Greta Gerwig didn’t call Margot Robbie’s “Barbie” character Stereotypical Barbie for nothing.
The history of the white, blonde “all-American” beauty ideals have been wrapped up in the iconography of the Barbie doll itself, and now, Netflix’s aptly-titled “Black Barbie” documentary charts the creation of the first Black Mattel doll.
Executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, “Black Barbie” centers on a trio of Black women who forever impacted the legacy of both Barbie dolls and conglomerate Mattel itself. The first Black Barbie was created in 1980 after a Mattel employee asked company co-founder Ruth Handler, “Why don’t we make a Barbie that looks like me?”
It was a great question. And then they did exactly that by launching the first non-white Barbie.
The Shondaland documentary charts the historical impact of Black dolls on both the Civil Rights Movement and Black entrepreneurship in the U.S.
Filmmaker Lagueria Davis writes,...
The history of the white, blonde “all-American” beauty ideals have been wrapped up in the iconography of the Barbie doll itself, and now, Netflix’s aptly-titled “Black Barbie” documentary charts the creation of the first Black Mattel doll.
Executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, “Black Barbie” centers on a trio of Black women who forever impacted the legacy of both Barbie dolls and conglomerate Mattel itself. The first Black Barbie was created in 1980 after a Mattel employee asked company co-founder Ruth Handler, “Why don’t we make a Barbie that looks like me?”
It was a great question. And then they did exactly that by launching the first non-white Barbie.
The Shondaland documentary charts the historical impact of Black dolls on both the Civil Rights Movement and Black entrepreneurship in the U.S.
Filmmaker Lagueria Davis writes,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Level 33 Entertainment has taken domestic on H.P. Mendoza’s The Secret Art of Human Flight, which made its world premiere at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival. A July theatrical release has been set followed by a debut on digital platforms.
Pic written by Jesse Orenshein centers around a children’s book author, Ben Grady (Grant Rosenmeyer), who mourning the loss of his wife stumbles upon a self-help manifesto written by an eccentric guru calling himself “Mealworm” that promises to unlock the power to fly. The book arrives… and so does Mealworm, forcing Ben to navigate his family life, accusations of foul play, and the bizarre rituals laid before him in the hopes of healing and, just maybe, achieving flight. Pic also stars Lucy DeVito (Little Demon), Nican Robinson (Ahsoka), Rosa Arredondo (So Help Me Todd...
Pic written by Jesse Orenshein centers around a children’s book author, Ben Grady (Grant Rosenmeyer), who mourning the loss of his wife stumbles upon a self-help manifesto written by an eccentric guru calling himself “Mealworm” that promises to unlock the power to fly. The book arrives… and so does Mealworm, forcing Ben to navigate his family life, accusations of foul play, and the bizarre rituals laid before him in the hopes of healing and, just maybe, achieving flight. Pic also stars Lucy DeVito (Little Demon), Nican Robinson (Ahsoka), Rosa Arredondo (So Help Me Todd...
- 3/19/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) has acquired worldwide rights to relationship dramedy Katie’s Mom and will be offering the film to buyers at this week’s European Film Market.
Starring Dina Meyer, Aaron Dominguez and Julia Tolchin, the film follows a recent divorcee whose holiday celebration with her adult children is derailed when she falls for her daughter’s charming new boyfriend.
Tyrrell Shaffner makes her feature directing debut and co-wrote the original screenplay with Meryl Branch-McTiernan. Shaffner and Branch-McTiernan produced the film for Ex Files Productions with Corey Moss. Executive producers are Sandy Cleary, Dina Meyer, Kristin T Higgins,...
Starring Dina Meyer, Aaron Dominguez and Julia Tolchin, the film follows a recent divorcee whose holiday celebration with her adult children is derailed when she falls for her daughter’s charming new boyfriend.
Tyrrell Shaffner makes her feature directing debut and co-wrote the original screenplay with Meryl Branch-McTiernan. Shaffner and Branch-McTiernan produced the film for Ex Files Productions with Corey Moss. Executive producers are Sandy Cleary, Dina Meyer, Kristin T Higgins,...
- 2/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
Black Barbie: A Documentary, which details Mattel’s introduction of a Black doll to its Barbie collection and the women that brought it to life, has landed at Netflix and Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland.
Lagueria Davis directs the doc and produces alongside Aaliyah Williams.
The logline for the project reads: “Black Barbie celebrates the momentous impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it. Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.”
The film premiered at SXSW 2023. The Hollywood Reporter‘s review out of that festival reads: “Topics of conversation include the Barbie vlogs on racism during the height of the 2020 protests and feeble attempts to give Black Barbie her own stories.
Lagueria Davis directs the doc and produces alongside Aaliyah Williams.
The logline for the project reads: “Black Barbie celebrates the momentous impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it. Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.”
The film premiered at SXSW 2023. The Hollywood Reporter‘s review out of that festival reads: “Topics of conversation include the Barbie vlogs on racism during the height of the 2020 protests and feeble attempts to give Black Barbie her own stories.
- 10/10/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix and Shondaland have acquired worldwide rights to “Black Barbie,” a documentary that dives into the history of the first Black Barbie doll — which debuted in 1980, 31 years after the original Barbie — and three Black women at Mattel who advocated for the toy.
Directed by Lagueria Davis, “Black Barbie” debuted at this year’s SXSW and the “work-in-progress” cut of the film was met with widespread acclaim. Now, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers have signed on to the team of executive producers as part of Shondaland’s overall deal with Netflix.
“Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins and Stacey McBride Irby in our film,” Davis said in a statement announcing the acquisition. “We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.
Directed by Lagueria Davis, “Black Barbie” debuted at this year’s SXSW and the “work-in-progress” cut of the film was met with widespread acclaim. Now, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers have signed on to the team of executive producers as part of Shondaland’s overall deal with Netflix.
“Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins and Stacey McBride Irby in our film,” Davis said in a statement announcing the acquisition. “We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.
- 10/10/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In yet another high-profile acquisition from Netflix, the streaming giant and Shondaland have nabbed global rights to “Black Barbie: A Documentary.” The film comes courtesy of director Lagueria Davis with Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as executive producers.
The feature celebrates the momentous impact of three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand. The documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980. It further examines the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.
As critic Glenn Dunks wrote in The Film Experience, the film “isn’t just about black Barbie dolls. It’s about representation, and about the biases at play in an industry that for so long never ever conceived of the idea of black children wanting a doll like Barbie.”
Critic Clint Worthington noted in The Spool that...
The feature celebrates the momentous impact of three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand. The documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980. It further examines the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.
As critic Glenn Dunks wrote in The Film Experience, the film “isn’t just about black Barbie dolls. It’s about representation, and about the biases at play in an industry that for so long never ever conceived of the idea of black children wanting a doll like Barbie.”
Critic Clint Worthington noted in The Spool that...
- 10/10/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ Acquired By Netflix & Shondaland Following Work-In-Progress SXSW Debut
Netflix and Shondaland have snapped up worldwide rights to Black Barbie: A Documentary, a new film from Lagueria Davis that screened a previous cut, to critical acclaim, at this year’s SXSW Film Festival.
Pic is exec produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their overall deal with Netflix, which was extended in 2021, following the Bridgerton duo’s initial signing with the streamer in 2017. It arrives at a time when the doll made world famous by Mattel has taken on a new level of cultural cachet, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy Barbie, which has grossed over $1.43B worldwide since its July 21st release by Warner Bros, coming in as the highest-grossing film of 2023, as well as the top grosser in the history of the studio, and for a solo female director.
While resonating with the themes of that film written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach,...
Pic is exec produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their overall deal with Netflix, which was extended in 2021, following the Bridgerton duo’s initial signing with the streamer in 2017. It arrives at a time when the doll made world famous by Mattel has taken on a new level of cultural cachet, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy Barbie, which has grossed over $1.43B worldwide since its July 21st release by Warner Bros, coming in as the highest-grossing film of 2023, as well as the top grosser in the history of the studio, and for a solo female director.
While resonating with the themes of that film written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Zarna Garg is bringing her comedy chops to Prime Video.
