Roland Emmerich has launched a couple franchises with movies he has directed – Universal Soldier and Stargate – but he didn’t have anything to do with the stories that followed. He contributed to the Godzilla franchise, but his contribution wasn’t well received. And when he tried to make a “decades later” sequel to his film Independence Day, that didn’t go very well either. His movie Moonfall was supposed to kick off a trilogy, but it bombed instead. Now he’s masterminding a project that’s being called a franchise from the moment it’s announced. It’s called Space Nation, and it’s going to start out with an online video game, which will be followed by a TV series and animated shorts.
Described as a “space opera”, the Space Nation franchise is coming our way from Emmerich; Jerome Wu, who worked on World of Warcraft; Tony Tang, who...
Described as a “space opera”, the Space Nation franchise is coming our way from Emmerich; Jerome Wu, who worked on World of Warcraft; Tony Tang, who...
- 6/28/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Roland Emmerich, director of Independence Day, has teamed up with folks behind the likes of World of Warcraft for a new franchise, Space Nation.
Space Nation is designed to be an online space opera game, a TV series and a series of animated shorts.
Emmerich, who is most recently behind Peacock gladiator drama series Those About To Die, has teamed up with Jerome Wu, who worked on World of Warcraft, Tony Tang, from online game Warframe, and Marco Weber, who produced Emmerich’s 1999 sci-fi film The Thirteenth Floor, on the franchise.
It will start as an massively multiplayer online role-playing game (Mmorpg), where players assume the roles of ship captains, embarking on an epic journey to unravel the mysteries of the Telikos Cluster and immerse themselves in the unfolding grand space opera. The game is set in a universe inhabited by alien species and driven by three main factions with distinct ideologies and goals.
Space Nation is designed to be an online space opera game, a TV series and a series of animated shorts.
Emmerich, who is most recently behind Peacock gladiator drama series Those About To Die, has teamed up with Jerome Wu, who worked on World of Warcraft, Tony Tang, from online game Warframe, and Marco Weber, who produced Emmerich’s 1999 sci-fi film The Thirteenth Floor, on the franchise.
It will start as an massively multiplayer online role-playing game (Mmorpg), where players assume the roles of ship captains, embarking on an epic journey to unravel the mysteries of the Telikos Cluster and immerse themselves in the unfolding grand space opera. The game is set in a universe inhabited by alien species and driven by three main factions with distinct ideologies and goals.
- 6/28/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Independence Day filmmaker Roland Emmerich and entrepreneur and producer Marco Weber are diving deep into virtual reality by launching the virtual reality company VRenetic, which will specialize in “accessible, social-media enabled 360-degree streaming.” The company is privately held and headquartered in West Hollywood and Emmerich is its chairman and co-founder. The company’s first product – VResh – combines a free broadcasting and viewing application with mobile…...
- 10/3/2017
- Deadline
BitTorrent has teamed up with Marco Weber‘s Rapid Eye Studios to develop exclusive video content for its BitTorrent Bundle platform, according to a statement published Wednesday on the peer-to-peer file sharing giant’s corporate website. The content will be produced under the BitTorrent Originals banner and targeted at young adults. Their first project is “Children of the Machine,” a sci-fi series first announced in 2014. The companies also plan to announce additional BitTorrent Originals in coming months. Also Read: Sebastian Junger Talks BitTorrent Partnership: ‘You Go Straight From the Filmmaker to the Viewer’ “This landmark deal with Marco is a...
- 2/11/2015
- by Travis Reilly
- The Wrap
BitTorrent is out to prove it’s not all about illegal downloads and questionable sharing ethics. The tech company is releasing its first original web series called Children of the Machine in fall 2015. Directed by Marco Weber (producer of The Thirteenth Floor and Unthinkable), Children of the Machine is a sci-fi series set in the year 2031. It chronicles the lives of a society where humans must work together to survive after androids start dominating. Children of the Machine will be available for download exclusively on BitTorrent. According to AdWeek, Weber chose to release his upcoming series on the data-sharing website because its male-dominated, 170+ million user base was exactly the type of audience he was looking for. "This is a science fiction show catered to the typical tech-savvy, male-dominated audience," Weber said. "We're not trying to launch a romantic comedy, so the concept of this show moved us toward BitTorrent."
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 11/26/2014
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
A new sci-fi series from Marco Weber (“Igby Goes Down”) and Jeff Stockwell (“Bridge to Terrabithia”) aims to marry the innovations of crowdfunding and streaming television using BitTorrent's Bundle platform, the writers announced on Monday. Produced by Rapid Eye Studios, ”Children of the Machine” will premiere a pilot on BitTorrent, and then offer fans the opportunity to pre-order an entire first season for $9.95 via the Bundle platform. Once Rapid Eye receives 250,000 orders, it will go into production on the entire season, which will feature eight more episodes. Also read: BitTorrent to Hollywood: We're Not Pirates – We Come in Peace In this way,...
- 7/14/2014
- by Jordan Zakarin
- The Wrap
Cinedigm has inked a multi-picture distribution and production output deal with Vmi Worldwide. Under the pact, Vmi will produce, co-produce or acquire four genre-centric films per year, with Cinedigm handling the theatrical and home entertainment release and distribution strategy and manage the marketing campaigns. Cinedigm will be involved in all stages of production; the first film in the deal is Opposite Sex, starring Mena Suvari and Kristin Chenoweth. This is the latest such tie-up for the indie content distributor, which earlier this inked a producer deal with Marco Weber’s Rapid Eye Film for 15 genre pics. Cinedigm also signed on with Viva Pictures Distribution, and as part of that pact in March acquired U.S. distribution rights to […]...
- 6/17/2014
- Deadline
The times they are a changing, kids! And as technology advances so does the means of getting our entertainment. The latest announcement comes courtesy of Cinedigm and Rapid Eye Films who are looking to increase their genre output. Read on for details.
From the Press Release
Cinedigm Corp. (Nasdaq: Cidm) and Rapid Eye Film announced today they have entered into a multi-picture distribution and production output deal for North America encompassing 15 films. Rapid Eye Film (Ref) will produce, co-produce or acquire three to four genre-centric films per year. Cinedigm will handle the theatrical and home entertainment release and distribution strategy for each picture, with Ref producing and managing the marketing.
The deal provides Ref guaranteed distribution for the films across all platforms, and provides Cinedigm a steady slate of independent genre films, including science fiction and suspense thrillers. Cinedigm will be involved in all stages of production.
Filmmaker Marco Weber...
From the Press Release
Cinedigm Corp. (Nasdaq: Cidm) and Rapid Eye Film announced today they have entered into a multi-picture distribution and production output deal for North America encompassing 15 films. Rapid Eye Film (Ref) will produce, co-produce or acquire three to four genre-centric films per year. Cinedigm will handle the theatrical and home entertainment release and distribution strategy for each picture, with Ref producing and managing the marketing.
The deal provides Ref guaranteed distribution for the films across all platforms, and provides Cinedigm a steady slate of independent genre films, including science fiction and suspense thrillers. Cinedigm will be involved in all stages of production.
Filmmaker Marco Weber...
- 5/1/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Cinedigm has scored a multi-picture distribution and production deal with Rapid Eye Film, the studio announced Tuesday. The deal involves 15 pictures, with three or four genre-centric films being produced per year. Cinedigm will be in charge of theatrical, as well as home releases and distribution, while Rapid Eye will grab a hold of marketing. Also read: Cinedigm Acquires Frank P. DeLarzelere III Documentary ‘Biker Fox’ Founded by Marco Weber, Rapid Eye recently released the thriller “California Scheming,” a film about a seductress (Gia Mantegna, daughter of Joe) who lures impressionable Malibu teens into her wily ways. Weber has also produced independent fare.
- 4/29/2014
- by Matthew Bramlett
- The Wrap
Cinedigm Corp and Rapid Eye Film have signed a 15-title North America distribution and production output deal.
