of March opens a line-up that’s heavy on English-language fare and likely awards contenders.
Bachir Lazhar

Dir/scr: Philippe Falardeau. Canada. 2011. 94mins
Back To Stay

Dir/scr: Milagros Mumenthaler. Argentina-Switzerland. 2011. 99mins
Bangladeshi director Tareque Masud killed in car crash

Four other people were killed in the crash including the CEO of local TV station ATN Ashfaque Munier Mishuk; Masud’s wife, producer Catherin Masud is in a serious condition in hospital.
Barry Berk's Sleeper's Wake starts shooting in South Africa

Berk has writen thes script for the erotic thriller which is the second co-production between Bioskope Pictures and Videovision Entertainment.
Bath Spa University launches filmmaking MA

UK university launches practical filmmaking course aimed at directors, producers, DOPs, editors
Beth Minehart, Dylan Wilcox swell ranks at Miramax Films

In two significant hires that speak to the company’s ambitions, CEO Mike Lang (pictured) has brought on NBC Universal’s former evp of international new media Minehart and installed Universal’s former director of acquisitions Wilcox.
Bethan Dixon to run Organic Marketing's new international PR division

She was most recently senior VP at The Weinstein Company in New York.
Beyond in contention for Nordic Council Film Prize

Swedish actress award-winning actress Pernilla August’s feature directorial debut, Beyond (Svinalängorna), which has already scooped top prizes in Venice, Lübeck and Sao Paolo, is among five nominees for the Nordic Council Film Prize, announced on Tuesday (23) by the Norwegian International Film Festival.
BFI opens new £12m archive facility as part of Screen Heritage UK

The BFI has opened a new Master Film Store at Gaydon in Warwickshire as part of its £22.8m Screen Heritage UK (SHUK) programme, funded by the DCMS.
BFI Transition Fund to support further 22 projects

The Independent Cinema Office, Regional Screen Scotland, Power to the Pixel and the Belfast Film Festival are amongst those set to receive funding.
Blitz spirit

The producers of Wartime Wanderers, the true story of the 1939 Bolton Wanderers football team which signed up to serve in World War II, have come up with an innovative way to finance their film whilst also raising money for charity.
Borcuch readies shoot for Lasting Moments in Spain, Poland

Polish director Jacek Borcuch will start shooting his new film Lasting Moments (Chwile Nieulotne) on Sept 8 in Valencia, Spain.
Brazilian culture promoter Inffinito launches digital platform

MediaFundMarket.comis billed as the first digital platform and marketplace to generate private and public production funding for shorts, features and documentaries by Brazilian filmmakers and will facilitate the acquisition and distribution of Brazilian product at the markets.
British actor John Wood dies aged 81

The Tony and Olivier award winning actor’s film credits included The Madness Of King George and Shadowlands.
Brunson Green

Producer Brunson Green of Harbinger Pictures talks to Jeremy Kay about adapting international bestseller The Help into an Academy Award hopeful.
Bumble Ward to head Fox domestic publicity machine

In recent years the veteran has developed expertise in social media marketing. She begins in her new role as evp of publicity on Tuesday (Aug 30)
Busan International Film Festival unveils New Currents line-up

The 16th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced 13 films from 12 countries for the New Currents competition of up-and-coming Asian directors.
Canet, Auteuil to star in Christian Duguay's Jappeloup

Major French outfit Pathe is backing Quebecan film-maker Christian Duguay’s new drama, Jappeloup, about the small black horse that won gold at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, set to star Daniel Auteuil and Guillaume Canet.
Carmike Cinemas acquires three Atlanta-area theatres from MNM Theatres

Carmike Cinemas acquires three Atlanta-area theatres from MNM Theatres
Catch me if you can

Tom Hanks’ genial, engaging persona has made him one of the most successful film stars in the world. We examine the key territories for Hanks at the box office.
Celestial steps into online gaming with My Kingdom Game

Hong Kong’s Celestial Picture launches an online game that is the first game application developed to promote for a Chinese-language movie.
Chazz Palminteri to play mafia boss in Levinson's mob feature

Palminteri will star alongside John Travolta, Al Pacino and Ben Foster in Gotti: In The Shadow Of My Father.
China holds the key to Deathly Hallows $800m target

Warner Bros Pictures International’s Harry Potter finale crossed $700m on Monday [2] and executives will expect a strong launch in the dynamic Asian stronghold to push the film past the next milestone.
China’s international ambitions

What the Relativity Media and Legendary Pictures deals say about China rallying forth into the world.
Chinese productions shooting in France in last 12 months up tenfold

Sino productions shooting in France over last year include Jackie Chan’s upcoming adventure thriller Chinese Zodiac and box office hit Eternal Moment (Jiang Ai).
Cinedigm, BIG & Digital sign Kidtoons deal

The pact will allow Cinedigm Digital Cinema to distribute BIG & Digital’s matinee programme into museums, attractions and educational venues.
Cinematographer Johnny E Jensen joins Dodge College faculty

Jensen, whose credits include The Godfather and An Officer And A Gentleman, brings 40 years of experience to his new role at Chapman University’s Dodge College Of Film And Media Arts.
Cineworld reports largest UK box-office market share for first half of 2011

Cineworld results show strong finish to first half with growth in revenues, EBITDA and market share.
Clooney's Ides of March creates a strong start for Venice 2011

