Exclusive: Sony Pictures and Picturestart won an auction and will pay mid-six against high six-figures for Yeti, a Peter Gaffney spec script that will be produced by Jon Silk through his first look deal at Picturestart.
Gaffney last year sold the horror spec Don’t Go Into The Water to Universal. Yeti takes place deep in the mountains, where an avalanche unleashes something primeval from the glacial ice. A father and his daughter battle to survive a merciless predator who blends in with the snow.
Erik Feig and Jessica Switch championed the project for Picturestart and Brittany Morrissey spearheaded deal for Sony. Verve held the auction and reps the writer. It’s the agency’s second material sale to Sony in a week after the 7-figure deal for Cola Wars, the Jason Shuman Ben Queen pitch.
Silk most recently produced The Black Demon and Nightride, latter of which premiered at...
Gaffney last year sold the horror spec Don’t Go Into The Water to Universal. Yeti takes place deep in the mountains, where an avalanche unleashes something primeval from the glacial ice. A father and his daughter battle to survive a merciless predator who blends in with the snow.
Erik Feig and Jessica Switch championed the project for Picturestart and Brittany Morrissey spearheaded deal for Sony. Verve held the auction and reps the writer. It’s the agency’s second material sale to Sony in a week after the 7-figure deal for Cola Wars, the Jason Shuman Ben Queen pitch.
Silk most recently produced The Black Demon and Nightride, latter of which premiered at...
- 2/27/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Every Dog Has His Day. Universal Pictures Presents Strays – only in theaters on Friday, August 18th.
Gather your pack for an R-rated comedy with bite.
Advance Screening is 7Pm on Tuesday, August 15th at AMC Esquire 7
Note: We suggest a 5:30Pm – 6Pm arrival to secure seats.
Seats will not be guaranteed.
Enter at the link below.
http://gofobo.com/tyKfu51099
Watch the new #StraysMovie trailer & get tickets now. https://www.strays.movie/tickets/
They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but what if the man is a total dirtbag? In that case, it might be time for some sweet revenge, doggy style.
When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug, Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose.
But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed...
Gather your pack for an R-rated comedy with bite.
Advance Screening is 7Pm on Tuesday, August 15th at AMC Esquire 7
Note: We suggest a 5:30Pm – 6Pm arrival to secure seats.
Seats will not be guaranteed.
Enter at the link below.
http://gofobo.com/tyKfu51099
Watch the new #StraysMovie trailer & get tickets now. https://www.strays.movie/tickets/
They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but what if the man is a total dirtbag? In that case, it might be time for some sweet revenge, doggy style.
When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug, Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose.
But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed...
- 8/10/2023
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Dog lovers rejoice! A squeaky toy in the form of a raunchy new comedy is coming from Universal on August 18, 2023. Today’s Strays trailer shows what happens when a dog in an abusive relationship with his owner is abandoned in the big city and must depend on the kindness of other canines to exact his revenge. They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but what if the man is a total dirtbag? It might be time for some sweet justice, doggy style!
Here’s Universal’s official synopsis for Strays:
When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug, Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose.
But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx), a stray who loves...
Here’s Universal’s official synopsis for Strays:
When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug, Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose.
But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx), a stray who loves...
- 7/26/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Universal has moved “Strays” from June 9 to August 18, placing the R-rated talking-animal comedy in the same general release slot where the likes of “Good Boys” and “We’re The Millers” found fortune and glory in years prior. Now, instead of opening against “Transformers: Rise of the Beast,” itself something of a talking-animal tentpole, it’ll square off against DC’s “Blue Beetle.”
It will replace the untitled comedy from the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group. That film, starring “Saturday Night Live” vets Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, will now go straight to Peacock on Nov. 17. It further highlights the challenges in releasing big new comedies in theaters since you still might need big new stars. While most “Saturday Night Live” movies were not theatrically successful, “Wayne’s World” and “Blues Brothers” are the exception, the near-disappearance of the SNL comedian-to-movie star pipeline is one reason why we have yet...
It will replace the untitled comedy from the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group. That film, starring “Saturday Night Live” vets Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, will now go straight to Peacock on Nov. 17. It further highlights the challenges in releasing big new comedies in theaters since you still might need big new stars. While most “Saturday Night Live” movies were not theatrically successful, “Wayne’s World” and “Blues Brothers” are the exception, the near-disappearance of the SNL comedian-to-movie star pipeline is one reason why we have yet...
- 5/8/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Benedict Wong, Bel-Air star Jabari Banks, and Callina Liang are set to star in the English-language remake of Thai hit Bad Genius.
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation are behind the project that will be directed by Jc Lee from a script he wrote with Julius Onah. Shooting is expected to begin this May.
The film’s synopsis describes it as “a high-stakes, high-octane thriller about a diverse group of young people who team up to fight the system of injustice and inequity and take down the rigged academic institutions around them.”
The original film, titled Chalard Games Goeng (Bad Genius), was written and directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya and produced by Thai film studio Gdh 559 Company Limited. Released in 2017, the film broke box office records in Thailand, including becoming the highest-grossing Thai film of the year.
Erik Feig and Jessica Switch will produce via the Picturestart with Picture Perfect Federation’s...
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation are behind the project that will be directed by Jc Lee from a script he wrote with Julius Onah. Shooting is expected to begin this May.
The film’s synopsis describes it as “a high-stakes, high-octane thriller about a diverse group of young people who team up to fight the system of injustice and inequity and take down the rigged academic institutions around them.”
The original film, titled Chalard Games Goeng (Bad Genius), was written and directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya and produced by Thai film studio Gdh 559 Company Limited. Released in 2017, the film broke box office records in Thailand, including becoming the highest-grossing Thai film of the year.
Erik Feig and Jessica Switch will produce via the Picturestart with Picture Perfect Federation’s...
- 3/23/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Major pre-sales closed ahead of scheduled May production start. Mallory Edens’ Little Ray Media financing.
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation have set Jc Lee to direct the English-language remake of Thai hit Bad Genius (Chalard Games Goeng) and have cast rising stars Callina Liang (Tell Me Everything) and Jabari Banks (Bel-Air) alongside Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange franchise).
Picture Perfect Federation has also announced a raft of pre-sales, closing deals for the UK (Studiocanal), Australia/ New Zealand (Roadshow), France (Metropolitan), Germany and Austria (Constantin), Italy (Leone), and Latin America (Sun).
Rights have also gone in Japan (Gaga), Benelux (Belga), Scandinavia (Nordisk...
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation have set Jc Lee to direct the English-language remake of Thai hit Bad Genius (Chalard Games Goeng) and have cast rising stars Callina Liang (Tell Me Everything) and Jabari Banks (Bel-Air) alongside Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange franchise).
Picture Perfect Federation has also announced a raft of pre-sales, closing deals for the UK (Studiocanal), Australia/ New Zealand (Roadshow), France (Metropolitan), Germany and Austria (Constantin), Italy (Leone), and Latin America (Sun).
Rights have also gone in Japan (Gaga), Benelux (Belga), Scandinavia (Nordisk...
- 3/23/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Luce” writer Jc Lee is set to make his directorial debut with “Bad Genius,” the upcoming English-language remake of the 2017 hit Thai film “Chalard Games Goeng (Bad Genius).”
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation are producing the project, which will star Benedict Wong (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”) alongside up-and-coming talent Callina Liang (“Tell Me Everything”) and Jabari Banks (“Bel-Air”). The film is financed by Mallory Edens’ Little Ray Media and will begin production in May.
The original film was written and directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya and produced by Thai film studio Gdh 559 Company Limited. The movie debuted at No. 1 at the Thai box office, quickly becoming the country’s highest-grossing Thai film of the year and, ultimately, the most internationally successful Thai film ever.
In addition to directing the remake, Lee reteams with “Luce” filmmaker Julius Onah to pen the script for “Bad Genius.” Their adaptation is described as “a high-stakes,...