Marco Weber’s Rapid Eye Film (Ref) will produce, co-produce or acquire three to four genre films a year pursuant to the deal and manage marketing.
Cinedigm will be involved in all stages of production and handle theatrical and home entertainment release and oversee distribution strategy on each film.
Ref recently released the low-budget feature California Scheming (pictured) starring Gia Mantegna and Chad Lowe. Weber wrote and directed.
Weber and attorney Paul Mayersohn of Surpin and Mayersohn negotiated the deal with Cinedigm evp of acquisitions Yolanda Macias.
Marco Weber’s Rapid Eye Film (Ref) will produce, co-produce or acquire three to four genre films a year pursuant to the deal and manage marketing.
Cinedigm will be involved in all stages of production and handle theatrical and home entertainment release and oversee distribution strategy on each film.
Ref recently released the low-budget feature California Scheming (pictured) starring Gia Mantegna and Chad Lowe. Weber wrote and directed.
Weber and attorney Paul Mayersohn of Surpin and Mayersohn negotiated the deal with Cinedigm evp of acquisitions Yolanda Macias.
- 4/29/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Get involved in some ‘California Scheming’ with Shockya’s new exclusive clip from the upcoming thriller. The clip follows the mysterious and domineering new teen in town, Chloe, and her impressionable new friend, Hilary, while they scour a party for something to make them feel better. Together they ultimately con the drug dealing Dave into giving them some of his product for free. The film, which will be released by Gravitas Ventures on Friday in theaters across the country and on VOD, marks the feature film writing and directorial debuts from ‘Unthinkable’ producer, Marco Weber. ‘California Scheming’ stars 2011 Miss Golden Globe, Gia Mantegna, as well as Chad Lowe, Devon Werkheiser, [ Read More ]
The post Embark on California Scheming in New Exclusive Film Clip appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Embark on California Scheming in New Exclusive Film Clip appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 1/29/2014
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
The sun and surf of California has long provided a cinematic backdrop to drugs, sex and hedonistic excess; behind the beautiful coastline of the Golden State often lies darker secrets. It's in that spirit that "California Scheming" unfolds, and today we have the exclusive red band trailer for the upcoming film. The directorial debut of writer/director Marco Weber (producer behind "Igby Goes Down," "Brooklyn's Finest" and "The Informers" among others), the film is led by 2011 Miss Golden Globe Gia Mantegna who plays Chloe, a beautiful new girl who has just arrived in Malibu. Soon, best friends Nick and Jason are drawn into her orbit, as well as Hillary, another arrival from Boston looking for friends and a place to fit in. But Chloe is more than just a beautiful face, and introducing everyone to drugs, crime and more, they all go down a dangerous path. Co-starring Chad Lowe, Devon Werkheiser,...
- 11/5/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The American Film Market tends to be a gauge for what is coming to North America in the form of horror, thrillers and other genres. This year's event is previewing dozens of films in both the horror and thriller genres. One of the standouts in the thriller genre is Marco Weber's (Unthinkable) California Scheming. This feature focuses on Chloe (Gia Mantegna) and her ability to draw several California locals into the darker side of life. California Scheming stars Devon Werkheiser (The Wicked), Spencer Daniels and Gia Mantegna. The film was shot and developed by veteran filmmaker Marco Weber. The film's story is an intriguing one. Chloe is new in Malibu and she draws in the local boys with her looks and mystique. But, Chloe has a darker side. Chloe's life involves theft, drugs and other misbehaviours. Will she bring down just herself or everyone along with her? California Scheming...
- 10/25/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Gravitas Ventures and Rapid Eye Film announced that teen thriller California Scheming will open day-and-date in theatres and on VOD on January 31 2014.
Marco Weber wrote, directed and produced the story about teenagers in Malibu who encounter a dangerous newcomer.
Gia Mantegna, Devon Werkheiser, Spencer Daniels, Rachel Seiferth, Claudia Christian and Chad Lowe star.
monterey media has acquired Us and Canadian rights to WWII story A Farewell To Fools starring Gérard Depardieu and Harvey Keitel, thriller No God, No Master starring David Strathairn, family title Redwood Highway with Shirley Knight and Tom Skerritt. The distributor plans spring 2014 theatrical releases on all three.
Marco Weber wrote, directed and produced the story about teenagers in Malibu who encounter a dangerous newcomer.
Gia Mantegna, Devon Werkheiser, Spencer Daniels, Rachel Seiferth, Claudia Christian and Chad Lowe star.
monterey media has acquired Us and Canadian rights to WWII story A Farewell To Fools starring Gérard Depardieu and Harvey Keitel, thriller No God, No Master starring David Strathairn, family title Redwood Highway with Shirley Knight and Tom Skerritt. The distributor plans spring 2014 theatrical releases on all three.
- 10/17/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Gravitas Ventures has a sexy new poster up for their teen thriller California Scheming which hits theaters January 31st, 2014. Gia Mantegna's featured, with a tagline of "She Drives You Crazy." Agreed on that one. There's also a new image from the film included below. Marco Weber (The Informers, Igby Goes Down, Unthinkable) directs the film starring Mangegna of The Frozen Ground, as well as Devon Werkheiser (We Were Soldiers), Spencer Daniels (Star Trek), Rachel Seiferth (Shooting April), Claudia Christian of TV's Babylon 5 series and Chad Lowe of ABC's Pretty Little Liars. The story tells of three teens in Malibu who meet Chloe, the beautiful new girl in town. Nick and Jason, two best friends and surf buddies from Malibu are drawn to Chloe's good looks and mystique, while Hillary, in town from Boston and staying with family in the wake of her mother's untimely death, is looking for...
- 10/17/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Gravitas Ventures and Rapid Eye Film announced today that the teen suspense thriller California Scheming will get a national day-and-date release on January 31st, 2013. The film was written, directed, and produced by Marco Weber ( Unthinkable , The Informers , Igby Goes Down ) and stars Gia Mantegna ( The Frozen Ground , "Gigantic"), Devon Werkheiser, Spencer Daniels, Rachel Seiferth, Claudia Christian and Chad Lowe ("Pretty Little Liars"). The film will open theatrically in 15 markets including New York and Los Angeles while simultaneously reaching 100 million+ homes via cable On Demand platforms and major Online VOD providers. Gravitas has DVD rights as well. California Scheming tells the story of three teens in Malibu who meet Chloe, the beautiful...
- 10/17/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Some interesting news is coming in from Screen Daily as Cinedigm and Voltage Pictures are partnering on a three-year, five-picture output deal with newly minted genre label Rapid Eye Film. Read on for the early word on what horrors are to come!
Founded by filmmaker Marco Weber, Rapid Eye will develop, finance and produce the films, and Cinedigm will provide a U.S. theatrical release plus VOD, digital, TV, and DVD. Nic Chartier’s Voltage Pictures will handle international sales.
Weber’s sci-fi thriller Unraveling, said to be a cross of Angel Heart and Seven, will be the first title out of the gate under the partnership. Casting is under way with Weber in the director's chair.
Unraveling will shoot in Los Angeles this spring.
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Unravel in the comments section below!
Founded by filmmaker Marco Weber, Rapid Eye will develop, finance and produce the films, and Cinedigm will provide a U.S. theatrical release plus VOD, digital, TV, and DVD. Nic Chartier’s Voltage Pictures will handle international sales.
Weber’s sci-fi thriller Unraveling, said to be a cross of Angel Heart and Seven, will be the first title out of the gate under the partnership. Casting is under way with Weber in the director's chair.
Unraveling will shoot in Los Angeles this spring.
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Unravel in the comments section below!
