Suzanne Blech has been elevated from Executive VP of Screen Media Films to President, the company announced today. She succeeds Robert Baruc, who "is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities." Before starting with Screen Media over nine years ago, Blech worked for New Line, Turner, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and Live. "Suzanne is a seasoned industry leader with a broad range of experience that allows her to anticipate the future of our ...
- 9/1/2011
- Indiewire
Suzanne Blech has been named president of Screen Media Films, the company announced Thursday. Blech has been with the indie distributor for nine years, overseeing acquisitions. She has previously worked at USA, New Line, Turner, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and Live. In her new post, Blech will oversee the fall theatrical releases of the dark comedy “The Lie," the French action thriller “L’Assault,” and the documentary “Jig." Blech succeeds Robert Baruc. The company said he is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Related Articles:...
- 9/1/2011
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Screen Media Ventures today announced the appointment of Suzanne Blech as President of Screen Media Films. Blech has spent more than 9 years at Screen Media in theatrical and home entertainment operations and particularly acquisition of new release titles. The indie vet worked earlier in her career at USA, New Line, Turner, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and Live. She will oversee the fall theatrical releases of the dark comedy The Lie and the French action thriller L’Assault, in addition to the release of the documentary Jig on October 4th. Blech will also attend next week’s Toronto International Film Festival to buy for her U.S./Canadian slate of films. Blech succeeds Robert Baruc, who is exiting the company. Since 2001, Screen Media Films has released more than 250 titles, and Screen Media Films has a library of over 1,500 motion pictures.twww.screenmediafilms.net. #...
- 9/1/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Robert Baruc, President of Screen Media Films, announced today that Screen Media has acquired North American rights for John Gray’s White Irish Drinkers, a gritty coming of age story about working-class Brooklyn brothers, whose involvement in a risky crime may be their only escape from their volatile Irish family.
The film stars newcomers Nick Thurston, Geoff Wigdor and Leslie Murphy, alongside veterans Stephen Lang, Karen Allen, and Peter Riegert. The film premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the 2010 Woodstock Film Festival, and was just nominated for the Gotham Genius Award. Screen Media will release the film theatrically in Spring 2011.
It’s early autumn of 1975 in Brooklyn and 18 year-old Brian Leary (Nick Thurston) is killing time, pulling off petty crimes with his street tough older brother Danny (Geoff Wigdor), whom he both idolizes and fears. They both live with their parents, Paddy (Stephen Lang), a longshoreman,...
The film stars newcomers Nick Thurston, Geoff Wigdor and Leslie Murphy, alongside veterans Stephen Lang, Karen Allen, and Peter Riegert. The film premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the 2010 Woodstock Film Festival, and was just nominated for the Gotham Genius Award. Screen Media will release the film theatrically in Spring 2011.
It’s early autumn of 1975 in Brooklyn and 18 year-old Brian Leary (Nick Thurston) is killing time, pulling off petty crimes with his street tough older brother Danny (Geoff Wigdor), whom he both idolizes and fears. They both live with their parents, Paddy (Stephen Lang), a longshoreman,...
- 11/10/2010
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
Screen Media has picked up North American rights for John Gray’s “White Irish Drinkers,” so announced Robert Baruc, President of Screen Media Films today. The gritty coming of age story tells of working-class Brooklyn brothers, whose involvement in a risky crime may be their only escape from their volatile Irish family. Starring are newcomers Nick Thurston, Geoff Wigdor and Leslie Murphy, with veteran actors like "Avatar" star Stephen Lang, Karen Allen, and Peter Riegert. Pic had its premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival and took home the Audience Award at the 2010 Woodstock Film Festival. Additionally, it was just nominated for the Gotham Genius Award. Screen Media Films has set a release to theaters some time next Spring.
- 11/10/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Screen Media has picked up North American rights for John Gray’s “White Irish Drinkers,” so announced Robert Baruc, President of Screen Media Films today. The gritty coming of age story tells of working-class Brooklyn brothers, whose involvement in a risky crime may be their only escape from their volatile Irish family. Starring are newcomers Nick Thurston, Geoff Wigdor and Leslie Murphy, with veteran actors like "Avatar" star Stephen Lang, Karen Allen, and Peter Riegert. Pic had its premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival and took home the Audience Award at the 2010 Woodstock Film Festival. Additionally, it was just nominated for the Gotham Genius Award. Screen Media Films has set a release to theaters some time next Spring.
- 11/10/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
HollywoodNews.com: Robert Baruc, President of Screen Media, announced today the acquisition of North American rights to “White Lion,” a live-action family adventure film about a rare white lion cub who rises above many challenges to become one of the most powerful and revered lions in all of Africa.
