The distributor has pounced on its second title in Toronto, taking Us rights from Minds Eye Entertainment to Jon Cassar’s Western.
Kiefer Sutherland and Donald Sutherland star together for the first time in Forsaken, which is set to premiere as a Gala Presentation in Toronto on Wednesday.
Forsaken is a co-production between Panacea Entertainment and Minds Eye Entertainment and shot entirely on location at the Cl Ranch near Cochrane, Alberta.
Brian Cox, Michael Wincott, Greg Ellis and Aaron Poole round out the key cast on the story of a gunslinger who returns to his home town to repair his relationship with his father.
Kiefer Sutherland’s 24 collaborator Cassar directed from a screenplay by Brad Mirman, while Kevin DeWalt, Josh Miller, Bill Marks, Gary Howsam and Isabella Marchese Ragona produced.
Momentum, a stand-alone company that was recently revived under the eOne umbrella, acquired Stephen Frears’ Toronto selection The Program over the weekend.
Kiefer Sutherland and Donald Sutherland star together for the first time in Forsaken, which is set to premiere as a Gala Presentation in Toronto on Wednesday.
Forsaken is a co-production between Panacea Entertainment and Minds Eye Entertainment and shot entirely on location at the Cl Ranch near Cochrane, Alberta.
Brian Cox, Michael Wincott, Greg Ellis and Aaron Poole round out the key cast on the story of a gunslinger who returns to his home town to repair his relationship with his father.
Kiefer Sutherland’s 24 collaborator Cassar directed from a screenplay by Brad Mirman, while Kevin DeWalt, Josh Miller, Bill Marks, Gary Howsam and Isabella Marchese Ragona produced.
Momentum, a stand-alone company that was recently revived under the eOne umbrella, acquired Stephen Frears’ Toronto selection The Program over the weekend.
- 9/14/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
From levelFILM, Sneak Peek writer/director Damien Lee's boxing drama "A Fighting Man", available on Blu-ray and DVD, June 24, 2014, starring Dominic Purcell ("Prison Break"), Famke Janssen ("X-Men"), James Caan ("Rollerball"), Kim Coates ("Sons Of Anarchy"), Oscar winner Louis Gosset Jr. and Izaak Smith:
"...'A Fighting Man' is a brutal, disquieting look at two men who meet head to head in the ring for a fight that will change their lives. As one man (Purcell) fights for redemption and forgiveness, the other (Smith) fights for change and hope. Intense, fierce and highly dramatic, it's as much of a character story as it is a boxing movie, and by the end, they realize, whether win or lose, they'll need each other to make it through..."
Producers are Gary Howsam and Bill Marks and executive produced by Jeff Sackman.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "A Fighting Man...
"...'A Fighting Man' is a brutal, disquieting look at two men who meet head to head in the ring for a fight that will change their lives. As one man (Purcell) fights for redemption and forgiveness, the other (Smith) fights for change and hope. Intense, fierce and highly dramatic, it's as much of a character story as it is a boxing movie, and by the end, they realize, whether win or lose, they'll need each other to make it through..."
Producers are Gary Howsam and Bill Marks and executive produced by Jeff Sackman.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "A Fighting Man...
- 6/21/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Check out fresh images from Magnet Releasing's A Dark Truth starring Andy Garcia, Kim Coates, Deborah Kara Unger, Eva Longoria and Forest Whitaker. Damian Lee direcrs and writes the action thriller which also includes Kevin Durand, Devon Bostick, Lara Daans and Steven Bauer. Garcia plays a former CIA operative turned political talk show host, who is hired by a corporate whistle blower (Unger) to expose her company’s cover-up of a massacre in a South American village. When he arrives, he is plunged into a violent and chaotic situation, with the military cracking down on a group of protesters led by a pair of activists (Longoria and Whitaker). The ever-increasing depletion of earth’s natural resource of water serves as the backdrop for this tense environmental thriller. The film’s a co-production between Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures, and Gary Howsam and Bill Marks are producing. Jeff Sackman, Garcia...
- 11/27/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out fresh images from Magnet Releasing's A Dark Truth starring Andy Garcia, Kim Coates, Deborah Kara Unger, Eva Longoria and Forest Whitaker. Damian Lee direcrs and writes the action thriller which also includes Kevin Durand, Devon Bostick, Lara Daans and Steven Bauer. Garcia plays a former CIA operative turned political talk show host, who is hired by a corporate whistle blower (Unger) to expose her company’s cover-up of a massacre in a South American village. When he arrives, he is plunged into a violent and chaotic situation, with the military cracking down on a group of protesters led by a pair of activists (Longoria and Whitaker). The ever-increasing depletion of earth’s natural resource of water serves as the backdrop for this tense environmental thriller. The film’s a co-production between Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures, and Gary Howsam and Bill Marks are producing. Jeff Sackman, Garcia...
- 11/27/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Brendan Fraser will star in and produce writer/director Damian Lee's action-thriller Split Decision , says The Hollywood Reporter . Fraser will play a father who has to defend his two children from a pair of murderers, played by Dominic Purcell and Ethan Suplee. The site says: "The plot kicks off when two children (Holly Deveaux and Christian Martin) witness a murder while on a wilderness camping trip with a family friend (Daniel Kash). When two criminal brothers, (Dominic Purcell and Ethan Suplee) start to hunt down the children to silence them, Fraser.s father-figure sets out to rescue them. Amy Price-Francis appears as the children.s mother." Fraser will produce with Gary Howsam and Bill Marks. Jeff Sackman will executive produce. Filming will start soon in...
- 8/1/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Brendan Fraser will star in writer-director Damian Lee’s action-thriller Split Decision for Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures. Fraser plays a father who must defend his two children from a pair of murderers. He also will produce along with Gary Howsam and Bill Marks, with Jeff Sackman as executive producer. Photos: 28 of Summer's Most Anticipated Movies: 'Avengers,' 'Dark Knight,' 'Prometheus' The plot kicks off when two children (Holly Deveaux and Christian Martin) witness a murder while on a wilderness camping trip with a family friend (Daniel Kash). When two criminal brothers, (Dominic Purcell and Ethan
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- 8/1/2012
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some quick distribution news coming in ... Dimension Films has nabbed the North American rights to the next Korean remake to hit our shores, Compulsion. The thriller-tinged dark comedy is shooting now in Canada. Read on for more.
From the Press Release
Dimension Films announced today that they have acquired U.S. distribution rights to the psychological thriller Compulsion starring Heather Graham and Carrie-Anne Moss. The film, now shooting in Ontario, Canada, also stars Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna and is being directed by Egidio Coccimiglio.
Compulsion is based on the South Korean film “301, 302″ and centers on two women occupying neighboring apartments, each grappling with obsessions that have begun to overtake their lives. Graham portrays Amy, a vivacious, calculating chef whose need to be desired is so far-reaching that she becomes a star in her own imaginary cooking show. Moss is Saffron, a reclusive but alluring ex-child star who is battling anorexia.
From the Press Release
Dimension Films announced today that they have acquired U.S. distribution rights to the psychological thriller Compulsion starring Heather Graham and Carrie-Anne Moss. The film, now shooting in Ontario, Canada, also stars Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna and is being directed by Egidio Coccimiglio.
Compulsion is based on the South Korean film “301, 302″ and centers on two women occupying neighboring apartments, each grappling with obsessions that have begun to overtake their lives. Graham portrays Amy, a vivacious, calculating chef whose need to be desired is so far-reaching that she becomes a star in her own imaginary cooking show. Moss is Saffron, a reclusive but alluring ex-child star who is battling anorexia.
- 5/16/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Korean movies are getting a lot of play recently so it's no surprise that yet another remake is on its way of one of their most obscure tales. Read on for the full details of just what kind of lunacy two women in separate apartments can get themselves into!
According to Variety, Moonstone Entertainment has come on to handle foreign sales for Compulsion, a thriller-tinged dark comedy shooting in Canada. The film stars Heather Graham, Carrie-Anne Moss, Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna. The film is being directed by Egidio Coccimiglio and shot by Vilmos Zsigmond.
Compulsion is based on the South Korean film 301 / 302 and centers of two women occupying neighboring apartments, each grappling with creeping obsessions that have begun to overtake their lives. Graham portrays a newly single chef who fantasizes about starring in her own Food Network show and employs her culinary prowess to entice and control those intimate with her.
According to Variety, Moonstone Entertainment has come on to handle foreign sales for Compulsion, a thriller-tinged dark comedy shooting in Canada. The film stars Heather Graham, Carrie-Anne Moss, Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna. The film is being directed by Egidio Coccimiglio and shot by Vilmos Zsigmond.
