Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Olivia Rodrigo fights the sophomore slump with an instant classic, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are back with a Caribbean-inspired jam, V from BTS gets soulful on his debut solo album, the Rolling Stones return with a spry new rocker, and Low Cut Connie deliver Brooklyn-via-Philly soul salvation. Plus, new tracks from Peso Pluma, Chris Stapleton, GloRilla, and a newly unearthed gem from Joni Mitchell.
Olivia Rodrigo,...
Olivia Rodrigo,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Remember NFTs, those collectibles powered by Web3’s blockchain that were meant to transform the world of entertainment?
Two years ago, they were all the rage and did just that, with the Bored Ape Yacht Club leading the crypto bro pack and Ashton Kutcher’s and Mila Kunis’s Stoner Cats making inroads with the Hollywood crowd. But then, skeptics and cynics crashed the party and crypto winter put much of the Nft market on ice.
So NFTs got a bad name, and legitimate players were forced to distance themselves from the term, repackaging the technology as “digital tickets” or “digital tokens.” Meanwhile, entranced by ChatGPT, Silicon Valley moved on to the promises of AI. As a result, a majority of U.S. consumers now believe NFTs to be a passing fad.
So where do things stand now for NFTs in the creative community? The simple answer is that despite all the doom and gloom,...
Two years ago, they were all the rage and did just that, with the Bored Ape Yacht Club leading the crypto bro pack and Ashton Kutcher’s and Mila Kunis’s Stoner Cats making inroads with the Hollywood crowd. But then, skeptics and cynics crashed the party and crypto winter put much of the Nft market on ice.
So NFTs got a bad name, and legitimate players were forced to distance themselves from the term, repackaging the technology as “digital tickets” or “digital tokens.” Meanwhile, entranced by ChatGPT, Silicon Valley moved on to the promises of AI. As a result, a majority of U.S. consumers now believe NFTs to be a passing fad.
So where do things stand now for NFTs in the creative community? The simple answer is that despite all the doom and gloom,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Peter Csathy
- The Wrap
Filmmaker Joe Wright is finally getting candid about what happened to his thriller “The Woman in the Window,” and he admits the version of the film that was released was not the movie he originally made.
The 20th Century Studios film started off well enough – Wright signed on to direct an adaptation of a buzzy book about an agoraphobic alcoholic woman who thinks she witnesses a crime across the street. Tracy Letts came aboard to write the screenplay, Amy Adams signed on to star, and production began in 2018 with an ensemble that included Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Anthony Mackie.
But after Disney acquired Fox (and following troubling test screenings), the release of “The Woman in the Window” was delayed so the film could go back for rewrites and reshoots. Disney eventually sold the film to Netflix, where it debuted in May 2021 to a middling critical response.
The 20th Century Studios film started off well enough – Wright signed on to direct an adaptation of a buzzy book about an agoraphobic alcoholic woman who thinks she witnesses a crime across the street. Tracy Letts came aboard to write the screenplay, Amy Adams signed on to star, and production began in 2018 with an ensemble that included Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Anthony Mackie.
But after Disney acquired Fox (and following troubling test screenings), the release of “The Woman in the Window” was delayed so the film could go back for rewrites and reshoots. Disney eventually sold the film to Netflix, where it debuted in May 2021 to a middling critical response.
- 3/16/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Author: Stefan Pape
Darkest Hour is a biopic of the former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and so in turn, is a film that depicts the UK at a more unified time, with a more palpable sense of identity – one that seems somewhat lost in a contemporary landscape. So when we sat down with the film’s director Joe Wright (Atonement) we discussed the need for a Churchill-like figure today.
We also speak about the authentic portrayal of the man himself within this endeavour, and how the picture isn’t afraid to explore his flaws and imperfections, as well as his triumphs. We then ask Wright whether he’s frustrated at how many times audiences have delved into similar themes of late, such as in Churchill, The Crown and Dunkirk.
Wright also explains why he opted for Gary Oldman to take on the leading role, and why he believes Ben Mendelsohn,...
Darkest Hour is a biopic of the former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and so in turn, is a film that depicts the UK at a more unified time, with a more palpable sense of identity – one that seems somewhat lost in a contemporary landscape. So when we sat down with the film’s director Joe Wright (Atonement) we discussed the need for a Churchill-like figure today.