Directed by Michael Swan, the film features over 30 real-life lions trained by famed “lion whisperer” Kevin Richardson. Richardson also served as a producer.
“White Lion” was shot on location, at The Kingdom of the White Lion, an enterprise 50 miles outside of the city of Johannesburg, along the Crocodile River, established especially for this film. This marks the first production – entirely about lions – starring real lions from South Africa.
“White Lion” was the recipient of three South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) awards including Best Cinematography (Michael Swan), Best Music Composition (Phillip Miller) and Best Sound Design (Ivan Millborrow, Nicky De Beer...
Directed by Michael Swan, the film features over 30 real-life lions trained by famed “lion whisperer” Kevin Richardson. Richardson also served as a producer.
“White Lion” was shot on location, at The Kingdom of the White Lion, an enterprise 50 miles outside of the city of Johannesburg, along the Crocodile River, established especially for this film. This marks the first production – entirely about lions – starring real lions from South Africa.
“White Lion” was the recipient of three South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) awards including Best Cinematography (Michael Swan), Best Music Composition (Phillip Miller) and Best Sound Design (Ivan Millborrow, Nicky De Beer...
- 9/13/2010
- by Linny Lum
- Hollywoodnews.com
Screen Media has acquired North American rights to Michael Swan's "White Lion," which feature more than 30 lions trained by "lion whisperer" Kevin Richardson, who also served as producer.
The film won three South African Film and Television Awards, including best cinematography, best music composition and best sound design.
To promote the release of the family adventure film, Screen Media will partner with local zoos across the country.
The deal for "Lion," which was shot in South Africa, was brokered by Robert Baruc and David Fannon at Screen Media and Scott Bedno and David Jackson at Showcase Entertainment.
The film won three South African Film and Television Awards, including best cinematography, best music composition and best sound design.
To promote the release of the family adventure film, Screen Media will partner with local zoos across the country.
The deal for "Lion," which was shot in South Africa, was brokered by Robert Baruc and David Fannon at Screen Media and Scott Bedno and David Jackson at Showcase Entertainment.
- 9/10/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Screen Media Films has acquired worldwide rights to Adam Kane's political thriller "Formosa Betrayed," starring James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek plays an FBI agent, investigating the murder of an Asian professor, who pursues the man's killers to Taiwan. Wendy Crewson, John Heard, Tzi Ma, Will Tiao, Leslie Hope and Kenneth Tsang round out the cast.
The film, which picked up awards at the San Diego Film Festival and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, is the first project from newly formed production/finance company Formosa Films, founded by Will Tiao.
"Betrayed," which debuted at the Montreal World Film Festival, will be released in 15-20 North American cities in February.
Screen Media will rep worldwide rights and begin selling territories at the European Film Market in February. The deal was brokered by the Paradigm Motion Picture Finance Group, attorney Kevin Mills and Screen Media president Robert Baruc and vp international Michael Dwyer.
Van Der Beek plays an FBI agent, investigating the murder of an Asian professor, who pursues the man's killers to Taiwan. Wendy Crewson, John Heard, Tzi Ma, Will Tiao, Leslie Hope and Kenneth Tsang round out the cast.
The film, which picked up awards at the San Diego Film Festival and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, is the first project from newly formed production/finance company Formosa Films, founded by Will Tiao.
"Betrayed," which debuted at the Montreal World Film Festival, will be released in 15-20 North American cities in February.
Screen Media will rep worldwide rights and begin selling territories at the European Film Market in February. The deal was brokered by the Paradigm Motion Picture Finance Group, attorney Kevin Mills and Screen Media president Robert Baruc and vp international Michael Dwyer.
- 10/29/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
While you wait for Chain Letter to be acquired for distribution, Deon Taylor has already completed his next feature, Dead Tone, which stars Rutger Hauer, Jud Tylor, Antwon Tanner and Brian Hooks. Screen Media Films has struck a distribution partnership with Deon Taylor Enterprises/Vista Taylor for the thriller that will hit select cities in the Us starting September 3. Based on real events, Dead Tone is about college students whose prank phone calls target the wrong person, a madman who turns on them. Screen Media acquired all other rights - DVD, VOD, ancillary - in a deal negotiated by Deon Taylors agent Jay Cohen of Gersh with Screen Media Films Robert Baruc and David Fannon.
- 7/29/2009
- bloody-disgusting.com
New York -- In another post-Toronto acquisition, Screen Media Films has nabbed U.S. rights to producer/star Alec Baldwin's drama "Lymelife."
Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton, Jill Hennessey, Rory Culkin, Kieran Culkin and Emma Roberts also star in the late-'70s tale of a teen and his family whose Long Island town gets hit hard by Lyme disease.
Derick Martini's film nabbed the International Critics Prize for Discovery after its Toronto world premiere. Martin Scorsese and Leonard Loventhal exec produced the project, which was produced by Jon Cornick, Barbara De Fina, Michele Tayler, Angela Somerville and Baldwin.
Screen Media president Robert Baruc, who recently acquired producer/star Sarah Jessica Parker's drama "Spinning Into Butter," will oversee a platform theatrical rollout in the spring.
William Morris Independent negotiated the deal with Martini's reps, Jonathan Gray and Evan Krauss of Gray Krauss Llp.
Steven Zeitchik and Borys Kit contributed to this report.
Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton, Jill Hennessey, Rory Culkin, Kieran Culkin and Emma Roberts also star in the late-'70s tale of a teen and his family whose Long Island town gets hit hard by Lyme disease.
Derick Martini's film nabbed the International Critics Prize for Discovery after its Toronto world premiere. Martin Scorsese and Leonard Loventhal exec produced the project, which was produced by Jon Cornick, Barbara De Fina, Michele Tayler, Angela Somerville and Baldwin.
Screen Media president Robert Baruc, who recently acquired producer/star Sarah Jessica Parker's drama "Spinning Into Butter," will oversee a platform theatrical rollout in the spring.
William Morris Independent negotiated the deal with Martini's reps, Jonathan Gray and Evan Krauss of Gray Krauss Llp.
Steven Zeitchik and Borys Kit contributed to this report.
- 10/13/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- Screen Media Films has picked up Sarah Jessica Parker's racially charged drama "Spinning Like Butter" for North American distribution.
Parker produced and stars in director Mark Brokaw's adaptation of the Rebecca Gilman play. She portrays a liberal New England college dean forced to confront hidden prejudices and political correctness when one of her few black students (Paul James) receives anonymous racist letters. Mykelti Williamson, Beau Bridges and Miranda Richardson also star.
"Butter" ran into financial problems during its late-2005 shoot, leaving cast and crew members temporarily unpaid. Screen Media president Robert Baruc said producers and the film's Icm sales reps helped resolve the issues before he and his executive vp David Fannon sealed the high-six-figure deal.
Baruc will launch the "Butter" with a first-quarter 2009 theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles and five other U.S. cities, then decide on a platform strategy.
The film's delay...
Parker produced and stars in director Mark Brokaw's adaptation of the Rebecca Gilman play. She portrays a liberal New England college dean forced to confront hidden prejudices and political correctness when one of her few black students (Paul James) receives anonymous racist letters. Mykelti Williamson, Beau Bridges and Miranda Richardson also star.
"Butter" ran into financial problems during its late-2005 shoot, leaving cast and crew members temporarily unpaid. Screen Media president Robert Baruc said producers and the film's Icm sales reps helped resolve the issues before he and his executive vp David Fannon sealed the high-six-figure deal.
Baruc will launch the "Butter" with a first-quarter 2009 theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles and five other U.S. cities, then decide on a platform strategy.
The film's delay...
- 9/23/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood is preparing to decamp for Denver for what could be the frothiest showbiz participation in a political convention ever.
There will be almost as many invite-only events featuring Hollywood stars and studio bigwigs at the Democratic National Convention as there will be proceedings planned for the podium or parties for the faithful. This go-round will rival if not surpass the star power of the 1960 and 1992 conventions, where glitzy candidates John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton attracted an unusually large contingent of their Tinseltown friends and supporters. But both of those confabs were held in sprawling, distracted Los Angeles; in the much narrower confines of Denver, the impact of the Hollywood heavyweights might be even more noticeable.
Sen. Barack Obama's own rock-star status no doubt also will ratchet up the sizzle factor.
Celebrities expected to attend at least some of the events in the Mile High City include Ben Affleck, Josh Brolin, Annette Bening, Spike Lee, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Richard Schiff and Kerry Washington.
Among the likely execs on hand will be Sony's Michael Lynton, DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg, Endeavor's Ari Emmanuel, producer Lawrence Bender and Comcast's Jeff Shell -- all of whom have served on Obama's National Finance Committee.
And because it is in Denver, the home of the country's key coterie of cablers, companies like Starz are among those that intend to make the most of their host perch.
Prominent figures from entertainment, mainstream and new-media and literature will be part of what the John Malone-backed cable conglomerate has dubbed the Starz Green Room, a venue just steps from the main convention hall in the Pepsi Center.
