Screen
26 February 2010

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Film Depot snaps up Exorcism, Pyramids doc

Sergei Yershov’s Los Angeles-based Film Depot, which specialises in distribution in Russia and the CIS states, has snapped up rights to a raft of films at EFM.
Alain Tanner to receive 2010 Leopard of Honour

Swiss director Alain Tanner will be awarded the Swisscom Leopard of Honour at the 63rd edition of the Locarno International Film Festival (August 4 - 14).
Alla Verlotsky's Seagull commemorates tenth anniversary

Seagull Films, the sales and distribution consultancy and leading distributor of Russian arthouse films in North America, is marking its tenth anniversary with a series of special events.
Animal Heart is surprise winner at Swiss Film Prizes

Julia’s Disappearance lost out to surprise winner Animal Heart at the Swiss Film Prizes
Artificial Eye and Sky Movies to co-release Life During Wartime

Todd Solondz’ black comedy Life During Wartime is the third film to be released simultaneously in cinemas and on television by Artificial Eye and Sky Movies
Burton and Bekmambetov to adapt Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov are teaming up on the adaptation of Pride And Prejudice And Zombies author Seth Grahame-Smith’s latest literary mash-up.
Film4 gets Frank with Goats’ writers

Film4 is developing a new project with The Men Who Stare At Goats writers Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan.
How To Train Your Dragon

Dir/scr: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois. US. 2009. 91 mins
Latido sells Secret to Germany

Spanish outfit Latido Films secures further sales for Juan Jose Campanella’s Oscar nominated film The Secret In Their Eyes
Nikkatsu's Sushi Typhoon closes multiple deals at EFM

Japanese seller Nikkatsu has closed several deals at EFM for titles in its Sushi Typhoon genre label.Germany’s 8 Films picked up all rights to Alien Vs Ninja and Mutant Girls Squad for Germany, Benelux and Scandinavia.Period actioner Alien Vs Ninja, directed by Seiji Chiba, is in currently post-production. Mutant Girls Squad just completed principal photography under three directors (Noboru Iguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura and Tak Sakaguchi), each
Norweigan director brings back odorama

Smell-o-vision is making a come back, thanks to Dead Snow director Tommy Wirkola
Remember Me

US. 2009. 113 mins
UK cinema admissions reach highest level for seven years

UK cinema admissions are at their highest level since 2002, according to figures released by the UK Film Council today (January 19).
Walt Disney Japan consolidates theatrical and home video units

Walt Disney has merged its theatrical and home entertainment divisions in Japan
13 to receive world premiere at SXSW

Gela Babluani’s all-star crime drama 13 will receive its world premiere in Austin later this month.
2010 BAFTA Nominations

The full list of nominations for the Orange British Academy Film Awards 2010.
A Family (En Familie)

Dir. Pernille Fischer Christensen. Denmark 2010. 102 mins.
A Film Unfinished (Shtikat Haarchion)

Dir: Yael Hersonski. Israel-Germany. 2010. 89mins.
A Prophet leads Cesars with 13 nominations

France’s Academie Des Arts Et Techniques Du Cinema announced the nominees for the Cesar awards in Paris on Friday.
A Prophet sweeps the board at France's Cesars

Jacques Audiard’s Oscar nominated A Prophet won ten Cesar Awards in its home country of France on Saturday night.The prison drama walked off with Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor among others.Audiard’s film was nominated in 13 categories and took a total of ten trophies. Both Abdel Raouf Dafri, one of AProphet’s screenwriters, and star Tahar Rahim were noted by Screen in the past two years as talents to
A Somewhat Gentle Man (En Ganske Snill Mann)

Dir. Hans Petter Moland. Norway. 2010. 107mins.
A Woman, A Gun And A Noodle Shop (San Qiang Pai, An Jing Qi)

Dir: Zhang Yimou. China-Hong Kong. 2009. 95mins.
Abel

Dir. Diego Luna, Mexico/USA, 2009, 85 minutes
About Her Brother (Otouto)

Dir. Yoji Yamada. Japan. 2010. 126 mins.
Abramowitz, Eftekhar launch distribution and marketing venture Area23a

Independent marketing and distribution consultant Richard Abramowitz and Ocule Films founder Kirt Eftekhar have launched the bi-coastal distributor Area23a.
Academy Award nominees express joy, surprise

Reactions from the runners and riders in the 82nd Academy Awards race after the nominees are announced in Los Angeles.
Actor Lionel Jeffries dies ages 83

Character actor Lionel Jeffries has dies, aged 83 years old.
Affinity loads up Shotgun Wedding

Affinity International to kick off sales at the European Film Market on the comedy Shotgun Wedding.
Aktis picks up Homies

Aktis Film picks up rights to Adnan G Kose’s hiphop drama
Alamar

Dir/scr: Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio. Mexico. 2009. 73mins.
Alice In Wonderland

Dir: Tim Burton. US. 2010. 107 mins.
Alice tumbles into history with $116.3m North American launch

Disney pulled off the biggest 3D launch in history as Alice In Wonderland opened in North America on an estimated $116.1m.
Alice unlocks the windows

Disney’s move to shorten the theatrical window on Alice In Wonderland caused a major spat with exhibitors. John Hazelton looks at whether the film has set a precedent for a shift in studio distribution
All That I Love

Dir/scr. Jacek Borcuch, Poland, 2009, 95 minutes
Allen Blackwell joins E1 Entertainment US' in-house video label

E1 Entertainment US has hired Allen Blackwell as senior director of urban film and comedy for its in-house video label E1 Entertainment.
Altiplano sells to US

Meridiana Films secures US distribution deal for lyrical tragedy Altiplano.
Ambitious Icon unveils new strategy

Icon UK head Stewart Till has revealed his aim to level out the pricing disparity that impedes the growth of Blu-ray. Tim Murray reports
AMC Entertainment moves to acquire Kerasotes Showplace Theatres assets

AMC Entertainment has signed a deal with Kerasotes Showplace Theatres to acquire all of the latter’s assets, which includes 96 theatres and 973 screens in primarily Midwestern metropolitan markets.
An Education leads BAFTA long list

An Education leads the pack of films long listed for the Orange British Academy Film Awards, with 17 categories including best film, best director (Lone Scherfig) and best actress for Carey Mulligan.
An Education, Avatar, Hurt Locker among PGA nominees

Avatar’s James Cameron and Jon Landau, Inglourious Basterds’ Lawrence Bender, and Star Trek’s J J Abrams and Damon Lindelof are among the ten sets of nominees for the Producers Guild Of America’s Darryl F Zanuck Producer Of The Year Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures.
Anchor Bay looks to make killing with Operation: Endgame

Anchor Bay Films has paid low seven figures for a slew of rights to the Zach Galifianakis assassin thriller Operation: Endgame.
Anchor Bay takes US, UK rights to After.Life

Anchor Bay has picked up US and UK rights to Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo’s psychological thriller After.Life.
Anchor Bay to release Toronto hit Alice Creed in US

Anchor Bay will release J Blakeson’s much fancied kidnapping thriller The Disappearance Of Alice Creed starring Gemma Arterton following its world premiere in Toronto.
And then there were 10

From Sundance favourites to extraordinary sci-fi visions, this year’s best picture nominations embrace every aspect of contemporary film-making. Mike Goodridge reports
Andrew Zein joins WBITD in senior creative and sales role

Warner Bros International Television Distribution (WBITD) has hired UK production executive Andrew Zein to serve as senior vice-president of creative, format development and sales.
Animal Kingdom

Dir/scr. David Michod, Australia, 2009, 112 minutes.
Anonymous, Philanthropy Project back homeless tale Little Red Wagon

David Anspaugh will direct the feel-good family film Little Red Wagon for the John Templeton Foundation and Anonymous Content.
Apart Together (Tuan Yuan)

Dir: Wang Quan’an. China. 2010. 93mins.
Apparition lines up Nash Edgerton's noir The Square for April

Apparition has acquired all North American rights to The Square, the first feature film from Australian stuntman-turned-director Nash Edgerton.
Area23a adds documentary festival favourite to pipeline

Richard Abramowitz and Kirt Eftekhar’s fledgling event-based distributor Area23a has picked up an award winning documentary favourite from the festival circuit.
Ari Haas joins Myriad as manager of production and acquisitions

Ari Haas has joined Santa Monica-base Myriad Pictures as manager of production and acquisitions as the company prepares for the EFM in Berlin.
Ariel Veneziano launches Recreation sales company at EFM

Ariel Veneziano will be talking to buyers in Berlin under the auspices of his new international sales company Recreation, part of the Recreation Media consultancy he launched last year.
Armando Iannucci

Adapted screenplay, In The Loop
Arrow Entertainment targets EFM with The Athlete

Steve Arroyave’s Toronto-based Arrow Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights ahead of EFM to The Athlete.
Arrow hears Calling, takes Journey

Toronto-based Arrow Entertainment principal Steve Arroyave has added drama The Calling and documentary Mythic Journeys to his EFM slate.
Arrow takes on Somali pirates

Arrow Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Nordic territories, to Finnish documentary Pirates Of Somalia from Helsinki-based Hakalax Production Oy.
Asian buyers lift Sheets with Kevin Williams Associates

Asians buyers are getting into bed with Madrid-based sales outfit Kevin Williams Associates.
Au Revoir Taipei

Dir/scr. Arvin Chen. Taiwan-US-Germany. 2010. 84mins.
Audiences applaud NT Live season

Research finds positive reaction to the National Theatre’s cinema initiative
AV sells Shank for France, Germany

AV Pictures has closed two major territory deals on urban action title Shank, with Wild Side taking France and Ascot Elite handling Germany. Further sales have also been closed with Benelux (Moviebank) and the Middle East (Falcon).
Avalon picks up Spanish rights to Banksy doc

Avalon Distribution will release Exit Through The Gift Shop in Spain
Avatar adds $129m overseas and sets sail for history

In its fifth weekend Avatar stayed on course to sink Titanic’s 12-year international and global box office records as it added an estimated $128.9m through Fox International to raise the tally to $1.2bn.
Avatar adds $30m in US to close on Titanic record

Avatar stayed top in its seventh consecutive weekend on an estimated $30m and will eclipse Titanic’s last remaining record within days to become the biggest North American release ever.
Avatar and The Hangover win best picture Golden Globes

Avatar won the best dramatic film and The Hangover won best comedy or musical as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association spread their largesse far and wide at the 67th Golden Globes.
Avatar approaches historic $2bn global box office frontier

Fox International top brass will look to Avatar to rule for a seventh consecutive weekend as the film surges towards the $2bn global mark.
Avatar bounty is out of this world

As the unflagging Avatar looks set to overtake Titanic as the biggest international film of all time, Jeremy Kay looks at the Herculean effort it has taken to carry James Cameron’s vision from drawing board to 15,000 screens
Avatar closes in on date with destiny

Heading into the sixth weekend Avatar stands at $1.17bn and looks odds-on to overhaul Titanic’s $1.242bn 12-year international box office record over the next few days in what is certain to be another mighty hold.
Avatar crosses $100m global box office on IMAX

IMAX Corporation has scored its first $100m global hit as sources confirmed Avatar had grossed more than $101.3m since the film launched one month ago.
Avatar crosses $1bn overseas, sets sights on Titanic's record

Avatar was on course to cross $1bn through Fox International at the overseas box office last night [January 14] as it bears down on Titanic’s high-water mark.
Avatar crosses astonishing $2bn in global ticket sales

Fox’s sci-fi epic Avatar has achieved the unthinkable and grossed more than $2bn at the worldwide box office.
Avatar eyes eighth weekend of box office rule

Fox International’s Avatar will ease part the $1.5bn mark this weekend as executives expect an eighth consecutive weekend at the top.
Avatar grosses $150m overseas to reach $915.1m

If the extraordinary heights of Titanic’s final box office once seemed unattainable, Avatar proved it is more than up for the challenge internationally at least as it climbed more than 4.5% in its fourth weekend to gross $150m and raise the tally to $915.1m.
Avatar grosses spectacular $5.3m opening day in China

Avatar set an opening day record in China after grossing an estimated $5.3m on January 4 according to Fox International, and added approximately $4.4m on the second day for an early $9.7m running total.
Avatar heads into weekend as second biggest global release

Avatar enters its fourth weekend as the second highest grossing worldwide release in history on $1.131bn and should have little trouble retaining its box office crown as it sweeps past $800m overseas.
Avatar leads Visual Effects Society nominations roster

Avatar has earned 11 nominations from the Visual Effects Society (VES) and Coraline four ahead of the 8th Annual VES Awards on February 28.
Avatar now third biggest US release ever after $41.3m hold

A robust $54.6m hold over the four-day Martin Luther King Day public holiday in the fifth weekend saw Fox’s Avatar overtake Star Wars to become the third biggest North American release in history.
Avatar powers Fox International past $1bn in 2010

Fox International has crossed the $1bn box office mark in 2010 after less than one month – earlier by far than any studio in history.
Avatar rules overseas again as $76m boosts it to $1.58bn

Avatar maintained its iron grip on the international box office for an eighth consecutive weekend as it extended its run into the history books through Fox International.
Avatar rules overseas for 11th weekend with $36.1m haul

According to revised figures from Fox International Avatar grossed $39.8m over the weekend - considerably higher than originally estimated — to bring the tally to $1.849bn.
Avatar second biggest domestic release ever on $552.8m

Fox’s Avatar leapfrogged The Dark Knight to secure second place in the all-time domestic pantheon en route to the top thanks to an estimated $36m haul that boosted the tally to $552.8m.
Avatar set to become highest grossing global IMAX release

Avatar is projected to become the highest grossing worldwide IMAX release this week as the opening day in China combined with global holdovers move the tally towards the $71m mark set by The Polar Express.
Avatar set to rule eleventh weekend as Alice waits in wings

Avatar is expected to extend its overseas rule in what may well be its final session as the number one release.
Avatar seventh biggest US film on $429m after $48.5m haul