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation are producing the project, which will star Benedict Wong (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”) alongside up-and-coming talent Callina Liang (“Tell Me Everything”) and Jabari Banks (“Bel-Air”). The film is financed by Mallory Edens’ Little Ray Media and will begin production in May.
The original film was written and directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya and produced by Thai film studio Gdh 559 Company Limited. The movie debuted at No. 1 at the Thai box office, quickly becoming the country’s highest-grossing Thai film of the year and, ultimately, the most internationally successful Thai film ever.
In addition to directing the remake, Lee reteams with “Luce” filmmaker Julius Onah to pen the script for “Bad Genius.” Their adaptation is described as “a high-stakes,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Picturestart and Picture Perfect Federation have set Jc Lee to direct the English-language remake of Thai hit Bad Genius and also announced key cast members as well as a raft of international presales.
Lee also takes co-writing credits for the English-language screenplay with Julius Onah, who was previously announced as the director. The pair previously collaborated on the Sundance 2019 title Luce, adapted from Lee’s original play of the same name.
Up-and-coming talents Callina Liang, star of Itvx teen drama Tell Me Everything, and Jabari Banks (Bel-Air) will star with veteran UK actor Benedict Wong (Doctor Stranger In The Multiverse Of Madness).
The English remake is billed as a high-stakes, high-octane thriller about a diverse group of young people who team up to fight the system of injustice and inequity and take down the rigged academic institutions around them.
It is produced by Erik Feig and Jessica Switch at Picturestart...
Lee also takes co-writing credits for the English-language screenplay with Julius Onah, who was previously announced as the director. The pair previously collaborated on the Sundance 2019 title Luce, adapted from Lee’s original play of the same name.
Up-and-coming talents Callina Liang, star of Itvx teen drama Tell Me Everything, and Jabari Banks (Bel-Air) will star with veteran UK actor Benedict Wong (Doctor Stranger In The Multiverse Of Madness).
The English remake is billed as a high-stakes, high-octane thriller about a diverse group of young people who team up to fight the system of injustice and inequity and take down the rigged academic institutions around them.
It is produced by Erik Feig and Jessica Switch at Picturestart...
- 3/23/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s about time the world had an R-rated talking dog film, am I right? Strays follows three homeless canines who accept a newbie to the streets into their pack. They convince Reggie, the newly homeless dog, that his owner dumped him and the not-safe-for-work trailer reveals just how Reggie plans to exact revenge.
Will Ferrell lends his voice to Reggie, Jamie Foxx is Bugg, Isla Fisher is Maggie, and Randall Park is Hunter. The voice cast also includes Will Forte (as the human target of Reggie’s revenge), Josh Gad, Harvey Guillén, Brett Gelman, Rob Riggle, Jamie Demetriou, and Sofia Vergara.
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar‘s Josh Greenbaum directs from a screenplay by Dan Perrault (American Vandal). Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Dan Perrault, Lord Miller partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and Lord Miller President of Film Aditya Sood produce. Jessica Switch,...
Will Ferrell lends his voice to Reggie, Jamie Foxx is Bugg, Isla Fisher is Maggie, and Randall Park is Hunter. The voice cast also includes Will Forte (as the human target of Reggie’s revenge), Josh Gad, Harvey Guillén, Brett Gelman, Rob Riggle, Jamie Demetriou, and Sofia Vergara.
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar‘s Josh Greenbaum directs from a screenplay by Dan Perrault (American Vandal). Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Dan Perrault, Lord Miller partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and Lord Miller President of Film Aditya Sood produce. Jessica Switch,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Image Source: YouTube user Universal Pictures
Hollywood's latest CGI movie comes with an X-rated plot about an abandoned pup looking to get back at his crappy owner, and the best part is that it features a voice cast made up of some of our favorite stars.
"Strays," billed by Universal Pictures as a "hilarious, R-rated, live-action comedy," revolves around Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), a "naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier" who longs to reunite with his lowlife owner, Doug (Will Forte), even after being abandoned on the mean city streets. But when Reggie's new friends and fellow dogs - Bug (Jamie Foxx), Maggie (Isla Fisher), and Hunter (Randall Park) - clue him in that his owner left him behind on purpose, they all embark on a dastardly revenge ploy to teach the human a lesson - and (spoiler alert) it involves biting off his little friend down below.
"He needs...
Hollywood's latest CGI movie comes with an X-rated plot about an abandoned pup looking to get back at his crappy owner, and the best part is that it features a voice cast made up of some of our favorite stars.
"Strays," billed by Universal Pictures as a "hilarious, R-rated, live-action comedy," revolves around Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), a "naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier" who longs to reunite with his lowlife owner, Doug (Will Forte), even after being abandoned on the mean city streets. But when Reggie's new friends and fellow dogs - Bug (Jamie Foxx), Maggie (Isla Fisher), and Hunter (Randall Park) - clue him in that his owner left him behind on purpose, they all embark on a dastardly revenge ploy to teach the human a lesson - and (spoiler alert) it involves biting off his little friend down below.
"He needs...
- 2/8/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Seeing the nifty grifter drama Sharper reminded me how rarely we encounter this kind of clever cat-and-mouse game that might fall into the noirish genre but really relies on diving into a world filled with characters who reveal slices of their lives that keep changing moment to moment. It is the kind of movie I find enormously difficult to review because its ultimate success for a viewer is just watching it unfold, beat by beat, never quite knowing exactly where it is heading but still glued to the screen to find out.
Related Story Gun Control Campaigner Julianne Moore Holds A Firearm On Screen For First Time In 15 Years In ‘Sharper’ Related Story 'The Backrooms' Horror Film Based On Viral Shorts By 17-Year-Old Kane Parsons In Works At A24, Atomic Monster, Chernin & 21 Laps Related Story Apple Falls Short Of Wall Street Quarterly Targets But Surpasses 2 Billion Active Devices
Almost any...
Related Story Gun Control Campaigner Julianne Moore Holds A Firearm On Screen For First Time In 15 Years In ‘Sharper’ Related Story 'The Backrooms' Horror Film Based On Viral Shorts By 17-Year-Old Kane Parsons In Works At A24, Atomic Monster, Chernin & 21 Laps Related Story Apple Falls Short Of Wall Street Quarterly Targets But Surpasses 2 Billion Active Devices
Almost any...
- 2/7/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Sharper Trailer — Benjamin Caron‘s Sharper (2023) movie trailer has been released by Apple TV+. The Sharper trailer stars Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, Darren Goldstein, and John Lithgow. Crew Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka wrote the screenplay for Sharper. “It’s produced by Erik Feig, Jessica Switch, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, [...]
Continue reading: Sharper (2023) Movie Trailer: Julianne Moore & John Lithgow star in Benjamin Caron’s Family Crime Thriller...
Continue reading: Sharper (2023) Movie Trailer: Julianne Moore & John Lithgow star in Benjamin Caron’s Family Crime Thriller...
- 1/22/2023
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
The official trailer and poster for the forthcoming Apple Original Films & A24 production Sharper starring Julianne Moore have both just been released, and you can check it out right here on CinemaNerdz!
Starring Julianne Moore, Sharper unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.
Sharper is directed by Benjamin Caron and features a star-studded ensemble cast led by Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, newcomer Briana Middleton and John Lithgow. The film is produced by Jessica Switch and Erik Feig of Picturestart along with Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, and written by Gatewood and Tanaka. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman serve as executive producers.
About The Film Genre: Drama Cast: Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, Darren Goldstein...
Starring Julianne Moore, Sharper unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.
Sharper is directed by Benjamin Caron and features a star-studded ensemble cast led by Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, newcomer Briana Middleton and John Lithgow. The film is produced by Jessica Switch and Erik Feig of Picturestart along with Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, and written by Gatewood and Tanaka. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman serve as executive producers.
About The Film Genre: Drama Cast: Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, Darren Goldstein...