- 2/4/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Cinedigm and Voltage Pictures have entered a three-year, five-film deal with new genre label Rapid Eye Film whereby Cinedigm will distribute the films domestically and Voltage will sell the international rights, the companies announced on Monday. Veteran German producer Marco Weber (left) founded Rapid Eye to develop, finance and produce films. In the past, he has produced films such as the sci-fi thriller "The Thirteenth Floor" and the coming-of-age drama "Igby Goes Down." This new deal begins with "Unraveling," a sci-fi thriller Weber wrote and will direct. Now casting, the film will...
- 2/4/2013
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Cinedigm and Voltage Pictures have entered into a three-year, five-picture output deal with the new genre label Rapid Eye Film.
The outfit, founded by filmmaker Marco Weber, will develop, finance and produce the films, and Cinedigm will provide a Us theatrical release and subsequent roll out across on-demand, digital, TV and DVD. Nic Chartier’s Voltage Pictures will handle international sales on all five films.
The first film green lit under the agreement is the sci-fi thriller Unraveling, with casting under way.
Unraveling was written and will be directed by Weber, who is producing alongside his longtime producing partner Vanessa Coifman and producer Miggel Schwickerath. The film will shoot on location in Los Angeles this spring.
Read more...
The outfit, founded by filmmaker Marco Weber, will develop, finance and produce the films, and Cinedigm will provide a Us theatrical release and subsequent roll out across on-demand, digital, TV and DVD. Nic Chartier’s Voltage Pictures will handle international sales on all five films.
The first film green lit under the agreement is the sci-fi thriller Unraveling, with casting under way.
Unraveling was written and will be directed by Weber, who is producing alongside his longtime producing partner Vanessa Coifman and producer Miggel Schwickerath. The film will shoot on location in Los Angeles this spring.
Read more...
- 2/4/2013
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Risk-adverse is not a term you’d use to describe Helge Sasse, CEO of German indie Senator Entertainment. Since taking over the insolvent Senator, together with producer Marco Weber, back in 2005, Sasse has brought the distributor-producer to the edge more than once. But the financial wizard has always managed to re-structure and re-finance the company to keep Senator afloat. Photos: Cannes 2012: Competition Lineup Features 'Cosmopolis,' 'Moonrise Kingdom,' 'Killing Them Softly' It wasn’t until last year, however, that the new Senator had its first bone-fide box office hit with The King’s Speech and
read more...
read more...
- 5/16/2012
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dark House Poster
The 2010 Fangoria Frightfest film entries are moving to DVD this week through Phase 4. This series released in Canada September 21st and the Us release is scheduled for September 28th. Films included: mysterious thriller The Tomb, the suspenseful The Haunting, the goreific Pig Hunt, the dismal Hunger, the disturbing Grimm Love, the original Road Kill, shocker Fragile and this year's winner of the event Dark House. This film festival competition was successful because of fan support and horror enthusiasts can have a look at the DVD special features for each of the titles listed here inside.
Dark House
Director: Darin Scott.
Producer: Mark Sonoda.
Cast: Jeffrey Combs (House on Haunted Hill), Meghan Ory (John Tucker Must Die), and Diane Salinger .
The synopsis for Dark House:
"A group of hot young drama students are recruited to work in a new 'haunted house' attraction by flamboyant, impresario Walston Rey...
The 2010 Fangoria Frightfest film entries are moving to DVD this week through Phase 4. This series released in Canada September 21st and the Us release is scheduled for September 28th. Films included: mysterious thriller The Tomb, the suspenseful The Haunting, the goreific Pig Hunt, the dismal Hunger, the disturbing Grimm Love, the original Road Kill, shocker Fragile and this year's winner of the event Dark House. This film festival competition was successful because of fan support and horror enthusiasts can have a look at the DVD special features for each of the titles listed here inside.
Dark House
Director: Darin Scott.
Producer: Mark Sonoda.
Cast: Jeffrey Combs (House on Haunted Hill), Meghan Ory (John Tucker Must Die), and Diane Salinger .
The synopsis for Dark House:
"A group of hot young drama students are recruited to work in a new 'haunted house' attraction by flamboyant, impresario Walston Rey...
- 9/26/2010
- by 28DaysLaterAnalysis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Screamfest, Rachel Belofsky’s venerated Los Angeles horror film festival (now in its tenth year, running October 9th thru the 17th at Highland and Hollywood in Hollywood, CA), has historically been on the cutting edge of horror, having in the past introduced to the American public such disturbing and blogged-about features as The Human Centipede, Martyrs and Inside, just to name a few.
In keeping with the ‘Oh my God have you seen that film?’ mind-set, the festival, in conjunction with Dread Central, is hosting a screening of the cannibal flick Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story on August 1st at 7:00 Pm in downtown Los Angeles.
Screening at the Downtown Independent Theatre (251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012), the flick is inspired by the true story of German man-eater Armin Meiwes and stars "Felicity" actress Keri Russell as graduate student Katie Armstrong, who in researching cannibal killer Oliver Hagen for...
In keeping with the ‘Oh my God have you seen that film?’ mind-set, the festival, in conjunction with Dread Central, is hosting a screening of the cannibal flick Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story on August 1st at 7:00 Pm in downtown Los Angeles.
Screening at the Downtown Independent Theatre (251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012), the flick is inspired by the true story of German man-eater Armin Meiwes and stars "Felicity" actress Keri Russell as graduate student Katie Armstrong, who in researching cannibal killer Oliver Hagen for...
- 7/27/2010
- by SeanD.
- DreadCentral.com
Doesn't look like Shana Feste will wait to do the promo tour for her debut film before moving onto her next project. Production Weekly reports (tweets) that she'll next direct a drama, a Nashville shoot called Love Don't Let Me Down. - Doesn't look like Shana Feste will wait to do the promo tour for her debut film before moving onto her next project. Production Weekly reports (tweets) that she'll next direct a drama, a Nashville shoot called Love Don't Let Me Down. More details to follow. As someone who saw Feste's The Greatest (Carey Mulligan, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon) at Sundance, I'd be one to tell you its reminscent of early 80's films in the vein of Ordinary People. If you ask me, Redford's film has aged horribly, and with the same tone, Feste first film is a tad too sappy for my likes. Unfortunately I...
- 12/13/2009
- by Ioncinema.com Staff
- IONCINEMA.com
Antoine Fuqua’s operatic cop drama Brooklyn Finest, starring Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke, debuted at Sundance in January and was instantly acquired by neophyte distrib Senator, whose CEO Marco Weber invested in a new cut of the film, seven minutes longer, which just screened at the Venice Film Festival. (Fuqua isn’t happy with that cut, which boasts a new ending, and wants to spend more time in the editing room.) Now …...
- 9/14/2009
- Thompson on Hollywood
Cologne, Germany -- German indie producer-distributor Senator Entertainment squeezed back into black ink in the first half of 2009, earning net profits of €900,000 ($1.3 million) on revenue of €15.9 million ($22.7 million).
It's a ray of sunshine for the Berlin-based group, which pushed through a radical restructuring plan last year to avoid collapse. The shake-up saw Senator hand its U.S. operation Senator Entertainment Inc. back to founder Marco Weber; spin off production, acquisition and marketing duties to new joint venture deutschfilm and sign co-acquisition/distribution deals with Universum Films and France's Wild Bunch to provide much-needed cash flow.
"We're on the right track, but we're not out of the woods yet," said Senator CEO Helge Sasse, noting the company was still drawing down on its assets in order to keep the lights on.
Senator has had a huge hit in Germany with Stephen Daldry's "The Reader," which earned more than $20 million at the local boxoffice,...
It's a ray of sunshine for the Berlin-based group, which pushed through a radical restructuring plan last year to avoid collapse. The shake-up saw Senator hand its U.S. operation Senator Entertainment Inc. back to founder Marco Weber; spin off production, acquisition and marketing duties to new joint venture deutschfilm and sign co-acquisition/distribution deals with Universum Films and France's Wild Bunch to provide much-needed cash flow.
