Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls of New York’s power brokers, Lionel contends with thugs, corruption and the most dangerous man in the city to honor his friend and save the woman who might be his own salvation.
Oscar nominee Edward Norton directed, wrote, produced and stars in “Motherless Brooklyn.” The film’s journey to the screen began in 1999 when Norton saw the cinematic potential in Jonathan Lethem’s novel Motherless Brooklyn and its unforgettable central character.
Oscar nominee Edward Norton directed, wrote, produced and stars in “Motherless Brooklyn.” The film’s journey to the screen began in 1999 when Norton saw the cinematic potential in Jonathan Lethem’s novel Motherless Brooklyn and its unforgettable central character.
- 10/28/2019
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment is in talks to produce Fools Day at New Line, for which the Suicide Squad actress also is in negotiations to play a key supporting role.
The project is based on Cody Blue Snider’s award-winning comedy short Fools Day, which New Line acquired some time ago. Snider, co-wrote and directed the short and also will direct and co-write the upcoming full-length feature. Shane Snider and Keatyn Lee also will co-write.
Fools Day follows a fourth-grade class who plays an innocent April Fools prank on their teacher that accidentally kills her. Convinced they’ll go to prison if anyone finds out, they try to hide her body before a police officer arrives for their anti-drug lesson. Robbie plans to play the teacher. The short was honored at more than 30 film festivals around the globe.
Bill Migliore, Edward Norton, and John Rickard are producing. Robbie, Tom Ackerley...
The project is based on Cody Blue Snider’s award-winning comedy short Fools Day, which New Line acquired some time ago. Snider, co-wrote and directed the short and also will direct and co-write the upcoming full-length feature. Shane Snider and Keatyn Lee also will co-write.
Fools Day follows a fourth-grade class who plays an innocent April Fools prank on their teacher that accidentally kills her. Convinced they’ll go to prison if anyone finds out, they try to hide her body before a police officer arrives for their anti-drug lesson. Robbie plans to play the teacher. The short was honored at more than 30 film festivals around the globe.
Bill Migliore, Edward Norton, and John Rickard are producing. Robbie, Tom Ackerley...
- 9/16/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Margot Robbie is in negotiations to executive produce and star as a fourth-grade teacher in New Line’s comedy “Fools Day.”
New Line has acquired Cody Blue Snider’s short film of the same name to adapt into the feature project. Snider, who co-wrote and directed the short, will direct the full-length feature from a script he penned with Shane Snider and Keatyn Lee.
The short, which has been honored at more than 30 film festivals, centers on a fourth grade class that accidentally kills their teacher when they play an innocent April Fool’s Day prank on her. Convinced they’ll go to prison if anyone finds out, they try to hide her body before a police officer arrives for their anti-drug lesson.
If Robbie’s deal goes through, she will star as the teacher in what’s described as a supporting role. Producers on the feature are Bill Migliore,...
New Line has acquired Cody Blue Snider’s short film of the same name to adapt into the feature project. Snider, who co-wrote and directed the short, will direct the full-length feature from a script he penned with Shane Snider and Keatyn Lee.
The short, which has been honored at more than 30 film festivals, centers on a fourth grade class that accidentally kills their teacher when they play an innocent April Fool’s Day prank on her. Convinced they’ll go to prison if anyone finds out, they try to hide her body before a police officer arrives for their anti-drug lesson.
If Robbie’s deal goes through, she will star as the teacher in what’s described as a supporting role. Producers on the feature are Bill Migliore,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
New Line is getting pranked.
The company is teaming with Margot Robbie to adapt Fools Day, a comedy short by Cody Blue Snider, into a feature film.
The actress is in negotiations to take on a supporting role in the project, while her banner, Luckychap Entertainment, is in talks to be one of the production entities behind it. If the deals are made, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara will executive produce.
Snider, who co-wrote and directed the 18-minute short, will direct the full-length feature and is co-writing the script with Shane Snider, Keatyn Lee. Bill Migliore, Edward Norton and John ...
The company is teaming with Margot Robbie to adapt Fools Day, a comedy short by Cody Blue Snider, into a feature film.
The actress is in negotiations to take on a supporting role in the project, while her banner, Luckychap Entertainment, is in talks to be one of the production entities behind it. If the deals are made, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara will executive produce.
Snider, who co-wrote and directed the 18-minute short, will direct the full-length feature and is co-writing the script with Shane Snider, Keatyn Lee. Bill Migliore, Edward Norton and John ...
- 9/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New Line is getting pranked.
The company is teaming with Margot Robbie to adapt Fools Day, a comedy short by Cody Blue Snider, into a feature film.
The actress is in negotiations to take on a supporting role in the project, while her banner, Luckychap Entertainment, is in talks to be one of the production entities behind it. If the deals are made, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara will executive produce.
Snider, who co-wrote and directed the 18-minute short, will direct the full-length feature and is co-writing the script with Shane Snider, Keatyn Lee. Bill Migliore, Edward Norton and John ...
The company is teaming with Margot Robbie to adapt Fools Day, a comedy short by Cody Blue Snider, into a feature film.
The actress is in negotiations to take on a supporting role in the project, while her banner, Luckychap Entertainment, is in talks to be one of the production entities behind it. If the deals are made, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara will executive produce.
Snider, who co-wrote and directed the 18-minute short, will direct the full-length feature and is co-writing the script with Shane Snider, Keatyn Lee. Bill Migliore, Edward Norton and John ...
- 9/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Alec Baldwin and Willem Dafoe's "Motherless Brooklyn" will release in India on November 15.
Edward Norton's crime drama "Motherless Brooklyn" is based on the 1999 novel by Jonathan Lethem. It follows Lionel Essrog (Norton), a young man who works for a small-time mobster in Brooklyn while struggling with an intense case of Tourette Syndrome. The film revolves around Essrog's decision to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis).
Also Read:?The latest trailer of "The Lighthouse" is all intense
Directed by Norton, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Norton also produced the film with his Class 5 Films producing partner Bill Migliore; Michael Bederman; and Mwm Studios' Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane.
It also stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones, Leslie Mann, Ethan Suplee, Dallas Roberts along with Baldwin and Dafoe.
Music plays an important role in setting the...
Edward Norton's crime drama "Motherless Brooklyn" is based on the 1999 novel by Jonathan Lethem. It follows Lionel Essrog (Norton), a young man who works for a small-time mobster in Brooklyn while struggling with an intense case of Tourette Syndrome. The film revolves around Essrog's decision to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis).
Also Read:?The latest trailer of "The Lighthouse" is all intense
Directed by Norton, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Norton also produced the film with his Class 5 Films producing partner Bill Migliore; Michael Bederman; and Mwm Studios' Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane.