Stressing that it is "a topical but nonpartisan undertaking," Starz organizers are positioning their initiative as a complement to the official events of the convention, which runs Aug. 25-28. The schedule ranges from socially themed films and panel discussions to an online film competition discussing the meaning of democracy. The program is being produced by Starz Entertainment and its partners SeaChange Communications, founded by Jamie McGurk and Victoria Hopper; the Impact Film Festival, founded by Jody Arlington, Jamie Shor and Kimball Stroud; and the Denver Film Society, based at the Starz FilmCenter in the Tivoli.
Among the participants at one Starz event or another are Brolin, Affleck, Charlize Theron and Morgan Spurlock, who will either cross paths with or interface with such politicians as Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and assorted other city, state and national elected officials. Pundits, bloggers and activists on hand will include Arianna Huffington, John Podesta, Hilary Rosen, Walter Isaacson and Dennis Prager.
Panel topics planned for the SeaChange Ideas Forum range from how high-profile friends help politicians succeed to the increasing role of viral videos and social networks in political debate and an examination of the role of faith-based voters and alternatives to military solutions for solving global crises.
The Impact Film Festival is presenting such contemporary films as "Flow," "Battle in Seattle," "Trouble the Water" and "The Black List," which will be followed by conversations with the filmmakers and others associated with the projects. Also included are "The Visitor" and "Henry Poole Is Here" from Overture Films, the theatrical division of Starz.
Another organization fielding a sizable Hollywood contingent in Denver is the nonprofit Creative Coalition, which with Target is sponsoring a gala featuring a benefit performance by the Black Eyed Peas on Aug. 27 at the Fillmore Auditorium.
The Creative Coalition is focused on bringing Hollywood star power to bear on such issues as health care and education reform, public funding for the arts and affordable housing. The Creative Coalition neither endorses nor raises funds for political parties or candidates and also will be present at the Republican National Convention.
Robin Bronk, executive director of the Creative Coalition, said that what matters most at these conventions is not star power itself but how such power can draw attention to the issues.
"We have a great track record of bringing substance with splash," she said.
In addition to hosting the Wednesday night gala, the Creative Coalition will host a luncheon honoring Bening and the 14 female senators of the 109th Congress. A Screen Media Films documentary about the senators and narrated by Bening, "14 Women," will get its close-up at the morning reception at Earl's restaurant in Denver.
"14 Women" is one of several films that Screen Media and the Creative Coalition will be showing during both the Democratic and Republican conventions.
The "Spotlight Initiative" highlights films -- "Skid Row," "Big Rigs," "Honeydrippers" and "14 Women" -- that have a social message.
Robert Baruc, president of Screen Media Films, said Monday that the films' messages are key.
"We feel they address important issues," Baruc said. "Here is a platform where we will have the eyes of important people in politics."
Lee will be honored Sunday night, just before the convention's opening, at a reception sponsored by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the Creative Coalition and Eli Lilly. It's to honor the accomplishments of black leaders in the field of public policy. "Gospel Hill," a film by Giancarlo Esposito starring Danny Glover and Angela Bassett, will unspool Monday morning at a brunch in Denver.
Elizabeth Guider reported from Los Angeles; Paul J. Gough reported from New York.
There will be almost as many invite-only events featuring Hollywood stars and studio bigwigs at the Democratic National Convention as there will be proceedings planned for the podium or parties for the faithful. This go-round will rival if not surpass the star power of the 1960 and 1992 conventions, where glitzy candidates John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton attracted an unusually large contingent of their Tinseltown friends and supporters. But both of those confabs were held in sprawling, distracted Los Angeles; in the much narrower confines of Denver, the impact of the Hollywood heavyweights might be even more noticeable.
Sen. Barack Obama's own rock-star status no doubt also will ratchet up the sizzle factor.
Celebrities expected to attend at least some of the events in the Mile High City include Ben Affleck, Josh Brolin, Annette Bening, Spike Lee, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Richard Schiff and Kerry Washington.
Among the likely execs on hand will be Sony's Michael Lynton, DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg, Endeavor's Ari Emmanuel, producer Lawrence Bender and Comcast's Jeff Shell -- all of whom have served on Obama's National Finance Committee.
And because it is in Denver, the home of the country's key coterie of cablers, companies like Starz are among those that intend to make the most of their host perch.
Prominent figures from entertainment, mainstream and new-media and literature will be part of what the John Malone-backed cable conglomerate has dubbed the Starz Green Room, a venue just steps from the main convention hall in the Pepsi Center.
