Film news from around the web…

June 15

Alibaba to launch Netflix-style video streaming service
Chinese e-commercegiant announces plans to launch an online video streaming site for more than 600 million families in China.
The Irish Times

Child abuse in the entertainment industry investigated
Australian authorities are looking into child abuse claims and state that the same names keep appearing as more victims come forward.
Sky News

New set construction workshop to be built in South Australia
New workshop has a budget of almost $1m.
ABC News Australia

June 11

Piracy concerns grow in Australia
Australian Parliament vote in favor of blocking law but fears remain.
Australian Financial Review

Benedict Cumberbatch to receive CBE
According to reports, the UK star is to receive honour from the Queen on Saturday.
New Zealand Herald News

Raging Bull producer dies aged 81
Robert Chartoff, Rocky producer, has died of cancer. Final film Creed in post-production.
Glasgow Evening Times

MERS fear impacts film business

MERS outbreak in Korea has caused a reported 25% drop in cinema attendance.

Korea Herald

June 10

Netflix subs in Western Europe to double by 2019
IHS estimates that Western Europe will account for 23% of Netflix subscriptions by 2019. 
Rapid TV News

Aruba plans film market
Fifth edition of Caribbean festival plans ‘international film market’ for October.
ETurbo News

Seoul festival to explore expat experiences
New Seoul festival for low-budget films to focus on the expatriate experience.
The Korea Herald 

 

April 10

Spike Lee in talks with Amazon.com for its first feature film

Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Piven are to star in the film titled Ch-iraq, comparing the murder rate of Chicago with Iraq.

Bloomsberg Business

AMC Theatres and Dolby Laboratories announce Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime

AMC expects up to 100 locations by December 2024.

Business Wire

Piracy forces cinemas to close in Zimbabwe

After the Zimbabwean dollar collapse in 2008, only five movie theatres currently exist for its population of 13 million.

Associated Press

New York-based Australian filmmakers launch crowdfunding campaign for sexual assault film

Carlo Velayo and Jessica Thompson hope to bring the issue to a big screen after a friend was assaulted.

Canberra Times

April 9

HBO Now launches with Apple on iOS devices

Customers get access to HBO programming and its movie catalogue from four US studios.

The Guardian

Animation studio wage-fixing lawsuit involving Pixar dismissed by federal judge

Federal and state laws require suits to be filed within four years of violation.

Cartoon Brew

Oklahoma filming rebate takes effect

State offers a 37 percent rebate to films that hire local crews and services.

Oklahoma News On 6

April 8

Alibaba proposes injection of assets into ailing movie arm

Hong Kong-based company might shut down online movie-ticketing and crowdfunding platforms.

The Wall Street Journal

Animal rights’ groups protest The Longest Ride

PETA led protests against the latest Nicholas Sparks romance, saying Hollywood shouldn’t romanticize rodeos.

International Business Times

NewFilmmakers LA and BritWeek to celebrate British film

The organisations will come together in appreciation of films directed by locals and internationals.

PR Web

April 7

ISPs to name illegal downloaders in Dallas Buyers Club case

Case could access the details of 4,700 after a decision by the Federal Court.

The Australian

Trailer Park Boys attempt to save Nova Scotia film tax credit

The comedians posted a video to Facebook addressing the government in hopes to preserve the industry.

The Canadian Press

Star Wars saga to get digital HD re-release

Films available in April on platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.

USA Today

April 2

Potential removal of film tax credit in Nova Scotia budget

The 2015 provincial budget will be unveiled next week, putting industry jobs at risk.

Global News

Robin Williams trust bans the use of his image until 2039

The actor handed his rights to the Windfall Foundation, which means there can be no unauthorzed use for 25 years.

Yahoo! Movies

Pakistan film industry director claims recession is almost over

Syed Noor said the industry is using the latest technology and casting young blood to boost the quality of Pakistani movies.

Aaj News

April 1

First images of Ari Folman’s animated Anne Frank production released

Waltz with Bashir director has taken on another wartime film.

The Guardian

Massachusetts statehouse packed with film tax credit supporters

Supporters crowded a hearing arguing against the Governor’s proposal to axe the tax break.

Associated Press

Screen Australia names Lisa Duff investment development manager, documentaries

The producer succeeds Mary-Ellen Mullane.

Inside Film

March 31

Scottish government urged to build studio

A report by the tourism committee recommended the government “provide direction” for the film industry.

Herald Scotland

LGBT film Un-freedom denied rating in India

Florida director’s debut film was denied certification, then certified A with cuts.

Press Trust of India

March 30

Film-friendly charter signed in Hertfordshire

The charter, which launched with Creative England, was signed by ten district councils.

Hertfordshire Mercury

March 27

Downton Abbeyseries to end, feature film is possibility

Executive producer Gareth Neame confirmed that he would be “very interested” in making a film based on the Crawley family.

Daily Mail

Australian copyright holders get court orders, force ISPs to block pirate sites

Communications minister Malcolm Turnbull introduces copyright bill.

iT Wire

Star Wars sets in Tunisia facing potential threats from ISIS

Tourists and fans of the action films are being warned against visiting various sets.

International Business Times

March 26

.film to provide new online home for film industry

The newly created domain will afford industry specific and authoritative online namespace.

CircleID

Lawsuit dropped for Seth MacFarlane’s Ted

Bengal Mangle Productions drops case over the talking teddy bear.

The Guardian

Steven Spielberg to direct Ready Player One

The Oscar-winner will direct the science fiction film based on the novel by Ernest Cline.

Jewish Business News

March 25

Mortdecai gets PG-13 version for VOD

Lionsgate will offer caper in the original R-rated version as well as an editied version.

Forbes

Israeli director to tour Ireland with exposé of the Israeli arms industry

Yotam Feldman will screen his award-winning film The Lab in five cities around Ireland.

Palestine News Network

Bulgarian President says its possible to triple investments and jobs in film

“Nothing is a given and we must fight for each investment, especially in industries such as film…” president Plevneliev said.

The Sofia Globe

March 24

DreamWorks Animation predicted to face new loss

Wall Street analysts express concern that Home, the company’s only release this year, will lose money.

Bloomberg Business

New Zealand’s Vista Group International acquires leading software company

The cinema software and analytics company has picked up Ticketsoft.

Business Wire

Sony closes deal, brings Beautiful: The Carole King Musical to the big screen

Tom Hanks will produce the musical, which has achieved breakout success on Broadway.

New York Times

March 23

Cinderella director makes requests for Belfast Festival funds

Sir Kenneth Branagh said that he is worried about how funding cuts will impact organizations for film in Ireland.

Belfast Telegraph

B.C. film industry boosts to new levels

The Canadian film industry has bounced back without further government tax credits.

The Canadian Press

Australian Netflix catalogue leaked a day before launch

Netflix formally announced its pricing, with the cheapest to cost $8.99, while the online catalogue was leaked to Reddit.

Sydney Morning Herald

March 20

Film industry boosts security business for Northern Ireland

Select Management and Security Ltd has recently worked on shows for BBC and HBO.

Belfast Telegraph

Joseph Gordon-Levitt to star and produce live Fraggle Rock film

Jim Henson’s musical puppet series will make its way to the big screen after nearly a decade in the works.

Yahoo! Movies UK

Harrison Ford to narrate aviation documentary

National Geographic Studios announced the actor will lend his voice to Living in the Age of Airplanes, documenting the history of aviation.

The State

March 19

Edinburgh Film Festival may have to “drop down a division”

Festival director Fergus Linehan questions quality in the last year of a funding deal with Edinburgh City Council worth $3.4m (£2.3m).

Herald Scotland

Malta-China drawing up film agreement

Tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis announced a cooperation agreement between Malta and China with filming of Sonata Malta.

