Olivia Rodrigo, Charles Melton, and Past Lives star Greta Lee are among the winners honored on the 2024 Gold List, which highlights outstanding work by Asian Pacific creatives in film.
Voted on by members of the advocacy groups Gold House and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), the fourth-annual Gold List was released Wednesday, with the critically-acclaimed Past Lives leading the pack with four wins, including Best Picture, Best Director for Celine Song, and Best Performance in a Leading Role for Lee (the categories are not categorized by gender).
Melton...
Voted on by members of the advocacy groups Gold House and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), the fourth-annual Gold List was released Wednesday, with the critically-acclaimed Past Lives leading the pack with four wins, including Best Picture, Best Director for Celine Song, and Best Performance in a Leading Role for Lee (the categories are not categorized by gender).
Melton...
- 1/10/2024
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
Gold House and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) debuted the fourth annual Gold List to guide voters during the awards race by honoring the most outstanding work in film by Asian Pacific creatives in the past year, as voted on by the community’s industry leaders. Notable winners this year include Past Lives (including Celine Song and Greta Lee), May December’s Charles Melton, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Olivia Rodrigo, The Boy and the Heron, and a historic number of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander honorees.
Last year erased any doubt that films by and starring Asian Pacific creatives could achieve the pinnacles of commercial and critical success. According to Gold House’s research, 22% of films grossing over $100 million at the post-pandemic domestic box office featured an Asian Pacific director, screenwriter, or lead actor. 2023 Gold List winner Everything Everything All At Once broke records during the 2023 awards season...
Last year erased any doubt that films by and starring Asian Pacific creatives could achieve the pinnacles of commercial and critical success. According to Gold House’s research, 22% of films grossing over $100 million at the post-pandemic domestic box office featured an Asian Pacific director, screenwriter, or lead actor. 2023 Gold List winner Everything Everything All At Once broke records during the 2023 awards season...
- 1/10/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Gold House and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics) in Entertainment released the fourth annual Gold List, which spotlights outstanding work and talent within the Aapi community over the past 12 months.
“The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work — particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Jeremy Tran, executive director and chief operating officer of Gold House, said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production, and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” leads the list which is voted on by the community’s industry leaders and used to guide voters during awards season. It received a nod for best picture, director and original screenplay for Song and performance in a leading role for Greta Lee. Teo Yoo...
“The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work — particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Jeremy Tran, executive director and chief operating officer of Gold House, said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production, and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” leads the list which is voted on by the community’s industry leaders and used to guide voters during awards season. It received a nod for best picture, director and original screenplay for Song and performance in a leading role for Greta Lee. Teo Yoo...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
After last awards season’s banner haul for artists of Asian descent, Gold House and Cape are hoping the community will strike gold again.
The two leading Asian Pacific nonprofits in the entertainment industry have revealed the results of their fourth annual Gold List, which draws attention to the top Api hopefuls in the awards race. “The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work – particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Gold House executive director and COO Jeremy Tran said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s Past Lives tops the Gold List with four selections, plus an honorable mention, while May December’s Charles Melton, The Boy and the Heron...
The two leading Asian Pacific nonprofits in the entertainment industry have revealed the results of their fourth annual Gold List, which draws attention to the top Api hopefuls in the awards race. “The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work – particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Gold House executive director and COO Jeremy Tran said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s Past Lives tops the Gold List with four selections, plus an honorable mention, while May December’s Charles Melton, The Boy and the Heron...
- 1/10/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The African American Film Critics Association and the Grammy Museum on Monday unveiled a yearlong collaborative program to spotlight the intersectionality between music and content created for film, television and multimedia platforms. The initiative will be held at the Grammy Museum’s state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Los Angeles at LA Live, designed to celebrate the fusion of music and storytelling.
The program event will offer live musical performances, panel discussions, educational clinics and Ted Talk-style lectures, bringing together luminaries and entertainment, advertising and marketing experts. The goal is to raise awareness of music’s pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence audiences worldwide.
“So many people are unaware of the role that music plays in so many of the things that we see and do each day,” Aafca co-founder Gil Robertson said. “Through our partnership with the Grammy Museum, our goal is to highlight how music functions to...
The program event will offer live musical performances, panel discussions, educational clinics and Ted Talk-style lectures, bringing together luminaries and entertainment, advertising and marketing experts. The goal is to raise awareness of music’s pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence audiences worldwide.
“So many people are unaware of the role that music plays in so many of the things that we see and do each day,” Aafca co-founder Gil Robertson said. “Through our partnership with the Grammy Museum, our goal is to highlight how music functions to...
- 1/8/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
“What was interesting to me beyond what I knew of Ms. Wilkerson being just this incredible writer was this idea of caste,” shares “Origin” actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, “and her reintroducing it to us as Americans as a new language for us to consider social divisions in this country. And that was exciting to me.” Watch our exclusive video interview with Ellis-Taylor above.
Written and directed by Ava DuVernay, “Origin” tells the story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson (played by Ellis-Taylor), who wrote the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” about the ways in which social hierarchies and oppressions around the world are about more than racial prejudice. They’re really caste systems, from the traditional Indian caste system to the persecution of the Jews during the Holocaust to the subjugation of African-Americans in the US.
See‘Origin’ songwriter Stan Walker on composing and performing ‘I Am...
Written and directed by Ava DuVernay, “Origin” tells the story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson (played by Ellis-Taylor), who wrote the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” about the ways in which social hierarchies and oppressions around the world are about more than racial prejudice. They’re really caste systems, from the traditional Indian caste system to the persecution of the Jews during the Holocaust to the subjugation of African-Americans in the US.
See‘Origin’ songwriter Stan Walker on composing and performing ‘I Am...
- 12/19/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Candy Cane Lane, Origin, Wif Honors and Family Switch.
Renaissance premiere
Beyoncé brought her Renaissance concert film to the big screen on Saturday night with its Los Angeles premiere, attended by a starry list of guests.