Stressing that it is "a topical but nonpartisan undertaking," Starz organizers are positioning their initiative as a complement to the official events of the convention, which runs Aug. 25-28. The schedule ranges from socially themed films and panel discussions to an online film competition discussing the meaning of democracy. The program is being produced by Starz Entertainment and its partners SeaChange Communications, founded by Jamie McGurk and Victoria Hopper; the Impact Film Festival, founded by Jody Arlington, Jamie Shor and Kimball Stroud; and the Denver Film Society, based at the Starz FilmCenter in the Tivoli.
Among the participants at one Starz event or another are Brolin, Affleck, Charlize Theron and Morgan Spurlock, who will either cross paths with or interface with such politicians as Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and assorted other city, state and national elected officials. Pundits, bloggers and activists on hand will include Arianna Huffington, John Podesta, Hilary Rosen, Walter Isaacson and Dennis Prager.
Panel topics planned for the SeaChange Ideas Forum range from how high-profile friends help politicians succeed to the increasing role of viral videos and social networks in political debate and an examination of the role of faith-based voters and alternatives to military solutions for solving global crises.
The Impact Film Festival is presenting such contemporary films as "Flow," "Battle in Seattle," "Trouble the Water" and "The Black List," which will be followed by conversations with the filmmakers and others associated with the projects. Also included are "The Visitor" and "Henry Poole Is Here" from Overture Films, the theatrical division of Starz.
Another organization fielding a sizable Hollywood contingent in Denver is the nonprofit Creative Coalition, which with Target is sponsoring a gala featuring a benefit performance by the Black Eyed Peas on Aug. 27 at the Fillmore Auditorium.
The Creative Coalition is focused on bringing Hollywood star power to bear on such issues as health care and education reform, public funding for the arts and affordable housing. The Creative Coalition neither endorses nor raises funds for political parties or candidates and also will be present at the Republican National Convention.
Robin Bronk, executive director of the Creative Coalition, said that what matters most at these conventions is not star power itself but how such power can draw attention to the issues.
"We have a great track record of bringing substance with splash," she said.
In addition to hosting the Wednesday night gala, the Creative Coalition will host a luncheon honoring Bening and the 14 female senators of the 109th Congress. A Screen Media Films documentary about the senators and narrated by Bening, "14 Women," will get its close-up at the morning reception at Earl's restaurant in Denver.
"14 Women" is one of several films that Screen Media and the Creative Coalition will be showing during both the Democratic and Republican conventions.
The "Spotlight Initiative" highlights films -- "Skid Row," "Big Rigs," "Honeydrippers" and "14 Women" -- that have a social message.
Robert Baruc, president of Screen Media Films, said Monday that the films' messages are key.
"We feel they address important issues," Baruc said. "Here is a platform where we will have the eyes of important people in politics."
Lee will be honored Sunday night, just before the convention's opening, at a reception sponsored by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the Creative Coalition and Eli Lilly. It's to honor the accomplishments of black leaders in the field of public policy. "Gospel Hill," a film by Giancarlo Esposito starring Danny Glover and Angela Bassett, will unspool Monday morning at a brunch in Denver.
Elizabeth Guider reported from Los Angeles; Paul J. Gough reported from New York.
- 8/18/2008
- by By Elizabeth Guider and Paul J. Gough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- Screen Media Films has acquired worldwide rights to the dramatic thriller "Lake City," starring Sissy Spacek, Troy Garity, Rebecca Romijn and Dave Matthews.
Keith Carradine and Drea De Matteo also star in the film, the latest theatrical acquisition from this spring's Tribeca Film Festival.
Writer-directors Perry Moore and Hunter Hill's feature follows a young man (Garity) who journeys to the rural Virginia home of his mother (Spacek) to hide from the drug dealer (Matthews) of his estranged wife (De Matteo).
Screen Media will release the film in New York, Los Angeles and five urban markets on Nov. 7. Allison Sarofim, Donna Bascom and Mike Ryan produced the film with executive producers Mark Johnson, Weiman Seid and Sally Pope through N.Y.-based Sixty-Six Productions.
Robert Baruc and David Fannon negotiated the deal on behalf of Screen Media.
Keith Carradine and Drea De Matteo also star in the film, the latest theatrical acquisition from this spring's Tribeca Film Festival.
Writer-directors Perry Moore and Hunter Hill's feature follows a young man (Garity) who journeys to the rural Virginia home of his mother (Spacek) to hide from the drug dealer (Matthews) of his estranged wife (De Matteo).
Screen Media will release the film in New York, Los Angeles and five urban markets on Nov. 7. Allison Sarofim, Donna Bascom and Mike Ryan produced the film with executive producers Mark Johnson, Weiman Seid and Sally Pope through N.Y.-based Sixty-Six Productions.
Robert Baruc and David Fannon negotiated the deal on behalf of Screen Media.
- 7/8/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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