Compulsion is based on the South Korean film 301 / 302 and centers of two women occupying neighboring apartments, each grappling with creeping obsessions that have begun to overtake their lives. Graham portrays a newly single chef who fantasizes about starring in her own Food Network show and employs her culinary prowess to entice and control those intimate with her.
- 5/12/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Heather Graham and Carrie-Anne Moss are joining Egidio Coccimiglio's "Compulsion" reports Deadline.
The story follows two very different women who occupy adjacent apartments. Moss plays former child star who is contemptuous of herself and the world. Graham plays a newly separated chef who dreams of stardom.
Floyd Byars penned the script while Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna also star. Gary Howsam and Bill Marks will produce and filming is currently underway in Ontario, Canada.
The story follows two very different women who occupy adjacent apartments. Moss plays former child star who is contemptuous of herself and the world. Graham plays a newly separated chef who dreams of stardom.
Floyd Byars penned the script while Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna also star. Gary Howsam and Bill Marks will produce and filming is currently underway in Ontario, Canada.
- 4/26/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Heather Graham, Carrie-Anne Moss, Kevin Dillon and Joe Mantegna are starring in Compulsion, an indie film that is just getting underway in Canada. Egidio Coccimiglio is directing a script by Floyd Byars, and Gary Howsam and Bill Marks are producing. Moss plays an embittered former child star and Graham plays her neighbor, a chef who dreams of hosting a Food Channel show. They are both fearless, only the chef fears nothing in life while her neighbor fears nothing about death. Vilmos Zsigmond is the cinematographer, and Jeff Sackman’s Tajj Media is handling distribution.
- 4/25/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
HollywoodNews.com: The stars from the legendary, infamous and outrageous underground sensation formerly known as the Trailer Park Boys are reuniting in a feature film called Race Dicks. This movie will follow Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay and Mike Smith as they enhance their car racing skills to compete in a world famous car race in Newfoundland. Along the way, they will creatively raise money to fund the television network SwearNet. The racing coach on the project is legendary car racer Rick Bye. Race Dicks is targeting a 2013 release.
Race Dicks is a Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures production, produced by Gary Howsam and Bill Marks, directed by Bill Marks. Howsam and Marks most recently collaborated together on The Truth, starring Andy Garcia, Kim Coates, Deborah Kara Unger, Eva Longoria and Forest Whitaker, directed by Damian Lee. Prior to The Truth, they collaborated together on Casino Jack, starring Kevin Spacey,...
Race Dicks is a Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures production, produced by Gary Howsam and Bill Marks, directed by Bill Marks. Howsam and Marks most recently collaborated together on The Truth, starring Andy Garcia, Kim Coates, Deborah Kara Unger, Eva Longoria and Forest Whitaker, directed by Damian Lee. Prior to The Truth, they collaborated together on Casino Jack, starring Kevin Spacey,...
- 2/8/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Exclusive: Andy Garcia, Kim Coates, Deborah Kara Unger, Eva Longoria and Forest Whitaker are set to star in The Truth, an action thriller written and directed by Damian Lee. Kevin Durand, Devon Bostick, Lara Daans and Steven Bauer are also in the cast. The film’s a co-production between Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures, and Gary Howsam and Bill Marks are producing. Jeff Sackman, Garcia and Coates are the exec producers. Shooting begins later this month in Ontario and in the Dominican Republic. Garcia plays an ex-cia op-turned-political talk show host. He’s hired by a corporate whistleblower to expose her company’s cover-up of a massacre in a South American village. Lee most recently directed Sacrifice and King Of Sorrow.
- 10/24/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
While it doesn't sound very Dread Central oriented, we've been assured by the powers that be that the latest film from Raw Feed creator Tony Krantz is home to lots of things close to the hearts of you wondrous sickos out there. Hence the coverage!
From the Press Release
Screen legend Antonio Banderas (Desperado, the Zorro and Spy Kids franchises, Woody Allen’s You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger) leads an all-star cast in the sexy, slick and action-packed detective thriller The Big Bang, out on Blu-ray™ and DVD May 24th. Bending the laws of the film noir genre, The Big Bang dazzles with sharp dialogue, colorful characters, hidden agendas, and shocking twists that will leave audiences guessing until the very last frame.
In addition, the film will have exclusive New York and Los Angeles theatrical engagements starting Friday, May 13th. Srp is $26.98 for the DVD and $34.99 for the...
From the Press Release
Screen legend Antonio Banderas (Desperado, the Zorro and Spy Kids franchises, Woody Allen’s You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger) leads an all-star cast in the sexy, slick and action-packed detective thriller The Big Bang, out on Blu-ray™ and DVD May 24th. Bending the laws of the film noir genre, The Big Bang dazzles with sharp dialogue, colorful characters, hidden agendas, and shocking twists that will leave audiences guessing until the very last frame.
In addition, the film will have exclusive New York and Los Angeles theatrical engagements starting Friday, May 13th. Srp is $26.98 for the DVD and $34.99 for the...
- 4/27/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Kevin Spacey has been nominated twice for an Oscar for American Beauty in 1999 and before that for his role as Roger 'Verbal' Kint in Bryan Singer's The Usual Suspects. Oh, and he also won the Oscar both of those times. However, it's now been over ten years since Spacey was nominated for an Oscar and as far as 2010 goes he's only got one opportunity, his role as Jack Abramoff in the recently deceased George Hickenlooper's Casino Jack, which finally hits theaters in New York and Los Angeles this coming Friday. Does he stand a chance at earning one of those precious five Best Actor slots? Today I've got an exclusive red band clip to help you decide.
Right now I have Spacey in the #12 slot in my Best Actor predictions and I'm willing to say two slots are currently up for grabs as Colin Firth (The King's Speech...
Right now I have Spacey in the #12 slot in my Best Actor predictions and I'm willing to say two slots are currently up for grabs as Colin Firth (The King's Speech...
- 12/13/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
We have the full-length trailer, a "show me the money" clip as well as fresh pics from Ato Pictures' comedy "Casino Jack." George Hickenlooper ("Factory Girl," "The Man from Elusian Fields") directs the comedy focusing on the wild excesses and escapades of Jack Abramoff. Starring are Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz, Rachelle Lefevre, Conrad Pla, Christian Campbell, Yannick Bisson, Spencer Garrett, Hannah Endicott-Douglas and David Fraser. The film is produced by Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Vitetzakis from an original screenplay by Norman Snider. Executive Producers are Richard Rionda Del Castro, Lewin Webb, Donald Zuckerman, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino.
- 10/22/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Ato Pictures has acquired the U.S. theatrical rights to the Kevin Spacey-starrer "Casino Jack" ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
CAA earlier sold the U.S. rights to the true-life drama about convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff on behalf of Rollercoaster Entertainment to James Schramm's Metropolitan Inc., but that deal fell through a month ago.
The George Hickenlooper indie pic also stars Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz and Rachelle Lefevre.
Ato is targeting a late December release.
The film was produced by Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Zakk from an original screenplay by Norman Snider.
Executive Producers are Richard Rionda Del Castro, Lewin Webb, Donald Zuckerman, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino. The Associate Producer is Rick Chad.
Hickenlooper and the cast will be in Toronto for a Sept. 16 gala premiere of "Casino Jack" at Roy Thomson Hall.
CAA earlier sold the U.S. rights to the true-life drama about convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff on behalf of Rollercoaster Entertainment to James Schramm's Metropolitan Inc., but that deal fell through a month ago.
The George Hickenlooper indie pic also stars Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz and Rachelle Lefevre.
Ato is targeting a late December release.
The film was produced by Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Zakk from an original screenplay by Norman Snider.
Executive Producers are Richard Rionda Del Castro, Lewin Webb, Donald Zuckerman, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino. The Associate Producer is Rick Chad.
Hickenlooper and the cast will be in Toronto for a Sept. 16 gala premiere of "Casino Jack" at Roy Thomson Hall.
- 9/9/2010
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Toronto -- In what is shaping up as one of the best acquisition title fields at the Toronto International Film Festival in years, CAA will be shopping George Hickenlooper's "Casino Jack," starring Kevin Spacey, in two weeks' time.
CAA earlier sold the U.S. rights to the true-life drama about convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff on behalf of Rollercoaster Entertainment to James Schramm's Metropolitan Inc., but that deal fell through a few weeks ago.
So the U.S. theatrical distribution rights are back on the table, and Rollercoaster's Gary Howsam says the film's producer, Hannibal Pictures, and CAA plan a full-court press in Toronto.
"We produced the film in Toronto. We hoped to have the world premiere here, and we got that," Howsam said.
Spacey will be in Toronto on the first weekend to do a press junket for the U.S. and foreign press.
And the film's producers...