The winner of Kevin Hart’s Lyft Comics in 2021 will see her inaugural comedy special Zarna Garg: One in a Billion launch on the streaming service globally May 16.
Filmed last September at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre, the nearly one-hour special features the tough love Indian-immigrant mom in full flight as you can see in this clip below:
Garg, who spent years honing her act in her living room in front of family, is currently on tour.
Performing stand-up from coast to coast over the next two months, the one-time lawyer has gigs at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, NJ for the next two days. With more than a half-million followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively, Garg has amassed over 100 million views on the latter social media platform in the past few years.
Featured in last year’s Apple...
The winner of Kevin Hart’s Lyft Comics in 2021 will see her inaugural comedy special Zarna Garg: One in a Billion launch on the streaming service globally May 16.
Filmed last September at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre, the nearly one-hour special features the tough love Indian-immigrant mom in full flight as you can see in this clip below:
Garg, who spent years honing her act in her living room in front of family, is currently on tour.
Performing stand-up from coast to coast over the next two months, the one-time lawyer has gigs at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, NJ for the next two days. With more than a half-million followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively, Garg has amassed over 100 million views on the latter social media platform in the past few years.
Featured in last year’s Apple...
- 4/6/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Austin welcomes South Asian House, premiering for the first time ever at South By Southwest (SXSW) 2023.
South Asian House is an initiative that aims to connect a thriving community of thought leaders from various sectors in the business, tech, film, television, fashion, music and theater industries in seven different South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Created in partnership with The Auntie Network, Tasveer, One Minute Saree, The Partnership Inc., URL Media, IndieMeme, and Sway with Pray, South Asian House will take place at Fourth & Co located at 208 West Fourth St. Unit D in Austin, Texas during the first weekend of SXSW on Saturday, March 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday, March 12 from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Featured speakers for the initiative include industry professionals from various sectors such as business, tech, film, TV, theater, music, and fashion. South Asian house will...
South Asian House is an initiative that aims to connect a thriving community of thought leaders from various sectors in the business, tech, film, television, fashion, music and theater industries in seven different South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Created in partnership with The Auntie Network, Tasveer, One Minute Saree, The Partnership Inc., URL Media, IndieMeme, and Sway with Pray, South Asian House will take place at Fourth & Co located at 208 West Fourth St. Unit D in Austin, Texas during the first weekend of SXSW on Saturday, March 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday, March 12 from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Featured speakers for the initiative include industry professionals from various sectors such as business, tech, film, TV, theater, music, and fashion. South Asian house will...
- 3/9/2023
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
A galaxy of A-list talent will participate in SXSW’s inaugural South Asian House initiative.
Panel discussion Creating South Asian Content for a Global Audience, will feature actor Rizwan Manji (“Schitt’s Creek”), Emmy-winning executive producer-writer-director, ViceTV, Falguni Adams (“Dateline NBC”), and Apoorva Bakshi, producer of International Emmy-winning series “Delhi Crime,” moderated by CEO of Jingo Media and producer of South Asian House Jitin Hingorani.
Another panel, Investing in the Future of Our South Asian Stories, will feature CEO and co-founder of URL Media S. Mitra Kalita and actor Kausar Mohammed (“The Flash”), moderated by co-founder of Box Office Guru Media Gitesh Pandya.
In addition, Women in Film and Television, Austin will present the Pilot reading hour, and The Partnership’s Leadership Program, an organization supporting leadership development for professionals of color, will be facilitating a program led by Anjali Worah, chief transformation officer, where participants include actor Pooja Kumar (“Never Have I Ever”), Milan Chakraborty,...
Panel discussion Creating South Asian Content for a Global Audience, will feature actor Rizwan Manji (“Schitt’s Creek”), Emmy-winning executive producer-writer-director, ViceTV, Falguni Adams (“Dateline NBC”), and Apoorva Bakshi, producer of International Emmy-winning series “Delhi Crime,” moderated by CEO of Jingo Media and producer of South Asian House Jitin Hingorani.
Another panel, Investing in the Future of Our South Asian Stories, will feature CEO and co-founder of URL Media S. Mitra Kalita and actor Kausar Mohammed (“The Flash”), moderated by co-founder of Box Office Guru Media Gitesh Pandya.
In addition, Women in Film and Television, Austin will present the Pilot reading hour, and The Partnership’s Leadership Program, an organization supporting leadership development for professionals of color, will be facilitating a program led by Anjali Worah, chief transformation officer, where participants include actor Pooja Kumar (“Never Have I Ever”), Milan Chakraborty,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
South Asian House has confirmed multiple acts for its inaugural partnership event with the South by Southwest Festival in March next year.
The two-day event is a unique cultural initiative from the seven countries of South Asia – India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives – as well as accomplished members of the diaspora.
It will include panel discussions, live music performances and an awards ceremony on Oscar Sunday, recognizing South Asian Trailblazers in Cinema. Activities will be held at Fourth and Co. in the iconic Warehouse District of downtown Austin, six blocks from SXSW event headquarters.
Panel sessions will span topics on women in film, business technology and climate change. Mentors and panelists already confirmed include actor Pooja Kuma, Milan Chakraborty, head of film at Marginal Mediaworks, and Falguni Lakhani Adams, executive producer at Vice Media.
Other Sah components include a ‘Reel Deal’ session, a comedy hour, industry leadership sessions,...
The two-day event is a unique cultural initiative from the seven countries of South Asia – India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives – as well as accomplished members of the diaspora.
It will include panel discussions, live music performances and an awards ceremony on Oscar Sunday, recognizing South Asian Trailblazers in Cinema. Activities will be held at Fourth and Co. in the iconic Warehouse District of downtown Austin, six blocks from SXSW event headquarters.
Panel sessions will span topics on women in film, business technology and climate change. Mentors and panelists already confirmed include actor Pooja Kuma, Milan Chakraborty, head of film at Marginal Mediaworks, and Falguni Lakhani Adams, executive producer at Vice Media.
Other Sah components include a ‘Reel Deal’ session, a comedy hour, industry leadership sessions,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: MPI Original Films and BET have added to the cast of their feature Kemba, inspired by the life of criminal justice reform advocate Kemba Smith, with Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard), Sean Patrick Thomas (Till), Siddiq Saunderson (Wu-Tang: An American Saga) and June Carryl (Helstrom) signing on for roles. Nesta Cooper will lead the cast of the film directed by Kelley Kali, which is currently shooting in Atlanta, as previously announced.
The upcoming film follows Kemba (Cooper) as a young college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. While Hurd and Thomas will play Kemba’s loving parents Odessa and Gus, details as to Saunderson and Carryl’s roles haven’t been disclosed.
The upcoming film follows Kemba (Cooper) as a young college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. While Hurd and Thomas will play Kemba’s loving parents Odessa and Gus, details as to Saunderson and Carryl’s roles haven’t been disclosed.
- 11/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Indian-American film ‘Four Samosas’ has been acquired by IFC Films after it premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. “Four Samosas,” a romantic comedy set in the Little India neighborhood of Los Angeles. IFC will release it in theaters and on demand on December 2, 2022, reports variety.com.
Ravi Kapoor directs and Venk Potula (“Veep”) leads an ensemble cast that includes Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patnaik, Karan Soni, Summer Bishil, and Meera Simhan.
The film centers on wanna-be South Asian American rapper, Vinny (Potula), who along with three friends – all of them first-time thieves – plans to rob a grocery store owned by his ex-girlfriend’s father, in order to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement.
“Ravi has made a hilarious film that is part comedy and part heist movie with a spirit and style reminiscent of Wes Anderson,” Arianna Bocco, president of IFC Films said.
“It...
Ravi Kapoor directs and Venk Potula (“Veep”) leads an ensemble cast that includes Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patnaik, Karan Soni, Summer Bishil, and Meera Simhan.
The film centers on wanna-be South Asian American rapper, Vinny (Potula), who along with three friends – all of them first-time thieves – plans to rob a grocery store owned by his ex-girlfriend’s father, in order to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement.