Italian critics cheer opening film; Clooney talks about the film’s appeal beyond US politics.
CMG to commence sales in Toronto on horror title Creature

Ed Noeltner’s Beverly Hills-based international sales company Cinema Management Group will introduce the project to buyers in Canada following the deal with Sid, Bill and Jon Sheinberg’s Bubble Factory.
CMG, producer Chad A Verdi team up on Loosies

Ed Noeltner’s Beverly Hills–based sales company Cinema Management Group will commence talks with buyers in Toronto on Michael Corrente’s Manhattan-set romantic thriller which IFC will release in North America.
CNP acquires studio space for London's creative companies

CNP is lanching a consultation process to find creative companies looking to fill the space, which will also feature live music, a screening room and pop-up restaurants.
Cockneys Vs Zombies

The first feature to come out of James Harris and Mark Lane’s production outfit The Tea Shop & Film Company is a zombie comedy adventure which is being distributed in the UK by Optimum Releasing.
Conan The Barbarian

Dir: Marcus Nispel. US. 2011. 112mins
Crazy Horse

Dir/scr: Frederick Wiseman. France. 2011. 128mins
Creative England seeks board members

New regional umbrella body Creative England has announced that it is now recruiting for members for its national board.
Cronenberg, Almodovar added to New York Film Festival

David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method and Pedro Almodovar’s The Skin I Live In have been added as special galas to the festival, which runs from Sept 30-Oct 16.
Crulic – The Path To Beyond

Dir/scr: Anca Damian. Romania–Poland. 2011. 72mins
Danny Dyer finds his inner luvvie

Screen chatted to the hard man of British cinema about his latest - and very different - role in Ray Cooney’s Run For Your Wife.
Danny Glover, Vinnie Jones join AWP, StudioLine’s Mentryville

Jason R Dudek’s sci-fi thriller is set to shoot in Los Angeles and also stars Taylor Handley, Margo Harshman, Beverley Mitchell, Tiffany Hines and Ryan Pinkston.
David Linde staffs up at Lava Bear Films

Former Lionsgate director of development Zachary Studin is named production vp at the fledgling production and financing venture while Jennifer Semler is promoted to director of production.
Dawn of The Dead

Ahead of its theatrical release, Screen chats to director/producer Howard Ford about near death experiences whilst shooting zombie film The Dead on location in remotest Africa.
Deauville announces line-up, additional premieres

Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain to receive Deauville’s Un Nouvel Hollywood award, feting upcoming American acting talent.
Desplat, Zimmer, Mansell among World Soundtrack Awards nominees

The winner of the World Soundtrack Academy’s World Soundtrack Awards will be announced at the climax of the Ghent International Film Festival on Oct 22, when disco legend Giorgio Moroder will collect a lifetime achievement award.
Disney thrills convention with news of two new Pixar films

The studio revealed all to attendees at weekend’s D23 / Expo event in Anaheim, California.
Divorce Invitation to kick off RR Movie Makers' English-language slate

India-based RR Movie Makers have rounded out the cast on their rom-com Divorce Invitation as the company launches a US-based enterprise to produce and finance up to three English-language films a year.
Dogwoof sets up website to support fire struck distributors

The site will promote other ways of accessing the films of the independent distributors whose stock was destroyed as a result of a fire during the London riots.
Dogwoof takes up Position Among The Stars

UK distributor picks up IDFA and Sundance winning documentary.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

Dir: Troy Nixey. US. 2011. 99mins
Dragon Gate to be released in IMAX 3D

Beijing-based Bona Film Group has announced a cooperation deal with IMAX to produce Tsui Hark’s $35m 3D martial arts film Flying Swords Of Dragon Gate.
DreamWorks Animation, Youku strike landmark Chinese deal

Leading Chinese internet television company Youku.com will make the Kung Fu Panda franchise films available across multiple devices in the first time DreamWorks Animation product is being offered online in China.
Eddie Berg appointed to director of partnerships role at BFI

Berg’s current position as artistic director, BFI Southbank is set to disappear when it is merged with the artistic director, LFF position into the bigger “head of exhibition” role, to be taken over by Clare Stewart.
Elaine Constantine to direct debut feature Northern Soul

The fashion photographer and commercials director has attached Christian Mckay and Lisa Stansfield to her first feature which is being backed by post production house LipSync.
Electric Man

Dir: David Barras. UK. 2011. 98mins
Ellis Perez to head new Dominican Republic film commission

The announcement in Los Angeles on Monday [22] follows the passage of Law #108-2010 which provides a 25% tax credit on features and TV shows shot in the country.
Face to Face

Dir/scr: Michael Rymer. Aust. 2011. 88 mins
Fear of Falling

Dir: Bartosz Konopka. Poland. 2011. 90 mins
Fernando Meirelles' 360 to open 55th BFI London Film Festival

It will be the European premiere of the film, which stars Rachel Weisz, Jude Law and Sir Anthony Hopkins; Meirelles’ The Constant Gardener opened the LFF in 2005.
Film Independent unveils 12th Screenwriters Lab details

Ten screenwriters and projects will gather for the event, which runs from Aug 15-Sept 16.
FilmNation hires Paul Solet to direct The Faces

FilmNation Entertainment and Sonny Mallhi are producing the story of newlyweds who escape a brutal kidnapping and unwittingly fall into the clutches of a shadowy group that uses terror as a means of entertainment.
Films announced for San Sebastian’s Films In Progress, Cinema In Motion sections