Avatar stayed top in North America for the fourth weekend in a row with an estimated $48.5m haul through Fox that lifted the running total to $429m.
Avatar sinks final Titanic record to become domestic champion

Avatar has broken the last of Titanic’s major box office milestones as it became the highest grossing North American release in history on Tuesday [February 2].
Avatar sinks Titanic at overseas box office as $107m boosts tally to $1.288bn

Avatar sealed its place in history as it overtook Titanic on Saturday to become the biggest film of all time at the international box office and grossed $107m at the weekend for $1.288bn.
Avatar stays top overseas as $59m boosts it to $1.69bn

Avatar stayed top of the international arena for the ninth consecutive weekend as Fox International reported an estimated $59m weekend that raised the running total to $1.69bn.
Avatar sweeps the board at 8th annual VES awards

Avatar and Up honoured at the Visual Effects Society awards which took place in Los Angeles last night
Back in business

Following a difficult year in 2009, the Irish film industry is fighting its way back as both a leading European co-production partner and an attractive filming location, boasting a wealth of new projects, an improved tax incentive and an emerging generation of new film-making talent. Patricia Danaher reports
Bad Family (Paha Perhe)

Dir/scr: Aleksi Salmenpera. Finland. 2010. 95mins.
BAFTA unveils foreign language shortlist

Broken Embraces, Coco Before Chanel, Let The Right One In, A Prophet and The White Ribbon have been shortlisted for Orange BAFTA’s Film Not In The English Language Award
Bait 3D

When a massive tsunami hits the Australian coastline, a pack of tiger sharks threaten survivors trapped inside a flooded supermarket.
Balagan begins shooting on Booked Out, announces new titles

Cast is announced on Bryan O’Neil’s Booked Out which starts shooting in London on 7th March
Banksy film exits Sundance en route to Berlin

Fresh from its world premiere at Sundance, Banksy’s hit documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop will screen out of competition in Berlin this month.
Banksy pops up in time for UK release

Grafitti artist Banksy has created a pop up poster to promote the UK release of his documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop
Baseline

Crime drama centred around an East London nightclub bouncer who is plunged into the underworld.
Bavaria, Memento, Sola Media and Aktis Film snap up Berlinale titles

Bavaria Film International, Memento Films International, Sola Media and Aktis Film International have taken on sales for six films screening at this year’s Berlinale.
Bavarian fund backs Reynolds, Emmerich, Dietl

Germany’s Bavarian fund will support new projects from Kevin Reynolds, Roland Emmerich and Helmut Die.
Berlin festival director attacks Panahi's arrest

Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick has criticised the arrest of Iranian director Jafar Panahi
Berlin unveils first wave of Panorama, Forum titles

Documentaries are set to put in a strong showing at the Berlinale’s Panorama section this year as selectors announce that half of the 50-title programme has now been confirmed. A third of the final line-up will be made up of documentaries.
Berlinale completes Panorama line-up

The line-up for the Berlinale’s Panorama is now complete with the confirmation of the remaining films including projects from Ferzan Ozpetek, Andreas Kleinert, Rosa von Praunheim, Feo Aladag and Patrick Hughes.
Berlinale reveals line-up for Perspektive local film section

Dietrich Bruggemann’s Run If You Can and RP Kahl’s Bedways will bookend the Perspektive Deutsches Kino sidebar at the Berlin Film Festival.
Berlinale selection: critical overview

The competition struggled to heat up Berlin, but there were gems to be found. Lee Marshall reports
Bibliotheque Pascal

Dir/scr: Szabolcs Hajdu. Hungary. 2010. 111 mins.
Bibliothèque Pascal takes top honors at 41st Hungarian Film Week

Szabolcs Hajdu’s latest received the Golden Reel award on Monday as the annual showcase of local cinema came to a close.
Bigelow, Cameron, Tarantino among DGA feature nominees

Kathryn Bigelow (pictured), James Cameron, Lee Daniels, Jason Reitman and Quentin Tarantino will vie for the Directors Guild Of America’s (DGA) top prize.
Blame

Thriller about a group of young vigilantes seeking revenge for a sexual betrayal fall far from grace. When the truth comes out they find themselves on the dark side of justice.
Bleiberg launches sales on Panorama entry Phobidilia

LA-based Bleiberg Entertainment has picked up international rights to Panorama entry Phobidilia and will launch sales here.
Blue Valentine

Dir: Derek Cianfrance. US. 2009. 120 mins.
BlueBolt appoints David Jeffers as non-executive chairman

BlueBolt, the independent visual effects (VFX) post-production facility, has appointed former Moving Picture Company (MPC) chief David Jeffers as non-executive chairman.
Bodyguards And Assassins (Shi Yue Wei Cheng)

Dir: Teddy Chen. China-Hong Kong. 2009. 138 mins.
Bollywood acting dynasty turns out for London's Asian film festival

Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are amongst the Bollywood stars attending the 12th annual Asian film festival, which opens tonight (5th)
Bonnie Stylides earns svp business affairs stripes at Particpant

Bonnie Stylides has joined Participant Media as senior-vice president of business affairs.
Boy

Dir: Taika Waititi. New Zealand. 2010. 87 mins.
Brabant takes top job at Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada appoints new executive director
Bran Nue Dae

Dir: Rachel Perkins. Australia. 2009. 84 mins.
Brazilian films snag p&a windfall

Film export agency Cinema Do Brasil is set to launch the first of two distribution grant schemes providing around $20,000 in p&a funds for the release of Brazilian films.
Brian Grazer among keynotes at Produced By Conference

Producers Brian Grazer, Gale Anne Hurd and Mark Johnson, Lakeshore Entertainment president Gary Lucchesi and entrepreneur Mark Cuban are among the line-up of speakers for the PGA’s second annual Produced By Conference
Brussels Film Festival appoints Ivan Corbisier as director

Ivan Corbisier has been appointed as the new director of the Brussels Film Festival.
Bullish buyers warm up market

The European Film Market in Berlin offered a ray of hope for international sales as buyers stepped up aggressively to pre-buy hot new titles. Mike Goodridge reports
Buried

Dir/ed: Rodrigo Cortes. Spain. 2010. 93 mins.
Burning Man

A reckless, romantic, irreverent and ultimately tear-jerkingly beautiful story of a father and son’s struggle to deal with the unimaginable.
Buyers amused by Spanish Movie

Spoof film Spanish Movie racks up sales ahead of the European Film Market.
Buyers swarm to Match Factory's Honey

Sales agent The Match Factory has concluded a raft of deals on Semih Kaplanoglu’s Honey (Bal), which became the second Turkish film in the Berlinale’s history to win the Golden Bear last weekend. So far, the film has been sold to France (Bodega), Spain (Golem), Benelux (along with the previous films in the trilogy Egg and Milk to Filmmuseum), Scandinavia (NonStop Entertainment), Austria (Stadtkino Wien), Switzerland (Tr
California Film Institute launches distribution venture

Non-profit body The California Film Institute (CFI) is venturing into distribution with the formation of CFI Releasing.
Carl Icahn moves to increase stake in Lionsgate by 50%

Carl Icahn sought to increase his ownership of Lionsgate on Monday [March 1] in a move that would see his stake grow by nearly half its current level to 29.9% of common shares.
Carr to drive Film New Zealand forward

Gisella Carr has been appointed chief executive of Film New Zealand (FNZ), which is responsible for promoting the region as a location for filming and production.
Caterpillar

Dir: Koji Wakamatsu. Japan. 2010. 85mins.
Cavaye's Point Blank shoots for Gaumont

Fred Cavaye to direct $14m action thriller Point Blank for Gaumont.
Celine Rattray leaves Plum to head Mandalay Vision

Former Plum Pictures co-CEO Celine Rattray has moved over to head Mandalay Entertainment’s New York-based independent film financing division Mandalay Vision.
Cell 211, Agora lead Spain's Goya nominations

The Spanish Film Academy has honoured Daniel Monzon’s popular prison drama Cell 211 with a massive 16 nominations for this year’s Goya awards, followed by Agora with 13, and nine apiece for The Dancer And The Thief and
Centurion

Dir/scr: Neil Marshall. UK-Fr. 2009. 97mins
Centurion world premiere to kick off new ActionFest

The world premiere of Neil Marshall’s Centurion will take place at the inaugural ActionFest set to launch in North Carolina in April.
Cesar winner Niels Arestrup joins Focus' Hanna

Cesar winner Niels Arestrup has joined the cast of Focus Features’ thriller and biggest production to date Hanna, which is set to commence production next week in Europe.
CFC invites Lee Daniels to on-stage Black History Month event

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is hosting an on-stage conversation with Precious director Lee Daniels to celebrate Black History Month.
China, Palm Springs Film Festival clash over Tibet doc

Chinese authorities have pulled two films from the Palm Springs International Film Festival ahead of screenings later this week of The Sun Behind The Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle For Freedom.
Choosing wisely

In the two years since it was founded, WestEnd Films has prospered in backing titles which have scored theatrical sales in a tough global marketplace. The principals talk to Geoffrey Macnab.
Chris Morris' directorial debut Four Lions to close SXSW

Chris Morris’ dark comedy Four Lions, about an attempt by British jihadis to devastate the London Marathon, will close the SXSW Festival next month.
Christian Berger wins ASC prize for The White Ribbon

Christian Berger claimed top honours in the feature film category for his work on The White Ribbon at the 24th Annual American Society Of Cinematographers’ (ASC) awards.
Christoph Waltz

Supporting actor, Inglourious Basterds
Cinema Chile to push country’s films as a brand

Chilean producers have launched a cinema brand at the EFM in a bid to raise the profile of Chilean films internationally.
CinemaStreet lines up Kevin Grevioux directorial debut for inaugural slate

Dana Offenbach and Mark W Campbell have partnered up to launch the production company CinemaStreet.
Cinemavault boards Love & Savagery for EFM

Toronto-based Cinemavault has acquired international rights to John N Smith’s romance Love & Savagery starring Allan Hawco and Sarah Greene.
Cinemavault brings Vietnamese action thriller Clash to EFM

Toronto-based Cinemavault has augmented its EFM slate with international rights to the Vietnamese action film Clash from director Le Thanh Son.
Cinemavault gets into business with The Nothing Men

Cinemavault has boarded international rights ahead of Berlin’s EFM to Mark Fitzpatrick’s Australian thriller The Nothing Men.
Cinepool, Beta Cinema reveal EFM sales

German sales agents Cinepool and Beta Cinema did brisk business at last week’s European Film Market (EFM).
Cinesavvy lines up p&a spend on Frankie & Alice, Cell 213

Toronto-based sales company Cinesavvy says it has secured “considerable” p&a funding for two of its EFM premieres, Frankie & Alice and Cell 213 from LA-based company Checkmark Films.
Cinetic co-founder Matt Littin launches ErGo Media Capital

Former Cinetic Media co-founder Matt Littin has launched ErGo Media Capital in New York.
CMG adds choice Sundance pair for EFM

Cinema Management Group has used its new acquisitions and marketing fund to pick up international sales rights ahead of EFM to two much fancied Sundance titles.
Confucius (Kong ze)

Dir: Hu Mei. China. 2010. 108 mins.
Content Extracts UK deal with Paramont on Mike Judge comedy

London and LA-based ContentFilm has snagged a UK deal with Paramount for new Mike Judge comedy, Extract.
Controversial Oscar nominee The Cove set for Japanese release

Louie Psihoyos’ documentary Oscar nominee The Cove is to finally get a release in Japan, more than a year since its world premiere at Sundance.
Cop Out

Dir/ed. Kevin Smith. US, 2010. 109 mins.
Cover girl gets Sony Valentine's date opposite Adam Sandler

Sports Illustrated cover model Brooklyn Decker (pictured) has joined Columbia Pictures’ romantic comedy Just Go With It starring previously announced Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
Crab Trap (El Vuelco Del Cangrejo)

Dir/scr: Oscar Ruiz Navia. Colombia-France. 2009. 95mins.
Crying With Laughter to have US premiere at SXSW

Scottish BAFTA winner Crying With Laughter will receive its US premiere at the SXSW festival (March 12-21) in the festival favourites section.
Cyrus

Dirs/scr: Jay and Mark Duplass. US. 2010. 92 mins.
Dallas International Film Festival to honur Up's Pete Docter

Up director Pete Docter will receive the Dallas International Film Festival’s 2010 Texas Avery Animation Award.
Daniel Battsek confirmed as National Geographic Films president

Daniel Battsek has been confirmed as president of National Geographic Films and will begin in his new post on March 15.
Daniel Battsek reportedly poised to take over at National Geographic Films

Two months after leaving Miramax, Daniel Battsek is reportedly preparing to take over as president of National Geographic Films as Adam Leipzig segues into a producer role.
Danish Film Insitute invests in Casino

Jan Rahbek’s 3D animated feature Carlo’s Casino is due to begin shooting this month
Dark House gets Polish critics' vote

Dark House and The White Ribbon are honoured by Polish critics
DDA Consulting to represent Paragraph's If I Were You

DDA Consulting, Dennis Davidson’s fledgling support service that advises on international sales, distribution, marketing and public relations, has signed an agreement with Paragraph Pictures to provide strategic consulting for If I Were You.
De Niro to portray American football coach Vince Lombardi

Robert De Niro will play the celebrated American football coach Vince Lombardi in a big screen treatment being lined up by Tribeca Productions.
Deal flow picks up pace as Sundance nears finale

Spencer Susser’s Hesher and Joel Schumacher’s Twelve were two of three Sundance domestic deals to play out on Thursday as the final weekend approached.
Dear John

Dir. Lasse Hallstrom. US. 2009. 102 mins.
Dear John has too much for Avatar with $32.4m US launch

The Nicholas Sparks romance Dear John usurped Avatar for the first time in eight weeks as Screen Gem’s romance opened top on an estimated $32.4m.
Denmark's Miso Film to produce six thriller package

Denmark’s Miso Film is making its second series of six 90 minute films with an all star Danish cast and directors
Deon Taylor launches urban-focused genre label