“Ravi has made a hilarious film that is part comedy and part heist movie with a spirit and style reminiscent of Wes Anderson,” Arianna Bocco, president of IFC Films said.
“It...
- 8/30/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
IFC Films has acquired North American rights to “Four Samosas,” a romantic comedy set in the Little India neighborhood of Los Angeles. The film premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
IFC will release “Four Samosas” in theaters and on demand on Dec. 2, 2022.
Ravi Kapoor directs and Venk Potula (“Veep”) leads an ensemble cast that includes Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patnaik, Karan Soni, Summer Bishil, and Meera Simhan. The film centers on wanna-be South Asian American rapper, Vinny (Potula), who along with three friends — all of them first-time thieves — plans to rob a grocery store owned by his ex-girlfriend’s father, in order to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement.
“Ravi has made a hilarious film that is part comedy and part heist movie with a spirit and style reminiscent of Wes Anderson,” Arianna Bocco, president of IFC Films said. “It features an incredible ensemble...
IFC will release “Four Samosas” in theaters and on demand on Dec. 2, 2022.
Ravi Kapoor directs and Venk Potula (“Veep”) leads an ensemble cast that includes Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patnaik, Karan Soni, Summer Bishil, and Meera Simhan. The film centers on wanna-be South Asian American rapper, Vinny (Potula), who along with three friends — all of them first-time thieves — plans to rob a grocery store owned by his ex-girlfriend’s father, in order to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement.
“Ravi has made a hilarious film that is part comedy and part heist movie with a spirit and style reminiscent of Wes Anderson,” Arianna Bocco, president of IFC Films said. “It features an incredible ensemble...
- 8/29/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Andrea-Rachel Parker (Power), Lil Mama (CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story), Columbus Short (Scandal), K.D. Aubert (Friday After Next), Cocoa Brown (Never Have I Ever), Tobias Truvillion (Brooklyn’s Finest) and De’aundre Bonds (Father Stu) will lead the cast of the crime drama Sisters, from writer-director Jahmar Hill (Run), which is heading into production in October.
The film tells the story of three family members reunited by tragedy. After their mother’s early passing, Diamond and her “sisters” grew up under the care of their loving grandmother. But when her health deteriorates, threatening that relationship, the trio is willing to do anything to save her life — even take someone else’s.
The cast for Sisters also includes Hill, Alisa Reyes, Christine Lakin, Jensen Atwood, Ciera Angelia, Sade Whiting, Heidy Javier, Latoya Ward, Isaac J. Sullivan, Mia Mendez, Eduardo M. Pulido, Charles W. Harris III, Crystal T. Williams, Del Harrison, Devon Ray and Nabillah Nahim.
The film tells the story of three family members reunited by tragedy. After their mother’s early passing, Diamond and her “sisters” grew up under the care of their loving grandmother. But when her health deteriorates, threatening that relationship, the trio is willing to do anything to save her life — even take someone else’s.
The cast for Sisters also includes Hill, Alisa Reyes, Christine Lakin, Jensen Atwood, Ciera Angelia, Sade Whiting, Heidy Javier, Latoya Ward, Isaac J. Sullivan, Mia Mendez, Eduardo M. Pulido, Charles W. Harris III, Crystal T. Williams, Del Harrison, Devon Ray and Nabillah Nahim.
- 8/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman), Darrell Britt-Gibson (We Own This City) and Taissa Farmiga (The Gilded Age) will star in the upcoming romance She Taught Love, which music video helmer Nate Edwards is directing for Marginal Mediaworks, in his feature debut.
The film written by Britt-Gibson—in his feature screenwriting debut—is billed as the love story of this generation, between a guy on a self-destructive path and a girl with an expiration date. What a perfect time to meet and fall in love…
Marginal MediaWorks’ founder Sanjay Sharma and Head of Film Milan Chakraborty will produce alongside Hadley Klein and Pete Van Auker, with Britt-Gibson and Howell-Baptiste serving as executive producers.
“Making a film like She Taught Love feels like a revolutionary act, but it shouldn’t. Hollywood loves to turn out stories of Black trauma, but we’re so much more than that. In fact, we are everything,...
The film written by Britt-Gibson—in his feature screenwriting debut—is billed as the love story of this generation, between a guy on a self-destructive path and a girl with an expiration date. What a perfect time to meet and fall in love…
Marginal MediaWorks’ founder Sanjay Sharma and Head of Film Milan Chakraborty will produce alongside Hadley Klein and Pete Van Auker, with Britt-Gibson and Howell-Baptiste serving as executive producers.
“Making a film like She Taught Love feels like a revolutionary act, but it shouldn’t. Hollywood loves to turn out stories of Black trauma, but we’re so much more than that. In fact, we are everything,...
- 7/28/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Dina Meyer (All American), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), Julia Tolchin (Loveland), Colin Bates (Broadway’s Girl from the North Country) and Jason Wiles (Third Watch) will star in the comedy Katie’s Mom (formerly The Dropout), marking the feature directorial debut of Tyrrell Shaffner.
The film is about a divorcée, played by Meyer, whose holiday celebration with her adult children derails when she falls for her daughter’s charming new boyfriend, played by Dominguez. Its cast also includes Jade Ramirez (You Cannot Hide), Clara York (Euphoria), Lexie Stevenson (The Young and The Restless) and Shannon Dee (Good Girls).
Shaffner and Meryl Branch-McTiernan wrote the script, which was a quarterfinalist in the Academy’s Nicholl screenplay competition two years in a row. Branch-McTiernan and Shaffner are producing for their banner Ex Files Productions alongside Corey Moss (White Elephant) of Bold Soul Studios. Executive Producers include Milan Chakraborty...
The film is about a divorcée, played by Meyer, whose holiday celebration with her adult children derails when she falls for her daughter’s charming new boyfriend, played by Dominguez. Its cast also includes Jade Ramirez (You Cannot Hide), Clara York (Euphoria), Lexie Stevenson (The Young and The Restless) and Shannon Dee (Good Girls).
Shaffner and Meryl Branch-McTiernan wrote the script, which was a quarterfinalist in the Academy’s Nicholl screenplay competition two years in a row. Branch-McTiernan and Shaffner are producing for their banner Ex Files Productions alongside Corey Moss (White Elephant) of Bold Soul Studios. Executive Producers include Milan Chakraborty...
- 7/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Utkarsh Ambudkar, who stars as Jay on CBS’ breakout comedy Ghosts, has boarded the Tribeca-bound indie Four Samosas as an executive producer, with Verve Ventures coming aboard to handle sales.
The comedy from writer-director Ravi Kapoor (Miss India America) centers on a wannabe rapper in L.A.’s Little India, who concocts a backwards plan to disrupt his ex-girlfriend’s wedding by stealing her wedding diamonds. It will be one of just 10 feature films in US Narrative Competition at Tribeca in June—premiering in New York on June 10th, with several other screenings to follow throughout the festival week. Venk Potula leads the cast, which also includes Karan Soni, Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patnaik, Summer Bishil, Meera Simhan, Sujata Day, Samrat Chakrabarti and Tony Mirrcandani.
Kapoor produced Four Samosas alongside Potula for Khrisp Entertainment, and Rajiv Maikhuri and Craig Stovel for Creative Rebel Productions. Additional executive producers on...
The comedy from writer-director Ravi Kapoor (Miss India America) centers on a wannabe rapper in L.A.’s Little India, who concocts a backwards plan to disrupt his ex-girlfriend’s wedding by stealing her wedding diamonds. It will be one of just 10 feature films in US Narrative Competition at Tribeca in June—premiering in New York on June 10th, with several other screenings to follow throughout the festival week. Venk Potula leads the cast, which also includes Karan Soni, Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patnaik, Summer Bishil, Meera Simhan, Sujata Day, Samrat Chakrabarti and Tony Mirrcandani.
Kapoor produced Four Samosas alongside Potula for Khrisp Entertainment, and Rajiv Maikhuri and Craig Stovel for Creative Rebel Productions. Additional executive producers on...
- 6/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors Sherri Shepherd and Jo Marie Payton have joined the feature film “ImPossible” in key roles.