Films from Marcelo Gomes, Annemarie Jacir, Khalil Joreige and Joana Hadjithomas among selections.
Final Destination 5

Dir: Steven Quale. US. 2011. 95mins
First Run Features picks up US rights to CIA documentary

Carl Colby’s The Man Nobody Knew: In Search Of My Father, CIA Spymaster William Colby will open exclusively at the Lincoln Plaza in New York on Sept 23.
Fortissimo picks up Vietnam’s Paradise

Fortissimo Films has acquired international rights to Vietnamese director Vu Ngoc Dang’s Lost In Paradise (Hot Boy Noi Loan), which will receive its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Fortissimo wades into Wetlands

Fortissimo Films has picked up international rights to French Canadian filmmaker Guy Edoin’s Wetlands (aka Marecages), which premieres at the Venice Film Festival next month.
France's MPM Film to sell Historias through new in-house sales dept

Marie-Pierre Macia and Juliette Lepoutre’s MPM Film launch in-house sales operation in alliance with former Celluloid Dreams sales manager Pierre Menahem.
Fright Night

Dir: Craig Gillespie. US. 2011. 105mins
From Page To Screen

Dorset, UK, April, dates TBC
Glee: The 3-D Concert Movie

Dir: Kevin Tancharoen. US. 2011. 83mins
Glenn Close to receive lifetime achievement award in San Sebastian

Close will receive Donostia Award at festival’s 59th edition where she is presenting latest feature Albert Nobbs
Golden Carpathian festival and market

Romanian event (Aug 25-28) attracted 50 buyers and sellers.
Goodbye First Love

Dir/scr: Mia Hansen-Love. France-Germany. 2011. 110mins
Hammer Horror screenwriter Jimmy Sangster dies

The British director, whose writing credits for the Hammer label included The Curse Of Frankenstein, has died aged 83.
Hannah, Zane on board S.O.S. Love! sequel

Hungarian director Tamas Sas has teamed up with Daryl Hannah and Billy Zane for his new film S.O.S. Love!: The Million Dollar Contract.
Hannibal Classics sails to Toronto with $25m WWII naval project

USS Indianapolis: Men Of Courage recounts the story of a rescue mission to salvage a terrifying weapon on board the stricken US battleship.
HanWay Films boards world sales on Being Elmo

MD Thorsten Schumacher and director of sales and distribution Fabien Westerhoff brokered the deal with Josh Braun and David Koh of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers.
Happy, Happy to represent Norway in Oscar race

Norwegian director Anne Sewitsky’s feature debut Happy, Happy (Sykt lykkelig) will be Norway’s candidate for the Foreign Language Oscar.
Harry Potter approaches $900m as Korea continues to see big results

Screen looks at last weekend’s biggest international performers, including three impressive local titles in South Korea.
Harry Potter battles The Apes for international crown

Warner Bros’ behemoth could have another big weekend in it but faces a strong challenge from Sony’s The Smurfs and Fox’s Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.
Haugesund’s hot tickets

The Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund (Aug 17-26) offers international attendees a window on some of the hottest new projects from the region. Jorn Rossing Jensen reports
Head Over Heels, The Cake among winners at Miami’s Brazilian Film Festival

The 15th annual Brazilian Film Festival held in Miami’s Art Deco Colony Theatre has come to an end. The festival ran from Aug 19-27 and included features and shorts vying for Crystal Lens Awards in a variety of categories.
Headhunters and What A Man among strong international openers

Screen rounds up the biggest independent movers and shakers on the international scene.
Heather Stewart, BFI

The new creative director of public programme at the BFI talks to Screen about the changing role of the BFI and her long term plans for the organisation.
HFPA raises $1.6m for film schools, charitable causes

Members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association used the occasion of the group’s annual lunch to present a record level of financial grants to 46 film schools and non-profit organisations.
Hollywood Film Festival unveils first wave of honourees

The Hollywood Awards ceremony will take place in Beverly Hills on Oct 24.
Hopscotch plans features from Stuart Beattie, Robert Luketic

At a packed AIMC, Troy Lum says Hopscoth’s new production arm could have four films shooting within the next year.
Hot projects on Screenbase

UK productions Run For Your Wife, Where There’s A Will as well as Not Another Happy Ending are among the new additions to the European Film Index this week.
Hungary submits Bela Tarr's The Turin Horse for Oscar race

Bela Tarr’s The Turin Horse will represent Hungary in the Foreign-Language Oscar race.
Icahn, Lionsgate cease hostilities as corporate raider sells stake

The activist shareholder and his son Brett are to sell up to 44,161,971 of their shares of Lionsgate common stock in a move that ends their long-running battle for control of the company.
IFTA London reception

Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) held a reception at BAFTA in London’s Piccadilly on Aug 31 to celebrate the launch of IFTA London, which will provide a creative link between the UK and Irish industries.
Imagenation pacts with Fortissimo for Emirati slate

Imagenation Abu Dhabi has signed an exclusive international sales agreement with Fortissimo Films, which will handle worldwide distribution of the company’s debut slate of local and Arabic-language features.
IMAX expands Singapore partnership with Shaw Theatres

IMAX will install a theatre system in the new JCube entertainment complex in Singapore that is scheduled to be complete by 2012.
Jeb Brody named president of production at Focus Features