We also speak about the authentic portrayal of the man himself within this endeavour, and how the picture isn’t afraid to explore his flaws and imperfections, as well as his triumphs. We then ask Wright whether he’s frustrated at how many times audiences have delved into similar themes of late, such as in Churchill, The Crown and Dunkirk.
Wright also explains why he opted for Gary Oldman to take on the leading role, and why he believes Ben Mendelsohn,...
- 1/11/2018
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Looks like things won’t be getting too much easier for the Baudelaire kids when the newest season of their Netflix series, “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” returns to Netflix later this year. The streaming giant promises that this season will see “the extraordinary Baudelaire orphans face trials, tribulations and the evil Count Olaf in their fateful quest to unlock long-held family secrets” in the latest installment of their popular series that spins off the enduring charms of the Lemony Snicket novels of the same name.
When we last left the (presumed) orphans, they were heading off to a new boarding school alongside their pals the Qquagmire siblings. Based on this quick look, it seems like they’re set for an imminent reunion with their evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), which will lead to further wild adventures.
Read More:‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’: Designing Neil Patrick Harris...
When we last left the (presumed) orphans, they were heading off to a new boarding school alongside their pals the Qquagmire siblings. Based on this quick look, it seems like they’re set for an imminent reunion with their evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), which will lead to further wild adventures.
Read More:‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’: Designing Neil Patrick Harris...
- 1/2/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Four years ago, Oscar-nominated “The Theory of Everything” screenwriter Anthony McCarten sat down for a pint with an old chum in a country pub. What next? his friend asked. McCarten threw out a few ideas — no response. What else do you have?
Well, there was one that was really intimidating, McCarten said, about Winston Churchill. His friend replied, “Do that one. We need a portrait of leadership.”
That was before Brexit, before Trump, so it seems incredibly prescient. But really, when have we not needed leadership? “We’re living in extraordinary times, all the time,” McCarten said. “The issues that assail us are perennial. They haven’t changed since the Greeks picked up a pen.”
A hit at the fall festivals (Metascore: 72), “Darkest Hour” (Focus Features, November 22) is poised to deliver Gary Oldman a Best Actor Oscar as Winston Churchill. But as a World War II talky companion piece to silent action epic “Dunkirk,...
Well, there was one that was really intimidating, McCarten said, about Winston Churchill. His friend replied, “Do that one. We need a portrait of leadership.”
That was before Brexit, before Trump, so it seems incredibly prescient. But really, when have we not needed leadership? “We’re living in extraordinary times, all the time,” McCarten said. “The issues that assail us are perennial. They haven’t changed since the Greeks picked up a pen.”
A hit at the fall festivals (Metascore: 72), “Darkest Hour” (Focus Features, November 22) is poised to deliver Gary Oldman a Best Actor Oscar as Winston Churchill. But as a World War II talky companion piece to silent action epic “Dunkirk,...
- 11/20/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Four years ago, Oscar-nominated “The Theory of Everything” screenwriter Anthony McCarten sat down for a pint with an old chum in a country pub. What next? his friend asked. McCarten threw out a few ideas — no response. What else do you have?
Well, there was one that was really intimidating, McCarten said, about Winston Churchill. His friend replied, “Do that one. We need a portrait of leadership.”
That was before Brexit, before Trump, so it seems incredibly prescient. But really, when have we not needed leadership? “We’re living in extraordinary times, all the time,” McCarten said. “The issues that assail us are perennial. They haven’t changed since the Greeks picked up a pen.”
A hit at the fall festivals (Metascore: 72), “Darkest Hour” (Focus Features, November 22) is poised to deliver Gary Oldman a Best Actor Oscar as Winston Churchill. But as a World War II talky companion piece to silent action epic “Dunkirk,...
Well, there was one that was really intimidating, McCarten said, about Winston Churchill. His friend replied, “Do that one. We need a portrait of leadership.”
That was before Brexit, before Trump, so it seems incredibly prescient. But really, when have we not needed leadership? “We’re living in extraordinary times, all the time,” McCarten said. “The issues that assail us are perennial. They haven’t changed since the Greeks picked up a pen.”