- 1/15/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Sebastian Stan, Julianne Moore and John Lithgow in “Sharper,” premiering February 17, 2023 on Apple TV+. No one is who they seem in Sharper, a neo-noir thriller of secrets and lies, set amongst New York City’s bedrooms, barrooms and boardrooms. Characters compete for riches and power in a high stakes game of ambition, greed, lust and jealousy that will keep audiences guessing until the final moment. Hailing from Apple Original Films and A24, Sharper is directed by Benjamin Caron and features a star-studded ensemble cast led by Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, newcomer Briana Middleton and John Lithgow. The film is produced by Jessica Switch and Erik Feig of Picturestart along with Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, and written by Gatewood and Tanaka. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman serve as executive producers.
Sharper opens in select theaters February 10 and streaming February 17 on Apple TV+.
The post...
Sharper opens in select theaters February 10 and streaming February 17 on Apple TV+.
The post...
- 1/14/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Oscar winner Julianne Moore (Still Alice) and Emmy nominee Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy) target a billionaire businessman in the trailer for the dramatic thriller Sharper. Two-time Oscar nominee John Lithgow stars as the wealthy mark in the Apple Original Films and A24 drama directed by Emmy Award winner Benjamin Caron (The Crown).
Speaking with People, director Caron revealed the film is inspired by movies including The Usual Suspects, House of Games, Klute, Drive, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Color of Money, and The Sting.
“Sharper is an original, twisty, character-driven, New York City thriller full of fun surprises,” explained Caron. “It’s perfect escapism for this time of year.”
The cast also includes Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, and Darren Goldstein. Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka wrote the screenplay, and Erik Feig, Jessica Switch, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, and Alessandro Tanaka produced.
Julia Hammer and Amy Herman served as executive producers.
Speaking with People, director Caron revealed the film is inspired by movies including The Usual Suspects, House of Games, Klute, Drive, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Color of Money, and The Sting.
“Sharper is an original, twisty, character-driven, New York City thriller full of fun surprises,” explained Caron. “It’s perfect escapism for this time of year.”
The cast also includes Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, and Darren Goldstein. Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka wrote the screenplay, and Erik Feig, Jessica Switch, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, and Alessandro Tanaka produced.
Julia Hammer and Amy Herman served as executive producers.
- 1/13/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Julianne Moore and Sebastian Stan are targeting a family of billionaires in the latest A24 and Apple TV+ film.
For “Sharper,” Oscar winner Moore plays a seductive single mother who sets her sights on an outrageously wealthy businessman (John Lithgow), while her disgraced son (Stan) works his own angle to win a fortune. Justice Smith and Briana Middleton also star as crucial pieces of Stan and Moore’s plan to raid the rich.
Emmy-winning “The Crown” filmmaker Benjamin Caron directs the neo-noir thriller. Per the official synopsis, no one is who they seem in New York City’s bedrooms, barrooms, and boardrooms. Characters compete for riches and power in a high-stakes game of ambition, greed, lust, and jealousy.
Director Caron told People that the film is “inspired by a long line of great films that love to keep audiences guessing up until the end, including ‘The Usual Suspects,’ ‘House of Games,...
For “Sharper,” Oscar winner Moore plays a seductive single mother who sets her sights on an outrageously wealthy businessman (John Lithgow), while her disgraced son (Stan) works his own angle to win a fortune. Justice Smith and Briana Middleton also star as crucial pieces of Stan and Moore’s plan to raid the rich.
Emmy-winning “The Crown” filmmaker Benjamin Caron directs the neo-noir thriller. Per the official synopsis, no one is who they seem in New York City’s bedrooms, barrooms, and boardrooms. Characters compete for riches and power in a high-stakes game of ambition, greed, lust, and jealousy.
Director Caron told People that the film is “inspired by a long line of great films that love to keep audiences guessing up until the end, including ‘The Usual Suspects,’ ‘House of Games,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The business world is full of secrets and lies. In the cutthroat nature of pursuing success, it’s always hard to tell who real friends are and who is only looking out for themselves. That’s the concept of Julianne Moore’s latest film, the Apple TV+ original, Sharper, which just premiered online. The noir thriller features Moore amongst an impressive ensemble of co-stars.
The official Apple TV+ synopsis is below:
“Starring Julianne Moore, Sharper unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect, and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.
No one is who they seem in Sharper, a neo-noir thriller of secrets and lies, set amongst New York City’s bedrooms, barrooms and boardrooms. Characters compete for riches and power in a high stakes game of ambition, greed, lust...
The official Apple TV+ synopsis is below:
“Starring Julianne Moore, Sharper unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect, and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.
No one is who they seem in Sharper, a neo-noir thriller of secrets and lies, set amongst New York City’s bedrooms, barrooms and boardrooms. Characters compete for riches and power in a high stakes game of ambition, greed, lust...
- 1/12/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
“I’m going to give you a piece of advice. If you’re going to steal… steal a lot.” So says John Lithgow’s (The Old Man) character in the official teaser for Sharper, a new film produced by A24 for Apple TV+ which also stars Julianna Moore (Lisey’s Story), Sebastian Stan (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Dominion), Brianna Middleton (The Tender Bar), and Darren Goldstein (Ozark).
You can check out the brief teaser for Sharper below.
Official Teaser — Sharper
Coming this February.#Sharperhttps://t.co/vwAQtYGDfc pic.twitter.com/ymuljiOUO9
— Apple TV+ (@AppleTVPlus) November 3, 2022
The Sharper teaser also reveals that the film will be released in February, with a premiere in select theaters on February 10, 2023, followed by a global release on Apple TV+ on February 17, 2023. Just what is Sharper all about? Well, the synopsis is nearly as vague as the teaser, but the film...
You can check out the brief teaser for Sharper below.
Official Teaser — Sharper
Coming this February.#Sharperhttps://t.co/vwAQtYGDfc pic.twitter.com/ymuljiOUO9
— Apple TV+ (@AppleTVPlus) November 3, 2022
The Sharper teaser also reveals that the film will be released in February, with a premiere in select theaters on February 10, 2023, followed by a global release on Apple TV+ on February 17, 2023. Just what is Sharper all about? Well, the synopsis is nearly as vague as the teaser, but the film...
- 11/4/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Cha Cha Real Smooth” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” are among the recent honorees of the Ruderman Family Foundation’s Seal of Authentic Representation, Variety has learned exclusively.
The Foundation recognizes films and television series that include authentic representation of people with disabilities. Vanessa Burghardt, an actor with autism, plays Domino’s (Dakota Johnson) autistic daughter Lola in the comedy-drama film “Cha Cha Real Smooth.”
“From the moment the film’s creator, Cooper Raiff, saw Vanessa’s audition, he knew instantly that she was our Lola. No one could deny her talent but authenticity was important to everyone, so Cooper changed the script to age up the character and that was the end of it. Looking back, I cannot imagine another person playing Lola,” said producer Jessica Switch in a statement. “Vanessa was perfect. She was extremely professional and sweet on set. She nailed every take and always came prepared.
The Foundation recognizes films and television series that include authentic representation of people with disabilities. Vanessa Burghardt, an actor with autism, plays Domino’s (Dakota Johnson) autistic daughter Lola in the comedy-drama film “Cha Cha Real Smooth.”
“From the moment the film’s creator, Cooper Raiff, saw Vanessa’s audition, he knew instantly that she was our Lola. No one could deny her talent but authenticity was important to everyone, so Cooper changed the script to age up the character and that was the end of it. Looking back, I cannot imagine another person playing Lola,” said producer Jessica Switch in a statement. “Vanessa was perfect. She was extremely professional and sweet on set. She nailed every take and always came prepared.
- 10/19/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Announcements for adaptations of bestselling novels are a dime-a-dozen, but what if I told you Xiran Jay Zhao‘s Iron Widow is like Pacific Rim meets The Hunger Games? Do I have your attention? Picturestart snapped up the adaptive rights to the YA property with the interest of building a franchise. The premise for the story is wild, so hang onto something while I regale you with the details.
