beIN Media Group and Miramax chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi announces hire of industry veteran.
Miramax on Wednesday announced that industry veteran Bill Block has been appointed the company’s CEO.
Block, the producer, former agent, founder of Qed International and a former president of Artisan Entertainment, will lead efforts to create content across a range of platforms.
The executive and his team will mine the company’s library and source new properties to exploit through film, television, mobile platforms and other channels.
“Bill’s extensive experience across numerous platforms, combined with his deep knowledge of the industry, makes him outstandingly qualified to propel Miramax into this new and transformative world of distribution, content and sales,” Al-Khelaifi said.
“Miramax is committed to expand production and acquisitions in film and television and Bill’s strong leadership will surely lead Miramax successfully into the future, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
“Miramax is a storied...
Miramax on Wednesday announced that industry veteran Bill Block has been appointed the company’s CEO.
Block, the producer, former agent, founder of Qed International and a former president of Artisan Entertainment, will lead efforts to create content across a range of platforms.
The executive and his team will mine the company’s library and source new properties to exploit through film, television, mobile platforms and other channels.
“Bill’s extensive experience across numerous platforms, combined with his deep knowledge of the industry, makes him outstandingly qualified to propel Miramax into this new and transformative world of distribution, content and sales,” Al-Khelaifi said.
“Miramax is committed to expand production and acquisitions in film and television and Bill’s strong leadership will surely lead Miramax successfully into the future, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
“Miramax is a storied...
- 4/26/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Breaking: Miramax today has named Bill Block its Chief Executive Officer. He will oversee a reboot that will put the library-based company squarely back into the film and TV production businesses. The appointment was made by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the Chairman of beIN Media Group and Miramax. Al-Khelaifi, a Qatar businessman and former tennis player who is chairman/CEO of the Paris Saint-Germain football club, will spearhead the reboot of Miramax and certainly has the…...
- 4/26/2017
- Deadline
Sam Raimi is set to direct "World War 3," a feature film based on predictions from futurist George Friedman's 2009 non-fiction best seller "The Next 100 Years".
The head of a preeminent private intelligence and forecasting firm, Friedman's book predicts the replacement of the U.S.-Jihadist war with a new Cold War between the U.S. and Russia, China's world power role diminishing and Mexico's rising, along with new technologies and cultural trends that will change our lives.
The news comes as part of an announcement today by Bill Block Media which optioned the book and is actively developing the adaptation. The company has officially closed a two-year, first-look production deal with Warner Bros. Pictures who will distribute.
Source: Coming Soon...
The head of a preeminent private intelligence and forecasting firm, Friedman's book predicts the replacement of the U.S.-Jihadist war with a new Cold War between the U.S. and Russia, China's world power role diminishing and Mexico's rising, along with new technologies and cultural trends that will change our lives.
The news comes as part of an announcement today by Bill Block Media which optioned the book and is actively developing the adaptation. The company has officially closed a two-year, first-look production deal with Warner Bros. Pictures who will distribute.
Source: Coming Soon...
- 2/26/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Breaking: Bill Block’s Billblock Media has closed a two-year, first-look production deal with Warner Bros. Pictures, which now will handle global distribution for all of the company’s titles. The first film in development is director Sam Raimi's near-future feature World War 3, which is based on predictions in George Friedman's nonfiction best-seller The Next 100 Years that the company recently optioned. As part of the deal, Block — the former CEO of Qed — also has closed…...
- 2/26/2016
- Deadline
Qed and former CEO Bill Block have resolved their legal dispute to the mutual satisfaction of all parties, it was announced Wednesday evening. Details of the settlement were not immediately disclosed. Block was sued earlier this year after he left his post as CEO of film production and sales company Qed International in order to focus his attention on Merced Media, the development, production and financing venture he launched with PalmStar CEO Kevin Frakes and Raj Singh’s investment firm Merced Capital. Qed’s new bosses, Sasha Shapiro and Anton Lessine, had previously filed suit against Block in the federal Court in Los.
- 11/5/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Bad Moms has lost two key players – Deadline reports that Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow have dropped out of the R-rated comedy (which is still set up at Paramount Pictures), citing delays in production that were going to make the project tough to balance in their busy schedules. The pair, who are married and had planned to do the pic as a team with Mann starring and Apatow producing, needed the movie to be rolling cameras by mid-July, and it apparently just wasn’t going to be ready in time.
Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, who wrote The Hangover, are still attached to direct the comedy, which centers on a trio of harangued, overworked mothers who, weary of being judged by the helicopter parents who rule over their kids’ school, team up to challenge the restrictive social atmosphere present throughout their community.
The pic is still together and expected to...
Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, who wrote The Hangover, are still attached to direct the comedy, which centers on a trio of harangued, overworked mothers who, weary of being judged by the helicopter parents who rule over their kids’ school, team up to challenge the restrictive social atmosphere present throughout their community.
The pic is still together and expected to...
- 6/1/2015
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Bill Block and John Friedberg have sold out the world on Untitled Lucas/Moore Project to star Leslie Mann following last week’s Us deal with Paramount.
Deals have closed in the UK (Entertainment Film Distributor), Germany (Constantin), Australia (Roadshow Films), Canada (eOne) and Benelux (Dutch Filmworks).