"We're on the right track, but we're not out of the woods yet," said Senator CEO Helge Sasse, noting the company was still drawing down on its assets in order to keep the lights on.
Senator has had a huge hit in Germany with Stephen Daldry's "The Reader," which earned more than $20 million at the local boxoffice,...
- 8/31/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From Thompson on Hollywood, June 10, 2009
In the worst of times, Darwinian forces are winnowing out the weak. Companies like Marco Weber's Senator Entertainment that were making their mark at Sundance in January are no longer able to meet their commitments in June. Mark Urman went from the frying pan at David Bergstein's beleaguered ThinkFilm into the fire at Senator as president, moving from NY to La--and back again. Weber, a hybrid filmmaker-businessman who bought out German company Senator's U.S. arm three years ago, assembled a production slate of six films with the intention of building a distribution company. To that end, he hired away Urman as Bergstein's empire was crumbling under financial strain.
Weber scored a deal with Sony Worldwide to release his slate on DVD and pay and free TV, on the strength of the films Weber had lined up: the horror thriller Clock Tower, based...
In the worst of times, Darwinian forces are winnowing out the weak. Companies like Marco Weber's Senator Entertainment that were making their mark at Sundance in January are no longer able to meet their commitments in June. Mark Urman went from the frying pan at David Bergstein's beleaguered ThinkFilm into the fire at Senator as president, moving from NY to La--and back again. Weber, a hybrid filmmaker-businessman who bought out German company Senator's U.S. arm three years ago, assembled a production slate of six films with the intention of building a distribution company. To that end, he hired away Urman as Bergstein's empire was crumbling under financial strain.
Weber scored a deal with Sony Worldwide to release his slate on DVD and pay and free TV, on the strength of the films Weber had lined up: the horror thriller Clock Tower, based...
- 6/11/2009
- by Sydney@SydneysBuzz.com (Sydney)
- Sydney's Buzz
Indie company Senator U.S. is scaling back its distribution operations, throwing the release of two of its biggest bets into question.
President Marco Weber acknowledged Tuesday that the company was undergoing a financial crunch that would squeeze its ability to release its high-profile titles.
"We're not in a position to locate the P&A for the bigger pictures, so we have to form alliances and adjust our release schedule," Weber said. "We have to adjust our expectations from when we first started this."
But it is not clear even with those adjustments how and when the most prominent movies would see the light of day -- the Michael Sheen-Samuel Jackson thriller "Unthinkable," which it produced, and Antoine Fuqua's cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest," which it negotiated to acquire at Sundance and has been heavily tweaking in post.
The movies originally had been scheduled as Senator fall releases...
President Marco Weber acknowledged Tuesday that the company was undergoing a financial crunch that would squeeze its ability to release its high-profile titles.
"We're not in a position to locate the P&A for the bigger pictures, so we have to form alliances and adjust our release schedule," Weber said. "We have to adjust our expectations from when we first started this."
But it is not clear even with those adjustments how and when the most prominent movies would see the light of day -- the Michael Sheen-Samuel Jackson thriller "Unthinkable," which it produced, and Antoine Fuqua's cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest," which it negotiated to acquire at Sundance and has been heavily tweaking in post.
The movies originally had been scheduled as Senator fall releases...
- 6/9/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cologne, Germany -- A film loosely based on the life of infamous German cannibal Armin Meiwes has been cleared for release in Germany after a four-year legal battle.
Martin Weisz's "Rohtenburg" (Grimm Love), starring Keri Russell and Thomas Kretschmann, was a strong festival player, winning multiple awards at fantasy fests in Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg and South Korea. But German courts initially blocked its local release after Meiwes filed a suit claiming the film violated his rights.
The German Federal Court of Justice overturned that ruling Tuesday, saying that, in this case, artistic freedom trumps Meiwes' personal rights. It is expected that Senator Film, which co-produced "Rothenburg" with Marco Weber's Atlantic Streamline, will release the film in Germany.
Meiwes is serving a life sentence for killing and eating a man who answered a cannibalistic lonely hearts ad Meiwes put online.
Martin Weisz's "Rohtenburg" (Grimm Love), starring Keri Russell and Thomas Kretschmann, was a strong festival player, winning multiple awards at fantasy fests in Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg and South Korea. But German courts initially blocked its local release after Meiwes filed a suit claiming the film violated his rights.
The German Federal Court of Justice overturned that ruling Tuesday, saying that, in this case, artistic freedom trumps Meiwes' personal rights. It is expected that Senator Film, which co-produced "Rothenburg" with Marco Weber's Atlantic Streamline, will release the film in Germany.
Meiwes is serving a life sentence for killing and eating a man who answered a cannibalistic lonely hearts ad Meiwes put online.
- 5/27/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Gregor Jordan, producer Marco Weber and composer Christopher Young team up again for a new film, following the acclaimed thriller The Informers, which is awaiting its theatrical release on April 24. The new film is called Unthinkable, and it's also a psychological thriller which will feature Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Sheen, Brandon Routh, Gil Bellows, Martin Donovan and Carrie-Anne Moss. With a script that reflects USA's recent war on terrorism, the story is about an American Muslim man who claims to have nuclear bombs planted in three U.S. cities. Marco Weber has confirmed to Upcoming Film Scores that Christopher Young is doing the score for the film. His other upcoming projects include Jon Amiel's Creation and Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell.
- 3/11/2009
- by noreply@blogger.com (Mikael Carlsson)
- MovieScore Magazine
More Sundance coverage
THR's "Brooklyn's Finest" review
Park City -- The Sundance Film Festival has its first major deal. Senator Distribution snapped up North American rights to Antoine Fuqua's cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" on Saturday evening.
The Marco Weber/Mark Urman banner (Weber is CEO, and Urman is president) is believed to have paid in the low- to mid-seven figures for rights to the pic, which played strongly at its Eccles debut Friday night.
Sony Pictures, which has a deal with Senator, will partner with the outfit, with Senator handling theatrical and Sony handling all ancillary rights.
CAA and Wma are co-repping rights to the morality tale, which stars Richard Gere, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawke as cops at very different stages of their career, each faced with moral dilemmas.
While billed as a thriller, it also operates as a character study of its trio of complex protagonists.
A...
THR's "Brooklyn's Finest" review
Park City -- The Sundance Film Festival has its first major deal. Senator Distribution snapped up North American rights to Antoine Fuqua's cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" on Saturday evening.
The Marco Weber/Mark Urman banner (Weber is CEO, and Urman is president) is believed to have paid in the low- to mid-seven figures for rights to the pic, which played strongly at its Eccles debut Friday night.
Sony Pictures, which has a deal with Senator, will partner with the outfit, with Senator handling theatrical and Sony handling all ancillary rights.
CAA and Wma are co-repping rights to the morality tale, which stars Richard Gere, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawke as cops at very different stages of their career, each faced with moral dilemmas.
While billed as a thriller, it also operates as a character study of its trio of complex protagonists.
A...
- 1/17/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik and Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Senator Entertainment has released an unrated uncensored Totally Nsfw red band movie trailer for The Informers. Based on the novel by author Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho, Rules Of Attraction). Sundance director Geoffrey Gilmore admits that the film’s drugs and sex filled story might be too much for some people. “If you want to take a shot at it, it’s a full target,” Gilmore admitted. Senator Entertainment’s Marco Weber says that “it will be polarizing, it isn’t for everyone.” The film is already getting a 9.6 on IMDb from some early test screenings. I’ve heard that Amber Heard is naked throughout the entire movie, and the trailer you are about to watch after the jump is only the tip of the iceberg. Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Click Here to Watch the Video
Bret Easton Ellis (“Less Than Zero” and “American Psycho”) adapts his own...
Click Here to Watch the Video
Bret Easton Ellis (“Less Than Zero” and “American Psycho”) adapts his own...