Simone Joy Jones, Coco Jones, Gabrielle Union and Tia Mowry Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey Tina Knowles and Tyler Perry
Candy Cane Lane premiere
Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede and Chris Redd attended the Los Angeles premiere of their Amazon Christmas movie on Tuesday.
Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross Eddie Murphy with Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, and Mike Hopkins, senior vp Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios and Freevee.
Family Switch premiere
Director McG, star and producer Jennifer Garner and co-stars Ed Helms,...
Renaissance premiere
Beyoncé brought her Renaissance concert film to the big screen on Saturday night with its Los Angeles premiere, attended by a starry list of guests.
Simone Joy Jones, Coco Jones, Gabrielle Union and Tia Mowry Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey Tina Knowles and Tyler Perry
Candy Cane Lane premiere
Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede and Chris Redd attended the Los Angeles premiere of their Amazon Christmas movie on Tuesday.
Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross Eddie Murphy with Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, and Mike Hopkins, senior vp Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios and Freevee.
Family Switch premiere
Director McG, star and producer Jennifer Garner and co-stars Ed Helms,...
- 12/1/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is set to dominate the original song race. Oscar voters will likely pick all three contenders from the blockbuster for the original song shortlist: Billie Eilish’s tear-inducing ballad “What Was I Made For,” Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and Ryan Gosling’s pitiful song of feeling inadequate “I’m Just Ken.”
Mark Ronson and songwriting partner Andrew Wyatt wrote the latter two, while Eilish partnered with brother Finneas on her tune. However, with only two nominations allowed in this category, it will be left to the music branch to decide which two they pick.
Lenny Kravitz eyes a spot on the list with “Road to Freedom,” a song he penned for George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin.” The soulful song’s horns and trombones are key to this composition, which accompanies the film’s end credits.
Disney seeks to snag nominations for the original songs...
Mark Ronson and songwriting partner Andrew Wyatt wrote the latter two, while Eilish partnered with brother Finneas on her tune. However, with only two nominations allowed in this category, it will be left to the music branch to decide which two they pick.
Lenny Kravitz eyes a spot on the list with “Road to Freedom,” a song he penned for George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin.” The soulful song’s horns and trombones are key to this composition, which accompanies the film’s end credits.
Disney seeks to snag nominations for the original songs...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
With a few weeks to go until the original song for Oscars shortlist is released, Aotearoa, New Zealand-based Māori Artist Stan Walker has released the video for the haunting original song created for Ava DuVernay‘s searing drama “Origin,”
“This summer, I was talking with my producing partner Paul Garnes about wanting something unexpected for an original song to end our film, ‘Origin.’ The next day, he showed me Stan’s ‘Ultralight Beam’ interpretation and I watched it four times, back to back. I jumped online and blessedly, we had a producer pal of mine, Chelsea Winstanley in common. I DMed Chelsea, and 24 hours later I was on the phone with Stan Walker,” DuVernay said.
Inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,” the film boasts an all-star cast including Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), Jon Bernthal and Niecy Nash-Betts.
The film...
“This summer, I was talking with my producing partner Paul Garnes about wanting something unexpected for an original song to end our film, ‘Origin.’ The next day, he showed me Stan’s ‘Ultralight Beam’ interpretation and I watched it four times, back to back. I jumped online and blessedly, we had a producer pal of mine, Chelsea Winstanley in common. I DMed Chelsea, and 24 hours later I was on the phone with Stan Walker,” DuVernay said.
Inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,” the film boasts an all-star cast including Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), Jon Bernthal and Niecy Nash-Betts.
The film...
- 11/27/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Music in Media Awards (Hmma) today announced the 2023 nominees for scores and songs in film and other visual media categories. The awards will be presented Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. (Pst) at The Avalon, 1735 Vine Street, in Hollywood, CA.
Song nominees include Oscar-winners Billie Eilish and Finneas for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro for “Can’t Catch Me Now” from Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes. Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lenny Kravitz, Diane Warren, Metro Boomin, and A$AP Rocky also received nods for their original songs in films.
Composers nominated include Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Laura Karpman, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Daniel Pemberton, John Powell, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Robbie Robertson, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, Hans Zimmer (The Creator), among many others.
Films nominated in score, song, onscreen performance, and in...
Song nominees include Oscar-winners Billie Eilish and Finneas for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro for “Can’t Catch Me Now” from Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes. Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lenny Kravitz, Diane Warren, Metro Boomin, and A$AP Rocky also received nods for their original songs in films.
Composers nominated include Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Laura Karpman, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Daniel Pemberton, John Powell, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Robbie Robertson, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, Hans Zimmer (The Creator), among many others.
Films nominated in score, song, onscreen performance, and in...
- 11/2/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Ava DuVernay’s moving drama “Origin,” which tells the story of author Isabel Wilkerson’s journey to write her famous nonfiction novel “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,” is the latest film to be making the switch from an adapted screenplay run, to original. Deemed an original screenplay by the Writers Guild of America, the announcement comes after Variety reported “Barbie” from Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach and “The Bikeriders” by Jeff Nichols, were also deemed original by the WGA. In addition to the aforementioned films, DuVernay’s script will also compete for one of the five coveted Oscar slots against other top-tier contenders such as “The Holdovers” from David Hemingson and “Past Lives” from Celine Song.
“Origin” boasts an all-star cast including Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), Jon Bernthal and Niecy Nash-Betts.
The original designation will stick for the crucial WGA Awards precursors in January, but when it comes to the Academy,...
“Origin” boasts an all-star cast including Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), Jon Bernthal and Niecy Nash-Betts.
The original designation will stick for the crucial WGA Awards precursors in January, but when it comes to the Academy,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s latest drama “Origin” has added an original song to its Oscar prospects.
New Zealand Māori artist Stan Walker performed the new song, “I Am,” at a private film screening at the Edition Hotel in West Hollywood on Wednesday. He also co-wrote the track with Michael Fatkin, Vince Harder and Te Kanapu Anasta. The song enters a competitive race of Oscar hopefuls from movies such as “Barbie” and “Trolls Band Together.”