Further rights have gone in Eastern Europe (Freeman-Monolith-Blitz), Middle East (Gulf Film), Switzerland (Ascot Elite) and Israel (United King). Cinesky acquired airlines rights.
Block Entertainment’s Bill Block is producing alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church for Apatow Productions.
Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg serves as executive producer.
Paramount will release the film wide on April 15, 2016.
Deals have closed in the UK (Entertainment Film Distributor), Germany (Constantin), Australia (Roadshow Films), Canada (eOne) and Benelux (Dutch Filmworks).
Further rights have gone in Eastern Europe (Freeman-Monolith-Blitz), Middle East (Gulf Film), Switzerland (Ascot Elite) and Israel (United King). Cinesky acquired airlines rights.
Block Entertainment’s Bill Block is producing alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church for Apatow Productions.
Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg serves as executive producer.
Paramount will release the film wide on April 15, 2016.
- 5/15/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Bill Block’s newbie sales, finance and production company Block Entertainment has sold out on its inaugural project: the Jon Lucas-Scott Moore comedy project starring Leslie Mann and produced by Judd Apatow. The project, for which Paramount made a pre-Cannes move to acquire domestic rights, has sold to Constantin in Germany, Entertainment Film Distributor in the UK, Roadshow Films in Australia, Entertainment One in Canada, Dutch Filmworks in Benelux…...
- 5/15/2015
- Deadline
Paramount Pictures just acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the female comedy from The Hangover writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore and starring Leslie Mann (The Other Woman, Knocked Up). The project is the first big package from Bill Block’s Block Entertainment and Raj Brinder Singh's Merced Capital and Kevin Frakes' PalmStar Media Capital. Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr broke the story last week that the comedy had been packaged and was going out to studios. Lucas and…...
- 5/8/2015
- Deadline
Paramount Pictures has snapped up the U.S. distribution rights to a new, untitled comedy that is being written for Leslie Mann by The Hangover writing team of Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. Lucas and Moore will also direct the film from their original screenplay, which Block Entertainment and Merced Media are producing alongside Judd Apatow. Paramount is targeting an April 15, 2016 release for the film, with shooting scheduled to begin this summer in New York. Merced Media is fully financing the female-centric project with Block Entertainment’s Bill Block and Merced’s Raj Brinder Singh serving as producers. Block
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- 5/8/2015
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The studio has swooped on Us rights to the untitled Lucas & Moore Project in a timely move for international rights holder Bill Block on the eve of Cannes.
Paramount has set an April 15, 2016, release date as Jon Lucas and Scott Moore prepare to start shooting in New York this summer with Leslie Mann in the lead.
Bill Block of sales agent Block Entertainment and Merced Media, the $500m fund Block launched late last year with Merced Capital’s Raj Brinder Singh and PalmStar Media Capital’s Kevin Frakes, produces alongside Singh, Mann’s husband Judd Apatow and his Apatow Productions associate Josh Church.
Lucas and Moore will direct from their original screenplay and their writing credits include The Hangover and 21 & Over.
Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg serves as executive producer.
Paramount has set an April 15, 2016, release date as Jon Lucas and Scott Moore prepare to start shooting in New York this summer with Leslie Mann in the lead.
Bill Block of sales agent Block Entertainment and Merced Media, the $500m fund Block launched late last year with Merced Capital’s Raj Brinder Singh and PalmStar Media Capital’s Kevin Frakes, produces alongside Singh, Mann’s husband Judd Apatow and his Apatow Productions associate Josh Church.
Lucas and Moore will direct from their original screenplay and their writing credits include The Hangover and 21 & Over.
Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg serves as executive producer.
- 5/8/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Merced Media has put its second sales title into the market and brought on Good Universe to handle pre-sales on comedy The True Memoirs Of An International Assassin.
Kevin James will play a mild-mannered accountant who is mistaken for a killer and becomes embroiled in an assassination plot in Belize after his novel about a hitman is published as a true story.
Jeff Wadlow directs from a Black List screenplay by Jeff Morris.
PalmStar Media and Global Film Group will produce the project, set to begin production in September. Merced Media and PalmStar will finance. Wme Global represents Us rights.
Todd Garner and Merced Media principal and PalmStar Media CEO Kevin Frakes produce with Raja Collins and Justin Begnaud of Global Film Group and Raj Brinder Singh of Merced Media.
Hey Eddie’s Jeff Sussman and PalmStar Media’s Mark Fasano and Buddy Patrick are executive producers.
Merced Media, the $500m fund launched late last year by...
Kevin James will play a mild-mannered accountant who is mistaken for a killer and becomes embroiled in an assassination plot in Belize after his novel about a hitman is published as a true story.
Jeff Wadlow directs from a Black List screenplay by Jeff Morris.
PalmStar Media and Global Film Group will produce the project, set to begin production in September. Merced Media and PalmStar will finance. Wme Global represents Us rights.
Todd Garner and Merced Media principal and PalmStar Media CEO Kevin Frakes produce with Raja Collins and Justin Begnaud of Global Film Group and Raj Brinder Singh of Merced Media.
Hey Eddie’s Jeff Sussman and PalmStar Media’s Mark Fasano and Buddy Patrick are executive producers.
Merced Media, the $500m fund launched late last year by...
