Exclusive: UK-French sales company Alief has acquired world sales rights to Megan Seely’s dark comedy Puddysticks in which she co-stars alongside Mamoudou Athie and Dan Bakkedahl.
Seely plays Liz, a burned-out videogame designer who discovers a mysterious society of adults who heal their darkest secrets through childlike play.
Led by the alluring figure of Sylvester Cromwell (Bakkedahl), the group compels each member to reveal their most shameful memory as part of the process but when Liz finally musters the courage to share her darkest trauma, her world turns upside down.
Puddysticks is actress, writer and filmmaker Seely’s first feature length film after well-travelled short film My Loyal Audience, TV show Every Year On My Half Birthday and taking co-writing credits on 2017 feature The Mad Whale.
Her acting credits include the Filipino and American musical The Girl Who Left Home and Twist.
Seely plays Liz, a burned-out videogame designer who discovers a mysterious society of adults who heal their darkest secrets through childlike play.
Led by the alluring figure of Sylvester Cromwell (Bakkedahl), the group compels each member to reveal their most shameful memory as part of the process but when Liz finally musters the courage to share her darkest trauma, her world turns upside down.
Puddysticks is actress, writer and filmmaker Seely’s first feature length film after well-travelled short film My Loyal Audience, TV show Every Year On My Half Birthday and taking co-writing credits on 2017 feature The Mad Whale.
Her acting credits include the Filipino and American musical The Girl Who Left Home and Twist.
- 2/6/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
"What are your plans for the summer?" Good Deed Entertainment has released a teaser trailer for an indie romantic comedy called Love... Reconsidered, opening in theaters in February. Another indie romance film they're trying to get out in time for Valentine's Day, if anyone will watch it then. Ruby is a thirty and flirty (but definitely not thriving) New Yorker whose life is transferred to the Hamptons right after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner. She learns all kinds of crazy things about love when she moves out to Long Island to run this store. In the end, it is through her resiliency of spirit, a flavorful local community, and rejection of the seemingly rich and powerful that she finds the true prize: herself. Starring Sophie Von Haselberg as Ruby, Colton Haynes, Luke Gulbranson, Jill Kargman, Jon Lemmon, Javier Muñoz, and Marisa Ryan. Yet another extra short...
- 1/31/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
“Love… Reconsidered” is a new ‘rom-com’ feature, directed by Carol Ray Hartsell, starring Sophie von Haselberg, Colton Haynes, Luke Gulbranson, Rosa Gilmore, Judy Gold, Elaine Bromka, Javier Munoz, Marisa Ryan and Jill Kargman, releasing February 2, 2024 in theaters:
“…New Yorker ‘Ruby’ is thirty and flirty, but definitely not thriving, when she is transferred to the ‘Hamptons’ after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…New Yorker ‘Ruby’ is thirty and flirty, but definitely not thriving, when she is transferred to the ‘Hamptons’ after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 1/17/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
US singer and actress Debbie Harry and Give Me Pity! filmmaker Amanda Kramer are the latest to join the line-up of talks at International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), which runs from January 25-February 4.
Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, will join the US filmmaker for a discussion on Kramer’s new sci-fi documentary, So Unreal. The film is narrated by Harry, and examines the relationship between cinema and technology in the format of a long-form video essay. Kramer uses footage from the likes of Lisberger’s Tron and Trumbull’s Brainstorm to explore technical evolution as a key theme in...
Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, will join the US filmmaker for a discussion on Kramer’s new sci-fi documentary, So Unreal. The film is narrated by Harry, and examines the relationship between cinema and technology in the format of a long-form video essay. Kramer uses footage from the likes of Lisberger’s Tron and Trumbull’s Brainstorm to explore technical evolution as a key theme in...
- 1/17/2024
- by ¬Yasmin Vince
- ScreenDaily
In the new holiday movie Merry Good Enough, Sawyer Spielberg acts alongside his wife of five years, Raye Levine.
Merry Good Enough follows Lucy Raulie, portrayed by Levine, as she grapples with the complexities of her dysfunctional family amid the holiday season. When her mother mysteriously disappears on Christmas Eve, Lucy unexpectedly must reunite her fractured family. Lucy joins forces with her older brother Tim, played by Daniel Desmarais, and younger sister Cynthia, played by Comfort Clinton. The Raulie siblings embark on a search that takes a turn when their eccentric father George (Joel Murray), joins the quest to offer his unique brand of “assistance.”
In conversation with uInterview founder Erik Meers, Spielberg, who is the son of director Steven Spielberg, said he felt that the hardest scenes in the movie to the film were the awkward ones between his and Levine’s characters.
He said, “Ray and I were so comfortable with each other,...
Merry Good Enough follows Lucy Raulie, portrayed by Levine, as she grapples with the complexities of her dysfunctional family amid the holiday season. When her mother mysteriously disappears on Christmas Eve, Lucy unexpectedly must reunite her fractured family. Lucy joins forces with her older brother Tim, played by Daniel Desmarais, and younger sister Cynthia, played by Comfort Clinton. The Raulie siblings embark on a search that takes a turn when their eccentric father George (Joel Murray), joins the quest to offer his unique brand of “assistance.”
In conversation with uInterview founder Erik Meers, Spielberg, who is the son of director Steven Spielberg, said he felt that the hardest scenes in the movie to the film were the awkward ones between his and Levine’s characters.
He said, “Ray and I were so comfortable with each other,...