It also stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones, Leslie Mann, Ethan Suplee, Dallas Roberts along with Baldwin and Dafoe.
Music plays an important role in setting the...
- 8/29/2019
- GlamSham
The official trailer for the upcoming Warner Bros. film “Motherless Brooklyn” written, directed by and starring Edward Norton has been released. You can view the trailer below: Director: Edward Norton Writer: Edward Norton, from the novel by Jonathan Lethem Producers: Bill Migliore, Edward Norton, Michael Bederman, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, Executive Producers: Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Daniel Nadler, Robert F. Smith, Brian Niranjan Sheth Cast: Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams, Leslie Mann, Ethan Suplee, Dallas Roberts, Josh Pais, Robert Ray Wisdom, Fisher Stevens, with Alec Baldwin and Willem Dafoe About the film: Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, “Motherless Brooklyn” follows Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind,...
- 8/23/2019
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Watch intrigue and drama unfold in the trailer for Motherless Brooklyn, starring Writer/Director Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, with Alec Baldwin and Willem Dafoe. Only in theaters November 1.
It was announced that the movie will be the closing night selection at the 57th New York Film Festival.
https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff2019/films/motherless-brooklyn/
This is Oscar/Awards season bait… for sure! We can’t wait for this one!
Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls...
It was announced that the movie will be the closing night selection at the 57th New York Film Festival.
https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff2019/films/motherless-brooklyn/
This is Oscar/Awards season bait… for sure! We can’t wait for this one!
Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls...
- 8/22/2019
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
All these Dune casting announcements have built up to Warner Bros. finally announcing that the Denis Villeneuve-directed Legendary production will hit theaters during the pre-Thanksgiving frame of Nov. 20, 2020. Dune will play in 3D and Imax.
Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts, and Villeneuve adapted Frank Herbert’s classic novel. Set in the distant future, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, whose family accepts control of the desert planet Arrakis. As the only producer of a highly valuable resource, control of Arrakis is highly contested among the noble families. After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of Arrakis. Legendary’s Mary Parent and Cale Boyter produce with Villeneuve. EPs are Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert for the Frank Herbert estate, with and Kevin J. Anderson...
Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts, and Villeneuve adapted Frank Herbert’s classic novel. Set in the distant future, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, whose family accepts control of the desert planet Arrakis. As the only producer of a highly valuable resource, control of Arrakis is highly contested among the noble families. After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of Arrakis. Legendary’s Mary Parent and Cale Boyter produce with Villeneuve. EPs are Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert for the Frank Herbert estate, with and Kevin J. Anderson...
- 2/16/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Production resumed on Class 5 Films, Mwm production.
Residents at the building where a fatal fire broke out on the set of Motherless Brooklyn are suing Edward Norton’s production company.
Erica and George Cruz filed a multi-million dollar suit on Tuesday (March 22) against Class 5 Films and Vincent Sollazzo, the owner of the five-storey townhouse in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem where the blaze occurred last Thursday.
In papers lodged at the supreme court of the state of New York county of New York, the plaintiffs say their fourth floor apartment was completely destroyed by a fire that broke...
Residents at the building where a fatal fire broke out on the set of Motherless Brooklyn are suing Edward Norton’s production company.
Erica and George Cruz filed a multi-million dollar suit on Tuesday (March 22) against Class 5 Films and Vincent Sollazzo, the owner of the five-storey townhouse in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem where the blaze occurred last Thursday.
In papers lodged at the supreme court of the state of New York county of New York, the plaintiffs say their fourth floor apartment was completely destroyed by a fire that broke...
- 3/28/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Production resumed on Class 5 Films, Mwm production.
Residents at the building where a fatal fire broke out on the set of Motherless Brooklyn are suing Edward Norton’s production company.
Erica and George Cruz filed a multi-million dollar suit on Tuesday (March 22) against Class 5 Films and Vincent Sollazzo, the owner of the five-storey townhouse in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem where the blaze occurred last Thursday.
In papers lodged at the supreme court of the state of New York county of New York, the plaintiffs say their fourth floor apartment was completely destroyed by a fire that broke...
Residents at the building where a fatal fire broke out on the set of Motherless Brooklyn are suing Edward Norton’s production company.
Erica and George Cruz filed a multi-million dollar suit on Tuesday (March 22) against Class 5 Films and Vincent Sollazzo, the owner of the five-storey townhouse in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem where the blaze occurred last Thursday.
In papers lodged at the supreme court of the state of New York county of New York, the plaintiffs say their fourth floor apartment was completely destroyed by a fire that broke...
- 3/27/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
‘The Fdny are real life super-heroes and have our boundless admiration and gratitude.’
Production has been suspended on Edward Norton’s Motherless Brooklyn after a New York firefighter died on Thursday night (March 22) battling a blaze on the Harlem set.
Michael Davidson, 37, was named as the deceased. According to reports he had become separated from his crew and was found unconscious after attempting to tackle the fire on the Class 5 Films and Mwm production. He was pronounced dead at hospital.
The fire broke out for reasons that remain unknown at the five-storey townhouse in the Sugar Hill neighbourhood.
The producers,...
Production has been suspended on Edward Norton’s Motherless Brooklyn after a New York firefighter died on Thursday night (March 22) battling a blaze on the Harlem set.
Michael Davidson, 37, was named as the deceased. According to reports he had become separated from his crew and was found unconscious after attempting to tackle the fire on the Class 5 Films and Mwm production. He was pronounced dead at hospital.
The fire broke out for reasons that remain unknown at the five-storey townhouse in the Sugar Hill neighbourhood.
The producers,...
- 3/23/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Jonathan Lethem adaptation begins New York shoot.
Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Alec Baldwin have joined Edward Norton’s noir Motherless Brooklyn as production got underway this week.
Norton directs the Jonathan Lethem adaptation about a 1950s detective with Tourette’s and produces alongside his Class 5 partner Bill Migliore, as well as Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane from Mwm Studios.
Warner Bros holds worldwide distribution rights to the feature, which also stars Willem Dafoe, Cherry Jones, Ethan Suplee, and Leslie Mann.
Executive producers are Michael Bederman, Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Robert F. Smith, Brian Sheth, and Daniel Nadler.
Norton adapted the screenplay. Motherless Brooklyn marks his second feature directorial outing after 2000’s Keeping The Faith.
Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Alec Baldwin have joined Edward Norton’s noir Motherless Brooklyn as production got underway this week.
Norton directs the Jonathan Lethem adaptation about a 1950s detective with Tourette’s and produces alongside his Class 5 partner Bill Migliore, as well as Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane from Mwm Studios.
Warner Bros holds worldwide distribution rights to the feature, which also stars Willem Dafoe, Cherry Jones, Ethan Suplee, and Leslie Mann.