Times of Malta

Select Georgia film studios form alliance

Five film and TV studios have formed an association called The Georgia Studio and Infrastructure Alliance.

Atlanta Business Chronicle

March 18

British Film Institute onboard for London Paramount at Swanscombe

The BFI joins the team as “cultural advisor” for the entertainment resort.

Kent Online

China’s new 3D feature film models Pixar, but cheaper

Web entrepreneur Gary Wang’s Door Guardians is scheduled for release in 2016.

The Wall Street Journal China

Florida film industry trails behind others

Florida tax incentives lacking, producers heading to states such as Georgia and Louisiana.

Fox 13 Tampa Bay

March 17

The Crow remake to shoot at Pinewood Studios Cardiff

The first minister of Wales announced that the 90s classic will be the first multi-million pound film made at the facilities in Cardiff.

BBC News

Alexandre Desplat to score Stars Wars spin-off Rogue One

The Oscar-winning composer will reteam with director Gareth Edwards.

The Guardian

Bollywood A-listers voice reservations with censor board

Issues sparked after the Central Board of Film Certification banned a list of 28 objectionable words.

Live Mint

Homecoming stars Drake, but doesn’t have his approval

The rapper is battling with producers over the documentary that tells his story, labeling it “unauthorized.”

LA Times

March 13

James Bond request to film in Welsh Assembly rejected

Welsh politicians denied Spectre producers access to film in the main chamber of the National Assembly in Cardiff.

Business Standard

Nigerian government boosts film industry with $2.5m (N500m)

President Goodluck Jonathan looks to boast the industry toward self-employment, focusing on the North-east region.

The Guardian Nigeria

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to restructure licensing bids

The corporation announced it will not renew licenses for filmmakers who have been inactive for the past five years.

Malay Mail Online

March 12

Profits for Cineworld double in 2014

Cineworld’s pre-tax profits rose from $46.3m (£30.9m) in 2013 to $100.8m (£67.3m) in just a year.

The Telegraph

House of Representatives vote to end film incentives in Michigan

The $50m (£33.3m) annual incentives end in a 58-51 vote, effective October 1.

Detroit Free Press

230 actors unlikely to be paid after Sydney extras agency goes broke

Agency reportedly owes more than $140,000 (£93,000) to extras featured in films including Unbroken.

Performing Arts Hub

March 11

Herts County Council to sign film friendly charter with Creative England

The charter is expected to bring further investments into the already well-known destination for film crews.

Hemel Today

CNN will premiere five documentary films in 2016

Each of the films is co-produced with CNN Films and will debut in theatres before their CNN/US release.

CNN

HBO to recreate “Battle of the Sexes” tennis film

The film will star Paul Giamatti as Bobby Riggs and Elizabeth Banks as Billie Jean King.

New York Post

March 10

Emma Watson addresses “big issue” in film industry

The actress spoke about gender inequality in the film industry in a Facebook Q&A for International Women’s Day.

RTE Ten

India to make filming easier

Producers addressed the Minister of the State on the difficulty of filming.

dna

Chinese government pulls pollution documentary offline

After drawing millions of views, Under the Dome has been removed from video sites.

The Guardian

Australian director draws inspiration for film from race riots

Abe Forsythe is working on a black comedy about the 2005 Cronulla race riot.

Sydney Morning Herald

March 6

India blocks Fifty Shades from cinemas

The country joins Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kenya in censoring the erotic film.

Reuters UK

Sharknado 3 production crew on strike for third straight day

Forty employees refused to work, seeking a contract with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

International Business Times

Screen Australia financial statements show related party transactions

Reporter finds five pages of transactions while researching Australian film industry potential.

Sydney Morning Herald

March 5

Hobbit effects company Weta partners with Epic Games on Virtual Reality

“The Smaug demo, for example, isn’t a game and it isn’t a film. It’s an ‘experience,” said Alasdair Coull, head of research and development at Weta.

Engadget

Los Angeles Mayor requires city officials to support film industry

Mayor Garcetti announced steps toward making LA more film-friendly.

Los Angeles Times

Netflix partners with Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company

The multi-year deal will develop “fact-based projects,” all with DiCaprio as producer or executive producer.

USA Today

March 4

Film London brings US animation executives to capital

The film and media agency hosted five executives.

Animation Magazine

Bona announces second film investment fund

Chinese outfit announces fund of $271m (£178m) to finance the development and production of film and TV projects.

Globe Newswire

Arizona looks into legislature offering film production incentives

Production companies in Arizona have lost business to states like New Mexico due to lack of incentives.

KRQE News

March 3

International online film festival heads to Buenos Aires

The web-based works, designed for consumption on any device, will compete for awards such as best screenplay and best director. 

Rapid TV News

China has record-breaking box office revenue in February, beats US

Sales hit an all time high last month with $650m, surpassing both the United States and the Chinese monthly record.

The Guardian

Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker proposes end to film industry tax credit

Baker’s budget will mean state must cut out film tax credit.

Boston Globe

February 27

Louisiana film industry in danger of losing tax credits

“Let’s face it, if we lose the tax credits…there is no film industry,” Millenium Studios president says.

KTLA

Alibaba CEO suggests blueprint for Chinese film industry

Jack Ma wants Alibaba at the forefront of film, and sees cultural and commercial opportunities.

Chengdu Economic Daily

Dublin Film Festival reveals Irish films

The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF) lineup showcases Irish features and documentaries including Gerard Barrett’s Glassland.

IrishFilmBoard.ie

19 February

Film producer Daggubati Ramanaidu dies at 78

Veteran movie mogul produced over 100 films in all official languages of India.

International Business Times ­­– India Edition

Wilmington film industry leaders to make announcement regarding local film industry

Local film industry has seen a decline in interested productions in the first few weeks of the year.

Star News Online

Michael Douglas set to be honoured with George Eastman Award

American actor will be awarded the prize in New York on 14 May.

Contactmusic.com

First Texas South Asian Film Festival to launch in February

Festival will feature the stories of South Asians living in America, India, Nepal, Australia and Singapore.

Business Standard

18 February

Hollywood film industry moves to Nevada

“In the last two years, we’ve seen the number of film permits issued steadily increase,” Eric Preiss said.

KTNV

Daily Show producer launches documentary on Dr Bassem Youssef

Sara Takslerannounced she had clandestinely directed a documentary about the “Egyptian Jon Stewart.”

ArabianBusiness.com

Georgia to host second EU Film Festival

24 films from EU member states will be presented from February 20 to March 1.

Agenda.ge

Ocean Film Festival Australia to launch in March

Festival features seven ocean-themed short films, five Australian cinematic premieres and two world premieres.

Echo Net Daily

17 February

Scottish Government attacked over failure to build film studio in Lanarkshire

Government said it was unable to pursue a new-build studio in Glasgow or anywhere else.

The Herald Scotland

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticizes American Sniper

Supreme leader said the film encouraged violence against Muslims.

Star Tribune

JJ Abrams wants an early release date for Star Wars

Disney is “seriously” considering his demand of a summer release.

International Business Times

Syrian collective presents film about act of filming during times of war

Scenes include disillusioned revolutionaries and women challenging traditional societal roles.

The Daily Princetonian

16 February

Japanese director Isao Yukisada preps work in China

“The time has finally come for Japanese to go beyond borders to make movies,” he said.

The Asahi Shimbun

Zhang Yimou’s next feature adds Willem Dafoe to its cast

Film is expected to be the largest production ever shot entirely in China.

PANarmenian.net

Australian TV production industry to develop TV spinoff of Wolf Creek

The project would be a collaboration between film’s writer and director Greg McLean and the team behind the Underbelly series.