The movie, from executive producer and NFL champ Donald Driver, will weave narrative with Brandon Keith Lewis’ real-life diabetes battle. He stars and co-wrote the film with partner Seckeita Lewis, who directs. Lewis contends with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes onscreen and in his life.
Shepherd and Payton (the beloved matriarch of the TV classic “Family Matters”) are joined by supporting cast Gregg Daniel and Irma P. Hall. Principal photography recently wrapped in Texas and New Mexico, and a second unit documenting Lewis’ efforts to change his body and life will soon get underway.
“ImPossible” received a Panavision New Filmmakers grant and was incubated at the Sundance Collab producers’ course. Milan Chakraborty of Marginal MediaWorks (“Assassination Nation”) will produce with Lewis. A distributor is not presently attached.
According to the CDC, more than 100 million...
The movie, from executive producer and NFL champ Donald Driver, will weave narrative with Brandon Keith Lewis’ real-life diabetes battle. He stars and co-wrote the film with partner Seckeita Lewis, who directs. Lewis contends with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes onscreen and in his life.
Shepherd and Payton (the beloved matriarch of the TV classic “Family Matters”) are joined by supporting cast Gregg Daniel and Irma P. Hall. Principal photography recently wrapped in Texas and New Mexico, and a second unit documenting Lewis’ efforts to change his body and life will soon get underway.
“ImPossible” received a Panavision New Filmmakers grant and was incubated at the Sundance Collab producers’ course. Milan Chakraborty of Marginal MediaWorks (“Assassination Nation”) will produce with Lewis. A distributor is not presently attached.
According to the CDC, more than 100 million...
- 2/18/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following the Gravitas Ventures day and date theatrical release, HBO Max has picked up exclusive streaming rights to the award-winning, critically-acclaimed film The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain. The movie will stream on Nov. 19, the ten-year anniversary of Kenneth Chamberlain, Sr.’s Death.
The David Midell directed movie is based on the true events of an elderly African American veteran with bipolar disorder who is killed by the White Plains, NY police during a welfare check after his medical alert is accidentally activated. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances and the overly aggressive policing tactics that make the news on an all-too-frequent basis, the life of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. ended at the hands of those who were sworn to “protect and serve.”
Pic is produced by Midell and Enrico Natale of Redbird Entertainment, and executive produced by Lori McCreary, Morgan Freeman and Gary Lucchesi of Revelations Entertainment, along with Sharad Chib,...
The David Midell directed movie is based on the true events of an elderly African American veteran with bipolar disorder who is killed by the White Plains, NY police during a welfare check after his medical alert is accidentally activated. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances and the overly aggressive policing tactics that make the news on an all-too-frequent basis, the life of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. ended at the hands of those who were sworn to “protect and serve.”
Pic is produced by Midell and Enrico Natale of Redbird Entertainment, and executive produced by Lori McCreary, Morgan Freeman and Gary Lucchesi of Revelations Entertainment, along with Sharad Chib,...
- 10/15/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BFFoundation, the nonprofit organization formed late last year to produce the Geena Davis-chaired Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas, is launching a production company that like the foundation and fest will champion women and inclusive voices in filmmaking.
The new Bentonville Way Entertainment already has a slate of films in the pipeline featuring alumni from from past Bentonville fests: the Amber McGinnis-directed Buddy, the Jennifer Gerber-directed Has Been Beauty Queen and Dealing With Dad written and directed by Tom Huang. Kristin Mann will serve as Head of Content.
Bwe will provide local production resources to its films, with the aim to produce in Arkansas whenever possible. The three features are currently in preproduction and expected to go into production in late 2021 and early 2022.
“We are excited that we can further the outcome of our mission by not only amplifying these voices through the festival each year,...
The new Bentonville Way Entertainment already has a slate of films in the pipeline featuring alumni from from past Bentonville fests: the Amber McGinnis-directed Buddy, the Jennifer Gerber-directed Has Been Beauty Queen and Dealing With Dad written and directed by Tom Huang. Kristin Mann will serve as Head of Content.
Bwe will provide local production resources to its films, with the aim to produce in Arkansas whenever possible. The three features are currently in preproduction and expected to go into production in late 2021 and early 2022.
“We are excited that we can further the outcome of our mission by not only amplifying these voices through the festival each year,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinedigm Corp has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to “Distancing Socially,” a quarantine comedy premiering on digital and on demand on Oct 5.
Starring Alan Tudyk, Sarah Levy, Rory Scovel, Andy Buckley and Jim O’Heir, the film was shot during lockdown using remote technology. Written and directed by Chris Blake, “Distancing Socially” explores love, friendship and the idea that a world of increased connectivity ironically leads to greater miscommunication.
The film features a series of comical vignettes shared across a telecommunications app, focusing on the everyday problems of various loosely connected characters that play out virtually amidst a global lockdown. Jessika Van, Melanie Chandra and Connor Paolo round out the cast.
“With warmth, levity and humor, ‘Distancing Socially’ explores our inherent need for connection even in the most challenging times,” said Yolanda Macias, chief content officer at Cinedigm. “Chris Blake and these talented actors create wonderful, authentic moments, both funny and poignant,...
Starring Alan Tudyk, Sarah Levy, Rory Scovel, Andy Buckley and Jim O’Heir, the film was shot during lockdown using remote technology. Written and directed by Chris Blake, “Distancing Socially” explores love, friendship and the idea that a world of increased connectivity ironically leads to greater miscommunication.
The film features a series of comical vignettes shared across a telecommunications app, focusing on the everyday problems of various loosely connected characters that play out virtually amidst a global lockdown. Jessika Van, Melanie Chandra and Connor Paolo round out the cast.
“With warmth, levity and humor, ‘Distancing Socially’ explores our inherent need for connection even in the most challenging times,” said Yolanda Macias, chief content officer at Cinedigm. “Chris Blake and these talented actors create wonderful, authentic moments, both funny and poignant,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Bentonville Film Festival has announced the winners of its jury prizes, awarding Best Documentary to Kili Big and Best Narrative Feature to 7 Days.
Two other jury awards were given out, along with three special recognition prizes.
The festival led by Academy Award-winning actor and Festival Chair Geena Davis is dedicated to championing underrepresented voices. It took place this year between August 3-8.
Narrative judges included Marginal Mediaworks Founder & CEO, Sanjay Sharma, and Michelle Sugihara, who serves as Executive Director of Cape. Marginal MediaWorks’s Head of Film Milan Chakraborty judged documentaries alongside Head of Whistle Studios, Melanie Johnson, with Tom Hoehn and Alexander Shekarchian overseeing episodic and short categories.
Kili Big follows a group of plus-sized women from around the world, who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The doc from director Ida Joglar made its world premiere at the festival.
Two other jury awards were given out, along with three special recognition prizes.
The festival led by Academy Award-winning actor and Festival Chair Geena Davis is dedicated to championing underrepresented voices. It took place this year between August 3-8.
Narrative judges included Marginal Mediaworks Founder & CEO, Sanjay Sharma, and Michelle Sugihara, who serves as Executive Director of Cape. Marginal MediaWorks’s Head of Film Milan Chakraborty judged documentaries alongside Head of Whistle Studios, Melanie Johnson, with Tom Hoehn and Alexander Shekarchian overseeing episodic and short categories.
Kili Big follows a group of plus-sized women from around the world, who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The doc from director Ida Joglar made its world premiere at the festival.
- 8/8/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Julia Ormond and Johnny Ferro have been added to the cast of Reminisce, the romantic drama that is serving as the feature directing debut for Riverdale‘s Mädchen Amick. The pair join a cast already includes Bruce Dern, Elissa Shay and Anzu Lawson. Principal photography began this week in Los Angeles.
The plot for the pic, written by Shay and Cary Haze and based on actual events, is mostly under wraps, but it follows the journey of a young woman traversing her trauma, heartbreak and mental illness while pushing the boundaries of reality to overcome it all and find herself.
Iris Torres and Penny Edmiston are producers. Shay is an executive producer through her FutureRetro Productions with Milan Chakraborty.
