Nathan Zellner and David Zellner’s Sasquatch Sunset is stomping into circa 850 theaters this weekend after debuting in 9 with a solid opening for a film many could find weird. A tribe of Sasquatch, possibly the last of their kind, live and love in the woods of northern California, where it was shot.
“We are taking Bigfoot to America. We have high hopes that the broader market will embrace the movie,” says Kyle Davies of distributor Bleecker Street, calling it “a very different” kind of movie and “a bit of an unknown.”
“It’s a wildcard.”
Marketing was mainly through social activations. “I wouldn’t call it traditional marketing. It doesn’t really fit in that box,” Davies adds. The Sasquatch standees in theaters are fun. And Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar is displaying a baby Sasquatch sitting in a glass case with umbilical cord and placenta.
This is “a polarizing film.
“We are taking Bigfoot to America. We have high hopes that the broader market will embrace the movie,” says Kyle Davies of distributor Bleecker Street, calling it “a very different” kind of movie and “a bit of an unknown.”
“It’s a wildcard.”
Marketing was mainly through social activations. “I wouldn’t call it traditional marketing. It doesn’t really fit in that box,” Davies adds. The Sasquatch standees in theaters are fun. And Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar is displaying a baby Sasquatch sitting in a glass case with umbilical cord and placenta.
This is “a polarizing film.
- 4/19/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’s note: Running until the final general election results come in, the Deadline ElectionLine podcast spotlights the 2024 campaign and the blurred lines between politics and entertainment in modern America. Hosted by Deadline’s political editor Ted Johnson and executive editor Dominic Patten, the podcast features commentary and interviews with top lawmakers and entertainment figures. At the same time, you can follow all the news in Biden & Trump rematch and more on the ElectionLine hub on Deadline.
“She’s one of those politicians that actually gave a damn about the people, her constituents and the people of the country that she is a citizen of,” Regina King says of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm on today’s Deadline ElectionLine podcast – as you can hear above.
Perfectly timed for the 2024 election and the pivotal juncture America finds itself at, the King starring, and John Ridley directed Shirley launches today on Netflix.
“This is a legendary person,...
“She’s one of those politicians that actually gave a damn about the people, her constituents and the people of the country that she is a citizen of,” Regina King says of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm on today’s Deadline ElectionLine podcast – as you can hear above.
Perfectly timed for the 2024 election and the pivotal juncture America finds itself at, the King starring, and John Ridley directed Shirley launches today on Netflix.
“This is a legendary person,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Many may not know the name Shirley Chisholm, but it is not for lack of Hollywood trying to keep her flame alive. The seven-term Brooklyn congresswoman, who became the first African American woman elected to Congress when she won in 1968, also became the first woman and first African American to seek the nomination for President of either major party when she ran for the Democratic nomination in 1972. She defined the word “trailblazer” and her story is indeed inspiring, if also frustrating for all the obstacles she had to overcome in a male-dominated business of governing. Uzo Aduba won an Emmy for her supporting role as Chisholm the 2020 limited series Mrs. America, even as the series itself was focused on conservative gadfly Phyllis Schaffly played by Cate Blanchett. That series touched on the 1972 campaign and thus Chisholm as well, but now, after 15 years of trying, Regina King has realized a longtime...
- 3/15/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar winner Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) stars as Shirley Chisholm, the United States’ first Black congresswoman who dedicated her life to breaking down barriers and paved the way for generations to follow, in Shirley. The official trailer just dropped, showing King as Chisholm announcing her groundbreaking run for president in 1972.
Netflix also released a new poster for the biopic which is set to premiere on March 22, 2024.
Oscar winner John Ridley wrote and directed the biopic, with Jeff Skoll and Ted Gidlow executive producing. King, Ridley, Reina King, Anikah McLaren, and Elizabeth Haggard served as producers.
In addition to King, the cast of the 2024 release includes Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, and Michael Cherrie. Dorian Crossmond Missick, Amirah Vann, W. Earl Brown, Brad James, Reina King, André Holland, and Terrence Howard also star.
Regina King’s recent credits include Seven Seconds, Watchmen (the series), Flag Day,...
Netflix also released a new poster for the biopic which is set to premiere on March 22, 2024.
Oscar winner John Ridley wrote and directed the biopic, with Jeff Skoll and Ted Gidlow executive producing. King, Ridley, Reina King, Anikah McLaren, and Elizabeth Haggard served as producers.
In addition to King, the cast of the 2024 release includes Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, and Michael Cherrie. Dorian Crossmond Missick, Amirah Vann, W. Earl Brown, Brad James, Reina King, André Holland, and Terrence Howard also star.
Regina King’s recent credits include Seven Seconds, Watchmen (the series), Flag Day,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Sony Pictures Classics and Stage 6 Films have unveiled the release date and trailer for We Grown Now, a coming-of-age drama from writer-director Minhal Baig (Hala) that’s currently up for three three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Also previously landing the Toronto Film Festival’s Changemaker Award, the film is set to open in theaters in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago on April 19 before expanding nationwide on May 10.
Pic takes place in 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, watching as a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends, Malik (Blake Cameron James) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez) traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing. Their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.
Also previously landing the Toronto Film Festival’s Changemaker Award, the film is set to open in theaters in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago on April 19 before expanding nationwide on May 10.
Pic takes place in 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, watching as a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends, Malik (Blake Cameron James) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez) traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing. Their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.
- 1/31/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer-director Minhal Baig shares coming-of-age stories from all walks of life, and this time, she’s returning home to Chicago.
Baig’s third feature, “We Grown Now,” centers on the housing project Cabrini-Green Homes in Chicagoin 1992. “We Grown Now” follows two young boys who are best friends and neighbors, with first-time actors Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez playing respective characters Malik and Eric. Jurnee Smollett and Lil Rel Howery also star.
The official synopsis reads: “In 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends Malik and Eric traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing, their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.”
“We Grown Now” is Baig’s...
Baig’s third feature, “We Grown Now,” centers on the housing project Cabrini-Green Homes in Chicagoin 1992. “We Grown Now” follows two young boys who are best friends and neighbors, with first-time actors Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez playing respective characters Malik and Eric. Jurnee Smollett and Lil Rel Howery also star.
The official synopsis reads: “In 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends Malik and Eric traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing, their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.”
“We Grown Now” is Baig’s...
- 1/31/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Award-winning feature documentary “Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory” has inked a deal with Sonder Entertainment for a national theatrical tour beginning in October to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory,” a Jubilee Production, will screen in theaters nationwide and into next year ahead of its digital release in February.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Justin Johnson, the feature documentary tells the story of Johnson’s parents’ resilience in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis and unilateral mastectomy — which unexpectedly leads them to launch a novel homespun prosthetic nipple business. They hide this endeavor from their five children, church and small community.
“Mom and Dad’s journey, filled with love, humor, and ingenuity amidst adversity, has blossomed into a project that has already touched thousands of hearts in our festival run. I’m excited to partner with Sonder Entertainment to share this poignant yet humorous film with audiences nationwide,...
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Justin Johnson, the feature documentary tells the story of Johnson’s parents’ resilience in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis and unilateral mastectomy — which unexpectedly leads them to launch a novel homespun prosthetic nipple business. They hide this endeavor from their five children, church and small community.
