Exclusive: The Murtha Skouras Agency, representing top below-the-line talent, has elevated longtime agents Hillary Cook and Karen Berch to Partner, founding partners Ann Murtha and Spyros Skouras announced on Friday.
Created in 2016 following the mergers of The Murtha Agency and The Skouras Agency, The Murtha Skouras Agency has had Cook and Berch serving in the film and television arm ever since.
“Hillary and Karen, longtime agents of The Murtha Skouras Agency, have been indispensable, passionate members of our team. Both possess a wealth of knowledge, experience and a deep commitment to promoting and celebrating the art of film,” Murtha and Skouras said in a joint statement. “They are also known for their honesty, integrity, unwavering dedication, exceptional work ethic, commitment to excellence, and professionalism. With these promotions, we are delighted to recognize their accomplishments – and future achievements.”
Recently, Cook and Berch saw client Arthur Max receive his fourth Oscar nomination...
Created in 2016 following the mergers of The Murtha Agency and The Skouras Agency, The Murtha Skouras Agency has had Cook and Berch serving in the film and television arm ever since.
“Hillary and Karen, longtime agents of The Murtha Skouras Agency, have been indispensable, passionate members of our team. Both possess a wealth of knowledge, experience and a deep commitment to promoting and celebrating the art of film,” Murtha and Skouras said in a joint statement. “They are also known for their honesty, integrity, unwavering dedication, exceptional work ethic, commitment to excellence, and professionalism. With these promotions, we are delighted to recognize their accomplishments – and future achievements.”
Recently, Cook and Berch saw client Arthur Max receive his fourth Oscar nomination...
- 3/15/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Oppenheimer” lenser Hoyte van Hoytema took top honors from the American Society of Cinematographers on Sunday. He edged out all four of his Oscar rivals for Best Cinematography: Edward Lachman (“El Conde”), Matthew Libatique (“Maestro”), Rodrigo Prieto (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Robbie Ryan (“Poor Things”).
Over its 38-year history, the ASC has predicted 152 of the 190 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five this year and in both 2018 and 2017. Last year, it previewed three of the Best Cinematography contenders — Roger Deakins (“Empire of Light”), Darius Khondji (“Bardo”) and Mandy Walker (“Elvis”). While Walker won over the ASC, she lost the Oscar to “All Quiet on the Western Front” lenser James Friend.
Indeed, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall,...
Over its 38-year history, the ASC has predicted 152 of the 190 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five this year and in both 2018 and 2017. Last year, it previewed three of the Best Cinematography contenders — Roger Deakins (“Empire of Light”), Darius Khondji (“Bardo”) and Mandy Walker (“Elvis”). While Walker won over the ASC, she lost the Oscar to “All Quiet on the Western Front” lenser James Friend.
Indeed, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Society of Cinematographers nominees announced on January 11 include only four of our five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography: frontrunner Hoyte van Hoytema for “Oppenheimer”plus Matthew Libatique (“Maestro”), Rodrigo Prieto (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Robbie Ryan (“Poor Things”). Our other predicted nominee, Łukasz Zal (“The Zone of Interest”), got bumped by Edward Lachman (“El Conde”).
Over its 37-year history, the ASC has predicted 147 of the 185 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. Last year, it previewed three of the Best Cinematography contenders — Roger Deakins (“Empire of Light”), Darius Khondji (“Bardo”) and Mandy Walker (“Elvis”). While Walker won over the ASC, she lost the Oscar to “All Quiet on the Western Front” lenser James Friend.
Indeed, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll,...
Over its 37-year history, the ASC has predicted 147 of the 185 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. Last year, it previewed three of the Best Cinematography contenders — Roger Deakins (“Empire of Light”), Darius Khondji (“Bardo”) and Mandy Walker (“Elvis”). While Walker won over the ASC, she lost the Oscar to “All Quiet on the Western Front” lenser James Friend.
Indeed, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
At five of the last 10 Oscars, Best Cinematography has gone hand-in-hand with Best Director: Emmanuel Lubezki and Alfonso Cuaron for “Gravity” (2014); Lubezki and Alejandro G. Inarritu for both “Birdman” (2015) and “The Revenant” (2016); Linus Sandgren and Damien Chazelle for “La La Land” (2017); and Cuaron doing double duty on “Roma” (2019). Will that trend hold true this year? (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2024 Oscar predictions for Best Cinematography.)
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception” and “Gravity” first prevailed at the American Society of Cinematographers Awards,...
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception” and “Gravity” first prevailed at the American Society of Cinematographers Awards,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Paul Sheehan and Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Cate Blanchett wore gold sequins and “Elvis” filmmaker Baz Luhrmann directed a group photo shoot at the Australian Oscars Nominees Reception held Thursday night in Hollywood at the Chateau Marmont penthouse.
The guest list also included Oscar nominees from “Elvis,” including Luhrmann, Dp Mandy Walker, costume designer Catherine Martin and producers Gail Berman, Schuyler Weiss and Patrick McCormick. Also joining in the festivities was filmmaker Lachlan Pendragon, director of “An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It,” which is nominated for best animated short film. The event was hosted by Australian Consul-General Los Angeles Ambassador Jane Duke, Ausfilm, Screen Australia and Australians in Film (AiF)
Duke said the event is “a great opportunity to support and celebrate the Australian screen community’s creative brilliance and success, which has been recognized over many decades.”
She continued, “This year’s Academy Awards is no exception, with...
The guest list also included Oscar nominees from “Elvis,” including Luhrmann, Dp Mandy Walker, costume designer Catherine Martin and producers Gail Berman, Schuyler Weiss and Patrick McCormick. Also joining in the festivities was filmmaker Lachlan Pendragon, director of “An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It,” which is nominated for best animated short film. The event was hosted by Australian Consul-General Los Angeles Ambassador Jane Duke, Ausfilm, Screen Australia and Australians in Film (AiF)
Duke said the event is “a great opportunity to support and celebrate the Australian screen community’s creative brilliance and success, which has been recognized over many decades.”
She continued, “This year’s Academy Awards is no exception, with...
- 3/11/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
“Elvis” lenser Mandy Walker became the first woman to take top honors from the American Society of Cinematographers on Sunday. She edged out two of her Oscar rivals for Best Cinematography — Roger Deakins (“Empire of Light”) who reaped his 17th bid, and Darius Khondji (“Bardo”) — plus last year’s winner with both the guild and the Oscars Greig Fraser (“The Batman”) and Claudio Miranda (“Top Gun: Maverick”). The other Oscar nominees are James Friend (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) and Florian Hoffmeister (“Tar”).
Over its 37-year history, the ASC has predicted 147 of the 185 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall,...
Over its 37-year history, the ASC has predicted 147 of the 185 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall,...
