‘Shazam’ actor, Zachary Levi, has been cast in the rock climbing action thriller ‘Free Fall’.
The project tells the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air.
Zoë Bell, a renowned stuntwoman and stunt coordinator, is all set to take up the directorial duties for the upcoming film project. The movie has been penned by Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker. The project is expected to be a thrilling and action-packed adventure that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Also in news – Keanu Reeves set for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ 3 as the voice of Shadow
Tom Hern and Nua Finau of Tavake are producing, with Navid McIlhargey and Erik Olsen executive producing alongside Finegan, Parker and Levi.
Production is set to start later this year in New Zealand.
The project tells the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air.
Zoë Bell, a renowned stuntwoman and stunt coordinator, is all set to take up the directorial duties for the upcoming film project. The movie has been penned by Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker. The project is expected to be a thrilling and action-packed adventure that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Also in news – Keanu Reeves set for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ 3 as the voice of Shadow
Tom Hern and Nua Finau of Tavake are producing, with Navid McIlhargey and Erik Olsen executive producing alongside Finegan, Parker and Levi.
Production is set to start later this year in New Zealand.
- 4/17/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Stunt double / stunt coordinator Zoe Bell – who has also built up a solid acting career over the years, including a prominent and memorable role (as herself) in Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse movie Death Proof – is set to make her feature directorial debut with the rock-climbing thriller Free Fall, and Variety reports that Zachary Levi of the Shazam movies and the TV series Chuck is on board to star in the film.
Scripted by Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker, Free Fall will tell the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air. Production is set to take place in New Zealand later this year.
Tom Hern and Nua Finau of Tavake are producing the film, with Levi and the screenwriters serving as executive producers alongside Navid McIlhargey and Erik Olsen.
Scripted by Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker, Free Fall will tell the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air. Production is set to take place in New Zealand later this year.
Tom Hern and Nua Finau of Tavake are producing the film, with Levi and the screenwriters serving as executive producers alongside Navid McIlhargey and Erik Olsen.
- 4/16/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
A stuntwoman, stunt coordinator and actor, Zoë Bell (Kill Bill, Death Proof) is on board to direct the upcoming action-survival thriller Free Fall, Variety has reported this morning.
Zachary Levi (Shazam) will star in the upcoming film. From XYZ Films, Free Fall “tells the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air.”
Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker wrote the screenplay.
“This script is the perfect combo of heartfelt and heart-stopping,” Zoë Bell said in a statement shared by Variety. “Between the producing team, the cast and the New Zealand crews, words don’t do justice to how thrilled I am to be bringing this film home.”
Producers Tom Hern and Nua Finau said, “We are stoked to be teaming up with the guys at XYZ again...
Zachary Levi (Shazam) will star in the upcoming film. From XYZ Films, Free Fall “tells the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air.”
Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker wrote the screenplay.
“This script is the perfect combo of heartfelt and heart-stopping,” Zoë Bell said in a statement shared by Variety. “Between the producing team, the cast and the New Zealand crews, words don’t do justice to how thrilled I am to be bringing this film home.”
Producers Tom Hern and Nua Finau said, “We are stoked to be teaming up with the guys at XYZ again...
- 4/16/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
“Shazam” star Zachary Levi is set to headline rock-climbing action thriller “Free Fall” for XYZ Films, with acclaimed New Zealand stuntwoman and stunt coordinator Zoë Bell tapped to direct.
The film — written by Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker — tells the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air. Production is set to start later this year in New Zealand. Tom Hern and Nua Finau of Tavake are producing, with Navid McIlhargey and Erik Olsen executive producing alongside Finegan, Parker and Levi.
Bell began her career as a stunt performer on “Xena: Warrior Princess” and then alongside Quentin Tarantino as a stunt woman and coordinator over a decades-long relationship. She has worked on films such as “The Hateful Eight,” “Django Unchained,” “Kill Bill,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,...
The film — written by Sean Finegan and Gregg Maxwell Parker — tells the story of a father’s attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughter on a rock-climbing trip that turns deadly as an accident leaves them stranded hundreds of feet in the air. Production is set to start later this year in New Zealand. Tom Hern and Nua Finau of Tavake are producing, with Navid McIlhargey and Erik Olsen executive producing alongside Finegan, Parker and Levi.
Bell began her career as a stunt performer on “Xena: Warrior Princess” and then alongside Quentin Tarantino as a stunt woman and coordinator over a decades-long relationship. She has worked on films such as “The Hateful Eight,” “Django Unchained,” “Kill Bill,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
‘Six Feet Under’ Star Rachel Griffiths to Lead Escort Agency Comedy-Drama Series ‘Madam’ (Exclusive)
Rachel Griffiths has been cast as the lead in “Madam,” a new dramedy series about an escort agency.
Griffiths, best known for her roles in “Six Feet Under” and “Brothers & Sisters,” stars as McKenzie ‘Mack’ Leigh, who sets up an ethical brothel in New Zealand after her philandering husband and mountain of debt leave her struggling to provide for her family.
Joining Griffiths on the show are Rima Te Wiata (“The Wheel of Time”), Danielle Cormack (“Wentworth”), Robbie Magasiva (“Bad Behaviour”), Martin Henderson (“Virgin River”) and newcomer Ariāna Osborne.
The series, which started shooting on location this week, is based on Antonia Murphy’s unpublished memoir about an American woman who opened an ethical escort agency in New Zealand after the country decriminalized sex work. Murphy’s company aimed to protect women’s rights, well-being and financial independence.
Showrunners are Shoshana McCallum (“Inside”) and Harry McNaughton (“The Pact”) while...
Griffiths, best known for her roles in “Six Feet Under” and “Brothers & Sisters,” stars as McKenzie ‘Mack’ Leigh, who sets up an ethical brothel in New Zealand after her philandering husband and mountain of debt leave her struggling to provide for her family.
Joining Griffiths on the show are Rima Te Wiata (“The Wheel of Time”), Danielle Cormack (“Wentworth”), Robbie Magasiva (“Bad Behaviour”), Martin Henderson (“Virgin River”) and newcomer Ariāna Osborne.
The series, which started shooting on location this week, is based on Antonia Murphy’s unpublished memoir about an American woman who opened an ethical escort agency in New Zealand after the country decriminalized sex work. Murphy’s company aimed to protect women’s rights, well-being and financial independence.
Showrunners are Shoshana McCallum (“Inside”) and Harry McNaughton (“The Pact”) while...
- 9/28/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: XYZ Films and Tavake, the Auckland-based producer of series The Panthers, have acquired adaptation rights to the unpublished memoirs Madame Mom by Antonia Murphy, author of the Huffington Post article I’m an Ethical Pimp.
Murphy, author of Dirty Chick: Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer published by Penguin Random House, moved from the U.S. to New Zealand, where sex work is decriminalized, and in 2016 founded an escort agency built on a philosophy of protecting women’s legal rights, emotional well-being, and financial independence.
A half-hour dramedy adaptation is underway with Shoshana McCallum, who won an International Emmy for Nz series Inside, and Harry McNaughton (The Pact) writing. It is Tavake and XYZ’s first series collaboration.
Tom Hern, Halaifonua Finau (The Panthers) and Crystal Vaega (The Panthers) are executive-producing for Tavake, with Nick Spicer and Marci Wiseman for XYZ. Eric and...
Murphy, author of Dirty Chick: Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer published by Penguin Random House, moved from the U.S. to New Zealand, where sex work is decriminalized, and in 2016 founded an escort agency built on a philosophy of protecting women’s legal rights, emotional well-being, and financial independence.
A half-hour dramedy adaptation is underway with Shoshana McCallum, who won an International Emmy for Nz series Inside, and Harry McNaughton (The Pact) writing. It is Tavake and XYZ’s first series collaboration.
Tom Hern, Halaifonua Finau (The Panthers) and Crystal Vaega (The Panthers) are executive-producing for Tavake, with Nick Spicer and Marci Wiseman for XYZ. Eric and...
- 3/30/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Joika’ First Look
Above is your first look at Joika, the pic inspired by the story of American ballerina Joy Womack, which stars Talia Ryder and Diane Kruger. Principal photography is underway on the movie in Poland. Joining the cast are professional ballet dancers including Oleg Ivenko, as well as Tomasz Kot, Charlotte Ubben, Natasha Alderslade, Karolina Gruszka, and Borys Szyc. James Napier Robertson wrote and is directing the movie, producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film, Madants’ Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska Belindalee Hope, and Paul Green. Embankment are representing international sales and co-representing domestic rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
Screen Engine/Asi Teams With Louis Chater
Exclusive: Market research firm Screen Engine/Asi has formed an exclusive strategic relationship in media and entertainment with Louise Chater to focus on building its global content and qualitative research business. Reporting to Se/Asi president Bob Levin, Chater will...