CAA earlier sold the U.S. rights to the true-life drama about convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff on behalf of Rollercoaster Entertainment to James Schramm's Metropolitan Inc., but that deal fell through a few weeks ago.
So the U.S. theatrical distribution rights are back on the table, and Rollercoaster's Gary Howsam says the film's producer, Hannibal Pictures, and CAA plan a full-court press in Toronto.
"We produced the film in Toronto. We hoped to have the world premiere here, and we got that," Howsam said.
Spacey will be in Toronto on the first weekend to do a press junket for the U.S. and foreign press.
And the film's producers...
- 8/31/2010
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Metropolitan, Inc. has acquired the U.S. theatrical rights to the feature film “Casino Jack” by Rollercoaster Entertainment, Inc. The film is slated to hit theaters sometime in fall 2010. The project is based on the true story of disgraced Washington power broker Jack Abramoff eventually found guilty of bribery and corruption charges. “Casino Jack” was directed by George Hickenlooper (”Factory Girl”) based on the screenplay by Norman Snider. Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Vitetzakis produced the film. Richard Rionda Del Castro, Donald Zuckerman, Lewin Webb, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino are executive producers, and Rick Chad is an associate producer. Kevin Spacey, [...]...
- 3/30/2010
- by Costa Koutsoutis
- ShockYa
Political biopic "Casino Jack" has been acquired for domestic distribution by Metropolitan. The film will apparently open this fall, Variety reports. Metropolitan, led by James Schramm, made the announcement Monday. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz, Barry Pepper, Conrad Pla, Christian Campbell, Yannick Bisson, Spencer Garrett, Hannah Endicott-Douglas and David Fraser. Kevin Spacey plays Jack Abramoff, a disgraced Washington power broker who was once a high-powered lobbyist. However, his bribery schemes as well as fraudulent dealings with Indian casinos eventually found him serving a prison sentence. Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Vitetzakis produced. Richard Rionda Del Castro, Donald Zuckerman, Lewin Webb, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino served as executive producers.
- 3/30/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
James Schramm's Metropolitan, Inc. has acquired U.S. theatrical distribution rights to the feature film "Casino Jack" from Rollercoaster Entertainment, Inc. The company plans a fall release.
Based on the true story of disgraced Washington power broker Jack Abramoff, "Casino Jack" was directed by George Hickenlooper ("Factory Girl") from an original screenplay by Norman Snider. Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz, Spencer Garrett and Rachelle Lafevre star.
Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Vitetzakis produced the film, with Richard Rionda Del Castro, Donald Zuckerman, Lewin Webb, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino serving as executive producers. Rick Chad is an associate producer.
"This was a golden opportunity to make a film about white collar thuggery in Washington," said Hickenlooper. "It's 'Wall Street' and 'GoodFellas' in our nation's capitol, which cinematically feels more relevant now than ever."
CAA and Cassian Elwes brokered the deal on behalf of Rollercoaster.
Based on the true story of disgraced Washington power broker Jack Abramoff, "Casino Jack" was directed by George Hickenlooper ("Factory Girl") from an original screenplay by Norman Snider. Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz, Spencer Garrett and Rachelle Lafevre star.
Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Vitetzakis produced the film, with Richard Rionda Del Castro, Donald Zuckerman, Lewin Webb, Dana Brunetti, Patricia Eberle, Warren Nimchuk, Angelo Paletta and Domenic Serafino serving as executive producers. Rick Chad is an associate producer.
"This was a golden opportunity to make a film about white collar thuggery in Washington," said Hickenlooper. "It's 'Wall Street' and 'GoodFellas' in our nation's capitol, which cinematically feels more relevant now than ever."
CAA and Cassian Elwes brokered the deal on behalf of Rollercoaster.
- 3/29/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This February we are keeping tabs on So Yong Kim, Tom McCarthy and Dito Montiel who are all filming their third films which happen to all be set in the state of New York. Outside of the U.S, I'm with Cancer sets up shop in Vancouver, Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod will lense the adaptation of Guy De Maupassant's classic novel's Bel Ami which will film in Budapest, and finally Ana Katz will film Los Marziano in her native Argentina. - At the beginning of every month, Ioncinema.com's "Tracking Shot" features a half of a dozen or so projects that are moments away from lensing and that we feel are worth signaling out. This February we are keeping tabs on So Yong Kim, Tom McCarthy and Dito Montiel who are all filming their third films which happen to all be set in the state of New York.
- 2/3/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Irish productions have received nominations at the Gemini Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Us Emmys) with World 2000's dramatised recounting of the life of Henry Tudor in 'The Tudors' receiving ten nominations and Tile Films (Ireland) and Ballinran Productions (Canada) receiving four for 'Death or Canada', the two part HD Famine series. The Ifta winning series 'The Tudors' has been nominated in no less than ten categories which includes 'Best Dramatic Series' for producers Sheila Hockin, Gary Howsam and Morgan O'Sullivan. Jeremy Podeswa has been nominated in the 'Best Direction in a Dramatic Series' category. In the category of 'Best Writing in a Dramatic Series' Michael Hirst has received a nomination...
- 9/7/2009
- IFTN
Kevin Spacey will play disgraced Washington power broker Jack Abramoff in the true story-based thriller Casino Jack , directed by George Hickenlooper from an original screenplay by Norman Snider. Variety says the film, formerly titled "Bagman," stars Spacey as the once high-powered lobbyist whose bribery schemes and fraudulent dealings with Indian casinos ultimately landed him in prison. Gary Howsam, Bill Marks and George Vitezakis are producing the film, which will begin shooting in Toronto this month. Richard Rionda Del Castro, Donald Zuckerman, Patricia Eberle and Lewin Webb are executive producing alongside Dana Brunetti for Spacey's Trigger Street Productions.
- 5/13/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Toronto -- Peace Arch Entertainment CEO Gerry Noble has resigned a year after succeeding Jeff Sagansky as head of the Canadian indie producer and distributor.
Toronto-based Peace Arch on Tuesday said Noble, a veteran turnaround specialist, will shortly be replaced by a new CEO.
"With the recent sale of its home entertainment division, I believe Peace Arch is now well situated to grow its core businesses of domestic television production and worldwide motion picture licensing," Noble said in a statement.
Last month, Peace Arch and 50-50 partner ContentFilm spun off their North American home entertainment joint venture to a consortium led by Peace Arch home entertainment chief Berry Meyerowitz.
Noble shifted Peace Arch out of in-house film production to focus on TV production and distribution and film releasing.
His departure comes 10 days after the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles cleared another former Peace Arch CEO, Gary Howsam, of...
Toronto-based Peace Arch on Tuesday said Noble, a veteran turnaround specialist, will shortly be replaced by a new CEO.
"With the recent sale of its home entertainment division, I believe Peace Arch is now well situated to grow its core businesses of domestic television production and worldwide motion picture licensing," Noble said in a statement.
Last month, Peace Arch and 50-50 partner ContentFilm spun off their North American home entertainment joint venture to a consortium led by Peace Arch home entertainment chief Berry Meyerowitz.
Noble shifted Peace Arch out of in-house film production to focus on TV production and distribution and film releasing.
His departure comes 10 days after the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles cleared another former Peace Arch CEO, Gary Howsam, of...
- 5/5/2009
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Toronto -- Nearly a year and a half after his arrest on the way home from the 2007 American Film Market, California authorities have dropped all federal bank fraud charges against former Peace Arch Entertainment CEO Gary Howsam.
The Toronto-based film producer on Tuesday said the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California dismissed all charges regarding film finance dealings Howsam and partner Harel Goldstein had with the Comerica Bank of California in 1999 and 2000.
Howsam faced one count of bank fraud and six counts of allegedly falsifying international film distribution agreements to secure $7 million in bank loans from Comerica.
But before his case could go to trial, Howsam's defense team, led by Donald Randolph of Randolph and Associates in Santa Monica, uncovered evidence that the government's star witness, his former partner Goldstein, lied when implicating Howsam in a ruse to deceive Comerica.
"We compiled a dossier against him (Goldstein...
The Toronto-based film producer on Tuesday said the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California dismissed all charges regarding film finance dealings Howsam and partner Harel Goldstein had with the Comerica Bank of California in 1999 and 2000.
Howsam faced one count of bank fraud and six counts of allegedly falsifying international film distribution agreements to secure $7 million in bank loans from Comerica.
But before his case could go to trial, Howsam's defense team, led by Donald Randolph of Randolph and Associates in Santa Monica, uncovered evidence that the government's star witness, his former partner Goldstein, lied when implicating Howsam in a ruse to deceive Comerica.
"We compiled a dossier against him (Goldstein...