Walker would make history as the second Indigenous person, and the first Indigenous man, nominated for original song. Buffy Sainte-Marie became the first Indigenous person ever to win an Academy Award in 1982 for the song “Up Where We Belong” from “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Aside from Sainte-Marie, the only Indigenous Oscar winner in 95 years is Taika Waititi, who took home the adapted screenplay prize for “Jojo Rabbit” (2019).
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
New Zealand Māori artist Stan Walker performed the new song, “I Am,” at a private film screening at the Edition Hotel in West Hollywood on Wednesday. He also co-wrote the track with Michael Fatkin, Vince Harder and Te Kanapu Anasta. The song enters a competitive race of Oscar hopefuls from movies such as “Barbie” and “Trolls Band Together.”
Walker would make history as the second Indigenous person, and the first Indigenous man, nominated for original song. Buffy Sainte-Marie became the first Indigenous person ever to win an Academy Award in 1982 for the song “Up Where We Belong” from “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Aside from Sainte-Marie, the only Indigenous Oscar winner in 95 years is Taika Waititi, who took home the adapted screenplay prize for “Jojo Rabbit” (2019).
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
- 10/19/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome back to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast, I am your host Valerie Complex — assistant editor and film writer at Deadline. Had some technical difficulties so that’s why this latest episode didn’t publish Tuesday, but it’s a new day, and here we are.
On today’s episode, I chat with native New Zealanders actor Cliff Curtis and director Tearapa Kahi about the new film Muru, which had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this year. In the discussion, Curtis and Kahi talk about the incident that inspired Muru, police brutality within the Maori community, and their personal encounters with the police.
Inspired by actual events, Muru is the powerful story of local Police Sergeant “Taffy” Tāwharau who recently returned home to the remote Ruatoki valley to look after his sick father.
Taffy’s father’s close associate, Tame Iti, runs a series of boot camps in the...
On today’s episode, I chat with native New Zealanders actor Cliff Curtis and director Tearapa Kahi about the new film Muru, which had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this year. In the discussion, Curtis and Kahi talk about the incident that inspired Muru, police brutality within the Maori community, and their personal encounters with the police.
Inspired by actual events, Muru is the powerful story of local Police Sergeant “Taffy” Tāwharau who recently returned home to the remote Ruatoki valley to look after his sick father.
Taffy’s father’s close associate, Tame Iti, runs a series of boot camps in the...
- 10/5/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
"Tell me who it was!" Ace Entertainment and Ascendant Releasing have debuted an official trailer for the indie action film The Stolen, starring Alice Eve as a woman who goes off on her own dangerous adventure to find and save her kidnapped child. Set in the 1800s in New Zealand, Eve stars as the wife of a farmer who is murdered. She's then forced to join a convoy of ex-convicts, whores, hustlers and a native Maori warrior heading for the rough mining town of Gold Town, where she hopes to find her son and bring him home. The film's full cast includes Jack Davenport, Graham McTavish, Richard O'Brien, Stan Walker, Cohen Holloway, Glen Levy, Gillian MacGregor, and Stig Eldred. This doesn't look so bad, but it also just doesn't look good either. Alice Eve tries so hard but just isn't a great actress, and the rest looks forgettable. Here's the...
- 3/7/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
To help sift through the increasing number of new releases (independent or otherwise), the Weekly Film Guide is here! Below you’ll find basic plot, personnel and cinema information for all of this week’s fresh offerings.
Starting this month, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list here, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.
See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for June 2016
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, June 24. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.
Wide
Free State of Jones
Director: Gary Ross
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Keri Russell, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Jacob Lofland
Synopsis: “In Jones County, Miss., Newt Knight joins forces with other farmers and a group of slaves to lead a rebellion against the Confederacy.”
Independence Day: Resurgence...
Starting this month, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list here, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.
See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for June 2016
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, June 24. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.
Wide
Free State of Jones
Director: Gary Ross
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Keri Russell, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Jacob Lofland
Synopsis: “In Jones County, Miss., Newt Knight joins forces with other farmers and a group of slaves to lead a rebellion against the Confederacy.”
Independence Day: Resurgence...
- 6/24/2016
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Throughout his short and blistering career, Taika Waititi has served up quirky indie romance in Eagle Vs. Shark and cast blinding light on a house filled with vampires in the really rather excellent horror comedy, What We Do In The Shadows.
It’s enough to give ardent Marvelites a tease of what’s to come, too, considering that the New Zealand filmmaker is set to helm next year’s Thor: Raganrok. But before whisking moviegoers back to the decadent halls of Asgard, Waititi is on the verge of releasing a much more intimate adventure in Hunt For the Wilderpeople.
Lifting inspiration from Barry Crump’s acclaimed 1995 adventure novel Wild Pork And Watercressa, Hunt for the Wilderpeople places Sam Neill in the shoes of Hec, a grizzled and curmudgeonly foster uncle who reluctantly agrees to take care of Ricky, a stubborn city kid (Julian Dennison). As an unlikely pair of not-so-happy campers,...
It’s enough to give ardent Marvelites a tease of what’s to come, too, considering that the New Zealand filmmaker is set to helm next year’s Thor: Raganrok. But before whisking moviegoers back to the decadent halls of Asgard, Waititi is on the verge of releasing a much more intimate adventure in Hunt For the Wilderpeople.
Lifting inspiration from Barry Crump’s acclaimed 1995 adventure novel Wild Pork And Watercressa, Hunt for the Wilderpeople places Sam Neill in the shoes of Hec, a grizzled and curmudgeonly foster uncle who reluctantly agrees to take care of Ricky, a stubborn city kid (Julian Dennison). As an unlikely pair of not-so-happy campers,...