- 12/23/2023
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Strange and unsettling, Amanda Kramer’s depiction of a TV entertainer’s descent is intriguing and amusing, with Sophie von Haselberg the multi-tasking star
Musician turned film-maker Amanda Kramer gave us a retro campy reverie of queer longing in her previous feature Please Baby Please which, though interesting, was oddly unsatisfying and insubstantial. This works much better: a genuinely strange and unsettling creation whose meaning and form can’t quite be pinned down.
It appears to be an imaginary standalone primetime US TV special which went out in some alternative dream-universe between 1975 and 1985; it is centred on one particular star, a brassy, heart-on-sleeve song-and-dance performer called Sissy St Claire, played by Sophie von Haselberg. She does musical numbers, elaborate costume changes, dance routines, goofy comedy sketches, all in the cause of entertainment. Sissy looks like a cross between Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler (Von Haselberg is in fact Midler’s...
Musician turned film-maker Amanda Kramer gave us a retro campy reverie of queer longing in her previous feature Please Baby Please which, though interesting, was oddly unsatisfying and insubstantial. This works much better: a genuinely strange and unsettling creation whose meaning and form can’t quite be pinned down.
It appears to be an imaginary standalone primetime US TV special which went out in some alternative dream-universe between 1975 and 1985; it is centred on one particular star, a brassy, heart-on-sleeve song-and-dance performer called Sissy St Claire, played by Sophie von Haselberg. She does musical numbers, elaborate costume changes, dance routines, goofy comedy sketches, all in the cause of entertainment. Sissy looks like a cross between Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler (Von Haselberg is in fact Midler’s...
- 11/7/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Sophie von Haselberg stars in the film that has played at Rotterdam, Fantasia, Edinburgh and Fantastic Fest.
Amanda Kramer’s Give Me Pity! has sold to Bulldog for a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland from France-uk sales outfit Alief.
Sophie von Haselberg stars as a young performer who hits the small screen for her first ever television special, while desperation and unease looms.
Sarah Winshall and Jacob Agger produce the title, which has played at Rotterdam, Fantasia, Edinburgh and Fantastic Fest.
Universcine has French rights. It is currently on release in North America with Utopia and in Australia...
Amanda Kramer’s Give Me Pity! has sold to Bulldog for a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland from France-uk sales outfit Alief.
Sophie von Haselberg stars as a young performer who hits the small screen for her first ever television special, while desperation and unease looms.
Sarah Winshall and Jacob Agger produce the title, which has played at Rotterdam, Fantasia, Edinburgh and Fantastic Fest.
Universcine has French rights. It is currently on release in North America with Utopia and in Australia...
- 5/23/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Good Deed Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Carol Ray Hartsell’s Hamptons-set indie romantic comedy Love … Reconsidered for a Valentine’s Day 2024 release.
Sophie von Haselberg stars as a down-on-her-luck New Yorker whose life is suddenly transferred to the Hamptons after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner.
“Love… Reconsidered is refreshing and I know audiences will fall in love with this unique cast,” said Gde’s EVP Acquisitions Erik Donley. “This is going to be a perfect film for rom-com fans everywhere.”
The deal was finalized ahead of the Cannes Market and negotiated by Gde’s Donley and Brett Walker, president at Alief with partner Miguel Angel Govea on behalf of the filmmakers.
Other cast members include Colton Haynes, Luke Gulbranson and Elaine Bromka (Uncle Buck).
The film marks Hartsell’s feature debut as a director, after...
Sophie von Haselberg stars as a down-on-her-luck New Yorker whose life is suddenly transferred to the Hamptons after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner.
“Love… Reconsidered is refreshing and I know audiences will fall in love with this unique cast,” said Gde’s EVP Acquisitions Erik Donley. “This is going to be a perfect film for rom-com fans everywhere.”
The deal was finalized ahead of the Cannes Market and negotiated by Gde’s Donley and Brett Walker, president at Alief with partner Miguel Angel Govea on behalf of the filmmakers.
Other cast members include Colton Haynes, Luke Gulbranson and Elaine Bromka (Uncle Buck).
The film marks Hartsell’s feature debut as a director, after...
- 5/19/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UK-French sales company Alief has added Carol Hartsell’s Hamptons-set indie romantic comedy Love… Reconsidered to its Cannes 2023 slate on the eve of the market.
Sophie von Haselberg stars as a down-on-her-luck New Yorker whose life is suddenly transferred to the Hamptons after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner.
It is the second feature starring Bette Midler’s daughter von Haselberg sold internationally by Alief after it successfully handled Amanda Kramer’s Give Me Pity!
Other cast members include Colton Haynes, Javier Muñoz (Broadway’s Hamilton), Jill Kargman (Odd Mom Out) Marisa Ryan (Wet Hot American Summer), Rosa Gilmore (The Expanse), Luke Gulbranson, Anthony Norman (Mare of Easttown) Judy Gold (Better Things) and Elaine Bromka (Uncle Buck).
The film was scripted by Arielle Haller-Silverstone and loosely inspired by her own experiences when she lost her job during the Covid-...
Sophie von Haselberg stars as a down-on-her-luck New Yorker whose life is suddenly transferred to the Hamptons after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner.
It is the second feature starring Bette Midler’s daughter von Haselberg sold internationally by Alief after it successfully handled Amanda Kramer’s Give Me Pity!