Urban-focused production company Deon Taylor Enterprises (DTE) has launched a genre label.
DGA win puts Bigelow in pole position for Oscar glory

In the latest twist in a fascinating duel for the best director Oscar, Kathryn Bigelow (pictured) was reinstated as favourite after she won the Directors Guild Of America’s (DGA) top prize on Saturday night [30].
Digital 3D cinema scheme poised to roll-out across India

Entrepreneurial company seeks to bring big screen entertainment and employment to rural areas.
Disney expects box office wonderland for Alice

If some in Hollywood were beginning to wonder whether Avatar would ever relinquish its hold on the international box office their guessing game is about to end.
Disney's Alice rules overseas on $100.5m mad March launch

Alice In Wonderland reigned supreme in the international marketplace and grossed $100.5m from 40 territories in its launch weekend, much higher than initial studio estimates from the weekend.
District 9, Avatar, Harry Potter on Oscar visual effects shortlist

Seven films have made it on to the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences’ shortlist for the visual effects Oscar.
Diving into real life

John Hazelton profiles the documentary features and shorts nominated for this year’s Academy Awards
Do It Again

Dir. Robert Patton-Spruill. US. 2010. 88mins.
Doug Liman boards prison riot drama Attica

Doug Liman is preparing to direct Attica, an insider’s view of the 1971 Attica state prison riot to be based on a script by Precious screenplay nominee Geoffrey Fletcher.
Dragon Tattoo, Samson & Delilah to screen at Miami

The ten-day Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) will run from March 5-15 this year and showcase 115 films from 45 countries.
DreamWorks launches casting call for Real Steel

DreamWorks has launched a nationwide casting call for its upcoming action drama Reel Steel.
DreamWorks signs up Tate Taylor to direct bestseller The Help

DreamWorks Studios has acquired Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 bestseller The Help and set the author’s childhood friend Tate Taylor to direct.
Drei Freunde picks up German rights on Dispensables

Young German theatrical distributor Drei Freunde has picked up German language rights for Andreas Arnstedt’s international award-winning film The Dispensables (Die Entbehrlichen) from sale agent Aktis Film International.The theatrical release is planned for autumn 2010 with the marketing campaign to be coordinated by Berlin/Leipzig-based ZOOM Medienfabrik.Drei Freunde’s previous releases include Falco, the biopic of the Austrian rap singer, and the Oscar-n
Dumas (L'Autre Dumas)

Dir: Safy Nebbou. France. 2010. 105 mins.
Durban Film Festival to launch African continent's first co-production market

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is to launch the CineMart-style Durban FilmMart (DFM).
E1 to release River Road duo in Canada

E1 Entertainment (E1) will release River Road Entertainment’s The Runaways and The Tree Of Life in Canada. Apparition is handling US distribution on both films.
Eagle's EFM pickups include Skyline, 22 Bullets

Italian independent distributor Eagle Pictures has confirmed prestigious pick-ups from the EFM.They include the thriller Skyline from IM Global directed by special effects whizzes Colin and Greg Strause. The Strause brothers have provided their effects expertise on Avatar, 2012, 300 and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button among others.Eagle also nabbed Richard Berry’s Marseilles-set 22 Bullets (L’Immortel) staring Jean Reno as a true-life former crimin
Easternlight cuts deals on 14 Blades

Easternlight Films has closed key territories on the Chinese revenge tale 14 Blades, which has raced to more than $8.7m in its first four days at the Chinese box office.
Eberts lend support to FIND's Truer Than Fiction award

Chaz Ebert and Roger Ebert have established the Chaz & Roger Ebert Truer Than Fiction Award ahead of Friday’s 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards [March 5] in Downtown Los Angeles.
Echoes of the Rainbow (Shui Yuet Sun Tau)

Dir/scr: Alex Law. Hong Kong. 2009. 112mins.
Economic recovery spurs Brazil's 33% box office hike in 2009

Brazil’s box office registered a 33.3% rise during 2009, with ticket sales getting close to R$1bn mark for the first time.
Edell to tower over Inferno

Los Angeles-based Inferno Entertainment has announced the appointment of its CEO and president.
Edge

Six characters, young and old, on the edge of breakdowns, discoveries, revelations, play out their lives in a hotel by a crumbling cliff that is eroding too fast
Edge Of Darkness

Dir: Martin Campbell. US. 2009. 117 mins.
Emily Blunt added to honours roster at 25th Santa Barbara Festival

Emily Bunt will receive the Chopin Virtuoso Award at the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) next month.
Enemies Of The People

Dirs. Rob Lemkin, Thet Sambath. Cambodia/UK, 2009, 93 minutes
Eric Brevig to direct Korean War tale for Madmedia

Fledgling LA-based producers Madmedia Entertainment have hired Journey To The Center Of The Earth director Eric Brevig (pictured) to direct the Korean War drama 17 Days Of Winter.
Eric Christenson to head sales for Hollywood Studios International

Eric Christenson (pictured) has joined Beverly Hills and New York-based Hollywood Studios International (HSI) as president of acquisitions and distribution.
Eric Rohmer; A Career

French veteran Eric Rohmer, who died on January 11 aged 89, was arguably the most misunderstood of the New Wave directors.
European Union to launch new production fund

The European Union’s MEDIA Programme is launching a new production guarantee fund, worth 8m euros
Eva Hubert to stay at Hamburg film fund

Eva Hubert will stay on as managing director of Hamburg based regional fund Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (FFHSH) for another five years
Everything In One Place

International producers explain their reasons for choosing to shoot in Ireland — and why the Section 481 tax shelter is so user-friendly. Patricia Danaher reports
Exhibition surge fuels 44% climb in 2009 China box office

The Chinese box office rose by 44% during 2009 to reach $910m (RMB6.2bn), its highest growth rate for six years.
Exit Through The Gift Shop

Dir. Banksy. UK, 2009. 85 minutes
Exit Through The Gift Shop in the UK, Spain gets Hornet's Nest

ScreenDaily’s weekly round-up of the local and independent openings in key markets this week.
Extended RiverRun announces 2010 dates

The 12th annual RiverRun International Film Festival will extend to 11 days this year and runs from April 15-25.
Extraordinary Measures

Dir: Tom Vaughan. US. 2010. 106 mins.
Facade

Drama about a woman with breast cancer and the effect on her family
Faith (Shahada)

Dir: Burhan Qurbani. Germany. 2010. 91mins.
Family Tree (L’Arbre Et La Forêt)

Dirs/scr: Olivier Ducastel, Jacques Martineau. France. 2010. 97mins.
Fandango picks up Precious

Fandango acquires Italian rights to Lee Daniel’s Precious
Fandango takes on Marston film

Fandango Portobello Sales has boarded the new untitled project from Maria Full Of Grace (pictured) director Joshua Marston. It is handling international sales.
Father John wins AFM's Favorite Film Pitch award

David Minnihan’s pitch of Father John will receive a People’s Choice Award as winner of the AFM’s 2009 Favorite Film Pitch contest.
Fierce acquires Laurie Woodrow's Trans-Pacific

Christopher Petzel’s LA-based management and production company Fierce Entertainment has strengthened its acquisitions, international sales and representation business after acquiring Trans-Pacific Media.
Film Department targets Jeff Morris' International Assassin screenplay

The Film Department has acquired Jeff Morris’ action-comedy screenplay True Memoirs Of An International Assassin.
Film industry calls for release of Iranian director

Film organisations around the world are protesting the arrest of Iranian director Jafar Panahi
Film London on the map

Film London launches the first in a series of tourist initiatives
Film Movement acquires Beadie Finzi ballet documentary

Film Movement has taken North American rights to Beadie Finzi’s Portuguese language documentary Only When I Dance.
Film Movement acquires Berlin Generation entry Alamar

Film Movement has picked up rights to Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio’s Berlin entry Alamar.
Film Movement acquires Slovenian mystery A Call Girl

Film Movement has acquired US rights to Damjan Kozole’s (pictured) Slovenian and English-language mystery A Call Girl.
Film Sales Company boards three projects for SXSW

The Film Sales Company president Andrew Herwitz has picked up worldwide rights to three films ahead of their world premieres at SXSW.
FilmBuff plans day-and-date VOD launch for SXSW duo

FilmBuff, the VOD platform operated by Cinetic Rights Management, plans to release two films day-and-date with their North American premieres at SXSW.
Filming underway on Dark Sky, Glass Eye Pix' Hypothermia

Chicago-based Dark Sky Films has commenced production on James Felix 4K McKenney’s feature Hypothermia.
Film-maker Jafar Panahi detained in Iran

Award winning director Jafar Panahi has been arrested in his home country of Iran, it was reported today.
FilmNation boards new Terrence Malick romance for EFM

Glen Basner’s New York-based FilmNation Entertainment will introduce buyers to Terrence Malick’s upcoming project at EFM.
Fin (End)

Dir/scr: Luis Sampieri. Spain. 2009. 85mins.
FIND names eight Directors Lab film-makers

FIND has unveiled the eight 2010 Directors Lab film-makers ahead of the nine-week talent programme.
First Aruba International Film festival to kick off in Caribbean in June

The inaugural Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) will take place from June 4-10 as the Caribbean island nation becomes the latest inductee to the international film festival circuit.
First Independent takes US rights to Holy Rollers

Gary Rubin’s First Independent Pictures has acquired US rights to the Sundance premiere Holy Rollers starring Jesse Eisenberg.
Five finalists go through to AFM / People's Choice Awards pitch contest

The AFM has announced the five nominees for the first Favorite Film Pitch award in its joint initiative with the People’s Choice Awards.
Flying Lessons to open 25th Santa Barbara Film Festival

The world premiere of Derek Magyar’s (pictured) feature debut Flying Lessons will open the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs from February 4-14.
For The Good of Others (El Mal Ajeno)

Dir: Oskar Santos. Spain. 2010. 102mins.
Former AFI Fest team launch festival consultancy

Four former partners of the AFI FEST Los Angeles International Film Festival have joined forces to create the film festival consultancy, Festworks.
Fortissimo signs Pretty deal on Winter's Bone, Radiant Child

Fortissimo reveals sales on high profile Sundance titles head of the European Film Marketing opening this week.
Forum Film takes on Romanian distribution for Disney

Cinema City International affiliate Forum Film to handle distrbution of Disney features in Romania.
Forward Motion pitches Midgets Vs Mascots

Toronto-based Forward Motion has acquired international sales on the Gary Coleman (pictured) comedy Midgets Vs Mascots, one of several new titles on its slate.
Four Lions

Dir. Chris Morris, UK, 2009, 94 minutes
Fourth Parisfx announces dates

The programme features the makers of the next Harry Potter instalment, and Despicable Me
Fox bumps Wall Street 2, eyes possible Cannes berth

Fox top brass are angling for a Cannes berth for Oliver Stone’s Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps after pushing back the release date.
Fox confirms Avatar is king of the world

Twentieth Century Fox sources said today [26] that Avatar had become the biggest worldwide release of all time, overtaking James Cameron’s 12-year champion Titanic.
Fox goes Lubby Dubby for Russian comedy

Sanford Panitch’s Fox International Productions (FIP) has come aboard to co-produce Love Carrot 3 (Lubby Dubby 3), the latest entry in Russia’s hit bodyswap comedy franchise.FIP will partner with Interfest’s Renat Davletiarov and Alexander Kotelevsky on the film, a hot prospect given that the first instalment, released in 2007, grossed $11m, and the 2008 follow-up took $18m.Sergei Ginsburg will direct Kristina Orbakaite (pictured) and Gosha Kutsenko as they rep
Fox sets up Abu Dhabi headquarters

Fox International Channels will make Abu Dhabi the centre of its Middle East operations through a partnership with media agency twofour54
France's CNC releases annual production report

The number of films produced in France dropped slightly in 2009 according to the CNC’s annual report
Frankenstein to rise again through 1019 Entertainment

Ralph Winter and Terry Botwick’s Hollywood-based 1019 Entertainment today announced they have acquired the rights to author Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein.
French Film-making legend Eric Rohmer dies at 89

French art-house legend Eric Rohmer has died, Agence France Presse reported Monday. The director passed away Monday morning in Paris at the age of 89 after being hospitalized last week.A veteran and pioneer of the New Wave, Rohmer made 24 films over a period of 50 years. His last, Les Amours D’Astree Et De Celadon, appeared at the Venice Film Festival in 2007. In presenting the film at Venice that year, he said, “After this film, I think I’ll retire.”Rohmer was nominated for a B
French films attract 66m admissions internationally

As part of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous with French Cinema which wrapped up over the weekend, the organising body responsible for promoting French film around the world announced export figures for 2009.
From Paris With Love

Dir. Pierre Morel. France. 2009. 92 mins.
Frozen

Dir: Adam Green. US. 2009. 94 mins.
Gainsbourg (vie heroique)

Dir. Joann Sfar. France. 2009. 135mins
Galano to head Warner Bros International Film Acquisitions

Camela Galano has been named to the newly created position of president of Warner Bros International Film Acquisitions.
Gentlemen Broncos

Dir: Jared Hess. US. 2009. 89mins.
Genz plots Terribly Happy English language remake

Henrik Ruben Genz is in talks to direct a $10-15m English language remake of his award winning Danish Oscar submission Terribly Happy.
German government agrees new film funding law

Broadcasters face statutory contributions to film funding under new plans
Girl With The Dragon Tattoo wins PSIFF audience award

Niels Arden Oplev’s murder mystery and European box office smash The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Sweden/Denmark/Germany) has won the 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) Mercedes-Benz Audience Award for best narrative feature.
Glickman to step down early as MPAA chairman and CEO

Motion Picture Association Of America chairman and CEO Dan Glickman is leaving the organisation early on April 1 to become president of advocacy group Refugees International.
Global box office surged to $29.9bn record in 2009

Global box office receipts from films released in 2009 jumped 7.6% to a record high of $29.9bn, according to new data from the Motion Picture Association Of America (MPAA).
Going South (Plein Sud)