- 3/6/2023
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Sure, the Marvel Cinematic Universe may be the biggest franchise in the history of cinema, but it took an army of filmmakers and independent superheros to become what it is. If there is one, single unquestioned king of the box office, it is undoubtedly James Cameron. The man, as it stands, has made three of the four highest-grossing movies of all time, with "Avatar," "Avatar: The Way of Water," and "Titanic." The latter was released way back in 1997 and it still managed to cross the 2 billion mark in global ticket sales, something no other film did until (checks notes) "Avatar" in 2009. In its initial run, the film earned 1.84 billion, before subsequent re-releases took it all the way up to 2.19 billion.
No other film in history had a run quite like that of "Titanic," which topped the charts at the domestic box office for an absolutely staggering 15 weekends in a row.
No other film in history had a run quite like that of "Titanic," which topped the charts at the domestic box office for an absolutely staggering 15 weekends in a row.
- 2/8/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
At six of the last 10 Oscars, Best Cinematography has gone hand-in-hand with Best Director: Claudio Miranda and Ang Lee for “Life of Pi” (2013); Emmanuel Lubezki and Alfonso Cuaron for “Gravity” (2014); Lubezki and Alejandro G. Inarritu for both “Birdman” (2015) and “The Revenant” (2016); Linus Sandgren and Damien Chazelle for “La La Land” (2017); and Cuaron doing double duty on “Roma” (2019). Will that trend hold true this year? (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2023 Oscars Best Cinematography predictions.)
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception” and “Gravity...
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception” and “Gravity...
- 2/6/2023
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Society of Cinematographers nominees announced on January 9 include only one of our five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography: frontrunner Claudio Miranda for “Top Gun: Maverick.” The other four contenders are ASC stalwart Roger Deakins (“Empire of Light”) who reaped his 17th bid; last year’s winner with both the guild and the Oscars Greig Fraser (“The Batman”); Darius Khondji (“Bardo”) and Mandy Walker (“Elvis”).
This quartet figures in our top 10 but we are predicting that joining Miranda in the Oscar line-up will be Russell Carpenter (“Avatar: The Way of Water”); James Friend (“All Quiet on the Western Front”); Janusz Kaminski (“The Fabelmens”); and Linus Sandgren (“Babylon”).
Over its 36-year history, the ASC has predicted 144 of the 180 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017.
However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler,...
This quartet figures in our top 10 but we are predicting that joining Miranda in the Oscar line-up will be Russell Carpenter (“Avatar: The Way of Water”); James Friend (“All Quiet on the Western Front”); Janusz Kaminski (“The Fabelmens”); and Linus Sandgren (“Babylon”).
Over its 36-year history, the ASC has predicted 144 of the 180 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017.
However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 17 times:
Dean Semler,...
- 1/9/2023
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Society of Cinematographers awarded Greig Fraser its top prize for his work on “Dune” at its annual awards on Sunday. He edged out three of his Oscar rivals for Best Cinematography: Bruno Delbonnel for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Dan Laustsen for “Nightmare Alley” and Ari Wegner for “The Power of the Dog.” The fifth ASC contender was Haris Zamberloukos for “Belfast” who bumped Oscar nominee Janusz Kamiński for “West Side Story.”
Over its 36-year history, the ASC has predicted 144 of the 180 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 16 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” (2003)
Dion Beebe, “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2006)
Robert Elswit,...
Over its 36-year history, the ASC has predicted 144 of the 180 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 16 times:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” (2003)
Dion Beebe, “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2006)
Robert Elswit,...
- 3/21/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Opposition to the Academy’s plan to award eight Oscars prior to the live telecast continues to grow, with more than 350 new names — including more than a dozen Oscar-winning editors, cinematographers and production designers — added to the petition sent last week to Academy president David Rubin urging a reversal of the plan.
Among the industry professionals signing are Oscar-winning cinematographers John Seale (“The English Patient”), John Toll (“Braveheart”) and Dean Semler (“Dances With Wolves”), and Oscar-winning editors Richard Chew and Paul Hirsch (“Star Wars”), Mikkel Neilsen (“The Sound of Metal”), Pietro Scalia (“JFK”) and Zach Staenberg (“The Matrix”).
Oscar-winning production designers Hannah Beachler (“Black Panther”), Barbara Ling (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Adam Stockhausen (“Grand Budapest Hotel”) and David and Sandy Wasco (“La La Land”) also signed on.
Cinematography will be presented during the live show, but editing and production design are among the eight awards to be presented during the 4 p.
Among the industry professionals signing are Oscar-winning cinematographers John Seale (“The English Patient”), John Toll (“Braveheart”) and Dean Semler (“Dances With Wolves”), and Oscar-winning editors Richard Chew and Paul Hirsch (“Star Wars”), Mikkel Neilsen (“The Sound of Metal”), Pietro Scalia (“JFK”) and Zach Staenberg (“The Matrix”).
Oscar-winning production designers Hannah Beachler (“Black Panther”), Barbara Ling (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Adam Stockhausen (“Grand Budapest Hotel”) and David and Sandy Wasco (“La La Land”) also signed on.
Cinematography will be presented during the live show, but editing and production design are among the eight awards to be presented during the 4 p.
- 3/17/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The American Society of Cinematographers nominations announced on January 25 include four of our five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography including the frontrunner to win — Greig Fraser for “Dune” — as well as Bruno Delbonnel for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Ari Wegner for “The Power of the Dog” and Haris Zamberloukos for “Belfast.”
Our fifth predicted Oscar nominee, Janusz Kaminski for “West Side Story,” was snubbed in favor of our sixth-ranked contender, Dan Laustsen for “Nightmare Alley.”
Over its 35-year history, the ASC has predicted 140 of the 175 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 16 times in 35 years:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” (2003)
Dion Beebe, “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2006)
Robert Elswit,...
Our fifth predicted Oscar nominee, Janusz Kaminski for “West Side Story,” was snubbed in favor of our sixth-ranked contender, Dan Laustsen for “Nightmare Alley.”
Over its 35-year history, the ASC has predicted 140 of the 175 Oscar nominees, including four in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 16 times in 35 years:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” (2003)
Dion Beebe, “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2006)
Robert Elswit,...
- 1/25/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
At six of the last nine Oscars, Best Cinematography has gone hand-in-hand with Best Director: Claudio Miranda and Ang Lee for “Life of Pi” (2013); Emmanuel Lubezki and Alfonso Cuaron for “Gravity” (2014); Lubezki and Alejandro G. Inarritu for both “Birdman” (2015) and “The Revenant” (2016); Linus Sandgren and Damien Chazelle for “La La Land” (2017); and Cuaron doing double duty on “Roma” (2019). Will that trend hold true this year? (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2022 Oscars predictions for Best Cinematography.)