“Mom and Dad’s journey, filled with love, humor, and ingenuity amidst adversity, has blossomed into a project that has already touched thousands of hearts in our festival run. I’m excited to partner with Sonder Entertainment to share this poignant yet humorous film with audiences nationwide,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Jaden Thompson and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to Stage 6 Films, Participant and Symbolic Exchange’s We Grown Now, which had its world premiere in the Centerpiece and Next Wave Selects section at this year’s TIFF. The movie’s writer, director, producer Minhal Baig received TIFF’s Changemaker Award which explores issues relevant to young people and is focused on themes of social change and youth empowerment.
In 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends Malik and Eric traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing, their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.
The film stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones,...
In 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends Malik and Eric traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing, their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.
The film stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Releasing International will release film internationally.
Sony Pictures Classics will release Minhal Baig’s TIFF premiere We Grown Now from Stage 6 Films, Participant, and Symbolic Exchange in North America.
‘We Grown Now’: Toronto Review
Baig received TIFF’s Changemaker Award for the coming of age drama, which stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones, with Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett.
We Grown Now marks the filmmaker’s follow-up to her 2019 debut Hala and screened in TIFF Centrepiece and Next Wave Selects.
Set in 1992 Chicago as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion,...
Sony Pictures Classics will release Minhal Baig’s TIFF premiere We Grown Now from Stage 6 Films, Participant, and Symbolic Exchange in North America.
‘We Grown Now’: Toronto Review
Baig received TIFF’s Changemaker Award for the coming of age drama, which stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones, with Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett.
We Grown Now marks the filmmaker’s follow-up to her 2019 debut Hala and screened in TIFF Centrepiece and Next Wave Selects.
Set in 1992 Chicago as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Releasing International will release film internationally.
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to Stage 6 Films, Participant, and Symbolic Exchange’s TIFF premiere We Grown Now directed by Minhal Baig.
‘We Grown Now’: Toronto Review
Baig received TIFF’s Changemaker Award for the coming of age drama, which stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones, with Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett.
We Grown Now marks the filmmaker’s follow-up to her 2019 debut Hala and screened in TIFF Centrepiece and Next Wave Selects.
Set in 1992 Chicago as Michael Jordan...
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to Stage 6 Films, Participant, and Symbolic Exchange’s TIFF premiere We Grown Now directed by Minhal Baig.
‘We Grown Now’: Toronto Review
Baig received TIFF’s Changemaker Award for the coming of age drama, which stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones, with Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett.
We Grown Now marks the filmmaker’s follow-up to her 2019 debut Hala and screened in TIFF Centrepiece and Next Wave Selects.
Set in 1992 Chicago as Michael Jordan...
- 10/4/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Classics has nabbed the North American rights to Minhal Baig’s We Grown Now, which stars and is executive produced by Jurnee Smollett.
Baig, whose debut film Hala premiered at Sundance in 2019, brought We Grown Now to Toronto for a world debut. Domestically, Sony Pictures Classics will release the film in partnership with Stage 6 Films, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will handle the international rollout.
“I could not be more delighted to have found a home for We Grown Now with Sony Pictures Classics. We Grown Now is a film that captures the tender moments of childhood resilience and the power of human connection in the face of adversity,” said Baig in a statement.
The coming-of-age story follows Malik and Eric, best friends played by newcomers Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez, as they face changes to their community in Chicago’s misunderstood Cabrini-Green housing complex. S. Epatha Merkerson,...
Baig, whose debut film Hala premiered at Sundance in 2019, brought We Grown Now to Toronto for a world debut. Domestically, Sony Pictures Classics will release the film in partnership with Stage 6 Films, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will handle the international rollout.
“I could not be more delighted to have found a home for We Grown Now with Sony Pictures Classics. We Grown Now is a film that captures the tender moments of childhood resilience and the power of human connection in the face of adversity,” said Baig in a statement.
The coming-of-age story follows Malik and Eric, best friends played by newcomers Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez, as they face changes to their community in Chicago’s misunderstood Cabrini-Green housing complex. S. Epatha Merkerson,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Minhal Baig’s “We Grown Now,” which bowed Sept. 8 at TIFF, follows Malik (Blake Cameron James) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez), two 10-year-old boys living in Chicago’s Cabrini Green housing project. It’s 1992 and the boys have loving homes overzealous and racist police, crime and an unthinkable tragedy burst through their childhood bubble. Malik’s hard-working mother (Jurnee Smollett) and grandmother (S. Epatha Merkerson) can’t protect Malik from the rest of the world. Baig captures the kids’ innocence, exuberance, curiosity and confusion as events unfold through their eyes and threaten to tear apart the only home they’ve known. Cabrini Green was demolished in 2011. Despite that, Baig was able to interview many people who lived in the community, and their stories fed into her film.
Chicago-based Baig talked to Variety about the film, whose executive producers are Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, James Schamus, Carrie Holt de Lama and Smollett.
Chicago-based Baig talked to Variety about the film, whose executive producers are Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, James Schamus, Carrie Holt de Lama and Smollett.
- 9/8/2023
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Why Shirley Got Postponed On Netflix? Well, Netflix is embarking on a new venture to enrich its extensive collection of content centered around real historical events and influential figures, and this time, they are teaming up with the renowned Oscar winner Regina King and filmmaker John Ridley to bring to life the inspiring story of Shirley Chisholm.
Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer who shattered barriers as the first Black congresswoman in the United States and also made history by being the first Black woman to run for the presidency.
The upcoming movie, titled “Shirley,” is both directed and written by John Ridley, a seasoned director known for his work on projects like “American Crime,” “Needle in a Timestack,” “Guerilla,” and “Godfather of Harlem.”
The film is a product of the collaboration between Ridley’s own production company, Ridley End, and Regina King’s Royal Ties Productions. Netflix initially unveiled the...
Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer who shattered barriers as the first Black congresswoman in the United States and also made history by being the first Black woman to run for the presidency.
The upcoming movie, titled “Shirley,” is both directed and written by John Ridley, a seasoned director known for his work on projects like “American Crime,” “Needle in a Timestack,” “Guerilla,” and “Godfather of Harlem.”
The film is a product of the collaboration between Ridley’s own production company, Ridley End, and Regina King’s Royal Ties Productions. Netflix initially unveiled the...
- 8/3/2023
- by Om Prakash Kaushal
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Participant Media has promoted three executives to senior vice president.
Elizabeth Haggard has been elevated to senior VP of narrative film; Nicole Starr has been appointed to the newly created position of senior VP of content representation and impact; and Rob Williams has been named senior VP of global sales.
Haggard will continue to report to executive VPs of narrative film Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel. As senior VP of narrative film, she will have greater oversight of the day-to-day development and production of the company’s film slate.
Starr will report to CEO David Linde. In her newly formed role, Starr will engage throughout the content development process for Participant’s narrative, documentary and episodic content.
Williams will report to Liesl Copland, the executive VP of content strategy and sales. He will continue to spearhead daily operations of Participant’s global sales, working with partners and buyers across all stages of a project,...
Elizabeth Haggard has been elevated to senior VP of narrative film; Nicole Starr has been appointed to the newly created position of senior VP of content representation and impact; and Rob Williams has been named senior VP of global sales.