- 5/6/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Merced Media and Block Entertainment announced the untitled female comedy to be produce by Judd Apatow that Bill Block will introduce to buyers on the Croisette.
Leslie Mann will star for Jon Lucas and Scott Moore directing from their original screenplay.
Block Entertainment and Merced Media are producing alongside Apatow and Josh Church for Apatow Productions. Principal photography begins this summer in New York.
Merced Media is fully financing the project with Block and Merced’s Raj Brinder Singh serving as individual producers. Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg will serve as executive producer.
“Lucas and Moore have written a funny and heartfelt script about women and the challenges of motherhood,” said Mann. “I am thrilled to be working with them on this film, and to collaborate for the first time with Block Entertainment and Merced Media.”
Block added: “When we read Lucas and Moore’s script we knew it was a hit and a global female comedy...
Leslie Mann will star for Jon Lucas and Scott Moore directing from their original screenplay.
Block Entertainment and Merced Media are producing alongside Apatow and Josh Church for Apatow Productions. Principal photography begins this summer in New York.
Merced Media is fully financing the project with Block and Merced’s Raj Brinder Singh serving as individual producers. Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg will serve as executive producer.
“Lucas and Moore have written a funny and heartfelt script about women and the challenges of motherhood,” said Mann. “I am thrilled to be working with them on this film, and to collaborate for the first time with Block Entertainment and Merced Media.”
Block added: “When we read Lucas and Moore’s script we knew it was a hit and a global female comedy...
- 4/30/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Bill Block has readied his first big package since forming Block Entertainment with Raj Brinder Singh’s Merced Capital and Kevin Frakes’ PalmStar Media Capital. They are going out to studios today with a package that has Leslie Mann set to anchor an untitled R-rated female-driven comedy that was written and will be directed by The Hangover scribes Jon Lucas & Scott Moore. Pic is being produced by Apatow Productions’ Judd Apatow and Josh Church, alongside Block…...
- 4/30/2015
- Deadline
The Qed International founder has branded as “specious” all claims against him.
In a second statement within a week issued by Bill Block’s attorney Marty Singer, the former Qed International CEO has denied all claims by Qed Holdings principals Anton Lessine (pictured left) and Sasha Shapiro (pictured right).
Block continues to defend his name after the pair filed a lawsuit for alleged trademark infringement and unfair competition.
Monday’s statement issued from Singer’s office read: “The only one who has any valid claims in the dispute between Bill Block and Qed is Bill Block.
“The parties entered into an enforceable settlement agreement in December 2014, but after doing so, Qed attempted to renegotiate that deal. When Mr. Block refused to capitulate to Qed’s absurd request to change the deal, Qed filed a meritless arbitration demand.
“Thereafter, Qed again demanded that Mr. Block modify the agreed settlement terms. After Qed had already been paid over $600,000 under...
In a second statement within a week issued by Bill Block’s attorney Marty Singer, the former Qed International CEO has denied all claims by Qed Holdings principals Anton Lessine (pictured left) and Sasha Shapiro (pictured right).
Block continues to defend his name after the pair filed a lawsuit for alleged trademark infringement and unfair competition.
Monday’s statement issued from Singer’s office read: “The only one who has any valid claims in the dispute between Bill Block and Qed is Bill Block.
“The parties entered into an enforceable settlement agreement in December 2014, but after doing so, Qed attempted to renegotiate that deal. When Mr. Block refused to capitulate to Qed’s absurd request to change the deal, Qed filed a meritless arbitration demand.
“Thereafter, Qed again demanded that Mr. Block modify the agreed settlement terms. After Qed had already been paid over $600,000 under...
- 4/7/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Former Qed International CEO Bill Block has fired back at the lawsuit filed against him Wednesday by his former company. The company’s new bosses, Sasha Shapiro and Anton Lessine, filed suit against Block in the federal Court in Los Angeles citing unfair practices and copyright infringement. “Instead of performing his executive responsibilities exclusively and conscientiously for Qed, Block actively and surreptitiously hijacked Qed’s assets and siphoned Qed’s opportunities for his personal gain,” read the complaint. “One of the means he used to do that was to misuse Qed’s name and trademarks to establish and operate entities controlled not by Qed,...
- 4/2/2015
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Exclusive: With allegations of at least $1 million for a Bruce Lee movie going in the wrong pockets and supposedly shady foreign distribution deals, former Qed CEO Bill Block has been slammed with a trademark infringement and unfair competition complaint by his old company. Instead of performing his executive responsibilities exclusively and conscientiously for Qed, Block actively and surreptitiously hijacked Qed's assets and siphoned Qed's opportunities for his personal…...
- 4/1/2015
- Deadline
Exclusive: Bill Block has closed a deal for American Hostage, a spec script penned by The Butterfly Effect co-scribe and co-director Eric Bress. It’s his first deal since moving to Merced Media, where he’ll produce this with his new partners Raj Singh and Kevin Frakes, and Benderspink. The spec is about a home-invasion crew that terrorizes houses in a neighborhood, until they choose the wrong residence. Suddenly, the hunters become the hunted. UTA and Management 360 rep…...
- 3/10/2015
- Deadline
It sounds like there's life after cancellation for Magic City. The Starz TV show is being revived as movie, reports Deadline.