Other cast members include Colton Haynes, Javier Muñoz (Broadway’s Hamilton), Jill Kargman (Odd Mom Out) Marisa Ryan (Wet Hot American Summer), Rosa Gilmore (The Expanse), Luke Gulbranson, Anthony Norman (Mare of Easttown) Judy Gold (Better Things) and Elaine Bromka (Uncle Buck).
The film was scripted by Arielle Haller-Silverstone and loosely inspired by her own experiences when she lost her job during the Covid-...
- 5/12/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Sophie von Haselberg stars as Sissy St. Claire in Amanda Kramer’s psychedelic fever dream musical Give Me Pity! It’s part mock 70’s television special, part monologue film, and requires the creation of a bigger-than-life persona on screen, and von Haselberg carries it all and delivers a virtuoso performance. On this episode, she takes us from Kramer “pulling me from the ether,” through extensive preparation, getting the character “into my body,” a frustrating Covid pause, on to the live theater-like 5 day shoot, and how she doesn’t think she would have “ever allowed myself to dream that something like this would […]
The post “I Know This Woman. I Have Her in My Body”: Sophie von Haselberg first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Know This Woman. I Have Her in My Body”: Sophie von Haselberg first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/14/2023
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Sophie von Haselberg stars as Sissy St. Claire in Amanda Kramer’s psychedelic fever dream musical Give Me Pity! It’s part mock 70’s television special, part monologue film, and requires the creation of a bigger-than-life persona on screen, and von Haselberg carries it all and delivers a virtuoso performance. On this episode, she takes us from Kramer “pulling me from the ether,” through extensive preparation, getting the character “into my body,” a frustrating Covid pause, on to the live theater-like 5 day shoot, and how she doesn’t think she would have “ever allowed myself to dream that something like this would […]
The post “I Know This Woman. I Have Her in My Body”: Sophie von Haselberg first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Know This Woman. I Have Her in My Body”: Sophie von Haselberg first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/14/2023
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
When the curtain rises on Sissy St. Clare's Saturday night television special — the one she has desperately coveted for so long now — she's frank with the audience about the realities of "making it." It's no easy feat, but a girl like her isn't going to stop for anything. As her wide-eyed, brightly smiling optimism bleeds through the show's catchy opening number "I'm Making It" — punctuated by the repeated lyric "Going straight to your heart on demand!" — she tells the audience that she has so much planned for them, including stakes that go "higher and higher and higher." It tapers off and she launches into a monologue that becomes a covenant with the audience, promising them that the special won't end until she's "bashed in" and "begging each and every one of you to set me free."
As she moves back into the happy-go-lucky world of dancing and singing and "making it,...
As she moves back into the happy-go-lucky world of dancing and singing and "making it,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
A woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Sissy St. Claire (Sophie von Haselberg) appears on a soundstage for her Saturday night television special. Like the tireless performers who came before her, St. Claire will spend the duration of the broadcast showcasing elaborate outfits, dramatic monologues, groan-worthy jokes, peppy musical numbers and an assortment of special guests (some human and others canine). Tonight is either her big break or the conclusion of a descent into madness—either way, don’t dare change that channel! Give Me Pity!, the latest film from director Amanda Kramer, is a warped take on variety show […]
The post “Part Emulation and Part Making Shit Up”: Amanda Kramer on Give Me Pity! first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Part Emulation and Part Making Shit Up”: Amanda Kramer on Give Me Pity! first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/27/2023
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
A woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Sissy St. Claire (Sophie von Haselberg) appears on a soundstage for her Saturday night television special. Like the tireless performers who came before her, St. Claire will spend the duration of the broadcast showcasing elaborate outfits, dramatic monologues, groan-worthy jokes, peppy musical numbers and an assortment of special guests (some human and others canine). Tonight is either her big break or the conclusion of a descent into madness—either way, don’t dare change that channel! Give Me Pity!, the latest film from director Amanda Kramer, is a warped take on variety show […]
The post “Part Emulation and Part Making Shit Up”: Amanda Kramer on Give Me Pity! first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Part Emulation and Part Making Shit Up”: Amanda Kramer on Give Me Pity! first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/27/2023
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”
Bette Midler had her first professional wardrobe fitting when she made her Broadway debut in 1967 playing Tzeitel in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“I remember the clothes had layers and layers so that they had weight and so they moved when you danced,” the two-time Oscar nominee recalls on this week’s episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “They would curl themselves around your feet. It was so beautiful.”
Since then, Midler has been transformed on stage and screen by countless costumes. “I’ve worn them all,” she says. “I have been an old lady, a young lady, a witch, a mermaid, a showgirl, a stripper, a bad lounge singer. I’ve run the gamut. And I have to say, it’s been a blast.”
Her decades-long work with costume designers will be celebrated Feb. 27 when she’s presented with the Distinguished...
Bette Midler had her first professional wardrobe fitting when she made her Broadway debut in 1967 playing Tzeitel in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“I remember the clothes had layers and layers so that they had weight and so they moved when you danced,” the two-time Oscar nominee recalls on this week’s episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “They would curl themselves around your feet. It was so beautiful.”
Since then, Midler has been transformed on stage and screen by countless costumes. “I’ve worn them all,” she says. “I have been an old lady, a young lady, a witch, a mermaid, a showgirl, a stripper, a bad lounge singer. I’ve run the gamut. And I have to say, it’s been a blast.”
Her decades-long work with costume designers will be celebrated Feb. 27 when she’s presented with the Distinguished...