- 4/28/2009
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Toronto -- Veteran Canadian TV executive Gerry Noble has replaced former CBS president Jeff Sagansky as CEO of Peace Arch Entertainment, effective July 21.
Sagansky, a major investor in Peace Arch, has served as interim CEO since November, when former CEO Gary Howsam abruptly left the company after being indicted on fraud charges related to actions that predated his employment with Peace Arch.
Toronto-based Peace Arch said Monday that Noble, a former president and CEO of CanWest Global's Canadian TV operations, will head the company from its Toronto headquarters, while John Flock will continue as Coo from Los Angeles.
Noble was most recently CEO of Transit TV Network, a U.S.-based digital media owned and operated by Canadian newspaper publisher and broadcaster Torstar Corp.
Sagansky remains with Peace Arch as co-chairman together with Drew Craig.
Sagansky, a major investor in Peace Arch, has served as interim CEO since November, when former CEO Gary Howsam abruptly left the company after being indicted on fraud charges related to actions that predated his employment with Peace Arch.
Toronto-based Peace Arch said Monday that Noble, a former president and CEO of CanWest Global's Canadian TV operations, will head the company from its Toronto headquarters, while John Flock will continue as Coo from Los Angeles.
Noble was most recently CEO of Transit TV Network, a U.S.-based digital media owned and operated by Canadian newspaper publisher and broadcaster Torstar Corp.
Sagansky remains with Peace Arch as co-chairman together with Drew Craig.
- 7/7/2008
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY -- Hollywood satires are always an iffy proposition. They can often seem too insular and inbred to capture a general audience. Yet there are classics in the genre, going back to "Singin' in the Rain." And the HBO hit series "Entourage" offers a lot of wickedly funny insider insights. But "The Deal", which had its world premiere here, is a wacky Hollywood satire that never catches fire.
The film began with a novel by Peter Lefcourt, who once toiled in Hollywood himself and has recently become better known as a novelist. But this is one of those outrageous comic tales that probably worked better on the page. When something is translated to the more literal medium of film, it needs a minimal grounding in reality, which this film lacks.
Here's the premise: Charlie Berns (William H. Macy) is a has-been producer on the verge of suicide when his nephew (Jason Ritter) comes knocking on his door with a new script based on the life of Benjamin Disraeli, the long-ago British prime minister. Sounds like a hard sell, but it turns out that Hollywood's top black action star, Bobby Mason (LL Cool J), has recently converted to Judaism and is seeking movies with Jewish themes.
The story of Disraeli might not seem like the easiest fit for Bobby, but Charlie has the idea of revamping and modernizing it. So it turns into "Ben Disraeli, Freedom Fighter", which allows for plenty of mayhem along with Hebrew blessings for the star to deliver while he kicks butt.
On paper, the story might sound amusing, but it is so far-fetched that we never buy into a minute of it. This might have been a lesser problem if the script were wittier, but the laughs are very intermittent, to put it kindly, and so we are left to contemplate the unlikeliness of all the plot developments. The film bears some resemblance to Steve Martin's "Bowfinger", another film about a failed producer trying to get into business with a successful black movie star. But that film, while equally far-fetched, was sidesplittingly funny thanks to splendid writing and acting.
Nothing seems even remotely plausible in "The Deal", which has been adapted by Macy and director Steven Schachter, long-term pals who worked together on several acclaimed television movies. The script's implausibility carries over to the central relationship between Charlie and a savvy studio executive, Deidre Hearn (Meg Ryan).
At first, Deidre is understandably skeptical of Charlie, but when she learns that her studio has been sold to a Canadian company, she gets drunk and jumps into bed with Charlie, a leap that is almost impossible to accept. But even small plot points defy credibility. When a studio suit arrives to shut down the production, Charlie decides to distract him with a hooker. We can accept that she might delay his visit to the set for three hours, but three days?
Macy does bring a lot of energy to his role, and Ryan also gives a shrewd performance when the script doesn't ask her to behave improbably. Most of the supporting players are rather flat, but Elliott Gould has an amusing cameo as Bobby's rabbi, hired as an associate producer on the film.
Much of the film was shot in South Africa, where the film-within-the-film goes to save money. No doubt that was the same reason for the location work on "The Deal". Technical credits are strong. Boxoffice prospects are dim.
THE DEAL
Peace Arch Entertainment
Muse Entertainment
Credits:
Director: Steven Schachter
Screenwriters: William H. Macy, Steven Schachter
Based on the novel by: Peter Lefcourt
Producers: Michael Prupas, Irene Litinsky, Keri Nakamoto
Executive producers: Gary Howsam, Lewin Webb, Jason Bark, Matt Lane
Director of photography: Paul Sarossy
Production designer: Guy Lalande
Music: Jeff Beal
Editors: Matthew Friedman, Susan Maggi
Cast:
Charlie Berns: William H. Macy
Deidre Hearn: Meg Ryan
Bobby Mason: LL Cool J
Lionel Travitz: Jason Ritter
Rabbi Seth Gutterman: Elliott Gould
Fiona Hicks: Fiona Glascott
Levi Rosenwald: Sharon Reginiano
Nigel Bland: John Carson
Grier Clark: David Hunt
Ian Chadwick: Jeremy Crutchley
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
PARK CITY -- Hollywood satires are always an iffy proposition. They can often seem too insular and inbred to capture a general audience. Yet there are classics in the genre, going back to "Singin' in the Rain." And the HBO hit series "Entourage" offers a lot of wickedly funny insider insights. But "The Deal", which had its world premiere here, is a wacky Hollywood satire that never catches fire.
The film began with a novel by Peter Lefcourt, who once toiled in Hollywood himself and has recently become better known as a novelist. But this is one of those outrageous comic tales that probably worked better on the page. When something is translated to the more literal medium of film, it needs a minimal grounding in reality, which this film lacks.
Here's the premise: Charlie Berns (William H. Macy) is a has-been producer on the verge of suicide when his nephew (Jason Ritter) comes knocking on his door with a new script based on the life of Benjamin Disraeli, the long-ago British prime minister. Sounds like a hard sell, but it turns out that Hollywood's top black action star, Bobby Mason (LL Cool J), has recently converted to Judaism and is seeking movies with Jewish themes.
The story of Disraeli might not seem like the easiest fit for Bobby, but Charlie has the idea of revamping and modernizing it. So it turns into "Ben Disraeli, Freedom Fighter", which allows for plenty of mayhem along with Hebrew blessings for the star to deliver while he kicks butt.
On paper, the story might sound amusing, but it is so far-fetched that we never buy into a minute of it. This might have been a lesser problem if the script were wittier, but the laughs are very intermittent, to put it kindly, and so we are left to contemplate the unlikeliness of all the plot developments. The film bears some resemblance to Steve Martin's "Bowfinger", another film about a failed producer trying to get into business with a successful black movie star. But that film, while equally far-fetched, was sidesplittingly funny thanks to splendid writing and acting.
Nothing seems even remotely plausible in "The Deal", which has been adapted by Macy and director Steven Schachter, long-term pals who worked together on several acclaimed television movies. The script's implausibility carries over to the central relationship between Charlie and a savvy studio executive, Deidre Hearn (Meg Ryan).
At first, Deidre is understandably skeptical of Charlie, but when she learns that her studio has been sold to a Canadian company, she gets drunk and jumps into bed with Charlie, a leap that is almost impossible to accept. But even small plot points defy credibility. When a studio suit arrives to shut down the production, Charlie decides to distract him with a hooker. We can accept that she might delay his visit to the set for three hours, but three days?
Macy does bring a lot of energy to his role, and Ryan also gives a shrewd performance when the script doesn't ask her to behave improbably. Most of the supporting players are rather flat, but Elliott Gould has an amusing cameo as Bobby's rabbi, hired as an associate producer on the film.
Much of the film was shot in South Africa, where the film-within-the-film goes to save money. No doubt that was the same reason for the location work on "The Deal". Technical credits are strong. Boxoffice prospects are dim.
THE DEAL
Peace Arch Entertainment
Muse Entertainment
Credits:
Director: Steven Schachter
Screenwriters: William H. Macy, Steven Schachter
Based on the novel by: Peter Lefcourt
Producers: Michael Prupas, Irene Litinsky, Keri Nakamoto
Executive producers: Gary Howsam, Lewin Webb, Jason Bark, Matt Lane
Director of photography: Paul Sarossy
Production designer: Guy Lalande
Music: Jeff Beal
Editors: Matthew Friedman, Susan Maggi
Cast:
Charlie Berns: William H. Macy
Deidre Hearn: Meg Ryan
Bobby Mason: LL Cool J
Lionel Travitz: Jason Ritter
Rabbi Seth Gutterman: Elliott Gould
Fiona Hicks: Fiona Glascott
Levi Rosenwald: Sharon Reginiano
Nigel Bland: John Carson
Grier Clark: David Hunt
Ian Chadwick: Jeremy Crutchley
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 1/25/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Related story: Peace Arch's Howsam pleads not guilty
TORONTO -- Canadian producer Peace Arch Entertainment is delaying the filing of its fiscal 2007 financial statements thanks to an internal audit following the Nov. 5 arrest of former CEO Gary Howsam. The move technically puts the company in default of its financial reporting covenant.