Mitch Glazer created the period mob series and wrote the film script. He will also direct. Series regulars Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Danny Huston, Olga Kurylenko and Kelly Lynch are said to be returning and will be joined by Bruce Willis and Bill Murray.
Qed's Bill Block said, "Mitch is a fantastic creative partner and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him again. We loved Magic City the series and know that with Mitch’s sensational script and this outstanding cast, it will translate beautifully to the big screen."
Glazer noted, "The chance to explore this wild time and place and this compelling family saga is a dream come true."
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Do you...
Mitch Glazer created the period mob series and wrote the film script. He will also direct. Series regulars Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Danny Huston, Olga Kurylenko and Kelly Lynch are said to be returning and will be joined by Bruce Willis and Bill Murray.
Qed's Bill Block said, "Mitch is a fantastic creative partner and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him again. We loved Magic City the series and know that with Mitch’s sensational script and this outstanding cast, it will translate beautifully to the big screen."
Glazer noted, "The chance to explore this wild time and place and this compelling family saga is a dream come true."
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Do you...
- 11/1/2014
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Film producers/financiers Bill Block and Kevin Frakes have teamed with Merced Capital to launch Merced Media, a new development, production and financing vehicle that will seek to produce a $500M+ slate of films over the next 3-5 years, the company announced Wednesday. Merced Media will focus on filmmaker and star-driven wide release movies. The business plan includes a robust development platform. Merced's Raj Singh and Stuart Brown oversee Merced's media investments. Founded in 1988 as the first spinout from Cargill's Financial Markets Department, Merced Capital has raised and managed numerous investment vehicles, including seven lock-up funds between 2005 and 2014, and currently manages aggregate committed.
- 10/8/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Producers Bill Block and Kevin Frakes are launching a new $500 million development, production and financing vehicle with Merced Capital L.P., it was announced Wednesday. Merced Media will produce a slate of films over the next three to five years that, according to the announcement, “will focus on filmmaker and star-driven, wide release motion pictures.” Raj Singh and Stuart Brown of Merced will oversee media investments. Merced was founded in 1988 when it was spun off from Cargill’s Financial Markets Department. Since then it has raised and managed a series of investments including seven funds to make movies
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- 10/8/2014
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate has announced the release dates for the followup to “Now You See Me” and the tentatively titled “Dirty Grandpa” starring Zac Efron and Robert DeNiro.
“Now You See Me 2,” which welcomes back Mark Ruffalo,Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine, will hit theaters on June 10, 2016. Jon M. Chu will helm as director, and Alex Kurtzman and Bobby Cohen will produce.
Hitting theaters on Christmas day 2015 is “Dirty Grandpa,” which follows Efron’s “uptight” character on a trip to Florida for spring break with his foul-mouthed, former Army general grandfather (DeNiro). The...
“Now You See Me 2,” which welcomes back Mark Ruffalo,Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine, will hit theaters on June 10, 2016. Jon M. Chu will helm as director, and Alex Kurtzman and Bobby Cohen will produce.
Hitting theaters on Christmas day 2015 is “Dirty Grandpa,” which follows Efron’s “uptight” character on a trip to Florida for spring break with his foul-mouthed, former Army general grandfather (DeNiro). The...
- 9/10/2014
- by Emily Blake
- EW - Inside Movies
Universal picked up Dirty Grandpa as a spec script in 2011 and later put it turnaround, now Bill Block is packaging the pic for Qed to sell internationally. The film stars Robert De Niro as a recently widowed older man who gets to know his grandson (Zac Efron) who is about to marry a girl who is not right for him. Dan Mazer — who co-wrote Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat, Bruno and The Dictator will direct from a script by John Phillips. Block, Barry Josephson, Jason Barrett, and Michael Simkin are producing. CAA is handling U.S. rights.
- 9/5/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
The world is buzzing ever since news broke of his wedding to Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt showed up at the Bovington Tank Museum in Bovington, England today (August 28) for his first appearance as a newly-married man.
The “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” hunk was joined by costars Logan Lerman and Jon Bernthal as well as director David Ayer and producer Bill Block as he smiled for the shutterbugs.
And though he tried to hide it as best as he could, Brad inevitably wound up flashing his shiny new gold wedding band as he made his exit.
Pitt and Jolie tied the knot in a secret ceremony on Saturday (August 23) at their Chateau Miraval estate in France.
The “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” hunk was joined by costars Logan Lerman and Jon Bernthal as well as director David Ayer and producer Bill Block as he smiled for the shutterbugs.
And though he tried to hide it as best as he could, Brad inevitably wound up flashing his shiny new gold wedding band as he made his exit.
Pitt and Jolie tied the knot in a secret ceremony on Saturday (August 23) at their Chateau Miraval estate in France.
- 8/28/2014
- GossipCenter
Fresh and unique ideas are what keep us excited about the horror genre, and Yellowstone Falls most definitely sounds like something we haven't quite seen before. Read on for the scoop!
Deadline reports that Qed won a bidding war to obtain the Dan Kunka-penned spec script, which oddly enough is only 52 pages long. Not only is the script so short, but there is very little dialogue and few human characters in it, which needless to say should make for a most interesting movie.
The action begins after an apocalyptic event that saps the humanity from most of the mutated humans that remain. At its core, it’s the story of a mother wolf, separated from her mate as the rest of the pack flees to safety, is forced to defend her cubs from the oncoming swarm.