A hit at the fall festivals (Metascore: 72), “Darkest Hour” (Focus Features, November 22) is poised to deliver Gary Oldman a Best Actor Oscar as Winston Churchill. But as a World War II talky companion piece to silent action epic “Dunkirk,...
- 11/20/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Alfonso Cuarón and Casey Affleck are joining forces for what is bound to be one of the hottest new television series in development. Deadline reports the two Oscar winners are developing an untitled horror television series that will track the origins of a cult. The project is being developed under Anonymous Content, the production company behind “Mr. Robot,” and is being shipped around to pay cable and streaming outlets. Multiple networks are reportedly interested.
Read More:Alfonso Cuarón Says ‘The Shape of Water’ is ‘Amazingly Sublime,’ Teases Why ‘Roma’ is Taking So Long
Cuarón is writing, directing and executive producing the project. He won the Best Director Oscar for “Gravity” and last came to television as the co-creator and executive producer of the short-lived NBC drama series “Believe.” The director is currently in post-production on “Roma,” his first Mexican production since “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” which is set for a...
Read More:Alfonso Cuarón Says ‘The Shape of Water’ is ‘Amazingly Sublime,’ Teases Why ‘Roma’ is Taking So Long
Cuarón is writing, directing and executive producing the project. He won the Best Director Oscar for “Gravity” and last came to television as the co-creator and executive producer of the short-lived NBC drama series “Believe.” The director is currently in post-production on “Roma,” his first Mexican production since “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” which is set for a...
- 10/18/2017
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Tommy Lee Jones is set to star in Stoner, the next project from Brit director Joe Wright (Atonement)
The film, which is being produced by Blumhouse Productions and backed by the Cohen Media Group and Film4, is based on John Williams' 1965 novel, adapted by Andrew Bovell, and will see the Oscar-winning actor team with newly minted Academy Award winner Casey Affleck, whose casting was announced last month. Although the book wasn't a hit when it was first published, it became a best-seller after being reissued in 2003.
Affleck is set to play the title role of William Stoner, a...
The film, which is being produced by Blumhouse Productions and backed by the Cohen Media Group and Film4, is based on John Williams' 1965 novel, adapted by Andrew Bovell, and will see the Oscar-winning actor team with newly minted Academy Award winner Casey Affleck, whose casting was announced last month. Although the book wasn't a hit when it was first published, it became a best-seller after being reissued in 2003.
Affleck is set to play the title role of William Stoner, a...
- 10/11/2017
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Casey Affleck has signed on to star in his first movie since winning the Best Actor Oscar for his heavy and emotional role in Manchester By the Sea. The film is called Stoner and it will be directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Hanna, The Soloist). The movie is based on a novel by the same name written by Jon Williams.
The story will follow the life of William Stoner, “a dirt-poor farmer turned academic, who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th Century.”
Producer Jason Blum has this to say in a statement:
“Because the novel is so beautiful but not well-known, fans of ‘Stoner’ feel like they’re in a secret club. I’m so excited that Casey, Joe and Andrew have come aboard to help expand this club’s membership. This quintessentially American work is being brought to...
The story will follow the life of William Stoner, “a dirt-poor farmer turned academic, who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th Century.”
Producer Jason Blum has this to say in a statement:
“Because the novel is so beautiful but not well-known, fans of ‘Stoner’ feel like they’re in a secret club. I’m so excited that Casey, Joe and Andrew have come aboard to help expand this club’s membership. This quintessentially American work is being brought to...
- 9/6/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Manchester By The Sea Oscar winner Casey Affleck is boarding Stoner, a movie from Blumhouse, Cohen Media Group and Film 4 based on the critically acclaimed 1965 novel by John Williams. Joe Wright is set to direct Andrew Bovell’s adapted screenplay. Affleck plays the title role of William Stoner, a dirt poor farmer-turned-academic who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 2oth century. In the book, Stoner deals with his…...
- 9/5/2017
- Deadline
Blumhouse Productions, Cohen Media Group (Cmg), and Film4 have today announced a massive team-up: a big screen adaption of John Williams’ novel “Stoner” that will pair up Oscar-winning actor Casey Affleck (in the title role) and multiple BAFTA-winning director Joe Wright, aided by a Andrew Bovell-penned screenplay. Based on Williams’ 1965 novel, the film will follow “the hardscrabble life of William Stoner, a dirt-poor farmer turned academic, who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th century.”