Haggard will continue to report to executive VPs of narrative film Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel. As senior VP of narrative film, she will have greater oversight of the day-to-day development and production of the company’s film slate.
Starr will report to CEO David Linde. In her newly formed role, Starr will engage throughout the content development process for Participant’s narrative, documentary and episodic content.
Williams will report to Liesl Copland, the executive VP of content strategy and sales. He will continue to spearhead daily operations of Participant’s global sales, working with partners and buyers across all stages of a project,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to first-time Lebanese director Mounia Akl’s timely drama “Costa Brava, Lebanon,” which launched positively last year from Venice.
“Costa Brava” provides an acerbic take on Lebanon’s waste management crisis and its turbulent political landscape and combines the country’s strife with the global climate crisis.
The darkly comic drama pairs Oscar-nominated Lebanese star and filmmaker Nadine Labaki (“Capernaum”) and Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri (“The Band’s Visit”) as a couple who has moved from Beirut to live idyllically in the mountains, until one day the government decides to build a garbage landfill right beside their house.
After bowing from Venice “Costa Brava” segued to the Toronto and London fests, where it won prizes.
The pic’s production team boasts about it being the first feature in the Arab region to implement green measures on set, with strict sustainability protocols about recycling, water use,...
“Costa Brava” provides an acerbic take on Lebanon’s waste management crisis and its turbulent political landscape and combines the country’s strife with the global climate crisis.
The darkly comic drama pairs Oscar-nominated Lebanese star and filmmaker Nadine Labaki (“Capernaum”) and Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri (“The Band’s Visit”) as a couple who has moved from Beirut to live idyllically in the mountains, until one day the government decides to build a garbage landfill right beside their house.
After bowing from Venice “Costa Brava” segued to the Toronto and London fests, where it won prizes.
The pic’s production team boasts about it being the first feature in the Arab region to implement green measures on set, with strict sustainability protocols about recycling, water use,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights to Costa Brava, Lebanon, a darkly comic tale set against the current political and environmental crises in Lebanon.
Mounia Akl’s directorial debut, which premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti Extra sidebar last year, stars actress/director Nadine Labaki (Capernaum) and Saleh Bakri (The Band’s Visit). Kino Lorber is planning a theatrical release for Costa Brava, Lebanon on July 15.
Aki’s intergenerational family story focuses on the free-spirited Badri clan, who, in an effort to escape the toxic pollution and social unrest of Beirut, build a mini-utopia off the grid. But the world intervenes when the Lebanese government begins construction on a garbage landfill right outside their fence. The country’s trash and corruption is literally being brought to their doorstep. The Badris are forced to either stay true to their ideals and live outside the...
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights to Costa Brava, Lebanon, a darkly comic tale set against the current political and environmental crises in Lebanon.
Mounia Akl’s directorial debut, which premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti Extra sidebar last year, stars actress/director Nadine Labaki (Capernaum) and Saleh Bakri (The Band’s Visit). Kino Lorber is planning a theatrical release for Costa Brava, Lebanon on July 15.
Aki’s intergenerational family story focuses on the free-spirited Badri clan, who, in an effort to escape the toxic pollution and social unrest of Beirut, build a mini-utopia off the grid. But the world intervenes when the Lebanese government begins construction on a garbage landfill right outside their fence. The country’s trash and corruption is literally being brought to their doorstep. The Badris are forced to either stay true to their ideals and live outside the...
- 6/7/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Participant, Zodiac Pictures and Tyler Perry’s Peachtree & Vine Productions have teamed up to produce “Frank & Louis,” starring Laurence Fishburne and Clifton Collins Jr.
Directed by Petra Volpe, the film follows a man serving a life sentence who takes an in-prison job caring for aging and infirm prisoners suffering from memory loss diseases. As the project’s official logline explains, “What starts as a self-serving mission for parole turns into a deep emotional and transformative relationship, offering a glimmer of redemption in an otherwise unforgiving place.”
Participant, whose company mission is dedicated to entertainment that stands at the intersection of art and activism, is producing the film with Zodiac Pictures’ Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi, and Perry and Tim Palen of Peachtree & Vine Productions. Cora Olson is co-producer on the project, with Participant chairman Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren as executive producers. McLaren, Elizabeth Haggard and Connor DeSha will oversee the project for Participant.
Directed by Petra Volpe, the film follows a man serving a life sentence who takes an in-prison job caring for aging and infirm prisoners suffering from memory loss diseases. As the project’s official logline explains, “What starts as a self-serving mission for parole turns into a deep emotional and transformative relationship, offering a glimmer of redemption in an otherwise unforgiving place.”
Participant, whose company mission is dedicated to entertainment that stands at the intersection of art and activism, is producing the film with Zodiac Pictures’ Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi, and Perry and Tim Palen of Peachtree & Vine Productions. Cora Olson is co-producer on the project, with Participant chairman Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren as executive producers. McLaren, Elizabeth Haggard and Connor DeSha will oversee the project for Participant.
- 5/24/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Laurence Fishburne (John Wick: Chapter 4) and Clifton Collins Jr. (Nightmare Alley) have signed on to star in the upcoming film Frank & Louis, which Petra Volpe is directing for Participant, Zodiac Pictures and Tyler Perry’s Peachtree & Vine Productions.
In Frank & Louis, a man serving a life sentence (Collins) takes an in-prison job caring for aging and infirm prisoners suffering from memory loss diseases—including one played by Fishburne. What starts as a self-serving mission for parole turns into a deep emotional and transformative relationship, offering a glimmer of redemption in an otherwise unforgiving place.
Volpe and Esther Bernstorff wrote the script. Participant will produce alongside Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi of Zodiac Pictures, and Perry and Tim Palen of Peachtree & Vine. Cora Olson is co-producing, with Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren of Participant serving as exec producers. McLaren, Elizabeth Haggard and Connor DeSha will oversee the project for Participant.
In Frank & Louis, a man serving a life sentence (Collins) takes an in-prison job caring for aging and infirm prisoners suffering from memory loss diseases—including one played by Fishburne. What starts as a self-serving mission for parole turns into a deep emotional and transformative relationship, offering a glimmer of redemption in an otherwise unforgiving place.
Volpe and Esther Bernstorff wrote the script. Participant will produce alongside Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi of Zodiac Pictures, and Perry and Tim Palen of Peachtree & Vine. Cora Olson is co-producing, with Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren of Participant serving as exec producers. McLaren, Elizabeth Haggard and Connor DeSha will oversee the project for Participant.
- 5/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Participant Pictures announced on Tuesday that Laurence Fishburne and Clifton Collins Jr. will star in the studio’s upcoming film “Frank & Louis,” which will be co-produced by Tyler Perry’s Peachtree & Vine Productions and Zodiac Pictures.
Directed by Petra Volpe from a screenplay she co-wrote with Esther Bernstorff, “Frank & Louis” follows a man serving a life sentence who takes a job caring for fellow prisoners who are aging and suffering from memory loss diseases. What starts as a self-serving mission for parole turns into an emotional and transformative relationship, offering a glimmer of redemption in an otherwise unforgiving place.
“To work with Laurence Fishburne and Clifton Collins, Jr. on this intimate and emotional story is an absolute dream come true,” said Volpe in a statement. “I feel a deep gratitude towards the incarcerated men I met while researching this project, and I can’t wait to bring this touching and timely story to audiences.