Executive producers are Michael Bederman, Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Robert F. Smith, Brian Sheth, and Daniel Nadler.
Norton adapted the screenplay. Motherless Brooklyn marks his second feature directorial outing after 2000’s Keeping The Faith.
- 2/5/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
Forging a career out unforgettable performances in both independent classics and studio fare as well countless television roles, Rosie Perez is one of the most successful and well-regarding Latina actresses working in the tumultuous entertainment industry. Her unquestionable talent has helped her surpass the unspoken and hindering stereotypes that plague Hollywood, and though the road has been anything but easy, her prolific body of work speaks for itself.
Perez recently attended the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa to support the film “Puerto Ricans in Paris, “ in which she appears alongside Luis Guzmán , Rosario Dawson, and Edgar Garcia.
We sat down with her to discuss the humorous caper about two Puerto Rican American detectives solving a case in the European capital, her perception on diversity in Hollywood, and how “Fearless” became a surprising success that earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Carlos Aguilar: “Puerto Ricans in Paris” is a project that literally has some of the biggest Puerto Rican talent in Hollywood gathered in one film. How did your involvement with the project come about? I understand you are friends with the mastermind behind the film Luis Guzmán.
Rosie Perez: Louie just called me up and he said, “Mija, I need a favor” [Laughs]. I said, “Ok, that means no money,” and he just started laughing [Laughs]. I said, “Whatever it is you got it. What is it?” Then he said, “Oh it’s this movie that means so much to me.” I went, “Oh shit, send me the script firs!" [Laughs]. He did and I thought it was funny, so I said I’ll do it. That was it. It was as simple as that. There was no agents involved, no managers, it was just that phone call. Later he did forwarded the script to my agent, but literally it was that simple.
Aguilar: Seems like it was one of those rare cases when things work out easily in Hollywood thanks to good relationships and friendships.
Rosie Perez: Yes, that’s very rare.
Aguilar: What did you find appealing about this story? It’s definitely a fish out of water tale about these two men from New York in a culturally foreign environment . Was it simple the fact that it's quite funny, the themes within it, or was it because you knew everyone involved?
Rosie Perez: It’s a little bit of all the above, but I think mainly it was that it was funny and secondly I would say that it’s about friendship and family, so I liked that. I just couldn’t wait to see the club scene. You first see it on paper, but I was like, “Oh I gotta see this!” [Laughs]. It’s a comedy about being someone’s friend and being family, that’s what drew me to it.
Aguilar: You've had a prolific career between your work in television and incredibly memorable film roles. At this point in you career how do you decide what is a role you want to pursue, in particular with Hollywood still unwilling to create more roles for people outside their mold?
Rosie Perez: If it hits me right and if it’s not insulting then I consider it, because as you know, most recently with the Oscars controversy, Hollywood is tough for people of color. When they say, “We are going to create more roles for people of color,” they are stereotypical roles and they are insulting roles, and we are like, “That’s not it people.” I’m going on almost 30 years, I’m lucky and I’m very grateful, but it’s still not a walk in the park. I think it is also because I’m choosy with roles. I’m at an age where I don’t want to do something if I don’t have to do it. Even with the TV show, I had enough. I did it for a year, I was contracted for three years, and I said, “No, I don’t want to do this anymore.” That’s what happens when you get older, you get to that point. You want to enjoy life. You want life to be good. At the end of the day you don’t want to think, “What the hell was I doing?” [Laughs]. “Why did I do this?” or “Why didn’t I walk away from that?" Or “Why did I accept that?” That’s how my decision-making works. With this film I really liked that all my scenes were in New York because I like to stay home a lot. I’m a homebody. I’m a girl who was in the clubs since I was 14-years-old, I’m done with that, I’m over it [Laughs].
Aguilar: It’s definitely important to know when to say no.
Rosie Perez: Exactly, and I say no. I say no a lot. I’m grateful that work still comes my way. Forget about me being of color, I’m a woman. Then when you are over 40, you are like, “Oh shit,” you know? [Laughs].
Aguilar: Hollywood seems to pile on these barriers on people. Being a woman of color over 40 is disgracefully a no-go for studios. Is't insane to think we haven't gotten over all those prejudices, why do you think that's still the case?
Rosie Perez: Because it’s still a male-dominated industry. That said, I have to repeat myself, I’m very fortunate because I know a lot of actresses that are super talented that just don’t get work. They don’t get the offers, they don’t get the auditions, they don’t get the opportunities, and it’s so unfair. I’m really not complaining.
Aguilar: You were were nominated for an Academy Award for “Fearless" back in the 90s, considering the recent Oscar controversy and the state of diversity in Hollywood, how difficult was it to make that happen from getting the role to getting the industry's attention back then?
Rosie Perez: I think “Fearless” happened not because of Hollywood. Hollywood didn’t believe in it. They threw their marketing dollars on a different film. But when the Berlin Film Festival picked up the movie and said, "This was exquisite," and everyone was throwing awards at us, I think that's when the Academy was like, "Wait a minute what is this film." We went over to Europe and it was a smash hit. We'd drive down Champs Élysées and we'd see the movie poster for "Fearless," and I'd go, "Oh my God. This is a dream." I really thought I was in a fairytale. That had never happened to me. I found out about the Oscar nomination while we were still in Berlin. I think that's what happened.
It's wonderful on one end and on the other end it was unfortunate that it took Europe to make America say, "Oh this is a good film and there are really good performances in it." This is one of the instances where the role was not insulting, it wasn't stereotypical, and it wasn't for a Puerto Rican American. I had to fight for it. I think I was like the 80th-something person they had seen. They kept saying, "No, no, no she is not right." All they kept thinking was "White Men Can't Jump." My agents at the time were like, "Just give her a chance," and the director was not from America so he didn't have any prejudices or preconceived notions of what I could do or who I was. I had to do four call backs, and I did it. I didn't complaint not one bit. When you really want something in life you work for it. You go through the mud. Being at the Oscars was great as well was the Golden Globes. That's what I mean when I say I'm not complaining.
Aguilar: iI's strange and unfortunate that sometimes there is a need for outside sources to validate the quality of a film rather than just looking at the performances and the quality of the material.
Rosie Perez: I don't think that's the case all the time, but it is the case sometimes and that's unfortunate. I just have hope for the Academy. I have hope for Hollywood. I'm a very hopeful person in general. Things will change, but it's not about just one minority group. Asians and Native Americans get it the worst and nobody is rooting for them. Let's hope it changes for everyone. That's what I would like to see.
Aguilar: In "Puerto Ricans in Paris" the two Puerto Rican leads are detectives. They are not stereotypical roles that are usually assigned to Latino talent or secondary characters to a white lead. Do you think this has to do with the fact that a big part of the creative talent was Latino?