While Williams first published the book in the mid-sixties, but reissues by both Vintage and New York Review Books Classics in the early aughts helped propel it to the admiration that previously eluded it (the book sold just 2,000 copies in its first run, and went out of print a year later). Blumhouse optioned the book in 2011.
Read More:What Barry Jenkins, Casey Affleck, Viola Davis...
While Williams first published the book in the mid-sixties, but reissues by both Vintage and New York Review Books Classics in the early aughts helped propel it to the admiration that previously eluded it (the book sold just 2,000 copies in its first run, and went out of print a year later). Blumhouse optioned the book in 2011.
Read More:What Barry Jenkins, Casey Affleck, Viola Davis...
- 9/5/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Casey Affleck and Joe Wright are teaming up to adapt Stoner, the acclaimed 1965 novel by John Williams.
Blumhouse Productions, Cohen Media Group (CMG) and Film4 , who made the announcement, are behind the feature project.
Andrew Bovell, a playwright-turned-screenwriter who previously wrote Lantana and the Mel Gibson thriller Edge of Darkness, is penning the script that adapts the story that tells the “hardscrabble life of William Stoner, a dirt-poor farmer turned academic, who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th Century,” according to the companies.
The novel was...
Blumhouse Productions, Cohen Media Group (CMG) and Film4 , who made the announcement, are behind the feature project.
Andrew Bovell, a playwright-turned-screenwriter who previously wrote Lantana and the Mel Gibson thriller Edge of Darkness, is penning the script that adapts the story that tells the “hardscrabble life of William Stoner, a dirt-poor farmer turned academic, who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th Century,” according to the companies.
The novel was...
- 9/5/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood producer Jason Blum seems to have a Midas touch, turning relatively low-budget horror movies like “Split” and “Get Out” into international blockbusters. Through his Blumhouse Films shingle, Blum has made more than 82 movies — many of them low-cost, high-return genre successes such as “Paranormal Activity” and “The Purge.” In a profile in Sunday’s New York Times Magazine, writer Ryan Bradley reveals some surprising details about the Hollywood executive, from his mobile office in the back of a Ford van to the original ending for “Get Out” to his longtime love for a certain Stoner. Also Read: Blumhouse's Jason Blum Says Frugality.
- 5/11/2017
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham has announced that Daniel Battsek will join the corporation as Director of Film4, following the news that David Kosse is to step down to join Stx Entertainment.
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as President of Cohen Media Group - where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to this role Daniel was President of National Geographic Films, and before that President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films.
David Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until October.
Battsek will inherit the increased spend announced by David Abraham and David Kosse in February 2016 of £25 million for the year, with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of Film4 funding in future years.
Under Battsek’s leadership, Film4 will continue to seek out new partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight and Fp Films in February, which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects, with a view to seeing more of the returns flowing back to Film4 for investment in the company’s future slate.
Battsek also inherits a development slate which includes new work from Lenny Abrahamson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrew Haigh, Steve McQueen, Martin McDonagh, Clio Barnard, Bart Layton, Garth Davis and Mike Leigh. as well as completed or near completed films from Andrea Arnold, Ben Wheatley, Ang Lee, Paddy Considine, Susanna White, John Cameron Mitchell, acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews, newcomer Toby Macdonald and Danny Boyle.
Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham commented: “Daniel Battsek’s passion for independent, filmmaker driven cinema, and experience in film production, development and distribution at the highest level in both the Us and UK markets, are second to none. He’s a perfect fit for the Film4 brand. We’re thrilled to bring this talented British executive back to the UK.
“As demonstrated by our record breaking year at both the Oscars and the BAFTAs, Daniel will inherit a Film4 business in fine creative and commercial health from David Kosse. We’re sad he couldn’t have been with us longer but he’s had an incredible impact in the time he has led the division. Both the exciting upcoming slate and the increased funding for original film we announced earlier this year are testament to the successful strategy implemented by David. I’m delighted that he will be working alongside Daniel on a smooth transition over the summer and ensuring that it is business as usual for Film4 over this period.”