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception...
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception...
- 1/23/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Australia lost a pioneering documentary filmmaker this week with the passing of Ian Dunlop in Canberra. A friend and colleague, Ian’s People of the Western Desert, begun in 1965 and comprising 19 films, was a landmark in the history of international documentary. The series of films won international acclaim. In 1967, Ian edited a cinema release version of the series which won even greater acclaim, including the prestigious Gold Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and was screened throughout the world.
Ian Dunlop began making films for the Commonwealth Film Unit in the late 1950s. I had the good fortune to meet Ian in the corridors of the Cfu’s successor, Film Australia, in the mid-1990s when I was directing Mabo Life of an Island Man with producer/editor Denise Haslem. Ian was collating and cataloguing his enormous collection of films and production stills so they could be archived. Some of...
Ian Dunlop began making films for the Commonwealth Film Unit in the late 1950s. I had the good fortune to meet Ian in the corridors of the Cfu’s successor, Film Australia, in the mid-1990s when I was directing Mabo Life of an Island Man with producer/editor Denise Haslem. Ian was collating and cataloguing his enormous collection of films and production stills so they could be archived. Some of...
- 9/14/2021
- by Trevor Graham and Rose Hesp
- IF.com.au
The American Society of Cinematographers were so impressed by the black-and-white lensing of “Mank” that it awarded Erik Messerschmidt the Best Cinematography prize at its annual awards on Sunday. He edged out three of his Oscar rivals — Phedon Papamichael for “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Joshua James Richards for “Nomadland” and Dariusz Wolski for “News of the World — as well Newton Thomas Sigel for “Cherry. The fifth Oscar contender, Sean Bobbitt for “Judas and the Black Messiah,” was snubbed by the ASC.
Over its 35-year history, the ASC has predicted 140 of the 175 Oscar nominees, including four in both 2019 and 2020 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 15 times in 34 years:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L.
Over its 35-year history, the ASC has predicted 140 of the 175 Oscar nominees, including four in both 2019 and 2020 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 15 times in 34 years:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L.
- 4/18/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Society of Cinematographers nominees announced on March 10 include four of the five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography including Erik Messerschmidt for “Mank” as well as Phedon Papamichael for “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Joshua James Richards for “Nomadland” and Dariusz Wolski for “News of the World. Also in contention is Newton Thomas Sigel for “Cherry. The fifth Oscar contender, Sean Bobbitt for “Judas and the Black Messiah” was snubbed by the guild.
Over its 35-year history, the ASC has predicted 140 of the 175 Oscar nominees, including four in both 2019 and 2020 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 15 times in 34 years:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” (2003)
Dion Beebe,...
Over its 35-year history, the ASC has predicted 140 of the 175 Oscar nominees, including four in both 2019 and 2020 and all five in both 2018 and 2017. However, the ASC choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 15 times in 34 years:
Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” (1991)
John Toll, “Braveheart” (1996)
John Seale, “The English Patient” (1997)
Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” (1998)
Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” (2000)
Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” (2003)
Dion Beebe,...
- 4/16/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Society of Cinematographers nominees announced on March 10 include three of our five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography including the frontrunner to win — Erik Messerschmidt for “Mank” — as well as Joshua James Richards for “Nomadland” and Dariusz Wolski for “News of the World. Also in contention are Phedon Papamichael for “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and Newton Thomas Sigel for “Cherry. We are predicting Sigel will reap an Oscar bid for “Da 5 Bloods” instead.
Papamichael is a favorite of the ASC; he was nominated here last year for “Ford v Ferrari” but was bumped out at the Oscars by “The Lighthouse” lenser Jarin Blaschke. We don’t expect him to contend at the Academy Awards this year either with Hoyte van Hoytema likely to land the fifth slot for “Tenet.”
Over its 34-year history, the ASC has predicted 136 of the 170 Oscar nominees, including four in both...
Papamichael is a favorite of the ASC; he was nominated here last year for “Ford v Ferrari” but was bumped out at the Oscars by “The Lighthouse” lenser Jarin Blaschke. We don’t expect him to contend at the Academy Awards this year either with Hoyte van Hoytema likely to land the fifth slot for “Tenet.”
Over its 34-year history, the ASC has predicted 136 of the 170 Oscar nominees, including four in both...
- 3/10/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
At six of the last eight Oscars, Best Cinematography has gone hand-in-hand with Best Director: Claudio Miranda and Ang Lee for “Life of Pi” (2013); Emmanuel Lubezki and Alfonso Cuaron for “Gravity” (2014); Lubezki and Alejandro G. Inarritu for both “Birdman” (2015) and “The Revenant” (2016); Linus Sandgren and Damien Chazelle for “La La Land” (2017); and Cuaron doing double duty on “Roma” (2019). Will that trend hold true this year? (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2021 Oscars predictions for Best Cinematography.)
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception...
The academy usually regards award-winning cinematography as pretty pictures within an epic technical feat of filmmaking. While great lighting and framing are laudable on their own, having a movie that looks like it was difficult to shoot goes a long way to snagging an Oscar. Recent lensing winners “Avatar” (2009), “Inception” (2010), “Hugo” (2011), “Life of Pi” (2012), “Gravity” (2013), “Blade Runner 2049” (2018) and “1917” (2020) also took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
While the lensers of “Inception...
- 3/4/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Society of Cinematographers nominees announced on January 3 include four of our five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography including the frontrunner to win — Roger Deakins for “1917” — as well as Rodrigo Prieto for “The Irishman,” Robert Richardson for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and Lawrence Sher for “Joker.” The fifth Asc nominee, instead of “The Lighthouse” cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, was Phedon Papamichael for the racing drama “Ford v Ferrari.”
But Blaschke wasn’t snubbed. He did receive a nomination in the Spotlight Award category, which honors films that screen at festivals, internationally, or in limited release. He’s joined there by just two other nominees: Natasha Braier (“Honey Boy”) and Jasper Wolf (“Monos”). Though it must be noted that “The Lighthouse” actually grossed more domestically than “Cold War,” the Polish film that won last year’s top prize and not a separate race for limited-release movies.
Over its 33-year history,...
But Blaschke wasn’t snubbed. He did receive a nomination in the Spotlight Award category, which honors films that screen at festivals, internationally, or in limited release. He’s joined there by just two other nominees: Natasha Braier (“Honey Boy”) and Jasper Wolf (“Monos”). Though it must be noted that “The Lighthouse” actually grossed more domestically than “Cold War,” the Polish film that won last year’s top prize and not a separate race for limited-release movies.
Over its 33-year history,...