Rosie Perez: Yes! Louie had to do his own thing. He got the screenwriter with whom he had done "How to Make it in America." Louie is a very forward-thinking person and I hope with this film people start recognizing that. I knew it when I first met him. He was like, "We gotta stick together mama. We are gonna change things," and I was like, "I believe you." Everybody was like,"Nah," but I was like," I believe you," because he said it with such fortitude. And he did it right because in this film I play a middle-class wife. That could have been anybody. It could have been "White People in Paris," "Black People in Paris," or "Asian People in Paris." It could have been anything but it was "Puerto Ricans in Paris" because a Puerto Rican American actor took the initiative and said "I'm going to make this movie and I'm gonna show them that we are just like you. We are not a novelty. We are human beings." That's why this is a great thing. It really is. It came off like a commercial film, but I was pleasantly surprised
Aguilar: But definitely the fact that is a commercial film will help it cross over to any audience. It doesn't have to be just a "Latino film."
Rosie Perez: Thats right!.
Aguilar: Would you say in order to see significant change in the way opportunities are created and offered, we, as minorities, have to create our own opportunities or what would be the best approach?
Rosie Perez: I think you do have to create your own opportunities, but you also have to fight to have opportunities being created for you by the studios. You can't just fight that one fight, you have to fight the good fight and that means covering all the basis. Things are changing, but it is unfortunate that we are still at this point. Things have gotten better but sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back.
Aguilar: "Puerto Ricans in Paris" is going to be released later this year, but you already have several other upcoming projects. Can you tell about your recent role in Maris Curran's film and what other adventures you are embarking on?
Rosie Perez: Well "Five Nights in Maine" was another film that the director didn't see me for but she wanted to meet me, which was weird. I thought, "Why do you want to meet me if you don't see me for the role," but I was like, "Ok I'll meet you whatever." We sat down and we talked and after our luncheon she called Diane Wiest and said, "I think I found the nurse and its Rosie Perez," Diane Wiest just went, "Wonderful!" It was that simple. She wasn't like, "Really?" It's a very dark film. It's beautifully shot, it's very moody, David Oyelowo is excellent in it and so is Diane Wiest. It's a very quiet film, and for it to be so dark there is a ll of light in it. There is a lot of outdoors shots and the house is bright in Maine. I'm glad people have responded to it.
Right now I'm just ping-ponging around between projects. I'm producing a project with Edward Norton's company with executive producer Bill Migliore. It's very exciting to me and very challenging to me because Bill and Edward are very challenging people. They don't want to take one step forward until something is right. Right now we are writing the script. We thought we were done and I said, "We thought you said yes to the script," then they went, "Yeah but now comes the real work." It's been a mind-blowing experience. I'm writing and producing but I'm not acting in it. I'm behind the scenes this time. Louie is attached and so is Zoe Saldana. But right now is all about the script. I get excited because I feel stimulated. When you get off the phone and you just had a four hour script meeting and you are like, "What time is it? Oh my God I have to make dinner for my husband. We've been on the phone for four hours? Are you kidding me?" and you don't feel exhausted, you feel invigorated and you can't wait to go back and star writing off of the notes, it's special. We haven't even made the damn movie and it's just been such a special experience for me. It really has.
Perez recently attended the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa to support the film “Puerto Ricans in Paris, “ in which she appears alongside Luis Guzmán , Rosario Dawson, and Edgar Garcia.
We sat down with her to discuss the humorous caper about two Puerto Rican American detectives solving a case in the European capital, her perception on diversity in Hollywood, and how “Fearless” became a surprising success that earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Carlos Aguilar: “Puerto Ricans in Paris” is a project that literally has some of the biggest Puerto Rican talent in Hollywood gathered in one film. How did your involvement with the project come about? I understand you are friends with the mastermind behind the film Luis Guzmán.
Rosie Perez: Louie just called me up and he said, “Mija, I need a favor” [Laughs]. I said, “Ok, that means no money,” and he just started laughing [Laughs]. I said, “Whatever it is you got it. What is it?” Then he said, “Oh it’s this movie that means so much to me.” I went, “Oh shit, send me the script firs!" [Laughs]. He did and I thought it was funny, so I said I’ll do it. That was it. It was as simple as that. There was no agents involved, no managers, it was just that phone call. Later he did forwarded the script to my agent, but literally it was that simple.
Aguilar: Seems like it was one of those rare cases when things work out easily in Hollywood thanks to good relationships and friendships.
Rosie Perez: Yes, that’s very rare.
Aguilar: What did you find appealing about this story? It’s definitely a fish out of water tale about these two men from New York in a culturally foreign environment . Was it simple the fact that it's quite funny, the themes within it, or was it because you knew everyone involved?
Rosie Perez: It’s a little bit of all the above, but I think mainly it was that it was funny and secondly I would say that it’s about friendship and family, so I liked that. I just couldn’t wait to see the club scene. You first see it on paper, but I was like, “Oh I gotta see this!” [Laughs]. It’s a comedy about being someone’s friend and being family, that’s what drew me to it.
Aguilar: You've had a prolific career between your work in television and incredibly memorable film roles. At this point in you career how do you decide what is a role you want to pursue, in particular with Hollywood still unwilling to create more roles for people outside their mold?
Rosie Perez: If it hits me right and if it’s not insulting then I consider it, because as you know, most recently with the Oscars controversy, Hollywood is tough for people of color. When they say, “We are going to create more roles for people of color,” they are stereotypical roles and they are insulting roles, and we are like, “That’s not it people.” I’m going on almost 30 years, I’m lucky and I’m very grateful, but it’s still not a walk in the park. I think it is also because I’m choosy with roles. I’m at an age where I don’t want to do something if I don’t have to do it. Even with the TV show, I had enough. I did it for a year, I was contracted for three years, and I said, “No, I don’t want to do this anymore.” That’s what happens when you get older, you get to that point. You want to enjoy life. You want life to be good. At the end of the day you don’t want to think, “What the hell was I doing?” [Laughs]. “Why did I do this?” or “Why didn’t I walk away from that?" Or “Why did I accept that?” That’s how my decision-making works. With this film I really liked that all my scenes were in New York because I like to stay home a lot. I’m a homebody. I’m a girl who was in the clubs since I was 14-years-old, I’m done with that, I’m over it [Laughs].
Aguilar: It’s definitely important to know when to say no.
Rosie Perez: Exactly, and I say no. I say no a lot. I’m grateful that work still comes my way. Forget about me being of color, I’m a woman. Then when you are over 40, you are like, “Oh shit,” you know? [Laughs].