The deal was six figures against a near seven-figure purchase price if the movie gets made.
Deadline reports that Qed won a bidding war to obtain the Dan Kunka-penned spec script, which oddly enough is only 52 pages long. Not only is the script so short, but there is very little dialogue and few human characters in it, which needless to say should make for a most interesting movie.
The action begins after an apocalyptic event that saps the humanity from most of the mutated humans that remain. At its core, it’s the story of a mother wolf, separated from her mate as the rest of the pack flees to safety, is forced to defend her cubs from the oncoming swarm.
The deal was six figures against a near seven-figure purchase price if the movie gets made.
- 4/15/2014
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
Breaking: While we’ve got plenty of projects that mix genre staples from zombies to wolves, the town went wild for a highly unusual combination. In heated bidding, Qed emerged victorious and acquired Yellowstone Falls, a spec script by Dan Kunka, who most recently sold his script Bermuda Triangle to Warner Bros, with Charles Roven and Madhouse producing. Deal was six figures against near seven-figure purchase price if the movie gets made. This script is unusual in that it was 52 pages, with few human characters and essentially no dialogue. The action begins after an apocalyptic event that saps the humanity from most of the mutated humans that remain. At its core, it’s the story of a mother wolf, separated from her mate as the rest of the pack flees to safety, is forced to defend her cubs from the oncoming swarm. It sounds like those spare nature-based movies Jean Jacques Annaud makes,...
- 4/14/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
"Moonrise Kingdom" stars Bill Murray and Bruce Willis are getting together to "Rock the Kasbah." The duo will be joined by an all star cast including Kate Hudson, Danny McBride, Shia Labeouf and Zooey Deschanel in the comedy to be directed by Barry Levinson ("Rain Man," "Diner"). "Kasbah" centers on Richie Vance, a band manager abandoned in Kabul after a failed Uso tour. There, he discovers a gifted young girl whom he then coaches through "Afghan Star," Afghanistan's version of "American Idol." Mitch Glazer (who co-wrote Murray's 1988 hit "Scrooged") penned the screenplay and will produce along with Qed’s Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob...
- 2/7/2014
- by Dave Lewis
- Hitfix
Worldview Entertainment is set to finance and produce Takashi Miike's Japanese period crime thriller "The Outsider" starring Tom Hardy.
Hardy ("Inception," "The Dark Knight Rises") plays a former G.I. in post-wwii Japan who joins a Yakuza crime family. Andrew Baldwin penned the script from an idea by John Linson.
John Linson, Art Linson, Christopher Woodrow, Molly Conners, Bill Block are producing. Shooting begins early next year in Japan.
The project was previously setup at Silver Pictures and will be introduced to buyers at the Afm next week.
Source: Screen...
Hardy ("Inception," "The Dark Knight Rises") plays a former G.I. in post-wwii Japan who joins a Yakuza crime family. Andrew Baldwin penned the script from an idea by John Linson.
John Linson, Art Linson, Christopher Woodrow, Molly Conners, Bill Block are producing. Shooting begins early next year in Japan.
The project was previously setup at Silver Pictures and will be introduced to buyers at the Afm next week.
Source: Screen...
- 10/30/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Worldview Entertainment has signed on to finance and produce Takashi Miike’s crime thriller “The Outsider” starring Tom Hardy, the company announced Tuesday. Before he plays Elton John in “Rocketman,” Hardy (seen above in “Warrior”) will play an American former G.I. in post-wwii Japan who joins a Yakuza crime family. Andrew Baldwin wrote the screenplay based on an idea by Linson Entertainment’s John Linson, who will produce with Art Linson alongside Worldview’s Christopher Woodrow and Molly Conners and Qed’s Bill Block. Also Read: Tom Hardy to Play Elton John in ‘Rocketman’; Focus to Distribute in U.
- 10/29/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
If you want a piece of Breaking Bad, and maybe Walt's famous tighty-whiteys, you are in luck! A new auction site called Screenbid.com will unveil about 250 items from the AMC hit series, on Friday, Sept. 20. Bill Block, a film producer, and entrepreneur Jeffrey A. Dash, founded the site in an effort to "help studios dispose of props systematically, and profitably," according to the New York Times. Some of the props that will be on sale include Hazmat suits, Walt's green Aztek, a charred pink Teddy bear and Walt's tighty-whiteys. Yes, that famous pair of briefs! "These may be the most iconic tighty-whiteys in television," the site states in the item description....
- 9/20/2013
- E! Online
Bill Murray is to star in Barry Levinson's Afghanistan-set comedy Rock the Kasbah.
Rock the Kasbah is being written by Mitch Glazer, who previously penned Murray's 1988 holiday comedy Scrooged and the 1998 adaptation of Great Expectations.
Murray will star as a music industry manager who finds himself abandoned and penniless on a Uso tour of Afghanistan.
The film will follow his character mentoring a talented young girl as she enters the television talent competition Afghan Star in Kabul.
Rock the Casbah will be produced by Bill Block, Steve Bing and Jacob Pechenik, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Murray was last seen on the big screen in the Wes Anderson comedy Moonrise Kingdom and the historical drama Hyde Park on Hudson.
He will next star with George Clooney and Matt Damon in The Monuments Men, a comedy-drama about army veterans attempting to save prized art from the Nazis.