- 4/28/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
After premiering at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, thankfully one doesn’t have to wait long for Taika Waititi‘s What We Do in the Shadows follow-up Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Set for a U.S. release in June, the film features an unlikely pair (Sam Neill and newcomer Julian Dennison) as they’re on the run from the government following a misunderstanding. Today we now have a thrilling new trailer for the adventure comedy, one of our summer must-sees.
We said in our review, “If one imagines a real-life version of Up with a bit of Thelma & Louise thrown in, they get Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi‘s charming on-the-run adventure comedy. Based on Barry Crump’s book “Wild Pork And Watercress,” the story follows Ricky (Julian Dennison) as a rambunctious foster child on his last straw before juvenile prison. An expert in stealing, graffiti, kicking things,...
We said in our review, “If one imagines a real-life version of Up with a bit of Thelma & Louise thrown in, they get Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi‘s charming on-the-run adventure comedy. Based on Barry Crump’s book “Wild Pork And Watercress,” the story follows Ricky (Julian Dennison) as a rambunctious foster child on his last straw before juvenile prison. An expert in stealing, graffiti, kicking things,...
- 4/27/2016
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
During downtime between gothic hit What We Do in the Shadows and his first foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with next year’s Thor: Ragnarok, director Taika Waititi carved out time to direct an atypical adventure film in the form of Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Premiering at Sundance to rave reviews, today heralds the arrival of the film’s first full trailer, and it’s one that places a laser focus on Sam Neill and Julian Dennison’s unlikely duo. Neill, sporting a beard and a gruff attitude, takes point as Nec, the curmudgeonly foster uncle that is left caring for Dennison’s unruly young city kid.
One major misunderstanding later and Dennison and Neill’s mismatched twosome are off on the run from government officials.
Hunter for the Wilderpeople will be based on Barry Crump’s acclaimed adventure novel, Wild Pork And Watercress. First published in 1995, Crump’s...
Premiering at Sundance to rave reviews, today heralds the arrival of the film’s first full trailer, and it’s one that places a laser focus on Sam Neill and Julian Dennison’s unlikely duo. Neill, sporting a beard and a gruff attitude, takes point as Nec, the curmudgeonly foster uncle that is left caring for Dennison’s unruly young city kid.
One major misunderstanding later and Dennison and Neill’s mismatched twosome are off on the run from government officials.
Hunter for the Wilderpeople will be based on Barry Crump’s acclaimed adventure novel, Wild Pork And Watercress. First published in 1995, Crump’s...
- 2/19/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
He helped direct one of last year’s funniest films with What We Do in the Shadows and now before Taika Waititi takes on Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, he snuck in another feature. Hunt for the Wilderpeople features an unlikely pair (Sam Neill and newcomer Julian Dennison) as they’re on the run from the government following a misunderstanding. Premiering at Sundance to strong reviews, including our own, the first full trailer hailing from New Zealand, has now landed.
I said in my review, “If one imagines a real-life version of Up with a bit of Thelma & Louise thrown in, they get Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi‘s charming on-the-run adventure comedy. Based on Barry Crump’s book “Wild Pork And Watercress,” the story follows Ricky (Julian Dennison) as a rambunctious foster child on his last straw before juvenile prison. An expert in stealing, graffiti, kicking things, and many more offenses,...
I said in my review, “If one imagines a real-life version of Up with a bit of Thelma & Louise thrown in, they get Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi‘s charming on-the-run adventure comedy. Based on Barry Crump’s book “Wild Pork And Watercress,” the story follows Ricky (Julian Dennison) as a rambunctious foster child on his last straw before juvenile prison. An expert in stealing, graffiti, kicking things, and many more offenses,...
- 2/19/2016
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Multiple territory deals have been closed for Tammy Davis’ film, which will premiere in Berlin’s Generation 14plus strand.
Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group has closed a raft of sales on Born To Dance ahead of its European premiere in Generation 14plus on Saturday led by a Us deal with FilmBuff.
Capelight Films will distribute in Germany, Family Films in France, H.G.C. Entertainment in China and Front Row in the Middle East.
Elsewhere, deals on the film, choreographed by Parris Goebel who heads the world champion hip-hop dance crew ReQuest and has masterminded routines for Justin Bieber and Janet Jackson, have closed in South Korea (Thanks And Love), the Philippines (Captive Entertainment), and India (Picture Works).
Mvp will distribute in Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, while Captive Entertainment has also acquired international airline rights.
FilmBuff plans a Us theatrical release this spring before an exclusive Svod run for Born To Dance, which premiered...
Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group has closed a raft of sales on Born To Dance ahead of its European premiere in Generation 14plus on Saturday led by a Us deal with FilmBuff.
Capelight Films will distribute in Germany, Family Films in France, H.G.C. Entertainment in China and Front Row in the Middle East.
Elsewhere, deals on the film, choreographed by Parris Goebel who heads the world champion hip-hop dance crew ReQuest and has masterminded routines for Justin Bieber and Janet Jackson, have closed in South Korea (Thanks And Love), the Philippines (Captive Entertainment), and India (Picture Works).
Mvp will distribute in Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, while Captive Entertainment has also acquired international airline rights.
FilmBuff plans a Us theatrical release this spring before an exclusive Svod run for Born To Dance, which premiered...
- 2/11/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Simply put, the SXSW Film, Music and Interactive Festival is one of the biggest, most prestigious events in the media calendar. Taking place annually in Austin, Texas, it is beloved by film fans and filmmakers from all over the world, and has reached such heights by building a reputation for showcasing excellent content. This results in a high level of competition, with the Narrative Feature category alone having received 1442 submissions this year, and the documentary feature category having received 1,013.
The 2016 event looks to be particularly exciting, with many world premieres and feature debuts already announced. The Narrative Feature category will include Julia Hart’s Miss Stevens, Debra Eisenstadt’s Before The Sun Explodes, Joey Klein’s The Other Half, and Musa Syeed’s A Stray, among others, while the Headliner category will feature Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some.
The Narrative Spotlight category includes 9 Rides by Matthew A. Cherry; The Waiting...