Pedestrian

13 February

Michigan film incentives to be reduced by $12 million

Legislators have approved first round of budget cuts.

The Daily Press

Controversial film MSG – The Messenger released in several states across India

Several demonstrations were held by students and workers to protest against the release.

The Tribune

Liverpool film industry urged to bid for new funding

New £8m investment will enable Creative England to support businesses outside of London.

The Liverpool Echo

South-Korean film industry task force protests over authorities’ attempt to oust executive director of BIFF

“The authorities should stop all attempts to damage the freedom of expression,” says task force.

Yonhap News

12 February

Buffalo Mayor Brown to enhance city’s post-production facilities

“This is just another step of building the economy in Buffalo,” he said.

WBFO

North Shore sees record-breaking film activity

City and District of North Vancouver issued 77 film permits for feature films, TV shows, commercials, documentaries and music videos in 2014.

North Shore News

Sigourney Weaver implies possibility of making new Alien film

Actress spoke about a possibility of making new feature with director Neil Blomkamp.

Zee News

Federation of Western India Cine Employees calls off strike

Indefinite strike was due to a conflict between the recognised labour unions in Bollywood and their rival group, FWICE.

IBN Live

11 February

Film industry value declining in Australia due to increase in online consumption of film content

Film and television sector contributed $5.8 billion to Australian GDP in 2012-13, which represents a decline of 12.4 per cent from 2009-10.

The Brisbane Times

Alaska Governor to dismantle state’s film and television subsidy program

Gov. Bill Walker wants to eliminate the Alaska Film Office to save $346,700 on three positions and another $20m annually in tax credits, according to budget documents.

Alaska Dispatch News

Auckland Council to boost film-making in west Auckland

“AFS has engaged an LA-based studio consultancy to provide recommendations for the current studio site and alternatives.

Stuff.co.nz

Kamal Haasan likely to play in remake of Hindi blockbuster PK

Actor-filmmaker is rumoured to play the lead in upcoming untitled remake produced by Gemini Film Circuit.

The Times of India

10 February

Director and producer Shirley Frimpong-Manso bemoans the lack of money in Ghana’s movie industry

“For most Ghanaians, [watching a movie] at the cinema is not an option; it’s a luxury that many simply cannot afford,” Sparrow Production director says.

Ghana Web

Romania to launch Transilvania Film Fund to attract international co-productions

The fund will have a budget of up to $113,000.

KFTV

Indonesian filmmakers vowing to sue Tourism Ministry

Bureaucrats are sent to film festivals instead of filmmakers at government expense.

The Jakarta Post

9 February

NYU recovers 1919 silent film starring Harry Houdini

71-minute feature film is expected to make comeback during the 2015 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.

NYU News

Ode to my Fathertakes number two spot on list of most-watched Korean films

Film was selected to be screened in the Panorama section of the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival.

The Korea Times

Amy Winehouse documentary due for release later this year

Trailer has been screened at a pre-Grammy event in America.

The Irish Examiner

6 February

Paris sharply restricts filming of action movies

“There’s a problem with these action-type scenes, as the actors in uniform could be targets for terrorists,” police official Sylvie Barnaud says.

Yahoo News

Texas film incentives possibly slashed from budget

Senate’s rough draft budget gives less than $10 million for film incentives, almost a 90 percent cut.

Kxan

Baz Luhrmann moves into television

Australian director is producing a television series for the streaming service Netflix.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Sohonet signs deal with IBM allowing its customers to use cloud-based services for film rendering

Deal provides them with access to resources such as those involved in post-production.

Business-cloud.com

5 February

Dutch and German film industries sign a co-production treaty

Treaty will see to the creation of a cross-border development fund, the Children Film Co-Development Fund.

KFTV

Kodak signs new film supply agreements with all six major Hollywood studios

New deal enables company to remain premier supplier of camera negative, intermediate stock for post production, and archival and print film.

Indian Television

Republican Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway wants to end incentives given to the Michigan film industry

“I don’t see where the money we’re putting into film incentives is creating a sustainable industry.” state representative says.

Livingston Daily

No plans for Iron Man 4

“There isn’t one in the pipe,” actor Robert Downey Jr says.

JBG News

4 February

Iraq’s ministry of culture removes American Sniper from exhibition

Filmgoers and government officials complained that the film “insults” Iraqis.

The Guardian

Condé Nast Entertainment debut feature to start production

“I said from day one that we are not a magazine company anymore, we are a media company,” CEO Joe Ripp says.

The New York Post

New South Wales government to invest in short films

Three production teams will be allocated a budget of $4,000.

The Northern Star

3 February

Chinese YOU On Demand acquires rights to film titles from Twentieth Century Fox

Digital video provider will bring—among others—A-Team, Black Swan, Master And Commander and Unstoppable to China.

Rapid TV News

Ang Lee to adapt satirical novel about the Iraq war

Film will explore the gaping national disconnect between the war at home and the war abroad.

Ecns.com

US AMC Networks acquires Czech and Slovak film channel

US cablenet operator takes over the channel from IKO with immediate effect.

C21 Media

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit brought by author against Gravity

Author Tess Gerritsen claims film rights were sold to company Katja, U.S. District Judge says Gerritsen cannot prove it.

Claremont-La Verne

2 February

Agreement between China and South Korea to pave the way for the entry of more Korean films into China

Any film projects co-produced by the two countries will be considered as local films.

China Topix

Tehran-backed Muhammad biopic to be released

Iran’s most expensive film to date is set to premiere at next Iran’s Fajr international film festival.

The News

Pirate Bay back online

File-sharing site originally taken down is functioning normally after going down for several hours this morning.

International Business Times

RelTime launches its portal to recruit aspirants for performing arts

Platform largely targets the Bengal film industry.

The Hindu Business Line

30 January

France might tax Google, Amazon and Netflix to subsidise film and television sector

“It’s an urgent issue” says Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin.

TheLocal.Fr

Andrei Zvyagintsev wants Russians to watch Leviathan illegally

Film has been subject to cuts in Russia.

The Guardian

Liverpool Lift-Off Film Festival to return in March

Festival will be dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists.

Liverpool Echo

Anindya Chatterjee to complete Charlie Hebdo protest march documentary

Bengali filmmaker’s Extremism Denied is to be ready in three months.

Times of India

29 January

Nigeria’s film industry trumps Hollywood in terms of films produced

Nollywood released over 2,000 films in 2013, it now contributes about 1.4% to the country’s GDP.

AFK Insider

Robert Downey Jr to produce feature based on Robert Shaw’s speech in Jaws

The film will revolve around attacks by sharks on character Quint’s fellow crew, Tate Taylor will direct.

The Telegraph

Eventide Visuals, Inc launches Kickstarter campaign for Fight for Spacedocumentary

The film will explore the economic and cultural benefits of human space exploration, Eventide Visuals is seeking to raise $80,000.

Spaceflight Insider

28 January

Film Edinburgh reports 6% increase in shooting

361 projects were filmed in Edinburgh, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders last year.

BBC

Director and producer to work with Grand Forks to prop up North Dakota’s film industry

Matt Fern and Jim Kambeitz team up with Marie Strinden to offer incentives to North Dakota home-grown production companies.

The Grand Forks Herald

Fox Animation to adapt Mr Men and Little Miss feature

Shawn Levy will produce, no director has been announced yet.

The Belfast Telegraph

27 January

Entertainment One put ahead thanks to Peppa Pig’s entry into new markets

Entertainment One’s TV business grew 36.8 per cent last year.

City A.M.

New president of Korea Creative Content Agency to cultivate “big killer Korean content”

KOCCA has a budget of 211.1 billion won, according to executive.

The Korea Times

Kung-Fu Panda 3 to be co-produced with a Chinese company

New status will allow DreamWorks Animation to have a bigger share in China’s film market.