- 2/21/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Give Me Pity! Photo: Courtesy of Fantasia International Film Festival
After making a splash at Fantasia and Edinburgh, Amanda Kramer’s Give Me Pity! is now set to screen at Fantastic Fest. At all three festivals, it has stood out, a bold piece of work not easily forgotten or confused with anything else. Shot against a simmering hot pink backdrop, full of sequins, spangles and flashing lights, it follows performer Sissy St. Sinclair (Sophie von Haselberg) as she enjoys her first TV special but gradually begins to crack under the pressure, spiralling into a psychedelic nightmare. At the former two festivals it screened alongside another film of Amanda’s, musical exploration of gender and sexuality Please Baby Please, so when we got together to chat, I asked her how she felt about them touring as a pair.
“I'm so grateful that both films can be recognised and have a twin moment,...
After making a splash at Fantasia and Edinburgh, Amanda Kramer’s Give Me Pity! is now set to screen at Fantastic Fest. At all three festivals, it has stood out, a bold piece of work not easily forgotten or confused with anything else. Shot against a simmering hot pink backdrop, full of sequins, spangles and flashing lights, it follows performer Sissy St. Sinclair (Sophie von Haselberg) as she enjoys her first TV special but gradually begins to crack under the pressure, spiralling into a psychedelic nightmare. At the former two festivals it screened alongside another film of Amanda’s, musical exploration of gender and sexuality Please Baby Please, so when we got together to chat, I asked her how she felt about them touring as a pair.
“I'm so grateful that both films can be recognised and have a twin moment,...
- 9/22/2022
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Utopia has acquired the North American rights to Amanda Kramer’s “Give Me Pity!” ahead of the musical comedy’s North American premiere at Fantasia Film Festival.
“Give Me Pity!” follows a Saturday Night variety show host who slowly unravels on screen in what Kramer has called “an untamed and intimate portrayal of diva culture, female vanity, created persona, and the prisms of fame.”
The film enjoys its North American premiere at genre fest Fantasia in Montreal, Canada, on Friday. Utopia has set an early 2023 release for the pic, and has partnered with boutique agency Aspect Ratio for a special distribution roll-out. Prior to the movie’s commercial release, Aspect Ratio will handle non-theatrical and specialty art venue bookings.
“Give Me Pity!” world premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January, closing the Dutch festival’s Filmmakers in Focus section. Indie sales, distribution and production company Alief picked up...
“Give Me Pity!” follows a Saturday Night variety show host who slowly unravels on screen in what Kramer has called “an untamed and intimate portrayal of diva culture, female vanity, created persona, and the prisms of fame.”
The film enjoys its North American premiere at genre fest Fantasia in Montreal, Canada, on Friday. Utopia has set an early 2023 release for the pic, and has partnered with boutique agency Aspect Ratio for a special distribution roll-out. Prior to the movie’s commercial release, Aspect Ratio will handle non-theatrical and specialty art venue bookings.
“Give Me Pity!” world premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January, closing the Dutch festival’s Filmmakers in Focus section. Indie sales, distribution and production company Alief picked up...
- 7/22/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
British-French film company Alief has closed North America and French-speaking territories on “Cop Secret,” effectively now selling the Icelandic buddy cop spoof to over half the world’s major markets.
In North America, “Cop Secret” has scored a platform release with Epic Pictures. Extralucid Films has acquired France, Monaco, Luxembourg and French-speaking Belgium and Switzerland.
The writer-director feature debut of Hannes Thor Haldorsson, Iceland’s national soccer team goalkeeper, “Cop Secret” will bow in select theaters in North America on July 8 then on VOD on July 12.
The deals were put through by Patrick Ewald, president & CEO of Epic Pictures Group and Extralucid Films CEO Carine Bach and President Patrice Very. Alief President Brett Walker and partner Miguel Angel Govea negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.
Walker and Govea are at the Cannes Film Market to continue the international roll-out of “Cop Secret,” which is already impressive.
Territories closed take in...
In North America, “Cop Secret” has scored a platform release with Epic Pictures. Extralucid Films has acquired France, Monaco, Luxembourg and French-speaking Belgium and Switzerland.
The writer-director feature debut of Hannes Thor Haldorsson, Iceland’s national soccer team goalkeeper, “Cop Secret” will bow in select theaters in North America on July 8 then on VOD on July 12.
The deals were put through by Patrick Ewald, president & CEO of Epic Pictures Group and Extralucid Films CEO Carine Bach and President Patrice Very. Alief President Brett Walker and partner Miguel Angel Govea negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.
Walker and Govea are at the Cannes Film Market to continue the international roll-out of “Cop Secret,” which is already impressive.
Territories closed take in...
- 5/18/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Writer-director Tinna Hrafnsdóttir’s critically acclaimed Icelandic psychological-mystery drama “Quake” has sold to Juno Films for North America and the U.K. as well as to Njuta Films for Sweden.
British-French production, distribution and sales company Alief is presenting the film at the upcoming Cannes Marché du Film.
Anita Briem stars as Saga, a single mother fighting to keep her young son while trying to piece together her life after losing her memory. Afraid of being considered unable to take care of her child, Saga attempts to hide her state from others as she searches for answers and recovers long repressed memories.
“‘Quake’ is a taut mystery-thriller that masterfully spirals toward a cathartic, emotionally satisfying resolution,” said Elizabeth Sheldon, Juno Films’ president and CEO. “The stunning cinematography reflects a barren cold landscape that in turn reflects the emotionally frigid familial relationships in a film that keeps you guessing — until the very end — what is true.