The 2016 event looks to be particularly exciting, with many world premieres and feature debuts already announced. The Narrative Feature category will include Julia Hart’s Miss Stevens, Debra Eisenstadt’s Before The Sun Explodes, Joey Klein’s The Other Half, and Musa Syeed’s A Stray, among others, while the Headliner category will feature Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some.
The Narrative Spotlight category includes 9 Rides by Matthew A. Cherry; The Waiting...
- 2/10/2016
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
Taika Waititi‘s connection with the Sundance Film Festival has been a longstanding one. His constantly evolving funny bone swagger (aided and abetted alongside muse Jemaine Clement) is a key reason why this important has been a constant presence in Park City. Waititi has participated in the Institute’s many labs and in terms of film has supplied the fest with shorts Two Cars, One Night (2004) and Tama Tu (2005), and features Eagle vs. Shark (2007), Boy (2010) and What We Do in the Shadows (2014). Before his big move to studio features (Thor: Ragnarok is lined up next) the kiwi finally broke bread on the book adaption of a project that was first announced back in 2009. Starring Sam Neill , Julian Dennison, Stan Walker and Rhys Darby, filming took place this summer on Hunt for the Wilderpeople and depending on the budget size could have already have their tents packed or have a longer ways to go in post.
- 11/24/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Tiff’15 Official Selection, "Born to Dance," had its theatrical opening last weekend in New Zealand by Vendetta Films grossing Us$159,410 for the number 2 spot at the box-office, while "The Intern" got Us$136,126 for its opening weekend in New Zealand at number 3.
The stellar showing lands "Born to Dance" right behind "Everest," in its second week in Nz.
Similar dance phenomenon pic, "Step Up All In" made Us$162,162 in Nz on its opening weekend in 2014 and went on to garner a Us domestic total gross of over Us$14million and Us$86million worldwide.
Cinema Management Group (Cmg) is handling "Born to Dance" for worldwide sales and is coming off a good Toronto where it licensed the film in a number of international territories. U.S. rights are still available.
"Born to Dance," directed by Tammy Davis, starring Tia-Taharoa Maipi, Stan Walker and Kherington Payne, premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. Picture is choreographed by 8 time Hip Hop International champion and one of Janet Jackson’s "Unbreakable" tour choreographers, Parris Goebel.
"Born to Dance" is the story of Tu Kaea (champion hip hop dancer Tia Maipi) who has the chance to audition for K-Crew, the best hip hop crew in the country, but he has to go behind the backs of his home crew and his best friend Benjy (Stan Walker: Mt Zion, The X Factor Nz). Things get even more complicated when he starts falling for Sasha (Kherington Payne: Fame, The Dance Scene), the girlfriend of K-Crew’s leader. When Tu’s old crew and new crew clash, he has to make a decision that will change his life forever. Caught between who he is and who he wants to be, Tu must find the strength to make his own breaks.
The stellar showing lands "Born to Dance" right behind "Everest," in its second week in Nz.
Similar dance phenomenon pic, "Step Up All In" made Us$162,162 in Nz on its opening weekend in 2014 and went on to garner a Us domestic total gross of over Us$14million and Us$86million worldwide.
Cinema Management Group (Cmg) is handling "Born to Dance" for worldwide sales and is coming off a good Toronto where it licensed the film in a number of international territories. U.S. rights are still available.
"Born to Dance," directed by Tammy Davis, starring Tia-Taharoa Maipi, Stan Walker and Kherington Payne, premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. Picture is choreographed by 8 time Hip Hop International champion and one of Janet Jackson’s "Unbreakable" tour choreographers, Parris Goebel.
"Born to Dance" is the story of Tu Kaea (champion hip hop dancer Tia Maipi) who has the chance to audition for K-Crew, the best hip hop crew in the country, but he has to go behind the backs of his home crew and his best friend Benjy (Stan Walker: Mt Zion, The X Factor Nz). Things get even more complicated when he starts falling for Sasha (Kherington Payne: Fame, The Dance Scene), the girlfriend of K-Crew’s leader. When Tu’s old crew and new crew clash, he has to make a decision that will change his life forever. Caught between who he is and who he wants to be, Tu must find the strength to make his own breaks.
- 10/3/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
I'll be honest, I didn't quite expect the extent of the excitement in response to our exclusive clip from "Born To Dance," the New Zealand dance movie that's making its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It seems there is some buzz brewing around the film, and here's another opportunity to check it out with the new trailer that just landed. Much of the chatter with the picture has to do with world-renowned choreographer Parris Goebel, who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, and Cirque Du Soleil, among others, and put together all the hot moves on display in this film directed by Tammy Davis. The filmmaker enlists Tia-Taharoa Maipi, Stan Walker, and Kherington Payne to tell the story of Maori teen at a crossroads in his life. He decides to risk it all and pursue a career in dance, and faces resistance from his father, while...
- 8/28/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
While Hollywood has got the dance formula down cold, New Zealand actor/filmmaker Tammy Davis is bringing his own unique flavor to the genre. He's heading to the Toronto International Film Festival next month for the World Premiere of "Born To Dance," and today we've got an exclusive clip from the movie. Read More: Podcast: Talking The 2015 Toronto International Film Festival Lineup Starring Tia-Taharoa Maipi, Stan Walker and Kherington Payne, the film follows Tu, a Maori teen who is invited to audition for the K-Crew dance team. But faced with a father who wants him to enlist in the army, a job at a recycling plant that's in jeopardy, plus a budding relationship with the K-Crew captain's girl, the stakes are high as Tu tries to navigate his future. In this scene below, you can catch the energy that makes the prospect of dancing so enticing, and if you're particularly impressed by the moves,...
- 8/25/2015
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Natalia Kills has once again addressed her and husband Willy Moon's highly-publicised firing from New Zealand's X Factor.
The couple were roundly condemned and then dropped by the series when their harsh criticism of contestant Joe Irvine went viral last weekend.