- 1/15/2009
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
New York -- Brandon Routh, Gil Bellows, Martin Donovan and Carrie-Anne Moss are doing the "Unthinkable."
The quartet will join Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Sheen in the suspense thriller produced, financed and distributed by Senator U.S.
Routh and Bellows play members of an FBI anti-terrorism team run by Agent Brody (Moss). With the help of a black-ops agent (Jackson), they're assigned by an FBI director (Donovan) to interrogate an American Muslim man (Sheen) claiming to have nuclear bombs planted in three U.S. cities.
Gregor Jordan's "Unthinkable" will be one of the first high-profile projects from the new distributor run by Marco Weber, who recently left Germany-based Senator Entertainment. Weber and Caldecot Chubb are producing, with principal photography to begin Oct. 20 in Los Angeles. Kimmel International is handling worldwide sales.
The quartet will join Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Sheen in the suspense thriller produced, financed and distributed by Senator U.S.
Routh and Bellows play members of an FBI anti-terrorism team run by Agent Brody (Moss). With the help of a black-ops agent (Jackson), they're assigned by an FBI director (Donovan) to interrogate an American Muslim man (Sheen) claiming to have nuclear bombs planted in three U.S. cities.
Gregor Jordan's "Unthinkable" will be one of the first high-profile projects from the new distributor run by Marco Weber, who recently left Germany-based Senator Entertainment. Weber and Caldecot Chubb are producing, with principal photography to begin Oct. 20 in Los Angeles. Kimmel International is handling worldwide sales.
- 10/6/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cologne, Germany -- German producer/distributor Senator Entertainment will focus more on homegrown films after a string of U.S. flops led to a net loss of 10 million euros ($15 million) in the first half.
Revenue also dropped sharply, falling 43% to 16 million euros ($23.5 million) and Senator said it would earn just 40 million-50 million euros ($58 million-$73 million) this year, down from its original target of 85 million euros ($124 million).
The news sent investors running. Senator stock plunged some 33% Monday to just 0.70 euros ($1.02).
"In the last six to eight months we've had to acknowledge that we are losing money with our international acquisitions," said Senator head Helge Sasse.
Sasse said Senator would scale back its international acquisitions. By 2010, the Berlin-based group plans to release a maximum of three international films, compared with eight German-language productions.
Senator launched films such as "Be Kind, Rewind," "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" and "Lars and the Real Girl...
Revenue also dropped sharply, falling 43% to 16 million euros ($23.5 million) and Senator said it would earn just 40 million-50 million euros ($58 million-$73 million) this year, down from its original target of 85 million euros ($124 million).
The news sent investors running. Senator stock plunged some 33% Monday to just 0.70 euros ($1.02).
"In the last six to eight months we've had to acknowledge that we are losing money with our international acquisitions," said Senator head Helge Sasse.
Sasse said Senator would scale back its international acquisitions. By 2010, the Berlin-based group plans to release a maximum of three international films, compared with eight German-language productions.
Senator launched films such as "Be Kind, Rewind," "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" and "Lars and the Real Girl...
- 9/1/2008
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- The indie landscape has undergone yet another reordering as longtime ThinkFilm executive Mark Urman has departed the company to take the post of president at the revamped Senator Entertainment U.S.
Urman, who will remain based in New York for the bicoastal Senator, will oversee all distribution for the company, which is expected to ramp up its operations in that area.
The Friday announcement comes on the eve of the Toronto International Film Festival and could alter the sales dynamic there.
Urman was expected to be tied to ThinkFilm, a buyer whose financial woes had made sellers wary. Although he won't officially start at Senator until Oct. 1, he will in all likelihood scout and buy for his new company, bolstering the exec ranks of a much-needed new buyer.
Despite the changes roiling the specialty market, Urman said this is "the perfect time to launch a company of...
Urman, who will remain based in New York for the bicoastal Senator, will oversee all distribution for the company, which is expected to ramp up its operations in that area.
The Friday announcement comes on the eve of the Toronto International Film Festival and could alter the sales dynamic there.
Urman was expected to be tied to ThinkFilm, a buyer whose financial woes had made sellers wary. Although he won't officially start at Senator until Oct. 1, he will in all likelihood scout and buy for his new company, bolstering the exec ranks of a much-needed new buyer.
Despite the changes roiling the specialty market, Urman said this is "the perfect time to launch a company of...
- 8/29/2008
- by By Steven Zeitchik and Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- If Mark Urman makes any buys at Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals this year, it won't be as the head of flanking indie distributor THINKfilm. The trades report that Marco Weber has saved Urman from an hara kiri future and has tasked the veteran to be in full charge of the distribution output, working on projects such as the dumped Weinstein horror title All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, the torture thriller Unthinkable, the difficult to market addiction days found in The Informers, and the double dose of a French crime ring leader in Public Enemy No.1 and Death Instinct. Not long ago I was wondering outloud why there was a delay in Senator Entertainment's film slate release. Today's announcement proves that though some specialty divisions are going thru a rough patch, while others are joining the nutty crapshoot. Weber commented, “Mark’s expertise in the independent film world is without rival.
- 8/29/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Filming to begin in September on Gregor Jordan's new thriller "Unthinkable". Senator Entertainment and director Gregor Jordan bring to the screen a psychological thriller centered around a black-ops interrogator (Samuel L. Jackson) and an FBI agent who press a suspect terrorist into divulging the location of three nuclear weapons sets to detonate in the U.S. "Unthinkable" marks the second collaboration between Jordan and Senator's president Marco Weber, who will produce. The pair recently completed production on "The Informers", starring Kim Basinger, Billy Bob Thornton, Winona Ryder, and Mickey Rourke. That movie will be released later this year. Jackson will next be seen in theaters September 19th in Sony Screen Gems "Lakeview Terrace", November 14th for Dimensions "Soul Men" and in December for Lionsgate's Frank Miller adaptation of Will Eisner’s "The Spirit".
- 8/15/2008
- by admin
- A trailer landed on the editor's desk of AICN earlier today, and I'm surprised that it comes to us without a proper formal introduction. The trailer for The Informers will evoke thoughts of the plotted out Los Angeles scape that worked so well in Paul Haggis' Crash and definitely a tinge of hopelessness felt with a film like Requiem for a Dream. The picture, which under normal circumstances should have had a 2008 release date is now the fourth book to film adaption from author Bret Easton Ellis'. The other addiction worlds came in the form of American Psycho, Less Than Zero and The Rules of Attraction. The synopsis for this read as such: a collection of connected short stories set in 1983 Los Angeles and featuring movie execs, rock stars, a vampire and other morally challenged characters in tales highlighted by sex, drugs and violence. I'm not altogether
- 8/6/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
- Other than the Che two-parter, there was another un et deux film combo available at this year’s Cannes market. The Hollywood Reporter reports that a 20-minute promo shown at the fest was enough to get Senator Film hooked, and studio head Marco Weber's recent viewing of both films currently in post-prod was enough to get the new distributor kid on the block to pluck the U.S rights to the 80 million dollar project - and about 80 times the price tag of Stander. Directed by Jean-François Richet (Assault on Precinct 13), the first film Death Instinct (L'Instinct de Mort) will probably preem at one of the bigger film festivals this fall and receive a domestic French release before we see the film hit U.S turf (best case scenario is late 08'). Vincent Cassel plays Jacques Mesrine, known as a robin hood who stole from the rich and gave to the poor,
- 7/7/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Who knew Tony Montana and Tommy DeVito had a French cousin?
Senator Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to "Public Enemy No. 1," a two-part biopic about infamous French criminal Jacques Mesrine that stars Vincent Cassel. The French dual production is one of the largest of its kind, with a budget of about $80 million.
Mesrine's story has drawn the interest of every great French actor over the years, but Cassel, who spent seven years pushing this incarnation with producer Thomas Langmann, ultimately stole the part.