According to Amazon’s official description, Iron Widow blends Chinese history and mecha science-fiction for a thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn’t matter that the girls often die from the mental strain.
When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it’s to...
According to Amazon’s official description, Iron Widow blends Chinese history and mecha science-fiction for a thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn’t matter that the girls often die from the mental strain.
When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it’s to...
- 9/22/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
“Iron Widow,” the New York Times bestselling novel by Xiran Jay Zhao, is headed to the big screen.
Erik Feig’s Picturestart has obtained adaptive rights and is plotting a franchise around the science fiction premise, with J.C. Lee (of the forthcoming “Bad Genius” remake) set to write the screenplay.
The book is set in the fictional world of Huaxia, where humanity’s only hope against alien invaders are giant transforming robots called Chrysalises, which require a boy-girl pair to pilot. These roles are not created equally, however — girl pilots die disproportionately in battle, drained of life force by the boy pilots. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a “disposable female concubine-pilot,” a synopsis said, it’s to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. She gets her vengeance in a way nobody expects. Now a force to be reckoned with, she is deemed a...
Erik Feig’s Picturestart has obtained adaptive rights and is plotting a franchise around the science fiction premise, with J.C. Lee (of the forthcoming “Bad Genius” remake) set to write the screenplay.
The book is set in the fictional world of Huaxia, where humanity’s only hope against alien invaders are giant transforming robots called Chrysalises, which require a boy-girl pair to pilot. These roles are not created equally, however — girl pilots die disproportionately in battle, drained of life force by the boy pilots. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a “disposable female concubine-pilot,” a synopsis said, it’s to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. She gets her vengeance in a way nobody expects. Now a force to be reckoned with, she is deemed a...
- 9/22/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Charlie Hall has booked a trio of TV and film projects with HBO Max and Disney+.
Hall is currently in production for Jordan Weiss’ NewLine/HBOMax feature, Sweethearts, opposite Kieran Shipka and Nico Hiraga. He will portray the character of Simon, a hometown hero who was the star of his high school football team, but unfortunately, he was a big fish in a small pond.
The romantic comedy tells the story of two first-year college students who decided to stick with their high school sweethearts and now have to pull a “Turkey Dump” and break up with them over “Drunksgiving” – the one chaotic night before Thanksgiving in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test.
Sweethearts is written by Jordan Weiss and executive producer Dan Brier; Weiss will also direct. Erik Feig and Jessica Switch are producing and Julia Hammer and Samie Kim Falvey...
Hall is currently in production for Jordan Weiss’ NewLine/HBOMax feature, Sweethearts, opposite Kieran Shipka and Nico Hiraga. He will portray the character of Simon, a hometown hero who was the star of his high school football team, but unfortunately, he was a big fish in a small pond.
The romantic comedy tells the story of two first-year college students who decided to stick with their high school sweethearts and now have to pull a “Turkey Dump” and break up with them over “Drunksgiving” – the one chaotic night before Thanksgiving in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test.
Sweethearts is written by Jordan Weiss and executive producer Dan Brier; Weiss will also direct. Erik Feig and Jessica Switch are producing and Julia Hammer and Samie Kim Falvey...
- 8/15/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga are set to star New Line and Picturestart’s Sweethearts with Dollface creator Jordan Weiss on board to direct. The film will be produced by Picturestart for New Line Cinema and is currently in production. Weiss also co-wrote the script with Dan Brier. Caleb Hearon, Tramell Tillman and Christine Taylor are also part of the ensemble.
The film tells the hilarious and all-too familiar story of two college freshmen who decided to stick with their high school sweethearts and now have to pull a “Turkey Dump” and break up with them over “Drunksgiving” – the one chaotic night before Thanksgiving in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test.
Erik Feig and Jessica Switch are producing and Julia Hammer, Samie Kim Falvey, and Shayne Fiske Goldner are executive producing on behalf of Picturestart. Brier will also executive produce.
Best known for her roles...
The film tells the hilarious and all-too familiar story of two college freshmen who decided to stick with their high school sweethearts and now have to pull a “Turkey Dump” and break up with them over “Drunksgiving” – the one chaotic night before Thanksgiving in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test.
Erik Feig and Jessica Switch are producing and Julia Hammer, Samie Kim Falvey, and Shayne Fiske Goldner are executive producing on behalf of Picturestart. Brier will also executive produce.
Best known for her roles...
- 7/14/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, the first official trailer for writer-director Cooper Raiff’s “Cha Cha Real Smooth” was released ahead of its Apple TV+ premiere next month.
Raiff also produced the Sundance Film Festival premiere and plays the lead role in the film.
The official plot synopsis reads as follows:
“Fresh out of college and without a clear life path going forward, 22-year-old Andrew is stuck back at home with his family in New Jersey. But if there’s one thing that belongs on his nonexistent résumé, it’s how to get a party started, which lands him the perfect job of motivational dancing at the bar and bat mitzvahs for his younger brother’s classmates. When Andrew befriends a local mom, Domino, and her daughter, Lola, he finally discovers a future he wants—even if it might not be his own.”
The film stars Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Vanessa Burghardt, Evan Assante,...
Raiff also produced the Sundance Film Festival premiere and plays the lead role in the film.
The official plot synopsis reads as follows:
“Fresh out of college and without a clear life path going forward, 22-year-old Andrew is stuck back at home with his family in New Jersey. But if there’s one thing that belongs on his nonexistent résumé, it’s how to get a party started, which lands him the perfect job of motivational dancing at the bar and bat mitzvahs for his younger brother’s classmates. When Andrew befriends a local mom, Domino, and her daughter, Lola, he finally discovers a future he wants—even if it might not be his own.”
The film stars Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Vanessa Burghardt, Evan Assante,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Caillou Pettis
- Gold Derby
Sundance winner “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” the sophomore project from indie writer-director Cooper Raiff, has unveiled its official trailer. The film stars Raiff and Dakota Johnson in an unconventional love story between a college graduate and a single mom.
The movie follows 22-year-old Andrew (played by Raiff), who’s fresh out of college and stuck at home with his family in New Jersey, with no clear life path. Andrew has no ambition and no real skills, except for one: he knows how to get a party started. This skill lands him the perfect job of motivational dancing at the bar and bat mitzvahs for his younger brother’s classmates. Things change for Andrew when he meets a local mother named Domino, played by Johnson. He befriends the mom and her daughter, Lola, and finally discovers a future he wants.
The cast is rounded out by Brad Garrett, Leslie Mann, Raúl Castillo,...
The movie follows 22-year-old Andrew (played by Raiff), who’s fresh out of college and stuck at home with his family in New Jersey, with no clear life path. Andrew has no ambition and no real skills, except for one: he knows how to get a party started. This skill lands him the perfect job of motivational dancing at the bar and bat mitzvahs for his younger brother’s classmates. Things change for Andrew when he meets a local mother named Domino, played by Johnson. He befriends the mom and her daughter, Lola, and finally discovers a future he wants.
The cast is rounded out by Brad Garrett, Leslie Mann, Raúl Castillo,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Angelique Jackson, Wilson Chapman and Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber’s memoir By God’s Grace is being developed into a TV series by Picturestart ahead of the book’s release November 15. The project is currently being shopped to networks and streamers.
The adaptation focuses on Webber’s youth and journey as part of the University of Michigan’s famed “Fab Five.” From amateur athletics to national championships, the series will tackle the triumphs and hardships of a life and career spent chasing basketball greatness while examining many of the most topical issues of equity between schools and players.
“I’ve been waiting over 25 years to tell my story and I’m honored to partner with Erik Feig and Picturestart,” Webber said in a statement to Deadline. “This series offers a unique opportunity to provide perspective on my upbringing, to explore the nuances of high school sports, and share details from my career...