Dir: Sebastien Lifshitz. France. 2010. 90mins.
Gordon-Levitt replaces McAvoy on Untitled comedy

James McAvoy has been forced to leave Summit and Mandate’s Untitled comedy due to undisclosed personal reasons and has been replaced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Grass named head of international production and acquisitions at UPI

Christian Grass has been named president of international production and acquisitions at Universal Pictures International (UPI).
Gravitas boosts VOD pipeline with Lux Digital deal

Digital entertainment content aggregator and distributor Gravitas Ventures has signed a two-picture deal with Lux Digital Pictures Inc.
Greek Summer warms up Other Angle

France’s Other Angle Pictures has picked up Greek Summer, a new project to be directed by Olivier Horlait.
Green Zone

Dir. Paul Greengrass. UK/US, 2010. 114 mins
Greenberg

Dir: Noah Baumbach. US. 2010. 107mins.
Gregory Allen Howard to script American football biopic The Magician

Remember The Titans screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard (pictured( has boarded a biopic about 1970s American football legend Marlin Briscoe.
Hammer to produce feature version of The Woman In Black

Hammer Films to adapt and producer Susan Hill’s bestselling ghost story with Talisman Films.
Hanway secures multi territory sales on Wuthering Heights

UK sales company Hanway Films has secured multiple pre sales on Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights
Happy Ever Afters

Dir/scr: Stephen Burke. Ireland. 2009. 104 mins
happythankyoumoreplease

Dir/scr: Josh Radnor. US. 2009. 99 mins.
happythankyoumoreplease to open 15th Annual Gen Art

Josh Radnor’s Sundance hit happythankyoumoreplease and new IFC acquisition Mercy from Patrick Hoelck bookend the 15th Annual Gen Art Film Festival in New York.
Harmony

Psychological thriller about a young woman who witnesses her own death and is forced to travel back in time to change her future.
Harry Potter director to receive NFTS award

David Yates picks up an honourary award from the National Film and Television School
Haut et Court picks up Williams film

French distributor takes rights for France and French-speaking Europe to Paul Andrew Williams’ third feature.
Haze (Pus)

Dir/scr. Tayfun Pirselimoglu. Turkey / Greece, 2010. 109 min.
HBO snaps up Grenier's Paparazzo

HBO has acquired US television rights to Adrian Grenier’s crowd pleasing documentary Teenage Paparazzo, which has been drawing heavy interest from international buyers at the EFM.
HBO takes US broadcast rights to Smash His Camera

HBO Documentary Films has acquired US broadcast rights to Sundance winner Smash His Camera.
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures selects 2009 top ten

The non-profit Heartland Truly Moving Pictures has announced its top ten ‘Moving Pictures’ of 2009 chosen from the 22 films that were bestowed with the Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award in 2009.
Heartless

Dir/scr: Philip Ridley. UK. 2009. 110mins.
Helen Mirren

Leading actress, The Last Station
Henry of Navarre producer launches feature film label

Ziegler Film launches cinema label to concentrate its activities on feature film production
Hereafter

A supernatural thriller centered on three people — a blue-collar American, a French journalist and a London school boy
Hesher

Dir: Spencer Susser. US. 2010. 103 mins.
His & Hers

Dir/editor: Ken Wardrop. Ireland, 2009, 80 mins.
His & Hers picks up audience award at Dublin Film Festival

Ken Wardop’s documentary His & Hers wins top prize at Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Holy Rollers

Dir: Kevin Asch. US. 2009. 87 mins.
Home is where the heart is

The Gulf territories have attracted international attention with their investment clout and bold plans to create a world-class film infrastructure. But the message is now clear that the region is not a funder for the West but intent on building its local industry and talent base. Matt Ross reports
Honey (Bal)

Dir/prod: Semih Kaplanoglu. Turkey-Germany. 2010. 103mins.
Hong Kong film festival reveals 2010 line-up

The Hong Kong International Film Festival has revealed a strong line-up of local titles for this year edition, which opens on March 21.
Hong Kong Filmart launches documentary market

Hong Kong Filmart is launching a three-day documentary event at this year’s edition.
Hornby, Tarantino among notable WGA omissions

The Writers Guild Of America (WGA) has unveiled its feature nominees in a year when the major talking points will turn to the list of notable absentees.
How I Ended This Summer (Kak Ya Provel Etim Letom)

Dir/scr: Alexei Popogrebsky. Russia. 2010. 124mins.
How I Ended This Summer lands New Directors/New Films slot

The 39th annual New Directors/New Films collaboration between New York’s Film Society Of Lincoln Center and The Museum Of Modern Art will run from March 24-April 4.
HOWL

Dirs/scr: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman. US. 2009. 90 mins.
Howl co-directors line up Linda Lovelace biopic

Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, the co-directors of Howl (pictured) that is set to receive its world premiere in Sundance tonight [21], have lined up their follow-up project.
Hrebejk, Menemsha pair up again

The prolific Jan Hrebejk whose Shameless was in Toronto and Kawasaki’s Rose opened the Panorama Special here, is set to begin his next film Innocence in Prague in the summer.
Hurt Locker caps triumphant night with best picture Oscar

The Hurt Locker was the big winner on a good humoured Oscar night, claiming six awards including best picture and best director for Kathryn Bigelow.
Hurt Locker producer banned from Oscars

The Academy has announced its punishment for The Hurt Locker producer following a furore over a campaign email
Hurt Locker, Avatar, District 9 among ACE nominees

The American Cinema Editors (ACE) have announced the feature nominees for the 60th Annual ACE Eddie Awards set to take place on February 14.Best edited feature (dramatic) nominees:Avatar (Stephen Rivkin, John Refua, James Cameron)District 9 (Julian Clarke)The Hurt Locker (pictured) Bob Murawski and Chris Innis)Star Trek (Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey)Up In The Air (Dana Glauberman)
Hurt Locker, Holmes, Avatar lead ADG winners

The Hurt Locker, Sherlock Holmes and Avatar were the major winners at the Art Directors Guild (ADG) awards in Los Angeles on Saturday [13].
Hurt Locker, Up In The Air eye Oscars after WGA triumph

The Hurt Locker and Up In The Air cemented their status as Academy Awards frontrunners as both films emerged triumphant at the 2010 Writers Guild Awards on Saturday [20].
I Phone You engages Kohlhaase

Wolfgang Kohlhaase (Summer In Berlin), winner of this year’s honorary Golden Bear, is attached as screenwriter to the Chinese-German culture-clash comedy I Phone You (working title).
Iceland's Edda Awards dominated by Ragnar Bragason

At Iceland’s Edda Awards ceremony on Saturday, Icelandic director Ragnar Bragason cashed in on 12 out of 24 nominations: his feature, Mr Bjarnfredarson (Bjarnfredarson), won six national film prizes, and another six went to his television series, The Prison Shift (Fangavaktin), which the movie is based on.For the first time at the annual Reykjavik gala, the Icelandic Film & TV Academy gave its Honorary Edda Prize to the Icelandic people for its strong support of l
If I Want To Whistle, I Whistle (Eu Cand Vreau Sa Fluier, Fluier)

Dir. Florin Serban. Romania-Sweden. 2010. 94mins.
IFC boards North American rights to romance Mercy

IFC Films has picked up North American rights to Patrick Hoelck’s feature directorial debut and Gen Art Film Festival closing night film Mercy.
IFC discovers Life During Wartime for US audiences

IFC Films has picked up US rights to Todd Solondz’s Life During Wartime and will release in the summer through its IFC In Theaters theatrical and VOD platform.
IFC Films acquires US rights to Gaspar Noe's Enter The Void

IFC Films has acquired US rights to Gaspar Noe’s Enter The Void ahead of its US premiere at Sundance in the Spotlight section.
IFC Films boards horror tale The Human Centipede

IFC Films has acquired North American rights to Tom Six’ horror film The Human Centipede (First Sequence).
IFC slots Berlinale premiere Puzzle into 2010 pipeline

IFC Films has picked up North American rights to Natalia Smirnoff’s Argentinean drama Puzzle following its world premiere in competition at the Berlinale.
IFC strikes second Sundance deal in less than a week

IFC Films has taken its second film of Sundance following last weekend’s deal for The Killer Inside Me.
IFC takes a shine to Exam as Independent continues foreign sales

IFC Films has acquired US rights to Stuart Hazeldine’s psychological thriller Exam, which UK-based Independent has licensed to a number of territories ahead of its market screening here.
IFC to launch Shane Meadows comedy through SXSW tie-in

Shane Meadows’ Le Donk & Scor-Zay-Zee (pictured) is among a trio of new films that IFC will launch on VOD day-and-date with their theatrical screenings at SXSW.
IFO founder Richard Glasser dies aged 50

Richard Glasser, founder of International Film Office, has passed away aged 50 years old.
IFP returns with Script To Screen Conference

Catherine Hardwicke and Ocean’s Thirteen writer Brian Koppelman will be among the participants at IFP’s Script To Screen conference in New York.
Il Figlio Piu Picolo

A portrait of a family which broke apart in its early stages.
Il Gioellino

Prod companies: Indigo FilmBackers: Indigo, MibacProducers: Francesca Cima, Nicola Giuliano Intl sales: tbaDirector: Andrea MolaioliScreenplay: Andrea Molaioli, Ludovica Rampoldi, Gabriele RomagnoliContact: Indigo Film (39) 06 77250255
IM Global takes After Dark octet

IM Global’s genre division Octane has struck a deal to handle the next series of eight films from Courtney Solomon’s horror label After Dark.
IM Global want buyers to see the light on Skyline

Effects wizards Colin and Greg Strause have commenced principal photography on the sci-fi thriller Skyline, which IM Global is pre-selling at the EFM.
Image Entertainment investors acquire control of company

Image Entertainment’s investors have acquired control of the company and a new board of directors and management team has been appointed.
Imagenation Abu Dhabi joins Fox Star Studios on My Name Is Khan

Imagenation Abu Dhabi has boarded My Name Is Khan alongside Fox Star Studios in the run-up to the release starring Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
Imagina secures deals for Allen’s Stranger

Spanish outfit Imagina has secured multiple sales deals on Woody Allen’s You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger
Imagina takes on Leon de Aranoa’s Amador

Imagina is handling international sales on Amador, the new film from critics’ darling Fernando Leon de Aranoa.
IMAX crosses $200m in global Avatar ticket sales

Avatar has crossed $200m in IMAX theatres worldwide following an $8.2m global haul in the tenth weekend.
IMAX, Discovery, Sony to launch US 3D network in 2011

Discovery Communications, Sony Corporation and IMAX Corporation are preparing to launch a 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the US in 2011.
In their own words

Some of this year’s leading nominees talk about their work on the selected films
Inaugural Aruba International Film festival to honour Richard Gere

Richard Gere will open the inaugural Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) as its official host when the Caribbean festival gets underway on June 4.
IndiePix acquires Venice Silver Lion winner Women Without Men

New York-based IndiePix has acquired all US media rights to Women Without Men, which won the Silver Lion Award in Venice last autumn, as well as Sundance entry All My Friends Are Funeral Singers.
Inferno lights up EFM with The Grey, The Kids Are All Right

Inferno Entertainment is close to selling out its marquee survival title The Grey from Joe Carnahan and has reported a roaring trade on Lisa Cholodenko’s Sundance hit The Kids Are All Right (pictured).
Inglourious Basterds, Bullock, Bridges claim SAG wins

Inglourious Basterds won the SAG cast performance prize as Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock took the lead individual acting honours at the body’s 16th annual awards in LA last night [Jan 23].
Intandem announces reduction in losses

London based sales and financing company Intandem has published its interim report today
International distribution chief Anthony Marcoly out at Disney

Disney’s president of international theatrical distribution Anthony Marcoly is leaving the studio after two decades as chairman Rich Ross (pictured) implemented further changes to the executive roster.
International shoots flock to Germany

International films shooting in Berlin during the Berlinale is becoming something of a tradition.
Irvine Welsh to direct The Magnificant Eleven

Trainspotting novelist Irvine Welsh will direct gritty UK comedy The Magnificent Eleven, a modern-day version of the classic 1960 western The Magnificent Seven in which the Cowboys are a local amateur soccer team, the Indians run a nearby Tandoori restaurant and the bandits are a group of menacing thugs run by a maniac called Blonde Bob.
It’s Your Fault (Por Tu Culpa)

Dir: Anahi Berneri. Argentina-France. 2010. 91mins.
It's A Wonderful Afterlife

Dir. Gurinder Chadha, UK, 2009. 100 minute
Ja Rule, Adrienne Bailon board RGM's debut faith-based film

Rapper Ja Rule and Adrienne Bailon, the former member of girl groups Cheetah Girls and 3LW, will star opposite each other in the faith-based drama I’m In Love With A Church Girl.
Jack Goes Boating

Dir: Philip Seymour Hoffman. US. 2009. 89 mins.
James Schamus to receive San Francisco's Kanbar Awarad

Focus Features CEO James Schamus will receive the San Francisco Film Society’s Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting.
Jean Perret to leave Visions Du Reel

Jean Perret, director of Visions du Reel - Nyon International Film Festival since its inception in 1995, is leaving in August.
Jeff Bridges

Leading actor, Crazy Heart
Jeff Ivers promoted to COO at Participant Media

Jeff Ivers has been named COO of Participant Media. Ivers became one of the company’s first employees when he joined as CFO in 2004.
Jeffrey Kirschenbaum promoted to Universal evp production

Jeffrey Kirschenbaum has been promoted to executive vice-president of production at Universal.
Jew Suss: Rise And Fall

Dir. Oskar Roehler. Austria/Germany. 2010. 114mins.
Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work

Dirs. Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, USA, 2009, 84 minutes.
John Carter Of Mars

Civil War vet John Carter is transplanted to Mars, where he discovers a lush, wildly diverse planet.
John Davis extends producing deal with Fox through 2014