Directed by Petra Volpe from a screenplay she co-wrote with Esther Bernstorff, “Frank & Louis” follows a man serving a life sentence who takes a job caring for fellow prisoners who are aging and suffering from memory loss diseases. What starts as a self-serving mission for parole turns into an emotional and transformative relationship, offering a glimmer of redemption in an otherwise unforgiving place.
“To work with Laurence Fishburne and Clifton Collins, Jr. on this intimate and emotional story is an absolute dream come true,” said Volpe in a statement. “I feel a deep gratitude towards the incarcerated men I met while researching this project, and I can’t wait to bring this touching and timely story to audiences.
- 5/24/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Many filmmakers have tried their hand at fine arts (and vice versa), but it’s rare to see an art exhibition adapted into a feature film. But that could be changing soon, as A24 has announced that it is teaming up with filmmaker and multimedia artist Kahlil Joseph on a film adaptation of his acclaimed installation “Blknws.” Though Joseph has received critical acclaim for his short films and art exhibitions, this will mark his feature directorial debut.
“Blknws” was an immersive, fictional newscast that satirized America’s “news-creation industrial complex.” Through a combination of original content and aggregated news footage, it imagined what a cable news network run from a Black perspective would look like. An official press release for the installation described it as “a fugitive newscast that rejuvenates what news can be, ‘Blknws’ aims to become a bona fide news network that can only be accessed at specific terrestrial sites.
“Blknws” was an immersive, fictional newscast that satirized America’s “news-creation industrial complex.” Through a combination of original content and aggregated news footage, it imagined what a cable news network run from a Black perspective would look like. An official press release for the installation described it as “a fugitive newscast that rejuvenates what news can be, ‘Blknws’ aims to become a bona fide news network that can only be accessed at specific terrestrial sites.
- 1/27/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
A24 and Participant have set an adaptation of “Blknws,” based on the groundbreaking video exhibition by video artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph.
Joseph will make his feature directorial debut with the project, with cinematographer Bradford Young on board to lens the feature. Participant will lead production and co-finance alongside A24, who will also handle worldwide distribution. Executive Producers are Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren, while Joseph will produce the film alongside Onye Anyanwu, Amy Greenleaf and Nicolas Gonda.
A24 and Participant teased news of the project, by posting a teaser, which read “coming soon” to social media. Further details on the project, including a release date will are yet to be revealed.
“Blknws” first appeared at the Venice Art Biennale in 2019, where it featured in the main exhibition. The project was also featured at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in the New Frontier Films & Performances section. “Blknws” is described as “an...
Joseph will make his feature directorial debut with the project, with cinematographer Bradford Young on board to lens the feature. Participant will lead production and co-finance alongside A24, who will also handle worldwide distribution. Executive Producers are Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren, while Joseph will produce the film alongside Onye Anyanwu, Amy Greenleaf and Nicolas Gonda.
A24 and Participant teased news of the project, by posting a teaser, which read “coming soon” to social media. Further details on the project, including a release date will are yet to be revealed.
“Blknws” first appeared at the Venice Art Biennale in 2019, where it featured in the main exhibition. The project was also featured at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in the New Frontier Films & Performances section. “Blknws” is described as “an...
- 1/27/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker, music video director, and video artist Kahlil Joseph is set to make his feature directorial debut with Blknws® – The Feature Film (working title), an adaptation of of his video exhibition of the same name for Participant and A24.
Blknws® is described by the art exhibition curator Los Angeles Nomadic Division as “a ‘conceptual news program’, or ‘conceptual journalism,’ that is simultaneously a work of art as well as a media entity. It takes the form of a two-channel installation connected to a newscast that blurs the lines between art, reporting, entrepreneurship, and cultural critique.
“Exploring film as a powerful collective experience that can be manipulated through its essential visual and audio components, Blknws® reflects upon the contemporary period utilizing fragments of popular culture, archival material, and filmed news desk segments. Historical iconography sits side by side with ordinary images from our daily lives,” Land’s description continues. “When examined through Joseph’s lens,...
Blknws® is described by the art exhibition curator Los Angeles Nomadic Division as “a ‘conceptual news program’, or ‘conceptual journalism,’ that is simultaneously a work of art as well as a media entity. It takes the form of a two-channel installation connected to a newscast that blurs the lines between art, reporting, entrepreneurship, and cultural critique.
“Exploring film as a powerful collective experience that can be manipulated through its essential visual and audio components, Blknws® reflects upon the contemporary period utilizing fragments of popular culture, archival material, and filmed news desk segments. Historical iconography sits side by side with ordinary images from our daily lives,” Land’s description continues. “When examined through Joseph’s lens,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A24 and Participant are teaming with music video auteur and artist Kahlil Joseph to adapt his video art installation “Blknws” into a feature film.
Joseph will make his directorial debut on the film that’s based on his video exhibition of the same name that is described as a conceptual news program and newscast blurring the lines between art, reporting, entrepreneurship and cultural critique.
Co-produced by the Los Angeles Nomadic Division (Land), “Blknws” was presented as part of “Made in LA 2020: a version” and was displayed at 10 different venues and locations across Los Angeles, concluding with the Hammer Museum. The installation has two side-by-side TVs that show a looped video montage of Black subjects both past and present.
Participant will lead production and co-finance “Blknws – The Feature Film” (working title) alongside A24, who will also handle worldwide distribution.
Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce, and Joseph will...
Joseph will make his directorial debut on the film that’s based on his video exhibition of the same name that is described as a conceptual news program and newscast blurring the lines between art, reporting, entrepreneurship and cultural critique.
Co-produced by the Los Angeles Nomadic Division (Land), “Blknws” was presented as part of “Made in LA 2020: a version” and was displayed at 10 different venues and locations across Los Angeles, concluding with the Hammer Museum. The installation has two side-by-side TVs that show a looped video montage of Black subjects both past and present.
Participant will lead production and co-finance “Blknws – The Feature Film” (working title) alongside A24, who will also handle worldwide distribution.
Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce, and Joseph will...
- 1/27/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Lance Reddick (John Wick franchise), Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea), André Holland (Passing), Terrence Howard (Empire), Christina Jackson (Swagger), Michael Cherrie (Home Again), Dorian Missick (For Life), Amirah Vann (Underground), W. Earl Brown (Deadwood) and newcomer Ethan Jones Romero have joined the cast of Shirley, an upcoming film from Participant and Regina King’s Royal Ties Productions, which has landed at Netflix.
The feature from writer-director John Ridley tells the story of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm (King)—the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for President of the U.S.—and the cost of accomplishment for Shirley herself. It will draw on exclusive and extensive conversations with Chisholm’s family and friends, following her amidst her boundary-breaking and historic presidential campaign.
Ridley is producing alongside Anikah McLaren and Elizabeth Haggard for Participant, and Regina King and Reina King for Royal Ties Productions. Jeff Skoll...
The feature from writer-director John Ridley tells the story of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm (King)—the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for President of the U.S.—and the cost of accomplishment for Shirley herself. It will draw on exclusive and extensive conversations with Chisholm’s family and friends, following her amidst her boundary-breaking and historic presidential campaign.
Ridley is producing alongside Anikah McLaren and Elizabeth Haggard for Participant, and Regina King and Reina King for Royal Ties Productions. Jeff Skoll...