Peace Arch COO John Flock on Monday said the company now intends to file its year-end results with the Ontario Securities Commission on Thursday, followed by an analyst call.
Toronto-based Peace Arch was to have filed the results for the year ending Aug. 31 by Nov. 29.
The delay follows the arrest of Howsam in Los Angeles on an alleged bank fraud charge. Former CBS Entertainment president and Peace Arch shareholder Jeff Sagansky subsequently replaced Howsam as interim CEO.
Sagansky said in a statement that recent management changes and the redefining of the company's business model has required auditors to take longer to complete an internal probe.
TORONTO -- Canadian producer Peace Arch Entertainment is delaying the filing of its fiscal 2007 financial statements thanks to an internal audit following the Nov. 5 arrest of former CEO Gary Howsam. The move technically puts the company in default of its financial reporting covenant.
Peace Arch COO John Flock on Monday said the company now intends to file its year-end results with the Ontario Securities Commission on Thursday, followed by an analyst call.
Toronto-based Peace Arch was to have filed the results for the year ending Aug. 31 by Nov. 29.
The delay follows the arrest of Howsam in Los Angeles on an alleged bank fraud charge. Former CBS Entertainment president and Peace Arch shareholder Jeff Sagansky subsequently replaced Howsam as interim CEO.
Sagansky said in a statement that recent management changes and the redefining of the company's business model has required auditors to take longer to complete an internal probe.
- 12/4/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former Peace Arch Entertainment CEO Gary Howsam has been indicted by a federal grand jury for creating a ruse that included falsifying international distribution agreements in order to secure $7 million in financing for the film "Going Back".
The eight-page indictment filed Nov. 20 lists seven counts against Howsam for fraud. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for each count, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Howsam's attorney, Donald Randolph, could not be reached for comment. Shortly after his client's arrest, he said the government's case "is an accusation and nothing more. What actually occurs in these cases will play itself out in a period of months."
As CEO of Canadian indie film company Greenlight Film & Television, Howsam is accused of partnering with international sales agent Hilltop Entertainment to create fake and forged documents that appeared to be real international distribution deals with foreign companies for "Going Back".
The companies Howsam claimed were on board for international distribution include Television Francaise 1, Tele-Munchen, Eagle Pictures, Gaga Media and Filmax/Sogedasa.
The eight-page indictment filed Nov. 20 lists seven counts against Howsam for fraud. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for each count, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Howsam's attorney, Donald Randolph, could not be reached for comment. Shortly after his client's arrest, he said the government's case "is an accusation and nothing more. What actually occurs in these cases will play itself out in a period of months."
As CEO of Canadian indie film company Greenlight Film & Television, Howsam is accused of partnering with international sales agent Hilltop Entertainment to create fake and forged documents that appeared to be real international distribution deals with foreign companies for "Going Back".
The companies Howsam claimed were on board for international distribution include Television Francaise 1, Tele-Munchen, Eagle Pictures, Gaga Media and Filmax/Sogedasa.
- 11/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- The arrest earlier this week of Peace Arch Entertainment CEO Gary Howsam already is having an impact on the Canadian production outfit's film slate.
British-based co-producer Studio Eight Prods. was set to start production next week in Barrie, Ontario, on the $15 million psychological thriller "The Boathouse", but pulled the plug Thursday after it was told by Peace Arch Entertainment to delay the project.
"They (Peace Arch) have decided to put it on hold, because of current internal concerns," Alex Brown, a principal of Studio Eight in London, said Thursday.
"Studio Eight will be working with them to get going in the immediate future, because we're so impressed with the quality of Peace Arch's production arm," he added.
Peace Arch president and COO John Flock said the movie shoot will go ahead this spring, after the company gets past the crisis caused by the arrest Monday in Los Angeles of its CEO and can return to finalizing bank loans and pre-sales for "The Boathouse".
"It's a good project, we like it," Los Angeles-based Flock said of the picture, which is set at an idyllic summer cottage where a young woman confronts the truth about her role in the disappearance of her mentor.
British-based co-producer Studio Eight Prods. was set to start production next week in Barrie, Ontario, on the $15 million psychological thriller "The Boathouse", but pulled the plug Thursday after it was told by Peace Arch Entertainment to delay the project.
"They (Peace Arch) have decided to put it on hold, because of current internal concerns," Alex Brown, a principal of Studio Eight in London, said Thursday.
"Studio Eight will be working with them to get going in the immediate future, because we're so impressed with the quality of Peace Arch's production arm," he added.
Peace Arch president and COO John Flock said the movie shoot will go ahead this spring, after the company gets past the crisis caused by the arrest Monday in Los Angeles of its CEO and can return to finalizing bank loans and pre-sales for "The Boathouse".
"It's a good project, we like it," Los Angeles-based Flock said of the picture, which is set at an idyllic summer cottage where a young woman confronts the truth about her role in the disappearance of her mentor.
- 11/9/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As CEO of Greenlight Film & Television, Gary Howsam created false contracts with international distributors in order to secure more than $7 million in film loans from Comerica Bank, according to an affidavit filed by an FBI special agent investigating the bank fraud allegations against the producer.
Howsam was arrested Monday during the American Film Market and placed on administrative leave from his position as CEO of Toronto-based Peace Arch Entertainment. He was released later in the day on $500,000 bond, surrendered his passport and was fitted with an electronic monitoring device. He remains under house arrest at a friend's home in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Howsam's attorney, Donald Randolph of Santa Monica, said the affidavit "is an accusation and nothing more. What actually occurs in these cases will play itself out in a period of months."
Howsam was arrested on one count of bank fraud involving financing for the 2001 film "Going Back". His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 3. If found guilty, he faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison.
Howsam joined Toronto-based Peace Arch in 2003.
According to the court papers filed Monday by Special Agent Jennifer Teasdale, Comerica loaned Greenlight more than $35 million between November 1999 and October 2000 for the production of six films.
Teasdale's affidavit claims that in order to secure international distribution rights, Greenlight partnered with Los Angeles-based Hilltop Entertainment and Harel Goldstein, who owned a third of Hilltop. For "Going Back", Howsam estimated the film's budget to be $4 million-$4.5 million and was banking on a deal that Goldstein was working on with a German conglomerate that would generate $3 million-$3.5 million for the film.
Howsam was arrested Monday during the American Film Market and placed on administrative leave from his position as CEO of Toronto-based Peace Arch Entertainment. He was released later in the day on $500,000 bond, surrendered his passport and was fitted with an electronic monitoring device. He remains under house arrest at a friend's home in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Howsam's attorney, Donald Randolph of Santa Monica, said the affidavit "is an accusation and nothing more. What actually occurs in these cases will play itself out in a period of months."
Howsam was arrested on one count of bank fraud involving financing for the 2001 film "Going Back". His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 3. If found guilty, he faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison.
Howsam joined Toronto-based Peace Arch in 2003.
According to the court papers filed Monday by Special Agent Jennifer Teasdale, Comerica loaned Greenlight more than $35 million between November 1999 and October 2000 for the production of six films.
Teasdale's affidavit claims that in order to secure international distribution rights, Greenlight partnered with Los Angeles-based Hilltop Entertainment and Harel Goldstein, who owned a third of Hilltop. For "Going Back", Howsam estimated the film's budget to be $4 million-$4.5 million and was banking on a deal that Goldstein was working on with a German conglomerate that would generate $3 million-$3.5 million for the film.
- 11/8/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peace Arch Entertainment Group has elected industry veteran Jeffrey Sagansky as co-chairman of the global entertainment company's board.
Sagansky, one of the company's largest shareholders, will serve alongside co-chairman Drew Craig.
"It is my privilege to work alongside Peach Arch's senior management and board as the company continues to progress toward a position of a fully integrated production and distribution company," Sagansky said.
Sagansky also has held positions as CEO of CBS Entertainment, co-president of Sony Pictures Entertainment, president of TriStar Pictures, senior vp programming at NBC and CEO of Paxson Communications. He has worked with Peace Arch in developing its strategic plan and joins the board at a time when the company has increased in market value.