British-French production, distribution and sales company Alief is presenting the film at the upcoming Cannes Marché du Film.
Anita Briem stars as Saga, a single mother fighting to keep her young son while trying to piece together her life after losing her memory. Afraid of being considered unable to take care of her child, Saga attempts to hide her state from others as she searches for answers and recovers long repressed memories.
“‘Quake’ is a taut mystery-thriller that masterfully spirals toward a cathartic, emotionally satisfying resolution,” said Elizabeth Sheldon, Juno Films’ president and CEO. “The stunning cinematography reflects a barren cold landscape that in turn reflects the emotionally frigid familial relationships in a film that keeps you guessing — until the very end — what is true.
- 5/12/2022
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Kramer’s ‘Give Me Pity!’ starring Sophie von Haselberg, is bowing a teaser trailer ahead of its Rotterdam world premiere where the pic closes the event’s Filmmakers in Focus section on Jan. 29.
Variety nabbed an exclusive first look at the teaser, courtesy of Alief, which snapped up the global sales rights to the pic in early January.
Following its world premiere, the U.K.-French sales agent, distribution and production company will present the film at the Berlinale’s online European Film Market for its market debut in February.
“Give Me Pity!” pivots on Variety TV show host Sissy St. Claire, played by Von Haselberg, whose vanity, insecurity and delusions of grandeur come to a head as a menacing masked figure continues to haunt her, leading to a very public breakdown.
The one-minute teaser opens on Sissy St. Claire holding forth on stage against a glittery fuchsia backdrop...
Variety nabbed an exclusive first look at the teaser, courtesy of Alief, which snapped up the global sales rights to the pic in early January.
Following its world premiere, the U.K.-French sales agent, distribution and production company will present the film at the Berlinale’s online European Film Market for its market debut in February.
“Give Me Pity!” pivots on Variety TV show host Sissy St. Claire, played by Von Haselberg, whose vanity, insecurity and delusions of grandeur come to a head as a menacing masked figure continues to haunt her, leading to a very public breakdown.
The one-minute teaser opens on Sissy St. Claire holding forth on stage against a glittery fuchsia backdrop...
- 1/19/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Fast-growing indie sales, distribution and production company Alief has acquired the global sales rights to writer-director Amanda Kramer’s “Give Me Pity!” which will world premiere at the upcoming International Film Festival Rotterdam on Jan. 29 in an honored position as the closing film of the event’s Filmmakers in Focus section.
Following its world premiere, which has just been announced by the Rotterdam Festival, Alief will bring the film to the Berlinale’s European Film Market for its market debut in February.
Kramer’s recognition as one of this year’s Filmmakers in Focus at Rotterdam takes in her feature film “Please, Baby Please,” starring Andrea Riseborough and Demi Moore, which opens the festival on Jan. 20 with its world premiere. Kramer spent years at the head of her own underground dance label in Los Angeles and several years ago shifted to filmmaking.
According to her festival bio, Kramer “takes inspiration from art,...
Following its world premiere, which has just been announced by the Rotterdam Festival, Alief will bring the film to the Berlinale’s European Film Market for its market debut in February.
Kramer’s recognition as one of this year’s Filmmakers in Focus at Rotterdam takes in her feature film “Please, Baby Please,” starring Andrea Riseborough and Demi Moore, which opens the festival on Jan. 20 with its world premiere. Kramer spent years at the head of her own underground dance label in Los Angeles and several years ago shifted to filmmaking.
According to her festival bio, Kramer “takes inspiration from art,...
- 1/7/2022
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sophie von Haselberg (Halston), Colton Haynes (Arrow), Javier Muñoz (Broadway’s Hamilton), Jill Kargman (Odd Mom Out) and Marisa Ryan (Wet Hot American Summer) have signed on to star in Love…Reconsidered, an indie comedy, which is currently in production in New York.
The film directed by Full Frontal with Samantha Bee‘s managing digital producer Carol Hartsell centers on Ruby (Von Haselberg), a 30-year-old New Yorker whose life is suddenly transplanted to the Hamptons after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner.
Rick Younger, Judy Gold, Elaine Bromka, Luke Gulbranson, Jon Lemmon, Anthony Norman, and Amy Pham round out the cast of the film, scripted by Arielle Haller-Silverstone.
Ian Stone and El Ride Productions are exec producing, with Haller-Silverstone and casting director Sj Allocco serving as co-producers.
Von Haselberg is repped by APA and Artists First; Haynes by UTA and Untitled Entertainment; Muñoz by APA and...
The film directed by Full Frontal with Samantha Bee‘s managing digital producer Carol Hartsell centers on Ruby (Von Haselberg), a 30-year-old New Yorker whose life is suddenly transplanted to the Hamptons after a chance meeting with a wealthy consignment store owner.
Rick Younger, Judy Gold, Elaine Bromka, Luke Gulbranson, Jon Lemmon, Anthony Norman, and Amy Pham round out the cast of the film, scripted by Arielle Haller-Silverstone.
Ian Stone and El Ride Productions are exec producing, with Haller-Silverstone and casting director Sj Allocco serving as co-producers.
Von Haselberg is repped by APA and Artists First; Haynes by UTA and Untitled Entertainment; Muñoz by APA and...
- 10/29/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The cast of “Hocus Pocus” reunited to conjure up funds for the New York Restoration Project, a nonprofit founded by Bette Midler that aims to create a greener and more sustainable New York City.