- 12/16/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Participant is teaming up with leading French sales agent MK2 Films and Endeavor Content to represent worldwide distribution rights on “Costa Brava, Lebanon,” the anticipated feature debut of Lebanese filmmaker Mounia Akl.
“Costa Brava, Lebanon” will be headlined by Lebanese star and filmmaker Nadine Labaki (“Capernaum”), alongside Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri (“The Band’s Visit”). The pair will play a couple who decide to leave the toxic pollution of their home city of Beirut, hoping to build a utopian existence in a pristine home in the mountains. This dream life is shattered when a landfill is built right outside its fence, bringing the garbage and corruption they hoped to leave behind to its door. As the trash rises, so do the tensions in their perfect home.
Akl, an alumni of Cannes’ Cinefondation, previously directed the critically-acclaimed short film “Submarine” in 2015. The student short was nominated for a BAFTA and played at Toronto and SXSW,...
“Costa Brava, Lebanon” will be headlined by Lebanese star and filmmaker Nadine Labaki (“Capernaum”), alongside Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri (“The Band’s Visit”). The pair will play a couple who decide to leave the toxic pollution of their home city of Beirut, hoping to build a utopian existence in a pristine home in the mountains. This dream life is shattered when a landfill is built right outside its fence, bringing the garbage and corruption they hoped to leave behind to its door. As the trash rises, so do the tensions in their perfect home.
Akl, an alumni of Cannes’ Cinefondation, previously directed the critically-acclaimed short film “Submarine” in 2015. The student short was nominated for a BAFTA and played at Toronto and SXSW,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Regina King has been set to take on the role of Shirley Chisholm, America’s first Black congresswoman, in John Ridley’s Shirley.
King will also produce the film which tracks Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, a groundbreaking historical moment, giving what’s described as “an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time.”
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film, we hope to inspire many generations to come,” King said in a statement.
Chisholm was most recently portrayed in the TV series ‘Mrs America’ which saw feminists from all across the American subcontinent rally to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, Phylis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett), a conservative activist, opposes it. Uzo Aduba played Chisholm.
Also in news – Eric Bana and Mia Wasikowska join family-friendly ‘Blueback’
King will produce under her Royal Ties Productions banner with Reina King.
King will also produce the film which tracks Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, a groundbreaking historical moment, giving what’s described as “an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time.”
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film, we hope to inspire many generations to come,” King said in a statement.
Chisholm was most recently portrayed in the TV series ‘Mrs America’ which saw feminists from all across the American subcontinent rally to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, Phylis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett), a conservative activist, opposes it. Uzo Aduba played Chisholm.
Also in news – Eric Bana and Mia Wasikowska join family-friendly ‘Blueback’
King will produce under her Royal Ties Productions banner with Reina King.
- 2/18/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Regina King is stepping back in front of the camera to bring the story of Shirley Chisholm, America's first Black congresswoman, to the big screen. On Feb. 17, Deadline revealed that King will lead the cast of Shirley, a Participant-produced film expected to start production later this year. John Ridley, who won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay for 12 Years a Slave, has signed on to write and direct the feature. King will produce, with Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren serving as executive producers.
Shirley follows Chisholm's historic presidential campaign, which began in 1972. According to Deadline, the filmmakers reached an exclusive agreement for her life story rights with the Chisholm Estate, allowing the feature to give audiences a more intimate portrait of the pioneer's life during her groundbreaking campaign.
"Shirley Chisholm's fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film we hope to inspire many generations to come,...
Shirley follows Chisholm's historic presidential campaign, which began in 1972. According to Deadline, the filmmakers reached an exclusive agreement for her life story rights with the Chisholm Estate, allowing the feature to give audiences a more intimate portrait of the pioneer's life during her groundbreaking campaign.
"Shirley Chisholm's fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film we hope to inspire many generations to come,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Mekishana Pierre
- Popsugar.com
Oscar-, Golden Globe- and four-time Emmy-winner Regina King is set to star in and produce “Shirley,” the feature film biopic about Shirley Chisholm, America’s first Black congresswoman.
The film, produced by Participant, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John Ridley, with production expected to begin later this year. The story tracks Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, a groundbreaking historical moment, giving what’s described as “an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time.”
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film we hope to inspire many generations to come,” King said in a statement. “To collaborate once again with my friend and mentor, John Ridley, and the team at Participant, makes this decade-long journey even sweeter.”
The historic project comes during a big year for the star, who picked up her...
The film, produced by Participant, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John Ridley, with production expected to begin later this year. The story tracks Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, a groundbreaking historical moment, giving what’s described as “an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time.”
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film we hope to inspire many generations to come,” King said in a statement. “To collaborate once again with my friend and mentor, John Ridley, and the team at Participant, makes this decade-long journey even sweeter.”
The historic project comes during a big year for the star, who picked up her...
- 2/17/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winner Regina King will portray America’s first Black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in the John Ridley written and directed feature Shirley which Participant will produce.
King has expressed publicly for some time her desire to play Chisholm, and that opportunity is finally happening. Cameras will roll later this year.
King & Reina King of Royal Ties Productions will produce. Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will Executive Produce.
Shirley follows the dynamic presidential campaign launched in 1972 by Shirley Chisholm. The feature is based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm Estate, and the movie will provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the ground-breaking political leader during a seminal period in modern American history.
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film we hope to inspire many generations to come,” Regina King said. “To collaborate once again with my friend and mentor,...
King has expressed publicly for some time her desire to play Chisholm, and that opportunity is finally happening. Cameras will roll later this year.
King & Reina King of Royal Ties Productions will produce. Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will Executive Produce.
Shirley follows the dynamic presidential campaign launched in 1972 by Shirley Chisholm. The feature is based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm Estate, and the movie will provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the ground-breaking political leader during a seminal period in modern American history.
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film we hope to inspire many generations to come,” Regina King said. “To collaborate once again with my friend and mentor,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Ridley will write and direct the biopic “Shirley” with Regina King set to star as the U.S.’s first Black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Participant announced on Wednesday.
Regina King and Reina King of Royal Ties Productions will produce. Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce. Production is expected to begin later this year.
“Shirley” centers on the dynamic presidential campaign launched in 1972 by America’s first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, who was recently featured in FX’s “Mrs. America” — earning Uzo Aduba an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.
Based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm estate, the film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time during a seminal period in modern American history.
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us,...
Regina King and Reina King of Royal Ties Productions will produce. Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce. Production is expected to begin later this year.
“Shirley” centers on the dynamic presidential campaign launched in 1972 by America’s first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, who was recently featured in FX’s “Mrs. America” — earning Uzo Aduba an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.
Based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm estate, the film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time during a seminal period in modern American history.
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
John Ridley to write, direct.
Participant has announced it will produce the feature film Shirley starring Regina King as Shirley Chisholm, America’s first black congresswoman and presidential candidate.
John Ridley, who won the adapted screenplay Oscar for 12 Years A Slave, will direct from his screenplay, while King and Reina King of Royal Ties Productions will produce.
Production is expected to begin later this year on Shirley, which will chronicle Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign and is based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm Estate.
Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will serve as executive producers.
Participant has announced it will produce the feature film Shirley starring Regina King as Shirley Chisholm, America’s first black congresswoman and presidential candidate.