"His dynamism combined with more than 30 successful years with senior positions in both the television and motion picture industries make him a real force," Peace Arch CEO Gary Howsam said.
Peach Arch creates TV, film and DVD content for worldwide distribution.
Sagansky, one of the company's largest shareholders, will serve alongside co-chairman Drew Craig.
"It is my privilege to work alongside Peach Arch's senior management and board as the company continues to progress toward a position of a fully integrated production and distribution company," Sagansky said.
Sagansky also has held positions as CEO of CBS Entertainment, co-president of Sony Pictures Entertainment, president of TriStar Pictures, senior vp programming at NBC and CEO of Paxson Communications. He has worked with Peace Arch in developing its strategic plan and joins the board at a time when the company has increased in market value.
"His dynamism combined with more than 30 successful years with senior positions in both the television and motion picture industries make him a real force," Peace Arch CEO Gary Howsam said.
Peach Arch creates TV, film and DVD content for worldwide distribution.
- 9/11/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARK CITY -- Where were you when you heard John Lennon was killed? I remember it vividly, angling at the curve on Sunset Boulevard by the Hamburger Hamlet on the Strip and heading for work at the old Hollywood Reporter. And ever since then, the question for all us early Beatles fans: why?
"Chapter 27" is a smart attempt to distill the twisted psychology and motivation of Mark David Chapman, which we've all superficially gleaned through mass-media reports and intermittent updates on Chapman's incarceration. A fictional depiction of Chapman's three days leading up to murdering Lennon at the entrance to the Dakota, "Chapter 27" depicts the maddening confluence of fact, fiction and mania that swirled through Chapman's inner and outer world.
Landed from Hawaii in a pilgrimage to Lennon's domicile, Chapman transports a handgun, one that he might or might not use. As he cabs into Manhattan and closer to Lennon, he assumes the psychology of Holden Caulfield, his literary soul mate: He baffles his cabbie with his Caulfield-isms, rambling about the ducks in Central Park. As he settles into a shabby YMCA, he procures a copy of his holy book, "The Catcher in the Rye". Clutching it, Chapman spirals further into Caulfield's persona, raging about "phonies" and puffing up in self-importance.
Like many serial killers, Chapman is a largely invisible non-entity: chubby, pale and blurred by large, partial-tinted glasses. At odd moments, he's also hair-trigger noticeable, bursting into rants or obsessive stalkerlike behavior. As he endures the December cold outside Lennon's Gothic-style domicile, Chapman noticeably seems to evaporate into the persona of Holden Caulfield. He struggles against himself, including whether to murder Lennon; he evaporates from the "real" world into the pages of "Catcher", clinging to Caulfield in a twisted last grasp to find himself.
Filmmaker Jarrett Schaefer's smart depiction of Chapman is a compelling dramatization of the inner mania of Lennon's assailant. While the film does not purport to be a bromide for Lennon's fans, it is an inspired attempt at making sense of what has always seemed so senseless. It intelligently attempts to offer some measure of cinematic closure: a valiant attempt at "why."
High praise to the cast and crew. Jared Leto is mesmeric as the bloated, deranged Chapman. It's a brilliantly measured performance, evincing the tale of a madman through his own awful rhyme and reason.
Technical contributions also convey Chapman's disjointed mind-set, most prominently Tom Richmond's somber cinematic tones and irreal scopes.
CHAPTER 27
Peace Arch Entertainment present an
Artina Films production
Credits:
Writer/director J.P. Schaefer
Producers: Naomi Despres, Bob Salerno, Alexandra Milchan
Executive producers: John Flock, Gary Howsam, Lewin Webb
Director of photography: Tom Richmond
Editors: Jim Makiej, Andrew Hafitz
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Music: Anthony Marinelli
Costume designer: Ane Crabtree
Cast:
Mark David Chapman: Jared Leto
Jude: Lindsay Lohan
Paul: Judah Friedlander
Jeri: Ursula Abbott
European Woman: Jeane Fourier
Patrick: Brian O'Neill
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
"Chapter 27" is a smart attempt to distill the twisted psychology and motivation of Mark David Chapman, which we've all superficially gleaned through mass-media reports and intermittent updates on Chapman's incarceration. A fictional depiction of Chapman's three days leading up to murdering Lennon at the entrance to the Dakota, "Chapter 27" depicts the maddening confluence of fact, fiction and mania that swirled through Chapman's inner and outer world.
Landed from Hawaii in a pilgrimage to Lennon's domicile, Chapman transports a handgun, one that he might or might not use. As he cabs into Manhattan and closer to Lennon, he assumes the psychology of Holden Caulfield, his literary soul mate: He baffles his cabbie with his Caulfield-isms, rambling about the ducks in Central Park. As he settles into a shabby YMCA, he procures a copy of his holy book, "The Catcher in the Rye". Clutching it, Chapman spirals further into Caulfield's persona, raging about "phonies" and puffing up in self-importance.
Like many serial killers, Chapman is a largely invisible non-entity: chubby, pale and blurred by large, partial-tinted glasses. At odd moments, he's also hair-trigger noticeable, bursting into rants or obsessive stalkerlike behavior. As he endures the December cold outside Lennon's Gothic-style domicile, Chapman noticeably seems to evaporate into the persona of Holden Caulfield. He struggles against himself, including whether to murder Lennon; he evaporates from the "real" world into the pages of "Catcher", clinging to Caulfield in a twisted last grasp to find himself.
Filmmaker Jarrett Schaefer's smart depiction of Chapman is a compelling dramatization of the inner mania of Lennon's assailant. While the film does not purport to be a bromide for Lennon's fans, it is an inspired attempt at making sense of what has always seemed so senseless. It intelligently attempts to offer some measure of cinematic closure: a valiant attempt at "why."
High praise to the cast and crew. Jared Leto is mesmeric as the bloated, deranged Chapman. It's a brilliantly measured performance, evincing the tale of a madman through his own awful rhyme and reason.
Technical contributions also convey Chapman's disjointed mind-set, most prominently Tom Richmond's somber cinematic tones and irreal scopes.
CHAPTER 27
Peace Arch Entertainment present an
Artina Films production
Credits:
Writer/director J.P. Schaefer
Producers: Naomi Despres, Bob Salerno, Alexandra Milchan
Executive producers: John Flock, Gary Howsam, Lewin Webb
Director of photography: Tom Richmond
Editors: Jim Makiej, Andrew Hafitz
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Music: Anthony Marinelli
Costume designer: Ane Crabtree
Cast:
Mark David Chapman: Jared Leto
Jude: Lindsay Lohan
Paul: Judah Friedlander
Jeri: Ursula Abbott
European Woman: Jeane Fourier
Patrick: Brian O'Neill
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 1/30/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This review was written for the festival screening of "Delirious".PARK CITY -- "Delirious" is not the first film to lampoon the absurdity of and obsession with celebrity culture, but writer/director Tom DiCillo's smart, funny and ultimately over-the-top spoof is more often than not, spot on. His latest effort would have been more satisfying if it had the subtlety and restraint of "Living in Oblivion", whose sly sophistication helped make Dicillo a cult hero to indie filmmakers.
Given that DiCillo has a loyal following and that a solid, well-written comedy is a hot commodity, "Delirious" should have strong art house potential and appeal to a young, hip audience.
DiCillo wrote the lead for Steve Buscemi, at his pale and haggard best here. He plays Les, a sour, frustrated paparazzi, who lives in a dump of an apartment in New York. Into his life waltzes Toby (Michael Pitt), a homeless aspiring actor, whom Les tutors in the tricks of his trade and allows to crash at his pad, which is decorated by sorry examples of taxidermy mounted on the peeling walls.
Les takes himself way too seriously -- more self-appointed philosopher than photographer -- and is bereft of self-knowledge. This set-up works best when it's played for laughs with Pitt as straight man. The film falters when the budding friendship turns melodramatic and comes in for some amateur psychological analysis. Buscemi is forced to overact in a shrill role that requires him to carp and harangue far too often. It's grating and soon the pair sounds like a bickering married couple.
Toby begins an unlikely romance with a Paris Hilton/Britney Spears wannabe, K'harma (Alison Lohman), a talent-free girlish sexpot who is famous for being famous. When not singing and dancing in her underwear in a music video, she sits in her hotel wearing that underwear and shades. DiCillo has a lot of fun with this character and the romance -- Elvis Costello shows up as one of K'harma's party guests -- and Toby is showered in rose petals as he stands outside her hotel. Then he's compelled to hug the doorman. When Les finds out about the affair, he reacts like a jilted lover.
With obvious relish, DiCillo sends up dueling publicists, sycophants of all stripes including the fawning, entertainment press and those bottom feeders, the paparazzi. The reality show that stars a homeless serial killer, where Toby gets his big break, is priceless.