Above is your first look at Joika, the pic inspired by the story of American ballerina Joy Womack, which stars Talia Ryder and Diane Kruger. Principal photography is underway on the movie in Poland. Joining the cast are professional ballet dancers including Oleg Ivenko, as well as Tomasz Kot, Charlotte Ubben, Natasha Alderslade, Karolina Gruszka, and Borys Szyc. James Napier Robertson wrote and is directing the movie, producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film, Madants’ Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska Belindalee Hope, and Paul Green. Embankment are representing international sales and co-representing domestic rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
Screen Engine/Asi Teams With Louis Chater
Exclusive: Market research firm Screen Engine/Asi has formed an exclusive strategic relationship in media and entertainment with Louise Chater to focus on building its global content and qualitative research business. Reporting to Se/Asi president Bob Levin, Chater will...
- 2/4/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The first image of Diane Kruger and Talia Ryder in ballet-themed feature “Joika” has been unveiled.
James Napier Robertson (“The Dark Horse”) wrote and directs the film, which has started production in Poland.
Embankment are representing worldwide sales and co-representing U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
“Joika” is inspired by the true story of Joy Womack, an American prima ballerina who became one of the few Western women to be accepted to – and graduate from – Russia’s punishing Bolshoi Academy school of ballet.
There, Womack encountered mentor Volkova, a mentor who inspired her to jeté, metaphorically-speaking, to extraordinary heights in her career.
Womack has not only given the biopic her blessing but is choreographing its ballet.
Ryder, who has appeared in “West Side Story” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” plays Womack in the feature while Kruger plays Volkova. Ryder is a classically trained dancer, having studied at the Joffrey Ballet Academy and,...
James Napier Robertson (“The Dark Horse”) wrote and directs the film, which has started production in Poland.
Embankment are representing worldwide sales and co-representing U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
“Joika” is inspired by the true story of Joy Womack, an American prima ballerina who became one of the few Western women to be accepted to – and graduate from – Russia’s punishing Bolshoi Academy school of ballet.
There, Womack encountered mentor Volkova, a mentor who inspired her to jeté, metaphorically-speaking, to extraordinary heights in her career.
Womack has not only given the biopic her blessing but is choreographing its ballet.
Ryder, who has appeared in “West Side Story” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” plays Womack in the feature while Kruger plays Volkova. Ryder is a classically trained dancer, having studied at the Joffrey Ballet Academy and,...
- 2/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
‘The White Crow’ star Oleg Ivenko joins Talia Ryder and Diane Krüger in the cast.
UK sales outfit Embankment has released a first-look image of Talia Ryder and Diane Krüger in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, as production gets underway in Poland.
The New Zealand-Poland co-production is based on the true story of American ballerina Joy Womack, who is also choreographing the film’s ballet. Ryder plays Joy as she enters the difficult world of Moscow’s Bolshoi Academy, and encounters inspirational mentor Volkova (Krüger), with a script by Napier Robertson.
In addition to the previously announced leads, Ukrainian professional...
UK sales outfit Embankment has released a first-look image of Talia Ryder and Diane Krüger in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, as production gets underway in Poland.
The New Zealand-Poland co-production is based on the true story of American ballerina Joy Womack, who is also choreographing the film’s ballet. Ryder plays Joy as she enters the difficult world of Moscow’s Bolshoi Academy, and encounters inspirational mentor Volkova (Krüger), with a script by Napier Robertson.
In addition to the previously announced leads, Ukrainian professional...
- 2/4/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Diane Kruger will star alongside Talia Ryder (Never Rarely Sometimes Always) in Joika, writer-director James Napier Robertson’s film about elite American ballet dancer Joy Womack.
Ryder is playing Womack (Thomasin McKenzie was previously cast in the role). Kruger will play her tough but inspirational mentor Volkova, a former ballet dancer and the head of the Bolshoi’s training academy.
Sales agent Embankment have closed a raft of pre-sales on the pic: Australia/New Zealand (The Reset Collective), Germany (Square One), Italy (Eagle), Spain (Vertice), Greece (Spentzos), Israel (United King), South Africa (Filmfinity) and Portugal (Nos Lusomundo).
Embankment is co-repping U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group and will continue sales at the Toronto market.
The film is a New Zealand-Polish co-production and is scheduled to shoot in Poland in early 2022. Producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film alongside Anonymous Content, Laurie Ross, Paul Green,...
Ryder is playing Womack (Thomasin McKenzie was previously cast in the role). Kruger will play her tough but inspirational mentor Volkova, a former ballet dancer and the head of the Bolshoi’s training academy.
Sales agent Embankment have closed a raft of pre-sales on the pic: Australia/New Zealand (The Reset Collective), Germany (Square One), Italy (Eagle), Spain (Vertice), Greece (Spentzos), Israel (United King), South Africa (Filmfinity) and Portugal (Nos Lusomundo).
Embankment is co-repping U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group and will continue sales at the Toronto market.
The film is a New Zealand-Polish co-production and is scheduled to shoot in Poland in early 2022. Producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film alongside Anonymous Content, Laurie Ross, Paul Green,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Social justice series to debut on Tvnz on August 15 ahead of TIFF screening next month.
Endeavor Content has boarded worldwide sales on TIFF Primetime selection The Panthers, a social justice series from New Zealand producers Tavake in association with Four Knights Film.
The miniseries of six hour-long episodes was commissioned for Tvnz (New Zealand) and funded by Nz On Air and screens in TIFF’s Primetime international TV showcase.
The Panthers follows the founding of The Polynesian Panthers, a revolutionary social justice movement inspired by the Black Panther movement in the United States. It will debut in New Zealand on...
Endeavor Content has boarded worldwide sales on TIFF Primetime selection The Panthers, a social justice series from New Zealand producers Tavake in association with Four Knights Film.
The miniseries of six hour-long episodes was commissioned for Tvnz (New Zealand) and funded by Nz On Air and screens in TIFF’s Primetime international TV showcase.
The Panthers follows the founding of The Polynesian Panthers, a revolutionary social justice movement inspired by the Black Panther movement in the United States. It will debut in New Zealand on...
- 8/13/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Endeavor Content has come on board as the global sales agent for “The Panthers,” a music-influenced social justice drama series from New Zealand.
It was Friday confirmed that the series will make its international premiere as an official selection at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the Primetime program.
The six, hour-long episodes, based-on-a-true-story series covers a devastating and resonant period in New Zealand’s history through the dramatization of the founding of The Polynesian Panthers – a revolutionary social justice movement directly inspired by the Black Panther movement in the U.S.
The 1974-set narrative follows a young man who is the black sheep of his Tongan family who is frustrated by his community being stuck in a broken economic and criminal justice system. In the face of increasingly aggressive racial-profiling from the government and police force, he forms his own revolutionary movement The Polynesian Panthers, while also...
It was Friday confirmed that the series will make its international premiere as an official selection at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the Primetime program.
The six, hour-long episodes, based-on-a-true-story series covers a devastating and resonant period in New Zealand’s history through the dramatization of the founding of The Polynesian Panthers – a revolutionary social justice movement directly inspired by the Black Panther movement in the U.S.
The 1974-set narrative follows a young man who is the black sheep of his Tongan family who is frustrated by his community being stuck in a broken economic and criminal justice system. In the face of increasingly aggressive racial-profiling from the government and police force, he forms his own revolutionary movement The Polynesian Panthers, while also...
- 8/13/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Screen among TIFF Industry Conference media partners
An industry talk with former Searchlight Pictures co-heads Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula and the first look at Ava DuVernay’s Primetime selection and Netflix series on American Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick are among latest additions to Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) programming.
The five-day TIFF Industry Conference running September 9-13 includes panel discussions presented by Screen on toxic behaviour on set and the African film business, as well as a session on Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch programme.
Programmers have two films to Official Selection: John Michael McDonagh’s...
An industry talk with former Searchlight Pictures co-heads Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula and the first look at Ava DuVernay’s Primetime selection and Netflix series on American Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick are among latest additions to Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) programming.
The five-day TIFF Industry Conference running September 9-13 includes panel discussions presented by Screen on toxic behaviour on set and the African film business, as well as a session on Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch programme.
Programmers have two films to Official Selection: John Michael McDonagh’s...
- 8/13/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Signature Entertainment has acquired UK & Irish rights to WWII thriller Shadow In The Cloud, starring Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick Ass) and Nick Robinson.
Set in the final throes of WWII, the pic follows a group of Allied soldiers as they prepare to take to the air in a B-17 Flying Fortress. The all-male crew are caught off guard when Captain Maude Garrett, played by Moretz, boards. With her military knowledge initially winning over the soldiers, things escalate quickly into chaos when they suspect her intentions are not as expected. As paranoia kicks in, something far more sinister is lurking in the shadows, something with sharp teeth and a taste for human blood.
Directed by first time feature filmmaker Roseanne Liang and written by Liang and Max Landis, the TIFF title was produced by Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Sinister) and Tom Hern (Guns Akimbo) with Atomic Blonde producer Kelly McCormick.
Set in the final throes of WWII, the pic follows a group of Allied soldiers as they prepare to take to the air in a B-17 Flying Fortress. The all-male crew are caught off guard when Captain Maude Garrett, played by Moretz, boards. With her military knowledge initially winning over the soldiers, things escalate quickly into chaos when they suspect her intentions are not as expected. As paranoia kicks in, something far more sinister is lurking in the shadows, something with sharp teeth and a taste for human blood.