John Ridley, who won the adapted screenplay Oscar for 12 Years A Slave, will direct from his screenplay, while King and Reina King of Royal Ties Productions will produce.
Production is expected to begin later this year on Shirley, which will chronicle Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign and is based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm Estate.
Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will serve as executive producers.
- 2/17/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Participant has tapped Endeavor Content veteran Liesl Copland to step into the newly established role of executive vice president of content and platform strategy, where she will be tasked with designing and implementing how the company’s film and TV slate fits into the global distribution infrastructure.
Copland will oversee all sales and guide the company’s strategic options for all properties, working cross-functionally with exec VPs of narrative film Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel, and senior VP of global television Miura Kite.
“Participant is an incredible company both in the content it creates and the broader service it provides to the global society as a whole,” said Copland. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to be able to identify new business models and opportunities for content development and distribution and this new role affords me a broad foundation on which to continue to innovate around compelling and important content.
Copland will oversee all sales and guide the company’s strategic options for all properties, working cross-functionally with exec VPs of narrative film Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel, and senior VP of global television Miura Kite.
“Participant is an incredible company both in the content it creates and the broader service it provides to the global society as a whole,” said Copland. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to be able to identify new business models and opportunities for content development and distribution and this new role affords me a broad foundation on which to continue to innovate around compelling and important content.
- 2/16/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Former Endeavor Content Partner and EVP Liesl Copland is joining Participant in the newly created role of EVP Content and Platform Strategy.
Copland will start at Participant on March 15.
Copland, a 25-year entertainment industry veteran in the specialty space, led Endeavor’s Non-Scripted Advisory practice, overseeing feature documentaries and premium non-fiction series and providing strategic advice to the studio’s growing production partners.
Copland will design and implement how Participant’s slate of film and television content is best placed in the global distribution infrastructure. Working closely with the company’s content teams throughout development and production, she will advise on and target the optimal strategic options for all properties, including overseeing all sales. Copland will be working cross-functionally with the senior leadership team, including EVPs of Narrative Film, Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel, and SVP of Global Television, Miura Kite.
“Liesl brings a unique set of skills and experience...
Copland will start at Participant on March 15.
Copland, a 25-year entertainment industry veteran in the specialty space, led Endeavor’s Non-Scripted Advisory practice, overseeing feature documentaries and premium non-fiction series and providing strategic advice to the studio’s growing production partners.
Copland will design and implement how Participant’s slate of film and television content is best placed in the global distribution infrastructure. Working closely with the company’s content teams throughout development and production, she will advise on and target the optimal strategic options for all properties, including overseeing all sales. Copland will be working cross-functionally with the senior leadership team, including EVPs of Narrative Film, Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel, and SVP of Global Television, Miura Kite.
“Liesl brings a unique set of skills and experience...
- 2/16/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive served 12 years at Endeavor Content
In a coup for Participant the company has brought on Liesl Copland from Endeavor Content in the new role of EVP content and platform strategy.
Copland will devise and implement global distribution strategy for Participant’s film and television slate and will oversee sales. She starts on March 15.
The executive will work closely with the senior leadership team including EVP’s of narrative film, Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel, and SVP of global television, Miura Kite.
Copland was a partner at Endeavor Content and most recently served as EVP in charge of the non-scripted advisory practice.
In a coup for Participant the company has brought on Liesl Copland from Endeavor Content in the new role of EVP content and platform strategy.
Copland will devise and implement global distribution strategy for Participant’s film and television slate and will oversee sales. She starts on March 15.
The executive will work closely with the senior leadership team including EVP’s of narrative film, Anikah McLaren and Robert Kessel, and SVP of global television, Miura Kite.
Copland was a partner at Endeavor Content and most recently served as EVP in charge of the non-scripted advisory practice.
- 2/16/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Wamg is giving away Fandango Codes for Judas & The Black Messiah to see the film in theaters.
Brought By Warner Bros Pictures, Judas And The Black Messiah. From Producers Ryan Coogler And Charles D. King And Director Shaka King. You Can Kill A Revolutionary, But You Can’T Kill The Revolution.
See It In Theaters And Streaming Exclusively On HBO Max On February 12th.
Add you name and email address in our comments section below for a chance to win to see the film in theatres.
No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents only. The codes are not redeemable until Friday February 12th.
Rated R.
(L-r) Darrell Britt-gibson as Bobby Rush, Daniel Kaluuya as Chairman Fred Hampton and Lakeith Stanfield as Bill O’Neal in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Judas And The Black Messiah,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party...
Brought By Warner Bros Pictures, Judas And The Black Messiah. From Producers Ryan Coogler And Charles D. King And Director Shaka King. You Can Kill A Revolutionary, But You Can’T Kill The Revolution.
See It In Theaters And Streaming Exclusively On HBO Max On February 12th.
Add you name and email address in our comments section below for a chance to win to see the film in theatres.
No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents only. The codes are not redeemable until Friday February 12th.
Rated R.
(L-r) Darrell Britt-gibson as Bobby Rush, Daniel Kaluuya as Chairman Fred Hampton and Lakeith Stanfield as Bill O’Neal in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Judas And The Black Messiah,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party...
- 2/9/2021
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Coming to theaters and streaming exclusively on HBO Max February 12 is Judas And The Black Messiah.
It was announced on Tuesday that the film will screen at the Sundance Film Festival on Feb. 1 https://fpg.festival.sundance.org/film-info/5ff90e89727eec7d64073265
Check out the new trailer now.
FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?...
It was announced on Tuesday that the film will screen at the Sundance Film Festival on Feb. 1 https://fpg.festival.sundance.org/film-info/5ff90e89727eec7d64073265
Check out the new trailer now.
FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?...
- 1/12/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Participant is coming aboard to produce “Sea Fog” with Oscar-winning ‘Parasite’ filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim, the company announced on Wednesday.
“Sea Fog” will be based on the 2014 Korean film “Haemoo,” directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim. Their film was adapted from the 2007 stage play by the same name, inspired by a true story. Matt Palmer is set to write and direct “Sea Fog” based on a previous draft written by Oren Moverman.
The 2014 film “Haemoo” centers on a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with one of modern cinema’s most singular and visionary talents, Bong Joon Ho, and with Participant, whose incredible track record in producing deeply inspiring, socially committed cinema for mainstream audiences is unparalleled,” Palmer said in a statement to TheWrap.
“Sea Fog” will be based on the 2014 Korean film “Haemoo,” directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim. Their film was adapted from the 2007 stage play by the same name, inspired by a true story. Matt Palmer is set to write and direct “Sea Fog” based on a previous draft written by Oren Moverman.
The 2014 film “Haemoo” centers on a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with one of modern cinema’s most singular and visionary talents, Bong Joon Ho, and with Participant, whose incredible track record in producing deeply inspiring, socially committed cinema for mainstream audiences is unparalleled,” Palmer said in a statement to TheWrap.
- 9/9/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Participant and Oscar winning Parasite director Bong Joon Ho have teamed up for a new adaptation of Sea Fog, a feature based on Bong’s 2014 Korean film Haemoo, which will be written and directed by Matt Palmer (Calibre).
The original film, which was directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim, was adapted from the 2007 stage play by the same name and inspired by a true story. It follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea.