John Davis’ Brentwood-based film and television company Davis Entertainment has extended its production partnership with Twentieth Century Fox for four more years.
Joint venture to simplify film insurance policies

European Film Bonds (EFB) and German Film Insurance Association Deutsche Filmversicherungsgemeinschaft (DFG) announced joint venture to simplify insurance.
Jonathan Levine, Anna Kendrick board Mandate's cancer comedy

Mandate Pictures has hired Jonathan Levine to direct and Golden Globe nominee Anna Kendrick to star in its untitled James McAvoy and Seth Rogen comedy.
Kaleidoscope signs deal with Light & Dark on Skeem, Greener Grass

UK-based distributor Kaleidoscope Entertainment has signed a two picture deal with South African film development and financing company Light & Dark Films to distribute Skeem and Greener Grass in the UK.
Karathanos reveals new projects

New films from Tadjik director Bakhtiar Khudojnazarov and Georgia’s Dito Tsintsadze are being lined up for production this year by Thanassis Karathanos of Twenty Twenty Vision and Pallas Film.
Kathy Bates, Whoopi Goldberg are Earthbound for Film Dept

Bates and Goldberg join Film Department’s romantic comedy.
Katzenberg teases press with sneaks from DreamWorks Animation slate

DreamWorks Animation chief Jeffrey Katzenberg and his cohorts staged a half-day media presentation in Los Angeles [January 14] as the company heads into the busiest year in its relatively short history.
Kawasaki’s Rose (Kawasakiho Ruze)

Dir: Jan Hrebejk. Czech Republic. 2009. 100mins
Keren Yedaya’s Jaffa finds US home at Film Movement

Film Movement has taken North American rights to Keren Yedaya’s Hebrew language Jaffa.
Kevin Macdonald falls for Tower Hill's whodunit Murder Mystery

Kevin Macdonald will direct the comedic whodunit Murder Mystery from new production and financing company Tower Hill Entertainment.
Kick In Iran

Dir. Fatima Geza Abdollahyan, Germany, 82 minutes, 2009
Kick-Ass

Dir: Matthew Vaughn. UK-US. 2010. 117 mins
Kimberly Fox resurfaces at Inferno Entertainment

Kimberly Fox has landed at Inferno Entertainment following her departure late last year from QED International and will serve as president of Inferno International.
King And I actor Martin Benson dies, aged 91

British actor Martin Benson died has aged 91.
Kinnear, Arkin, Crudup join Werc Werk Works' The Convincer

Werc Werk Works, fresh from the world premiere in Sundance of Howl, have cast Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin and Billy Crudup (pictured) to star in The Convincer.
Kiss Me Again

Ten years after the hit film Last Kiss (L’Ultimo Bacio), director Gabriele Muccino picks up on the lives of protagonists Giula and Carlo Production Companies: Fandango
Kurtz to produce Peter Briggs' Panzer 88

Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz is teaming up with Hellboy writer Peter Briggs on supernatural war thiller.
La Bellezza Del Somaro

Tuscan-set generational family comedy in which the parents don’t want to grow old and the seventeen-year old daughter is racing to become an adult.
LA critics name Mulholland Dr. Film Of The Decade

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) has anointed David Lynch’s Mulholland Dr. Film Of The Decade.
LA Greek Film Festival appoints Matt Bolish programme director

The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival has appointed former AFI Fest programming coordinator Matt Bolish as programme director for the 2010 festival.
Lakeshore teams up with Underworld duo on I, Frankenstein

Lakeshore Entertainment is eyeing a new franchise in the shape of I, Frankenstein with its Underworld associates Kevin Grevioux (pictured) and Patrick Tatopoulos.
Le Pacte lines up trio of new titles for Rendez-Vous in Paris

Le Pacte will debut three new titles on its line-up for the Unifrance Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, which begins this week in Paris.
Legendary hires Stephen Norrington to direct The Lost Patrol

Blade director Stephen Norrington has signed on to write and direct Legendary Pictures’ supernatural action thriller The Lost Patrol.
Likely Story acquires stake in graphic novel stable Top Shelf

Anthony Bregman’s (pictured) New York-based production company Likely Story and New media entrepreneur John S Johnson have purchased a 33% interest in graphic novel publisher Top Shelf Productions.
Lincoln Center unveils Film Comment Selects line-up

Jonathan Kaplan’s 1979 teen rebellion tale Over The Edge and Paul Greengrass’ Green Zone (pictured) to feature in Film Society Of Lincoln Center’s tenth Film Comment Selects series.
Lionsgate falls for Sundance Midnight selection Buried

In the first on-site domestic deal of Sundance Lionsgate has acquired North American rights from UTA to Rodrigo Cortes’ Buried starring Ryan Reynolds following its world premiere on Saturday night [23].
Lionsgate kicks sales Ass

Lionsgate sales chief Helen Lee Kim has announced key deals on Matthew Vaughn’s action comedy Kick-Ass (pictured) and Paul Haggis’ thriller The Next Three Days as the EFM gets underway.
Lionsgate takes US rights from StudioCanal to The Last Exorcism

Lionsgate has acquired US rights from StudioCanal to Daniel Stamm’s horror film The Last Exorcism, formerly known as Cotton.
Lionsgate, Crest Animation team up on Norm Of The North

Lionsgate and Burbank-based Crest Animation Studios will co-produce the stereoscopic 3D animated family feature Norm Of The North.
Lionsgate, Phoenix conceive What To Expect screen project

Lionsgate has acquired from Phoenix Pictures worldwide rights to the screen adaptation of the bestselling pregnancy bible What To Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff.
Little Big Soldier (Da Bing Xiao Jiang)

Dir: Ding Sheng. Hong Kong-China. 2010. 95mins.
Little Film Company lines up market premiere trio for EFM

The Little Film Company’s vice-president of sales and acquisitions Clay Epstein has announced European market premieres of three titles at the upcoming EFM.
Little Film Company sells Cherrybomb, The Last Station

Little Film Company has sold UK and Australian rights to Universal for the drama Cherrybomb (pictured) starring Rupert Grint, Robert Sheehan and Kimberley Nixon.
Lleju Productions boards political satire The Zero

Lleju Productions has optioned rights to Jess Walter’s satirical novel The Zero and hired director Derrick Borte following the world premiere in Toronto last autumn of The Joneses.
Loose Cannons (Mine Vaganti)

Dir: Ferzan Ozpetek. Italy. 2010. 113mins.
Lucky Monkey, Medici reunite on Married And Cheating

Writer-director Raymond De Felitta is reuniting with Lucky Monkey Pictures’ Lauren Versel and Maria Teresa Arida on the romantic comedy Married And Cheating.
Lungulov to build Monument To Michael Jackson

Serbian director Darko Lungulov is reuniting with Penrose Films, the co-producer of his debut Here And There, on his next project, Monument To Michael Jackson (working title).
Madman takes Australian rights to Banksy documentary

Cinetic International chief Shebnem Askin has sold the Banksy documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop to Madman in Australia.
Magnet attracted to XYZ's Indonesian thriller Merantau

Magnet Releasing has acquired North American rights from XYZ Films to Welsh film-maker Gareth Huw Evans’ Indonesian martial arts action-thriller Merantau.
Magnet picks up worldwide rights to Down Terrace

Magnet Releasing has taken worldwide rights to Ben Wheatley’s feature directorial debut Down Terrace ahead of its Slamdance slot.
Magnolia nets US rights to Neil Jordan's romance Ondine

Magnolia Pictures has taken US rights to Neil Jordan’s romantic fantasy Ondine starring Colin Farrell, Stephen Rea, and newcomer Alicja Bachleda.
Magnolia takes North American theatrical rights to Countdown To Zero

Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American theatrical and HISTORY has taken US broadcast rights to Participant Media’s nuclear disarmament documentary Countdown To Zero.
Majid Majidi announces plans for $30m Mohammad project

Highly regarded Iranian auteur Majid Majidi is lining up the historical epic Mohammad, which at $30m is by far the most expensive and ambitious project ever to be assembled out of Iran.
Making their mark

In recent years, Ireland has produced a wealth of film-makers, many of them female, who have been making an impression at major international film festivals. Patricia Danaher profiles a selection of the most exciting
Mammuth

Dirs/scr: Benoit Delepine & Gustave Kervern. France. 2010. 90 mins.
Mantello Bros prepare to launch 3D underwater dinosaur epic

The Mantello Brothers’ 3D Entertainment Distribution has announced plans for its new underwater film Sea Rex:Journey To A Prehistoric World.
M-appeal sells Last Summer Of The Boyita

Berlin based sales company secures more deals following last month’s European Film Market
Marc Webb takes the helm on rebooted Spider-Man

Marc Webb, director of Golden Globe best picture nominee 500 Days Of Summer, will direct the next instalment in Sony’s rebooted Spider-Man franchise.
Mark Adams joins Screen

Screen International has appointed Mark Adams as the title’s chief film critic and reviews editor.
Mark Austin kicks off new sales venture Breakaway Media

Former Capitol Films and THINKFilm head of sales Mark Austin will introduce buyers here to the inaugural slate from his new Breakaway Media.
Market research guru Kevin Goetz launches Screen Engine

Former OTX motion picture group president and market research expert Kevin Goetz (pictured) has launched the research, marketing and consulting firm Screen Engine.
Max Manus directors team up again on Kon-Tiki feature

Espen Sandberg and Joachim Rønning to make movie about Thor Heyerdhal’s 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition.
Media Luna acquires Tenants

Media Luna New Films has acquired international rights to veteran Brazilian filmmaker Sergio Bianchi’s TheTenants (Don’t Like It, Leave) (Os Inquilinos).
Mehta, Nair, Tellis make list of top South Asian female media executives

Directors Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair and Summit Entertainment’s senior vice-president of international distribution Deborah Tellis are among a list of the most influential South Asian female media and entertainment executives compiled by consultancy Korn/Ferry International.
Memento lands high profile duo

Memento Films arrives in Berlin with The Woman In the Fifth and Hello Darkness
Memories of Anna Frank – Reflections Of A Childhood Friend

English language film based on Hanneli Goslar’s memories of Anne Frank
Menemsha to handle sales on Panorama entry Kawasaki’s Rose

Neil Friedman’s Menemsha Films has acquired worldwide sales rights ahead of the EFM to Czech director Jan Hrebejk’s Kawasaki’s Rose (Kawasakiho Ruze).
Meryl Streep

Leading actress, Julie & Julia
Metrodome Distribution sets up production arm

The UK-based distirbutor makes its first foray into production with fantasy action thriller
Metrodome joins industry spoof

On the opening day of the 2010 European Film Market, UK distributor Metrdome picked up film industry mockumentary Just For The Record
Metrodome takes UK rights to Campanella’s Secret In Their Eyes

Metrodome Distribution has acquired UK rights to Argentinean thriller The Secret In Their Eyes (El Secreto De Sus Ojos), one of the five films shortlisted for the Academy’s foreign language award.The UK-based company acquired the film, which is directed by Juan Jose Campanella, from sales company Latido Films. It is planning a summer release.The thriller about a lawyer who realises that he must complete his novel in order to solve the case on which it is based,
Metropolis/Timeless add The Chalet Girl, Taxi Wars for EFM

Joint sales venture Metropolis International Sales and Timeless Films have added two new titles to their current slate of films for the European Film Market at the Berlinale.
Miami to honour von Trotta, Secret In Their Eyes

German director and actress Margarethe von Trotta will receive the 27th Annual Miami International Film Festival’s (MIFF) Career Achievement Tribute Award.
Michael Douglas to receive Lincoln Center's Chaplin Award

The Film Society Of Lincoln Center has announced that Michael Douglas will be this year’s recipient of its prestigious Chaplin Award.
Michael Hare, Rose Kuo named co-exec directors of Santa Fe Film Festival

Michael Hare and Rose Kuo have been named co-executive directors of Santa Fe Film Festival, succeeding founder and executive director Jon Bowman, who announced his retirement last year.
Michael Paszt leaves Cinemavault after ten years

Cinemavault Releasing’s international executive vice-president of worldwide acquisitions and Canadian distribution Michael Paszt has left the Toronto-based company after ten years.
Micro-budget UK horror sells to Japan, Germany

The film, which marks the debut of Welsh film-maker Marc Price, has sold to Eden Entertainment for Japan, and to MIG Film for German-speaking territories.Left is also negotiating the more substantial financing for Price’s next movie Thunderchild, a war/horror feature which will shoot in June and is being produced by Left’s Helen Grace.UK distributor High Fliers has also closed a deal with Left to release horror movie Slaughtered, the debut of Australian film-ma
Microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus among Sundance panelist roster

Sundance has unveiled its roster of panels and special events, which this year will feature a number of philanthropists, activists and artists who support the festival’s goal of using art to effect social change.
Millennium trilogy continues to entice buyers

International buyers’ love affair with Stieg Larsson shows no sign of abating, with Zodiak Entertainment Distribution closing a further nine territories on The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (aka Men Who Hate Women).
Millward and Daly are women to watch

Two UK film festival organisers have been selected for the cultural leadership programme’s “women to watch” list
MK2 secures multiple deals on Inferno

MK2 has sold Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Inferno to several territories including the US, UK and Canada
Mo’Nique

Supporting actress, Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire
Momentum/Aurum take Spanish rights to Soderbergh, Nispel films

Momentum Pictures has picked up Steven Soderbergh’s action thriller Knockout, and Marcus Nispel’s $100m action-adventure Conan for distribution in Spain through its sister company Aurum.Momentum sealed the deal with Mandate International for Soderbergh’s Knockout, which stars Gina Carano as a female agent sent on a couple of undercover missions in Spain and Ireland, but who is double crossed and struggles to make her way back to the US.Currently in pro
Montreal's ID Communications boards two for EFM

Montreal-based ID Communications has bulked up its EFM slate with worldwide rights to Julian Starks’ documentary Journey To Sundance and Volker Wischnowski’s The Way Of St-James.
More2Screen takes theatrical and TV rights to White Stripes doc