Directed by first time feature filmmaker Roseanne Liang and written by Liang and Max Landis, the TIFF title was produced by Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Sinister) and Tom Hern (Guns Akimbo) with Atomic Blonde producer Kelly McCormick.
- 11/12/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Partners plans summer 2021 theatrical release.
Vertical Entertainment and Redbox Entertainment have teamed up to acquire North American rights to TIFF Midnight Madness selection Shadow In The Cloud.
Chloe Grace Moretz stars as a secretive woman on board a Second World War bomber beset by Japanese fighter pilots and a sinister presence.
New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang wrote and directed the Automatik, Four Knights Film, and Rhea Films production, and Nick Robinson also stars.
Tom Hern, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Kelly McCormick, and Fred Berger served as producers, while executive producers are Terry Dougas, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Jean Luc DeFanti, and Sandra Yee Ling.
Vertical Entertainment and Redbox Entertainment have teamed up to acquire North American rights to TIFF Midnight Madness selection Shadow In The Cloud.
Chloe Grace Moretz stars as a secretive woman on board a Second World War bomber beset by Japanese fighter pilots and a sinister presence.
New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang wrote and directed the Automatik, Four Knights Film, and Rhea Films production, and Nick Robinson also stars.
Tom Hern, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Kelly McCormick, and Fred Berger served as producers, while executive producers are Terry Dougas, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Jean Luc DeFanti, and Sandra Yee Ling.
- 9/18/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment and Redbox Entertainment have just closed a deal to acquire North American distribution rights to Shadow in the Cloud, the raucous Midnight Madness Toronto Film Festival title that might hold the distinction of being the first drive-in theater movie acquisition ever. Deadline hears the deal was near $5 million, and the plan is to release multiplatform including theatrical next summer.
Pic stars Chloë Grace Moretz and Nick Robinson, and it was written and directed by New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang. Moretz plays a badass female World War II pilot who joins an unsuspecting crew on a bomber. She’s carrying top secret cache on a B-17 Flying Fortress. The crew’s sexist taunts and surprise encounters with enemy fighter planes become the least of her worries as she goes up against an evil presence on board the flight that is tearing the plane apart bolt by bolt.
Pic...
Pic stars Chloë Grace Moretz and Nick Robinson, and it was written and directed by New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang. Moretz plays a badass female World War II pilot who joins an unsuspecting crew on a bomber. She’s carrying top secret cache on a B-17 Flying Fortress. The crew’s sexist taunts and surprise encounters with enemy fighter planes become the least of her worries as she goes up against an evil presence on board the flight that is tearing the plane apart bolt by bolt.
Pic...
- 9/17/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Production will begin in New Zealand in early 2021.
Leave No Trace and Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie will star in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, the story of elite American ballet dancer Joy ‘Joika’ Womack.
The film will shoot in New Zealand in early 2021, with New Zealand nationals Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie already in prep.
Pioneering dancer Womack is overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as her double for more demanding sequences.
The production will also utilise new digital technologies to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Napier Robertson and Hern produce through Four Knights Films, with Anonymous Content’s Paul Green,...
Leave No Trace and Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie will star in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, the story of elite American ballet dancer Joy ‘Joika’ Womack.
The film will shoot in New Zealand in early 2021, with New Zealand nationals Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie already in prep.
Pioneering dancer Womack is overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as her double for more demanding sequences.
The production will also utilise new digital technologies to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Napier Robertson and Hern produce through Four Knights Films, with Anonymous Content’s Paul Green,...
- 6/11/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Thomasin McKenzie, who starred in “Jojo Rabbit,” will play Joy “Joika” Womack, the American ballet dancer, in James Napier Robertson’s “Joika,” to shoot in New Zealand in early 2021. Embankment has launched worldwide sales and co-reps U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
Kiwi writer-director Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie are already in prep and the production will “utilize innovative digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions,” according to a statement.
Based on Womack’s true story, the film sees McKenzie step into ballet pumps and brave the most competitive dance school in the world: Moscow’s Bolshoi. “Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and spurred on by the passions of first love, Joy’s leap into the unknown touched perfection,” Embankment said.
McKenzie broke out in Debra Granik’s “Leave No Trace” and starred in Taika Waititi’s Oscar winning “Jojo Rabbit.
Kiwi writer-director Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie are already in prep and the production will “utilize innovative digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions,” according to a statement.
Based on Womack’s true story, the film sees McKenzie step into ballet pumps and brave the most competitive dance school in the world: Moscow’s Bolshoi. “Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and spurred on by the passions of first love, Joy’s leap into the unknown touched perfection,” Embankment said.
McKenzie broke out in Debra Granik’s “Leave No Trace” and starred in Taika Waititi’s Oscar winning “Jojo Rabbit.
- 6/11/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fast-rising actress Thomasin McKenzie, star of Jojo Rabbit and Leave No Trace, is to play American ballet dancer Joy Womack in biopic Joika.
Womack, who is only the second American to graduate from Moscow’s infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy, is personally overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as the actress’s double for more demanding sequences.
The film will chart the dancer’s intense training, which tested the limits of her dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and how she was spurred on by the passions of first love. Womack, now 26, went on to become the principal dancer with the Universal Ballet in Korea then returned to America where she dances with the Boston Ballet. ‘Joika’ was the name Womack was given in Russia.
Set to shoot in pandemic-free New Zealand in early 2021, writer-director James Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern and fellow Kiwi McKenzie are already prepping...
Womack, who is only the second American to graduate from Moscow’s infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy, is personally overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as the actress’s double for more demanding sequences.
The film will chart the dancer’s intense training, which tested the limits of her dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and how she was spurred on by the passions of first love. Womack, now 26, went on to become the principal dancer with the Universal Ballet in Korea then returned to America where she dances with the Boston Ballet. ‘Joika’ was the name Womack was given in Russia.
Set to shoot in pandemic-free New Zealand in early 2021, writer-director James Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern and fellow Kiwi McKenzie are already prepping...
- 6/11/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in 2015, Jason Lei Howden rocked horror viewers with his heavy metal horror film Deathgasm, and now he's back behind the camera with his second feature film, Guns Akimbo. Ahead of its release this February from Saban Films, the official trailer and poster for Guns Akimbo have been revealed, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Samara Weaving, and a whole lot of intense action.
Written and directed by Jason Lei Howden, Guns Akimbo stars Daniel Radcliffe, Samara Weaving, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Ned Dennehy, and Rhys Darby. Produced by Joe Neurauter, Felipe Marino, and Tom Hern, the film will be released in theaters and on VOD and Digital beginning February 28th.
Synopsis: "Miles’ (Daniel Radcliffe) nerdy existence as a video game developer takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently gets caught up as the next contestant with Skizm, an underground gang live-streaming real-life death matches. While Miles excels at running away from everything, that...
Written and directed by Jason Lei Howden, Guns Akimbo stars Daniel Radcliffe, Samara Weaving, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Ned Dennehy, and Rhys Darby. Produced by Joe Neurauter, Felipe Marino, and Tom Hern, the film will be released in theaters and on VOD and Digital beginning February 28th.
Synopsis: "Miles’ (Daniel Radcliffe) nerdy existence as a video game developer takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently gets caught up as the next contestant with Skizm, an underground gang live-streaming real-life death matches. While Miles excels at running away from everything, that...
- 1/17/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Following its recent premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and screening at Fantastic Fest, it has been announced that Guns Akimbo, starring Samara Weaving and Daniel Radcliffe, and directed by Deathgasm's Jason Lei Howden, has been acquired by Saban Films for North American release:
Press Release: Saban Films announced today that they have acquired North American rights to writer/director Jason Lei Howden’s (Deathgasm) Guns Akimbo following its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The darkly comedic action sci-fi thriller stars Daniel Radcliffe, Samara Weaving, Rhys Darby, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy. Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Guns Akimbo watches a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) become the next contestant in an illegal live-streamed death match, in this hilariously dark, viciously violent, and chillingly prescient sci-fi thriller.
“With gaming on the rise, Guns Akimbo...
Press Release: Saban Films announced today that they have acquired North American rights to writer/director Jason Lei Howden’s (Deathgasm) Guns Akimbo following its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The darkly comedic action sci-fi thriller stars Daniel Radcliffe, Samara Weaving, Rhys Darby, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy. Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Guns Akimbo watches a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) become the next contestant in an illegal live-streamed death match, in this hilariously dark, viciously violent, and chillingly prescient sci-fi thriller.
“With gaming on the rise, Guns Akimbo...
- 11/11/2019
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Saban Films has bought North American rights for writer-director Jason Lei Howden’s Guns Akimbo, the comedic sci-fi thriller starring Daniel Radcliffe.
Pic premiered at Toronto. It follows a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) who becomes the next contestant in an illegal live-streamed death match.
Samara Weaving (Ready Or Not), Rhys Darby (Flight Of The Conchords), Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy (Good Omens) also star.
Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Altitude Film Sales is handling international rights for the film, with Endeavor representing U.S. rights. Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films along with Altitude on behalf of the filmmakers.
Pic premiered at Toronto. It follows a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) who becomes the next contestant in an illegal live-streamed death match.
Samara Weaving (Ready Or Not), Rhys Darby (Flight Of The Conchords), Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy (Good Omens) also star.
Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Altitude Film Sales is handling international rights for the film, with Endeavor representing U.S. rights. Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films along with Altitude on behalf of the filmmakers.
- 11/9/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Altitude Film Sales handles international rights.
Saban Films announced at Afm it has acquired North American rights to Daniel Radcliffe comedic sci-fi thriller and recent Toronto world premiere Guns Akimbo.
Jason Lei Howden wrote and directed the film about a nerdy video game developer who participates in an illegal, live-streamed death match.
Samara Weaving, Rhys Darby, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy round out the key cast, and Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino produced with Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern.
Altitude Film Sales handles international rights and Endeavor Content represented Us rights. Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba...
Saban Films announced at Afm it has acquired North American rights to Daniel Radcliffe comedic sci-fi thriller and recent Toronto world premiere Guns Akimbo.
Jason Lei Howden wrote and directed the film about a nerdy video game developer who participates in an illegal, live-streamed death match.
Samara Weaving, Rhys Darby, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy round out the key cast, and Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino produced with Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern.
Altitude Film Sales handles international rights and Endeavor Content represented Us rights. Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba...
- 11/9/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Saban Films has acquired North American rights to Daniel Radcliffe’s darkly comedic sc-fi thriller “Guns Akimbo” from writer/director Jason Lei Howden.
Saban announced the deal Saturday at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, Calif. “Guns Akimbo” held its world premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film also stars Samara Weaving, Rhys Darby, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy (“Peaky Blinders”). Producers are Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern.
Radcliffe portrays a nerdy video game developer who becomes the next contestant in an illegal live-streamed death match.
“With gaming on the rise, ‘Guns Akimbo’ is a timely film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “Daniel is in a role you’ve never seen him in before. He and Samara shine throughout this thought-provoking take on the gaming industry’s future.
Saban announced the deal Saturday at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, Calif. “Guns Akimbo” held its world premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film also stars Samara Weaving, Rhys Darby, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ned Dennehy (“Peaky Blinders”). Producers are Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern.
Radcliffe portrays a nerdy video game developer who becomes the next contestant in an illegal live-streamed death match.
“With gaming on the rise, ‘Guns Akimbo’ is a timely film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “Daniel is in a role you’ve never seen him in before. He and Samara shine throughout this thought-provoking take on the gaming industry’s future.
- 11/9/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired North American rights to the sci-fi thriller “Guns Akimbo,” starring Daniel Radcliffe, the company announced Saturday.
Written and directed by Jason Lei Howden (“Deathgasm”) the film stars Radcliffe as a nerdy video game developer in a dead-end job, who finds himself with guns surgically attached to his hands, forced to become the newest contestant in an illegal, live-streamed death match.
“When I got to about page 10 of the script and there was this scene where my character Miles with his new gun attachment hands has to work out and try to go to the bathroom. That was the moment that I was like ‘You’re fully exploring the premise, I’m in,” Radcliffe told TheWrap after the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Also Read: Daniel Radcliffe Talks Surgically Attached Guns on His Hands in 'Guns Akimbo' (Exclusive Video)
“With gaming on the rise,...
Written and directed by Jason Lei Howden (“Deathgasm”) the film stars Radcliffe as a nerdy video game developer in a dead-end job, who finds himself with guns surgically attached to his hands, forced to become the newest contestant in an illegal, live-streamed death match.
“When I got to about page 10 of the script and there was this scene where my character Miles with his new gun attachment hands has to work out and try to go to the bathroom. That was the moment that I was like ‘You’re fully exploring the premise, I’m in,” Radcliffe told TheWrap after the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Also Read: Daniel Radcliffe Talks Surgically Attached Guns on His Hands in 'Guns Akimbo' (Exclusive Video)
“With gaming on the rise,...
- 11/9/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Saban Films has landed North American rights to Guns Akimbo, the Daniel Radcliffe-starring darkly comic sci-fi action-thriller from writer-director Jason Lei Howden (Deathgasm).
The film, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, also stars Samara Weaving (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Society) and Ned Dennehy (Good Omens, Peaky Blinders). Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Guns Akimbo sees a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) become the next contestant in an ...
The film, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, also stars Samara Weaving (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Society) and Ned Dennehy (Good Omens, Peaky Blinders). Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Guns Akimbo sees a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) become the next contestant in an ...
- 11/9/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saban Films has landed North American rights to Guns Akimbo, the Daniel Radcliffe-starring darkly-comic sci-fi action thriller from writer/director Jason Lei Howden’s (Deathgasm).
The film — which had its world premiere in Toronto — also stars Samara Weaving (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Society) and Ned Dennehy (Good Omens, Peaky Blinders). Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Guns Akimbo sees a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) become the next contestant in an ...
The film — which had its world premiere in Toronto — also stars Samara Weaving (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Society) and Ned Dennehy (Good Omens, Peaky Blinders). Occupant Entertainment’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino and Four Knights Film’s Tom Hern produced.
Guns Akimbo sees a nerdy video game developer (Radcliffe) become the next contestant in an ...
- 11/9/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sitting out on a cool evening on a headland high above Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, it is difficult to understand how recent the country’s unpalatable history really is. And the past injustices, combined with the emergence of the New Zealand movie industry onto the world stage at the tail end of the 1990s, means that indigenous and women’s voices in the film industry feel new and urgent.
The uprising against the 1970s handover of Takaparawha, or Bastion Point, from the army to the Auckland City Council — and not to the local iwi (tribe) who lost their land in the 1850s — culminated in an occupation of the site that lasted for nearly a year and a half. The siege came to an end, barely 40 years ago, in 1978 with forced evictions and mass arrests, noted in documentary film “Bastion Point Day 507.”
Barely a decade later, however, Takaparawha had been returned...
The uprising against the 1970s handover of Takaparawha, or Bastion Point, from the army to the Auckland City Council — and not to the local iwi (tribe) who lost their land in the 1850s — culminated in an occupation of the site that lasted for nearly a year and a half. The siege came to an end, barely 40 years ago, in 1978 with forced evictions and mass arrests, noted in documentary film “Bastion Point Day 507.”
Barely a decade later, however, Takaparawha had been returned...
- 11/7/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
To hear celebrated production designer Grant Major tell it, New Zealand’s film industry was reborn in the last years of the 20th century, thanks to “The Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson, who pioneered, agitated and doggedly got on with things.
Today, the industry has grown far beyond its leading practitioner into one that is capable of simultaneously working on the next “Avatar” franchise movies, Amazon’s massive “The Lord of the Rings” TV series, as well as Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.”
Despite its 4.5 million people, who are heavily outnumbered by sheep, New Zealand has also launched major talent such as Taika Waititi and Niki Caro. And at the same time, it is also building structures to nurture newer names such as Madeline Sami, Jackie van Beek and Tom Hern.
Because of its limitations, which include a small population, a geographic location far from...
Today, the industry has grown far beyond its leading practitioner into one that is capable of simultaneously working on the next “Avatar” franchise movies, Amazon’s massive “The Lord of the Rings” TV series, as well as Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.”
Despite its 4.5 million people, who are heavily outnumbered by sheep, New Zealand has also launched major talent such as Taika Waititi and Niki Caro. And at the same time, it is also building structures to nurture newer names such as Madeline Sami, Jackie van Beek and Tom Hern.
Because of its limitations, which include a small population, a geographic location far from...
- 11/7/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Chloe Grace Moretz will star as a World War II pilot in the action horror movie “Shadow in the Cloud.”
Roseanne Liang is directing the film, while Max Landis is penning the script. It centers on a pilot who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress, clutching a black radio bag with top secret contents and orders authorizing her transport. As she puts up with jeers from the all-male crew, strange happenings begin to occur on the plane as the pilot is forced to deal with an oncoming Japanese ambush and an evil prowling within.
Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales and will present the project to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market at the Berlin Film Festival.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (“Midnight Special”) and Fred Berger (“La La Land”) from Automatik are producing with Kelly McCormick (“Atomic Blonde”) and Tom Hern of Four Knights Film. Sandra Yee Ling will serve as executive producer.
Roseanne Liang is directing the film, while Max Landis is penning the script. It centers on a pilot who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress, clutching a black radio bag with top secret contents and orders authorizing her transport. As she puts up with jeers from the all-male crew, strange happenings begin to occur on the plane as the pilot is forced to deal with an oncoming Japanese ambush and an evil prowling within.
Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales and will present the project to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market at the Berlin Film Festival.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (“Midnight Special”) and Fred Berger (“La La Land”) from Automatik are producing with Kelly McCormick (“Atomic Blonde”) and Tom Hern of Four Knights Film. Sandra Yee Ling will serve as executive producer.