The virtual Hulaween benefit, “In Search of The Sanderson Sisters, A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover,” took place Friday, with stars of the cult classic Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles (and outfits) for the hour-long witchy event.
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the horror hostess depicted by Cassandra Peterson, emceed the mockumentary show, which explored the three sisters’ history, answering questions about their ancestry, education, music careers, fateful love affairs and more. Fellow castmates Thora Birch, Omri Katz and Doug Jones also joined the reunion.
Along for the ride were Glenn Close, Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Samantha Diaz, Todrick Hall, Jennifer Hudson, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Michael Kors and his husband Lance LePere,...
The virtual Hulaween benefit, “In Search of The Sanderson Sisters, A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover,” took place Friday, with stars of the cult classic Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles (and outfits) for the hour-long witchy event.
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the horror hostess depicted by Cassandra Peterson, emceed the mockumentary show, which explored the three sisters’ history, answering questions about their ancestry, education, music careers, fateful love affairs and more. Fellow castmates Thora Birch, Omri Katz and Doug Jones also joined the reunion.
Along for the ride were Glenn Close, Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Samantha Diaz, Todrick Hall, Jennifer Hudson, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Michael Kors and his husband Lance LePere,...
- 10/31/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Network: Lifetime.
Episodes: 10 (hour).
Seasons: One.
TV show dates: June 2, 2019 — July 7, 2019.
Series status: Cancelled.
Performers include: Georgia Flood, Lucas Neff, Seana Kofoed, Rory O'Malley, Mary Hollis Inboden, Erin Pineda, Lesley Ann Warren, Christopher Blanchard, Juan Alfonso, Lex King, Michael Uva, Sophie von Haselberg, Max Ehrich, Sas Goldberg, and Dioni Michelle Collins.
TV show description:
From creator Jamie Denbo, the American Princess TV show is a runaway-bride comedy-drama. The series centers on Amanda Klein (Flood), who is all set to marry fiancé Brett Weinbaum (Ehrich), when she catches him in flagrante delicto with another woman. When she reacts, the other woman is injured, so Amanda panics and flees the wedding venue, and winds up on the grounds of a Renaissance Faire. Read More…...
Episodes: 10 (hour).
Seasons: One.
TV show dates: June 2, 2019 — July 7, 2019.
Series status: Cancelled.
Performers include: Georgia Flood, Lucas Neff, Seana Kofoed, Rory O'Malley, Mary Hollis Inboden, Erin Pineda, Lesley Ann Warren, Christopher Blanchard, Juan Alfonso, Lex King, Michael Uva, Sophie von Haselberg, Max Ehrich, Sas Goldberg, and Dioni Michelle Collins.
TV show description:
From creator Jamie Denbo, the American Princess TV show is a runaway-bride comedy-drama. The series centers on Amanda Klein (Flood), who is all set to marry fiancé Brett Weinbaum (Ehrich), when she catches him in flagrante delicto with another woman. When she reacts, the other woman is injured, so Amanda panics and flees the wedding venue, and winds up on the grounds of a Renaissance Faire. Read More…...
- 9/8/2019
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Disney's ultimate fan event D23 Expo started with a mini-"Iron Man" reunion with Hollywood's charismatic Robert Downey Jr and director Jon Favreau getting together to pick the Disney Legend honour.
They were named as Disney Legends at the 2019 Disney Legends Award ceremony here on Friday.
Also Read:?Marvel to introduce two new characters
Loud cheers, 'Rdj' chants and 'I Love You 3000' messages welcomed Downey Jr as he entered the hall and went to meet Favreau. They also captured the moment with a selfie.
Downey Jr, who won hearts all across the world as enigmatic superhero Iron Man, bid adieu to his superhero avatar with "Avengers: Endgame" this year. But he has etched a permanent place in the hearts as well as the world of Disney.
"This is beautiful. I had a feeling that today will be beautiful. I'm delighted to be among such a rich and diverse group of humans,...
They were named as Disney Legends at the 2019 Disney Legends Award ceremony here on Friday.
Also Read:?Marvel to introduce two new characters
Loud cheers, 'Rdj' chants and 'I Love You 3000' messages welcomed Downey Jr as he entered the hall and went to meet Favreau. They also captured the moment with a selfie.
Downey Jr, who won hearts all across the world as enigmatic superhero Iron Man, bid adieu to his superhero avatar with "Avengers: Endgame" this year. But he has etched a permanent place in the hearts as well as the world of Disney.
"This is beautiful. I had a feeling that today will be beautiful. I'm delighted to be among such a rich and diverse group of humans,...
- 8/24/2019
- GlamSham
Bette Midler is throwing it back to her witchy Hocus Pocus days. There's nothing more "camp" than the singer's character from the iconic Disney Channel movie. Her curly locks, zany top-hat and glittering black dress has fans of the movie gasping with joy at the sight of her Winifred Sanderson look. A sprinkle of blue and green butterflies fluttered on Bette's floor-length gown, which was made of black glitter. Her daughter Sophie Von Haselberg got in on the action, too, with her fiery orange look. Flames flickered from the bottom of Sophie's dress, which was perfectly accented by a yellow and orange feathered headdress. Together, the duo made for quite the pair on the pink...