London-based More2Screen has taken the theatrical and TV rights to Under Great White Northern Lights, a film about US rock band The White Stripes. It is planning a spring release.
Morgan Freeman to receive ASC's Board Of Governors Award

Oscar-nominee Morgan Freeman will receive the American Society Of Cinematographers’ (ASC) Board Of Governors Award.
Morrissey to produce and star in Thorne drama

David Morrissey heads up the cast of two new crime thrillers commissioned by Sky, based on the novels by Mark Billingham
MPC appoints Julian Levi as executive producer

VFX specialist Julian Levi joins MPC’s LA office
MPI acquires North American rights to Paper Man

MPI Media Group has acquired all North American rights to the comedy-drama Paper Man starring Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone and Lisa Kudrow.
MPI Media Group's Dark Sky Films to produce Ti West horror follow-up

MPI Media Group, which acquired North American rights to Paper Man last week, will produce Ti West’s House Of The Devil follow-up through its Dark Sky Films label.
Mr Nice, MacGruber get SXSW world premiere berths

Mr Nice, MacGruber and comedy Barry Munday are among the line-up at South By Southwest next month.
My Fair Lady

New film version of the musical based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
My Name Is Khan

Dir: Karan Johar. India. 2010. 165mins.
Myriad adds Salvation Boulevard to prestige slate

Myriad Pictures has picked up international sales rights to the comic thriller Salvation Boulevard starring Pierce Brosnan and Ed Harris.
Myriad boards Every Day heading into EFM

Santa Monica-based Myriad Pictures picks up comedy-drama Every Day ahead of the European Film Market.
Myriad boards Sundance crowd-pleaser happythankyoumoreplease for EFM

Myriad Pictures has added Josh Radnor’s Sundance crowd-pleaser happythankyoumoreplease to its EFM slate after acquiring international rights.
Myriad lines up Notre Dame De Grace for EFM

Santa Monica-based Myriad Pictures has acquired international rights to Jacob Tierney’s Notre Dame De Grace, currently shooting in Montreal.
National Security to open Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival

The world premiere of the action thriller National Security (Seguranca Nacional) will kick off the Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival (HBR FEST), set to run from February 4-7.
Neil Marshall's Centurion finds US home after EFM premiere

The director of The Descent and Doomsday’s new blood soaked adventure has found a buyer following packed market screenings at the EFM in Berlin.
Nenette

Dir: Nicolas Philibert. France. 2010. 70mins.
NeoClassics sets US release for Carion's Farewell

NeoClassics Films has set June 18 for the US release of Christian Carion’s KGB defector drama Farewell.
New Corp snaps up 9% stake in Rotana Group

News Corporation extends its reach in the Middle East with acquisition.
New distributor Red Flag takes US rights to Proposition 8 doc

Red Flag Releasing, the politically conscious distributor launched by Paul Federbush, Laura Kim and Ron Stein, has acquired its first title.
New projects benefit from France's new tax break

New French tax credit supports new projects, including new Woody Allen.
New Video, Zipline team up on release of Sundance entry Bass Ackwards

New York-based New Video and Zipline Entertainment will release the low-budget Sundance drama Bass Ackwards nationwide on February 1, one day after the festival ends.
Newly promoted Dana Archer to head up DDA PR's LA office

DDA PR’s Dana Archer has been promoted to senior-vice president and will head up the company’s new Los Angeles office.
Newton, Isaacs and Tennant join Retreat

Cast is announced for Magnet Films’ psychological thriller Retreat
Nigel Lythgoe starts one-year term as BAFTA/LA chairman

Nigel Lythgoe has been elected chairman of BAFTA/LA for a one-year term, effective immediately.
NonStop seeks to capiltalise on Moomins mania

Finnish production company Oy Filmkompaniet and Bjork are collaborating on the 3D project Moomins And The Comet Chase based on the beloved Scandinavian animated characters.
Nordisk Film appoints Christian Lund as digital director

Kino.dk managing director to oversee digital strategy at Nordisk
Nordisk Film to double 3D screens, reach all Scandinavian audiences

Danish major Nordisk Film reveals plans for more 3D theatres and an increased focus on films aimed at local audiences
Norwegian Film Institute supports Twigson, Nesbo adaptation

Norwegian Film Institute allocates nearly $4m to new projects, including the lastest Twigson installment.
Obselidia

Dir/scr. Diane Bell, US, 2009, 96 minutes
Octane pushes genre titles

IM Global’s fast-rising Octane division is talking up its genre titles to international buyers here at the EFM.
On The Path (Na Putu)

Dir/scr. Jasmila Žbanic. Bosnia and Herzegovina/Austria/ Germany/Croatia, 2009. 100 mins.Sarajevo-born director Jasmila Žbanic, winner of the Golden Bear four years ago with her striking debut Esma’s Secret (Grbavica), consolidates her reputation as a scrutiniser of Balkan political themes from a female perspective in On the Path, an involving drama about a young woman whose boyfriend embraces fundamentalist Islam.On th
Ontario backs new projects from Cronenberg, Polley, Jewison

New projects from David Cronenberg, Norman Jewison and Sarah Polley are among 12 features receiving a combined $1.6m (C$1.67m) in investment from the Ontario Media Development Corp (OMDC).
Oren Aviv latest casualty of Rich Ross purge at Disney

The Rich Ross reshuffle continues at Disney as it emerged today that Oren Aviv has resigned as president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production.
Original Inglourious Basterds director to honour Tarantino

The director of the original 1978 Inglorious Bastards Enzo G Castellari will present Quentin Tarantino with an award at the opening of the 5th Annual Los Angeles – Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in Hollywood this weekend.
Orly

Dir/scr: Angela Shanelec. Germany-France. 2010. 84mins.
Oscar short film nominees to screen via Movies On Demand

Shorts International and Magnolia Pictures’ Oscar nominated shorts series has been made available through Movies On Demand (MOD) on a number of US cable carriers.
Oscar Shorts initiative returns to US circuit on February 19

Shorts International and Magnolia Pictures are returning with their Oscar Shorts programme in February.
Oscilloscope goes Bananas for Gertten

Oscilloscope has snapped up US rights to Bananas!*, directed by Sweden’s Fredrik Gertten, who also executive produced.
O-Scope swoops on Maurice Sendak documentary

Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to Lance Bangs and Spike Jonze’s documentary Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait Of Maurice Sendak.
Overture to release Let Me In on October 1

Overture Films has set an October 1 North American release date for the thriller Let Me In, inspired by Tomas Alfredson’s Swedish vampire hit Let The Right One In.
Paladin to release Great Directors in spring

Mark Urman’s New York-based Paladin will release Angela Ismailos’ Great Directors in select markets in spring.
Paramount sets October 22 release for Paranormal Activity sequel

Paramount has set an October 22 release for its Paranormal Activity sequel.
Paramount takes worldwide rights to Waiting For Superman at Sundance

As the Sundance Film Festival kicked off today [21] Paramount announced it had acquired worldwide rights to Participant Media’s documentary Waiting For Superman ahead of the world premiere on Friday.
Parkes/MacDonald Imagenation acquires Earthbound

Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald of Parkes/MacDonald Productions have acquired Earthbound by cult writer Richard Matheson.
Pascal Borno joins Corsan as head of sales

Corsan Worldwide Sales has appointed Pascal Borno as president of sales as the EFM got underway in Berlin.
Peace Arch takes Spungen doc for US

Peace Arch has swooped on North American rights to Who Killed Nancy?, the feature doc about the deaths of punk icons Nancy Spungen and Sid Vicious.
Peacefulfish launches digital project for local cinemas

Digital programme encourages local theatrical exhibitors to use social media networks
Peepli Live

Dir. Anusha Rizvi, India, 2009, 106 minutes
Pei Pei, Tsang board South Pacific's Girl Meets Boy

Hong Kong actors Cheng Pei Pei and Kenneth Tsang are in Auckland filming South Pacific Picture’s romantic comedy Girl Meets Boy.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Dir. Chris Columbus. US. 2009. 119mins.
Perrier launches sales for Stonebrook International

Former Paramount Vantage and Odd Lot sales executive Delphine Perrier is in Berlin with a trio of projects in her new guise as president of sales at fledgling Stonebrook International.
Peter Bogdanovich to adapt high-stakes social drama for Das Films

Peter Bogdanovich is partnering with Santa Monica-based Das Films for his latest project.
Phase 4 acquires The Freebie out of Sundance

Phase 4 Films acquired North American rights late on Sunday night to Katie Aselton’s The Freebie, which premiered in the Next section at Sundance.
Phase 4 falls for romantic comedy Finding Bliss

Phase 4 Films has acquired North American rights to Finding Bliss by writer-director Julie Davis and starring Leelee Sobieski.
Philippe Lioret's Welcome takes best film Lumiere Award

The Lumiere Awards were handed out in Paris on Friday [January 15] with the prize for best film going to Philippe Lioret’s Welcome (pictured). The prizes are France’s equivalent to the Golden Globes, given by foreign journalists covering French cinema.
Phobidilia

Dirs: Yoav and Doron Paz. Israel. 2009. 86mins.
Piece Montee engages France, UK gets Dragon Tattoo

ScreenDaily’s weekly round-up of the local and independent openings in key markets this week.
PiFan names Kim Young-bin as director

PiFan announces new director ahead of its upcoming edition in July.
Pinewood launches apprencticeship scheme

Pinewood studios has launched an apprenticeship scheme designed to give young people a start in the UK film industry. (February 2).
Playing to the crowd

For all the hoopla surrounding the announcement that the Academy had expanded its best picture category to 10 features, four or five films have taken the lead in this year’s race.
Please Give

Dir: Nicole Holofcener. US. 2009. 91 mins.
Polytechnique leads Canadian Genie race

Denis Villeneuve’s Polytechnique picks up 11 nominations for Canada’s film awards
Portrait Of The Fighter As A Young Man (Portretul Luptatorului La Tinerete)

Dir/scr: Constantin Popescu. Romania. 2010. 163mins.
Power To The Pixel launches Pixel Lab

Power to the Pixel has announced the dates for its scheme aimed at providing film businesses with training in delivering cross media projects
PPI hires Lauren Miller as evp finance

Lauren Miller has joined Paramount Pictures International (PPI) as executive vice-president of finance.
Precious sparkles at 25th Indie Spirit Awards

Precious dominated the 25th Indie Spirit awards in Downtown LA on Friday night [March 5] with five of the top prizes.
Protektor takes lion's share of Czech awards

Marek Najbrt’s World War 2 film Protektor has picked up nine awards at the Czech Lions
Puzzle (Rompecabezas)

Dir/scr Natalia Smirnoff. Argentina/France 2010. 88 mins.
QED teams up with Forward Pass on District 9 follow-up

QED International’s Bill Block will introduce Berlin buyers to his long awaited follow-up to the global smash District 9 (pictured).
Rai Trade marries with Gabriele Salvatores' Happy Family

Rai Trade is handling Happy Family, the new film from Oscar-winner Gabriele Salvatores.
Ramamurthy joins cast of Indian crime drama Shor

Sendhil Ramamurthy, who stars in Gurinder Chadha’s Sundance entry It’s A Wonderful Afterlife, will star in the English-language crime drama Shor (Noise) that is currently shooting in Mumbai.
Rami Yasin named production chief at Imagenation Abu Dhabi

Imagenation Abu Dhabi has hired Rami Yasin as its head of production as the company prepares to unveil its first Arabic project.
Raymond Zinar earns evp global sales stripes at Anchor Bay

Raymond Zinar has been promoted to executive vice-president of worldwide sales at Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Red Hill

A young Melbourne police officer relocates to a small high-country town with his pregnant wife. When news of a prison break in Melbourne sends the local law enforcement officers into a panic, his first day on duty turns nightmarish.
Red Hill

Dir/scr: Patrick Hughes. Australia. 2010. 95mins.
Red White & Blue

Dir/scr. Simon Rumley. UK/US. 2010. 102mins.
Redwind wraps production on Nancy Kwan documentary

Redwind Productions recently completed production on To Whom It May Concern, a documentary about the life of 1960s Hollywood Asian actress Nancy Kwan.
Relativity hires Ammer as president of marketing

Geoff Ammer is joining Relativity Media as its worldwide president of marketing, the company confirmed last night
Relativity nets North American, UK rights to Catfish

Relativity takes rights to Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman’s acclaimed Sundance documentary Catfish.
Revolucion

Dirs: Fernando Eimbcke (The Welcome Ceremony), Patricia Riggen (Beautiful & Beloved), Gael Garcia Bernal (Lucio), Amat Escalante (The Hanging Priest), Carlos Reygadas (This Is My Kingdom) , Mariana Chenillo (The Estate Store), Gerardo Naranjo (R-100), Rodrigo Pla (30/30), Diego Luna (Pacifico), Rodrigo Garcia (7th And Alvarado). Mexico. 2010. 100mins.The 1910 Mexican Revolution, which overthrew dictator Porfirio Diaz, completely changed the structure of
Revolver sets March 5 UK release for Banksy documentary

Revolver will release Banksy’s documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop in the UK on March 5.
Revolver stunt is on the money

UK distribution outfit Revolver pulls off latest stunt to promote Dead Man Running
Rhino's The Doors doc When You're Strange set for US release

Abramorama will release Rhino Entertainment’s The Doors documentary When You’re Strange: A Film About TheDoors in limited release on April 9 following a prestigious festival run.
Rialto breathes life into 50th anniversary of Godard classic

New York-based Rialto Pictures has acquired US theatrical rights to Jean-Luc Godard’s New Wave classic Breathless in its 50th anniversary year.
Ric Waugh to direct auto industry thriller Land Of The Free for XYZ

XYZ Films has hired Ric Roman Waugh to direct the action thriller Land Of The Free set against the backdrop of the stricken US auto industry.
Road, Movie

Dir/scr Dev Benegal. India/USA. 2009. 95 mins
Roadside drawn to Hawaiian biopic Princess Kaiulani