- 1/3/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Filmmakers across Australia and around the world have two to six weeks to finalise their submissions for the 66th Sydney Film Festival, which will run from June 5-16.
Entries are open to features, documentaries and short films (under 40 minutes). Last year more than 330 films from 66 countries were screened to an audience of 170,000.
Submissions for the Festival are being accepted through FilmFestivalLife. Closing dates are January 31 for international productions; and February 28 for Australian productions, Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films and Documentary Australia Foundation Award.
The 2019 season will mark the 49th year of the Festival’s Australian short film competition, the oldest short film competition in Australia. Since 1970, the competition has served as a launch pad for emerging Australian film talent, spring-boarding countless directors, producers and actors towards international success.
Past winners include directors Gillian Armstrong, Jane Campion, George Miller, Phillip Noyce, Rolf de Heer and Alex Proyas; cinematographers Don McAlpine...
Entries are open to features, documentaries and short films (under 40 minutes). Last year more than 330 films from 66 countries were screened to an audience of 170,000.
Submissions for the Festival are being accepted through FilmFestivalLife. Closing dates are January 31 for international productions; and February 28 for Australian productions, Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films and Documentary Australia Foundation Award.
The 2019 season will mark the 49th year of the Festival’s Australian short film competition, the oldest short film competition in Australia. Since 1970, the competition has served as a launch pad for emerging Australian film talent, spring-boarding countless directors, producers and actors towards international success.
Past winners include directors Gillian Armstrong, Jane Campion, George Miller, Phillip Noyce, Rolf de Heer and Alex Proyas; cinematographers Don McAlpine...
- 1/18/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The American Society of Cinematographers nominees announced Tuesday (Jan. 9) include four of our five leading Oscar contenders for Best Cinematography including the frontrunner to win — Alfonso Cuaron for “Roma” — as well as Matthew Libatique for “A Star Is Born,” Robbie Ryan for “The Favourite” and Linus Sandgren for “First Man.” The fifth Asc nominee, who bumped out “If Beale Street Could Talk” cinematographer James Laxton, is Lukasz Zal for the black-and-white “Cold War,” Poland’s entry in the Foreign Language Film race.
Over its 32-year history, the Asc has predicted 128 of the 160 Oscar nominees, including all of last year’s and those in 2017. However, the Asc choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 14 times in 32 years.
Predict Oscar nominations now; change them till January 22
Indeed, Roger Deakins won three times with the guild but lost with the Oscars. Fourth time proved...
Over its 32-year history, the Asc has predicted 128 of the 160 Oscar nominees, including all of last year’s and those in 2017. However, the Asc choice for the best in the business has presaged the eventual winner at the Oscars only 14 times in 32 years.
Predict Oscar nominations now; change them till January 22
Indeed, Roger Deakins won three times with the guild but lost with the Oscars. Fourth time proved...
- 1/7/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
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Kevin Costner stars in and directs the triumphant cinematic masterpiece Dances with Wolves, based on the novel by Michael Blake. Available November 13th, 2018 from Shout! Factory, this breathtaking three-disc Steelbook Collector’s Edition includes the original theatrical cut for the first time on Blu-ray, an extended cut of the film and an entire disc of bonus features.
Winner of seven Academy Awards®, including Best Directing and Best Picture, this modern classic tells the story of Lt. Dunbar (Costner), a Civil War hero who befriends a tribe of Native Americans while stationed at a desolate outpost on the frontier. What follows is a series of unforgettable moments — from Dunbar’s tender scenes with Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), to the thrilling, action-packed buffalo hunt. Experience the excitement, emotion and sweeping beauty of this cinematic treasure as never before on Blu-ray!
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Kevin Costner stars in and directs the triumphant cinematic masterpiece Dances with Wolves, based on the novel by Michael Blake. Available November 13th, 2018 from Shout! Factory, this breathtaking three-disc Steelbook Collector’s Edition includes the original theatrical cut for the first time on Blu-ray, an extended cut of the film and an entire disc of bonus features.
Winner of seven Academy Awards®, including Best Directing and Best Picture, this modern classic tells the story of Lt. Dunbar (Costner), a Civil War hero who befriends a tribe of Native Americans while stationed at a desolate outpost on the frontier. What follows is a series of unforgettable moments — from Dunbar’s tender scenes with Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), to the thrilling, action-packed buffalo hunt. Experience the excitement, emotion and sweeping beauty of this cinematic treasure as never before on Blu-ray!
- 12/20/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Roger Deakins is predicted to win his fourth award from the American Society of Cinematographers on Feb. 17 for his lensing of “Blade Runner 2049.” And he is tipped to finally take home his first Oscar for this film after 13 losses. However, the track record of the guild at previewing the eventual choice of the academy is surprisingly poor.
The Asc winner has gone on to claim an Academy Awards bookend for Best Cinematography only 13 times in 31 years. Last year, “Lion” lenser Greig Fraser won with the Asc but lost the Oscar race to “La La Land’s” Linus Sandgren.
The Asc winner has gone on to claim an Academy Awards bookend for Best Cinematography only 13 times in 31 years. Last year, “Lion” lenser Greig Fraser won with the Asc but lost the Oscar race to “La La Land’s” Linus Sandgren.
- 2/17/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Will we ever get the closure we deserve?
The Deadwood movie is pretty much HBO’s version of Chinese Democracy. Fans of David Milch’s swear-laced western drama have been clamoring for a resolution to the series ever since it ended abruptly after its third season way back in 2006, and for years now producers and cast have kept this dream alive by teasing the idea of a feature film to wrap things up. But that’s all it’s really been, a tease. Seems like once a year there’s an obligatory update about how everyone’s still interested — cast, crew, creator and network — and a vague promise that any day now the ball will get rolling. Late last year we received the most promising news yet from series lead Ian MacShane, who reported that Milch was ready to write and the cast was prepping for returns to their roles. Great news...
The Deadwood movie is pretty much HBO’s version of Chinese Democracy. Fans of David Milch’s swear-laced western drama have been clamoring for a resolution to the series ever since it ended abruptly after its third season way back in 2006, and for years now producers and cast have kept this dream alive by teasing the idea of a feature film to wrap things up. But that’s all it’s really been, a tease. Seems like once a year there’s an obligatory update about how everyone’s still interested — cast, crew, creator and network — and a vague promise that any day now the ball will get rolling. Late last year we received the most promising news yet from series lead Ian MacShane, who reported that Milch was ready to write and the cast was prepping for returns to their roles. Great news...