Ormond, whose film credits include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sabrina and Legends of the Fall, is an Emmy winner for Temple Grandin and nominee for Mad Men, and...
The plot for the pic, written by Shay and Cary Haze and based on actual events, is mostly under wraps, but it follows the journey of a young woman traversing her trauma, heartbreak and mental illness while pushing the boundaries of reality to overcome it all and find herself.
Iris Torres and Penny Edmiston are producers. Shay is an executive producer through her FutureRetro Productions with Milan Chakraborty.
Ormond, whose film credits include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sabrina and Legends of the Fall, is an Emmy winner for Temple Grandin and nominee for Mad Men, and...
- 7/22/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Riverdale‘s Mädchen Amick has been set to make her feature directing debut with Reminisce, with two-time Oscar nominee Bruce Dern and Elissa Shay to star in the indie drama. It hails from FutureRetro Productions, Firehouse Films and Lucky Penny Productions, and shooting starts next month in Los Angeles.
The plot is mostly under wraps for the script penned by Shay and Cary Haze, but it is based on true events and is about the journey of a young woman traversing her trauma, heartbreak and mental illness while pushing the boundaries of reality to overcome it all and find herself.
Iris Torres and Penny Edmiston are producers. Shay will executive produce through her FutureRetro Productions along with Milan Chakraborty.
Amick, who has directed episodes of Riverdale in addition to playing Alice Cooper on the CW series, also teamed with Torres and Shay as director of the upcoming documentary Behind the Curtain,...
The plot is mostly under wraps for the script penned by Shay and Cary Haze, but it is based on true events and is about the journey of a young woman traversing her trauma, heartbreak and mental illness while pushing the boundaries of reality to overcome it all and find herself.
Iris Torres and Penny Edmiston are producers. Shay will executive produce through her FutureRetro Productions along with Milan Chakraborty.
Amick, who has directed episodes of Riverdale in addition to playing Alice Cooper on the CW series, also teamed with Torres and Shay as director of the upcoming documentary Behind the Curtain,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights to The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, writer-director David Midell’s movie about the real-life 2011 fatal shooting of a 68-year-old Black man by police in White Plains, NY. Frankie Faison plays Chamberlain in the pic, which won the jury and audience awards at the 2019 Austin Film Festival where it debuted. Gravitas will now release the film day-and-date in theaters and on-demand on September 17.
The pic tells the story of the final hours of the life of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., an elderly African-American veteran with bipolar disorder, who was killed during a conflict with police officers who were sent to his home to check on him after his medical alert device was mistakenly activated. Despite Chamberlain informing the officers there was a mistake and he did not have an emergency, they were recorded taunting him, ridiculing his military service and howling racial epithets at him.
The pic tells the story of the final hours of the life of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., an elderly African-American veteran with bipolar disorder, who was killed during a conflict with police officers who were sent to his home to check on him after his medical alert device was mistakenly activated. Despite Chamberlain informing the officers there was a mistake and he did not have an emergency, they were recorded taunting him, ridiculing his military service and howling racial epithets at him.
- 6/15/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Grand Jury Prizes awarded to Thamizh’s Seththumaan (Pig) for Best Feature
and Karishma Dev Dube’s Bittu for Best Short
Sajin Babu’s feature Biriyaani, Rima Das’ short For Each Other, Upamanyu Bhattacharyya & Kalp Sanghvi’s short Wade won Honorable Mentions, and Nivita Chaliki won Honorable Mention for her performance in the short film, Forever Tonight.
Audience Awards went to Ajitpal Singh’s Fire in the Mountains for Best Feature
and Aarti Neharsh’s The Song We Sang for Best Short
Mumbai/ Los Angeles, CA – The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) announced today its Grand Jury winners and Audience Awards for the festival’s 19th edition, which was held virtually and available all over California and, for the very first time, in India from May 20-27. This year’s festival boasted an impressive total of 40 films, including 2 World, 8 North American, 5 U.S. and 18 Los Angeles premieres, spanning 17 languages,...
and Karishma Dev Dube’s Bittu for Best Short
Sajin Babu’s feature Biriyaani, Rima Das’ short For Each Other, Upamanyu Bhattacharyya & Kalp Sanghvi’s short Wade won Honorable Mentions, and Nivita Chaliki won Honorable Mention for her performance in the short film, Forever Tonight.
Audience Awards went to Ajitpal Singh’s Fire in the Mountains for Best Feature
and Aarti Neharsh’s The Song We Sang for Best Short
Mumbai/ Los Angeles, CA – The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) announced today its Grand Jury winners and Audience Awards for the festival’s 19th edition, which was held virtually and available all over California and, for the very first time, in India from May 20-27. This year’s festival boasted an impressive total of 40 films, including 2 World, 8 North American, 5 U.S. and 18 Los Angeles premieres, spanning 17 languages,...
- 5/28/2021
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) announced today its Grand Jury winners and Audience Awards for the festival’s 19th edition, which was held virtually and available all over California and, for the very first time, in India from May 20-27. This year’s festival boasted an impressive total of 40 films, including 2 World, 8 North American, 5 U.S. and 18 Los Angeles premieres, spanning 17 languages, with 16 women directors. The festival had an overwhelming response both in California and India.
Award-winning Features
Tamil director Thamizh’s debut film Seththumaan (Pig) took home the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature. “The grand jury prize for best feature went to a film that impressed us tremendously, both in terms of filmmaking and dramaturgy. It's a phenomenal first feature, gentle and impactful, done with heart and guts, that is at the same time very candid and very mature and complex”, said the Features Jury of their decision.
Award-winning Features
Tamil director Thamizh’s debut film Seththumaan (Pig) took home the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature. “The grand jury prize for best feature went to a film that impressed us tremendously, both in terms of filmmaking and dramaturgy. It's a phenomenal first feature, gentle and impactful, done with heart and guts, that is at the same time very candid and very mature and complex”, said the Features Jury of their decision.
- 5/27/2021
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
The Salon is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to elevating South Asian talent in the entertainment industry and to do that, they have selected the participants for the inaugural Salon Mentorship Program. Led by Disney’s Reena Singh, Hillman Grad’s Rishi Rajani, Writ Large manager Bash Naran, actor/comedian Nik Dodani (Atypical), and actor/producer Vinny Chhibber (The Red Line), the program has revealed its 23 mentors and mentees.
The individuals participating in The Salon Mentorship Program were selected from a nationwide pool of over 850 candidates recruited through an open application. After a thorough review and interview process, the finalists were paired with a mentor in one of five tracks: writing, acting, producing, directing, or executive leadership. The mentees will work closely with their respective mentors over the course of one year to identify areas of growth, discuss strategy, and expand opportunities. Mentees will also have exclusive access...
The individuals participating in The Salon Mentorship Program were selected from a nationwide pool of over 850 candidates recruited through an open application. After a thorough review and interview process, the finalists were paired with a mentor in one of five tracks: writing, acting, producing, directing, or executive leadership. The mentees will work closely with their respective mentors over the course of one year to identify areas of growth, discuss strategy, and expand opportunities. Mentees will also have exclusive access...
- 3/10/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jenna Ushkowitz (Glee), Veronica Dunne (K.C. Undercover) and Chelsea Alden (13 Reasons Why) are set to lead actor-director Marla Sokoloff’s indie ensemble comedy Rosé All Day. Alice Hunter (Another Period), Briana Cuoco (Flight Attendant), Cameron Kelly (Masters of Sex) and Avery Norris (White Elephant) round out the cast for the project which is set to start shooting in March in Los Angeles.
Written by Katie Amanda Keane, the movie, like the title suggests, centers on a group of college friends who meet once a year for their “Rosé All Day” pool party. But after years of babies, careers and different life paths, the cracks in their relationships become all-consuming sinkholes filled with vomit, tears and confessions.
Rosé All Day was originally set to begin production this month, but, like many films, was pushed due to Covid concerns. Producers Corey Moss and Brad T. Gottfred (Shudder’s Confessional) of...
Written by Katie Amanda Keane, the movie, like the title suggests, centers on a group of college friends who meet once a year for their “Rosé All Day” pool party. But after years of babies, careers and different life paths, the cracks in their relationships become all-consuming sinkholes filled with vomit, tears and confessions.