Mesrine returned from fighting in Algeria in the late '50s to become the "man of a thousand faces," a disguise artist who robbed, kidnapped, murdered and screwed his way around Canada, the U.S. and France during the '60s and '70s until the police gunned him down on the outskirts of Paris in 1979.
"Crime is universal," Senator president Marco Weber said. "What is the fascination in 'GoodFellas?' What is the fascination in all these great gangster movies like 'Scarface?' I see this movie as exactly in the same token. I love these movies."
Weber saw a 20-minute promo reel of the movies in May in Cannes and cut the distribution deal for both films on the spot (he also got the German and Spanish rights). He finally saw the two completed films, which are now being tweaked in postproduction, a week ago in Paris.
"It blew me away," said Weber, who had been following the project for years as a producer. "After watching it, I am very confident that it will become a very big success in France, and that obviously should help carry the movie over here, too."
Weber has to wait for the French release schedule to be determined, but he hopes to have it in American theaters by year's end, with the second film following next year.
The action dramas also star Gerard Depardieu (who wanted to play the part of Mesrine), Mathieu Amalric, Ludivine Sagnier, Gerard Lanvin, Cecile de France, Samuel Le Bihan and Olivier Gourmet. Jean-Francois Richet directed, Abdel Raouf Dafri scripted from Mesrine's autobiography, "L'Instinct de Mort," and Maxime Remillard and Langmann produced.
Senator will release its first movie, "Fireflies in the Garden," starring Julia Roberts and Ryan Reynolds, in November. The company also has "The Informers," "Splice," "Clock Tower" and "Unthinkable" in development.
Senator Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to "Public Enemy No. 1," a two-part biopic about infamous French criminal Jacques Mesrine that stars Vincent Cassel. The French dual production is one of the largest of its kind, with a budget of about $80 million.
Mesrine's story has drawn the interest of every great French actor over the years, but Cassel, who spent seven years pushing this incarnation with producer Thomas Langmann, ultimately stole the part.
Mesrine returned from fighting in Algeria in the late '50s to become the "man of a thousand faces," a disguise artist who robbed, kidnapped, murdered and screwed his way around Canada, the U.S. and France during the '60s and '70s until the police gunned him down on the outskirts of Paris in 1979.
"Crime is universal," Senator president Marco Weber said. "What is the fascination in 'GoodFellas?' What is the fascination in all these great gangster movies like 'Scarface?' I see this movie as exactly in the same token. I love these movies."
Weber saw a 20-minute promo reel of the movies in May in Cannes and cut the distribution deal for both films on the spot (he also got the German and Spanish rights). He finally saw the two completed films, which are now being tweaked in postproduction, a week ago in Paris.
"It blew me away," said Weber, who had been following the project for years as a producer. "After watching it, I am very confident that it will become a very big success in France, and that obviously should help carry the movie over here, too."
Weber has to wait for the French release schedule to be determined, but he hopes to have it in American theaters by year's end, with the second film following next year.
The action dramas also star Gerard Depardieu (who wanted to play the part of Mesrine), Mathieu Amalric, Ludivine Sagnier, Gerard Lanvin, Cecile de France, Samuel Le Bihan and Olivier Gourmet. Jean-Francois Richet directed, Abdel Raouf Dafri scripted from Mesrine's autobiography, "L'Instinct de Mort," and Maxime Remillard and Langmann produced.
Senator will release its first movie, "Fireflies in the Garden," starring Julia Roberts and Ryan Reynolds, in November. The company also has "The Informers," "Splice," "Clock Tower" and "Unthinkable" in development.
- 7/7/2008
- by By Jay A. Fernandez and Cristy Lytal
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Samuel L. Jackson is set to star and Gregor Jordon is slated to direct Unthinkable, a suspense thriller to be produced and financed by Senator Entertainment.
In the story, penned by Peter Woodward with revisions by Orin Moverman, a major threat is posed to the U.S. when the locations of three nuclear devices are shrouded in secrecy by a single terrorist. With only two days before they are deployed, a black-ops interrogator (Jackson) and a female FBI agent have to decide how far they will go to find the weapons.
Senator president Marco Weber and Caldecot Chubb are producing. Principal photography is scheduled to begin Sept. 2 in Michigan.
Worldwide sales will be handled by Kimmel International.
Unthinkable is the second collaboration between Jordan and Weber, who recently completed production on The Informers.
Jackson, repped by ICM and Anonymous Content, will be seen later this year in Lionsgate's The Spirit.
In the story, penned by Peter Woodward with revisions by Orin Moverman, a major threat is posed to the U.S. when the locations of three nuclear devices are shrouded in secrecy by a single terrorist. With only two days before they are deployed, a black-ops interrogator (Jackson) and a female FBI agent have to decide how far they will go to find the weapons.
Senator president Marco Weber and Caldecot Chubb are producing. Principal photography is scheduled to begin Sept. 2 in Michigan.
Worldwide sales will be handled by Kimmel International.
Unthinkable is the second collaboration between Jordan and Weber, who recently completed production on The Informers.
Jackson, repped by ICM and Anonymous Content, will be seen later this year in Lionsgate's The Spirit.
BERLIN -- Marco Weber's Senator Entertainment has picked up the rights to the Brad Kessler novel Birds In Fall from Julia Roberts' production shingle Red Om Films.
Dennis Lee, who wrote and directed Roberts-starrer Fireflies in the Garden for Senator -- is on board to direct from his own script.
The book tells of a plane crash near a hotel on an isolated island. The hotel becomes a gathering place for the relatives of the crash victims. An ornithologist, who lost her husband in the crash, travels to the island to try and find closure.
Roberts, together with Red Om production head Philip Rose will produce the film alongside Weber and Senator's Vanessa Coifman.
Dennis Lee, who wrote and directed Roberts-starrer Fireflies in the Garden for Senator -- is on board to direct from his own script.
The book tells of a plane crash near a hotel on an isolated island. The hotel becomes a gathering place for the relatives of the crash victims. An ornithologist, who lost her husband in the crash, travels to the island to try and find closure.
Roberts, together with Red Om production head Philip Rose will produce the film alongside Weber and Senator's Vanessa Coifman.
BERLIN -- Marco Weber's Senator Entertainment has picked up the rights to the Brad Kessler novel "Birds in Fall" and intends to co-produce the film with Julia Roberts' production shingle Red Om Films.
Dennis Lee, who wrote and directed the Roberts starrer "Fireflies in the Garden" for Senator -- is on board to direct from his own script.
The book tells of a plane crash near a hotel on an isolated island. The hotel becomes a gathering place for the relatives of the crash victims. An ornithologist, who lost her husband in the crash, travels to the island to try and find closure.
Roberts, together with Red Om production head Philip Rose, will produce alongside Weber and Senator's Vanessa Coifman.
Dennis Lee, who wrote and directed the Roberts starrer "Fireflies in the Garden" for Senator -- is on board to direct from his own script.
The book tells of a plane crash near a hotel on an isolated island. The hotel becomes a gathering place for the relatives of the crash victims. An ornithologist, who lost her husband in the crash, travels to the island to try and find closure.
Roberts, together with Red Om production head Philip Rose, will produce alongside Weber and Senator's Vanessa Coifman.
COLOGNE, Germany -- Marco Weber's Senator Entertainment has taken over production of the much-delayed horror picture "Clock Tower".
Martin Weisz ("The Hills Have Eyes 2") will direct the chiller, based on the best-selling Japanese video game franchise.
Originally developed by genre film financier the Mayhem Project and Japanese video game studio Capcom, the "Clock Tower" adaptation has gone through several versions with numerous writers and directing talent attached.
Eric Poppen wrote the script to Senator's version, which closely tracks the story line of the video game "Clock Tower 2". The heroine Alyssa Hale, confined to a psychiatric ward, joins forces with her psychiatrist to try and break the curse that has plagued her family for generations. Shooting is set to start in July.