The adaptation focuses on Webber’s youth and journey as part of the University of Michigan’s famed “Fab Five.” From amateur athletics to national championships, the series will tackle the triumphs and hardships of a life and career spent chasing basketball greatness while examining many of the most topical issues of equity between schools and players.
“I’ve been waiting over 25 years to tell my story and I’m honored to partner with Erik Feig and Picturestart,” Webber said in a statement to Deadline. “This series offers a unique opportunity to provide perspective on my upbringing, to explore the nuances of high school sports, and share details from my career...
- 4/4/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Isla Fisher (Wolf Like Me) has signed on to star alongside Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Will Forte and Randall Park in Universal’s animated comedy Strays, Deadline can confirm.
The film from Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum combines CGI and live-action elements to follow an abandoned dog (Ferrell) who teams up with other strays, including one portrayed by Foxx, to get revenge on his former owner (Forte). Details with regard to the character Fisher is playing have not been disclosed.
American Vandal‘s Dan Perrault penned the script. Greenbaum is producing alongside Picturestart’s Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Lord Miller President of Film, Aditya Sood, with Jessica Switch and Lord Miller’s Nikki Baida exec producing, and Picturestart’s Julia Hammer serving as co-producer. SVP of Production Development Jeyun Munford and Director of Development Tony Ducret are overseeing the project for the studio.
The film from Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum combines CGI and live-action elements to follow an abandoned dog (Ferrell) who teams up with other strays, including one portrayed by Foxx, to get revenge on his former owner (Forte). Details with regard to the character Fisher is playing have not been disclosed.
American Vandal‘s Dan Perrault penned the script. Greenbaum is producing alongside Picturestart’s Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Lord Miller President of Film, Aditya Sood, with Jessica Switch and Lord Miller’s Nikki Baida exec producing, and Picturestart’s Julia Hammer serving as co-producer. SVP of Production Development Jeyun Munford and Director of Development Tony Ducret are overseeing the project for the studio.
- 3/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal will open their animated dog comedy Strays on Friday, June 9, 2023. The studio already had dibs on the releases date; a weekend they’re sharing with Paramount’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
The live-acton/CGI hybrid directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) follows a dog who gets revenge on the dirtbag owner who ditched him.
Pic, written by Dan Perrault (American Vandal) stars Will Ferrell, Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Will Forte.
Pic is produced by Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig (Cha Cha Real Smooth), Louis Leterrier, Dan Perrault and Lord Miller partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller and their production co’s President of Film, Aditya Sood (The Martian).
Jessica Switch (Unpregnant) will executive produce and Julia Hammer (upcoming Luckiest Girl Alive) will co-produce for Picturestart. Nikki Baida will executive produce for Lord Miller. Universal picked...
The live-acton/CGI hybrid directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) follows a dog who gets revenge on the dirtbag owner who ditched him.
Pic, written by Dan Perrault (American Vandal) stars Will Ferrell, Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Will Forte.
Pic is produced by Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig (Cha Cha Real Smooth), Louis Leterrier, Dan Perrault and Lord Miller partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller and their production co’s President of Film, Aditya Sood (The Martian).
Jessica Switch (Unpregnant) will executive produce and Julia Hammer (upcoming Luckiest Girl Alive) will co-produce for Picturestart. Nikki Baida will executive produce for Lord Miller. Universal picked...
- 2/15/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Erik Feig’s Picturestart and Patrick Wachsberger’s Picture Perfect Federation have set Luce and Cloverfield Paradox filmmaker Julius Onah to direct their college admissions thriller Bad Genius, which is gearing up for a summer shoot.
Luce scribe J.C. Lee, whose credits as a writer and co-producer also include series such as How To Get Away With Murder and Looking, has scripted the feature with Onah.
As previously announced, the film is an English-language remake of the hit 2017 Thai film by Nattawut Poonpiriya. The US-set adaptation is being described as a high-octane thriller about a group of entrepreneurial high school seniors who team up to take down a rigged college admissions system. Casting discussions are underway.
Former Lionsgate film chiefs Wachsberger and Feig are producing and will be overseeing sales and finance in coming weeks. International distributors are expected to be a key part of the finance.
Both execs...
Luce scribe J.C. Lee, whose credits as a writer and co-producer also include series such as How To Get Away With Murder and Looking, has scripted the feature with Onah.
As previously announced, the film is an English-language remake of the hit 2017 Thai film by Nattawut Poonpiriya. The US-set adaptation is being described as a high-octane thriller about a group of entrepreneurial high school seniors who team up to take down a rigged college admissions system. Casting discussions are underway.
Former Lionsgate film chiefs Wachsberger and Feig are producing and will be overseeing sales and finance in coming weeks. International distributors are expected to be a key part of the finance.
Both execs...
- 2/4/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The big sale — to Apple for a reported $15 million — of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, Cha Cha Real Smooth is writer, director and lead actor Cooper Raiff’s follow-up to his 2020 debut, Shithouse. Again essaying a twentysomething young man navigating the indeterminate period before real life and real romance takes hold, Cha Cha Real Smooth finds Raiff’s character, Andrew, working a dead-end fast-food job while working side gigs as a bar mitzvah party starter and babysitter. When he demonstrates a rapport with a 12-year-old autistic girl (Vanessa Burghardt), her mother, Domino (played by Dakota Johnson, also a […]
The post “I Do Take Pride in the Fact that All of the Parties Feel Authentic and Accurate”: Jessica Switch on Producing the Sundance Comedy/Drama, Cha Cha Real Smooth first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Do Take Pride in the Fact that All of the Parties Feel Authentic and Accurate”: Jessica Switch on Producing the Sundance Comedy/Drama, Cha Cha Real Smooth first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/28/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The big sale — to Apple for a reported $15 million — of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, Cha Cha Real Smooth is writer, director and lead actor Cooper Raiff’s follow-up to his 2020 debut, Shithouse. Again essaying a twentysomething young man navigating the indeterminate period before real life and real romance takes hold, Cha Cha Real Smooth finds Raiff’s character, Andrew, working a dead-end fast-food job while working side gigs as a bar mitzvah party starter and babysitter. When he demonstrates a rapport with a 12-year-old autistic girl (Vanessa Burghardt), her mother, Domino (played by Dakota Johnson, also a […]
The post “I Do Take Pride in the Fact that All of the Parties Feel Authentic and Accurate”: Jessica Switch on Producing the Sundance Comedy/Drama, Cha Cha Real Smooth first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Do Take Pride in the Fact that All of the Parties Feel Authentic and Accurate”: Jessica Switch on Producing the Sundance Comedy/Drama, Cha Cha Real Smooth first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/28/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The film is directed by Cooper Raiff, who also stars alongside Dakota Johnson.
Apple has acquired worldwide rights to Cooper Raiff’s Sundance title Cha Cha Real Smooth, in a deal worth a reported $15m, making it the bigges so far at this year’s virtual festival.
The film premiered in the US dramatic competition and stars Raiff as an aimless college student who befriends a young mother played by Dakota Johnson. The cast also includes Leslie Mann, Vanessa Burghardt, Evan Assante, Brad Garett, Raúl Castillo, and Odeya Rush.
Raiff wrote the script and produced alongside Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Erik Feig and Jessica Switch.
Apple has acquired worldwide rights to Cooper Raiff’s Sundance title Cha Cha Real Smooth, in a deal worth a reported $15m, making it the bigges so far at this year’s virtual festival.
The film premiered in the US dramatic competition and stars Raiff as an aimless college student who befriends a young mother played by Dakota Johnson. The cast also includes Leslie Mann, Vanessa Burghardt, Evan Assante, Brad Garett, Raúl Castillo, and Odeya Rush.
Raiff wrote the script and produced alongside Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Erik Feig and Jessica Switch.
- 1/27/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Apple has closed the biggest deal of the 2022 Virtual Sundance Film Festival, securing worldwide rights to the Cooper Raiff-directed Cha Cha Real Smooth for around $15 million. The streamer has been the front runner for the picture since it premiered January 23 in the US Dramatic Competition category.