- 4/19/2017
- by H. Perry Horton
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
This past weekend, the American Society of Cinematographers awarded Greig Fraser for his contribution to Lion as last year’s greatest accomplishment in the field. Of course, his achievement was just a small sampling of the fantastic work from directors of photography, but it did give us a stronger hint at what may be the winner on Oscar night. Ahead of the ceremony, we have a new video compilation that honors all the past winners in the category at the Academy Awards
Created by Burger Fiction, it spans the stunning silent landmark Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans all the way up to the end of Emmanuel Lubezki‘s three-peat win for The Revenant. Aside from the advancements in color and aspect ration, it’s a thrill to see some of cinema’s most iconic shots side-by-side. However, the best way to experience the evolution of the craft is by...
Created by Burger Fiction, it spans the stunning silent landmark Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans all the way up to the end of Emmanuel Lubezki‘s three-peat win for The Revenant. Aside from the advancements in color and aspect ration, it’s a thrill to see some of cinema’s most iconic shots side-by-side. However, the best way to experience the evolution of the craft is by...
- 2/6/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Mel Gibson and Dean Semler on the set of 2006's Apocalypto.
In what will be his first TV credit since 1981's Tickled Pink, starring Jacki Weaver and Max Gillies, Mel Gibson will direct, co-write and star in The Barbary Coast for the Mark Gordon Company.
Kate Hudson and her foster dad, Kurt Russell, the latter of whom starred with Gibson in 1988's Tequila Sunrise, are also on board.
As first reported by Deadline, the series will be "inspired by" Herbert Asbury's book The Barbary Coast, about the birth of San Francisco. Asbury also wrote the book on which Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York was based..
The Gold Rush in 1849 saw a mass migration of fortune-seekers to San Francisco, and The Barbary Coast will take place in the "unique criminal district" that arose there and lasted seventy years, in what sounds like a west-coast, nineteenth century version of Boardwalk Empire.
In what will be his first TV credit since 1981's Tickled Pink, starring Jacki Weaver and Max Gillies, Mel Gibson will direct, co-write and star in The Barbary Coast for the Mark Gordon Company.
Kate Hudson and her foster dad, Kurt Russell, the latter of whom starred with Gibson in 1988's Tequila Sunrise, are also on board.
As first reported by Deadline, the series will be "inspired by" Herbert Asbury's book The Barbary Coast, about the birth of San Francisco. Asbury also wrote the book on which Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York was based..
The Gold Rush in 1849 saw a mass migration of fortune-seekers to San Francisco, and The Barbary Coast will take place in the "unique criminal district" that arose there and lasted seventy years, in what sounds like a west-coast, nineteenth century version of Boardwalk Empire.
- 4/20/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
The 45th Acs Annual National Awards for Cinematography will be held in Adelaide on March 30.
The Acs will be hosting a suite of satellite events from April 29 to May 2..
They include an expo with companies including Fujifilm-Fujinon, Silvertrak, Canon, Blackmagic, Lemac, Rosco, Miller, Panasonic, Sun Studios, Videocraft, Ignite Digi, Harmer laser cut foam (Form Cut), Picture Hire and Psycholites.
Other events include a Chinese banquet for expo attendees at Adelaide's CitiZen restaraunt, exhibitor presentations, an Acs tour of the iconic Adelaide Oval, a Meet The Nominees session, a screening of documentary Dean Semler.s Road to Hollywood, the 2016 Agm, a McLaren Vale winery tour and lunch, and a panel discussion featuring John Seale Acs Asc and David Burr Acs.
Bookings can be made here:
www.acsshop.com.au/collections/acs-events-bookings...
The Acs will be hosting a suite of satellite events from April 29 to May 2..
They include an expo with companies including Fujifilm-Fujinon, Silvertrak, Canon, Blackmagic, Lemac, Rosco, Miller, Panasonic, Sun Studios, Videocraft, Ignite Digi, Harmer laser cut foam (Form Cut), Picture Hire and Psycholites.
Other events include a Chinese banquet for expo attendees at Adelaide's CitiZen restaraunt, exhibitor presentations, an Acs tour of the iconic Adelaide Oval, a Meet The Nominees session, a screening of documentary Dean Semler.s Road to Hollywood, the 2016 Agm, a McLaren Vale winery tour and lunch, and a panel discussion featuring John Seale Acs Asc and David Burr Acs.
Bookings can be made here:
www.acsshop.com.au/collections/acs-events-bookings...
- 3/9/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
"Fury Road" was a reinvigorating adventure for veteran cinematographer John Seale, who came out of retirement to collaborate once again with George Miller. Only this was no "Lorenzo's Oil," the last film he shot for Miller. With usual "Mad Max" Dp Dean Semler out of the picture, Seale stepped out of his comfort zone to tackle the reboot, which turned out to be the best action film in years — and in what is still the best post-apocalyptic franchise. "The whole film is basically a chase [in the desert landscape of West Africa with 75 vehicles], but was originally envisioned as a 3D shoot and they were building their own stereoscopic cameras," recalled the Oscar-winning Seale ("The English Patient"). "But then George changed his mind after I signed on. I was able to trim the 3D rig down because our 2D cameras are much smaller and lighter and it became more versatile for George." Still, it was Seale's first digital...
- 11/25/2015
- by Bill Desowitz
- Thompson on Hollywood
It's been two decades, and still, the waves from the tsunami that was "Waterworld" have not receded.
Released 20 years ago this week (on July 28, 1995), the post-apocalyptic epic about the survivors of a drowned Earth became known as one of the most bloated flops of all time. That reputation wasn't really fair (the movie eventually broke even), but it was the then-most expensive movie ever made.
For a year before the film's release, stories leaked out about the waterlogged production's near-disastrous setbacks and its ego clashes between star Kevin Costner and his hand-picked director, Kevin Reynolds. Punsters were calling the movie "Fishtar" and "Kevin's Gate." By the time "Waterworld" finally came out, its underwhelming reception was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Costner's career as a bankable leading man has never really recovered.
In honor of the film turning 20 years old today, here are 20 facts you may not know about "Waterworld."
1. Initially, "Waterworld" was...
Released 20 years ago this week (on July 28, 1995), the post-apocalyptic epic about the survivors of a drowned Earth became known as one of the most bloated flops of all time. That reputation wasn't really fair (the movie eventually broke even), but it was the then-most expensive movie ever made.
For a year before the film's release, stories leaked out about the waterlogged production's near-disastrous setbacks and its ego clashes between star Kevin Costner and his hand-picked director, Kevin Reynolds. Punsters were calling the movie "Fishtar" and "Kevin's Gate." By the time "Waterworld" finally came out, its underwhelming reception was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Costner's career as a bankable leading man has never really recovered.
In honor of the film turning 20 years old today, here are 20 facts you may not know about "Waterworld."
1. Initially, "Waterworld" was...
- 7/28/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Andrew Lesnie was remembered as one of Australia.s finest cinematographers and a warm and generous bloke at a celebration of his life and career on Sunday.