The Weinstein Co. will handle worldwide sales through its agreement with Mayhem.
Martin Weisz ("The Hills Have Eyes 2") will direct the chiller, based on the best-selling Japanese video game franchise.
Originally developed by genre film financier the Mayhem Project and Japanese video game studio Capcom, the "Clock Tower" adaptation has gone through several versions with numerous writers and directing talent attached.
Eric Poppen wrote the script to Senator's version, which closely tracks the story line of the video game "Clock Tower 2". The heroine Alyssa Hale, confined to a psychiatric ward, joins forces with her psychiatrist to try and break the curse that has plagued her family for generations. Shooting is set to start in July.
The Weinstein Co. will handle worldwide sales through its agreement with Mayhem.
- 4/30/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rachel Rose has been promoted to vp production and finance at Senator Entertainment, and Orly Ravid has been hired as vp acquisitions and domestic distribution.
Rose and Ravid will report to Senator president and CEO Marco Weber, who announced their appointments Monday.
Rose has been with Senator for two years, most recently as executive director of production and finance. She will oversee all of Senator's financial and administrative operations.
Ravid, formerly an exec at Maxmedia and at New American Vision, will head Senator's acquisitions efforts at film festivals and markets, as well as handle domestic distribution strategies for Senator's upcoming release slate, which includes "Fireflies in the Garden", "The Informers", "Splice" and "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane".
Rose and Ravid will report to Senator president and CEO Marco Weber, who announced their appointments Monday.
Rose has been with Senator for two years, most recently as executive director of production and finance. She will oversee all of Senator's financial and administrative operations.
Ravid, formerly an exec at Maxmedia and at New American Vision, will head Senator's acquisitions efforts at film festivals and markets, as well as handle domestic distribution strategies for Senator's upcoming release slate, which includes "Fireflies in the Garden", "The Informers", "Splice" and "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane".
- 4/21/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- Senator has acquired German distribution rights for Vincenzo Natali's sci-fi thriller Splice starring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley, the film's producer Gaumont said Wednesday.
Produced by Steve Hoban of Copperheart Entertainment and Gaumont with executive producers Guillermo Del Toro and Senator Entertainment's Marco Weber, Splice follows two scientists who create a new species through illegal genetic experiments and must face the consequences of toying with evolution.
"Vincenzo Natali is just the genre expert for the realization of this project and I am very much looking forward to working with Gaumont and him," Weber said.
Gaumont 's Loic Trocme and Cecile Gaget negotiated the deal with Senator's Christopher Borgmann and Milada Rybarova. Splice is set for theatrical release in 2009.
Produced by Steve Hoban of Copperheart Entertainment and Gaumont with executive producers Guillermo Del Toro and Senator Entertainment's Marco Weber, Splice follows two scientists who create a new species through illegal genetic experiments and must face the consequences of toying with evolution.
"Vincenzo Natali is just the genre expert for the realization of this project and I am very much looking forward to working with Gaumont and him," Weber said.
Gaumont 's Loic Trocme and Cecile Gaget negotiated the deal with Senator's Christopher Borgmann and Milada Rybarova. Splice is set for theatrical release in 2009.
Out of competition
BERLIN -- Dysfunctional families in dramatic literature date back to Oedipus Rex, so if you're going to take that route, you'd better have something new to say.
In his film Fireflies in the Garden, Dennis Lee comes up empty. Kids, parents, siblings, an aunt and an estranged wife all bicker and yell, but the noise cancels itself out. The movie is one long argument, tiresome and repetitive, that produces more heat than light. The wonder is that the first-time writer-director rounded up a cast that includes Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Carrie-Anne Moss and Julia Roberts.
The script reportedly knocked around Hollywood for a long time before Senator Entertainment decided to finance it since no one saw a market for Lee's story. That's still going to be a problem. Anything starring Roberts stands a chance, but boxoffice in urban adult venues should be modest. The film will probably play better as home entertainment.
A family gathering in a small university town, presumably in the Midwest, takes a tragic turn when a car accident injures family head and professor Charles Taylor (Dafoe) and kills his wife, Lisa (Roberts). Animosity between Charles and his novelist son Michael (Ryan Reynolds), who lives in New York, runs deep so his mother's death only exacerbates their hostility.
Most of the family travails stem from the basic fact that Charles is a self-absorbed, domineering, abusive jerk. Michael has every reason to dislike him. Indeed in his just finished manuscript, he takes his revenge.
His mother's sister Jane (Watson) disapproves of Michael's literary character assassination, but is more absorbed in calming her son, who blames himself for his aunt's death. To add to the non-merriment, Michael's estranged and formerly alcoholic wife, Kelly Moss), shows up for the funeral.
Flashbacks to Michael's childhood (Cayden Boyd touchingly plays him as a boy) fill you in on the abuse he suffered and how no one, not even his mother, could stop Charles from tormenting his son. Lee's story purports to be semi-autobiographical, but these petty family quarrels don't play on the screen. Abuse can be terrible to suffer firsthand, but here it takes on a certain banality. The cause of Charles' fury at the world is never articulated, nor is it clear why his wife tolerates so much cruelty from her husband.
Michael does make a startling discovery in going through his mom's things, which adds a melodramatic note that is never thoroughly convincing. A resolution, or at least a truce, is reached at the end that also lacks conviction. It arrives too easily, and you suspect if Michael didn't live in New York the truce would be a short-lived.
Dafoe never gets a handle on his overbearing character. Similarly, Roberts spends her rather brief screen time trying to pacify other people, her husband, her son and then her sister without ever getting a chance to define who her character is. The movie pretty much wastes Watson, and Moss seems to have dropped in from another movie. Only Reynolds comes off with some dimension and charm as a guy whose affability increases with the distance he puts between himself and his dad.
Filming in and around Austin, Lee makes effective use of his locations and slides between two time periods smoothly. All tech credits are solid.
FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN
Senator Entertainment in association with Kulture Machine
Credits: Screenwriter-director: Dennis Lee
Producers: Marco Weber, Vanessa Coifman, Suke Chew
Executive producers: Jere Hausfater, Milton Liu
Director of photography: Danny Moder
Production designer: Robert Pearson
Costume designer: Kelle Kutsugeras
Editors: Dede Allen, Robert Brakey
Cast: Lisa Taylor: Julia Roberts
Michael Taylor: Ryan Reynolds;
Charles Taylor: Willem Dafoe
Jane Lawrence: Emily Watson
Kelly: Carrie-Anne Moss
Ryne: Shannon Lucio; Addison: Ioan Gruffudd
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
BERLIN -- Dysfunctional families in dramatic literature date back to Oedipus Rex, so if you're going to take that route, you'd better have something new to say.
In his film Fireflies in the Garden, Dennis Lee comes up empty. Kids, parents, siblings, an aunt and an estranged wife all bicker and yell, but the noise cancels itself out. The movie is one long argument, tiresome and repetitive, that produces more heat than light. The wonder is that the first-time writer-director rounded up a cast that includes Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Carrie-Anne Moss and Julia Roberts.
The script reportedly knocked around Hollywood for a long time before Senator Entertainment decided to finance it since no one saw a market for Lee's story. That's still going to be a problem. Anything starring Roberts stands a chance, but boxoffice in urban adult venues should be modest. The film will probably play better as home entertainment.
A family gathering in a small university town, presumably in the Midwest, takes a tragic turn when a car accident injures family head and professor Charles Taylor (Dafoe) and kills his wife, Lisa (Roberts). Animosity between Charles and his novelist son Michael (Ryan Reynolds), who lives in New York, runs deep so his mother's death only exacerbates their hostility.
Most of the family travails stem from the basic fact that Charles is a self-absorbed, domineering, abusive jerk. Michael has every reason to dislike him. Indeed in his just finished manuscript, he takes his revenge.