The executive arrives from his parallel role at Vendome Pictures and replaces John Lyons, who is returning to work as a producer and devoting more time to philanthropy.
Jenkins, Sarandon, Christie keep Company with Redford

Richard Jenkins, Susan Sarandon and Julie Christie are the latest additions to the cast of political action thriller The Company You Keep from Voltage Pictures and Robert Redford’s Wildwood Enterprises.
Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte join crime thriller Parker

As previously announced, Statham (pictured) stars in the action thriller from Incentive Filmed Entertainment, Sierra Pictures and Sidney Kimmel. Production is underway in Ohio, Louisiana and Florida.
John Irvin to direct WWII love story feature Monte Cassino

The British director of Widow’s Peak and the original TV series of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy will direct from a screenplay by Donald C. Scott.
Josephine Rose joins Wiggin to lead new finance/distribution packaging business

UK-based media law firm Wiggin is launching a new film and TV packaging service as of Sept 5.
Juliette Lewis signs on to Blood Or Water

The LevelK/Synchronicity Films joint venture continues apace with the arrival of the US star on Justin Molotnikov’s upcoming feature.
Kate Ogborn and Lisa Marie Russo

Producers Kate Ogborn and Lisa Marie Russo joined forces in 2009 to form their production company Fly Films. They chat to Screen about their upcoming projects, their passion for artists and the benefits of working in a pair.
Kino Lorber takes US rights to Moroder's Metropolis

The distributor will open Giorgio Moroder’s version of Fritz Lang’s classic in more than 20 markets before it launches on Blu-ray and DVD on Nov 15. The official title will be Giorgio Moroder Presents Metropolis.
Kollywood's time to shine

Is Kollywood the new Bollywood? Hollywood certainly hopes so as the studios increase their local-language collaborations with the Tamil industry to tap into a homegrown audience of 70 million.
Last Screening

Dir: Laurent Achard. France. 2011. 82mins
Lawrence Gough unveils Extraction, talks up Drought

The winner of Edinburgh’s 2009 Trailblazer Award for his feature debut Salvage has revealed details of his supernatural home invasion project Extraction, which will shoot before Drought pending casting availability.
Legendary East sells 50% stake to raise $220.5m

Publicly traded Paul Y Engineering Group has invested in the Hong Kong-based Legendary East, led by Legendary Entertainment founder Thomas Tull (pictured) and CEO Kelvin Wu.
Legendary East unveils Ed Zwick adventure as first project

Zwick will direct The Great Wall and is co-writing with longtime writing and producing partner Marshall Herskovitz based on a story by Legendary Entertainment chairman and CEO Thomas Tull and Max Brooks.
Leslie Phillips, Nick Moran star in mystery comedy Death

Written and directed by Martin Gooch, the microbudget gothic feature set around a stately home is currently in post.
Let the smart season begin

Summer is for inane, mindless spectacle, but autumn and winter – as if the harsher weather demands it – bring on the thinking movies.
Lightstorm hires Kathy Franklin to head franchise development

The executive will work with James Cameron and Jon Landau’s company and Fox to build awareness on Avatar – the biggest release of all time – beyond traditional licensing and merchandising avenues.
Lionsgate announces Dirty Dancing reboot

The 1987 original that starred the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is the latest fan favourite to get a Hollywood make-over.
Locarno's Golden Leopard awarded to Argentina's Back To Stay

The international jury headed by Portuguese producer Paolo Branco presented the festival’s top honour to Argentinian-born Milagros Mumenthaler for her debut feature Back To Stay (Abrir Puertas Y Ventanas).
London riots: Sony remanufacturing 1.5m discs following warehouse fire

The company has released a statement saying it is working closely with film distributors to mitigate the loss suffered as a result of the fire at its Enfield Warehouse on monday night; the warehouse housed 25 million discs at the time of the fire.
London riots: UK film companies lose DVD stock in Sony warehouse fire

Up to 30 million DVDs are believed to have been lost in the fire which was started as part of the London riots, including stock belonging to independent distributors Dogwoof, Artificial Eye, Metrodome and the BFI.
London shoot begins on UK rom-com The Wedding Video

Director Nigel Cole reunites with his Calendar Girls writing partner Tim Firth on the story of a best man at his brother’s society wedding who films the event as it falls apart.
Lucky McKee

American director Lucky McKee talks to Screen about the controversy surrounding his latest film, The Woman, writing with Jack Ketchum, and why he really wants to make a romantic comedy.
Ludmila Cvikova leaves Rotterdam for Doha

Cvikova joins the Doha Film Institute as new head of international programming.
M-Appeal picks up Venice Orizzonti title Verano

German sales agent M-Appeal picks up José Luis Torres Leiva’s drama
Maryam Keshavarz

Writer and director Maryam Keshavarz talks about Circumstance, her directorial debut that stars newcomers Nikohl Boosheri, Sarah Kazemy and Reza Sixo Safai. The film premiered at Sundance earlier this year where it won the audience award.
Massive China launch propels HP7 towards $800m

Warner Bros Pictures International reported on Monday [8] that the fantasy behemoth opened in China on a record $26.5m and drew more than 4.5m admissions as the overall running total outside North America climbed to $792.4m. Meanwhile the film has crossed $100m in the UK.
Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon in talks for Mud