Dozens of collaborators and friends including Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, Cate Blanchett, George Miller, Chris Noonan, Bill Bennett, Craig Monahan, Jack Thompson and Andrew Mason gathered to pay tribute to Lesnie, who died in April after a heart attack, aged 59.
Ray Martin hosted the event, Remembering Andrew, staged by the Australian Cinematographers Society at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction.
Video tributes from Russell Crowe, Bruce Beresford, Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, Barrie Osborne, Don McAlpine, Richard Roxburgh, Dean Semler and Peter Menzies Jnr, among others, were screened.
Among the clips of his work shown were The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (for which he won an Oscar) and other Jackson-directed films, The Water Diviner, Babe, Healing and Two If By Sea.
Dozens of collaborators and friends including Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, Cate Blanchett, George Miller, Chris Noonan, Bill Bennett, Craig Monahan, Jack Thompson and Andrew Mason gathered to pay tribute to Lesnie, who died in April after a heart attack, aged 59.
Ray Martin hosted the event, Remembering Andrew, staged by the Australian Cinematographers Society at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction.
Video tributes from Russell Crowe, Bruce Beresford, Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, Barrie Osborne, Don McAlpine, Richard Roxburgh, Dean Semler and Peter Menzies Jnr, among others, were screened.
Among the clips of his work shown were The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (for which he won an Oscar) and other Jackson-directed films, The Water Diviner, Babe, Healing and Two If By Sea.
- 7/12/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Written by Terry Hayes and George Miller
Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie
Australia, 1985
An undetermined amount of time has elapsed since Max’s (Mel Gibson) previous high stakes adventure. Now with a few more grey hairs, he traverses the treacherous Outback with camels and a stagecoach, looking for who knows what. His long walk is interrupted by a renegade pilot (Bruce Spence), who flies low, thus blowing up sand and obscuring Max’s field of vision. During the interruption the pilot and his son steal the wagon and make way for the only nearest outpost: Batertown. Batertown is governed by the megalomaniacal Auntie Entity (Tina Turner), although her authority is frequently challenged by a duo of characters that run the town’s fuel compound where methanol is extracted from pig feces. They are Master Blaster, or rather, Master (Angelo Rossito), a little man that...
Written by Terry Hayes and George Miller
Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie
Australia, 1985
An undetermined amount of time has elapsed since Max’s (Mel Gibson) previous high stakes adventure. Now with a few more grey hairs, he traverses the treacherous Outback with camels and a stagecoach, looking for who knows what. His long walk is interrupted by a renegade pilot (Bruce Spence), who flies low, thus blowing up sand and obscuring Max’s field of vision. During the interruption the pilot and his son steal the wagon and make way for the only nearest outpost: Batertown. Batertown is governed by the megalomaniacal Auntie Entity (Tina Turner), although her authority is frequently challenged by a duo of characters that run the town’s fuel compound where methanol is extracted from pig feces. They are Master Blaster, or rather, Master (Angelo Rossito), a little man that...
- 5/14/2015
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Mad Max 2 (aka The Road Warrior)
Written by Terry Hayes, George Miller and Brian Hannant
Directed by George Miller
Australia, 1981
Mad Max 2, or as it is more commonly recognized in North America, The Road Warrior (upon its release not enough people had actually seen Mad Max, therefore prompting the title change) , begins with a brief montage of archival documentary footage and scenes from the first film that set up the world viewers are about to launch into. Society has now collapsed. When resources became scarce, the people revolted. The institutions tried to retain order, but it was too late. What was hinted at in 1979’s Mad Max is now a harsh reality, with the titular character (Mel Gibson) driving the dusty Australian roads in search for food and resources for his amazing car, the Ford Falcon. This time his efforts at scavenging are temporarily thwarted by the pilot...
Written by Terry Hayes, George Miller and Brian Hannant
Directed by George Miller
Australia, 1981
Mad Max 2, or as it is more commonly recognized in North America, The Road Warrior (upon its release not enough people had actually seen Mad Max, therefore prompting the title change) , begins with a brief montage of archival documentary footage and scenes from the first film that set up the world viewers are about to launch into. Society has now collapsed. When resources became scarce, the people revolted. The institutions tried to retain order, but it was too late. What was hinted at in 1979’s Mad Max is now a harsh reality, with the titular character (Mel Gibson) driving the dusty Australian roads in search for food and resources for his amazing car, the Ford Falcon. This time his efforts at scavenging are temporarily thwarted by the pilot...
- 5/13/2015
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
As much as Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) struggles to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where primitive warlords rule the desert wasteland and women are enslaved, Australian filmmaker George Miller had to battle financial difficulties, security concerns, and heavy rains turning the desert location into a landscape of wildflowers in order to bring the fourth instalment of the Mad Max franchise to the big screen. A further complication occurred when veteran collaborator Dean Semler left for personal reasons just before principal photography was to commence on Mad Max: Fury Road, leading to the Oscar-lauded cinematographer being replaced with Academy Award winner John […]...
- 5/12/2015
- by Trevor Hogg
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
As much as Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) struggles to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where primitive warlords rule the desert wasteland and women are enslaved, Australian filmmaker George Miller had to battle financial difficulties, security concerns, and heavy rains turning the desert location into a landscape of wildflowers in order to bring the fourth instalment of the Mad Max franchise to the big screen. A further complication occurred when veteran collaborator Dean Semler left for personal reasons just before principal photography was to commence on Mad Max: Fury Road, leading to the Oscar-lauded cinematographer being replaced with Academy Award winner John […]...
- 5/12/2015
- by Trevor Hogg
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
John Seale was retired. Then George Miller dangled a "Mad Max" movie in front of his face and, well, how can an Aussie say no? The 40-year veteran jumped right into the maelstrom Miller and his team were conjuring in the desert of west Africa and, along with killer second unit teams, captured one of the most innervating experiences of the year in "Mad Max: Fury Road." Oh, and he turned 70 years old while doing all of this. Seale won an Oscar for "The English Patient," the first of a three-film collaboration with the late Anthony Minghella. He also partnered up with Peter Weir on a trio of projects ("Witness," "The Mosquito Coast" and "Dead Poets Society") and he's worked with many great filmmakers besides, from Sydney Pollack to Ron Howard, Rob Reiner to Wolfgang Petersen. In addition to the win, he has three more Oscar nominations to his credit and I must say,...
- 5/11/2015
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Eager online press got a look at George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" Wednesday night in Los Angeles, with the filmmaker on hand to discuss his return to the world of his visionary debut with fellow director Edgar Wright. The unrelenting, cacophonous vehicular gumbo, which is all set to be unleashed on unsuspecting attendees of next month's Cannes Film Festival, hardly feels like the product of a 70-year-old man. And indeed, Miller's enthusiasm for discussing the work was as palpable as that pulsing through every innervating moment of the film itself. "I thought I was done on the first one," Miller said of the original film. "Then the second one came along and it was a way to try it again and do something better. I was just learning how to make films. I'm still learning how to make films. But these things stay in the back of your...