- 5/7/2019
- E! Online
"This was us doing it for us." LevelFilm has debuted an official trailer for an indie film titled Ask for Jane, based on a true story about a group of women in the late 1960s who secretly offered safe abortions. "Imagine a world where abortion is punishable by prison, and getting birth control is nearly impossible. As a result, women die every day from taking matters into their own hands. When a pregnant student at the University of Chicago attempts to take her own life, Rose and Janice find a doctor willing to perform the procedure in secret to save the woman's life." Together they decide to launch the Jane Collective: a secret organization to help other women obtain safe and illegal abortions. Starring Cait Cortelyou and Cody Horn, along with Sarah Steele, Sarah Ramos, Alison Wright, Ben Rappaport, & Sophie von Haselberg. See below. Here's the first official trailer (+ two...
- 4/23/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Bette Midler‘s joint Halloween costume with her daughter Sophie Von Haselberg was out of this world.
At her annual Hulaween charity event on Monday, the actress, 72, and her spitting image Von Haselberg, 31, looked downright celestial in coordinating outfits. The bash at St. John the Divine in New York City benefited the New York Restoration Project.
Midler wore a dazzlingly structured grey shirt with bedazzled leggings and flats, while Von Haselberg opted for a shiny, floor-length black dress with sheer sleeves. Both mother and daughter topped their get-ups with elaborate solar headdresses.
On Tuesday, Midler shed some light on her costume on social media.
At her annual Hulaween charity event on Monday, the actress, 72, and her spitting image Von Haselberg, 31, looked downright celestial in coordinating outfits. The bash at St. John the Divine in New York City benefited the New York Restoration Project.
Midler wore a dazzlingly structured grey shirt with bedazzled leggings and flats, while Von Haselberg opted for a shiny, floor-length black dress with sheer sleeves. Both mother and daughter topped their get-ups with elaborate solar headdresses.
On Tuesday, Midler shed some light on her costume on social media.
- 10/30/2018
- by Emily Zauzmer
- PEOPLE.com
If you ask how scientists are smart enough to invent time travel yet can’t find a way to defeat Hitler without needing time travel to augment their weapon’s power, Jamie Greenberg has succeeded. He’s succeeded if you don’t ask that question too because you’ll have given yourself fully to his unapologetically punny, “lost” film known as Future ’38. So Greenberg can’t lose. His film entertains with overt playfulness and reveals the pedants in the audience unable to simply laugh and have a good time without nit-picking every single detail despite it being a screwball science fiction comedy that intentionally takes liberties with both history and reality. If uber “film twitter” troll Neil deGrasse Tyson can be coaxed into coming aboard to poke fun at himself, you should too.
The premise is simple: America circa 1938—three years before Pearl Harbor brings us into World War II...
The premise is simple: America circa 1938—three years before Pearl Harbor brings us into World War II...
- 1/4/2018
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
It seems like celebrities constantly try and outdo each other on Halloween every year, but nobody (and we mean nobody, not even costume queen Heidi Klum) can top what Bette Midler did in 2016. The legendary actress showed up at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City to suck the lives out of little children. Well, not really. Bette, who is the founder of the New York Restoration Project, was on hand to attend the organization's Hulaween Bash. She dusted off her broom to go as her beloved Hocus Pocus character Winifred Sanderson, making it seem like no time has passed since a virgin lit the black flame candle back in 1993. In addition to posing with fellow attendees Kathy Griffin and Marc Jacobs (yep, that's him in the bikini costume), Bette also linked up with her daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, and brought back some of Winifred's signature poses. And her costume...
- 8/16/2017
- by Caitlin Hacker
- Popsugar.com
Bette Midler and her daughter Sophie von Haselberg attended the 2017 Tony Awards. Bette Midler & Daughter Sophie Von Haselberg At The Tonhy Awards Midler, 71, won her first Tony award for her starring role in “Hello, Dolly!” Her acceptance speech was minutes long, and she even hushed the orchestra that attempted to play her off […]
Source: uInterview
The post Bette Midler & Daughter Sophie Von Haselberg Attend Tony Awards appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post Bette Midler & Daughter Sophie Von Haselberg Attend Tony Awards appeared first on uInterview.
- 6/13/2017
- by Hillary Luehring-Jones
- Uinterview
Is Loosely Exactly Nicole coming back? According to The Hollywood Reporter, Facebook is trying to revive the cancelled MTV series for a second season.The comedy stars Nicole Byer as a semi-fictional version of herself — a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood. The cast also includes Fahim Anwar, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, Rachel Hilson, and Sophie von Haselberg.Read More…...
- 6/13/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Ahead of its New York Premiere at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival this coming Thursday, June 8, we have an exclusive clip from Future '38. It won the audience award at the Slamdance Film Festival earlier this year. Here's the official synopsis: Our modern world through a 1930's lens. Future '38 is a "lost" classic film from 1938. Filmed in blazing early Technicolor, it's the story of a man who must save the world by traveling to the year 2018. Jamie Greenberg wrote and directed. The cast includes Betty Gilpin, Nick Westrate, Robert John Burke, Ethan Phillips, Sean Young, Tom Riis Farrell, Sophie von Haselberg, Tabitha Holbert and Ilana Becker. More information is available at the official festival site....