Aguilar: Hollywood seems to pile on these barriers on people. Being a woman of color over 40 is disgracefully a no-go for studios. Is't insane to think we haven't gotten over all those prejudices, why do you think that's still the case?
Rosie Perez: Because it’s still a male-dominated industry. That said, I have to repeat myself, I’m very fortunate because I know a lot of actresses that are super talented that just don’t get work. They don’t get the offers, they don’t get the auditions, they don’t get the opportunities, and it’s so unfair. I’m really not complaining.
Aguilar: You were were nominated for an Academy Award for “Fearless" back in the 90s, considering the recent Oscar controversy and the state of diversity in Hollywood, how difficult was it to make that happen from getting the role to getting the industry's attention back then?
Rosie Perez: I think “Fearless” happened not because of Hollywood. Hollywood didn’t believe in it. They threw their marketing dollars on a different film. But when the Berlin Film Festival picked up the movie and said, "This was exquisite," and everyone was throwing awards at us, I think that's when the Academy was like, "Wait a minute what is this film." We went over to Europe and it was a smash hit. We'd drive down Champs Élysées and we'd see the movie poster for "Fearless," and I'd go, "Oh my God. This is a dream." I really thought I was in a fairytale. That had never happened to me. I found out about the Oscar nomination while we were still in Berlin. I think that's what happened.
It's wonderful on one end and on the other end it was unfortunate that it took Europe to make America say, "Oh this is a good film and there are really good performances in it." This is one of the instances where the role was not insulting, it wasn't stereotypical, and it wasn't for a Puerto Rican American. I had to fight for it. I think I was like the 80th-something person they had seen. They kept saying, "No, no, no she is not right." All they kept thinking was "White Men Can't Jump." My agents at the time were like, "Just give her a chance," and the director was not from America so he didn't have any prejudices or preconceived notions of what I could do or who I was. I had to do four call backs, and I did it. I didn't complaint not one bit. When you really want something in life you work for it. You go through the mud. Being at the Oscars was great as well was the Golden Globes. That's what I mean when I say I'm not complaining.
Aguilar: iI's strange and unfortunate that sometimes there is a need for outside sources to validate the quality of a film rather than just looking at the performances and the quality of the material.
Rosie Perez: I don't think that's the case all the time, but it is the case sometimes and that's unfortunate. I just have hope for the Academy. I have hope for Hollywood. I'm a very hopeful person in general. Things will change, but it's not about just one minority group. Asians and Native Americans get it the worst and nobody is rooting for them. Let's hope it changes for everyone. That's what I would like to see.
Aguilar: In "Puerto Ricans in Paris" the two Puerto Rican leads are detectives. They are not stereotypical roles that are usually assigned to Latino talent or secondary characters to a white lead. Do you think this has to do with the fact that a big part of the creative talent was Latino?
Rosie Perez: Yes! Louie had to do his own thing. He got the screenwriter with whom he had done "How to Make it in America." Louie is a very forward-thinking person and I hope with this film people start recognizing that. I knew it when I first met him. He was like, "We gotta stick together mama. We are gonna change things," and I was like, "I believe you." Everybody was like,"Nah," but I was like," I believe you," because he said it with such fortitude. And he did it right because in this film I play a middle-class wife. That could have been anybody. It could have been "White People in Paris," "Black People in Paris," or "Asian People in Paris." It could have been anything but it was "Puerto Ricans in Paris" because a Puerto Rican American actor took the initiative and said "I'm going to make this movie and I'm gonna show them that we are just like you. We are not a novelty. We are human beings." That's why this is a great thing. It really is. It came off like a commercial film, but I was pleasantly surprised
Aguilar: But definitely the fact that is a commercial film will help it cross over to any audience. It doesn't have to be just a "Latino film."
Rosie Perez: Thats right!.
Aguilar: Would you say in order to see significant change in the way opportunities are created and offered, we, as minorities, have to create our own opportunities or what would be the best approach?
Rosie Perez: I think you do have to create your own opportunities, but you also have to fight to have opportunities being created for you by the studios. You can't just fight that one fight, you have to fight the good fight and that means covering all the basis. Things are changing, but it is unfortunate that we are still at this point. Things have gotten better but sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back.
Aguilar: "Puerto Ricans in Paris" is going to be released later this year, but you already have several other upcoming projects. Can you tell about your recent role in Maris Curran's film and what other adventures you are embarking on?
Rosie Perez: Well "Five Nights in Maine" was another film that the director didn't see me for but she wanted to meet me, which was weird. I thought, "Why do you want to meet me if you don't see me for the role," but I was like, "Ok I'll meet you whatever." We sat down and we talked and after our luncheon she called Diane Wiest and said, "I think I found the nurse and its Rosie Perez," Diane Wiest just went, "Wonderful!" It was that simple. She wasn't like, "Really?" It's a very dark film. It's beautifully shot, it's very moody, David Oyelowo is excellent in it and so is Diane Wiest. It's a very quiet film, and for it to be so dark there is a ll of light in it. There is a lot of outdoors shots and the house is bright in Maine. I'm glad people have responded to it.
Right now I'm just ping-ponging around between projects. I'm producing a project with Edward Norton's company with executive producer Bill Migliore. It's very exciting to me and very challenging to me because Bill and Edward are very challenging people. They don't want to take one step forward until something is right. Right now we are writing the script. We thought we were done and I said, "We thought you said yes to the script," then they went, "Yeah but now comes the real work." It's been a mind-blowing experience. I'm writing and producing but I'm not acting in it. I'm behind the scenes this time. Louie is attached and so is Zoe Saldana. But right now is all about the script. I get excited because I feel stimulated. When you get off the phone and you just had a four hour script meeting and you are like, "What time is it? Oh my God I have to make dinner for my husband. We've been on the phone for four hours? Are you kidding me?" and you don't feel exhausted, you feel invigorated and you can't wait to go back and star writing off of the notes, it's special. We haven't even made the damn movie and it's just been such a special experience for me. It really has.
- 4/7/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Kenneth Lonergan’s acclaimed Sundance Premieres selection has sold out around the world as Nick Meyer and his team concluded a string of deals including a multi-territory pact with Universal Pictures International Productions.
After Amazon Studios stumped up $10m for North American rights following the drama’s world premiere in Park City, Universal has acquired rights for Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East, and Cis.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions got behind Manchester By The Sea when Sierra/Affinity commenced pre-sales at the Efm in 2015 and will distribute in Latin America, Scandinavia, Iceland, Asian pay TV, Baltics, Czech/Slovak, former-Yugoslavia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
Manchester By The Sea: Screen’s Sundance review
Kenneth Lonergan interview
UK rights have gone to Studio Canal, South Africa to Ster Kinekor, South Korea to Able Entertainment, Taiwan to Caichange International, Hong Kong to Golden Scene, Thailand to M Pictures...