The follow-up to Jeff Nichols’ Cannes Critics’ Week winner Take Shelter is being fully financed by Everest Entertainment, with the company’s Lisa Maria Falcone producing alongside Sarah Green and FilmNation Entertainment’s Aaron Ryder.
Maureen O'Hara appointed president of UFFO

Irish actress Maureen O’Hara has been appointed as president of the newly formed Universal Film & Festival Organisation (UFFO), which aims to implement an ethical code of conduct for films festivals.
Maya Entertainment to produce, distribute Taco Shop

Production is set to begin this month on the comedy about an aspiring taco shop owner who locks horns with a high-class taco truck situated across the street.
Michael Radford to direct PG Wodehouse feature

A film based on the true story of writer PG Wodehouse is set to begin production in spring 2012 in Germany, France and the UK.
Mike Downey and Sam Taylor

F&ME producers Mike Downey and Sam Taylor talk about the new projects on their slate, plans for expansion and why having an international outlook is the key to their success.
Miramax hires Adrienne Gary as svp organisational strategy and admin

The third announced hire in a week sees the “human capital executive” come aboard to oversee all recruiting, organisational structure, global HR and corporate administration.
MPI Media Group acquires domestic rights to MMA doc

The distributor has picked up North American theatrical, DVD and VOD rights to the pepper&bones production Fightville.
MUBI to show 4.1 Film Festival competition titles

Titles include Chantrapas, Morgen, Tilva Rosh and Nénette
My Week With Marilyn to receive NYFF world premiere

The Weinsteins have thrown the Michelle Williams-starrer into the awards race, securing an Oct 9 centerpiece gala slot for the period drama. The 49th edition of the festival runs from Sept 30-Oct 16.
Naked ambition

With all eyes on Scandinavia to find the next lucrative international franchise, Norway is stepping into the frame.
Netflix said to be targeting Far East launch for late 2012

Following Tuesday’s revelation about Spain the company continues to plot its rapid streaming-only global deployment and aims to be operational in select Asian territories by the end of next year, people with knowledge of the situation have told Screen.
New genre pitching forum coming to Croatia's Zadar festival

Industry figures will discuss a new pitching forum dedicated to films in the thriller and horror genres at the upcoming Film Forum Zadar festival in Croatia.
New work from Ken Loach, Cedric Kahn to feature at OMDC market

The Ontario Media Development Corporation announced that 41 projects have been accepted for the sixth annual International Financing Forum (IFF), set to take place during the Toronto International Film Festival from Sept 11-12.
Niall Johnson to direct supernatural thriller The Called

It will be the first feature to come out of Tim Dennison’s new London-based production company Tall Man Films.
Nicholson, Kaufman, Buffini to give lectures in BAFTA/BFI series

Seven acclaimed screenwriters will speak as part of the BAFTA/BFI series aimed at celebrating the screenwriter’s contribution to a film’s creative vision.
Nick Hamm joins Momentum Entertainment Group

The Bafta-winner and director of Killing Bono will head the newly formed scripted entertainment division.
Nikita Mikhalkov moves closer to construction of Palace of Film Festivals in Moscow

Moscow mayor has proposed two sites for the project.
Northern exposure

Some of the world’s most electric foreign-language titles are being made by Norwegian film-makers right now. Screen profiles a selection of new films and spotlights a trio of rising directors.
NYFF to screen revised Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory with new ending

Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky’s Toronto-bound miscarriage of justice documentary will receive its US premiere with the fresh new ending that includes the release of the West Memphis 3.
Of Women And Horses

Dir: Patricia Mazuy. France-Germany. 2011. 105mins
Oldenburg International Film Festival, Germany (Sept 14 - 18)

Winners and attendees at the 18th Oldenburg International Film Festival in Germany
Olivia Wilde gets taste for Occupant’s Chemistry

The star of Cowboys & Aliens and Tron: Legacy is understood to have joined Sam Rockwell and Michelle Monaghan on the darkly comedic Better Living Through Chemistry, set to shoot this autumn in Maryland.
On the road with the rain man

The welcomes might have been warm at the Karlovy Vary, St Petersburg and Sarajevo festivals, but the weather proved more inhospitable
Open Road to release The Grey on Jan 27, 2012

Joe Carnahan and his A-Team star Liam Neeson reunite in the story of oilrig workers who must battle a rogue wolf pack and sub-zero conditions after their plane crashes into the Alaskan wilderness.
Orange launches free film downloads from iTunes

Orange customers to get free film downloads from iTunes, including The Wrestler and The Ghost Writer.
Oscilloscope takes North America on We Can’t Go Home Again

Nicholas Ray’s last film will be restored and reconstructed for its world premiere in Venice, which kicked off today (Aug 31).
Overheard 2 big in China as The Inbetweeners storms the UK

Screen rounds up the biggest independent movers and shakers on the international scene
Paladin plots awards run for Boy

The distributor has picked up US rights and will release Taika Waititi’s drama theatrically towards the end of the fourth quarter with Unison Films in association with Radius Films.
Paul Hills to direct psychological thriller The Power

The film about Satanic ritual abuse, is being sold internationally by Moviehouse.
Paul Walker burns rubber in Vehicle 19

I spent the bank holiday weekend in Johannesburg (as you do) watching Paul Walker drive a car into a supermarket window.
Payne's The Descendants to close New York Film Festival