Yibada

Atlanta’s 15th Annual Jewish Film Festival to start this week

Festival to address Paris terrorist attacks.

Jewish Business News

26 January

Tax rebate for film production companies eliminated in North Carolina

Tax rebate is now replaced with a $10 million grant programme.

The Daily Tarheel

Canadian Government unveils $1.2m in funding to build film industry

Government aims to improve export and local investment opportunities.

Rapid TV News

Alfred Hitchcock holocaust documentary set to be released this year

German Concentration Camps Factual Survey to get general release.

The Telegraph

23 January

Nigeria creates new fund to tackle piracy in the audiovisual industries

$12m fund will help boost the number and quality of distribution options.

Rapid TV News

Film Baby will not be showing in Pakistan

Censor boards claimed thriller portrayed a bad image of Muslims.

The Huffington Post India

Scorsese Bill Clinton biopic indefinitely shelved

Project is put aside due to disagreements about control.

The New York Times

22 January

Ken Loach to be awarded honorary doctorate by Liverpool Hope University

Film-maker will be made a Doctor of Humane Letters thanks to his long association with the city.

ITV

Simon Pegg to co-write Star Trek 3

English actor will be working on the script alongside Doug Jung.

Headlines and Global News

Whiplash set to release in India

Film starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons will be released ahead of the Oscars.

IBN Live

Oakland unveils Children’s Film Festival programme

Festival will be held at the Chabot Space and Science Center.

Contra Costa Rica Times

21 January

Fifth Beijing International Film Festival scheduled to run in April

French director Luc Besson will preside over the international jury.

Ecns

Power Rangers reboot to be filmed in 2015

“The movie is definitely set for this year,” actor Jason David said.

The Indian Express

Milwaukee Film Festival reveals dates for its seventh annual festival

The festival will take place from September 24 to October 8.

Journal Sentinel

20 January

New chairman of Creative Scotland talks first film studio in Scotland

“We can do more for ourselves in Scotland,” says Richard Findlay.

Edinburgh News

Massive round of staff layoffs at DreamWorks Animation

Hundreds of animators, story-board artists and other production personnel are to be fired due to poor box office performances.

The Guardian

Costa Rican government to create film law that would attract foreign shoots

The new film law will include production and distribution incentives.

The Costa Rican Times

Ryan Reynolds to star in upcoming Deadpool film

American actor will begin filming Fox’s fantasy-sci-fi in Vancouver in March.

Examiner

19 January

New Steve Jobs biopic begins production

New Steve Jobs film has finally begun production.

Stuff

Hugh Jackman set to star in upcoming Eddie Edwards biopic

American actor will play ski expert Chuck Berghorn, Dexter Fletcher will direct.

PANarmenian

Brenton Thwaite reveals hints about Pirates of the Caribbean 5

American actor said pre-production was supposed to begin in a month.

Master Herald

16 January

UniFrance reveals My French Film Festival programme

Online festival will be presided by Michel Gondry and will show 10 feature films and ten shorts.

PanARMENIAN

Chiyaan Vikram’s film “I” recognized as most important ever Tamil-language release in US and India

Aascar Film is selling the Indian feature in over 200 theatres in the US, while the opening is on a record 6,500 screens in India.

Business Standard

Indian censor Leela Samson quits after appeals board approved the film Messenger of God

Guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s feature is said to be unsuitable for the public and based on superstition.

BBC News

Myanmar authorities launch video shop crackdown of The Interview

According to Irrawaddy Newspaper, North Korea charged Myanmar officials to confiscate pirated copies of American comedy.

VICE News

15 January

Irish Film Board unveils three new projects

Tale of love and music in the Dublin inner-city of the 1980s among trio.

Irish Times

Mardi Gras film festival announces line-up

LGBT festival will feature films from Australia, Philippines, Kenya and Sri Lanka.

Star Observer

Avatar sequel delayed to 2017

American director James Cameron claimed working on three Avatar films simultaneously was too complex.

Decan Chronicle

14 January

David Fincher to direct remake of Hitchcock’s Strangers On A Train

The film, written by Gillian Flynn, will star Ben Affleck, who will also produce.

The Seattle Times

Directors gather in New Zealand to help film industry

Group involving Jane Campion, James Cameron and Peter Jackson met with Economic Development Minister to give New Zealand’s film industry a boost.

TVNZ

Tupac biopic set to start production

Production will start in June 2015, Randall Emett will produce.

All Hip Hop

Film production dropped in Los Angeles last year

TV filming increased 12.2 percent, while feature film production dropped 3.2 percent.

Los Angeles Daily News

13 January

Leviathan still waiting for official release in Russia

First Russian film to win a Golden Globe is still held back across Russia under pretext of law banning swearing.

Tengri News

Scottish film-makers are struggling to get work, experts say

Holyrood committee denounces lack of finance, industry support and facilities.

The Scotsman

Africa’s film industry has increased dramatically over the past few years

Industry has become second largest employer after agriculture in Nigeria, employs more than 35,000 people in South Africa alone.

AFK Insider

Mendip Hills wants to convince big film producers to shoot in the county

Broadchurch and Wolf Hall examples of tourists flocking to destinations seen on screen.

Western Daily Press

12 January

Samuel Goldwyn Jr dies at 88

TAmerican producer died on Friday night.

The Guardian

Henry Cavill denies rumours of Batman vs. Superman two-parts release

Superman actor claimed next DC Comics film would be released in one part—as intended.

Consequence of Sound

Captain America 3 to shoot in April

Actor Anthony Mackie unveiled details about Marvel Studios’ 2016 feature, adding that the film would shoot in Atlanta, Berlin and Puerto Rico.

Den of Geek

UAE operator Etisalat signs deal with creative development agency twofour54

About 40 locally created films are now available through a video on demand platform.

Telecompaper

9 January

Plans for Scotland’s Pentland Studios unveiled

Construction is expected by October 2015, first film is to be shot by 2017.

The Herald Scotland

Galway film industry generated €70m this year

Recent UNESCO City of Film status boosted Irish city.

Luxury

Overall ticket sales down nine-percent in Quebec

Xavier Dolan’s Mommy saves Quebec box-office, but ticket sales went from $191.4m in 2013 to $171.8m last year.

Montreal Gazette

8 January

Sony hackers leave a trail leading back to North Korea

FBI director identifies messages associated to North Korean IP addresses.

Yahoo Finance

John Travolta to return to TV as OJ Simpson’s lawyer

The 10-part FX miniseries will mark American actor’s first series role in 40 years.

The New York Post

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar will play himself in British film

Shooting has taken place over last year says producer.

Cricket.com.au

Screen Queensland supports documentary based on anti-Coal Seam Gas activist Dayne Pratzky

Film due to be released next month after gaining government funding.

The Courier Mail

7 January

Free screening of Selma in Alabama

City of Selma decided to show the eponymous drama to its residents for free.

The Guardian

New trailer for Ant Man

Marketing campaign gets started, opening expected by July, 2015.

Forbes

Channing Tatum to star in 2016 X-Men film

American actor is to play Gambit in the third X-Men film of 2016.

USA Today

NextGen Entertainment to shoot new adventure film in Nepal

Gurajati production house expresses wish to shoot more Bollywood films outside of India.

Times of India

6 January

UK student attempts to pirate Gravity in 3D

A Birmingham student tried to make a copy of Gravity with a 3D camera.

The Birmingham Mail

The Interview set for Australia release

Film set for a “solid multiplex release” from February 12.

The Herald Sun

Indian director and producer couple under arrest

Actor claims couple did not share rights to film he funded.

Times of India

5 January

Irish government to increase film production tax breaks

Arts minister Heather Humphreys says decision will make Ireland “a first choice destination for international filmmakers”.