- 1/30/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Chloë Grace Moretz will star in director Roseanne Liang’s action horror film “Shadow in the Cloud,” Endeavor Content announced on Wednesday.
“Shadow in the Cloud” follows Captain Maude Gardner, who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress with a black radio bag containing top-secret contents. Strange things begin to occur and she must save the all-male crew to protect her cargo. Max Landis wrote the screenplay.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger from Automatik, Kelly McCormick (“Atomic Blonde”) and Tom Hern (“The Meg”) of Four Knights Film are producing. Sandra Yee Ling is executive producing.
Also Read: Chloe Grace Moretz's 'Miseducation of Cameron Post' Acquired by HBO
Moretz most recently starred in “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” and Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria.” She will next star in “Greta” opposite Isabelle Huppert. Her other credits include “The Equalizer,” “If I Stay,” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” and “Kick-Ass.”
Liang is a Chinese/New Zealand writer and director.
“Shadow in the Cloud” follows Captain Maude Gardner, who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress with a black radio bag containing top-secret contents. Strange things begin to occur and she must save the all-male crew to protect her cargo. Max Landis wrote the screenplay.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger from Automatik, Kelly McCormick (“Atomic Blonde”) and Tom Hern (“The Meg”) of Four Knights Film are producing. Sandra Yee Ling is executive producing.
Also Read: Chloe Grace Moretz's 'Miseducation of Cameron Post' Acquired by HBO
Moretz most recently starred in “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” and Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria.” She will next star in “Greta” opposite Isabelle Huppert. Her other credits include “The Equalizer,” “If I Stay,” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” and “Kick-Ass.”
Liang is a Chinese/New Zealand writer and director.
- 1/30/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Chloë Grace Moretz is set to star in director Roseanne Liang’s action-horror Shadow In The Cloud. Let Me In and Suspiria star Moretz will play a captain carrying top secret documents aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress who must contend with an evil presence, an oncoming Japanese ambush and a leery, all-male crew.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Sinister) and Fred Berger (La La Land) from Automatik, Kelly McCormick (Atomic Blonde) and Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) of Four Knights Film are producing. Sandra Yee Ling is executive producing. Screenplay is from Bright and Chronicle scribe Max Landis. Endeavor Content is handling world sales and will present the project to buyers at Efm.
Moretz recently starred in The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria. She’ll next be seen with Isabelle Huppert in thriller Greta. Chinese-New Zealand filmmaker Liang’s first feature My
Wedding And Other Secrets was a local...
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Sinister) and Fred Berger (La La Land) from Automatik, Kelly McCormick (Atomic Blonde) and Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) of Four Knights Film are producing. Sandra Yee Ling is executive producing. Screenplay is from Bright and Chronicle scribe Max Landis. Endeavor Content is handling world sales and will present the project to buyers at Efm.
Moretz recently starred in The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria. She’ll next be seen with Isabelle Huppert in thriller Greta. Chinese-New Zealand filmmaker Liang’s first feature My
Wedding And Other Secrets was a local...
- 1/30/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger of Automatik among producers.
Chloë Grace Moretz will star for Roseanne Liang in the Second World War action-horror Shadow In The Cloud, which Endeavor Content will shop to worldwide buyers at the Efm in Berlin next week.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger of Automatik, Kelly McCormick, and Tom Hern of Four Knights Film are producing, and Sandra Yee Ling serves as executive producer.
In Shadow In The Cloud Moretz plays Captain Maude Gardner, who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress clutching a mysterious, top secret black radio bag. The teasing from the all-male crew subsides when they...
Chloë Grace Moretz will star for Roseanne Liang in the Second World War action-horror Shadow In The Cloud, which Endeavor Content will shop to worldwide buyers at the Efm in Berlin next week.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger of Automatik, Kelly McCormick, and Tom Hern of Four Knights Film are producing, and Sandra Yee Ling serves as executive producer.
In Shadow In The Cloud Moretz plays Captain Maude Gardner, who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress clutching a mysterious, top secret black radio bag. The teasing from the all-male crew subsides when they...
- 1/30/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo has been cast opposite Daniel Radcliffe in the indie, Guns Akimbo, a Jason Lei Howden-directed action comedy, which is currently filming in New Zealand.
It follows a lovelorn man Miles (Radcliffe) whose mundane existence is turned upside-down when he finds himself enrolled in a dark social media movement that forces strangers to fight in a city-wide game of death, live-streamed worldwide to a fanatical audience.
Bordizzo, who appeared in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny and The Greatest Showman, will play Nova, a video-gaming, comic-book-loving ex-girlfriend of Miles.
Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino of Occupant Entertainment are producing with Tom Hern of Four Knights.
Bordizzo will next be seen in Anthony Maras’ Hotel Mumbai with Armie Hammer and Dev Patel and was recently announced as part of the voice cast of Sony’s animated film Wish Dragon.
She’s repped by UTA and Industry Entertainment.
It follows a lovelorn man Miles (Radcliffe) whose mundane existence is turned upside-down when he finds himself enrolled in a dark social media movement that forces strangers to fight in a city-wide game of death, live-streamed worldwide to a fanatical audience.
Bordizzo, who appeared in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny and The Greatest Showman, will play Nova, a video-gaming, comic-book-loving ex-girlfriend of Miles.
Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino of Occupant Entertainment are producing with Tom Hern of Four Knights.
Bordizzo will next be seen in Anthony Maras’ Hotel Mumbai with Armie Hammer and Dev Patel and was recently announced as part of the voice cast of Sony’s animated film Wish Dragon.
She’s repped by UTA and Industry Entertainment.
- 5/8/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Jason Lei Howden directs story of ordinary man thrust into deadly live-streamed game.
Samara Weaving has joined Daniel Radcliffe on Altitude sales title and action comedy Guns Akimbo ahead of an April 28 production start in Auckland, New Zealand.
Production will also take place in Munich, Germany. Occupant Entertainment is producing in association with Pump Metal Films and Ingenious Media on the Germany-New Zealand co-production, with Four Knights Film, New Zealand, as well as Maze Pictures and Occupant Entertainment Germany.
Jason Lei Howden directs from his screenplay about a lovelorn man whose mundane existence is turned upside-down when he finds himself...
Samara Weaving has joined Daniel Radcliffe on Altitude sales title and action comedy Guns Akimbo ahead of an April 28 production start in Auckland, New Zealand.
Production will also take place in Munich, Germany. Occupant Entertainment is producing in association with Pump Metal Films and Ingenious Media on the Germany-New Zealand co-production, with Four Knights Film, New Zealand, as well as Maze Pictures and Occupant Entertainment Germany.
Jason Lei Howden directs from his screenplay about a lovelorn man whose mundane existence is turned upside-down when he finds himself...
- 4/26/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
(l-r) James Rolleston and Dean O.Gorman.
Kiwi director Matt Murphy grew up helping out on shoots with his filmmaker father Geoff.
Geoff made his feature debut with Goodbye Pork Pie in the early 80s. Murphy the younger worked on the film as a teenager before embarking on his own career as a gaffer, an art director and finally a director himself, based out of Sydney but shooting commercials globally.
Murphy has now made his own feature debut — with Pork Pie, a remake of his father.s film in Australian cinemas May 4.
The director began writing the screenplay, his first, five years ago, and describes his early drafts as .a bit too Hollywood..
.I wrote bigger car chases, more fantastic stunts,. Murphy tells If. .And then I realized films are about the characters, about people and their journeys. You can have the biggest event ever but if it.s not...
Kiwi director Matt Murphy grew up helping out on shoots with his filmmaker father Geoff.
Geoff made his feature debut with Goodbye Pork Pie in the early 80s. Murphy the younger worked on the film as a teenager before embarking on his own career as a gaffer, an art director and finally a director himself, based out of Sydney but shooting commercials globally.
Murphy has now made his own feature debut — with Pork Pie, a remake of his father.s film in Australian cinemas May 4.
The director began writing the screenplay, his first, five years ago, and describes his early drafts as .a bit too Hollywood..
.I wrote bigger car chases, more fantastic stunts,. Murphy tells If. .And then I realized films are about the characters, about people and their journeys. You can have the biggest event ever but if it.s not...
- 5/3/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Nz producer Tom Hern among trio recommended for UK’s Production Finance Market.
A group of international sales agents has voted Nz producer Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) of Four Knights Films as the producer from the 65th Melbourne International Film Festival’s 37º South Market whose slate should be pitched at the UK’s Production Finance Market (Pfm) in October.
Hern will head to London to pitch the Four Knights slate of projects, which includes an action road-comedy, Pork Pie, and a whimsical post-wwii story of an 11 year-old Irish orphan émigré newly arrived in New Zealand, A Long Way Home.
Hern previously produced well-travelled 2014 drama The Dark Horse, which played at Toronto, Rotterdam and Cph Pix.
Producers Philippa Campey (The Turning) and Jamie Houge (The Lookalike) have also won places at Pfm, but did not receive travel assistance. Campey will take her Film Camp slate of features and documentaries to London, and Houge will...