From Simon Cowell to Natalia Kills, are these TV's cruelest talent show judges?
12 fast facts about Natalia Kills: Sitcom actress, Mc and friend of Madonna
"As an artist who respects creative integrity and intellectual property, I am disgusted at how much you have copied my husband," she told Irvine on last weekend's show.
Kills initially responded to her exit from the show along with Moon earlier this week, claiming that "there are many sides to this story" and wishing Irvine well.
The singer has since had a written exchange with Billboard in which she made allegations that reality television producers frequently stage events to boost ratings.
"Obviously...
The couple were roundly condemned and then dropped by the series when their harsh criticism of contestant Joe Irvine went viral last weekend.
From Simon Cowell to Natalia Kills, are these TV's cruelest talent show judges?
12 fast facts about Natalia Kills: Sitcom actress, Mc and friend of Madonna
"As an artist who respects creative integrity and intellectual property, I am disgusted at how much you have copied my husband," she told Irvine on last weekend's show.
Kills initially responded to her exit from the show along with Moon earlier this week, claiming that "there are many sides to this story" and wishing Irvine well.
The singer has since had a written exchange with Billboard in which she made allegations that reality television producers frequently stage events to boost ratings.
"Obviously...
- 3/19/2015
- Digital Spy
Footage of Natalia Kills and Willy Moon shocked TV viewers this week - and not just because we discovered where former All Saints star Melanie Blatt is now.
No, Kills and Moon were both fired as judges on X Factor New Zealand after launching a vicious tirade at a wannabe singer, labelling his performance "disgusting" and "absolutely artistically atrocious".
They're not the first ones to completely insult the contestants standing in front of them. It's just that this lot - somehow - got away with it…
1. Gordon Heuckeroth on Holland's Got Talent
In one of the most shocking things we've ever seen on television, Holland's Got Talent judge Gordon Heuckeroth spouted some horrific racial drivel to contestant Xiao Wang during the 2013 edition of the programme.
"Which number are you singing?," he said, moments before Xiao began his performance. "No 39 with rice?"
Even Gordon's fellow judges challenged him on the comment...
No, Kills and Moon were both fired as judges on X Factor New Zealand after launching a vicious tirade at a wannabe singer, labelling his performance "disgusting" and "absolutely artistically atrocious".
They're not the first ones to completely insult the contestants standing in front of them. It's just that this lot - somehow - got away with it…
1. Gordon Heuckeroth on Holland's Got Talent
In one of the most shocking things we've ever seen on television, Holland's Got Talent judge Gordon Heuckeroth spouted some horrific racial drivel to contestant Xiao Wang during the 2013 edition of the programme.
"Which number are you singing?," he said, moments before Xiao began his performance. "No 39 with rice?"
Even Gordon's fellow judges challenged him on the comment...
- 3/17/2015
- Digital Spy
Natalia Kills and Willy Moon have both been fired from The X Factor Nz, following harsh criticism of a contestant.
Kills, who appeared on the singing competition's judging panel alongside her husband, took offence to contestant Joe Irvine's live performance and called it "disgusting" and "absolutely artistically atrocious".
The show's New Zealand producer MediaWorks described the pair's comments as "unacceptable" and they have left The X Factor Nz "effective immediately".
"Last night on X Factor both Kills and Moon made comments that were completely unacceptable," chief executive Mark Weldon explained.
"While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges.
"Contestants put their all into this competition and they should expect to receive feedback and criticism that is professional and constructive.
"We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people...
Kills, who appeared on the singing competition's judging panel alongside her husband, took offence to contestant Joe Irvine's live performance and called it "disgusting" and "absolutely artistically atrocious".
The show's New Zealand producer MediaWorks described the pair's comments as "unacceptable" and they have left The X Factor Nz "effective immediately".
"Last night on X Factor both Kills and Moon made comments that were completely unacceptable," chief executive Mark Weldon explained.
"While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges.
"Contestants put their all into this competition and they should expect to receive feedback and criticism that is professional and constructive.
"We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people...
- 3/16/2015
- Digital Spy
Leading sales agent Cinema Management Group (Cmg) has announced that "Born To Dance," a fresh take on the hip hop dance genre, began shooting on Monday in Auckland, New Zealand.
The feature is choreographed by eight-time World Hip Hop Championships winner Parris Goebel, a faculty member of Monsters of Hip Hop, and recent star in her own right of "Step Up All In."
U.S. bombshell Kherington Payne plays Sasha, the female lead in the multi-million dollar feature. Kherington was propelled to fame with her top ten placing in the hit Us reality show So You Think You Can Dance, which led to a principal role as Alice in the 2009 remake of feature film "Fame." She was also the lead in E! Networks docu-drama The Dance Scene, and was a principal dancer for Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream tour.
"Born To Dance" is a coming of age tale told through the eyes of ‘Tu’, an ambitious young man from Auckland who dreams of being a professional hip hop dancer. When he is invited to audition for the best crew in the country, and meets their leading lady Sasha, his dreams begin to turn to reality.
Australasian superstar Stan Walker will play the role of Benjy, Tu’s best friend. Walker shot to fame when he won the first season of Australian Idol and has since cemented his stardom with multiple platinum albums, appearing as a judge on The X Factor New Zealand, and a leading role in the 2013 feature film "Mt Zion."
Tammy Davis will direct, following from his award-winning shorts "Ebony Society" and "Sonny, My Older Brother." New discovery Tia Maipi, a member of world championship hip hop crew The Royal Family, will take on his first major acting role playing Tu.
Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post are the post-production partner, while Vendetta Films will distribute in Aus/Nz. Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group begin world sales at the upcoming Afm. Noeltner says:
“We are very excited to be selling this high energy, exotic and incredibly choreographed film to the buyers at Afm. We are confident this will pick up where the Step Up franchise left off, and we see this as the next international music and dance sensation with terrific worldwide box office potential.”