Tax News

Pedro Almodóvar reveals new elements about next film Silencio

Director’s next feature will be “a return to the cinema of women”.

The Guardian

Pride US DVD cover removes gay and lesbian references

Banner stating “lesbians and gays support the minors” erased.

The Daily Mail

19 December

FG, Nollywood Sign MoU for N0.7bn Film Production Fund

Nigeria’s government backs Nigerian film industry.

This Day Live

Steve Carell film based in North Korea cancelled over Sony hack, threats

Gore Verbinski film was in development, reportedly dropped by Fox

UPI

Interstellar director Christopher Nolan defends himself against ‘mumbling’ complaints

“People should never try to imply that I don’t know what I am doing,” he said.

The Independent

Texas cinema to show Team America: World Police in place of The Interview

The Alamo Drafthouse will show the film on 27 December.

The Telegraph

18 December

Bangladeshi film industry seeks India’s support

Official says India’s expertise is needed to digitise the filmmaking process in Bangladesh.

IBN Live

Danny Boyle and Ray Winstone back campaign to save the Foyle Film Festival

Stars add support to campaign against NI film cuts.

Belfast Telegraph

Culture Minister: No funding for artists who oppose the Kremlin

Russian minister Vladimir Medinsky: Funding films critical of Kremlin is “state masochism.”

Moscow Times

Film director Ben Pickering and three others to be sentenced for £5m mortgage fraud

Prosecutor Carl Harrison says director Pickering was “at the heart” of the conspiracy.

Wales Online

17 December

Channel 4 and film production company ordered to give Ryanair documents

Blakeway Productions and Channel 4 face defamation charges for critical documentary.

Irish Times

Sony Pictures CEO consulted US State Department on film, leaked emails show

Michael Lynton told Daniel Russel that he was “concerned for the safety of Americans” in June.

Economic Times

Russia Opens Discussions on China-Style Hollywood Film Cap

Russian culture minister Vladimir Medinsky submits to pressure to discuss possible cap.

Newsweek

16 December

Jameson will no longer sponsor Dublin International Film Festival

The 13-year sponsorship deal ends in 2015.

Irish Independent

Renowned Egyptian director Nader Galal dies at 73

Galal, born in 1941, directed more than 50 films.

Ahram Online

Om Puri to be honoured at International Film Festival

65-year-old will receive the lifetime achievement award at the International Film Festival of Prayag.

Business Recorder

Daniel Craig films new James Bond scenes in London

Shooting begins on the Thames less than two weeks after new Bond announcement.

The Telegraph

15 December

China Star shuns gaming, bets on film production

The Hong Kong firm had previously set aside HKD134.3 million ($17.3m) for gaming investments.

GGR Asia

Paul Greengrass: Hollywood director criticises Northern Ireland budget cuts

“We must protect what has been built,” he said.

BBC News

Sex abuse campaign film launches crowd-fund bid

Profits from Gaslighting, starring Stephen Graham, will help victims of abuse.

Thanet Gazette

Bengali film industry losing viewers, says report

54% of viewers in Kolkata have not seen a Bengali film at the cinema in the last year.

Livemint

12 December

Orange Wednesdays To End In 2015

EE’s 2-for-1 Wednesday ticket offer will end after a 12-year run.

Yahoo Movies

Hackers ‘may attack other film studios after leak of Sony Pictures’ data’

Cyber security experts warn that other studios could be subject to extortion.

The Guardian

Inaction on internet piracy threatened film funding, says Village Roadshow chief

Graham Burke says Australian government’s action was crucial to securing finance.

Sydney Morning Herald

Bond movie Spectre budget soars over $300 Million

Sony hack reveals concerns about Spectre budget, $50m more than Skyfall.

Slashfilm

11 December

American Film Institute appoints new director for AFI Docs

Michael Lumpkin will charge of the documentary festival on 1 January.

Washington Post

007 follows Tom Cruise to Austria

Shooting for Spectre begins in mid-January.

KFTV

Sony Corporation strikes back

Hacked company uses Amazon servers to attack torrent sites

International Business Times

Rogen ‘objected to Jong-un film cut’

Writer, director and actor was asked to tone down the film for North Korean audiences.

BBC News

10 December

Cuts could mean end for NI film bodies

Northern Ireland Screen say their budget could be halved.

UTV

mm2 Asia is first Singapore film production company to be listed on SGX

The company raised S$5.7m (£2.77m) during its IPO on 9 December.

Channel News Asia

Tim Burton couples Florida with UK for next film

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will now be partly shot in Tampa Bay.

KFTV

Sarandon, Bates sign on with Xavier Dolan

The pair join Jessica Chastain and Kit Harington on Dolan’s English-language debut.

Montreal Gazette

9 December

Peter Jackson receives Hollywood Star

The Hobbit director was joined by cast members from his six Middle Earth films outside the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

New Zealand Herald

George Lucas hasn’t seen The Force Awakens trailer

Speaking about one of the most-viewed teasers ever, Lucas said: “It’s not in the movie theater. I like going to the movies and watching the whole thing there.”

The Telegraph

Game of Thrones star Jason momoa to play Aquaman in four DC films

The Khal Drogo actor will follow up 2016’s Batman v Superman with a further three films, the first of which is slated for a 2018 release.

The Independent

8 December

Spanish cinema on track for record year

Spanish-made films have had their most successful year in a decade, with almost twice as many Spanish people watching home-grown films as in 2013

Xinhuanet

It the Clown remake: True Detective’s Cary Fukunaga to reboot Stephen King’s novel

Two-part movie will begin filming in summer 2015.

The Independent

Bond villain Mr White to return?

Jesper Christensen is rumoured to be involved in the new 007 film

Belfast Telegraph

4 December

Warner Bros. Suicide Squad features star-studded cast

Will Smith, Tom Hardy and Jared Leto lead cast for DC’s upcoming film to be released August 2016.

BBC News

Wicked musical rumoured for release

Wizard of Oz prequel could be out by 2016 with potential stars Lea Michele and Harry Styles.

Telegraph  

L.A. looks to stop runaway film production

LA City Council discusses extension of a five-year fee waiver for film productions shot on city property.

Los Angeles Register

27 November

Coen Brothers latest film boosts LA production

Production for movies filmed on location in LA decline in seven of last eight weeks, down double-digit percent.

LA Times

Star Wars and Avengers lift Pinewood

Europe’s biggest stage and studio space reported a £160,000 rise in half-year profits to £1.76m.

BBC News

Johnny Depp unruffled by flops

Pirates of the Caribbean star hasn’t enjoyed recent success, doesn’t ‘give a f***.’

Belfast Telegraph

26 November

Suspects arrested in Expendables 3 leak

Anti-piracy police arrest two men on suspicion of leaking action film in the UK.

BBC News

UAE “ticket tax” ruffling industry feathers

Idea proposes a cinema “ticket tax” to help fund local film production.

The National

Is that Hugh Jackman…?

Jackman terrifyingly good in new Panteaser-trailer.

USA TODAY

25 November

Limerick set for new film production base

Plans for multi-million euro film production hub in motion with local councils.

Irish Times

Bond to shoot in Rome next year

Car chase and parachute scenes to be shot in Italy’s capital.

Daily Mail

Matthew McConaughey to star in Stephen King adaptation

Oscar-winner tipped for villainous role in The Stand, a four-film Hollywood franchise based on the 1978 novel.

The Guardian

20 November

Thai cinema chain pulls new Hunger Games movie

Series’ three-fingered salute adopted by pro-democracy campaigners in Thailand.

TIME

Tinker Tailor screenwriter to adapt The Goldfinch

Donna Tartt’s bestselling, Pulitzer-winning novel about grief, love and art theft takes step towards the big screen.