Alexander Payne’s new feature starring George Clooney will round out the event on Oct 16 following its world premiere in Toronto.
Pedro Almodóvar named AFI FEST guest director

The feted filmmaker, whose latest work The Skin I Live In is likely to figure in the upcoming awards season, will present a screening of his 1986 film Law Of Desire and curate a sidebar of films that have inspired his work.
Pema Tseden’s Old Dog sweeps awards at Seoul's CinDis

Tibet-set Old Dog takes the Red, Green and White Chameleon Awards.
Phase 4, Submarine to partner on Rid Of Me in North America

President and CEO Berry Meyerowitz said the company will partner with Submarine on an “aggressive” theatrical run in the autumn on James Westby’s black comedy.
Pinewood revenues up 68% in first half of 2011; Snow White shooting

Pinewood has unveiled its strong interim results for the first half of 2011; production has also begun at the UK studio on Universal’s Snow White And The Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron.
Potter crosses $800m as Sector 7 makes a splash in Korea

Potter becomes third biggest international release ever, as South Korea sees a homegrown top four. Screen looks at last weekend’s international movers and shakers.
Potter finale top grosser of 2011 “in all categories”

Warner Bros issued a release last night [9] to say that Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 had surpassed all other films for the year-to-date at the international, North American and global box office.
Production underway on Big Beach Johnny Knoxville comedy

Knoxville and Patton Oswalt star in Todd Rohal’s untitled follow-up to this year’s Sundance entry The Catechism Cataclysm.
Production underway on Straight A’s starring Anna Paquin, Ryan Philippe

Nu Image/Millennium Films is backing James Cox’s comedy that commenced shooting on Tuesday [16] at Millennium Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Production wraps on Nicholas McCarthy’s ghost story The Pact

The project has been converted from a short that screened in Sundance into a feature in less than a year. Content is handling international sales and Preferred Content represents North American sales.
Prolific film and TV director Reza Badiyi dies, aged 81

The Iranian-born, US-based director set a record for directing the most hours of episodic series television.
Quinto's Banshee Chapter finds cast ahead of New Mexico shoot

Ted Levine, Katia Winter and Michael McMillian will star in horror feature The Banshee Chapter, which Zachary Quinto is producing through his Before The Door Pictures alongside Sunchaser Entertainment and German producer Christian Arnold-Beutel.
Rachid Bouchareb lines up Forest Whitaker for trilogy finale

The Oscar winning actor will play a Muslim parolee released from prison into a small city bristling with Muslim-Arabic paranoia. The untitled project is scheduled to begin in 2013 and will be the final entry in Bouchareb’s English-language trilogy.
Raven Banner acquires H P Lovecraft adaptation

The Toronto-based sales company has picked up world rights to The Whisperer In Darkness from Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival.
RealD signs 3D installation deal with China's Saga circuit

RealD and Saga Luxury Cinema Management announced on Monday [Aug 29] an agreement to equip 100 auditoriums across the Saga circuit in China with RealD 3D technology.
Relativity scores Chinese coup with Huaxia, SkyLand deals

The LA-based company has gained a gilt-edged foothold in China’s notoriously inaccessible release calendar after investing in the first China-US distributor and striking a strategic alliance with state-run distributor Huaxia Film.
Ridley Scott, Alcon plan Blade Runner follow-up

The filmmakers did not say whether the theatrical project would be a prequel or sequel to the 1982 cult sci-fi.
Roadside Attractions acquires US rights to Answers To Nothing

The distributor plans a Dec 2 release for Matthew Leutwyler’s drama set against the backdrop of a kidnapping in Los Angeles.
Roy Matalon named president of int'l sales and distribution at Nu Image

The executive replaces Christian Mercuri, who has left for start-up Red Granite International and will be joined by Nu Image principal Danny Dimbort at the end of the year. Matalon previously served 14 years at New Regency as svp of distribution of domestic and international theatrical, home entertainment and television.
Run For Your Wife

Ray Cooney originally optioned his stage play to Fox and Columbia before deciding to take matters into his own hands. He is currently shooting in London.
Rutger Hauer joins Scherson's The Future

Alicia Scherson’s international co-production is an adaptation of novelist and poet Roberto Bolano’s book Una Novelita Lumpen
Salzgeber & Co takes North Sea Texas for Germany

UK-based sales agent Wavelength Pictures closes deal on Montreal Film Festival drama.
Screen Star Alexandra Roach joins all British cast of Private Peaceful

Screen 2011 Star of Tomorrow Alexandra Roach will star in Private Peaceful, based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, which begins shooting this week in the UK.
Seven Acts Of Mercy

Dir/scr: Massimiliano & Gianluca di Serio. Italy-Romania. 2011. 100mins
SF Film Society executive director Graham Leggat dies at 51

Leggat, who died on Aug 25 following an 18-month battle with cancer, was a widely admired and beloved figure who transformed the Society.
Shifting into top gear

Ben Parker’s short Shifter impresses before the UK premiere of Kill Listat FrightFest.
Shooting begins on A.D Calvo's House Of Dust

The cast of the Connecticut-set psychological thriller includes young US actors Steven Grahym [pictured], Inbar Levi and Holland Roden.
Shooting begins on comedy 21 And Over