After Amazon Studios stumped up $10m for North American rights following the drama’s world premiere in Park City, Universal has acquired rights for Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East, and Cis.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions got behind Manchester By The Sea when Sierra/Affinity commenced pre-sales at the Efm in 2015 and will distribute in Latin America, Scandinavia, Iceland, Asian pay TV, Baltics, Czech/Slovak, former-Yugoslavia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
Manchester By The Sea: Screen’s Sundance review
Kenneth Lonergan interview
UK rights have gone to Studio Canal, South Africa to Ster Kinekor, South Korea to Able Entertainment, Taiwan to Caichange International, Hong Kong to Golden Scene, Thailand to M Pictures...
- 2/3/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Kenneth Lonergan’s acclaimed Sundance Premieres selection has sold out around the world as Nick Meyer and his team concluded a string of deals including a multi-territory pact with Universal Pictures International Production.
After Amazon Studios stumped up $10m for North American rights following the drama’s world premiere in Park City, Universal has acquired rights for Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East, and Cis.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions got behind Manchester By The Sea when Sierra/Affinity commenced pre-sales at the Efm in 2015 and will distribute in Latin America, Scandinavia, Iceland, Asian pay TV, Baltics, Czech/Slovak, former-Yugoslavia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
UK rights have gone to Studio Canal, South Africa to Ster Kinekor, South Korea to Able Entertainment, Taiwan to Caichange International, Hong Kong to Golden Scene, Thailand to M Pictures, Portugal to Lusomundo, Switzerland to Ascot Elite, Israel to United...
After Amazon Studios stumped up $10m for North American rights following the drama’s world premiere in Park City, Universal has acquired rights for Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East, and Cis.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions got behind Manchester By The Sea when Sierra/Affinity commenced pre-sales at the Efm in 2015 and will distribute in Latin America, Scandinavia, Iceland, Asian pay TV, Baltics, Czech/Slovak, former-Yugoslavia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
UK rights have gone to Studio Canal, South Africa to Ster Kinekor, South Korea to Able Entertainment, Taiwan to Caichange International, Hong Kong to Golden Scene, Thailand to M Pictures, Portugal to Lusomundo, Switzerland to Ascot Elite, Israel to United...
- 2/3/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Edward Norton documentary “My Own Man” is set to premiere March 6 on Netflix. The film was written, produced and directed by David Sampliner.
Also Read: Roger Ebert Remembered in ‘Life Itself': 15 Excerpts From His Most Legendary Reviews
The doc, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, follows Sampliner, who learns he’s about to become a father to a baby boy, and fears he must “man up” and finally embrace the latent masculinity he’s rejected all his life, according to a press release.
But as Sampliner immerses himself in a strange new world of masculine ideals,...
Also Read: Roger Ebert Remembered in ‘Life Itself': 15 Excerpts From His Most Legendary Reviews
The doc, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, follows Sampliner, who learns he’s about to become a father to a baby boy, and fears he must “man up” and finally embrace the latent masculinity he’s rejected all his life, according to a press release.
But as Sampliner immerses himself in a strange new world of masculine ideals,...
- 1/5/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Brett Ratner and James Packer’s RatPac Entertainment have acquired the Jon Mooallem article American Hippopotamus for Class 5 Films and RatPac for a feature film. Class 5′s Edward Norton and William Migliore will produce with RatPac’s Ratner. They will frame a feature around a difficult-to-believe but true story. Responding to a meat shortage in the U.S. in 1910, two bitter enemies joined forces to try and import hippopotamuses to the swamps of Louisiana and convince Americans to eat them. Even though Theodore Roosevelt and The New York Times endorsed the plan, the fact that you don’t find hippo on the menu shows how well their campaign fared. Key to the movie is the rivalry of the hippo duo, both of whom were spies. Frederick Russell Burnham was a frontiersman and freelance adventurer whose exploits were the inspiration for the Boy Scouts, and he teamed with Fritz Duquesne,...
- 6/6/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Edward Norton is set to star in and direct "Motherless Brooklyn" for RatPac Entertainment. Filming is expected to begin late this year in New York.
Norton also penned this loose adaptation of the Jonathan Lethem novel which moves the action from the contemporary times of the book to a New York 1954 setting.
Norton will play Lionel Essrog, a lonely and obsessive private detective afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome. As he tries to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, he unravels closely guarded secrets that have major ramifications.
Ratner, Norton and William Migliore will produce.
Source: Deadline...
Norton also penned this loose adaptation of the Jonathan Lethem novel which moves the action from the contemporary times of the book to a New York 1954 setting.
Norton will play Lionel Essrog, a lonely and obsessive private detective afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome. As he tries to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, he unravels closely guarded secrets that have major ramifications.
Ratner, Norton and William Migliore will produce.
Source: Deadline...
- 2/22/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: It may have taken him 15 years to get there, but Edward Norton will star in and direct Motherless Brooklyn, his scripted adaptation inspired by the Jonathan Lethem novel. Brett Ratner and James Packer’s RatPac Entertainment have stepped up to fully finance the film for a late 2014 production start in New York. Ratner will join Norton and his Class 5 Films’ cohort William Migliore as producers, and Packer will be executive producer with Class 5’s Stuart Blumberg. While Lethem’s novel is contemporary, Norton has set the story in New York in 1954, a time of great change in the city. He plays Lionel Essrog, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome, who tries to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend. Armed only with few clues and an obsessive mind, Lionel slowly unravels closely guarded secrets that have major ramifications. It leads him through Harlem jazz clubs,...
- 2/20/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Exclusive: Stuart Blumberg has sold an original comedy pitch to New Line Cinema with Scott Stuber and Maven Pictures duo Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler producing. The untitled comedy centers around two very different families, one a blue-state liberal, the other a red-state conservative, who discover that they have been raising the other’s son since they were switched by accident 17 years ago. Blumberg scripted The Kids Are All Right, for which he got an Oscar nom, and he made his directing debut on the sex addiction tale Thanks For Sharing with Mark Ruffalo and Gwyneth Paltrow. Stuber will produce through his Bluegrass Films banner and Styler and Rattray through Maven Pictures. Blumberg’s Class 5 Films cohorts Edward Norton and Bill Migliore are exec producing. This is a reunion between Rattray and Blumberg, who collaborated on The Kids Are All Right. New Line’s Richard Brener and Michael Disco are overseeing for New Line.