Daniel Battsek added: "I am hugely honored to have been offered this opportunity. My career began with so many of Film4's early productions and I have retained strong ties with British filmmakers throughout my time in the Us. Joining Film4 feels almost like coming full circle. I look forward to returning to the UK and putting the experience I've gained on both sides of the Atlantic to good use."
David Kosse said: "Film4 is a unique organization and a very special brand and it was a difficult decision to leave, but joining Stx at this stage is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Over almost two years, I'm incredibly proud to have put in place a new strategy for Film4 which has boosted funding for the film industry to a record level and to have introduced an exciting new slate of high quality productions and developments with a diverse group of filmmakers. David Abraham and the Channel 4 leadership team have been fantastic partners since day one and I look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months."
Having worked at the cutting edge of the independent sector on three continents, Battsek brings 30 years’ production, development and distribution experience to Film4. For the last three years Battsek has served as President of New York based Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of arthouse/crossover releases including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to that he spent 2½ years at National Geographic Films, where as President he acquired projects for development and production including the Oscar® nominated documentary Restrepo, as well as National Geographic branded large screen and Imax 3D projects.
Battsek relocated from the UK to New York in 2005, where he served for five years as President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films. Projects he greenlit and/or acquired there included Oscar® winners "The Queen," "No Country For Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" and Oscar® nominees "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Happy-Go-Lucky". From 1991 to 2005, Battsek held the position of Evp and Managing Director, UK Distribution and European Production & Acquisitions at Buena Vista International, UK, where he oversaw all aspects of UK distribution for 18-25 releases per annum from Walt Disney Studios and their partners including Pixar and Miramax Films. At Bvi, Battsek also set up a Comedy Production Label in 2001 which financed and produced three films, including "Calendar Girls" and "Kinky Boots." Prior to that, Battsek spent six years as Managing Director of Palace Pictures, where he was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of quality independent titles from around the world for release in the UK, and he also spent three years as a Sales & Marketing Executive for Hoyts Entertainment in Australia, where he first cut his teeth in distribution.
Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, which develops and co-finances films and has an established track record for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking. Film4 has developed and/or co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years - Academy Award-winners such as Steve McQueen’s "12 Years a Slave," Danny Boyle’s "Slumdog Millionaire," Lenny Abrahamson’s "Room," Alex Garland’s "Ex Machina," Asif Kapadia’s Amy, Andrew Haigh’s "45 Years" and Phyllida Lloyd’s "The Iron Lady," in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner, Chris Morris’ "Four Lions," Shane Meadows’ "This is England," Martin McDonagh’s "Seven Psychopaths," Yann Demange’s "71," Ben Wheatley’s "High-Rise," Clio Barnard’s "The Selfish Giant," Jonathan Glazer’s "Under the Skin" and David Mackenzie’s "Starred Up."...
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as President of Cohen Media Group - where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to this role Daniel was President of National Geographic Films, and before that President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films.
David Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until October.
Battsek will inherit the increased spend announced by David Abraham and David Kosse in February 2016 of £25 million for the year, with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of Film4 funding in future years.
Under Battsek’s leadership, Film4 will continue to seek out new partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight and Fp Films in February, which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects, with a view to seeing more of the returns flowing back to Film4 for investment in the company’s future slate.
Battsek also inherits a development slate which includes new work from Lenny Abrahamson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrew Haigh, Steve McQueen, Martin McDonagh, Clio Barnard, Bart Layton, Garth Davis and Mike Leigh. as well as completed or near completed films from Andrea Arnold, Ben Wheatley, Ang Lee, Paddy Considine, Susanna White, John Cameron Mitchell, acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews, newcomer Toby Macdonald and Danny Boyle.
Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham commented: “Daniel Battsek’s passion for independent, filmmaker driven cinema, and experience in film production, development and distribution at the highest level in both the Us and UK markets, are second to none. He’s a perfect fit for the Film4 brand. We’re thrilled to bring this talented British executive back to the UK.