Palmer is crafting the screenplay based on a previous draft by Oren Moverman. Specific plot details for this adaptation are still being developed.
Bong, Dooho Choi, and Lewis Taewan Kim will produce Sea Fog with Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren serving as executive producers.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with one of modern cinema’s most singular and visionary talents,...
The original film, which was directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim, was adapted from the 2007 stage play by the same name and inspired by a true story. It follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea.
Palmer is crafting the screenplay based on a previous draft by Oren Moverman. Specific plot details for this adaptation are still being developed.
Bong, Dooho Choi, and Lewis Taewan Kim will produce Sea Fog with Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren serving as executive producers.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with one of modern cinema’s most singular and visionary talents,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
“Parasite” filmmaker Bong Joon Ho is set to produce the immigration drama “Sea Fog” at Participant Media.
Matt Palmer, who directed “Calibre,” is writing and directing “Sea Fog,” based on a previous draft by Oren Moverman.
“Sea Fog” is based on the 2014 Korean film “Haemoo,” which follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea. That film was directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim. Their film, inspired by a true story, was adapted from the 2007 stage play.
Bong made history at the Oscars this year with “Parasite,” the first foreign-language film to win the Academy Award for best picture.
“Participant makes films that explore the realities of our time, and director Matt Palmer reveals people’s true natures by putting them in extreme situations as he did in the superb crime thriller ‘Calibre,'” Bong said in a statement.
Matt Palmer, who directed “Calibre,” is writing and directing “Sea Fog,” based on a previous draft by Oren Moverman.
“Sea Fog” is based on the 2014 Korean film “Haemoo,” which follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea. That film was directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim. Their film, inspired by a true story, was adapted from the 2007 stage play.
Bong made history at the Oscars this year with “Parasite,” the first foreign-language film to win the Academy Award for best picture.
“Participant makes films that explore the realities of our time, and director Matt Palmer reveals people’s true natures by putting them in extreme situations as he did in the superb crime thriller ‘Calibre,'” Bong said in a statement.
- 9/9/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Matt Palmer to write and direct.
Participant is teaming up with Oscar-winning Parasite director Bong Joon Ho on the thriller Sea Fog.
Matt Palmer is set to write and direct the feature based on a previous draft by Oren Moverman.
Bong, Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim will produce Sea Fog, which is based on the 2014 Korean film Haemoo directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim.
Specific plot details of the Participant adaptation are still being developed, however the Korean film, adapted from the 2007 stage play of the same name and inspired by a true story,...
Participant is teaming up with Oscar-winning Parasite director Bong Joon Ho on the thriller Sea Fog.
Matt Palmer is set to write and direct the feature based on a previous draft by Oren Moverman.
Bong, Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim will produce Sea Fog, which is based on the 2014 Korean film Haemoo directed by Shim Sung Bo and written by Bong and Shim.
Specific plot details of the Participant adaptation are still being developed, however the Korean film, adapted from the 2007 stage play of the same name and inspired by a true story,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
A new movie based on the 2014 Korean feature Haemoo is in the works from writer-director Matt Palmer and has Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho attached to produce.
Awards season regular Participant is behind the project, titled Sea Fog, that will be produced by Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim, along with Ho. Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce.
Haemoo, which is based on a 2007 stage play of the same name that itself was inspired by a true story, follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea. Shim Sung Bo ...
Awards season regular Participant is behind the project, titled Sea Fog, that will be produced by Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim, along with Ho. Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce.
Haemoo, which is based on a 2007 stage play of the same name that itself was inspired by a true story, follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea. Shim Sung Bo ...
A new movie based on the 2014 Korean feature Haemoo is in the works from writer-director Matt Palmer and has Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho attached to produce.
Awards season regular Participant is behind the project, titled Sea Fog, that will be produced by Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim, along with Ho. Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce.
Haemoo, which is based on a 2007 stage play of the same name that itself was inspired by a true story, follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea. Shim Sung Bo ...
Awards season regular Participant is behind the project, titled Sea Fog, that will be produced by Dooho Choi and Lewis Taewan Kim, along with Ho. Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce.
Haemoo, which is based on a 2007 stage play of the same name that itself was inspired by a true story, follows a fishing-boat crew on a dangerous commission to smuggle a group of undocumented immigrants from China to Korea. Shim Sung Bo ...
Exclusive: Participant has boarded Abacus, the drama that Justin Lin will direct based on a script by Kenneth Lin and James Schamus. Participant joins as financier, and producer alongside Lin’s Perfect Storm Entertainment. Lin is producing with Ernesto Foronda and Elizabeth Urwin for Perfect Storm. Also producing is Mark Mitten. Exec producing are Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren, along with Steve James, who helmed the Oscar-nominated 2016 documentary on which the film is based.
Perfect Storm Entertainment acquired the rights to the James-directed docu Abacus: Small Enough to Jail in 2017, after the film had a breakout premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival. James separately directed the docuseries America to Me and City So Real for Participant, so the fit is good here.
Abacus is inspired by the true-story of the Sung family, whose family-run bank was the only U.
Perfect Storm Entertainment acquired the rights to the James-directed docu Abacus: Small Enough to Jail in 2017, after the film had a breakout premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival. James separately directed the docuseries America to Me and City So Real for Participant, so the fit is good here.
Abacus is inspired by the true-story of the Sung family, whose family-run bank was the only U.
- 8/11/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
© 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved
Here’s your first look at the powerful trailer for Judas And The Black Messiah. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, the film is scheduled to open in theaters 2021.
Wamg’s Michael Haffner says of this first trailer:
You had me at Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield.
Judas And The Black Messiah looks absolutely riveting and intense. I can’t say this enough… I love the power of good storytelling.
— Michael Haffner (@MPHaffner) August 6, 2020
Chairman Fred Hampton was 21 years old when he was assassinated by the FBI, who coerced a petty criminal named William O’Neal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. But they could not kill Fred Hampton’s legacy and, 50 years later, his words still echo…louder than ever.
I am a revolutionary!
In 1968, a young, charismatic activist named Fred Hampton became Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party,...
Here’s your first look at the powerful trailer for Judas And The Black Messiah. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, the film is scheduled to open in theaters 2021.
Wamg’s Michael Haffner says of this first trailer:
You had me at Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield.
Judas And The Black Messiah looks absolutely riveting and intense. I can’t say this enough… I love the power of good storytelling.
— Michael Haffner (@MPHaffner) August 6, 2020
Chairman Fred Hampton was 21 years old when he was assassinated by the FBI, who coerced a petty criminal named William O’Neal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. But they could not kill Fred Hampton’s legacy and, 50 years later, his words still echo…louder than ever.
I am a revolutionary!
In 1968, a young, charismatic activist named Fred Hampton became Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party,...
- 8/7/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Warner Bros. Pictures has revealed new details on the upcoming movie Judas And The Black Messiah.
Chairman Fred Hampton was 21 years old when he was assassinated by the FBI, who coerced a petty criminal named William O’Neal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. But they could not kill Fred Hampton’s legacy and, 50 years later, his words still echo…louder than ever.
I am a revolutionary!
In 1968, a young, charismatic activist named Fred Hampton became Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, who were fighting for freedom, the power to determine the destiny of the Black community, and an end to police brutality and the slaughter of Black people.