A group of international sales agents has voted Nz producer Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) of Four Knights Films as the producer from the 65th Melbourne International Film Festival’s 37º South Market whose slate should be pitched at the UK’s Production Finance Market (Pfm) in October.
Hern will head to London to pitch the Four Knights slate of projects, which includes an action road-comedy, Pork Pie, and a whimsical post-wwii story of an 11 year-old Irish orphan émigré newly arrived in New Zealand, A Long Way Home.
Hern previously produced well-travelled 2014 drama The Dark Horse, which played at Toronto, Rotterdam and Cph Pix.
Producers Philippa Campey (The Turning) and Jamie Houge (The Lookalike) have also won places at Pfm, but did not receive travel assistance. Campey will take her Film Camp slate of features and documentaries to London, and Houge will...
- 8/16/2016
- ScreenDaily
Nz producer Tom Hern among trio recommended for UK’s Production Finance Market.
A group of international sales agents has voted Nz producer Tom Hern of Four Knights Films as the producer from the 65th Melbourne International Film Festival’s 37º South Market whose slate should be pitched at the UK’s Production Finance Market (Pfm) in October.
Hern will head to London to pitch the Four Knights slate of projects, which includes an action road-comedy, Pork Pie, and a whimsical post-wwii story of an 11 year-old Irish orphan émigré newly arrived in New Zealand, A Long Way Home.
Producers Philippa Campey and Jamie Houge have also won places at Pfm, but did not receive travel assistance. Campey will take her Film Camp slate of features and documentaries to London, and Houge will seek co-production partners for her Edinburgh-set female detective thriller Switchblade Electric.
The 65th Miff wrapped its programme on August 14, after a 17-day event that straddles...
A group of international sales agents has voted Nz producer Tom Hern of Four Knights Films as the producer from the 65th Melbourne International Film Festival’s 37º South Market whose slate should be pitched at the UK’s Production Finance Market (Pfm) in October.
Hern will head to London to pitch the Four Knights slate of projects, which includes an action road-comedy, Pork Pie, and a whimsical post-wwii story of an 11 year-old Irish orphan émigré newly arrived in New Zealand, A Long Way Home.
Producers Philippa Campey and Jamie Houge have also won places at Pfm, but did not receive travel assistance. Campey will take her Film Camp slate of features and documentaries to London, and Houge will seek co-production partners for her Edinburgh-set female detective thriller Switchblade Electric.
The 65th Miff wrapped its programme on August 14, after a 17-day event that straddles...
- 8/16/2016
- ScreenDaily
Following the film co-financing event Miff 37ºSouth Market, three local producers have been awarded places at the Production Finance Market (Pfm), held in London in October.
Miff 37ºSouth Market is the exclusive Australia/Nz partner of the Pfm, and the only three guaranteed local places are reserved for attending producers. The Pfm runs in association with the BFI London Film Festival.
New Zealand producer Tom Hern won one of the coveted places, as well as a $2000 flight voucher towards his trip. Victorians Pip Campey and Jamie Houge also received places.
Selection was guided by the votes the international financiers and buyers at Miff 37ºSouth Market.
The event, now its 10 year and the only Australian market of its kind held at a film festival, hosted 50 film financiers and buyers including film financiers/buyers including Amazon, Bankside, Catalyst, Double Dutch, eOne Australia, Embankment, Film Mode, Fulcrum, Im Global, Indie, Kaleidoscope, Lotus, Madman,...
Miff 37ºSouth Market is the exclusive Australia/Nz partner of the Pfm, and the only three guaranteed local places are reserved for attending producers. The Pfm runs in association with the BFI London Film Festival.
New Zealand producer Tom Hern won one of the coveted places, as well as a $2000 flight voucher towards his trip. Victorians Pip Campey and Jamie Houge also received places.
Selection was guided by the votes the international financiers and buyers at Miff 37ºSouth Market.
The event, now its 10 year and the only Australian market of its kind held at a film festival, hosted 50 film financiers and buyers including film financiers/buyers including Amazon, Bankside, Catalyst, Double Dutch, eOne Australia, Embankment, Film Mode, Fulcrum, Im Global, Indie, Kaleidoscope, Lotus, Madman,...
- 8/5/2016
- by By Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
The New Zealand Film Commission has named the recipients of its one-off business development scheme Boost, with total funding of more than $NZ450,000.
The scheme is designed to accelerate the slates of active producers and to enable screen businesses to move films more quickly into production.
Applicants were invited to apply for $NZ50,000 - $NZ130,000 per business. At least 50 per cent of the money must be allocated to third party development costs and the commission expects the entire amount to be spent within 12-18 months.
The recipients are Jump Film and Television, Centron Pictures, Pop Film, Four Knights Film and Firefly Films.
Making the announcement at the Big Screen Symposium conference, Nzfc CEO Dave Gibson, said that screen companies in New Zealand are growing in number and scale and he expects the five Boost companies will contribute to this growth.
Founded by Robin Scholes, Jump Pictures is completing Lee Tamahori...
The scheme is designed to accelerate the slates of active producers and to enable screen businesses to move films more quickly into production.
Applicants were invited to apply for $NZ50,000 - $NZ130,000 per business. At least 50 per cent of the money must be allocated to third party development costs and the commission expects the entire amount to be spent within 12-18 months.
The recipients are Jump Film and Television, Centron Pictures, Pop Film, Four Knights Film and Firefly Films.
Making the announcement at the Big Screen Symposium conference, Nzfc CEO Dave Gibson, said that screen companies in New Zealand are growing in number and scale and he expects the five Boost companies will contribute to this growth.
Founded by Robin Scholes, Jump Pictures is completing Lee Tamahori...
- 10/11/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The UK’s Hanan Kattan, Germany’s Peter Rommel and Canada’s Chantelle Kadyschuk are among those selected for this year’s Producers Lab Toronto (Plt).
The 24 producers from Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will participate in the sixth edition of the networking platform, which will run Sept 9-12 during the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 10-20).
Plt is targeted at producers who have had previous experience in working on international co-productions and now have projects in the pipeline that could be interesting for the international market.
European producers
The ten European producers were selected by European Film Promotion’s member organisations from previous participants of its Cannes-based initiative Producers on the Move.
Together with her partner Shamim Sarif, Hanan Kattan has a presence in the UK and Canada with their Enlightenment Group of companies. Hattan produced Sarif’s three features, including Despite The Falling Snow, starring Charles Dance and Rebecca Ferguson, as well as...
The 24 producers from Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will participate in the sixth edition of the networking platform, which will run Sept 9-12 during the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 10-20).
Plt is targeted at producers who have had previous experience in working on international co-productions and now have projects in the pipeline that could be interesting for the international market.
European producers
The ten European producers were selected by European Film Promotion’s member organisations from previous participants of its Cannes-based initiative Producers on the Move.
Together with her partner Shamim Sarif, Hanan Kattan has a presence in the UK and Canada with their Enlightenment Group of companies. Hattan produced Sarif’s three features, including Despite The Falling Snow, starring Charles Dance and Rebecca Ferguson, as well as...
- 8/24/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The New Zealand Film Commission made conditonal offers for four feature films including a remake of Kiwi classic Goodbye Pork Pie at its last board meeting.
That brings to 16 the total number of feature films invested in during the financial year, the largest number ever supported in a single twelve months.
One Thousand Ropes
Tusi Tamaese's follow-up to The Orator. A traditional Samoan midwife's ordered existence is thrown off balance by the arrival of his bruised daughter seeking his protection. Produced by Catherine Fitzgerald, the Australasian distributor is Transmission and International sales agent Mongrel Media.
Pork Pie
The remake of Geoff Murphy's 1981 road comedy Goodbye Pork Pie is written and will be directed by his son Matt Murphy, produced by Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) and executive produced by Tim White. The action comedy follows a guy who is determined to reconnect with the woman he left at the altar,...
That brings to 16 the total number of feature films invested in during the financial year, the largest number ever supported in a single twelve months.
One Thousand Ropes
Tusi Tamaese's follow-up to The Orator. A traditional Samoan midwife's ordered existence is thrown off balance by the arrival of his bruised daughter seeking his protection. Produced by Catherine Fitzgerald, the Australasian distributor is Transmission and International sales agent Mongrel Media.
Pork Pie
The remake of Geoff Murphy's 1981 road comedy Goodbye Pork Pie is written and will be directed by his son Matt Murphy, produced by Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) and executive produced by Tim White. The action comedy follows a guy who is determined to reconnect with the woman he left at the altar,...
- 6/23/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
James Napier Robertson.s screenplay of The Dark Horse was named best feature script at the 5th annual New Zealand Writers Guild Awards (Swanz).
Directed by Napier Robertson and produced by Tom Hern, The Dark Horse is based on the true story of New Zealand speed-chess champion Genesis Potini, played by Cliff Curtis (Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider). James Rolleston (Boy) co-stars as Genesis. nephew Mana.
Despite a bipolar disorder, Potini turned a group of at-risk youth into budding chess champs. In its Toronto review The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as "an emotionally potent story of redemption anchored by a heart-piercing lead performance from Cliff Curtis.".