- 11/20/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Watch fresh clips from Thanks for Sharing, starring Mark Ruffalo and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Lionsgate romantic comedy opens in theaters on September 20th, 2013, and also stars Josh Gad, Alecia Moore and Tim Robbins. Stuart Blumberg directs from a script he wrote with Matt Wilson, this the comic and deeply moving look at a new kind of modern family, as a group of friends in recovery learns to face life together with heart, humor and humility. Gary Gilbert, William Migliore and David Koplan produce.
- 9/15/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Lionsgate has bought Stuart Blumberg's sex addiction dramedy "Thanks For Sharing" starring Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim Robbins. The Toronto International Film Festival world premiere will be a joint theatrical release by Lionsgate and sister company Roadside Attractions. The directorial debut of Blumberg from a script he wrote with Matt Winston, the film was produced by Class 5 Films’ William Migliore and David Koplan, and Olympus Pictures’ Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech, and Miranda de Pencier. Edward Norton executive produced through Class 5. The deal was negotiated on behalf of Lionsgate by Jason Constantine, president of acquisitions and co-productions, with Eda Kowan, senior VP of acquisitions and Wendy Jaffe, executive VP of business and legal affairs. UTA Independent Film Group and Wme Global brokered the sale of the film.
- 9/12/2012
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
American singer-songwriter Alecia Beth Moore, better known as Pink, has joined the cast of Olympus Pictures and Class 5 Films' independent comedy "Thanks for Sharing."According to Variety, the film marks the directorial debut of Stuart Blumberg, who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing "The Kids Are All Right."Blumberg co-wrote the 'Sharing' screenplay with Matt Winston.Tim Robbins, Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joely Richardson, Patrick Fugit and Josh Gad have also been cast.Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier will produce for Olympus, while William Migliore and David Koplan will produce for Class 5.The story focuses on a group of men developing friendships while in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts.Production is underway in New York.Pink's other film credits...
- 10/4/2011
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Writer-director Stuart Blumberg's (co-writer of The Kids are All Right; pictured top left) will bring his Thanks for Sharing to life with Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Patrick Fugit, Joely Richardson, Josh Gad and the newest cast member, Alecia Moore (a.k.a. Pink). The film is currently shooting in New York City, and follows a group of "unlikely friends brought together through their shared determination to recover from sex addiction and forge meaningful relationships for the first time in their lives." The dramatic comedy is produced by William Migliore and David Koplan (Class 5 Films, of which Blumberg is a partner), as well as Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier (Olympus Pictures, which is financing the film). Edward Norton is executive producer.
- 10/3/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Class 5 Films and Olympus Pictures announced today that Alecia Moore (Aka P!nk) has been brought on board to co-star in writer/director Stuart Blumberg's dramedy Thanks for Sharing . Blumberg, who was previously nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for his The Kids Are All Right screenplay, will direct Moore in an ensemble cast that also includes Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joely Richardson, Patrick Fugit and Josh Gad. Principal photography for Thanks for Sharing began in New York City in late September, and Moore joins the cast today. The project is being produced by William Migliore and David Koplan for Class 5 Films, where Blumberg also serves as partner, and Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier for Olympus Pictures, which is solely financing the...
- 10/3/2011
- Comingsoon.net
Thanks for Sharing casts Pink with Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow and Joely Richardson. Alecia Moore (Pink) has jumped on board her first movie role in Stuart Blumberg's Thanks for Sharing, a dramedy focusing on a group of recovering sex addicts. Moore will play Dede who bonds with Josh Gad's character. Blumberg wrote the critically-acclaimed The Kids Are All Right, also starring Mark Ruffalo, and helms and scripts here. Class 5 Films' William Migliore and David Koplan produce Thanks for Sharing alongside Blumberg as well as Olympis Pictures' Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier.
- 10/3/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Thanks for Sharing casts Pink with Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow and Joely Richardson. Alecia Moore (Pink) has jumped on board her first movie role in Stuart Blumberg's Thanks for Sharing, a dramedy focusing on a group of recovering sex addicts. Moore will play Dede who bonds with Josh Gad's character. Blumberg wrote the critically-acclaimed The Kids Are All Right, also starring Mark Ruffalo, and helms and scripts here. Class 5 Films' William Migliore and David Koplan produce Thanks for Sharing alongside Blumberg as well as Olympis Pictures' Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier.
- 10/3/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Josh Gad has joined the cast of Olympus Pictures and Class 5 Films' independent comedy "Thanks for Sharing."According to Variety, the film marks the directorial debut of Stuart Blumberg, who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing "The Kids Are All Right."Blumberg co-wrote the 'Sharing' screenplay with Matt Winston.Tim Robbins, Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow and Joely Richardson have also been cast.Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier will produce for Olympus, while William Migliore and David Koplan will produce for Class 5.The story focuses on a group of men developing friendships while in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts.Production begins in New York this month.Gad was last seen on the big screen in "Love and Other Drugs." He...
- 9/19/2011
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Gwyneth Paltrow has joined the cast of Olympus Pictures and Class 5 Films' independent comedy "Thanks for Sharing."According to Variety, the film marks the directorial debut of Stuart Blumberg, who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing "The Kids Are All Right."Blumberg co-wrote the 'Sharing' screenplay with Matt Winston.Tim Robbins, Mark Ruffalo and Joely Richardson have also been cast.Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier will produce for Olympus, while William Migliore and David Koplan will produce for Class 5.The story focuses on a group of men developing friendships while in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts.Production begins in New York this month.Paltrow can be currently seen in the Steven Soderbergh thriller "Contagion."...
- 9/12/2011
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Tim Robbins and Mark Ruffalo have joined the cast of Gilbert Films and Class 5 Films' independent comedy "Thanks for Sharing."According to Variety, the film marks the directorial debut of Stuart Blumberg, who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing "The Kids Are All Right."Blumberg co-wrote the 'Sharing' screenplay with Matt Winston.Gary Gilbert and Jordan Horowitz are producing for Gilbert Films, with William Migliore and David Koplan producing for Class 5.The story focuses on a group of men developing friendships while in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts.Production begins in New York this fall.Ruffalo is currently shooting the Marvel superhero tentpole "The Avengers." Robbins will be seen in Warner's upcoming superhero film "The Green Lantern."...
- 5/13/2011
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
The inexplicable praise that The Kids Are All Right received last year seems to be having something of a ripple effect, as stories are coming in about new projects from several of the creative forces behind the movie.
First up, there’s Thanks for Sharing, which THR says is the directorial debut of the film’s screenwriter, Stuart Blumberg. This reunites him with Mark Ruffalo, while Tim Robbins is also starring. the movie is described as following “characters in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts in New York City,” and production is expected to begin there in the fall.
Written by Blumberg and Matt Winston, the movie is being produced and financed by Gary Gilbert and Jordan Horowitz of Gilbert Films, the company that produced Kids. Also onboard are William Migliore and David Koplan, who are producing for Class 5 with Edward Norton executive producing.