His mother's sister Jane (Watson) disapproves of Michael's literary character assassination, but is more absorbed in calming her son, who blames himself for his aunt's death. To add to the non-merriment, Michael's estranged and formerly alcoholic wife, Kelly Moss), shows up for the funeral.
Flashbacks to Michael's childhood (Cayden Boyd touchingly plays him as a boy) fill you in on the abuse he suffered and how no one, not even his mother, could stop Charles from tormenting his son. Lee's story purports to be semi-autobiographical, but these petty family quarrels don't play on the screen. Abuse can be terrible to suffer firsthand, but here it takes on a certain banality. The cause of Charles' fury at the world is never articulated, nor is it clear why his wife tolerates so much cruelty from her husband.
Michael does make a startling discovery in going through his mom's things, which adds a melodramatic note that is never thoroughly convincing. A resolution, or at least a truce, is reached at the end that also lacks conviction. It arrives too easily, and you suspect if Michael didn't live in New York the truce would be a short-lived.
Dafoe never gets a handle on his overbearing character. Similarly, Roberts spends her rather brief screen time trying to pacify other people, her husband, her son and then her sister without ever getting a chance to define who her character is. The movie pretty much wastes Watson, and Moss seems to have dropped in from another movie. Only Reynolds comes off with some dimension and charm as a guy whose affability increases with the distance he puts between himself and his dad.
Filming in and around Austin, Lee makes effective use of his locations and slides between two time periods smoothly. All tech credits are solid.
FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN
Senator Entertainment in association with Kulture Machine
Credits: Screenwriter-director: Dennis Lee
Producers: Marco Weber, Vanessa Coifman, Suke Chew
Executive producers: Jere Hausfater, Milton Liu
Director of photography: Danny Moder
Production designer: Robert Pearson
Costume designer: Kelle Kutsugeras
Editors: Dede Allen, Robert Brakey
Cast: Lisa Taylor: Julia Roberts
Michael Taylor: Ryan Reynolds;
Charles Taylor: Willem Dafoe
Jane Lawrence: Emily Watson
Kelly: Carrie-Anne Moss
Ryne: Shannon Lucio; Addison: Ioan Gruffudd
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 2/14/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- #26. The Informers Director: Gregor JordanWriters: Nicholas JareckiProducers: Marco Weber (Igby Goes Down) Distributor: Senator International The Gist: Based on the Bret Easton Ellis 1995 novel, this is a collection of connected short stories set in 1983 Los Angeles and featuring movie execs, rock stars, a vampire and other morally challenged characters in tales highlighted by sex, drugs and violence. Fact: Three of Ellis' novels -- "American Psycho," "Less Than Zero" and "The Rules of Attraction" -- have been made into films. See It: B-e-Ellis fans are looking forward to this, cinephiles will be noting Brad Renfro's last performance and this red carpet will see an eclectic bunch of actors who've managed to grab attention for their public lives. Release Date/Status?: Now in post-production, new kid on the block distributor Senator have yet to set a date for this ensemble. ...
- 1/31/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Updated 7:16 p.m. Pt Jan. 15
Former child actor Brad Renfro, who first starred opposite Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones in 1994's "The Client," died Tuesday morning after a night of drinking, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said. He was 25.
The cause of the actor's death was not immediately known.
Renfro had a history of drug problems, including an arrest two years ago in Los Angeles' Skid Row for allegedly trying to buy heroin. In May 2006, he spent 10 days in jail after pleading no-contest to driving while intoxicated and pleading guilty to attempted possession of heroin.
Although an autopsy is planned for today or Thursday, results of a toxicology test to determine whether drugs were a factor in his death will take six to eight weeks.
According to the Coroner's Office, Renfro had been out drinking the night before with friends and was discovered unresponsive in the morning.
Former child actor Brad Renfro, who first starred opposite Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones in 1994's "The Client," died Tuesday morning after a night of drinking, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said. He was 25.
The cause of the actor's death was not immediately known.
Renfro had a history of drug problems, including an arrest two years ago in Los Angeles' Skid Row for allegedly trying to buy heroin. In May 2006, he spent 10 days in jail after pleading no-contest to driving while intoxicated and pleading guilty to attempted possession of heroin.
Although an autopsy is planned for today or Thursday, results of a toxicology test to determine whether drugs were a factor in his death will take six to eight weeks.
According to the Coroner's Office, Renfro had been out drinking the night before with friends and was discovered unresponsive in the morning.
- 1/16/2008
- by By Leslie Simmons
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wild Bunch, the French film company behind this year's Palme d'Or winner "4 months 3 Weeks and 2 Days", is embarking on a global relationship with Germany's Senator Entertainment that ranges from distribution in Germany to co-productions and feature film financing.
The deal calls for Wild Bunch and Senator to form a joint distribution venture in Germany, with Wild Bunch acquiring 50% of Senator's shares of Central Film Verleih GmbH. Subsequently, Central Film Verleih will release Wild Bunch films acquired for direct distribution in German cinemas as well as on video and TV via Senator.
The relationship was unveiled Monday in Paris and Berlin by Wild Bunch CEO Vincent Grimond and Senator Entertainment CEOs Helge Sasse and Marco Weber.
In September, Wild Bunch raised €25 million and launched a €110 million film finance venture with U.S. investment fund Continental Entertainment Capital, an affiliate of Citi. In October, Wild Bunch took a minority stake in leading Italian indie distrib BIM Distribuzione.
The deal calls for Wild Bunch and Senator to form a joint distribution venture in Germany, with Wild Bunch acquiring 50% of Senator's shares of Central Film Verleih GmbH. Subsequently, Central Film Verleih will release Wild Bunch films acquired for direct distribution in German cinemas as well as on video and TV via Senator.
The relationship was unveiled Monday in Paris and Berlin by Wild Bunch CEO Vincent Grimond and Senator Entertainment CEOs Helge Sasse and Marco Weber.
In September, Wild Bunch raised €25 million and launched a €110 million film finance venture with U.S. investment fund Continental Entertainment Capital, an affiliate of Citi. In October, Wild Bunch took a minority stake in leading Italian indie distrib BIM Distribuzione.
- 12/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amber Heard and Chris Isaak have joined the ensemble cast of "The Informers", an adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel being directed by Gregor Jordan.
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the script follows seven stories taking course during a week in the life of movie executives, rock stars, a vampire and other morally challenged characters.
Heard plays a sexually promiscuous woman caught up in the decadence of 1980s L.A., while Isaak will play a sex- and alcohol-obsessed father who takes his young son to Hawaii.
Heard and Isaak join a cast that includes Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Brandon Routh, Winona Ryder and Mickey Rourke.
Senator Entertainment is financing the drama, with Senator's Marco Weber producing. Senator head of production Vanessa Coifman is executive producing. Ellis and Nick Jarecki co-wrote the script.
Shooting is under way in Los Angeles and then moves to Uruguay and Buenos Aires.
Heard's casting reunites her with Senator, the company that picked up her horror movie "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" from the Weinstein Co.
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the script follows seven stories taking course during a week in the life of movie executives, rock stars, a vampire and other morally challenged characters.
Heard plays a sexually promiscuous woman caught up in the decadence of 1980s L.A., while Isaak will play a sex- and alcohol-obsessed father who takes his young son to Hawaii.
Heard and Isaak join a cast that includes Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Brandon Routh, Winona Ryder and Mickey Rourke.
Senator Entertainment is financing the drama, with Senator's Marco Weber producing. Senator head of production Vanessa Coifman is executive producing. Ellis and Nick Jarecki co-wrote the script.
Shooting is under way in Los Angeles and then moves to Uruguay and Buenos Aires.
Heard's casting reunites her with Senator, the company that picked up her horror movie "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" from the Weinstein Co.
- 10/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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