Frank G. DeMarco's edgy cinematography conjures the grungy urban wilderness of NYC as well as the glitzy fantasy world of the rich and famous. Teresa Mastropierro's production design nails the squalor of lower class city life and the sterile luxury of the newly moneyed.
DiCillo and his composer, Anton Sanko, make terrific use of music to drive and cut between scenes. The score rocks the movie.
DELIRIOUS
Peace Arch Films Ltd, Peace Arch Entertainment Group
Credits:
Director: Tom DiCillo
Writer: Tom DiCillo
Producer: Bob Salerno
Executive producer: Mark Balsam, Jimmy de Brabant, Michael Dounaev, John Flock, Gary Howsam, Jennifer Levine, Kami Nagudi, Barry Zemel, Lewin Webb
Director of photography: Frank G. DeMarco
Production designer: Teresa Mastropierro
Music: Anton Sanko
Co-producer: Kristi Lake, Jamie H. Zelermyer
Costume designer: Victoria Farrell
Editor: Paul Zucker
Cast:
Les: Steve Buscemi
Toby: Michael Pitt
Kharma: Alison Lohman
Manager: Gina Gershon
Running time -- 107 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Given that DiCillo has a loyal following and that a solid, well-written comedy is a hot commodity, "Delirious" should have strong art house potential and appeal to a young, hip audience.
DiCillo wrote the lead for Steve Buscemi, at his pale and haggard best here. He plays Les, a sour, frustrated paparazzi, who lives in a dump of an apartment in New York. Into his life waltzes Toby (Michael Pitt), a homeless aspiring actor, whom Les tutors in the tricks of his trade and allows to crash at his pad, which is decorated by sorry examples of taxidermy mounted on the peeling walls.
Les takes himself way too seriously -- more self-appointed philosopher than photographer -- and is bereft of self-knowledge. This set-up works best when it's played for laughs with Pitt as straight man. The film falters when the budding friendship turns melodramatic and comes in for some amateur psychological analysis. Buscemi is forced to overact in a shrill role that requires him to carp and harangue far too often. It's grating and soon the pair sounds like a bickering married couple.
Toby begins an unlikely romance with a Paris Hilton/Britney Spears wannabe, K'harma (Alison Lohman), a talent-free girlish sexpot who is famous for being famous. When not singing and dancing in her underwear in a music video, she sits in her hotel wearing that underwear and shades. DiCillo has a lot of fun with this character and the romance -- Elvis Costello shows up as one of K'harma's party guests -- and Toby is showered in rose petals as he stands outside her hotel. Then he's compelled to hug the doorman. When Les finds out about the affair, he reacts like a jilted lover.
With obvious relish, DiCillo sends up dueling publicists, sycophants of all stripes including the fawning, entertainment press and those bottom feeders, the paparazzi. The reality show that stars a homeless serial killer, where Toby gets his big break, is priceless.
Frank G. DeMarco's edgy cinematography conjures the grungy urban wilderness of NYC as well as the glitzy fantasy world of the rich and famous. Teresa Mastropierro's production design nails the squalor of lower class city life and the sterile luxury of the newly moneyed.
DiCillo and his composer, Anton Sanko, make terrific use of music to drive and cut between scenes. The score rocks the movie.
DELIRIOUS
Peace Arch Films Ltd, Peace Arch Entertainment Group
Credits:
Director: Tom DiCillo
Writer: Tom DiCillo
Producer: Bob Salerno
Executive producer: Mark Balsam, Jimmy de Brabant, Michael Dounaev, John Flock, Gary Howsam, Jennifer Levine, Kami Nagudi, Barry Zemel, Lewin Webb
Director of photography: Frank G. DeMarco
Production designer: Teresa Mastropierro
Music: Anton Sanko
Co-producer: Kristi Lake, Jamie H. Zelermyer
Costume designer: Victoria Farrell
Editor: Paul Zucker
Cast:
Les: Steve Buscemi
Toby: Michael Pitt
Kharma: Alison Lohman
Manager: Gina Gershon
Running time -- 107 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 1/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARK CITY -- Delirious is not the first film to lampoon the absurdity of and obsession with celebrity culture, but writer/director Tom DiCillo's smart, funny and ultimately over-the-top spoof is more often than not, spot on. His latest effort would have been more satisfying if it had the subtlety and restraint of Living in Oblivion, whose sly sophistication helped make Dicillo a cult hero to indie filmmakers.
Given that DiCillo has a loyal following and that a solid, well-written comedy is a hot commodity, Delirious should have strong art house potential and appeal to a young, hip audience.
DiCillo wrote the lead for Steve Buscemi, at his pale and haggard best here. He plays Les, a sour, frustrated paparazzi, who lives in a dump of an apartment in New York. Into his life waltzes Toby (Michael Pitt), a homeless aspiring actor, whom Les tutors in the tricks of his trade and allows to crash at his pad, which is decorated by sorry examples of taxidermy mounted on the peeling walls.
Les takes himself way too seriously -- more self-appointed philosopher than photographer -- and is bereft of self-knowledge. This set-up works best when it's played for laughs with Pitt as straight man. The film falters when the budding friendship turns melodramatic and comes in for some amateur psychological analysis. Buscemi is forced to overact in a shrill role that requires him to carp and harangue far too often. It's grating and soon the pair sounds like a bickering married couple.
Toby begins an unlikely romance with a Paris Hilton/Britney Spears wannabe, K'harma (Alison Lohman), a talent-free girlish sexpot who is famous for being famous. When not singing and dancing in her underwear in a music video, she sits in her hotel wearing that underwear and shades. DiCillo has a lot of fun with this character and the romance -- Elvis Costello shows up as one of K'harma's party guests -- and Toby is showered in rose petals as he stands outside her hotel. Then he's compelled to hug the doorman. When Les finds out about the affair, he reacts like a jilted lover.
With obvious relish, DiCillo sends up dueling publicists, sycophants of all stripes including the fawning, entertainment press and those bottom feeders, the paparazzi. The reality show that stars a homeless serial killer, where Toby gets his big break, is priceless.
Frank G. DeMarco's edgy cinematography conjures the grungy urban wilderness of NYC as well as the glitzy fantasy world of the rich and famous. Teresa Mastropierro's production design nails the squalor of lower class city life and the sterile luxury of the newly moneyed.
DiCillo and his composer, Anton Sanko, make terrific use of music to drive and cut between scenes. The score rocks the movie.
Delirious
Peace Arch Films Ltd, Peace Arch Entertainment Group
Credits: Director: Tom DiCillo; Writer: Tom DiCillo; Producer: Bob Salerno; Executive producer: Mark Balsam, Jimmy de Brabant, Michael Dounaev, John Flock, Gary Howsam, Jennifer Levine, Kami Nagudi, Barry Zemel, Lewin Webb; Director of photography: Frank G. DeMarco Production designer: Teresa Mastropierro; Music: Anton Sanko; Co-producer: Kristi Lake, Jamie H. Zelermyer; Costume designer: Victoria Farrell; Editor: Paul Zucker;
Cast: Les: Steve Buscemi; Toby: Michael Pitt; Kharma: Alison Lohman; Manager: Gina Gershon.
No MPAA rating; running time: 102 minutes.
Given that DiCillo has a loyal following and that a solid, well-written comedy is a hot commodity, Delirious should have strong art house potential and appeal to a young, hip audience.
DiCillo wrote the lead for Steve Buscemi, at his pale and haggard best here. He plays Les, a sour, frustrated paparazzi, who lives in a dump of an apartment in New York. Into his life waltzes Toby (Michael Pitt), a homeless aspiring actor, whom Les tutors in the tricks of his trade and allows to crash at his pad, which is decorated by sorry examples of taxidermy mounted on the peeling walls.
Les takes himself way too seriously -- more self-appointed philosopher than photographer -- and is bereft of self-knowledge. This set-up works best when it's played for laughs with Pitt as straight man. The film falters when the budding friendship turns melodramatic and comes in for some amateur psychological analysis. Buscemi is forced to overact in a shrill role that requires him to carp and harangue far too often. It's grating and soon the pair sounds like a bickering married couple.
Toby begins an unlikely romance with a Paris Hilton/Britney Spears wannabe, K'harma (Alison Lohman), a talent-free girlish sexpot who is famous for being famous. When not singing and dancing in her underwear in a music video, she sits in her hotel wearing that underwear and shades. DiCillo has a lot of fun with this character and the romance -- Elvis Costello shows up as one of K'harma's party guests -- and Toby is showered in rose petals as he stands outside her hotel. Then he's compelled to hug the doorman. When Les finds out about the affair, he reacts like a jilted lover.