Regarding the project, Gilbert said...
First up, there’s Thanks for Sharing, which THR says is the directorial debut of the film’s screenwriter, Stuart Blumberg. This reunites him with Mark Ruffalo, while Tim Robbins is also starring. the movie is described as following “characters in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts in New York City,” and production is expected to begin there in the fall.
Written by Blumberg and Matt Winston, the movie is being produced and financed by Gary Gilbert and Jordan Horowitz of Gilbert Films, the company that produced Kids. Also onboard are William Migliore and David Koplan, who are producing for Class 5 with Edward Norton executive producing.
Regarding the project, Gilbert said...
- 5/12/2011
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Tim Robbins has signed on to star with Mark Ruffalo in Thanks for Sharing. The project marks the directorial debut of writer-producer Stuart Blumberg, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for co-writing The Kids Are All Right. The comedy was written by Blumberg and Matt Winston, which revolves around "characters in a 12-step program for recovering sex addicts in New York City." Filming is slated to start in the fall.
The film is being produced and finance by Gilbert Films. Gary Gilbert and Jordan Horowitz are producing along with William Migliore and David Koplan for Class 5, with partner Edward Norton serving as executive producer.
Here is what Gilbert had to say about the project:
“We are delighted to once again be working with Stuart as he makes his directorial debut on this very exciting project. On The Kids Are All Right, he clearly demonstrated an incredible talent for...
The film is being produced and finance by Gilbert Films. Gary Gilbert and Jordan Horowitz are producing along with William Migliore and David Koplan for Class 5, with partner Edward Norton serving as executive producer.
Here is what Gilbert had to say about the project:
“We are delighted to once again be working with Stuart as he makes his directorial debut on this very exciting project. On The Kids Are All Right, he clearly demonstrated an incredible talent for...
- 5/12/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Chicago – As special effects technology continues to become more advanced, filmmakers have found increasingly convincing ways of allowing actors to give dual performances in the same movie, and often in the same frame. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, from the exquisite trick photography in “Moon” to the seamless digital creation of the Winklevi in “The Social Network.”
Yet as flawless as the technology may be, the success of the performance still hinges on the level of authentic chemistry an actor can generate between two interacting personas. Nicholas Cage pulled off this feat brilliantly in “Adaptation,” and now Edward Norton rises to the challenge in Tim Blake Nelson’s “Leaves of Grass,” a weirdly uneven mixture of “Adaptation” and “Pineapple Express.” Like Cage, Norton is given the task of playing identical twins whose personalities couldn’t be more different. It’s a splendid showcase role, enabling Norton...
Yet as flawless as the technology may be, the success of the performance still hinges on the level of authentic chemistry an actor can generate between two interacting personas. Nicholas Cage pulled off this feat brilliantly in “Adaptation,” and now Edward Norton rises to the challenge in Tim Blake Nelson’s “Leaves of Grass,” a weirdly uneven mixture of “Adaptation” and “Pineapple Express.” Like Cage, Norton is given the task of playing identical twins whose personalities couldn’t be more different. It’s a splendid showcase role, enabling Norton...
- 10/20/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
See the trailer as well as images from First Look Studios' "Leaves of Grass," starring Edward Norton, Keri Russell, Susan Sarandon, Melanie Lynskey, Richard Dreyfus, Ty Burrell, Maggie Siff, Tim Blake Nelson, Josh Pais and Lucy DeVito. Tim Bla Nelson directs from his own screenplay as well as producing alongside Kristina Dubin, John Langley, Bill Migliore, Eli Cohn an Edward Norton. When Ivy League classics professor Bill Kincaid receives news of the murder of his estranged identical twin brother, Brady (both played by two-time Academy Award® nominee Edward Norton), in a pot deal gone bad, he leaves the world of Northeastern academia to travel back to his home state of Oklahoma. Upon arrival, he finds that reports of his brother’s death are greatly exaggerated, and he's soon caught up in the dangerous and unpredictable world of drug commerce in the backwaters of the Southwest...
- 2/15/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Susan Sarandon and Richard Dreyfuss have signed on to join Ed Norton in "Leaves of Grass," a comedic thriller actor-turned-filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson wrote and is directing.
Nu Image/Millennium Film has come aboard to produce and finance the picture, which also sees Keri Russell in negotiations to hop on board as well.
The announcement was made at an informal press conference during the Toronto Film Festival attended by Norton, Nelson, Lerner, Davidson and Dubin.
Norton is portraying twin brothers, one an Ivy League philosophy professor, the other a small-time and brilliant marijuana grower. The professor is lured back to his Oklahoma hometown for a doomed scheme against a local drug lord (Dreyfuss) that unravels his life.
Sarandon plays the brothers' eccentric mother, while Russell will play a love interest.
Nelson is playing a best friend to one of the brothers. Lucy DeVito, the daughter of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman,...
Nu Image/Millennium Film has come aboard to produce and finance the picture, which also sees Keri Russell in negotiations to hop on board as well.
The announcement was made at an informal press conference during the Toronto Film Festival attended by Norton, Nelson, Lerner, Davidson and Dubin.
Norton is portraying twin brothers, one an Ivy League philosophy professor, the other a small-time and brilliant marijuana grower. The professor is lured back to his Oklahoma hometown for a doomed scheme against a local drug lord (Dreyfuss) that unravels his life.
Sarandon plays the brothers' eccentric mother, while Russell will play a love interest.
Nelson is playing a best friend to one of the brothers. Lucy DeVito, the daughter of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman,...
- 9/7/2008
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ellen Burstyn has signed on to the indie drama Down in the Valley for writer-director David Jacobson. Shooting is under way in Los Angeles with Element Films -- the combined company of Samy Boy Entertainment and HSI Entertainment -- fully financing. Set in the San Fernando Valley, the project revolves around a delusional man (Edward Norton) who believes that he's a cowboy and the relationship he starts with a rebellious young woman (Evan Rachel Wood). Burstyn will play the foster mother of Norton's character. Norton is producing Valley along with Holly Wiersma and Element's Adam Rosenfelt and Stavros Merjos. Element's Sam Nazarian is executive producing. Bill Migliore, Norton's producing partner at his Universal Pictures-based Class 5 Films, is serving in a producer capacity. Burstyn is repped by CAA and Benderspink's Courtney Kivowitz.
Edward Norton and Stuart Blumberg's Class 5 Films has signed a three-year first-look production deal with Universal Pictures. The deal reunites Norton with Universal, for whom he starred in Red Dragon, which grossed $208.8 million worldwide. The New York-based company is run by Bill Migliore.
- 10/10/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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