Watch a trailer for...
Rock the Kasbah is being written by Mitch Glazer, who previously penned Murray's 1988 holiday comedy Scrooged and the 1998 adaptation of Great Expectations.
Murray will star as a music industry manager who finds himself abandoned and penniless on a Uso tour of Afghanistan.
The film will follow his character mentoring a talented young girl as she enters the television talent competition Afghan Star in Kabul.
Rock the Casbah will be produced by Bill Block, Steve Bing and Jacob Pechenik, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Murray was last seen on the big screen in the Wes Anderson comedy Moonrise Kingdom and the historical drama Hyde Park on Hudson.
He will next star with George Clooney and Matt Damon in The Monuments Men, a comedy-drama about army veterans attempting to save prized art from the Nazis.
Watch a trailer for...
- 9/5/2013
- Digital Spy
In news that will surely get The Clash stuck in your head for days, the droll Bill Murray is hooking up with director Barry Levinson for what sounds like a heartuggin' new comedy, "Rock the Kasbah."
Murray will play the manager of a musician on a Uso tour in Afghanistan. Things are looking pretty bleak for Murray's character -- he's broke and alone, and his passport is Awol -- when he meets a girl with musical aspirations and the pipes to match. He brings her to Kabul to compete on "The Afghan Star," a TV show similar to "American Idol," minus Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.
The reality show was the subject of a documentary several years ago, 2009's "Afghan Star," which follows several contestants on their bid for stardom. It's not as simple as impressing the judges, though; the contestants are heroes to the youth of Afghanistan, and in...
Murray will play the manager of a musician on a Uso tour in Afghanistan. Things are looking pretty bleak for Murray's character -- he's broke and alone, and his passport is Awol -- when he meets a girl with musical aspirations and the pipes to match. He brings her to Kabul to compete on "The Afghan Star," a TV show similar to "American Idol," minus Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.
The reality show was the subject of a documentary several years ago, 2009's "Afghan Star," which follows several contestants on their bid for stardom. It's not as simple as impressing the judges, though; the contestants are heroes to the youth of Afghanistan, and in...
- 9/4/2013
- by Jenni Miller
- Moviefone
Barry Levinson is shaping up to be the man of the moment heading into Toronto with potentially two titles on the market, one of which has been announced as the Murray vehicle from Qed, Venture Forth and Shangri-La Entertainment.
Rock The Kasbah is based on an original screenplay by Mitch Glazer about a burnt-out music manager on a disastrous trip to Afghanistan with his last client.
Penniless and abandoned, the manager discovers a talented unknown and gets her on to Afghan Star, the local equivalent of American Idol.
Qed’s Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob Pechenik and Shangri-La Entertainment’s Steve Bing will produce.
Rock The Kasbah is based on an original screenplay by Mitch Glazer about a burnt-out music manager on a disastrous trip to Afghanistan with his last client.
Penniless and abandoned, the manager discovers a talented unknown and gets her on to Afghan Star, the local equivalent of American Idol.
Qed’s Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob Pechenik and Shangri-La Entertainment’s Steve Bing will produce.
- 9/4/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Bill Murray will star in Rock the Kasbah, a comedy to be directed by Barry Levinson. Qed’s Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob Pechenik and Shangri-La Entertainment’s Steve Bing will produce the project, which Qed will introduce at the Toronto International Film Festival. According to Qed, Kasbah "is the story of a burned-out music manager who goes to Afghanistan on the Uso tour with his last remaining client. When he finds himself abandoned, penniless and without his passport, he discovers a young girl with an extraordinary voice, who stows away with him back to Kabul to compete on the popular
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- 9/3/2013
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bill Murray is set to star in “Rock the Kasbah,” which Oscar winner Barry Levinson will direct from an original screenplay by Mitch Glazer. Story follows a burned-out music manager who goes to Afghanistan on the Uso tour with his last remaining client. When he finds himself abandoned, penniless and without his passport, he discovers a young girl with an extraordinary voice who stows away with him back to Kabul to compete on the popular television show “The Afghan Star,” Afghanistan’s equivalent of “American Idol.” Also Read: Barry Levinson to Direct Untitled Love Story Set in Shanghai Qed CEO Bill Block will.
- 9/3/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Breaking: Bill Murray will star in Rock The Kasbah, with Barry Levinson directing a script by Mitch Glazer. The film is being backed and produced by Qed’s Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob Pechenik and Shangri-La Entertainment’s Steve Bing. They will shop the film to international distribs at Toronto. Pic tells the story of a burned-out music manager who goes to Afghanistan on the Uso tour with his last remaining client. When he finds himself abandoned, penniless and without his passport, he discovers a young girl with an extraordinary voice, who stows away with him back to Kabul to compete on the popular television show, The Afghan Star, Afghanistan’s equivalent of American Idol. “Bill Murray and Barry Levinson are the perfect team to capture the lunacy, heartbreak and hope of this story. I’m ecstatic,” said Glazer. Levinson is repped by ICM Partners, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas and Barry Hirsch.