Transmission Films will open the film in Australia on November 20.
The full list of Swanz winners: Best Feature Film Script James Napier Robertson . The Dark Horse Best Short Film Script Gregory King . UFO Best Play Aroha Awarau . Luncheon Best Television Comedy Episode Millen Baird...
Directed by Napier Robertson and produced by Tom Hern, The Dark Horse is based on the true story of New Zealand speed-chess champion Genesis Potini, played by Cliff Curtis (Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider). James Rolleston (Boy) co-stars as Genesis. nephew Mana.
Despite a bipolar disorder, Potini turned a group of at-risk youth into budding chess champs. In its Toronto review The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as "an emotionally potent story of redemption anchored by a heart-piercing lead performance from Cliff Curtis.".
Transmission Films will open the film in Australia on November 20.
The full list of Swanz winners: Best Feature Film Script James Napier Robertson . The Dark Horse Best Short Film Script Gregory King . UFO Best Play Aroha Awarau . Luncheon Best Television Comedy Episode Millen Baird...
- 10/1/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Now playing to enthusiastic public and industry audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival after playing to five and even six star reviews in its home country New Zealand, where it grossed $2 million, "The Dark Horse" (Isa: Seville/eOne) is a provocative, emotionally charged drama about a man who searches for the courage to lead, despite his own challenging mental health issues, and who finds purpose and hope in passing his gift for speed chess to the children in his gang-dominated community.
This film is being hailed as one of the greatest New Zealand films of all time. Seeing that (aside from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy), there have not been many films playing widely outside of New Zealand since the unprecedented, trend setting and career building "Once Were Warriors", this film is well overdue and widely welcomed by the international film world.
The lead actor, Cliff Curtis ("Training Day","Whale Rider", "Once Were Warriors", "Three Kings") was initially not sure he wanted to work on this film and did not trust the producer, and writer-director, nor were they sure of him to play the part of a man so physically unlike Curtis. They spoke many times about the story, the role, so unlike any Curtis had ever played. When Curtis told James that he thought the key to the character of Genesis was Love, James felt that perhaps he could play the role, but then he would have to gain weight (Curtis inhabits a tight, muscled, lean body and Genesis was more of a big bear of a man, weighed 300 pounds, was missing front teeth). And he would have to method act to create the image of Genesis as James wanted to depict him. The concept of love however bound the team in a united effort to make the movie work. It is no surprise that the word Curtis used to describe what kept the film going was Aroha, which in Maori means Love. Cliff put himself at risk, playing such a role which, if it failed to deliver, could ruin his career, and trust was necessary for everyone in undertaking to tell this story. After many conversations and then after seeing "I'm Not Harry Jenson.", Curtis agreed to make the movie.
Over the six week shoot, the family and friends of Genesis visited the set, watched dailies, saw the editing; the spirit of Genesis hovered over the production, and even over its world premiere in Toronto, where Genesis' widow and their three year old son; the child actor, Wayne Hapi, and Xavier Horan who plays Jedi were present.
Also always present during the shoot, and even today, was chess and the love of the game. Genesis himself, once a local chess champion, derailed by mental illness that kept him in institutions until he was released into the care of his gang-member brother who lived in a gang-dominated society, used the game of chess as a spiritual talisman to transcend his earthbound world through love of people and of the game.
Director James Napier Robertson played chess but Curtis did not. However, he learned quickly, coached by chess master, Milton Green, and by Genesis' own chess mates! Jedi and Noble. Everyday hundreds of games were being played on the set. They still are all playing!
"The Dark Horse" was written and directed by James Napier Robertson and produced by Tom Hern, who previously worked together on "I'm Not Harry Jenson.", a micro budgeted whodunit thriller which played to full houses at their home country's New Zealand International Film Festival where it also garnered strong reviews. This team of two went on to make a short, "Lambs", which played at Clermont Ferrand, Berlin, Melbourne and Raindance, and to produce two more feature films films under the banner of their own production company, Four Knights backed by Autralasian entrepreneurs who cane aboard after seeing "I'm Not Harry". Both features have been released theatrically in New Zealand, the fragile meditative drama, "Everything We Loved" and "The Dark Horse", the emotionally charged drama inspired by the colorful true life of bi-polar suffering-Maori-speed-chess-playing genius, Genesis Point.
Tom saw a documentary in 2003, also called "Dark Horse" on TV about Genesis which deeply moved him. With so many families wracked with mental illness, including his own, Tom felt he had to turn Genesis' story into a feature film. He and James worked three years on the script, keeping the authenticity of the story by staying in close touch with Genesis and his friends and chess mates and family. As James wrote, he was conscious of wanting to capture Genesis's spirit and spoke a lot with Genesis and the other people in his community. Unfortunately, Genesis himself died very unexpectedly during the first year of work. He was very articulate about his illness and was a great storyteller, self-taught in religious and spiritual texts and practices; he was a deeply spiritual man.
This film is being hailed as one of the greatest New Zealand films of all time. Seeing that (aside from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy), there have not been many films playing widely outside of New Zealand since the unprecedented, trend setting and career building "Once Were Warriors", this film is well overdue and widely welcomed by the international film world.
The lead actor, Cliff Curtis ("Training Day","Whale Rider", "Once Were Warriors", "Three Kings") was initially not sure he wanted to work on this film and did not trust the producer, and writer-director, nor were they sure of him to play the part of a man so physically unlike Curtis. They spoke many times about the story, the role, so unlike any Curtis had ever played. When Curtis told James that he thought the key to the character of Genesis was Love, James felt that perhaps he could play the role, but then he would have to gain weight (Curtis inhabits a tight, muscled, lean body and Genesis was more of a big bear of a man, weighed 300 pounds, was missing front teeth). And he would have to method act to create the image of Genesis as James wanted to depict him. The concept of love however bound the team in a united effort to make the movie work. It is no surprise that the word Curtis used to describe what kept the film going was Aroha, which in Maori means Love. Cliff put himself at risk, playing such a role which, if it failed to deliver, could ruin his career, and trust was necessary for everyone in undertaking to tell this story. After many conversations and then after seeing "I'm Not Harry Jenson.", Curtis agreed to make the movie.
Over the six week shoot, the family and friends of Genesis visited the set, watched dailies, saw the editing; the spirit of Genesis hovered over the production, and even over its world premiere in Toronto, where Genesis' widow and their three year old son; the child actor, Wayne Hapi, and Xavier Horan who plays Jedi were present.
Also always present during the shoot, and even today, was chess and the love of the game. Genesis himself, once a local chess champion, derailed by mental illness that kept him in institutions until he was released into the care of his gang-member brother who lived in a gang-dominated society, used the game of chess as a spiritual talisman to transcend his earthbound world through love of people and of the game.
Director James Napier Robertson played chess but Curtis did not. However, he learned quickly, coached by chess master, Milton Green, and by Genesis' own chess mates! Jedi and Noble. Everyday hundreds of games were being played on the set. They still are all playing!
"The Dark Horse" was written and directed by James Napier Robertson and produced by Tom Hern, who previously worked together on "I'm Not Harry Jenson.", a micro budgeted whodunit thriller which played to full houses at their home country's New Zealand International Film Festival where it also garnered strong reviews. This team of two went on to make a short, "Lambs", which played at Clermont Ferrand, Berlin, Melbourne and Raindance, and to produce two more feature films films under the banner of their own production company, Four Knights backed by Autralasian entrepreneurs who cane aboard after seeing "I'm Not Harry". Both features have been released theatrically in New Zealand, the fragile meditative drama, "Everything We Loved" and "The Dark Horse", the emotionally charged drama inspired by the colorful true life of bi-polar suffering-Maori-speed-chess-playing genius, Genesis Point.
Tom saw a documentary in 2003, also called "Dark Horse" on TV about Genesis which deeply moved him. With so many families wracked with mental illness, including his own, Tom felt he had to turn Genesis' story into a feature film. He and James worked three years on the script, keeping the authenticity of the story by staying in close touch with Genesis and his friends and chess mates and family. As James wrote, he was conscious of wanting to capture Genesis's spirit and spoke a lot with Genesis and the other people in his community. Unfortunately, Genesis himself died very unexpectedly during the first year of work. He was very articulate about his illness and was a great storyteller, self-taught in religious and spiritual texts and practices; he was a deeply spiritual man.
- 9/8/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The fifth edition of Producers Lab Toronto is set to launch during the Toronto International Film Festival® from September 3 to 6, 2014. Ten producers each from Europe and Canada and four participants coming from Australia and New Zealand will meet at Tiff to exchange ideas and information on funding and co-production on both sides of the Atlantic and Down Under. Each year, this successful networking platform facilitates the development of several trans-Atlantic co-productions. Sixty-six of the 96 previous participants are working on 82 projects at different stages of production, with some of the films having since been completed.
The international networking event is organized by European Film Promotion (Efp) in collaboration with the Ontario Media Development Corporation (Omdc) and the Toronto International Film Festival®. For the second time, Screen Australia and the New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) will be supporting the event. Additional financial backing comes from Eurimages and Telefilm Canada and the associated Efp member organizations.