Roadside Attractions has acquired all US rights to Marc Forby’s Hawaiian historical biopic Princess Kaiulani.
Roadside picks up Ca$h for US theatrical release

Roadside Attractions has acquired all US rights to the crime thriller Ca$h starring Sean Bean and newcomer Chris Hemsworth.
Rob Marshall's Nine to receive birthday screening at Berlin

Rob Marshall’s Nine and new films by Doris Dorrie, Matti Geschonneck and Jo Baier will be screened as part of the Berlinale’s Special programme this year.
Roger Ebert to collect San Francisco honour

Roger Ebert will receive the Mel Novikoff Award at the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival.
Ronald Harwood to write MLK biopic for DreamWorks

Ronald Harwood will write the screenplay for DreamWorks’ Martin Luther King Jr biopic that Steven Spielberg, Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones are producing.
Rough House acquires first high concept project

David Gordon Green, Jody Hill and Danny McBride’s Rough House Pictures has acquired its first project.
Samuel Goldwyn to partner on theatrical release of WWE Studios slate

WWE Studios will self-distribute and market its upcoming slate of nine films beginning with the summer release of the drama Brother’s Keeper (working title) starring Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and WWE celebrity John Cena (pictured).
San Francisco Film Society names finalists in new grant award

The San Francisco Film Society has announced the 11 finalists and one honorable mention for the SFFS/Film Arts Foundation Documentary Grant.
San Francisco unveils first wave of competition entries

Top brass at the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival have unveiled the 12 contenders for the New Directors Prize and announced the competition documentaries.
San Fu Maltha slate headed up by Westerling, Nadra, Portable Life

Prolific producer/distributor San Fu Maltha, whose Amphibious 3D is a hot seller for Celsius at EFM, has revealed details of his packed production slate.
Santa Barbara Festival announces winners

Klaus Haro’s Finnish entry Letters To Father Jaakob (Postia Pappi Jaakobille) was named best international film as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival came to a close.
Saoirse Ronan reunites with Joe Wright on Hanna for Focus Features

Focus Features has confirmed Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan will reunite with Atonement director Joe Wright in the lead role in Hanna.
Screen At The Berlin Film Festival

Missed out on a daily? Catch up here with the digital edition.
Screen Box Office can only be accessed by Screen subscribers

Screen Box Office is a subscriber-only service that carries the most up to date box office market information from 27 key markets across the globe. It also reports on its International table the top new international releases across the Overseas markets, along with the global top ten box office report. Specialist box office tables also cover London’s West End and the US independent box office sector. Screen Box Office is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the most up to date box
Screen East launches low carbon fund

Regional film agency Screen East has launched a new $5.5m (£3.5m) production fund, with a remit to cut the carbon footprint of the projects it invests in by 30%.
Screen Media acquires James Ivory's The City Of Your Final Destination

Screen Media Films has acquired all North American rights to James Ivory’s The City Of Your Final Destination based on the 2002 novel of the same name by Peter Cameron.
Sean Bean, Charlotte Rampling to star in terrorist thriller

Sean Bean and Charlotte Rampling head up the cast of London based terrorist thriller Cleanskin
Searchlight appoints new evp of marketing

Fox Searchlight has found a replacement for its outgoing executive vice-president of marketing Stephanie Allen.
Searchlight takes North America and select territories on Betty Anne Waters

Fox Searchlight takes rights from Omega Entertainment to the real-life drama Betty Anne Waters
Second Doha Tribeca Film Festival to offer $400,000 in new prize money

The second edition of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival will take place form October 26-30 in Doha, Qatar.
Second Light shines at Pinewood

Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Callum McDougall and the chairman of the Pinewood Studios Group Michael Grade attend the launch of the Second Light new talent programme.
Seldin climbs aboard news sales venture Locomotive

Former Miramax executive Colleen Sedlin has resurfaced as head of Locomotive Distribution.
Semih Kaplanoglu's Honey takes Berlinale Golden Bear

Semih Kaplanoglu’s Honey (Bal), the third part of his reverse-order trilogy after Egg and Milk, became only the second Turkish film to win the Golden Bear in Berlin.
Setting the pace

WME Global, the packaging, financing and distribution consultancy arm of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, is paying close attention to new distribution models. Jeremy Kay speaks to division head Graham Taylor and his team.
Seven films chosen for Academy's make-up shortlist

The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences announced today [January 11] that seven films have made it on to the shortlist for the make-up prize.
She, A Chinese reaches the UK, Spain receives An Education

ScreenDaily’s weekly round-up of the local and independent openings in key markets this week.
Shock Head Soul

Explores the life of Paul Schreber who spent nine years in an asylum
Shoot date set for Renny Harlin's Mannerheim

Renny Harlin’s long awaited Finnish project Mannerheim gets shoot date and location change
Shoot date, new cast for Fiennes’ Coriolanus

Shoot date and new cast members announced for Fiennes’ directorial debut
Shooting starts in New York on Untitled Oliver Sacks Project

Production is underway in New York and the Westchester area on Untitled Oliver Sacks Project.
Shoreline bolsters Latin American slate ahead of EFM

Shoreline Entertainment has picked up worldwide sales on Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff’s Brazilian action title Besouro ahead of its world premiere in Berlin.
Shoreline catches worldwide rights to Sundance premiere Undertow

LA-based Shoreline Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights to Javier Fuentes-Leon’s debut feature Undertow (Contracorriente) ahead of its world premiere at Sundance on January 26.
Shoreline Entertainment hits The Last Beat

Morris Ruskin’s Los Angeles-based Shoreline Entertainment has taken international rights to Gustave Reininger’s documentary Corso: The Last Beat.
Short films with long lives

Some of the world’s most garlanded short films have been recognised by the Academy this year in both the live-action and animation categories. John Hazelton profiles the contenders
Shorts International, Magnolia return with Oscar nominee screenings

For the fifth consecutive year Shorts International and Magnolia Pictures are staging a series of screenings of the year’s Oscar-nominated Shorts.
Shout! Factory, Roger Corman sign home entertainment deal

Shout! Factory has signed a deal with New Horizons Picture Corporation securing exclusive North American home entertainment rights to more than 50 Roger Corman properties.
Shrek Forever After to open Tribeca 2010

The world premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s 3D summer tentpole Shrek Forever After will open the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival on April 21 in New York.
Shutter Island

Dir: Martin Scorsese. US. 2009. 138mins.
Shutter Island exceeds expectations with $40.2m US launch

Paramount’s thriller Shutter Island soared to the top of the North American charts on an estimated $40.2m, setting opening weekend records for director and star.
Shutter Island retains North American crown with $22.2m

Shutter Island is well on its way to $100m as a $22.2m number one hold boosted Paramount’s mystery thriller to $75.1m after two weekends.
Sierra Pictures boards A Beginner's Guide To Endings

Nick Meyer’s Sierra Pictures has acquired international sales rights to Darius Films’ A Beginner’s Guide ToEndings starring Harvey Keitel, JK Simmons and Scott Caan.
Silverstone reVamps with Heckerling

Alicia Silverstone (pictured) to reunite with Clueless director Amy Heckerling on vampire love story, Vamps.
Singapore Film Commission awards funding to four projects

The Singapore Film Commission (SFC) has awarded funding to four projects under its New Feature Film Fund for local directors, including Endless Day from Ho Tzu Nyen, whose feature debut Here screened in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.
Sixth Birds Eye Film Festival launches

The sixth Birds Eye View Film Festival, devoted to women film-makers, will run from March 4 - 12 at the BFI Southbank and the Institute of Contemporary Art in London.
Skeletons

Dir. Nick Whitfield. UK. 2009. 96 mins.
Slamdance unveils distribution tie with Microsoft

Slamdance has announced a worldwide video content collaboration with Microsoft on both Zune and Xbox platforms.
Slamdance unveils jury and audience winners

Top brass at the 16th Annual Slamdance Film Festival announced their winners on Thursday night.
Slippery streets of Berlin claim Star victim

The icy streets of the German capital have claimed their first victim.
Smuggler Films to remake Lucas Belvaux's Rapt

Smuggler Films, the new production outfit run by Brian Carmody, John N. Hart and Patrick Milling Smith, is to remake French thriller Rapt which tells the story of the 1978 kidnapping of Baron Edouard-Jean Empain, heir to the Empain Schneider dynasty. The US version will be retitled Abduction.The French film, which has been nominated for a best film Cesar, is directed by Lucas Belvaux and stars Yvan Attal.“Rapt is a high stakes thriller propelled by mul
Solitary Man finds company at Anchor Bay in US deal

Anchor Bay has acquired all US rights to Millennium Films’ Solitary Man starring Michael Douglas.
Sony reboots Spider-Man as Raimi, Maguire leave franchise

Sony has abandoned plans to release Spider-Man 4 in summer 2011 and will reboot the franchise a year later following the departure of Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire.
Sony to host Gareth Wigan memorial service on March 2

A memorial service for Gareth Wigan, the widely admired producer and studio executive who died on February 13, will take place on the Sony lot on March 2.
Southern District (Zona Sur)

Dir: Juan Carlos Valdivia. Bolivia. 2009. 109 mins
Spanish broadcaster laSexta signs deal with Warner Bros

Span’s laSexta to acquire TV rights to Warner Bros’ first run theatrical features
SPC enters Animal Kingdom for US, Latin America

Sony Pictures Classics has finally announced its deal for US and Latin American rights to David Michod’s Sundance World Cinema Jury Prize winner Animal Kingdom.
SPC sets April release for Holofcener's Sundance entry Please Give

Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) will release Nicole Holofcener’s Please Give on April 23 following its world premiere in Sundance later this month.
SPC snaps up US rights to Winter In Wartime

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all US rights to the shortlisted Dutch film Winter In Wartime from High Point Films.
SPC to release Woody Allen's Stranger in US

Sony Pictures Classics picks up North American rights to Woody Allen’s You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger
Spitfire, Exclusive rev up on high-speed documentary for EFM

Exclusive Media Group’s (EMG) documentary unit, Spitfire Documentary Films, is teaming with Flat-Out Films and Diamond Docs on a non-fiction project.
Splice

Dir. Vincenzo Natali, France/Canada, 2009, 100 minutes
SPWAG, E1 Entertainment in step with Inner City's dance film Beat The World

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group acquires raft of rights to Inner City Films’ Beat The World.
Strand snaps up US rights from Visit to Picture Me

Strand Releasing has acquired all US rights from Visit Films to Ole Schell and Sara Ziff’s documentary Picture Me and has scheduled a summer theatrical release.
Strand takes US rights to Ozon's Le Refuge

Strand Releasing has acquired all US rights from Le Pacte Sales to Francois Ozon’s Le Refuge, screening in the EFM.
Street Days (Quchis Dgeebi)

Dir. Levan Koguashvili. Georgia. 2010. 86mins.
StudioCanal, Abandon Pictures reunite on Le Sauvage remake

StudioCanal and New York-based Abandon Pictures are in advanced talks to reunite on a remake of the 1975 romantic comedy Le Sauvage.
Submarino

Dir: Thomas Vinterberg. Denmark. 2010. 110mins.
Summer arrives early for New Wave

UK distribution outfit New Wave Films picks up Berlinale prize winner
Summer Coda

A romantic drama about the story of Heidi, who meets Michael while returning home to a family she’s never known, and embarks on an unexpected adventure discovering that their secrets and lives are better shared.
Summit picks up domestic on Untitled Seth Rogen / James McAvoy comedy

Summit Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Mandate Pictures’ comedy Untitled Seth Rogen/James McAvoy Project.
Summit tries limited theatrical re-release for The Hurt Locker

Summit Entertainment has mounted a limited theatrical US re-release of The Hurt Locker in the wake of the film’s six-Oscar triumph.
Summit, E1 Entertainment partner on Push television series

Summit Entertainment and E1 Entertainment will jointly develop and produce a television series based on Summit’s 2009 feature Push.
Summit, Jonathan Levine team up on Warm Bodies

Summit Entertainment has acquired feature rights to Warm Bodies and hired Jonathan Levine (pictured) to write and direct the project.
Sundance announces NHK, short film winners

The Sundance Institute and Japan broadcaster NHK have announced the winners of the 2010 Sundance / NHK International Filmmakers Awards.
Sundance cuts distribution deal with YouTube on Next trio

Sundance’s bold first steps into distribution continue apace as it emerged that the Institute is collaborating with YouTube on three titles from the new Next strand set to receive their world premieres in Park City.
Sundance Institute names Keri Putnam executive director

The Sundance Institute has found its replacement executive director following the departure nearly one year ago of Ken Brecher.
Sundance road movie Obselidia wins Sloan Prize

Diane Bell’s US Dramatic Competition entry Obselidia has won the Sundance Alfred P Sloan Prize.
Sundance sees flurry of deals as festival nears end

Winter’s Bone became the latest film to land a domestic deal following IFC Films’ acquisition earlier in the day for The Killer Inside Me (pictured) as Sundance approached the finishing post.
Sundance Selects lines up VOD launch for festival trio

VOD platform Sundance Selects and the Sundance Film Festival are collaborating on the day-and-date VOD release of three festival films.
Sympathy For Delicious

Dir: Mark Ruffalo. US. 2009. 98 mins.
T&C takes foreign on Teenage Paparazzo in first on-site deal at Sundance

In the first on-site deal of Sundance David Jourdan’s T&C Pictures International has acquired international rights from WME Global to Adrian Grenier’s documentary Teenage Paparazzo.
Tamara goes to Village Roadshow

WestEnd Films has secured more deals on forthcoming Stephen Frears film Tamara Drewe
Ten out of ten for Avatar as $51m raises tally to $1.78bn

Once again Avatar flew higher than the competition and continued to break records as the extraordinary run showed little sign of slowing down in its tenth weekend.
The Blind Side

Dir: John Lee Hancock. US. 2009. 128 mins.
The Book Of Eli

Dirs: Allen & Albert Hughes. US. 2010. 118 mins
The bridge builder

The veteran producer tells Jeremy Kay about his 100th film, partnering with Imagenation and why he wants to make connections between east and west
The Circuit - March 4