“As demonstrated by our record breaking year at both the Oscars and the BAFTAs, Daniel will inherit a Film4 business in fine creative and commercial health from David Kosse. We’re sad he couldn’t have been with us longer but he’s had an incredible impact in the time he has led the division. Both the exciting upcoming slate and the increased funding for original film we announced earlier this year are testament to the successful strategy implemented by David. I’m delighted that he will be working alongside Daniel on a smooth transition over the summer and ensuring that it is business as usual for Film4 over this period.”
Daniel Battsek added: "I am hugely honored to have been offered this opportunity. My career began with so many of Film4's early productions and I have retained strong ties with British filmmakers throughout my time in the Us. Joining Film4 feels almost like coming full circle. I look forward to returning to the UK and putting the experience I've gained on both sides of the Atlantic to good use."
David Kosse said: "Film4 is a unique organization and a very special brand and it was a difficult decision to leave, but joining Stx at this stage is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Over almost two years, I'm incredibly proud to have put in place a new strategy for Film4 which has boosted funding for the film industry to a record level and to have introduced an exciting new slate of high quality productions and developments with a diverse group of filmmakers. David Abraham and the Channel 4 leadership team have been fantastic partners since day one and I look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months."
Having worked at the cutting edge of the independent sector on three continents, Battsek brings 30 years’ production, development and distribution experience to Film4. For the last three years Battsek has served as President of New York based Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of arthouse/crossover releases including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to that he spent 2½ years at National Geographic Films, where as President he acquired projects for development and production including the Oscar® nominated documentary Restrepo, as well as National Geographic branded large screen and Imax 3D projects.
Battsek relocated from the UK to New York in 2005, where he served for five years as President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films. Projects he greenlit and/or acquired there included Oscar® winners "The Queen," "No Country For Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" and Oscar® nominees "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Happy-Go-Lucky". From 1991 to 2005, Battsek held the position of Evp and Managing Director, UK Distribution and European Production & Acquisitions at Buena Vista International, UK, where he oversaw all aspects of UK distribution for 18-25 releases per annum from Walt Disney Studios and their partners including Pixar and Miramax Films. At Bvi, Battsek also set up a Comedy Production Label in 2001 which financed and produced three films, including "Calendar Girls" and "Kinky Boots." Prior to that, Battsek spent six years as Managing Director of Palace Pictures, where he was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of quality independent titles from around the world for release in the UK, and he also spent three years as a Sales & Marketing Executive for Hoyts Entertainment in Australia, where he first cut his teeth in distribution.
Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, which develops and co-finances films and has an established track record for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking. Film4 has developed and/or co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years - Academy Award-winners such as Steve McQueen’s "12 Years a Slave," Danny Boyle’s "Slumdog Millionaire," Lenny Abrahamson’s "Room," Alex Garland’s "Ex Machina," Asif Kapadia’s Amy, Andrew Haigh’s "45 Years" and Phyllida Lloyd’s "The Iron Lady," in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner, Chris Morris’ "Four Lions," Shane Meadows’ "This is England," Martin McDonagh’s "Seven Psychopaths," Yann Demange’s "71," Ben Wheatley’s "High-Rise," Clio Barnard’s "The Selfish Giant," Jonathan Glazer’s "Under the Skin" and David Mackenzie’s "Starred Up."...
- 4/14/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Cohen Media Group president takes the reins at the UK broadcaster following David Kosse’s appointment at Stx.
Cohen Media Group president Daniel Battsek is to take the reins at Film4 as its new director, UK broadcaster Channel 4 has confirmed.
As previously revealed by Screen, the former Miramax Films president emerged as the clear favourite for the job following the departure of David Kosse who is leaving to join Us mini-studio Stx Entertainment as president of international.
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of distributor Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar nominees Timbuktu and Mustang, as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ hit novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4.
The handover is understood to have been in the works for a matter of months with outgoing...
Cohen Media Group president Daniel Battsek is to take the reins at Film4 as its new director, UK broadcaster Channel 4 has confirmed.
As previously revealed by Screen, the former Miramax Films president emerged as the clear favourite for the job following the departure of David Kosse who is leaving to join Us mini-studio Stx Entertainment as president of international.
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of distributor Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar nominees Timbuktu and Mustang, as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ hit novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4.
The handover is understood to have been in the works for a matter of months with outgoing...
- 4/8/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
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