About Cmg
Cmg, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has firmly established itself as one of the leading international sales companies. Recent successes include the 3D animated feature "Zambezia,"which saw its international box office climb to over Usd $37million. Other properties handled by Cmg which have had #1 openings internationally include "Khumba" and this holiday season’s 3D animated feature "Saving Santa." For more information, visit www.cinemamanagementgroup.com...
The feature is choreographed by eight-time World Hip Hop Championships winner Parris Goebel, a faculty member of Monsters of Hip Hop, and recent star in her own right of "Step Up All In."
U.S. bombshell Kherington Payne plays Sasha, the female lead in the multi-million dollar feature. Kherington was propelled to fame with her top ten placing in the hit Us reality show So You Think You Can Dance, which led to a principal role as Alice in the 2009 remake of feature film "Fame." She was also the lead in E! Networks docu-drama The Dance Scene, and was a principal dancer for Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream tour.
"Born To Dance" is a coming of age tale told through the eyes of ‘Tu’, an ambitious young man from Auckland who dreams of being a professional hip hop dancer. When he is invited to audition for the best crew in the country, and meets their leading lady Sasha, his dreams begin to turn to reality.
Australasian superstar Stan Walker will play the role of Benjy, Tu’s best friend. Walker shot to fame when he won the first season of Australian Idol and has since cemented his stardom with multiple platinum albums, appearing as a judge on The X Factor New Zealand, and a leading role in the 2013 feature film "Mt Zion."
Tammy Davis will direct, following from his award-winning shorts "Ebony Society" and "Sonny, My Older Brother." New discovery Tia Maipi, a member of world championship hip hop crew The Royal Family, will take on his first major acting role playing Tu.
Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post are the post-production partner, while Vendetta Films will distribute in Aus/Nz. Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group begin world sales at the upcoming Afm. Noeltner says:
“We are very excited to be selling this high energy, exotic and incredibly choreographed film to the buyers at Afm. We are confident this will pick up where the Step Up franchise left off, and we see this as the next international music and dance sensation with terrific worldwide box office potential.”
About Cmg
Cmg, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has firmly established itself as one of the leading international sales companies. Recent successes include the 3D animated feature "Zambezia,"which saw its international box office climb to over Usd $37million. Other properties handled by Cmg which have had #1 openings internationally include "Khumba" and this holiday season’s 3D animated feature "Saving Santa." For more information, visit www.cinemamanagementgroup.com...
- 10/14/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Production has begun in Auckland on the dance feature that Beverly Hills-based Cinema Management Group (Cmg) will introduce to world buyers at the Afm.
Eight-time World Hip Hop Championships winner Parris Goebel serves as choreographer on the coming-of-age tale about an aspiring hip hop dancer who is invited to audition for the best crew in the country.
Film newcomer Tia Maipi, a member of world championship hip hop crew The Royal Family, will play the lead.
Kherington Payne from the Us plays female lead Sasha and herself starred in the reality show So You Think You Can Dance and was a principal dancer for Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream tour.
Australian Idol winner Stan Walker will play the role of the lead’s best friend.
Tammy Davis will direct and Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post serves as post-production partner. Vendetta Films will distribute in Australia and New Zealand.
“We are very excited to be selling this high-energy...
Eight-time World Hip Hop Championships winner Parris Goebel serves as choreographer on the coming-of-age tale about an aspiring hip hop dancer who is invited to audition for the best crew in the country.
Film newcomer Tia Maipi, a member of world championship hip hop crew The Royal Family, will play the lead.
Kherington Payne from the Us plays female lead Sasha and herself starred in the reality show So You Think You Can Dance and was a principal dancer for Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream tour.
Australian Idol winner Stan Walker will play the role of the lead’s best friend.
Tammy Davis will direct and Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post serves as post-production partner. Vendetta Films will distribute in Australia and New Zealand.
“We are very excited to be selling this high-energy...
- 10/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
All Saints singer Melanie Blatt has been announced as a judge on The X Factor New Zealand.
The 'TwentyFourSeven' star joins fellow UK singer Daniel Bedingfield and will relocate to New Zealand with her daughter for the duration of the competition.
© Matt Crossick/Empics Entertainment
© Pa Images / Marta Ovod/AP
Australian Idol winner Stan Walker and Kiwi singer-songwriter Ruby Frost complete the judging panel for the first season of the TV3 show.
Blatt said: "I can't wait to see what kind of artists and voices we are going to find in New Zealand. I'm sure there is a wealth of untapped talent waiting to be found and nurtured.
"I also cannot wait to discover New Zealand properly. My daughter is a huge Lord of the Rings fan. We are beyond excited about living there for a bit."
Co-executive producer Andrew Szusterman added: "Between them Mel and Daniel have sold over 14 million albums worldwide.
The 'TwentyFourSeven' star joins fellow UK singer Daniel Bedingfield and will relocate to New Zealand with her daughter for the duration of the competition.
© Matt Crossick/Empics Entertainment
© Pa Images / Marta Ovod/AP
Australian Idol winner Stan Walker and Kiwi singer-songwriter Ruby Frost complete the judging panel for the first season of the TV3 show.
Blatt said: "I can't wait to see what kind of artists and voices we are going to find in New Zealand. I'm sure there is a wealth of untapped talent waiting to be found and nurtured.
"I also cannot wait to discover New Zealand properly. My daughter is a huge Lord of the Rings fan. We are beyond excited about living there for a bit."
Co-executive producer Andrew Szusterman added: "Between them Mel and Daniel have sold over 14 million albums worldwide.
- 1/30/2013
- Digital Spy
All Saints singer Melanie Blatt has been announced as a judge on The X Factor New Zealand. The 'TwentyFourSeven' star joins fellow UK singer Daniel Bedingfield and will relocate to New Zealand with her daughter for the duration of the competition. Australian Idol winner Stan Walker and Kiwi singer-songwriter Ruby Frost complete the judging panel for the first season of the TV3 show. Blatt said: "I can't wait to see what kind of artists and voices we are going to find in New Zealand. I'm sure there is a wealth of untapped talent waiting to be found and nurtured. "I also cannot wait to discover (more)...