Pic is Raiff’s followup to his 2020 SXSW Grand Jury Prize–winning debut feature Shithouse. He plays a directionless college graduate in New Jersey who gets over his head in a relationship with a young mom and her autistic teenage daughter, as he works a job party-starting bar and bat mitzvahs of his younger brother’s classmates. Co-financed by Picturestart and Endeavor Content, the pic is a real crowd pleaser. It stars Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Leslie Mann, Brad Garrett, Vanessa Burghardt, Raul Castillo and Evan Assante.
Raiff wrote the script and he produced with Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Erik Feig and Jessica Switch. The exec producers are Jeff Valeri,...
Pic is Raiff’s followup to his 2020 SXSW Grand Jury Prize–winning debut feature Shithouse. He plays a directionless college graduate in New Jersey who gets over his head in a relationship with a young mom and her autistic teenage daughter, as he works a job party-starting bar and bat mitzvahs of his younger brother’s classmates. Co-financed by Picturestart and Endeavor Content, the pic is a real crowd pleaser. It stars Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Leslie Mann, Brad Garrett, Vanessa Burghardt, Raul Castillo and Evan Assante.
Raiff wrote the script and he produced with Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Erik Feig and Jessica Switch. The exec producers are Jeff Valeri,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Taking place online and in person, the Sundance Film Festival will return for its 2022 edition January 20th through 30th and now the main lineup has been unveiled. With 82 feature-length films representing 28 countries, these films were selected from 14,849 submissions, including 3,762 feature-length films.
Notable titles include Ramin Bahrani’s 2nd Chance, Lena Dunham’s Sharp Stick, Riley Stearns’ Dual, Ricky D’Ambrose’s The Cathedral, two Dakota Johnson-led films, Cha Cha Real Smooth and Am I Ok?, the Bill Nighy-led Ikiru remake Living, Sierra Pettengill’s Riotsville, USA, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead’s Something in the Dirt, Phyllis Nagy’s Call Jane, W. Kamau Bell’s We Need to Talk About Cosby, Jesse Eisenberg’s When You Finish Saving the World, Kogonada’s After Yang, James Ponsoldt’s Summering, and more.
“The online dimension of the festival was something that after, having done it last year, we valued greatly,” says Tabitha Jackson,...
Notable titles include Ramin Bahrani’s 2nd Chance, Lena Dunham’s Sharp Stick, Riley Stearns’ Dual, Ricky D’Ambrose’s The Cathedral, two Dakota Johnson-led films, Cha Cha Real Smooth and Am I Ok?, the Bill Nighy-led Ikiru remake Living, Sierra Pettengill’s Riotsville, USA, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead’s Something in the Dirt, Phyllis Nagy’s Call Jane, W. Kamau Bell’s We Need to Talk About Cosby, Jesse Eisenberg’s When You Finish Saving the World, Kogonada’s After Yang, James Ponsoldt’s Summering, and more.
“The online dimension of the festival was something that after, having done it last year, we valued greatly,” says Tabitha Jackson,...
- 12/9/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx and Will Forte will star in Strays, an animated comedy that Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum is helming for Universal, Deadline has confirmed.
The film combining CGI and live-action elements follows an abandoned dog (Ferrell) who teams up with other strays, including one portrayed by Foxx, to get revenge on his former owner (Forte).
American Vandal‘s Dan Perrault scripted the film, which is now in post-production. Greenbaum is producing alongside Picturestart’s Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Lord Miller President of Film, Aditya Sood, with Jessica Switch and Lord Miller’s Nikki Baida exec producing, and Picturestart’s Julia Hammer serving as co-producer.
SVP of Production Development Jeyun Munford and Director of Development Tony Ducret are overseeing the project for the studio.
The film combining CGI and live-action elements follows an abandoned dog (Ferrell) who teams up with other strays, including one portrayed by Foxx, to get revenge on his former owner (Forte).
American Vandal‘s Dan Perrault scripted the film, which is now in post-production. Greenbaum is producing alongside Picturestart’s Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Lord Miller President of Film, Aditya Sood, with Jessica Switch and Lord Miller’s Nikki Baida exec producing, and Picturestart’s Julia Hammer serving as co-producer.
SVP of Production Development Jeyun Munford and Director of Development Tony Ducret are overseeing the project for the studio.
- 12/7/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran entertainment executive Samie Kim Falvey has been named president of Picturestart.
Falvey joins the upstart production company where she will oversee all scripted and unscripted efforts in content across all film, television, audio and print media. She will report directly to Erik Feig, the former co-president of the Lionsgate motion picture group and founder and CEO of Picturestart.
Falvey joins the shop from Imagine Entertainment, where she has served as chairman of television since 2017.
“Samie is an incredible storyteller and human being who excels at finding equally incredible story tellers and human beings and bringing out the best of them. We are so excited to see not only what she can bring to the robust slate we have already been putting together and making, but all the new creatives she can bring to the Picturestart family, using the full array of financing and distribution opportunities we can offer,” said Feig.
Falvey joins the upstart production company where she will oversee all scripted and unscripted efforts in content across all film, television, audio and print media. She will report directly to Erik Feig, the former co-president of the Lionsgate motion picture group and founder and CEO of Picturestart.
Falvey joins the shop from Imagine Entertainment, where she has served as chairman of television since 2017.
“Samie is an incredible storyteller and human being who excels at finding equally incredible story tellers and human beings and bringing out the best of them. We are so excited to see not only what she can bring to the robust slate we have already been putting together and making, but all the new creatives she can bring to the Picturestart family, using the full array of financing and distribution opportunities we can offer,” said Feig.
- 9/21/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Erik Feig’s Picturestart has appointed longtime TV executive Samie Kim Falvey as President. Falvey joins from Imagine Entertainment where she spent nearly four years as President and, most recently, Chairman of Television.
Reporting to Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig, Falvey will shepherd all efforts in scripted and unscripted content across film, television, audio and print media. She will oversee a team that includes recent Picturestart executive additions to the series side, Emily Wissink and Luke Esselen, both VP of production; Jessica Switch, Lucy Kitada, Royce Reeves-Darby, and Julia Hammer on the feature side; and Emmanuelle Stahler, VP, in audio.
Imagine Entertainment is close to naming a new head of television, with conversations currently underway. Additionally, EVP Anna Culp, who has been responsible for Imagine Television’s Genius anthology series on Nat Geo and Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol on Peacock and has been overseeing FX limited series Under the Banner of Heaven,...
Reporting to Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig, Falvey will shepherd all efforts in scripted and unscripted content across film, television, audio and print media. She will oversee a team that includes recent Picturestart executive additions to the series side, Emily Wissink and Luke Esselen, both VP of production; Jessica Switch, Lucy Kitada, Royce Reeves-Darby, and Julia Hammer on the feature side; and Emmanuelle Stahler, VP, in audio.
Imagine Entertainment is close to naming a new head of television, with conversations currently underway. Additionally, EVP Anna Culp, who has been responsible for Imagine Television’s Genius anthology series on Nat Geo and Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol on Peacock and has been overseeing FX limited series Under the Banner of Heaven,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Imagine Entertainment executive Samie Kim Falvey will become the new president of Picturestart, the company announced on Tuesday.
Falvey, who served as chairman of television at Imagine Entertainment prior to taking the post, will expand the media company’s focus on creating, producing and financing “Discovery of Voice” content for worldwide engagement across all platforms, Picturestart said in a statement.
Falvey will report to Erik Feig, founder and CEO of Picturestart and a former studio executive. The company, launched in May 2019, boasts a variety of film projects including the road trip comedy “Unpregnant,” released on HBO Max in 2020; “Summer Lovin’,” a prequel of “Grease” for “Paramount,” and “The Fugitive” reboot with Albert Hughes directing for Warner Bros.
“Samie is an incredible storyteller and human being who excels at finding equally incredible story tellers and human beings and bringing the best of them. We are so excited to see not...