- 9/3/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Jessica Lucas has signed on to Are We Officially Dating? The former Melrose Place reboot star replaces Deborah Ann Woll in the romantic comedy. After joining the movie last October, the True Blood star dropped out of the film due to scheduling in November. Zac Efron and Imogen Poots also star in the film about three male friends in New York City who make a pledge to stay single just as each of them starts to fall in love. Lucas plays Vera, the unfaithful wife of Michael B. Jordan’s Mikey character. The Canadian actress will also soon be seen as the lead in The CW’s Cult, which debuts on February 19. Tom Gormican is directing Are We Officially Dating? from his own script. Treehouse Pictures’ Justin Nappi and Kevin Turen are producing with Scott Aversano and Andrew O’Connor. Bill Block, John Friedberg, Michael Simkin, Jason Barrett and Manu Gargi are executive producing.
- 1/12/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Once upon a time, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he’ll “be back” and while that was true in that film, it seems it also applied to his film career. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Arnold has agreed to star in David Ayer’s (Street Kings) action flick ‘Ten’. The original screenplay was written by Skip Woods (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and is being produced by Bill Block, Paul Hanson, Joe Roth, Palak Patel and Al Ruddy. Alex Ott of Ayer’s Crave Films is executive producing.
- 5/8/2012
- by Kerry Fleming
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to star in 'Black Sands'. The former Governor of California will play a loner who wages war against a weapons manufacturer and his private army in the Southwest in the movie, which will be co-directed by former stuntmen Scott Waugh and Mike McCoy, who will also executive produce. 'A Good Day To Die Hard' writer Skip Woods has penned the script while Al Ruddy will produce with Bill Block and Paul Hanson. The thriller is scheduled for release on February 17, which is President's Day Weekend in America. This...
- 10/31/2011
- Virgin Media - Movies
Exclusive: Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to star in Black Sands, an action film that will be directed by Scott Waugh and Mike McCoy. Financed by Bill Block’s Qed, the film will begin production April 1, 2012. In the script that Skip Woods has rewritten, Schwarzenegger will play a loner who wages war against a ruthless weapons manufacturer and his private army in the Southwest. The tone is Man On Fire meets High Plains Drifter. Block will be selling worldwide territories starting today. Woods scripted A Good Day To Die Hard, which Fox is readying for production. Waugh and McCoy most recently directed Act Of Valor, an action adventure that features actual Navy SEALs. That film was acquired at an auction for distribution by Relativity Media, which paid a $13 million minimum guarantee and a $30 million P&A commitment, and scheduled the film for release on February 17, which is President’s Day Weekend.
- 10/28/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Open Road Films has scored the U.S. rights to the thriller script "The Key Man", described as a tonal blend of "Three Days Of The Condor" and "National Treasure" says Deadline.
The story follows a single father who's targeted by U.S. government agents because his body contains answers to important national secrets.
Joby Harold penned the script and will produce along with Bill Block, Tory Tunnell and Paul Hanson. Shooting begins early next year.
The story follows a single father who's targeted by U.S. government agents because his body contains answers to important national secrets.
Joby Harold penned the script and will produce along with Bill Block, Tory Tunnell and Paul Hanson. Shooting begins early next year.
- 7/12/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Diego Luna may join the cast of Neil Blomkamp's upcoming film Elsyium. Variety reports that he's in talks to join cast that includes Matt Damon, Sharlto Copley and Jodie Foster. Blomkamp is also writing the film, which is being produced by Bill Block and Simon Kinberg for Sony and Mrc.
Luna would play Julio, the best friend of Damon's character. The story deals with humans battling aliens on earth. Production will begin this summer for a releason on March 1, 2013. set to get underway this summer with the film bowing on March 1, 2013.
The actor will be seen next in Universal's Contraband. He is best known for starring in Alfonso Cuaron's Y Tu Mama Tambien and Rudy Y Cursi. I think that Luna is a great actor and would be a wonderful addition to this cool cast. What are your thoughts on this news?
Source: Variety (http://www.variety.com/article...
- 6/10/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Arnold Schwarzenegger has recently opened up about his upcoming project. After admitting he wants to return to his acting career, the former California Governor has revealed that he may make an appearance in a new drama, "Cry Macho".
Asked about what project he will likely join, the "Terminator" star told Entertainment Weekly, "You will be amazed, but I am going to answer your question. 'Cry Macho'." He later explained his reason on choosing the movie, "It's a little movie that got my attention because it is so opposite of what you'd expect someone like me to do...I don't know if that will be my next movie, but it could be. It's really a wonderful story."
Schwarzenegger also shared some details of the movie. He said, "It's about a guy who is a horse trainer. He's a little bit over-the-hill. The last two years didn't go so well. But then...
Asked about what project he will likely join, the "Terminator" star told Entertainment Weekly, "You will be amazed, but I am going to answer your question. 'Cry Macho'." He later explained his reason on choosing the movie, "It's a little movie that got my attention because it is so opposite of what you'd expect someone like me to do...I don't know if that will be my next movie, but it could be. It's really a wonderful story."
Schwarzenegger also shared some details of the movie. He said, "It's about a guy who is a horse trainer. He's a little bit over-the-hill. The last two years didn't go so well. But then...
- 4/30/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Though he's been linked to three other projects, including a return to the "Terminator" franchise, Vulture reports that Arnold Schwarzenegger may have found a new one to serve as his first post-Governor acting gig.