- 4/30/2015
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Best Cinematography is one of the most closely watched technical categories at the Oscars, due largely to the fact that it’s often so difficult to predict. Indeed, since 1986, when the American Society of Cinematographers first started handing out prizes, only 11 of its winners went on to triumph at the Oscars: -Break- 1990: Dean Semler, “Dances with Wolves” 1995: John Toll, “Braveheart” 1996: John Seale, “The English Patient” 1997: Russell Carpenter, “Titanic” 1999: Conrad L. Hall, “American Beauty” 2002: Conrad L. Hall, “Road to Perdition” 2005: Dion Beebe, “Memoirs of a Geisha” 2007: Robert Elswit, “There Will Be Blood” 2008: Anthony Dod Mantle, “Slumdog Millionaire” 2010: Wally Pfister, “Inception” 2013: Emmanuel Lubeszki, “Gravity” Updated: Experts' Oscars predictions in 24 categories This year, th...'...
- 2/19/2015
- Gold Derby
If you're interested in an anniversary conversation that really has some bearing on today's film industry, I highly recommend American Cinematographer's recent chat with "Collateral" Dp Dion Beebe. It's been nearly a decade (if you can believe it) since Beebe and Paul Cameron carved out a serious place for digital with that film, earning an American Society of Cinematographers (Asc) nomination in the process. It got me thinking about the history of the industry's acceptance of digital as reflected in the nominations handed out by both the Asc and Academy's cinematography branch over the last 10 years. Academy members were a bit slower on the uptake, as you might recall. Beebe and Cameron were snubbed by the branch despite the Asc nomination. Of course, that was still a dicey time for the technology. The first feature films shot digitally were Lars Von Trier's "The Idiots" and Thomas Vinterberg's "The Celebration,...
- 7/3/2014
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
All I could picture as the closing credits began for "Maleficent," the big-budget fantasy picture that Walt Disney Studios is releasing on Friday, was a whole generation of women explaining how deeply and permanently broken their view of men was by Angelina Jolie when they were just princess-crazy little girls. It is safe to say I will not be taking my kids to see "Maleficent," a film that is so swollen with psycho-sexual subtext that I felt like I was watching a true hijacking of the mainstream. But… by who? Robert Stromberg, who directed the film, is a production designer who has been involved in creating some of the richest, most detailed fantasy worlds on film over the last decade, and who worked in visual effects for 20 years before that, and he certainly brings that skill set to bear on how he establishes a sense of time and place in "Maleficent.
- 5/29/2014
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
Chicago – The actor Greg Kinnear has been known for his neat and tidy image, but never has he portrayed a religious leader. His role as Todd Burpo – a pastor of a church and the father whose son believes “Heaven Is for Real” – brings the energy of spirituality to the movies just in time for the Easter holiday.
Born in small town Logansport, Indiana, Greg Kinnear was the son of a career diplomat, and moved around quite a bit as a child, even living overseas. He is a veteran actor who first came into prominence when he hosted the first version of “Talk Soup” on the E! Network in 1991. Four years later, he made a splashy film debut as David Larrabee in the 1995 remake of Billy Wilder’s “Sabrina,” directed by Sydney Pollack.
Greg Kinnear Portrays a Skeptical Pastor in ‘Heaven Is for Real’
Photo credit: TriStar Pictures
A couple years later,...
Born in small town Logansport, Indiana, Greg Kinnear was the son of a career diplomat, and moved around quite a bit as a child, even living overseas. He is a veteran actor who first came into prominence when he hosted the first version of “Talk Soup” on the E! Network in 1991. Four years later, he made a splashy film debut as David Larrabee in the 1995 remake of Billy Wilder’s “Sabrina,” directed by Sydney Pollack.
Greg Kinnear Portrays a Skeptical Pastor in ‘Heaven Is for Real’
Photo credit: TriStar Pictures
A couple years later,...
- 4/15/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, Heaven Is For Real brings to the screen the true story that has inspired millions across the globe – that of a little boy’s extraordinary, life-changing experience, and his father’s search for the courage and conviction to share his son’s discovery with the world.
Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award-winner Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine) stars as Todd Burpo, a small-town businessman, volunteer firefighter and pastor struggling to make ends meet in a tough year for his family. After his bright young son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum in his feature film debut) is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, Todd and his wife Sonja (Kelly Reilly, Flight, Sherlock Holmes) are overjoyed by his miraculous survival. But they are wholly unprepared for what happens next — Colton starts to matter-of-factly recount what he says was an amazing journey to heaven and back.
Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award-winner Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine) stars as Todd Burpo, a small-town businessman, volunteer firefighter and pastor struggling to make ends meet in a tough year for his family. After his bright young son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum in his feature film debut) is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, Todd and his wife Sonja (Kelly Reilly, Flight, Sherlock Holmes) are overjoyed by his miraculous survival. But they are wholly unprepared for what happens next — Colton starts to matter-of-factly recount what he says was an amazing journey to heaven and back.
- 4/4/2014
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Here are new stills for "Maleficent" starring Angelina Jolie. Directed by production designer Robert Stromberg ("Avatar", "Alice In Wonderland"), in his directorial debut, and produced by Joe Roth, "Maleficent" is written by Linda Woolverton ("The Lion King", "Beauty And The Beast") and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith and Palak Patel. Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley , Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville. This is the untold story of Disney's most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty". The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora. Behind-the-scenes talent includes cinematographer Dean Semler,...
- 3/10/2014
- www.ohmygore.com/
While the movies have brought us many great sports films over the decades, boxing seems to hold a special place in film history, and has brought us some of the true classics of cinema history. And even as boxing has become less popular among the general American public, Hollywood’s love affair with pugilism has kept going strong. The twenty-first century has already brought us such acclaimed boxing films as Ali (2001), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Cinderella Man (2005), Rocky Balboa (2006), and The Fighter (2010). Now, director Peter Segal has entered this particular sub-genre with Grudge Match, a boxing comedy starring Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone. While it certainly won’t be counted among the great boxing films or the great sports comedies, it’s a fun little movie that’s worth a look if you’re interested.
Retired Pittsburgh boxers Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (Robert De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Sylvester Stallone...
Retired Pittsburgh boxers Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (Robert De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Sylvester Stallone...
- 12/30/2013
- by Timothy Monforton
- CinemaNerdz
Hot on the heels of yesterday's teaser artwork debut, the first official teaser trailer has arrived for Disney's Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Sharlto Copley. There's a whole lot of teasing going on around here!