With obvious relish, DiCillo sends up dueling publicists, sycophants of all stripes including the fawning, entertainment press and those bottom feeders, the paparazzi. The reality show that stars a homeless serial killer, where Toby gets his big break, is priceless.
Frank G. DeMarco's edgy cinematography conjures the grungy urban wilderness of NYC as well as the glitzy fantasy world of the rich and famous. Teresa Mastropierro's production design nails the squalor of lower class city life and the sterile luxury of the newly moneyed.
DiCillo and his composer, Anton Sanko, make terrific use of music to drive and cut between scenes. The score rocks the movie.
Delirious
Peace Arch Films Ltd, Peace Arch Entertainment Group
Credits: Director: Tom DiCillo; Writer: Tom DiCillo; Producer: Bob Salerno; Executive producer: Mark Balsam, Jimmy de Brabant, Michael Dounaev, John Flock, Gary Howsam, Jennifer Levine, Kami Nagudi, Barry Zemel, Lewin Webb; Director of photography: Frank G. DeMarco Production designer: Teresa Mastropierro; Music: Anton Sanko; Co-producer: Kristi Lake, Jamie H. Zelermyer; Costume designer: Victoria Farrell; Editor: Paul Zucker;
Cast: Les: Steve Buscemi; Toby: Michael Pitt; Kharma: Alison Lohman; Manager: Gina Gershon.
No MPAA rating; running time: 102 minutes.
- 1/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Canadian film producer Peace Arch Entertainment Inc. on Monday said it has formed a joint venture with European producers Global United Entertainment and Framework Entertainment to coordinate the financing, production and distribution of about a dozen horror films. Peace Arch CEO and president Gary Howsam said the corporate trio will attempt to tap financial incentives available in their respective markets, from tax credits to co-production subsidies. "Together, we hope to more reliably sustain financing for movies," he said. The pact with Germany's Global United and British producer Framework Entertainment will see Vancouver-based Peace Arch initially pick up world distribution rights to two horror pictures, Heartstoppers and Warriors of Terra, both of which will be produced this fall in Canada by Peace Arch as Canadian-content movies.
- 7/11/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Canadian producer Peace Arch Entertainment Group said Tuesday that it has inked a movie financing and distribution agreement with Showtime Networks. The three-year deal will see the partners co-finance and distribute a slate of 15 films initially that Peace Arch will release theatrically in Canada and elsewhere internationally and that Showtime will air on the Showtime Network. The agreement was hammered out by Peace Arch president and CEO Gary Howsam and Matthew Duda, executive vp program acquisitions, planning and distribution at Showtime, a unit of Viacom. As part of the pact, Peace Arch will retain all non-U.S. market rights after each movie is greenlighted, likely with budgets of about CAN$15 million ($11.2 million). The sales rights to the movies will be handled by Peace Arch Films, the Canadian producer's London-based subsidiary.
- 5/12/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A well-received world premiere selection at last month's Palm Springs Film Festival, "The Call of the Wild" is a pleasant surprise. Much more faithful to Jack London's 1903 classic than the two Hollywood versions (1935, 1972), Peter Svatek's vigorously mounted adventure deserves to be seen on the big screen, although video and cable are its most likely venues for striking it rich.
A friendly movie for school-age children, although there is plenty of frontier violence and tragedy, the appeal of "Call" is not limited to young boys or families. Joining the likes of "The Secret Garden" and "Black Beauty", "Call of the Wild" takes a chance with old-fashioned storytelling and is heavily narrated by Richard Dreyfuss.
Like "Black Beauty", the period story is episodic and presents a credible scenario that romantically and realistically incorporates a four-legged hero who has a soul and destiny, friends and enemies, and a history that becomes a legend.
Filmed splendidly in Quebec, with many exteriors involving animals and frigid conditions, "Call" is the story of Buck, a Leonberger (a cross between a St. Bernard, Labrador and Great Pyrenees) who is shanghaied one day and put to work on a sled in the wild gold-rush era of Alaska and the Yukon.
Strong but not used to the cruelty of man and fellow animals, Buck learns rapidly that the harsh but fair laws of nature control the destinies of men and dogs. The howling of wolves in the forest and several encounters where Buck must fight and even kill his foes awaken primal instincts, but the stupidity and carelessness of greedy humans almost does Buck in.
Rutger Hauer as John Thornton, Buck's bearish friend in the wilderness, heads the fine cast, which includes Luc Morissette as the French-Canadian courier who first treats Buck with kindness.
Portrayed in the past by Clark Gable and Charlton Heston, Hauer's character is a dreamer and a survivor. When he saves Buck from a group of desperate gold-seekers and sure death, the injured dog learns of the power of love.
Proud of his new friend, loner Thornton wins a big bet in town when Buck pulls a heavily loaded sled. The pair then go in search of a lost gold mine. Buck's ultimate embracing of the wild life is beautifully evoked, but the kill-or-be-killed laws of the north are brutal.
Prague-born director Svatek ("Witchboard: The Possession"), who was raised and still lives in Montreal, and cinematographer Sylvain Brault provide many memorable scenes in the well-realized project.
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Hallmark Entertainment
Fries Schultz Film Group
Kingsborough-Greenlight Pictures
Blue Rider Pictures
A Peter Svatek film
Director Peter Svatek
Producers Pieter Kroonenburg, Julie Allan
Writer Graham Ludlow
Based on the novel by Jack London
Executive producers John Buchanan, Gary Howsam, Jeff Geoffray, Walter Josten
Director of photography Sylvain Brault
Production designer Michael Devine
Music Alan Reeves
Editor Denis Papillion
Costume designer Claire Nadon
Casting Vera Miller, Nadia Rona, Rosina Bucci
Color/stereo
Cast:
John Thornton Rutger Hauer
Narrator Richard Dreyfuss
Mercedes Bronwen Booth
Hal Charles Powell
Charles Burke Lawrence
Perrault Luc Morissette
Running time -- 91 minutes
No MPAA rating...
A friendly movie for school-age children, although there is plenty of frontier violence and tragedy, the appeal of "Call" is not limited to young boys or families. Joining the likes of "The Secret Garden" and "Black Beauty", "Call of the Wild" takes a chance with old-fashioned storytelling and is heavily narrated by Richard Dreyfuss.
Like "Black Beauty", the period story is episodic and presents a credible scenario that romantically and realistically incorporates a four-legged hero who has a soul and destiny, friends and enemies, and a history that becomes a legend.
Filmed splendidly in Quebec, with many exteriors involving animals and frigid conditions, "Call" is the story of Buck, a Leonberger (a cross between a St. Bernard, Labrador and Great Pyrenees) who is shanghaied one day and put to work on a sled in the wild gold-rush era of Alaska and the Yukon.
Strong but not used to the cruelty of man and fellow animals, Buck learns rapidly that the harsh but fair laws of nature control the destinies of men and dogs. The howling of wolves in the forest and several encounters where Buck must fight and even kill his foes awaken primal instincts, but the stupidity and carelessness of greedy humans almost does Buck in.
Rutger Hauer as John Thornton, Buck's bearish friend in the wilderness, heads the fine cast, which includes Luc Morissette as the French-Canadian courier who first treats Buck with kindness.
Portrayed in the past by Clark Gable and Charlton Heston, Hauer's character is a dreamer and a survivor. When he saves Buck from a group of desperate gold-seekers and sure death, the injured dog learns of the power of love.
Proud of his new friend, loner Thornton wins a big bet in town when Buck pulls a heavily loaded sled. The pair then go in search of a lost gold mine. Buck's ultimate embracing of the wild life is beautifully evoked, but the kill-or-be-killed laws of the north are brutal.
Prague-born director Svatek ("Witchboard: The Possession"), who was raised and still lives in Montreal, and cinematographer Sylvain Brault provide many memorable scenes in the well-realized project.
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Hallmark Entertainment
Fries Schultz Film Group
Kingsborough-Greenlight Pictures
Blue Rider Pictures
A Peter Svatek film
Director Peter Svatek
Producers Pieter Kroonenburg, Julie Allan
Writer Graham Ludlow
Based on the novel by Jack London
Executive producers John Buchanan, Gary Howsam, Jeff Geoffray, Walter Josten
Director of photography Sylvain Brault
Production designer Michael Devine
Music Alan Reeves
Editor Denis Papillion
Costume designer Claire Nadon
Casting Vera Miller, Nadia Rona, Rosina Bucci
Color/stereo
Cast:
John Thornton Rutger Hauer
Narrator Richard Dreyfuss
Mercedes Bronwen Booth
Hal Charles Powell
Charles Burke Lawrence
Perrault Luc Morissette
Running time -- 91 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 2/10/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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