ScreenDaily highlights the film events taking place around the globe.
The Company Men

Dir/scr: John Wells. US. 2009. 113 mins.
The Crazies

Dir. Breck Eisner. US, 2009. 101 mins.
The Eclipse takes top prize at Irish Film Awards

IFTA winners are announced in Dublin
The Extra Man

Dirs: Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman. US. 2009. 108 mins.
The Ghost Writer (aka The Ghost)

Dir: Roman Polanski. Fr-Ger-UK. 2009. 128mins.
The Hairdresser (Die Friseuse)

Dir: Dorris Dorrie. Germany. 2010. 106mins.
The Hunter (Shekarchi)

Dir/scr: Rafi Pitts. Iran-Germany. 2010. 92mins.
The Illusionist

Dir: Sylvain Chomet. UK-Fr. 2010. 80mins.
The Imperialists Are Still Alive! among Film Sales Company Sundance slate

Film Sales Company president Andrew Herwitz has lined up his initial Sundance slate, with a roster that includes worldwide rights to Zeina Durra’s The Imperialists Are Still Alive!
The Infidel

Dir: Josh Appignanesi. UK. 2010. 105 mins
The Kids Are All Right

Dir: Lisa Cholodenko. US. 2009. 104 mins.
The Kids Are All Right hints at buried treasure in Sundance

Focus Features confirmed on Thursday that it had acquired domestic and select territories to Lisa Cholodenko’s Sundance selection The Kids Are All Right as the festival entered the final stretch.
The Killer Inside Me

Dir. Michael Winterbottom, USA, 2009, 110 min.
The Little Film Company boards Cleese-starrer Spud

LA-based The Little Film Company has boarded worldwide rights to the South African kids film Spud and will commence pre-sales at the EFM.
The Manipulators hatch first plot

Waiting For Azrael, the first live-action feature from Persepolis directors Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud, will be the first project from new European production powerhouse The Manipulators.
The next generation

The breakthrough actors, producers and directors to track this year. Profiles by Chris Evans
The Oath

Dir: Laura Poitras. US. 2010. 96mins.
The Reverse takes top prize at Polish Eagles

The Reverse has picked up eight awards, including best film and best screenplay, at the Polish Eagles, Poland’s equivalent of the Oscars
The Robber (Der Rauber)

Dir: Benjamin Heisenberg. Austria-Germany. 2010. 97mins.
The Romantics

Dir: Galt Niederhoffer. US. 2010. 95 mins.
The Round Up (La Rafle)

Dir/scr. Rose Bosch. France-Germany-Hungary. 2010. 124 mins.
The Runaways

Dir/scr. Floria Sigismondi, USA, 2009, 102 minutes.
The Screening Room - Outright - Garrow’s Law
The Screening Room - Outright - Life of Riley
The Screening Room - Outright - Love In Numbers
The Screening Room - Outright - Mastercrafts
The Screening Room - Outright - Mysterious Journeys
The Screening Room - Outright - The Marchioness – A Survivor’s Story
The Screening Room - Outright - Three Hungry Boys
The Screening Room - Outright - TRANSform Me
The Screening Room - Outright - Waterloo Road
The Sentimental Engine Slayer

Dir/prod/scr/music. Omar Rodriguez Lopez. US. 2009. 97mins.
The Spy Next Door

Dir: Brian Levant. US. 2010. 94 mins.
The Taqwacores

Dir/prod: Eyad Zahra. US. 2009. 83 mins.
The Temptation of St. Tony (Puha Tonu Kiusamine)

Dir/scr. Veiko Ounpuu. Estonia, Sweden, Finland. 2009. 114mins.
The Unbroken wins best film at Japanese academy awards

Setsuro Wakamatsu’s The Unbroken has been named best film at the 33rd Japanese Academy Awards
The Wolfman

Dir: Joe Johnston. US. 2010. 102 mins.
The Works picks up The Messenger

The Works has picked up The Messenger with Woody Harrelson
This Must Be The Place

Prod companies: Indigo Film, Lucky RedProducers: Francesca Cima, Nicola Giuliano, Andrea OcchipintiDirector: Paolo SorrentinoScreenplay: Paolo Sorrentino / Umberto ContarelloContact: Indigo Film (39) 06 77250255
Thomsen reveals Embryonic directing career

Danish star Ulrich Thomsen is moving behind the camera and is presenting his directorial debut, In Embryo, at Berlin’s Co-Production Market.
Timberlake joins Diaz on Columbia comedy Bad Teacher

Justin Timberlake has joined Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel on the Columbia Pictures Bad Teacher.
Tokyo enlists Thomas, Umehara

The Tokyo International Film Festival has enlisted celebrated producer Jeremy Thomas and seasoned Japanese buyer Ken Umehara to the film selection panel for its 23rd annual event which takes place Oct 23-31.
Tribeca moves into distribution

Tribeca Enterprises launches distribution arm and online element to the festival.
Tribeca unveils world narrative and documentary entries

Tribeca top brass have announced the 24 world narrative and documentary films that will play in competition at the ninth annual event next month, a provocative roster supplemented by several out-of-competition surprises.
Tributes pour in for Gareth Wigan

Gareth Wigan, the London-born executive who played an integral production role in such classics as Star Wars, Chariots Of Fire and Alien has died.
Trio of new films among BAMcinematek's Focus On IFC Films

Three new acquisitions by IFC will be among the line-up of titles at the upcoming Focus On IFC Films at BAMcinematek in New York.
True Legend (Su Qi Er)

Dir: Yuen Woo-ping. China-US. 2010. 116mins.
TrustNordisk sells The Candidate to China

Scandinavian sales company TrustNordisk has sold Danish thriller The Candidate to China
Tucker & Dale sparks sales for Voltage

Voltage Pictures has reported ongoing sales on the Sundance crowdpleaser Tucker & Dale Vs Evil, which screens in the EFM tonight [12].
Tucker & Dale, His & Hers among brisk foreign sales at Sundance

Wild Bunch has acquired French and German rights from Voltage Pictures to Eli Craig’s much fancied Sundance Midnight entry Tucker & Dale Vs Evil.
Twelve

Dir: Joel Schumacher. France/US. 2009. 94 mins.
Two-part French gangster epic Mesrine finally finds US home

Music Box Films has augmented its war chest of prestigious international titles by acquiring all US rights to Jean-Francois Richet’s two part Jacques Mesrine saga.
UK pro copyright body launches cinema trailers

A series of anti piracy trailers, voiced by Noel Clarke, will screen in UK cinemas from tomorrow (5th March)
UK Screen launches report into facilities sector

Trade association launches a major new report into the scope of the UK facilities sector
Un Altro Mondo

A dying man, calls his son who he abandoned 20 years to come to Kenya, where he lives, to say goodbye.
Undertow (Contracorriente)

Dir/scr: Javier Fuentes-Leon.
United Agents talent chief Duncan Millership moves to Mangement 360 in LA

UK talent agent Duncan Millership is relocating from London to Los Angeles to work for Management 360’s talent department.
Universal promotes Scott Bernstein to evp production

Scott Bernstein has been promoted to Universal Pictures’ executive vice-president of production.
Universal swoops on North American rights to Larry Crowne

The studio acquisition marked the second high profile domestic sale in one day for a key US project on the eve of EFM.
Up takes top honours at UK's Richard Attenborough Awards

Disney Pixar’s Up has been named the film of the year at the 4th Richard Attenborough Awards, which are voted for by the UK’s regional media.
US court hands studios critical victory in piracy war

Hollywood has secured a crucial victory in its war on piracy against RealNetworks.
Valentine's Day

Dir. Garry Marshall. US, 2009. 117 mins.
Valentine's Day rules the North American box office on $52.4m

Warner Bros’ ensemble romantic comedy Valentine’s Day led the pack as it opened top on an estimated $52.4m over three days leading into the Presidents’ Day holiday.
Vallanzasca - The Flower Of Evil

Italian director Michele Placido has teamed up with his Romanzo Criminale star Kim Rossi Stuart to portray the life of infamous Italian criminal Renato Vallanzasca for 20th Century Fox
Veneziano to handle titles from Menemsha

Ariel Veneziano’s freshly minted sales company Recreation has entered into a deal to handle international sales on Neil Friedman’s Menemsha Films slate.
Visit boards Trash Humpers, Vital Signs for Rotterdam

Visit Films has acquired two new titles screening in the Rotterdam International Film Festival as the New York-based sales company bolsters its slate in the run-up to EFM.
Visit Films believes in Journey doc

New York-based Visit Films will be showing early footage here from Ramona S Diaz’ documentary Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey.
Visit Films boards Sundance Islamic punk tale The Taqwacores

Visit Films has acquired worldwide rights to Eyad Zahra’s Islamic punk film The Taqwacores ahead of its world premiere at Sundance.
Vivarto SP ZOO takes Polish rights to Peepli Live

UTV Motion Pictures and Aamir Khan Productions have licensed the political satire Peepli Live to Vivarto SP ZOO in Poland.
Voltage generates heavy interest in new EFM project

Voltage Pictures’ new EFM project has made a splash ahead of the start of the Berlin market next week.
Voltage hopes sparks will fly at EFM over new horror comedy

Nicolas Chartier’s Voltage Pictures, riding high on a strong response at Sundance to the Midnight entry Tucker & Dale Vs Evil, has added another genre bending title to its Berlin slate.
Voltage Pictures board Once Fallen ahead of EFM

Voltage Pictures has boarded worldwide rights to Freedom Films’ crime-drama Once Fallen and will be introducing to buyers at EFM.
Vural Ulusu to head up technical services at High Point

Vural Ulusu will head up global technical services at independent distribution and sales company High Point Media Group.
Warner Bros boards remake rights to Sympathy For Mr Vengeance

Warner Bros has picked up English-language remake rights to CJ Entertainment’s South Korean hit Sympathy For Mr Vengeance.
Warner Bros unveils 3D plan for Clash Of The Titans, Harry Potter 7

Warner Bros Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced last night [February 2] that the studio will release Clash Of The Titans worldwide in 3D on April 2.
Waste Land

Dir: Lucy Walker. UK-Brazil. 2009. 98mins.
Watching the world

Leon Forde gives an overview of this year’s foreign-language film contenders and charts their progress from festival appearances to the Oscars ceremony at Hollywood’s Kodak Theater. Plus a look back at Screen reviewers’ first impressions of the five nominated films
We Believed

A costume drama set during Italy’s Risorgimento in the 1800s about the lives of two revolutionaries.
Weekly International Box Office - February 26

ScreenDaily brings you the weekly international box-office news.
Weekly international box office - January 8

ScreenDaily brings you the weekly international box-office news.
Weekly International Box Office - March 11

ScreenDaily brings you the weekly international box-office news.
Weekly International Box Office - March 4

ScreenDaily brings you the weekly international box-office news.
Weinsteins snag rights to Blue Valentine at Sundance

The Weinstein Company has made its first acquisition of Sundance, taking rights to Derek Cianfrance’s US Dramatic Competition entry Blue Valentine.
Welcome To The Rileys

Dir. Jake Scott, USA, 2009, 110 minutes.
Werc Werk Works finalises cast on The Convincer

Elizabeth Redleaf and Christine Walker’s production company Werc Werk Works has completed casting on The Convincer.
WGAW to honour Anthony Peckham for Invictus screenplay

Invictus screenwriter Anthony Peckham will receive the Writers Guild Of America West’s (WGAW) 2010 Paul Selvin Award.
What More Do I Want? (Cosa Voglio Di Più?)

Dir: Silvio Soldini. Italy-Switzerland. 2010. 126mins.
When In Rome

Dir: Mark Steven Johnson. US. 2010. 91 mins.
When We Leave (Die Fremde)

Dir/scr: Feo Aladag. Germany. 2010. 119mins.
White Ribbon scoops German critics’ awards

Michael Haneke’s Oscar-nominated The White Ribbon took four prizes, including best film and screenplay, at the German Film Critics Association Awards last night.
White Ribbon, A Prophet on foreign language Oscar shortlist

As expected Michael Haneke’s German entry The White Ribbon (pictured) and Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet from France have made it on to the Academy’s foregn language shortlist, although Bong Joon-ho’s widely admired South Korean film
White Ribbon, Hurt Locker among ASC nominees

The American Society Of Cinematographers (ASC) has announced its five feature nominees ahead of the 24th annual awards ceremony on February 27.
Wild Bunch brings new Largo Winch tale to Rendez-Vous

Wild Bunch is kicking off the year at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous with the addition of six new titles to its line-up.
Wild Bunch head to EFM with Rebecca H

Wild Bunch has picked up the next project from director Lodge Kerrigan, Rebecca H. The film is the New York-born director’s first since 2004’s Keane (pictured).
Winter's Bone

Dir. Debra Granik, US, 2009. 100 minutes.
Winter's Bone, Restrepo claim top jury prizes at Sundance

Debra Granik’s Winter’s Bone rounded off a triumphant day as it claimed the Sundance grand jury dramatic prize at the awards ceremony on Saturday night, hours after Roadside Attractions acquired North American rights.
Wolfe takes North American rights to Sundance premiere Undertow

Wolfe Releasing picks up Javier Fuentes-Leon’s Sundance audience award winner Undertow (Contracorriente).
World premiere of Kick-Ass to open SXSW

The world premiere of Lionsgate and Marv Films’ Kick-Ass will open South By Southwest (SXSW) on March 12.
Writers Guild to honour Barry Levinson with Laurel Award

Barry Levinson will receive the Writers Guild Of America, West’s (WGAW) 2010 lifetime achievement Laurel Award for Screen.
Yelchin scores royal appointment

Anton Yelchin, riding high on the global success of Star Trek, has been cast opposite Milla Jovovich in Seven Arts Pictures’ period thriller The Winter Queen.

Screen26 February 2010

Screen
26 February 2010