Rosé All Day was originally set to begin production this month, but, like many films, was pushed due to Covid concerns. Producers Corey Moss and Brad T. Gottfred (Shudder’s Confessional) of...
- 2/2/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Voltage Pictures is selling worldwide on The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, the Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary production we first told you about, which follows the 2011 fatal shooting of a 68-year-old White Plains, NY Black man by police after he accidentally triggered his LifeAid medical alert. Voltage will begin talks on the title with buyers immediately.
The film, written and directed by David Midell, rose to Freeman and McCreary’s attention after racking up a bevy of awards, starting with its 2019 debut at the Austin Film Festival where it won both the Jury Award and Audience Award. It also won the top narrative feature prize at the 24th annual Urbanworld Film Festival, a festival which celebrates inclusive, diverse filmmaking and attracted talent including 13th director Ava Duvernay, Lena Waithe as well as political figures Stacy Abrams and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain tells the true story...
The film, written and directed by David Midell, rose to Freeman and McCreary’s attention after racking up a bevy of awards, starting with its 2019 debut at the Austin Film Festival where it won both the Jury Award and Audience Award. It also won the top narrative feature prize at the 24th annual Urbanworld Film Festival, a festival which celebrates inclusive, diverse filmmaking and attracted talent including 13th director Ava Duvernay, Lena Waithe as well as political figures Stacy Abrams and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain tells the true story...
- 1/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Killing Of Kenneth Chamberlain, joins The Marksman, Reagan on sales slate.
Voltage Pictures has launched worldwide sales on The Killing Of Kenneth Chamberlain, writer-director David Midell’s (NightLights) retelling of the fatal shooting of a 68-year-old Black man by American police officers.
The film premiered at Austin Film Festival in 2019 and stars Frankie Faison as a war veteran who died at his home in New York state in 2011 when police responded to a mistaken activation of his medical device.
Midell and Enrico Natale of Redbird Entertainment produced, and executive producers include Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino, and Milan Chakraborty.
Voltage...
Voltage Pictures has launched worldwide sales on The Killing Of Kenneth Chamberlain, writer-director David Midell’s (NightLights) retelling of the fatal shooting of a 68-year-old Black man by American police officers.
The film premiered at Austin Film Festival in 2019 and stars Frankie Faison as a war veteran who died at his home in New York state in 2011 when police responded to a mistaken activation of his medical device.
Midell and Enrico Natale of Redbird Entertainment produced, and executive producers include Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino, and Milan Chakraborty.
Voltage...
- 1/14/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Schitt’s Creek” actor Sarah Levy is social-distancing to her next gig.
Levy has been cast in “Distancing Socially,” a Covid-inspired indie film about relationships and the challenges of virtual communication during lockdown. Director Chris Blake, who also wrote the screenplay, is shooting in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver using remote technology.
Levy is best known for her role as waitress Twyla Sands on “Schitt’s Creek,” the Emmy-winning series created by and starring her brother Dan Levy and dad Eugene Levy.
The cast also includes Blythe Howard (“Mindhunter”), Alan Tudyk (“Resident Alien”), Melanie Chandra (“Code Black”), Jessika Van (“Seoul Searching”), Sierra Katow (“Last Comic Standing”), Ted Welch (“Adult Interference”), Dawan Owens (“6 Balloons”), Jay Larson (“Wine Country”), Kim Shaw (“She’s Out Of My League”), Rory Scovel (“I Feel Pretty”), Connor Paolo (“Stake Land”), Andy Buckley (“Avenue 5”), Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”), Emma Fitzpatrick (“The Collector”), Karissa Lee Staples (“Necessary Roughness...
Levy has been cast in “Distancing Socially,” a Covid-inspired indie film about relationships and the challenges of virtual communication during lockdown. Director Chris Blake, who also wrote the screenplay, is shooting in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver using remote technology.
Levy is best known for her role as waitress Twyla Sands on “Schitt’s Creek,” the Emmy-winning series created by and starring her brother Dan Levy and dad Eugene Levy.
The cast also includes Blythe Howard (“Mindhunter”), Alan Tudyk (“Resident Alien”), Melanie Chandra (“Code Black”), Jessika Van (“Seoul Searching”), Sierra Katow (“Last Comic Standing”), Ted Welch (“Adult Interference”), Dawan Owens (“6 Balloons”), Jay Larson (“Wine Country”), Kim Shaw (“She’s Out Of My League”), Rory Scovel (“I Feel Pretty”), Connor Paolo (“Stake Land”), Andy Buckley (“Avenue 5”), Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”), Emma Fitzpatrick (“The Collector”), Karissa Lee Staples (“Necessary Roughness...
- 10/7/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
David Midell’s The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain — a ripped-from-the-headlines film about Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., a Black veteran with bipolar disorder who was killed during an encounter with police in 2011 — has won the top narrative feature prize at the 24th annual Urbanworld Film Festival.
Frankie Faison, Anika Noni Rose, Steve O’Connell, Enrico Natale, Ben Marten and Laroyce Hawkins star in the the film, which was produced by Natale, Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino and Milan Chakraborty. Chamberlain’s story garnered national headlines at the time of his death and predated many of the current conversations surrounding how authorities handle situations involving those ...
Frankie Faison, Anika Noni Rose, Steve O’Connell, Enrico Natale, Ben Marten and Laroyce Hawkins star in the the film, which was produced by Natale, Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino and Milan Chakraborty. Chamberlain’s story garnered national headlines at the time of his death and predated many of the current conversations surrounding how authorities handle situations involving those ...
- 9/28/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
David Midell’s The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain — a ripped-from-the-headlines film about Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., a Black veteran with bipolar disorder who was killed during an encounter with police in 2011 — has won the top narrative feature prize at the 24th annual Urbanworld Film Festival.
Frankie Faison, Anika Noni Rose, Steve O’Connell, Enrico Natale, Ben Marten and Laroyce Hawkins star in the the film, which was produced by Natale, Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino and Milan Chakraborty. Chamberlain’s story garnered national headlines at the time of his death and predated many of the current conversations surrounding how authorities handle situations involving those ...
Frankie Faison, Anika Noni Rose, Steve O’Connell, Enrico Natale, Ben Marten and Laroyce Hawkins star in the the film, which was produced by Natale, Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino and Milan Chakraborty. Chamberlain’s story garnered national headlines at the time of his death and predated many of the current conversations surrounding how authorities handle situations involving those ...
- 9/28/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
As of late, the name Karen has been synonymous with entitlement, bigotry and “I want to speak to a manager” energy. What better way to explore this phenomenon than with a suspense thriller appropriately titled Karen starring Taryn Manning as the titular touchstone of privilege?
The Orange Is The New Black alum is set to play Karen White (a suitable name) who believes that races should stick to their “own kind”. She carries this belief into her neighborhood. So when her new Black neighbors Assata and Malik move in, she makes it her personal mission to remove them from the neighborhood, by any means necessary. However, Assata and Malik don’t have time for this. As cardholding Black Lives Matter members they aren’t going down without a fight.
Karen is written and directed by Coke Daniels. The film will be produced by Daniels, Manning and Craig Chapman. Vanzil Burke and Victor Burke,...
The Orange Is The New Black alum is set to play Karen White (a suitable name) who believes that races should stick to their “own kind”. She carries this belief into her neighborhood. So when her new Black neighbors Assata and Malik move in, she makes it her personal mission to remove them from the neighborhood, by any means necessary. However, Assata and Malik don’t have time for this. As cardholding Black Lives Matter members they aren’t going down without a fight.
Karen is written and directed by Coke Daniels. The film will be produced by Daniels, Manning and Craig Chapman. Vanzil Burke and Victor Burke,...
- 8/26/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Bryan Bertino’s The Dark and the Wicked has landed at AMC Networks siblings Rlje Films and Shudder In a North American deal ahead of the horror film’s world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival on Friday. It is now set for a U.S. theatrical release November 6 via Rlje Films; AMC’s genre streaming arm Shudder has also acquired rights in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and will release the film in 2021.