The Hangover and The Change Up writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore will direct from their own screenplay. Mandeville Films is producing in association with Richard Branson’s Virgin Produced and Relativity will handle worldwide distribution.
Shooting wraps on Dario Argento's Dracula 3D

Principal photography has wrapped on the Italian horror master’s €10m thriller produced by Rome’s Multimedia Film Production and Enrique Cerezo Productions
Shoreline boards sales rights to thriller Black River

Shoreline Entertainment has acquired worldwide sales rights to Joe Eckardt’s Black River, currently in pre-production and set for release in 2012.
SIFF acquires Uptown Theater for Seattle Center launch

The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) has acquired the historic Uptown Theater and will re-open it on Oct 20 in conjunction with the opening of its new film centre at Seattle Center.
Sky could be forced to loosen grip on Pay TV rights in UK

UK independent sales agents and distributors have given a cautious welcome to the report from industry watchdog the Competition Commission recommending that Sky’s grip on premium Pay TV movie rights in the UK should be loosened.
Smurfs cross $200m outside North America, HP7 at $900m

The blue wave continued to rule internationally as Sony Pictures Releasing International’s (SPRI) family film grossed an estimated $35.3m from 10,590 screens in 54 markets to reach $211.4m.
Smurfs surge past $250m at international box office

In a tight weekend outside North America Sony Pictures Releasing International’s (SPRI) The Smurfs clung on to supremacy with an estimated $25.5m haul from 8,418 screens in 55 markets to propel the running total to a confirmed $256.9m.
Smurfs usurp Potter as $60m leads international weekend

Potter was yanked from its international throne at the weekend by not one but two muscular late summer performers in the shape of Sony’s The Smurfs on $60m and Fox’s Planet Of The Apes reboot on $40m. Once again China impressed with mighty numbers across the board.
Smurfs, Cowboys, Apes vie for international supremacy

Sony’s The Smurfs stood at more than $211m as of last weekend and face an international showdown with Cowboys & Aliens heading into the new session.
Song For Marion

London To Brighton and Cherry Tree Lane director Paul Andrew Williams talks about shooting his surprisingly upbeat fourth film which features pensioners body popping and singing about sex.
Sony dates The Amazing Spider-Man 2 for May 2, 2014

The studio is moving ahead rapidly with the sequel to next summer’s reboot starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.
Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World

Dir/scr: Robert Rodriguez. US. 2011. 88mins
Summer Games

Dir: Rolando Colla. Italy-Switzerland . 2011. 101mins
Sundance launches Native American producers workshop

The Institute said on Tuesday [16] its Native American & Indigenous Program will host the inaugural Native Producers Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Aug 17 and 18.
Taiwan's summer box office booming, led by record-setting Apple of My Eye

The Taiwanese film industry has seen rocketing box office results this summer, with four local films making record-breaking box office takings and bringing in a movie-going wave in the island of 23 million people.
Terence Davies’ The Deep Blue Sea to close LFF

It will be the UK premiere of the film, which stars Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston and Simon Russell Beale. Weisz films bookend the festival.
The Art of Love

Dir/scr: Emmanuel Mouret. France. 2011. 85mins
The Disappeared to start shooting in Nova Scotia in September

Writer and director Shandi Mitchell will make her feature directorial debut on the film, which will begin shooting this September off the coast of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
The Flying Machine to world premiere at Beijing's Forbidden City Concert Hall

The 3D adventure story starring Heather Graham will go on to screen in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Kids section.
The Help

Dir/scr: Tate Taylor. US. 2011. 146mins
The Help takes control at US box office on $21m

DreamWorks’ Civil Rights Era awards contender, released through Buena Vista, climbed to number one in its second weekend as Fox’s Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes settled into second place and added a further $16m.
The Help weathers storm to rule North America on $14m

Domestic box office took a battering from Hurricane Irene as audiences on the storm-lashed East Coast hunkered down, allowing The Help to consolidate its grip and surge towards $100m as reports claimed box office dropped by more than 23% compared to the same session in 2010.
The Ides Of March

Dir: George Clooney. USA. 2011. 101mins
The Inbetweeners Movie on top in the UK with massive £13.2m

Cowboys & Aliens disappoints on £1.8m as Rise Of The Planet of the Apes is nearest challenger on £2.4m
The Inbetweeners Movie stands at £27.7m after second weekend

The Inbetweeners Movie continues its remarkable assault as One Day and Final Destination 5 enter the fray
The Loneliest Planet

Dir: Julia Loktev. US/Germany. 2011. 113 mins.
The next chapter

As the number of Nordic crime film and TV adaptations increases, Mike Goodridge talks to two of the region’s most successful novelists, Jo Nesbo and Camilla Lackberg, about the process of bringing their hot properties to the screen.
The Pervert's Guide to Ideology

Producer James Wilson talks about high-concept documentary The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology, directed by Sophie Fiennes and starring the inimitable philosopher and film critic Slavoj Zizek.
The Resident director Jokinen moves onto Purge

Estonia-set drama is based on Finnish author’s award-winning novel.
The Smurfs in mood to hold on to international crown

Sony Pictures Releasing International’s (SPRI) family hit looks odds-on to reign at the box office this weekend. Meanwhile Cars 2 has crossed $300m, Pirates 4 $800m and Bridesmaids $100m while the Harry Potter finale is poised to cross $900m.
The Substance – Albert Hoffman’s LSD