Falvey, who served as chairman of television at Imagine Entertainment prior to taking the post, will expand the media company’s focus on creating, producing and financing “Discovery of Voice” content for worldwide engagement across all platforms, Picturestart said in a statement.
Falvey will report to Erik Feig, founder and CEO of Picturestart and a former studio executive. The company, launched in May 2019, boasts a variety of film projects including the road trip comedy “Unpregnant,” released on HBO Max in 2020; “Summer Lovin’,” a prequel of “Grease” for “Paramount,” and “The Fugitive” reboot with Albert Hughes directing for Warner Bros.
“Samie is an incredible storyteller and human being who excels at finding equally incredible story tellers and human beings and bringing the best of them. We are so excited to see not...
- 9/21/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
Exclusive: John Lithgow has joined the cast of Sharper, the Apple Original Films and A24 thriller being directed by The Crown helmer Benjamin Caron. Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith and Briana Middleton also star in the pic, which is now set to begin principal photography Monday in New York City.
The film, which hails from A24 and Picturestart, will premiere in theaters and globally on Apple TV+.
Based on The Black List script by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, the plot of Sharper is mostly under wraps but it unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.
Producers are Moore and Bart Freundlich; Gatewood and Tanaka; and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch via Picturestart. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman are executive producers; Jodie Caron is co-producer.
The film, which hails from A24 and Picturestart, will premiere in theaters and globally on Apple TV+.
Based on The Black List script by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, the plot of Sharper is mostly under wraps but it unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.
Producers are Moore and Bart Freundlich; Gatewood and Tanaka; and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch via Picturestart. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman are executive producers; Jodie Caron is co-producer.
- 9/10/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Apple Original Films and A24’s con-artist feature Sharper has added Briana Middleton as one of the four leads. Middleton will play Sandra, a young woman who finds herself in over her head when she enters the complex world of con artists.
She joins Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan and Justice Smith in the cast.
Sharper follows a con artist (Moore) in the world of Manhattan’s billionaire echelon. The film, directed by Emmy and BAFTA nominee Benjamin Caron, is based on the spec feature screenplay from Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, which was recently named to the Black List. Caron also stars in the pic. Moore is producing alongside Bart Freundlich, Gatewood, Tanaka and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will serve as EP.
Middleton was announced as the female lead in the Beauty and the Beast prequel series. She shot her...
She joins Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan and Justice Smith in the cast.
Sharper follows a con artist (Moore) in the world of Manhattan’s billionaire echelon. The film, directed by Emmy and BAFTA nominee Benjamin Caron, is based on the spec feature screenplay from Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, which was recently named to the Black List. Caron also stars in the pic. Moore is producing alongside Bart Freundlich, Gatewood, Tanaka and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will serve as EP.
Middleton was announced as the female lead in the Beauty and the Beast prequel series. She shot her...
- 8/9/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Genera+ion actor Justice Smith has joined Julianne Moore and Sebastian Stan in Apple Original Film and A24’s Sharper.
Smith will play Tom, a bookstore owner in New York City in the Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka penned movie which ranked on the 16th annual The Black List. Sharper follows a con artist, played by Moore, set in the world of Manhattan’s billionaire echelon.
Emmy and BAFTA Award-nominated director Benjamin Caron (The Crown Sherlock) will serve as director and, in addition to starring, Moore will produce alongside Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will executive produce.
Smith can currently be seen in Genera+ion from producer Lena Dunham and creator Zelda Barnz, which premiered in March. His first blockbuster lead role was opposite Ryan Reynolds in 2019 $433.9M-grossing global box office hit Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. Smith was recently...
Smith will play Tom, a bookstore owner in New York City in the Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka penned movie which ranked on the 16th annual The Black List. Sharper follows a con artist, played by Moore, set in the world of Manhattan’s billionaire echelon.
Emmy and BAFTA Award-nominated director Benjamin Caron (The Crown Sherlock) will serve as director and, in addition to starring, Moore will produce alongside Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will executive produce.
Smith can currently be seen in Genera+ion from producer Lena Dunham and creator Zelda Barnz, which premiered in March. His first blockbuster lead role was opposite Ryan Reynolds in 2019 $433.9M-grossing global box office hit Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. Smith was recently...
- 8/5/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Sebastian Stan has joined the cast of “Sharper,” a con artist drama starring Julianne Moore that’s set up at A24 and Apple.
Moore plays a con artist in “Sharper,” and the film is set in the world of Manhattan’s billionaire echelon. Stan will play a fellow con artist, though plot details are being kept under wraps.
“Sharper” is based on a spec script by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, which also recently landed on the Black List.
Benjamin Caron of “The Crown” and “Sherlock” is directing the film. Moore is also producing alongside Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, as are Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will executive produce.
Sebastian Stan most recently starred in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” On the film side, he was seen this year in the indie romance “Monday,” and he’ll...
Moore plays a con artist in “Sharper,” and the film is set in the world of Manhattan’s billionaire echelon. Stan will play a fellow con artist, though plot details are being kept under wraps.
“Sharper” is based on a spec script by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, which also recently landed on the Black List.
Benjamin Caron of “The Crown” and “Sherlock” is directing the film. Moore is also producing alongside Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, as are Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will executive produce.
Sebastian Stan most recently starred in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” On the film side, he was seen this year in the indie romance “Monday,” and he’ll...
- 7/29/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s leading man Sebastian Stan will star alongside Oscar winner Julianne Moore in Apple Original Film and A24’s Sharper, we can tell you first.
Sharper follows a con artist, played by Moore, set in Manhattan’s billionaire echelon. The pic is based on the spec screenplay by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, which was recently named to the 16th annual The Black List. Stan will play Max, a clever conman known for carrying out complicated plans and making away with large sums of money. In the film he’s pulled into another scheme.
Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated Benjamin Caron is directing. Moore will produce alongside Bart Freundlich, Gatewood, Tanaka and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will serve as EP.
Stan is beloved for playing Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His MCU movies...
Sharper follows a con artist, played by Moore, set in Manhattan’s billionaire echelon. The pic is based on the spec screenplay by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, which was recently named to the 16th annual The Black List. Stan will play Max, a clever conman known for carrying out complicated plans and making away with large sums of money. In the film he’s pulled into another scheme.
Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated Benjamin Caron is directing. Moore will produce alongside Bart Freundlich, Gatewood, Tanaka and Erik Feig and Jessica Switch of Picturestart. Julia Hammer of Picturestart will serve as EP.
Stan is beloved for playing Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His MCU movies...
- 7/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Pictures has preemptively nabbed a live action project from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, to be produced with Erik Feig’s Picturestart.
Titled “Strays,” the film is an adult comedy and original pitch from writer Dan Perrault (“American Vandal”), about an abandoned dog who teams up with other strays to get revenge on his former owner.
The project will be directed by Josh Greenbaum, who just made his narrative directorial debut with Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s “Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” Greenbaum is an Emmy winner who hails from the unscripted space.
Picturestart packaged and developed Perrault’s script for Greenbaum, Lord and Miller and their label’s film president Aditya Sood, and producer Louis Leterrier who will join via his Rabbit Hole Productions banner. Feig will produce for Picturestart.
The movie falls under Lord and Miller’s first-look deal with the Donna Langley-led Universal,...
Titled “Strays,” the film is an adult comedy and original pitch from writer Dan Perrault (“American Vandal”), about an abandoned dog who teams up with other strays to get revenge on his former owner.
The project will be directed by Josh Greenbaum, who just made his narrative directorial debut with Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s “Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” Greenbaum is an Emmy winner who hails from the unscripted space.
Picturestart packaged and developed Perrault’s script for Greenbaum, Lord and Miller and their label’s film president Aditya Sood, and producer Louis Leterrier who will join via his Rabbit Hole Productions banner. Feig will produce for Picturestart.
The movie falls under Lord and Miller’s first-look deal with the Donna Langley-led Universal,...