Bertino, whose directing credits include The Stranger and Mockingbird, wrote and directed the horror movie, which follows a mother and her children dealing with the grief and darkness brought upon by the death of the family matriarch. The Umbrella Academy actress Marin Ireland, Michael Abbott Jr. and Xander Berkeley star along with Lynn Andrews, Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Tom Nowicki and Ella Ballentine.
The film was also an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival...
Bertino, whose directing credits include The Stranger and Mockingbird, wrote and directed the horror movie, which follows a mother and her children dealing with the grief and darkness brought upon by the death of the family matriarch. The Umbrella Academy actress Marin Ireland, Michael Abbott Jr. and Xander Berkeley star along with Lynn Andrews, Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Tom Nowicki and Ella Ballentine.
The film was also an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival...
- 8/25/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
The Dark And The Wicked, IFC Midnight title Rent-a-Pal, horror thriller Stoker Hills starring Candyman’s Tony Todd on slate.
Heading into the Cannes virtual market, The Exchange has picked up a trio of new genre titles including The Dark And The Wicked from The Strangers director Bryan Bertino.
Also new to the slate are retro thriller Rent-a-Pal, and horror thriller Stoker Hills starring Tony Todd from the Candyman franchise.
The Dark And The Wicked was due to receive its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival in the Midnight selection before the event was postponed.
Marin Ireland and Michael Abbott Jr....
Heading into the Cannes virtual market, The Exchange has picked up a trio of new genre titles including The Dark And The Wicked from The Strangers director Bryan Bertino.
Also new to the slate are retro thriller Rent-a-Pal, and horror thriller Stoker Hills starring Tony Todd from the Candyman franchise.
The Dark And The Wicked was due to receive its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival in the Midnight selection before the event was postponed.
Marin Ireland and Michael Abbott Jr....
- 6/5/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Marginal Mediaworks CEO and founder Sanjay Sharma is collaborating with Attic Light Films’ Milan Chakraborty (executive producer of the comedy Plus One) to produce the coming-of-age romantic comedy Rearranged from screenwriter Zarna Garg.
Garg’s screenplay for Rearranged was an Academy Nicholl Semi-Finalist and won the Best Comedy Prize at the Austin Film Festival, where she landed a first-look deal with AT&T’s Rooster Teeth. The script was optioned under a competitive process.
Rearranged follows a tenacious teen girl who was raised in the patriarchy of wealthy India in the 90s. She defies an arranged marriage and leaves her family and its fortunes behind, in pursuit of a life and love of her own in America. The script is loosely based on the real life of Garg, an immigrant who moved to America rather than be forced into an arranged marriage by her strict, self-made industrialist father in India.
Garg’s screenplay for Rearranged was an Academy Nicholl Semi-Finalist and won the Best Comedy Prize at the Austin Film Festival, where she landed a first-look deal with AT&T’s Rooster Teeth. The script was optioned under a competitive process.
Rearranged follows a tenacious teen girl who was raised in the patriarchy of wealthy India in the 90s. She defies an arranged marriage and leaves her family and its fortunes behind, in pursuit of a life and love of her own in America. The script is loosely based on the real life of Garg, an immigrant who moved to America rather than be forced into an arranged marriage by her strict, self-made industrialist father in India.
- 2/18/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Cleopatra Entertainment has obtained the North American distribution rights to Get Gone, a thriller starring Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise), Rico E. Anderson (Apple TV+‘s Truth Be Told), Robert Miano (Girls Trip), Adam Bitterman (Chicago P.D.), and Weston Cage Coppola (Lord of War). Written and directed by first-timer Michael Thomas Daniel, the plot centers on a group of Internet hoax busters on a team-building retreat led by a local outdoor guide (Bitterman). Things quickly go sideways when the hoax team crosses paths with the backwoods Maxwell family who’s currently warring with an invasive drilling company. And once the hoax team’s hidden agenda comes to light, things get much worse. Bailey Coppola, Bradley Stryker, and Emily Shenaut also co-star. The pic will be released theatrically in NY, La, and Ohio on January 24 followed by a VOD release on January 28, as well as a DVD/ Blu-Ray...
- 1/15/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Radiant Films International has come on board Tribeca Film Festival narrative audience award winner Plus One and will screen and launch sales in Cannes.
Radiant Films International has come on board Tribeca Film Festival narrative audience award winner Plus One and will screen and launch sales in Cannes.
Ben Stiller is among the executive producers on the comedy starring Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid as best friends who, faced with a summer of friends’ weddings, agree the only way they can get through the season is by accompanying each other to every nuptial.
The directing debut from Jeff Chan and...
Radiant Films International has come on board Tribeca Film Festival narrative audience award winner Plus One and will screen and launch sales in Cannes.
Ben Stiller is among the executive producers on the comedy starring Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid as best friends who, faced with a summer of friends’ weddings, agree the only way they can get through the season is by accompanying each other to every nuptial.
The directing debut from Jeff Chan and...
- 5/9/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Marin Ireland, Michael Abbott Jr., and Xander Berkeley have been tapped as the leads in The Dark & The Wicked, a horror film written and directed by Bryan Bertino. It follows two siblings who are summoned back to the family farm to await the inevitability of their father’s death. What initially appears to be a timeless ritual of loss and remembrance turns out to be something very different.
Lynn Andrews, Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Tom Nowicki, and Ella Ballentine co-star in the film which is shooting in Texas.
The pic marks Bertino’s third feature following his debut pic The Strangers, with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, and The Monster, starring Zoe Kazan, which was released by A24 last year. He’s repped by UTA and Grandview.
Adrienne Biddle and Bertino are producing The Dark & The Wicked under their Unbroken Pictures banner along with Sonny Mallhi and Kevin Matusow for The Traveling Picture Show Company.
Lynn Andrews, Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Tom Nowicki, and Ella Ballentine co-star in the film which is shooting in Texas.
The pic marks Bertino’s third feature following his debut pic The Strangers, with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, and The Monster, starring Zoe Kazan, which was released by A24 last year. He’s repped by UTA and Grandview.
Adrienne Biddle and Bertino are producing The Dark & The Wicked under their Unbroken Pictures banner along with Sonny Mallhi and Kevin Matusow for The Traveling Picture Show Company.
- 4/23/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The list of screenings for the second annual Windy City Horrorama has been revealed and kicking things off is Perry Blackshear's The Rusalka. Also in today's Horror Highlights: the second wave of filmsfor Chattanooga Film Festival 2019 and Terror 5 DVD and VOD release details.
Windy City Horrorama Screenings Unveiled: Press Release: "Get ready to scream, horror fans! We’re announcing the first films of Windy City Horrorama’s creeptastic lineup!
First up, it’s the Chicago premiere of The Rusalka*! Director Perry Blackshear reunites with him They Look Like People (2015) team for this tale of a folkloric water spirit, the vengeful man hunting her, and the handsome stranger caught between them. Stuffed to its gills with doomed longing, The Rusalka is an atmospheric elegy for love touched by the cruel hands of fate.
Also joining our 2019 slate of films is the infamous low-budget vigilante shocker, Robot Ninja! This 1989 thriller about...
Windy City Horrorama Screenings Unveiled: Press Release: "Get ready to scream, horror fans! We’re announcing the first films of Windy City Horrorama’s creeptastic lineup!
First up, it’s the Chicago premiere of The Rusalka*! Director Perry Blackshear reunites with him They Look Like People (2015) team for this tale of a folkloric water spirit, the vengeful man hunting her, and the handsome stranger caught between them. Stuffed to its gills with doomed longing, The Rusalka is an atmospheric elegy for love touched by the cruel hands of fate.
Also joining our 2019 slate of films is the infamous low-budget vigilante shocker, Robot Ninja! This 1989 thriller about...
- 3/26/2019
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Rlje Films has scooped up rights to Plus One, Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer’s romantic comedy that will have its world premiere next month at the Tribeca Film Festival. The distributor, which recently released the Sundance revenge pic Mandy starring Nicolas Cage, acquired Plus One preemptively in a low-seven-figure deal, and is eyeing a summer 2019 release.