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 6/6/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Network: MTV Episodes: 10 (half-hour)Seasons: OneTV show dates: September 5, 2016 -- October 28, 2016Series status: CancelledPerformers include: Nicole Byer, Fahim Anwar, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, Rachel Hilson, and Sophie von Haselberg.TV show description: A semi-autobiographical comedy series, this TV show revolves around a fictional version of comic Nicole Byer.Nicole is living the Hollywood dream -- or at least, Hollywood adjacent (the deep valley to be precise) and it’s not so much a dream but a struggle. Exuding her special brand of confidence and irreverence, Nicole demonstrates the missteps of what it means to be out on your own for the first time. Read More…...
- 2/27/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The Slamdance Film Festival focuses on emerging filmmakers and low-budget independent films. Running parallel to Sundance in Park City, Utah, the festival has premiered films by directors like Christopher Nolan, Marc Forster, Jared Hess, Oren Peli, Benh Zeitlin, Seth Gordon, Lynn Shelton and Lena Dunham. Now, the festival is soon upon us and will feature a variety of premieres, including the sci-fi comedy “Future ’38” about a time traveler who must save the world.
Read More: Slamdance 2017: 13 Must-See Films At This Year’s Festival
Filmed in early Technicolor, the film follows a man who time travels from 1938 to 2018 in order to save the world from evil forces. Written and directed by Jamie Greenberg (“Stags”), “Future ’38” celebrates and examines the past techniques of cinema. It stars Betty Gilpin (“Masters of Sex”), Robert John Burke (“Limitless”), Ethan Phillips (“Inside Llewyn Davis”), Sean Young (“Blade Runner”), Tom Riis Farrell (“Sleepless in Seattle”), Sophie von Haselberg...
Read More: Slamdance 2017: 13 Must-See Films At This Year’s Festival
Filmed in early Technicolor, the film follows a man who time travels from 1938 to 2018 in order to save the world from evil forces. Written and directed by Jamie Greenberg (“Stags”), “Future ’38” celebrates and examines the past techniques of cinema. It stars Betty Gilpin (“Masters of Sex”), Robert John Burke (“Limitless”), Ethan Phillips (“Inside Llewyn Davis”), Sean Young (“Blade Runner”), Tom Riis Farrell (“Sleepless in Seattle”), Sophie von Haselberg...
- 1/17/2017
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Television networks have had mixed ratings success with TV shows built around fictional versions of real comics -- Seinfeld, Louie, The Jim Gaffigan Show and Lopez, to name just a handful. It helps when the comic already has a big following. How will Loosely Exactly Nicole perform for MTV? Will this new series be cancelled or renewed for a second season? Stay tuned.On Loosely Exactly Nicole, Nicole Byer is living the Hollywood dream -- or at least, Hollywood adjacent. It's also not so much a dream but a struggle. Exuding her special brand of confidence and irreverence, Nicole demonstrates the missteps of what it means to be out on your own for the first time. The rest of the cast includes Fahim Anwar, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, Rachel Hilson, and Sophie von Haselberg.Read More…...
- 10/25/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Updates with Runaway Bride and Jack Klugman fixes.
Exclusive: “ ‘Eff You!’ ” I answered. Garry Marshall already knew when he asked me, but he wanted to see whether I knew what I was talking about. We were discussing Neil Simon, who I said had written the all-time funniest line ever. “Which line?” Marshall asked. “F.U.,” I answered.
“I can’t take it anymore, Felix, I’m cracking up. Everything you do irritates me. And when you’re not here, the things I know you’re gonna do when you come in irritate me. You leave me little notes on my pillow. Told you 158 times I can’t stand little notes on my pillow. “We’re all out of cornflakes. F.U.” Took me three hours to figure out F.U. was Felix Ungar!”
Marshall concurs and reminds me that the line is from the Broadway script of The Odd Couple...
Exclusive: “ ‘Eff You!’ ” I answered. Garry Marshall already knew when he asked me, but he wanted to see whether I knew what I was talking about. We were discussing Neil Simon, who I said had written the all-time funniest line ever. “Which line?” Marshall asked. “F.U.,” I answered.
“I can’t take it anymore, Felix, I’m cracking up. Everything you do irritates me. And when you’re not here, the things I know you’re gonna do when you come in irritate me. You leave me little notes on my pillow. Told you 158 times I can’t stand little notes on my pillow. “We’re all out of cornflakes. F.U.” Took me three hours to figure out F.U. was Felix Ungar!”
Marshall concurs and reminds me that the line is from the Broadway script of The Odd Couple...
- 12/8/2014
- by Jeremy Gerard
- Deadline
Mad Men’s Vincent Kartheiser is joining Larry Pine on stage in Mike Bencivenga’s new play, Billy & Ray.
In Billy & Ray—which will get its New York premiere this fall at the Vineyard Theatre—Kartheiser will play Billy Wilder alongside Pine’s Raymond Chandler, as Wilder and Chandler work together to adapt the novel Double Indemnity for the big screen.
The Off-Broadway comedy, directed by Garry Marshall, is set in 1940s Hollywood and tells the story of the birth of the film noir genre. Rounding out the cast is Sophie von Haselberg, who will play Wilder’s secretary, and...
In Billy & Ray—which will get its New York premiere this fall at the Vineyard Theatre—Kartheiser will play Billy Wilder alongside Pine’s Raymond Chandler, as Wilder and Chandler work together to adapt the novel Double Indemnity for the big screen.
The Off-Broadway comedy, directed by Garry Marshall, is set in 1940s Hollywood and tells the story of the birth of the film noir genre. Rounding out the cast is Sophie von Haselberg, who will play Wilder’s secretary, and...
- 8/26/2014
- by Samantha Highfill
- EW.com - PopWatch
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