- 5/27/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following a competitive bidding situation, Picturestart and Endeavor Content are set to co-finance and produce Cha Cha Real Smooth. Cooper Raiff, whose debut film Shithouse won the Grand Jury Prize at last year’s SXSW, will direct a script he has written. Raiff will star with Dakota Johnson.
Raiff will produce with Johnson and her TeaTime Pictures partner Ro Donnelly. Johnson this week wrapped Am I Ok?, which Picturestart financed, and produced with Johnson.
Endeavor Content is handling global sales with ICM Partners. Production is set to begin this summer.
In the film, Raiff takes a job as a bar mitzvah party starter — a guy who gets the young crowd dancing and having fun — while he separately strikes up a friendship with a young mother (Johnson) and her autistic daughter.
Jessica Switch and Julia Hammer are overseeing the project for Picturestart.
Raiff, who wrote, directed, produced, starred in and edited Shithouse,...
Raiff will produce with Johnson and her TeaTime Pictures partner Ro Donnelly. Johnson this week wrapped Am I Ok?, which Picturestart financed, and produced with Johnson.
Endeavor Content is handling global sales with ICM Partners. Production is set to begin this summer.
In the film, Raiff takes a job as a bar mitzvah party starter — a guy who gets the young crowd dancing and having fun — while he separately strikes up a friendship with a young mother (Johnson) and her autistic daughter.
Jessica Switch and Julia Hammer are overseeing the project for Picturestart.
Raiff, who wrote, directed, produced, starred in and edited Shithouse,...
- 3/12/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Picturestart has closed a deal to produce an untitled film project starring Israeli singer and actress Noa Kirel, who will also serve as a producer alongside her management. Jessica Switch and Royce Reeves-Darby will oversee for Picturestart.
The logline is being kept under wraps but will feature Kirel in a globe-spanning escapist event film. Insiders say the pitch was made to a handful of buyers with Kirel being present to make her personal pitch of what she envisioned the film to be. In the end, it was Picturestart’s passion and genuine excitement for the pitch that led to them landing the package.
Kirel has not only become one of the most popular international pop singers in the world but her own story is truly one of a kind. As part of Israel’s mandatory conscription law, Kirel was drafted into the Israeli army last February, even as though...
The logline is being kept under wraps but will feature Kirel in a globe-spanning escapist event film. Insiders say the pitch was made to a handful of buyers with Kirel being present to make her personal pitch of what she envisioned the film to be. In the end, it was Picturestart’s passion and genuine excitement for the pitch that led to them landing the package.
Kirel has not only become one of the most popular international pop singers in the world but her own story is truly one of a kind. As part of Israel’s mandatory conscription law, Kirel was drafted into the Israeli army last February, even as though...
- 3/2/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Erik Feig’s Picturestart and Mike Jackson and John Legend’s production company Get Lifted Film Co. are teaming to bring the critically acclaimed S.A. Cosby novel “Blacktop Wasteland” to the big screen.
The former Lionsgate film honcho and the Egot-chasing Legend have tapped “Mudbound” co-screenwriter Virgil Williams. who was nominated for an Academy Award for the Netflix original film, to adapt the heist drama.
Jessica Switch and Royce Reeves-Darby are overseeing for Picturestart, with MacKenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted Film Co., and Ty Stiklorius serving as executive producer.
“Blacktop” follows Beauregard “Bug” Montage, a hardworking family man in the American South, who happens to be a most skilled driver for people up to no good. As Bug tries to go legit, the pangs of the straight-and-narrow weigh on him — a rival auto business lures his customers away, his daughter eyes a fancy college, his wife eager to upgrade from their mobile home.
The former Lionsgate film honcho and the Egot-chasing Legend have tapped “Mudbound” co-screenwriter Virgil Williams. who was nominated for an Academy Award for the Netflix original film, to adapt the heist drama.
Jessica Switch and Royce Reeves-Darby are overseeing for Picturestart, with MacKenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted Film Co., and Ty Stiklorius serving as executive producer.
“Blacktop” follows Beauregard “Bug” Montage, a hardworking family man in the American South, who happens to be a most skilled driver for people up to no good. As Bug tries to go legit, the pangs of the straight-and-narrow weigh on him — a rival auto business lures his customers away, his daughter eyes a fancy college, his wife eager to upgrade from their mobile home.
- 10/27/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Picturestart, the media company founded by former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erik Feig, has won the right to Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss’ 2016 comic book series 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, in what was said to a competitive bidding situation.
The company is developing, producing, and co-financing the feature project based on the book, with Matt Pizzolo of Black Mask Studios, which published the series, attached to produce and co-creators Rosenberg and Boss co-producing.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold screenwriter Matthew Robinson has been tapped to pen the adaptation. It’s a darkly comedic tale that centers around Paige, whose father has stepped up and become a more responsible parent following the death of her mother. So when a group of criminals show up at their door demanding that Paige’s father join them for one last job, she’s faced with a decision: let her...
The company is developing, producing, and co-financing the feature project based on the book, with Matt Pizzolo of Black Mask Studios, which published the series, attached to produce and co-creators Rosenberg and Boss co-producing.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold screenwriter Matthew Robinson has been tapped to pen the adaptation. It’s a darkly comedic tale that centers around Paige, whose father has stepped up and become a more responsible parent following the death of her mother. So when a group of criminals show up at their door demanding that Paige’s father join them for one last job, she’s faced with a decision: let her...
- 9/3/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Picturestart has teamed with Search Party creators Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers on Monster, a movie based on their original pitch. They’ll write and direct, and Picturestart will develop, produce and finance. Bliss and Rogers will be exec producers.
Monster is a comedy about a young woman who moves to Los Angeles with big dreams of stardom. Upon her arrival, she lands a personal-assistant gig with a monster of a boss who may in fact be an actual monster. Lucy Kitada and Jessica Switch are overseeing for Picturestart.
Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig said: “There is absolutely no one better than Charles Rogers and Sarah-Violet Bliss to write and direct a wildly original movie about a young woman who discovers that the boss she worships is kind of a monster and maybe even a real monster. Search Party is an amazing show that I think would be...
Monster is a comedy about a young woman who moves to Los Angeles with big dreams of stardom. Upon her arrival, she lands a personal-assistant gig with a monster of a boss who may in fact be an actual monster. Lucy Kitada and Jessica Switch are overseeing for Picturestart.
Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig said: “There is absolutely no one better than Charles Rogers and Sarah-Violet Bliss to write and direct a wildly original movie about a young woman who discovers that the boss she worships is kind of a monster and maybe even a real monster. Search Party is an amazing show that I think would be...
- 5/19/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Picturestart and Endeavor Content have landed screen rights to Showboat, a Logan Hill 2018 Esquire article about the quirky world of cruise performers, in a hotly competitive auction involving multiple bidders. Nahnatchka Khan and Billy Finnegan have written the script and Khan is attached to direct. Randall Poster will serve as Music Supervisor.
The article provides the template for a music-driven comedy about a diversely talented group of cruise ship performers, and a jaded indie singer who must get over her Big Bad Self and learn that sequins, confetti canons, and making your audience happy isn’t always a bad thing.
Jessica Switch and Julia Hammer will oversee for Picturestart. Hill will executive produce. Picturestart was hatched by producer and former studio exec Erik Feig, with a focus on “discovery of voice” content and storytelling, which highlights emerging talent just finding their voices.
Khan is the creator and executive producer...
The article provides the template for a music-driven comedy about a diversely talented group of cruise ship performers, and a jaded indie singer who must get over her Big Bad Self and learn that sequins, confetti canons, and making your audience happy isn’t always a bad thing.
Jessica Switch and Julia Hammer will oversee for Picturestart. Hill will executive produce. Picturestart was hatched by producer and former studio exec Erik Feig, with a focus on “discovery of voice” content and storytelling, which highlights emerging talent just finding their voices.
Khan is the creator and executive producer...
- 11/4/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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