Chairman Fred was inspiring a generation to rise up and not back down to oppression, which put him directly in the line of fire of the government, the FBI and the Chicago Police. But to destroy the revolution,...
Chairman Fred Hampton was 21 years old when he was assassinated by the FBI, who coerced a petty criminal named William O’Neal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. But they could not kill Fred Hampton’s legacy and, 50 years later, his words still echo…louder than ever.
I am a revolutionary!
In 1968, a young, charismatic activist named Fred Hampton became Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, who were fighting for freedom, the power to determine the destiny of the Black community, and an end to police brutality and the slaughter of Black people.
Chairman Fred was inspiring a generation to rise up and not back down to oppression, which put him directly in the line of fire of the government, the FBI and the Chicago Police. But to destroy the revolution,...
- 7/30/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Participant and Bron Creative have come on board as co-financiers with Warner Bros Pictures and Macro on the recently completed and untitled drama that tells the powerful story of Illinois Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton and William O’Neal, the undercover FBI informant who helped bring him down. Shaka King directed the film, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Will Berson, with story by King & Berson and Keith Lucas & Kenny Lucas. The film, which is now in post-production, is slated for release August 21.
Oscar-nominated Get Out and Marvel Black Panther star Daniel Kaluuya plays Hampton, while Atlanta‘s Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta) plays O’Neal. The film also stars Jesse Plemons as Roy Mitchell, Dominique Fishback as Deborah Johnson, Ashton Sanders as Larry Roberson, Algee Smith as Jake Winters, and Martin Sheen as J. Edgar Hoover.
The film is set in 1968 Chicago, when Hampton rose to chairman of the Illinois...
Oscar-nominated Get Out and Marvel Black Panther star Daniel Kaluuya plays Hampton, while Atlanta‘s Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta) plays O’Neal. The film also stars Jesse Plemons as Roy Mitchell, Dominique Fishback as Deborah Johnson, Ashton Sanders as Larry Roberson, Algee Smith as Jake Winters, and Martin Sheen as J. Edgar Hoover.
The film is set in 1968 Chicago, when Hampton rose to chairman of the Illinois...
- 3/6/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Participant said Thursday that is has extended David Linde’s contract as chief executive officer, inking a multi-year deal. Linde joined the company in 2015 and has overseen a film slate that has won 10 Oscars including Best Pictures Green Book and Spotlight while realigning its core content around social impact imperatives.
No terms were disclosed. The news comes as the company is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
“David has done an exceptional job taking Participant to new heights the last four years,” founder Jeff Skoll said. “He possesses a rare combination of entertainment industry acumen, keen artistic sensibility, and a true passion to make a difference in the world through storytelling. I am grateful for his dedicated partnership and thrilled to be working with David for many years to come.”
Most recently, Participant’s revamp has included promoting Diane Weyermann to chief content officer, a newly created position. The veteran, who has...
No terms were disclosed. The news comes as the company is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
“David has done an exceptional job taking Participant to new heights the last four years,” founder Jeff Skoll said. “He possesses a rare combination of entertainment industry acumen, keen artistic sensibility, and a true passion to make a difference in the world through storytelling. I am grateful for his dedicated partnership and thrilled to be working with David for many years to come.”
Most recently, Participant’s revamp has included promoting Diane Weyermann to chief content officer, a newly created position. The veteran, who has...
- 9/12/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Participant Media has promoted longtime executive Diane Weyermann to the newly created post of chief content officer.
In her new role, Weyermann will focus on documentary film and TV, alongside department senior VPs Elise Pearlstein (film) and Miura Kite (TV), while working with CEO David Linde and the company’s newly announced heads of narrative film, Robert Kessel and Anikah McLaren, on future narrative content. She will continue reporting to Linde.
Weyerman joined Participant in 2005 and has been responsible for the company’s documentary feature film and television slate. She was promoted to president, handling film and TV documentaries, in 2017.
“Since 2005, I’ve been proud to call Participant my home and have had the great fortune to collaborate with seminal storytellers, whose powerful films have inspired audiences around the world,” Weyerman said in a statement.
“Diane has uniquely helped fulfill Participant’s mission over the last 15 years,” Participant founder Jeff Skoll said in a statement.
In her new role, Weyermann will focus on documentary film and TV, alongside department senior VPs Elise Pearlstein (film) and Miura Kite (TV), while working with CEO David Linde and the company’s newly announced heads of narrative film, Robert Kessel and Anikah McLaren, on future narrative content. She will continue reporting to Linde.
Weyerman joined Participant in 2005 and has been responsible for the company’s documentary feature film and television slate. She was promoted to president, handling film and TV documentaries, in 2017.
“Since 2005, I’ve been proud to call Participant my home and have had the great fortune to collaborate with seminal storytellers, whose powerful films have inspired audiences around the world,” Weyerman said in a statement.
“Diane has uniquely helped fulfill Participant’s mission over the last 15 years,” Participant founder Jeff Skoll said in a statement.
- 9/5/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Participant Media, the socially conscious production company behind hits such as “Green Book” and “Rbg,” has a new chief content officer. Longtime company executive Diane Weyermann was promoted to the role Thursday and will work closely with CEO David Linde to shape the company’s content slate.
Weyermann, who began working at the company shortly after it was founded by Jeff Skoll in 2004, previously served as the company’s president of documentary film and television. In her new role, Weyermann will continue to focus on documentary film and television alongside department senior vice presidents Elise Pearlstein and Miura Kite, while collaborating with Linde and the company’s new heads of narrative film, Robert Kessel and Anikah McLaren, on future narrative content.
“The only thing that surpasses Diane’s unassailable integrity is her extraordinary judgement on stories that matter,” Skoll said in a statement. “Her creative partnership, her unparalleled work ethic,...
Weyermann, who began working at the company shortly after it was founded by Jeff Skoll in 2004, previously served as the company’s president of documentary film and television. In her new role, Weyermann will continue to focus on documentary film and television alongside department senior vice presidents Elise Pearlstein and Miura Kite, while collaborating with Linde and the company’s new heads of narrative film, Robert Kessel and Anikah McLaren, on future narrative content.
“The only thing that surpasses Diane’s unassailable integrity is her extraordinary judgement on stories that matter,” Skoll said in a statement. “Her creative partnership, her unparalleled work ethic,...
- 9/5/2019
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Executive joined company in 2005.
Diane Weyermann has been promoted to chief content officer at Participant Media as the company restructures its top tier following the departure of former president of narrative film and television Jonathan King.
In the newly created position, Weyermann, who joined in 2005 and previously served as president of documentary film and television, will develop Participant’s slate of film and television in close partnership with CEO David Linde.
She will continue to focus on documentary film and television, alongside department senior vice-presidents Elise Pearlstein (film) and Miura Kite (TV), while collaborating with Linde and the company’s...
Diane Weyermann has been promoted to chief content officer at Participant Media as the company restructures its top tier following the departure of former president of narrative film and television Jonathan King.
In the newly created position, Weyermann, who joined in 2005 and previously served as president of documentary film and television, will develop Participant’s slate of film and television in close partnership with CEO David Linde.
She will continue to focus on documentary film and television, alongside department senior vice-presidents Elise Pearlstein (film) and Miura Kite (TV), while collaborating with Linde and the company’s...
- 9/5/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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