The Guardian

Angelina Jolie plans to retire from acting

Hollywood star plans to focus on directing.

Yahoo! News

19 November

France sees decline in production

Film production is down by over 8% and funding has dropped by 22.7%.

KFTV

Animators face film technology ‘challenge’

Experts say the advent of 4K and high frame rate films presents a “huge challenge” for computer-based animation.

BBC News

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 delayed in China

With international titles outperforming domestic films, China delays release until 2015.

The Guardian

18 November

James McAvoy wins Scottish Bafta film award

McAvoy beats Peter Mullan and Jack O’Connell to win Actor Film award at Scotland’s annual ceremony.

BBC News

Laurel and Hardy biopic gets director

Director Jon S Baird to make film focusing on Stan and Ollie’s farewell tour of the UK.

The Guardian

Interstellar unlimited

AMC Theatres offers unlimited passes to see Christopher Nolan’s space epic.

Washington Post

13 November

Chinese movie being shot in LA

Hollywood Adventures is the largest Chinese-language film to shoot LA with $30 million budget.

LA Times

Aaron Sorkin to adapt illegal, high-stakes poker memoir

Oscar-winner tells underground poker story featuring Ben Affleck, Leo DiCaprio and millions of dollars.

BBC News

Bath Film Festival gives F rating for films

Reese Witherspoon’s Wild among 17 films given an F rating for strong female leads, directors or screenwriters.

The Guardian

12 November

Harry Potter fans want to create definitive fan film with £40,000

Manchester student to direct new fan film based on JK Rowling’s books.

Telegraph

Quentin Tarantino announces retirement plan

“I don’t believe you should stay on stage until people are begging you to get off,” says 51-year old award-winning director.

Belfast Telegraph 

Icelandic film industry booming

Due to more projects being filmed in Iceland, industry brings in ISK 7 billion ($56 million).

Iceland Review

11 November

Toy Story 4 set for release

John Lasseter to direct fourth instalment, releasing in 2017.

The Guardian

Bollywood ban on female makeup artists declared unlawful

India’s Supreme Court says rule enforced by film industry union for almost 60 years is illegal.

Hindustan Times

Production company sues screenwriter

$5 million suit over upcoming Jake Gyllenhaal film.

My News LA

6 November

Scottish film industry in crisis talks

Leading producers hold crisis talks with national arts funding body Creative Scotland.

The Scotsman

George Lucas’ new Chicago museum

‘Looks like palace for Jabba the Hutt.’

The Guardian

China to produce more sci-fi films

Critic says one film invested over $16 million.

Yibada

5 November

Warner Bros to cut 1,000 jobs

Major cost-cutting initiative for Hollywood’s largest film, television studio, an 8,000-person global workforce.

The Wall Street Journal

Michael Fassbender negotiating to play Steve Jobs

German-Irish actor the third to be tipped to star in Danny Boyle’s biopic of Apple founder.

Seattle Times

50 greatest film quotes of all time?

The Radio Times launches poll to find the best line delivered in film.

Telegraph

4 November

Disney petitioned to create princess with Down’s syndrome

Campaign with close to 60,000 signatures asks studio to diversify its animated cast.

The Guardian 

Benedict Cumberbatch and Timothy Spall up for best actor

The Imitation Game and Mr. Turner stars go head-to-head at British Independent Film Awards.

BBC News 

Eric Bana returns to comedy roots

Australian actor to star alongside writer/director Ricky Gervais in new satire remake.

Sydney Morning Herald

30 October

Marvel announces 11 new release dates

The films will span form 2015-2019, including Chadwick Boseman as first black superhero.

International Business Times 

Happy New Yearbreaks Bollywood record

Diwali-released extravaganza has best Indian opening weekend of all time, estimated $17.8m.

The Guardian 

Orson Welles’ final film to be released

Royal Road Entertainment buys rights to The Other Side of the Wind, set to unveil ahead of Welles’ May 6 birthday.

USA TODAY

28 October

Timothy Spall reflects on career, criticizes today’s actors

“Maybe these days you simply need to be posh to be an actor. If that’s the case, it’s a bloody shame.”

The Guardian 

Hamlet re-imagination stirs rage in India

Haider angers Hindu nationalists, excites critics.

New York Times

 

BFG lead role cast in Spielberg adaptation

Olivier Award-winner Mark Rylance to play Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant.

The Telegraph

16 October

Host announced for 2015 Academy Awards

Neil Patrick Harris to host 2015 Oscars on Feb 22.

USA TODAY 

Disney’s Industrial Light and Magic opens UK studio

Special effects firm founded by George Lucas comes to London as filming of Star Wars VII nears completion.

The Guardian

DC announces 10-plus films to rival Marvel, Avengers

Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Justice League all set to shoot in next five years.

International Business Times

14 October

A Merry Friggin’ Christmas trailer released

Film marks one of late-actor Robin Williams’ final roles.

NY Daily News 

Mumbai-based production house set for Tamil debut

ASA Production announces ‘high-budget venture’ with Raai Laxmi as lead role.

Business Standard 

Reese Witherspoon goes Wild

“Hardest movie I’ve ever done” says Oscar-winning actress.

Independent

10 October

China bans law-breaking actors from roles

Actors with drug history banned in order to uphold “socialist culture and core values.”

Foreign Policy

Jennifer Jason Leigh joins The Hateful Eight

Actress takes lead female role in Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist Wyoming western.

The Guardian 

Hugh Grant as James Bond?

British rom-com star talks coveted role.

Independent

9 October

Women-led Ghostbusters official

Director Paul Feig confirms “total reboot” on Twitter.

The Guardian 

UK hands record tax credit for new film

Disney receives £31.9m tax credit for filming next Avengers movie in Britain.

Independent 

Whiplash stirs up Oscar talk

J.K. Simmons makes award-season push with jazzy role.

USA TODAY

8 October

Mark Wahlberg gets diploma for latest role

Oscar-nominated actor also lost 60 pounds for The Gambler.

USA TODAY

China Star back to film production

Casino services China Star Entertainment Ltd buys back China Star Movie Ltd, focusing operations in Macau.

GGR Asia

Iron Man 4 in negotiations

Robert Downey Jr. wants to return as Marvel superhero.

Sydney Morning Herald

7 October

American Snipertrailer released

Watch footage of Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper’s latest film.

The Guardian 

Martin Freeman to star in feature-length Holocaust trial drama

BBC marks 70th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation with story of 1961 trial of “architect of the Holocaust.”

BBC News

Method to LaBeouf’s madness

Fury star gashes face and pulls tooth for latest role.

USA TODAY

3 October

Sir Michael Caine’s final film?

81-year old Oscar winner calls it quits.

Telegraph

1916 Sherlock Holmes found

Film starring William Gillette found in French film vault.

CBS News

The magic’s back for Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter star to join Now You See Me 2.

The Guardian

2 October

Disney earns £170m as UK film industry grows

Studio benefits by millions as part of government scheme to attract more filmmakers to UK.

The Guardian

Ben Affleck set for new thriller

Gone Girl actor in talks to star as an accountant who moonlights as an assassin.

Belfast Telegraph

Pirates 5 to shoot in Queensland

Filming will commence on the Gold Coast and in Port Douglas in February 2015.

Sydney Morning Herald

1 October

Video game film falls into place

Threshold Entertainment teams up with Tetris to develop live-action film.

Wall Street Journal 

Rihanna rumoured for new film

Bond 24 producers approach singer for role.

Belfast Telegraph 

Twilight revived on Facebook

A series of short films by female directors will release via Facebook.

The Guardian

30 September

Putin-bashing film named Oscar contender

Cannes award-winner Leviathan nominated by Russian committee.