On the look-out for projects with a wider scope regarding financing, creativity and distribution, the 24 participants will be taking part in pitching sessions, case studies, roundtables and various networking events with key people from the film industry and film funds.
The participants of the Producers Lab Toronto 2014 program have prior co-production experience and high-quality projects in the pipeline which could be interesting for the international market. The Europeans are selected by the Efp network from the alumni of their prestigious Cannes-based networking platform Producers On The Move. Canadian producers are selected by Omdc and Tiff from an open call across Canada, while Screen Australia and New Zealand Film Commission each selected two participants from their countries.
This year, four participants will see their films included in official sections at the Toronto International Film Festival®: two Canadian world premieres - "Wet Bum," produced by Paula Devonshire, and "Backcountry," produced by Thomas Michael - have been selected for Tiff. In addition, Italy's Alessandro Borrelli co-produced "La Sapienza," which will have its North American premiere in Toronto, and New Zealand’s producer Tom Hern is present at Tiff with "The Dark Horse."
European participants
Nuno Bernardo , beActive Entertainment (Portugal)
Alessandro Borrelli , La Sarraz Pictures (Italy)
Daniel Burlac , Elefant Films (Romania)
Alise Ģelze , Tasse Film (Latvia)
Henning Kamm , DETAiLFILM (Germany)
Mark Lwoff , Bufo (Finland)
Radim Procházka ; Produkce Radim Procházka
(Czech Republic)
Xavier Ruiz , Rce Ruiz Cardinaux Entertainment (Switzerland)
Isabelle Stead , Human Films (United Kingdom)
Marta Velasco , Áralan Films (Spain)
Australian participants
Kristian Moliere , Triptych Pictures
Anna Vincent , Southern Light Alliance
Canadian participants
George Ayoub , Ramaco Media
Bev Bliss , Moving Films
Paula Devonshire , Devonshire Productions
Borga Dorter , Gearshift Films
Walter Forsyth , Gorgeous Mistake Productions
Judy Holm , Markham Street Films
Mehernaz Lentin , Industry Pictures
Thomas Michael , Fella Films
Geordie Sabbagh , Geordie Sabbagh Productions
Marc Stephenson , Sheep Noir Films
New Zealand's participants
John Barnett , South Pacific Pictures
Tom Hern , Four Knights Film...
The international networking event is organized by European Film Promotion (Efp) in collaboration with the Ontario Media Development Corporation (Omdc) and the Toronto International Film Festival®. For the second time, Screen Australia and the New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) will be supporting the event. Additional financial backing comes from Eurimages and Telefilm Canada and the associated Efp member organizations.
On the look-out for projects with a wider scope regarding financing, creativity and distribution, the 24 participants will be taking part in pitching sessions, case studies, roundtables and various networking events with key people from the film industry and film funds.
The participants of the Producers Lab Toronto 2014 program have prior co-production experience and high-quality projects in the pipeline which could be interesting for the international market. The Europeans are selected by the Efp network from the alumni of their prestigious Cannes-based networking platform Producers On The Move. Canadian producers are selected by Omdc and Tiff from an open call across Canada, while Screen Australia and New Zealand Film Commission each selected two participants from their countries.
This year, four participants will see their films included in official sections at the Toronto International Film Festival®: two Canadian world premieres - "Wet Bum," produced by Paula Devonshire, and "Backcountry," produced by Thomas Michael - have been selected for Tiff. In addition, Italy's Alessandro Borrelli co-produced "La Sapienza," which will have its North American premiere in Toronto, and New Zealand’s producer Tom Hern is present at Tiff with "The Dark Horse."
European participants
Nuno Bernardo , beActive Entertainment (Portugal)
Alessandro Borrelli , La Sarraz Pictures (Italy)
Daniel Burlac , Elefant Films (Romania)
Alise Ģelze , Tasse Film (Latvia)
Henning Kamm , DETAiLFILM (Germany)
Mark Lwoff , Bufo (Finland)
Radim Procházka ; Produkce Radim Procházka
(Czech Republic)
Xavier Ruiz , Rce Ruiz Cardinaux Entertainment (Switzerland)
Isabelle Stead , Human Films (United Kingdom)
Marta Velasco , Áralan Films (Spain)
Australian participants
Kristian Moliere , Triptych Pictures
Anna Vincent , Southern Light Alliance
Canadian participants
George Ayoub , Ramaco Media
Bev Bliss , Moving Films
Paula Devonshire , Devonshire Productions
Borga Dorter , Gearshift Films
Walter Forsyth , Gorgeous Mistake Productions
Judy Holm , Markham Street Films
Mehernaz Lentin , Industry Pictures
Thomas Michael , Fella Films
Geordie Sabbagh , Geordie Sabbagh Productions
Marc Stephenson , Sheep Noir Films
New Zealand's participants
John Barnett , South Pacific Pictures
Tom Hern , Four Knights Film...
- 8/26/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The UK’s Isabelle Stead, Canada’s George Ayoub and Australia’s Kristian Moliere are among those selected for this year’s Producers Lab Toronto.
The24 producers from Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will participate in the fifth edition of the networking platform, which runs Sept 3-6 during the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 4-14).
Plt is targeted at producers who have had previous experience in working on international co-productions and now have projects in the pipeline that could be interesting for the international market.
European producers
The ten European producers were selected by European Film Promotion’s member organisations from previous participants of its Cannes-based initiative Producers on the Move. They include:
Human Films’ co-founder Isabelle Stead, who has played a key role in the new wave of Iraqi cinema by producing such award-winning films as Mohamed Al-Daradji’s Son Of Babylon and In The Sands Of Babylon. She is now...
The24 producers from Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will participate in the fifth edition of the networking platform, which runs Sept 3-6 during the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 4-14).
Plt is targeted at producers who have had previous experience in working on international co-productions and now have projects in the pipeline that could be interesting for the international market.
European producers
The ten European producers were selected by European Film Promotion’s member organisations from previous participants of its Cannes-based initiative Producers on the Move. They include:
Human Films’ co-founder Isabelle Stead, who has played a key role in the new wave of Iraqi cinema by producing such award-winning films as Mohamed Al-Daradji’s Son Of Babylon and In The Sands Of Babylon. She is now...
- 8/20/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
eOne’s boutique sales arm Seville International takes New Zealand hit drama.
Entertainment One’s boutique sales arm Séville International has acquired international rights to New Zealand drama The Dark Horse from Four Knights Film.
Writer/director James Napier Robertson’s drama charts the journey of a man facing adversity who passes on lessons to the children in his community.
The deal was negotiated by Tom Hern for Four Knights Film with eOne Films International President Harold van Lier for Séville International. The film was previously with Celluloid Dreams.
Cliff Curtis (Whale Rider, Training Day, Sunshine) stars alongside James Rolleston (Boy), Kirk Torrance and newcomer, Wayne Hapi.
Tom Hern produced the film for Four Knights Film with funding coming from the New Zealand Film Commission, Nz On Air and Arama Pictures, and financing from Fulcrum Finances. Timothy White and Cliff Curtis served as executive producers on the film, while James Napier Robertson and Jim Marbrook co-produced the film...
Entertainment One’s boutique sales arm Séville International has acquired international rights to New Zealand drama The Dark Horse from Four Knights Film.
Writer/director James Napier Robertson’s drama charts the journey of a man facing adversity who passes on lessons to the children in his community.
The deal was negotiated by Tom Hern for Four Knights Film with eOne Films International President Harold van Lier for Séville International. The film was previously with Celluloid Dreams.
Cliff Curtis (Whale Rider, Training Day, Sunshine) stars alongside James Rolleston (Boy), Kirk Torrance and newcomer, Wayne Hapi.
Tom Hern produced the film for Four Knights Film with funding coming from the New Zealand Film Commission, Nz On Air and Arama Pictures, and financing from Fulcrum Finances. Timothy White and Cliff Curtis served as executive producers on the film, while James Napier Robertson and Jim Marbrook co-produced the film...
- 8/18/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
The writers over at Quiet Earth continue to amaze this reviewer with unique and interesting content; their latest unearthing is the New Zealand shot Ice. This environmental disaster film from director Nick Copus ("The Dead Zone") and English writer James Follett (Quiet Earth) envisions a world in an another looming ice age. Oil supplies have collapsed and the "Greenland Glacier" (Quiet) is melting, with dire consequences for those living across the world. Hundreds of feet of snow cover every major land mass and the film asks: "what will you do, where will you go to survive?" (Ice).
The film is set in the year 2020 and production on this film has recently completed. The distribution company Power will help facilitate Ice's move to theatres and other platforms, but a release date has not been announced for North America. However, a glorious two minute trailer can be found on the film below.
The film is set in the year 2020 and production on this film has recently completed. The distribution company Power will help facilitate Ice's move to theatres and other platforms, but a release date has not been announced for North America. However, a glorious two minute trailer can be found on the film below.
- 10/29/2010
- by 28DaysLaterAnalysis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
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