- 1/30/2013
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Jessica Mauboy has revealed that she is just a "normal" girl. The Aria-nominated Australian singer, who has just announced her first headline national tour with fellow Australian Idol star Stan Walker next year, said that she likes to go home to Darwin and escape the crazy world of fame. Mauboy told The Daily Telegraph: "You have to be able to escape [celebrity] a little bit to be able to come back and do it again. When I go back home, I am just Jess, no-one special. I do the dishes, [and] everything normal." She also spoke about her father Ferdy, who was seriously injured two months (more)...
- 12/5/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Stan Walker is poised to make his movie debut. The 20-year-old New Zealand-based singer, who won Australian Idol in 2009, has been taking acting classes to prepare for his role as a troubled youngster in A Gift To Zion and has admitted that he is nervous about the shoot starting in February. Walker told the Herald Sun: "They approached me... the script is so good, it's basically who I was six years ago. It's definitely the main reason I wanted to get involved." His character's father will be played by Once Were Warriors and Green Lantern actor Temuera Morrison. Walker joked: "Temuera plays my dad plus I get to do a love scene, I don't know which will be more terrifying." Since (more)...
- 9/20/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sony exec's cause of death has not yet been established.
By Jocelyn Vena
Jay Dee Springbett
Photo: Brendon Thorne/ Getty Images
"Australian Idol" judge Jay Dee Springbett was found dead at his home in Sydney on Thursday. He was 36.
He was discovered after friends called authorities when they couldn't contact the former "Idol" judge. He was already dead when authorities arrived at his Woolloomooloo apartment, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. As of press time, nothing else was known about the cause of death, although authorities believe nothing suspicious happened.
The U.K. native moved to Australia in 2004. He worked for Sony Music and joined "Idol" down under during the show's final season in 2009, replacing Kyle Sandilands. He was known as the show's resident "nice guy" judge. That year, Stan Walker was crowned the champ and later went on to become a successful artist in Australia and New Zealand.
The...
By Jocelyn Vena
Jay Dee Springbett
Photo: Brendon Thorne/ Getty Images
"Australian Idol" judge Jay Dee Springbett was found dead at his home in Sydney on Thursday. He was 36.
He was discovered after friends called authorities when they couldn't contact the former "Idol" judge. He was already dead when authorities arrived at his Woolloomooloo apartment, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. As of press time, nothing else was known about the cause of death, although authorities believe nothing suspicious happened.
The U.K. native moved to Australia in 2004. He worked for Sony Music and joined "Idol" down under during the show's final season in 2009, replacing Kyle Sandilands. He was known as the show's resident "nice guy" judge. That year, Stan Walker was crowned the champ and later went on to become a successful artist in Australia and New Zealand.
The...
- 7/1/2011
- MTV Music News
Stan Walker has revealed that he dedicates all his songs to his girlfriend. The 19-year-old singer, who was the seventh winner of reality television show Australian Idol, got together with Taya Smith during a visit to Haiti to visit orphaned children earlier this year. Walker told The Daily Telegraph: "Just listening to [my] songs, I can relate to the way I feel (more)...
- 8/18/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Stan Walker has been named an official ambassador for the Sony Foundation, a charity that raises money for members of the community in need. The 19-year-old singer, who won last year's Australian Idol, visited children at a special needs holiday camp in Sydney as part of his duties for the charity. Walker told Woman's Day magazine: "It's so awesome to meet these kids and hopefully bring some joy into their lives - to make them smile and make them laugh. I want to thank them for letting me be a part of the (more)...
- 1/21/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Us pop sensation Ke$$ha has prevented Lady GaGa from scoring her third Australian No.1. Her debut single 'TiK ToK' notches up a fifth week atop the Aria singles chart, forcing GaGa's 'Bad Romance' to settle for second position. Australian Idol champion Stan Walker falls to three with his debut single 'Black Box', while Jay-z and Alicia Keys climb to four with 'Empire State Of Mind'. The only new track in the top ten comes from Us R&B singer Jason Derulo, who jumps from eleven to seven with 'Whatcha Say'. Meanwhile, Susan Boyle's I Dreamed A Dream racks up a third week (more)...
- 12/14/2009
- by By Nick Levine
- Digital Spy
Ke$$ha has secured a fourth week at the helm of the Australian chart with her debut single 'Tik Tok'. The singer held off Australian Idol winner Stan Walker, whose debut 'Black Box' spends a second week at No. 2. Australian guitarist Orianthi rises five places to 8 with 'According To You', while Guy Sebastian's duet with Jordin Sparks 'Art Of Love' also climbs into the top ten. Former Australian Idol finalist Jessica Mauboy gets this week's highest new entry, with her latest single 'Let Me Be Me' debuting at 23. Elsewhere, Jason DeRulo's 'Whatcha Say' jumps nine places to 11 and Empire Of (more)...
- 12/7/2009
- by By David Balls
- Digital Spy
Ke$$ha has remained at the top of the Australian singles chart for a fourth week with her debut single 'Tik Tok'. Australian Idol winner Stan Walker enters at two with his single 'Black Box', pushing Jay Sean down one place to three. Jay-z and Alicia Keys climb five places into the top 10 with their duet 'Empire State Of Mind' and Miley Cyrus falls one place to 11 with 'Party In The USA'. Elsewhere, Lady GaGa debuts at number 29 with her Beyoncé collaboration 'Telephone'. Beyoncé's single 'Video Phone', which also features GaGa, enters in 40th place. (more)...
- 11/30/2009
- by By David Balls
- Digital Spy
Stan Walker and Hayley Warner have been announced as the finalists of Australian Idol after James Johnson was voted off the show last night. 18-year-old Johnson said that his time on the reality music show had been "crazy". After being voted off, Johnson said: "It's been the best thing that I've ever done in my life. I was playing restaurants (more)...
- 11/16/2009
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
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