The Guardian

Avengers 3 may split

Marvel’s third instalment may follow franchise trends by splitting final film.

Yahoo

Star Wars star criticizes Lucas’ tinkering

Oscar Isaac calls out George Lucas for altering existing Star Wars films.

Telegraph

25 September

BFI grants Al Pacino fellowship

74-year-old star receives highest BFI honour.

Belfast Telegraph

Bryan Singer to direct next X-Men film

Fox’s X Men: Apocalypse will be the series’ eighth film, the fourth under Singer.

Independent

Finding Mr Rightsparks Seattle property boom

Chinese homeowners are buying property after success of Sleepless in Seattle inspired romantic comedy.

The Guardian

24 September

Oldest film starring black actors to premiere in New York

Unseen footage from 1913 silent movie to be screened at Museum of Modern Art.

The New York Times 

IS opens cinema to show crimes

“Cinema” to show videos of brutal crimes to terrorize residents of Iraqi city, Mosu.

Fox News 

Redford, Blanchett to shoot scandal film in Sydney

Truth is an American drama centring on President Bush’s scandal during his 2004 re-election campaign.

Sydney Morning Herald

23 September

Film industry perpetuates gender discrimination

UN-backed study finds one third of all speaking roles went to women.

The Guardian

Angelina Jolie to direct fifth project

Africa tells story of conservationist Richard Leakey’s battle with ivory poachers

BBC News

Actor condemns filming in theatre

Cillian Murphy criticises theatre bosses for screening live productions.

Belfast Telegraph

19 September

Scottish independence referendum surges movie sales

Braveheart sales rocket up charts.

Independent

Marvel’s Deapool greenlit

20th Century Fox announced Deadpool in the works.

Daily Digest

Magic Mike 2 stripped of star

Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey won’t return for sequel.

The Guardian

18 September

China-India film treaty to be inked

The two nations will sign a film co-production treaty Sep 18.

India West

Nick Cave, the reluctant film star

The 56-year old singer-songwriter had no desire to make a film.

BBC News

New film reflects Palestinian humanity

Najwa Najjar premieres her second long feature film, Eyes of a thief.

Huffington Post

17 September

Paper Towns to star Cara Delevingne

The model lands her first lead role in the film adaptation of John Green’s best-selling novel.

Daily Mail

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies’ artwork released

New artwork shows climactic clash of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit finale.

The Inquisitr

Jack Huston lands lead role

The American Hustle actor has been cast as the lead in Ben-Hur alongside Morgan Freeman.

The Guardian

16 September

Unreleased 1968 Doors tour film to be released in November

Filming for Feast of Friends, only ever shown at a handful of film festivals, took place across five months and 20 US cities nearly five decades ago.

The Guardian

US China Film & Television Industry Expo held in LA

The inaugural event aims to broaden business relationships between film and TV producers in the US and China.

LA Times

Bond 24 to begin filming in December

Daniel Craig will star in his fourth film as 007 with Skyfall director Sam Mendes also returning.

Yahoo! News UK

12 September

India, China to ink film production pact

The two countries are set to sign a deal during President Xi Jinping’s visit next week.

Times of Oman

11 September

Towering villain from James Bond films dies at age 74

Richard Kiel, known for his role as Jaws in two of Roger Moore’s Bond instalments, passed away in a California medical centre.

The Guardian

Shia LaBeouf pleads guilty over Broadway disruption

The 28-year old Transformers star was arrested in June for shouting at actors and using abusive language during a Cabaret performance.

BBC News

George Clooney to star in Downton Abbey

Clooney will star in a one-off Christmas special as part of this year’s Text Santa charity appeal on ITV.

Daily Mail

10 September

Rockstar speaks out against armed conflict with new film

Pink Floyd co-founder says Roger Waters: The Wallshould been seen as a protest, not just a concert documentary.

Sydney Morning Herald

Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua team up for Magnificent Seven remake

The actor-director combination that have worked on the Oscar-winning 2001 thriller Training Day and 2014’s The Equalizer saddle up to revamp the 1960 classic Western.

Belfast Telegraph

23 Jump Street in the works

Sony Pictures announces plans to move ahead with 22 Jump Street sequel.

USA TODAY

9 September

Quentin Tarantino ditches digital projection at new L.A. cinema

Tarantino introduces a lineup comprised exclusively of movies shot on film in his first move as curator of the New Beverly Cinema.

The Guardian

Orlando Bloom may reboard Pirates franchise

The 37-year old British actor is in talks to join the cast of the fifth film, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Belfast Telegraph

Martin Scorsese directs corporate video for Macau casino

Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Brad Pitt all star in world’s most expensive corporate video.

Independent

Lawsuit looming over controversial The Face of an Angel

Amanda Knox’s lawyers threaten to sue the makers of a new film about the murder of British exchange student Meredith Kercher.

The New Zealand Herald

20 August

Gloucester Docks transformed into set for latest Alice film

Sequel to Alice in Wonderland stars Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway.

BBC News

Harry Styles turns down role in Harvey Weinstein’s Tulip Fever

Role was later taken by Glee star Matthew Morrison.

Daily Mail

Spandau Ballet will be reunited on stage for first time in four years

Will perform together at the premiere of their new film in the UK.

Belfast Telegraph

Film industry set to increase South African tourism

Production houses increasingly identify South Africa as a location to film.

Bizcommunity

Judge blocks protest against Israeli Film Festival in Australia

Pro-Palestinian protest at the opening night of Israeli Film Festival will not go ahead.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency

19 August

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson set for DC Comics film

Johnson said he will make sure comic fans are not disappointed.

USA Today

New Kickstarter film hopes to revolutionize movie industry

Holy Ghost is reportedly Kickstarter’s most-funded faith-based film.

World Religion News

Disney hopes to switch $21.6m federal cash from 20,000 Leagues to Pirates of the Caribbean 5

Walt Disney Studios is reportedly attempting to salvage the federal funding promised to its film.

Sydney Morning Herald

Nigerian movie gets 10 US nominations

30 Days in Atlanta scored a host of nominations at the 3rd annual Golden Icons.

The Premium Times

Aamir Khan’s film PK’s plot surfaces

Aamir Khan plays an alien who lands on earth in search of God.

India Today

18 August

Lawmakers quadruple tax subsidies for California location shoots

Hoping to slow the exodus of filming to other states and countries.

LA Times

Kiwi stars pay tribute to Caterina De Nave

The producer passed away yesterday from leukemia.

New Zealand Herald

VisitScotland teamed with Lionsgate UK on comedy

VisitScotland hopes What We Did On Our Holdiays, starring Billy Connolly and David Tennant, will help promote Scottish tourism.

BBC News

15 August

New York’s Museum of Modern Art will screen unseen Andy Warhol films

Hundreds of unseen films will be shown to public.

BBC News

Alibaba Pictures Group discovers suspicious accounting

Company will miss deadline to release its earnings for the first six months of the year.

New York Times

14 August

Culture Secretary speaks out over UK Jewish Film Festival Boycott

Sajid Javid said Tricycle Theatre is “misguided.”

Jewish Chronicle

James Cameron reveals latest contribution to his new film

Hollywood director secretly built a submarine in Sydney for his film Deepsea Challenge 3D.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Idaho’s budding film industry

States with attractive incentives include New Mexico, Louisiana and Michigan.

Idaho Statesman

Film industry in North Carolina would suffer if incentives end

Existing incentive is scheduled to expire at the end of 2014.

MyFox8

13 August

Some viewers and winners insist that Teen Choice Awards are ‘rigged’

Social media frenzy over the voting system of the awards.

The Independent

Chinese cinema manager invents his own ratings systems

Yao Lin, the manager of a six-screen multiplex in the city of Ürümqi has begun issuing unofficial ratings for movies.