Dir/scr: Martin Witz. Switzerland-Germany. 2011. 90mins
The Whale secures Faroe Islands world premiere

Ryan Reynolds narrates the documentary about the relationship between humans and the wild orca, set to debut on Aug 20 in the Danish territory.
The Wicker Tree

Dir/scr: Robin Hardy. UK. 2011. 90mins
The Year Of The Tiger

Dir: Sebastian Lelio. Chile. 2011. 82mins
Tinkering with the masterplan

As StudioCanal rebrands Optimum Releasing and Kinowelt, Danny Perkins and Wolfgang Braun discuss why it is more than a name change, and Olivier Courson lays out the company’s pan-European ambitions
Toronto Wavelengths, Future Projections include works by Rivers, Weerasethakul, Hopkins, Franco

TIFF’s unveils works in Wavelengths and Future Projections, including James Franco and Gus Van Sant meditation on My Own Private Idaho.
Trademark Films acquires rights to The Haunting Of Alaizabel Cray

David Parfitt’s Trademark Films, the production company behind the upcoming My Week With Marilyn, reveals details of its new slate and plans to diversify across TV, theatre and online social gaming with the arrival of new partner Ivan Mactaggart.
Tribeca Film launches VoD slate Tomorrow's Cult Classics Today

The line-up launches on demand on Aug 25 and includes Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure, a documentary that resulted from a series of tape recordings of noisy neighbours by a pair of friends.
Tribeca Film takes North America on Ed Burns’ Newlyweds

Tribeca Film has acquired US and Canadian rights following the film’s premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier in the year and plans a late 2011 release across multiple platforms.
Tribeca sets dates for 2012 film festival

Next year’s festival will run in New York City from Apr 18-29.
Troll Hunter producer's next among buzz films at Haugesund festival

The Help, Oslo, August 31st among winners at last night’s Norwegian Internationall Film Festival awards ceremony
Turn Me On Goddammit closes more deals for Celsius

Buyers are tuning into hit Norwegian film, Turn Me On Goddammit, which is sold by Thierry Wase-Bailey’s London-based Celsius Entertainment.
Tyrannosaur marks Bavaria Film’s return to theatrical distribution

UK actor Paddy Considine’s Tyrannosaur is set to mark Bavaria Film’s return to the world of theatrical distribution when the film opens in German cinemas on October 13.
Tyrannosaur, The Guard amongst Dinard competition titles

Hayley Atwell and Jaime Winstone will sit on the jury at the 22nd edition of the Dinard Film Festival, which promotes British films to French audiences.
UK government commits £363m to broadband roll-out

Counties in England are set to get £294.8m, and Scotland £68.8m, in a move that has significant implications for the film industry.
UK's FrightFest kicks off tonight, ready to welcome Wheatley, Yelchin, McKee, West

This year’s edition kicks off today with the UK premiere of Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark.
Universal signs production deal with Justin Lin’s Barnstorm

Hot on the heels of the $607m global smash Fast Five the studio has wasted little time cementing a formal partnership with the filmmaker and announced that the Lin-directed Fast And Furious 6 will open on May 24, 2013.
Venice 2011: Competition profiles

Screen gears up for the Venice Film Festival’s 2011 edition, which promises to kickstart the annual awards season.
Venice 2011: Out of Competition

Out of competition film profiles
Vertigo picks up football drama Will for UK

Oct 21 release for Will, starring Damian Lewis and Bob Hoskins
Voltage Pictures expects sparks to fly with Imogene

Heading into Toronto, Nicolas Chartier’s financing, production and sales company has picked up international sales on the hotly anticipated Kristen Wiig project.
Warner Bros crosses $2bn internationally for fourth time

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 has accounted for neatly half of Warner Bros Pictures International’s (WBPI) mighty running total for the year-to-date.
Warrior

Dir: Gavin O’Connor. US. 2011. 139mins
Weekend

Dir: Andrew Haigh. UK. 2011. 96 mins
Welcome to the future

Norway is the first country in the world to have digitised all of its film theatres. Jorn Rossing Jensen looks at the impact it is having on cinema-going in the territory
Well Go USA drawn to Shimizu’s Tormented, Shock Labyrinth

The distributor has acquired all North American rights to the upcoming horror Tormented from Fortissimo Films in a preemptive swoop before the film’s Venice world premiere and has also taken The Shock Labyrinth.
Yahoo! launches online movie service in India

Yahoo! India has launched an on-demand movie service on the internet and is talks with local production houses to secure content.
YouTube agree sponsorship deal with NFTS

Google’s YouTube backs course, three-day NFTS showcase event and new Film Clinic.
Zurich Film Festival to honour Sean Penn with Golden Icon Award

The actor will collect the festival’s most prestigious accolade on Sept 28. The Swizz event is set to run from during the Swizz event, set to run from Sept 22-Oct 2.
Zurich Film Festival to open with Soderbergh's Contagion

The seventh Zurich Film Festival (Sept 22-Oct 2) will open with Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion.Laurence Fishburne, one of the stars of Contagion, will preside over the jury for ZZ’f international section, and the festival will also honour him with a special achievement award.The other jurors on the international narrative feature jury will be: US producer John Lesher, EFM director Beki Probst, Danish actress/director Paprika Steen, UK actress Alice Eve, and Serbian writer/directo

Screen25 Aug 2011

Screen
25 Aug 2011