Maleficent opens May 30, 2014. It is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse baby Aurora.
The cast includes Angelina Jolie (Wanted, Changeling), Sharlto Copley (District 9), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Sam Riley (On the Road), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Miranda Richardson (The Hours), Juno Temple (Atonement), and Lesley Manville (Secrets & Lies).
Directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar, Alice in Wonderland) in his directorial debut and produced by Joe Roth, Maleficent is written by Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast) and executive produced by Jolie, Don Hahn,...
Maleficent opens May 30, 2014. It is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse baby Aurora.
The cast includes Angelina Jolie (Wanted, Changeling), Sharlto Copley (District 9), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Sam Riley (On the Road), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Miranda Richardson (The Hours), Juno Temple (Atonement), and Lesley Manville (Secrets & Lies).
Directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar, Alice in Wonderland) in his directorial debut and produced by Joe Roth, Maleficent is written by Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast) and executive produced by Jolie, Don Hahn,...
- 11/13/2013
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
We haven't talked much about Disney's Maleficent lately, but with the film's gorgeous new Us and UK teaser posters hitting the Net, we thought the least we could do is share them with you!
Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie in her first on-screen role in three and a half years, opens May 30, 2014. Check out the artwork below from EW for the Us version and The Imp Awards for the UK variant.
Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (District 9), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Sam Riley (On the Road), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Miranda Richardson (The Hours), Juno Temple (Atonement), and Lesley Manville (Secrets & Lies).
This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.
Directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar, Alice in Wonderland...
Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie in her first on-screen role in three and a half years, opens May 30, 2014. Check out the artwork below from EW for the Us version and The Imp Awards for the UK variant.
Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (District 9), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Sam Riley (On the Road), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Miranda Richardson (The Hours), Juno Temple (Atonement), and Lesley Manville (Secrets & Lies).
This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.
Directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar, Alice in Wonderland...
- 11/12/2013
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
The American Society of Cinematographers announced today that its 28th annual Asc Awards will be presented February 1, 2014 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland. Awards will be presented for best cinematography in feature and TV categories, as well as awards for career and lifetime achievement. Last year, Roger Deakins won for Skyfall, and the annual Asc Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was Dean Semler, who was introduced in a surprise appearance by Angelina Jolie. This year, TV noms will be announced November 19 and film noms January 8. Here is the full timeline: Sept 3-Nov 1 – TV entry submissions period. Directors of photography can enter in three categories: (1) An episode of a regular half-hour series (2) An episode of a regular hour-long series, and (3) A movie or miniseries made for television. To qualify, shows must have premiere broadcast dates in the United States between December 1, 2012, and October 31, 2013. Entry forms are available from the Asc website.
- 9/12/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Here’s your first look at Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro and Kevin Hart in Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming Grudge Match.
In theaters on December 25th, De Niro and Stallone are old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match in director Peter Segal’s comedy.
In Grudge Match, De Niro and Stallone play Billy “The Kid” McDonnen and Henry “Razor” Sharp, two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, refusing to explain why but effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can’t refuse: to reenter the ring and settle the score once and for all.
In theaters on December 25th, De Niro and Stallone are old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match in director Peter Segal’s comedy.
In Grudge Match, De Niro and Stallone play Billy “The Kid” McDonnen and Henry “Razor” Sharp, two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, refusing to explain why but effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can’t refuse: to reenter the ring and settle the score once and for all.
- 8/13/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Grudge Match, a comedy starring film legends Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone as rivals in the boxing ring, will bow in the holiday season with a Christmas Day debut, moving up from its prior release date of January 10. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ Grudge Match stars award-winning movie legends Oscar winner Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone (the “Rocky” films, “The Expendables”) as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match. Peter Segal (“Get Smart,” “The Longest Yard”) directs the comedy.
De Niro and Stallone play Billy “The Kid” McDonnen and Henry “Razor” Sharp, two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement,...
Warner Bros. Pictures’ Grudge Match stars award-winning movie legends Oscar winner Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone (the “Rocky” films, “The Expendables”) as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match. Peter Segal (“Get Smart,” “The Longest Yard”) directs the comedy.
De Niro and Stallone play Billy “The Kid” McDonnen and Henry “Razor” Sharp, two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement,...
- 6/27/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment celebrates the high-definition upgrade of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome with the release of all three movies in a special set. The trilogy is presented in a tin box with exclusive art developed for the collection. The Blu-rays are housed inside a single case within its collectible cradle.
If you haven't seen the Mad Max movies by now, what are you waiting for? Any fan of action, sci-fi, or post-apocalyptic films will love all the entries in this franchise. You better get educated now before the upcoming video game and new movie, Mad Max: Fury Road, hits theaters and you're left in the dust wondering what all the fuss is about.
The movies can be summed up quite easily. Max (Mel Gibson) is an ex-police officer that gets caught up in other people's problems in a post-apocalyptic world where gas and other everyday commodities have become extremely scarce.
If you haven't seen the Mad Max movies by now, what are you waiting for? Any fan of action, sci-fi, or post-apocalyptic films will love all the entries in this franchise. You better get educated now before the upcoming video game and new movie, Mad Max: Fury Road, hits theaters and you're left in the dust wondering what all the fuss is about.
The movies can be summed up quite easily. Max (Mel Gibson) is an ex-police officer that gets caught up in other people's problems in a post-apocalyptic world where gas and other everyday commodities have become extremely scarce.
- 6/15/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Eric Shirey)
- Cinelinx
The line where art meets commerce has always been a grey one . even when it is reliant on the public purse. The issue flared in 2011 when government proposals took aim at the regulations which limit foreign actors working on local productions. And it flared again last year when, for the first time, a number of local films employed foreign cinematographers.
The appointments created a ripple of unease among local cinematographers who are regularly lauded as being amongst the world.s best. Of the seven Australians who have won Academy Awards for their work behind the camera, five are still active in the industry: Dean Semler, John Seale, Andrew Lesnie, Russell Boyd and Dion Beebe. A new breed are also making the leap into high-end features such as Ross Emery (The Wolverine), Simon Duggan (The Great Gatsby) and Jules O.Loughlin (Sanctum), just to name a few.
So it came as...
The appointments created a ripple of unease among local cinematographers who are regularly lauded as being amongst the world.s best. Of the seven Australians who have won Academy Awards for their work behind the camera, five are still active in the industry: Dean Semler, John Seale, Andrew Lesnie, Russell Boyd and Dion Beebe. A new breed are also making the leap into high-end features such as Ross Emery (The Wolverine), Simon Duggan (The Great Gatsby) and Jules O.Loughlin (Sanctum), just to name a few.
So it came as...
- 5/28/2013
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
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