The Guardian

Australian Film Festival of India 2014 to start in November

Director Phillip Noyce will run Australian Film Festival of India across eight cities from November.

India Today

12 August

In tribute: 10 best moments from Robin Williams’ career

Video showing highlights of Williams’ nearly 40 years as Hollywood star.

The Mirror

Buzzfeed valued 3 times higher than The Washington Post

The internet site, established in 2006 now employs 550 staff worldwide.

The Guardian

Ninja Turtle film success prompts pet shops to prepare for sell out

Animal shelters are bracing for what they an ill-advised rush to acquire pet turtles after the box office success.

Breitbart

Mahesh Babu-Shruti Haasan’s New Film Launched

The film’s first look teaser has fetched over 2400000 hits.

International Business Times

11 August

New film festival for Newark

Nottingham County Council have helped to fund the independent Can-Do Film Festival.

Nottingham Post

Success for Ninjas boosts plans for sequel in June

Ninja Turtle film opened to $65m in U.S. and Canada.

Wall Street Journal

Happy New Year’s trailer to be released via Whatsapp

Shahrukh Khan creates first-of-its-kind marketing strategy for Bollywood film.

International Business Times

Roaring Currents becomes fastest ever South Korean film to hit 10 million viewers

The film, which has set record in 12 days, could become most viewed film in South Korean box office history.

The Hankyoreh

8 August

Demonstrators gather following UK Jewish Film Festival Boycott controversy

Around 250 people protested outside the Tricycle Theatre yesterday evening.

The Jewish Chronicle

Ninja Turtles movie boosts NYC economy

The movie budget helped motels, craft shops and other businesses that helped with filmmaking.

AM New York

Box office slump for Australia’s ‘next hit’ film These Final Hours

Expected $1m-plus opening weekend, but the film fell to a disappointing $207,000.

Sydney Morning Herald

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ vs. ‘Guardians’ at box office

After ‘Guardians’ box office success last weekend, Ninja Turtles is set to open with a solid $50m in ticket sales in U.S. and Canada.

LA Times

7 August

Fifth Terminator film titled Terminator Genisys

Arnold Schwarzenegger finishes fifith film and announces title.

Daily Mail

Murdoch speaks out about decision to drop Time Warner bid

Murdoch has said Fox’s shares had become “severely undervalued” and he is “resolute” in his decision.

BBC News

New release date for Batman v. Superman

Set to be released 25 March 2016, now avoiding release of Captain America 3.

Los Angeles Times

Frozen helps Disney profit rise 22%

Walt Disney Co. have reported third-quarter net income has topped expectations.

The World Link

Viacom’s Cable-Ad Sales Disappoint

Viacom have said fiscal third-quarter earnings fell 5.1%.

The Wall Street Journal

Fox revenue up 17% on hit films

Revenue for quarter ending June 30 totaled $8.4bn.

USA Today

6 August

Have audiences finally accepted gay film stars?

Ben Wishaw ‘comes out’ to very little reaction.

The Independent

Film industry has $5.1bn impact on Georgia’s economy

Impact stems from 158 film/TV productions shot in the state, including The Hunger Games.

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Chinese animation firm aims to rival Hollywood

Light Chaser Animation plans to rival Pixar and Dreamworks with help of robot.

BBC News

Sony Pictures are planning film starring female superhero

Studio bosses working to bring female from Spider-Man comic universe to life in new film.

The New Zealand Herald

5 August

Sandra Bullock tops annual Forbes list of highest paid female actors in the world

Bullock reportedly earned $51m over the last 12 months with help of Oscar-winning space drama Gravity.

The Guardian

ARIA: Indie arists have most to lose from piracy

Head of Australian Recording Industry Association reminds that piracy doesn’t only affect bigger companies.

CNET

Development of Cinema City across 2000 acres of Telagana

Chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao promises huge new infrastructure.

The Times of India

Films of Africa are inspiring growing audiences globally

African film boosted following South African filmmaker’s ‘Mandela, The Myth and Me.’

Think Africa Press

1 August

Lorde appointed music supervisor for new Hunger Games films

17-year-old is responsible for selecting the soundtrack and recording its lead single.

The Guardian

The Lego Movie increases sales at Merlin Enterntainments

The park giant has thanked movie for a 10% rise in half-year operating profit to £71 million.

London Evening Standard

Ukrainian culture ministry bans two Russian films

Films allegedly twist historical facts in favour of Russia and display “contempt” for the country.

The Calvert Journal

Cote d’Ivoire film industry aims for comeback

Local filmmakers won a spot at Cannes after loss of film industry due to civil war.

Al Jazeera America

 

31 July

Old Fashioned to rival 50 Shades of Grey in US box office

Faith based film set for release in cinemas alongside 50 Shades of Grey.

The Independent

Hollywood to commit to Kodak film

New York based company in negotiations to secure purchases of Kodak-made motion picture film.

USA Today

Film companies back government crackdown on piracy

Australian government to shut down websites such as The Pirate Bay.

Sydney Morning Herald

Film Dead End to strengthen India’s position in the global market

Dead End is named the best at the Network of Asian Fantastic Films in Seoul.

India Today

30 July

Italy opens theme park in tribute to film industry

Cinecitta park takes visitors back to golden age of Italian film production.

Yahoo News

Film partners with charity to lauch TaughtNotTrafficked campaign

The film Sold will raise funds to intoduce programmes in Nepal encouraging children to stay in education.

Brent and Kilburn Times

Bangalore’s successful crowd-funding platform, Fundmydream

Platform has raised £100,000 in first 16 days for film My Son is Gay.

New Indian Express

Louisana tops Hollywood for Film Production

Executive director of Louisiana Entertainment estimates 50% of the state’s $1bn film industry is represented by small businesses.

CNN Money

29 July

Nigeria’s equivalent to Netflix, ‘Nollywood,’ expands to a global audience

The industry is said to be contributing to 1.4% of the country’s GDP.

BBC News

Film industry has spent more than $268m in North Carolina this year

Figure exceeds overall spend in 2013.

The Daily News, Jacksonville

Taiwan opens new Film Institute

The Taiwan Film Institute established with aim to develop the domestic film industry.

Tapei Times

Exodus: Gods and Kings under fire for “whitewashing” African history

Director has been criticized for casting four white leads to tell the story of Israelities and Egyptians.

The Sydney Morning Herald

28 July

Rival film companies battle over The Italian Chapel

Storm and Light Pictures and Orisa Produzioni and Blue Horizon Productions are set to produce film at same time.

The Scotsman

Large Crowds Spend Little at Comic-Con

62,500 fans at Comic-Con have far more enthusiasm than buying power.

The New York Times

Chinese company files lawsuit against Transformers film

The tourism company is suing Paramount Pictures and a producer of Transformers: Age of Extinction for failing to show the company’s logo.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Huge box office success for Korean actor in Hollywood

The US box office success of Lucy is a boon for Korean actor Choi Min-sik and Korean cinema, says the Korean Herald.

The Korea Herald

24 July

Screen Australia cuts jobs and winds back maximum investment

Graeme Mason plans to save more than $5m this year with cut-backs including a staff reduction of 10%.

Sydney Morning Herald

Over €40 million for Luxembourg film industry

Luxembourg’s Film Fund has allocated more than €40m, with 32 films getting €34m for production.

Luxemburger Wort

India’s Expanding Film Industry Focuses On Jamaica

State minister confident in the international appeal of Indian films. Jamaica is one of the success stories.

The Gleaner

Darth Vader has better approval rating than 2016 US presidential candidates

Polls show that Obama is less popular than Emperor Palpatine, but still more favoured than Jar Jar Binks.

The Guardian