Starring Maya Erskine (Hulu’s Pen15) and Jack Quaid (Rampage), the pic revolves around longtime friends Alice and Ben, who find themselves in that inevitable year that all late twentysomethings experience — when seemingly every person they know gets married. They agree to be one another’s plus ones as they power through an endless parade of weddings. Ed Begley Jr, SNL‘s Beck Bennett, Rosalind Chao, Brianne Howey, Jon Bass and Finn Wittrock co-star.
Ross Putman produced with Jeremy Reitz, Deborah Liebling, Greg Beauchamp), and Chan and Rhymer. Ben Stiller executive produces through...
Starring Maya Erskine (Hulu’s Pen15) and Jack Quaid (Rampage), the pic revolves around longtime friends Alice and Ben, who find themselves in that inevitable year that all late twentysomethings experience — when seemingly every person they know gets married. They agree to be one another’s plus ones as they power through an endless parade of weddings. Ed Begley Jr, SNL‘s Beck Bennett, Rosalind Chao, Brianne Howey, Jon Bass and Finn Wittrock co-star.
Ross Putman produced with Jeremy Reitz, Deborah Liebling, Greg Beauchamp), and Chan and Rhymer. Ben Stiller executive produces through...
- 3/21/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Maya Erskine from Hulu’s PEN15 stars.
Rlje Films has paid low seven figures for Us rights to the rom-com Plus One on which Ben Stiller served as executive producer ahead of its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Jeff Chan (Adam Ruins Everything) and Andrew Rhymer (Pregame) wrote and directed the film starring Maya Erskine from Hulu’s PEN15, alongside Jack Quaid (Amazon’s The Boys), Ed Begley, Jr. (Arrested Development), Beck Bennett (SNL), Rosalind Chao (Mulan), Brianne Howey (The Passage), Jon Bass (Miracle Workers) and Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story).
Plus One will get a...
Rlje Films has paid low seven figures for Us rights to the rom-com Plus One on which Ben Stiller served as executive producer ahead of its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Jeff Chan (Adam Ruins Everything) and Andrew Rhymer (Pregame) wrote and directed the film starring Maya Erskine from Hulu’s PEN15, alongside Jack Quaid (Amazon’s The Boys), Ed Begley, Jr. (Arrested Development), Beck Bennett (SNL), Rosalind Chao (Mulan), Brianne Howey (The Passage), Jon Bass (Miracle Workers) and Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story).
Plus One will get a...
- 3/21/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Altitude handles international sales. Altitude Film Distribution to release in UK.
FilmRise has acquired North American rights to Marc Meyers’ My Friend Dahmer. The Ibid Filmworks and Aperture Entertainment production is slated for an autumn release.
Altitude Films Sales is handling international sales, and Altitude Film Distribution has taken UK rights with plans for a theatrical release.
The film premiered in Tribeca last month and tells the true story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer during his time in high school, based on real-life classmate Derf Backderf’s graphic novel.
Dahmer is portrayed as an awkward teenager who collects roadkill and has an unstable family life. He fixates on a neighbourhood jogger who routinely passes by his house. By the start of senior year, he acts out, throwing epileptic-like fits in the halls.
His goofball antics win over a group of nerds who form The Dahmer Fan Club headed by Backderf. This camaraderie...
FilmRise has acquired North American rights to Marc Meyers’ My Friend Dahmer. The Ibid Filmworks and Aperture Entertainment production is slated for an autumn release.
Altitude Films Sales is handling international sales, and Altitude Film Distribution has taken UK rights with plans for a theatrical release.
The film premiered in Tribeca last month and tells the true story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer during his time in high school, based on real-life classmate Derf Backderf’s graphic novel.
Dahmer is portrayed as an awkward teenager who collects roadkill and has an unstable family life. He fixates on a neighbourhood jogger who routinely passes by his house. By the start of senior year, he acts out, throwing epileptic-like fits in the halls.
His goofball antics win over a group of nerds who form The Dahmer Fan Club headed by Backderf. This camaraderie...
- 5/15/2017
- ScreenDaily
FilmRise has acquired My Friend Dahmer for North America, with plans to release the feature in the fall.
Based on the graphic novel by Derf Backderf, the movie tells the true story of Jeffrey Dahmer as a high schooler in the late 1970s, documenting his downward spiral from awkward teenager to would-be serial killer.
Marc Meyers adapted the graphic novel into the Black List screenplay and directed the feature, which premiered at this year's Tribeca Film Festival.
The Ibid Filmworks and Aperture Entertainment production stars Ross Lynch as Dahmer, while Alex Wolff plays classmate Backderf. Anne Heche and Vincent Kartheiser also star.
Jody Girgenti, Adam Goldworm, Michael Merlob, Milan Chakraborty...
Based on the graphic novel by Derf Backderf, the movie tells the true story of Jeffrey Dahmer as a high schooler in the late 1970s, documenting his downward spiral from awkward teenager to would-be serial killer.
Marc Meyers adapted the graphic novel into the Black List screenplay and directed the feature, which premiered at this year's Tribeca Film Festival.
The Ibid Filmworks and Aperture Entertainment production stars Ross Lynch as Dahmer, while Alex Wolff plays classmate Backderf. Anne Heche and Vincent Kartheiser also star.
Jody Girgenti, Adam Goldworm, Michael Merlob, Milan Chakraborty...
- 5/15/2017
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Roadside Attractions and Godspeed Pictures have set a May 15 theatrical release for the 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award winner.
Calvin Campbell plays a baseball player who quit the pro leagues due to panic attacks and gets a chance at redemption when he befriends a young man with Down Syndrome.
McKaley Miller, David DeSanctis, Billy Zabka, Brooke Burns, McKaley Miller, Alan Powell and Danica McKellar also star.
Chris Dowling directed Where Hope Grows and Steve Bagheri produced alongside Simran Singh, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Milan Chakraborty.
Calvin Campbell plays a baseball player who quit the pro leagues due to panic attacks and gets a chance at redemption when he befriends a young man with Down Syndrome.
McKaley Miller, David DeSanctis, Billy Zabka, Brooke Burns, McKaley Miller, Alan Powell and Danica McKellar also star.
Chris Dowling directed Where Hope Grows and Steve Bagheri produced alongside Simran Singh, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Milan Chakraborty.
- 2/12/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The new trailer as well as the poster are in for Screen Media Films' comedy drama The Lifeguard starring Kristen Bell, Mamie Gummer, Martin Starr, Amy Madigan, Joshua Harto, John Finn, Alex Shaffer, Sendhil Ramamurthy, David Lambert and Paulie Litt. On the verge of her 30th birthday, Leigh (Kristen Bell) leaves her busy life and job in New York City behind for her parents suburban home. Taking her old summer job as a lifeguard, she falls into her teenage life: hanging out, partying in the woods, and coming home late, leading to a dangerous affair that threatens to tear lives apart. Screen Media and Focus World present the film produced by Milan Chakraborty, Liz W. Garcia, Isaac Lefevre, Mike Landry, Joshua Harto and Carlos Velazquez.
- 7/9/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Aaaah….that crisp Park City air. Eric Lavallee, Nicholas Bell, and I Jordan Smith are returning to the Sundance Film Festival (@sundancefest) once again this year for another ten day cinematic marathon where we will surely discover a host of extraordinary new films from bright new filmmakers and veterans alike. While the city will be abuzz with must sees and fest happenings, the easiest way to keep tabs on how some of these filmmkers are living out the Park City & Salt Lake city event is via personal twitter feeds: which I’ve conveniently tracked down and listed in the click-thru pages below. Pull out your smart phones and track fest haps straight from the horses’ mouth, 140 characters at a time. And don’t forget to follow our twitter feed @ioncinema as we roam/cover #Sundance.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
Afternoon Delight
Director and screenwriter Jill Soloway – @jillwaysolo
Actors Josh Radnor – @JoshRadnor,...
U.S. Dramatic Competition
Afternoon Delight
Director and screenwriter Jill Soloway – @jillwaysolo
Actors Josh Radnor – @JoshRadnor,...
- 1/17/2013
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
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