The story centers on a horse trainer, fired by his boss, who ends up agreeing to kidnap his boss' 11-year-old son from his Mexican ex-wife. Things take a twist when it's learned the ex-wife is happy to be rid of the young boy.
Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer) will direct this drama from an adapted screenplay he wrote based on N. Richard Nash's novel. Albert S. Ruddy and Bill Block will produce with production to kick off this Summer.
Meanwhile Latino Review has picked up the rather unusual report from a scooper that the aforementioned fifth installment of "Terminator" will feature the entire original cast, namely Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn.
The story centers on a horse trainer, fired by his boss, who ends up agreeing to kidnap his boss' 11-year-old son from his Mexican ex-wife. Things take a twist when it's learned the ex-wife is happy to be rid of the young boy.
Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer) will direct this drama from an adapted screenplay he wrote based on N. Richard Nash's novel. Albert S. Ruddy and Bill Block will produce with production to kick off this Summer.
Meanwhile Latino Review has picked up the rather unusual report from a scooper that the aforementioned fifth installment of "Terminator" will feature the entire original cast, namely Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn.
- 4/29/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The revolving door that is the cast of Sheldon Turner’s directorial debut seems to be finally slowing down. Beginning last year, both Colin Farrel and Eric Bana were in talks for By Virtue Fall with Hurt Locker’s Nicolas Chartier producing. Then it was speculated that Farrel was off the project with Jeremy Renner in to take his place. Just after The Tracking Board mentioned some new developments on the thriller, now 24 Frames is confirming and reporting both those actors and Chartier are out, but Bana remains and will be joined by James Spader, Ryan Phillippe and Carla Gugino. The independent film has now been set up with Bill Block’s international sales company and financier Qed, though no specific person behind the project, including producer Jennifer Klein, will publicly confirm any of the above details. Gist: Few details surrounding By Virtue Fall’s screenplay, also penned by Turner,...
- 3/30/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
A while back Eric Bana and Colin Farrell were both interested in writer Sheldon Turner‘s (Up in the Air) directorial debut By Virtue Fall, a film concerning two Atf agents who’s friendship is tested once one rats on the other. Now only Bana remains, with Farrell and then-producer Nicholas Chartier out for the count.
Bana, however, wants Turner’s film to be his next, following the now-shooting Blackbird, which he’s starring in alongside Olivia Wilde. And next to him will be three other high-profile performers. Specifically, James Spader, Ryan Phillippe and Carla Gugino [L.A. Times]. All three of these players have made recent comebacks, Spader mostly on television (Boston Legal), Phillippe very recently with an interesting little turn in The Lincoln Lawyer along with the strange-looking The Bang Bang Club coming out soon and Gugino in most every film made these days.
Turner’s project has now been set...
Bana, however, wants Turner’s film to be his next, following the now-shooting Blackbird, which he’s starring in alongside Olivia Wilde. And next to him will be three other high-profile performers. Specifically, James Spader, Ryan Phillippe and Carla Gugino [L.A. Times]. All three of these players have made recent comebacks, Spader mostly on television (Boston Legal), Phillippe very recently with an interesting little turn in The Lincoln Lawyer along with the strange-looking The Bang Bang Club coming out soon and Gugino in most every film made these days.
Turner’s project has now been set...
- 3/29/2011
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Tyler Perry, best known for his comic "Madea" character, has signed on to play the role of Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist in Washington, D.C., TheWrap has confirmed. James Patterson, who wrote the bestselling novels that feature the character of Cross, wrote the first draft of the script with Kerry Williamson. Marc Moss is working on the script. In the movie, Cross tracks the rapist who may have murdered his pregnant wife years earlier. The film is titled, "I, Alex Cross," and is produced by Bill Block, Paul Hanson and Leopoldo Gout,...
- 2/1/2011
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Taken director Pierre Morel appears to have his sights set on the Sam Raimi and Bill Block-produced sci-fi action adventure Edf.
Edf (Earth Defence Force) is based on a script from Air Force One scribe Andrew Marlowe and follows the efforts of a government-created space fighting force which is put together to defend an already weakened Earth against a second attack by an approaching alien horde.
Morel was attached to the new adaptation of Dune for a while, and the studio even went as far as having the existing script rewritten to match his vision of the project. Maybe the demands of trying to bring such a dense and complex book back to the big screen proved too big a challenge.
Edf certainly sounds like a purer, more action-orientated genre piece than that of Frank Herbert’s famed 1965 novel.
Edf (Earth Defence Force) is based on a script from Air Force One scribe Andrew Marlowe and follows the efforts of a government-created space fighting force which is put together to defend an already weakened Earth against a second attack by an approaching alien horde.
Morel was attached to the new adaptation of Dune for a while, and the studio even went as far as having the existing script rewritten to match his vision of the project. Maybe the demands of trying to bring such a dense and complex book back to the big screen proved too big a challenge.
Edf certainly sounds like a purer, more action-orientated genre piece than that of Frank Herbert’s famed 1965 novel.
- 11/17/2010
- by Adam Lowes
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Pierre Morel ( Taken ) is set to direct Warner Bros. Pictures' Edf (Aka "Earth Defense Force"). The Hollywood Reporter says the film takes place "after three alien fighters attack the planet, leaving countries humiliated. The governments of Earth then race to create a space fighting force in preparation for a second attack by an approaching alien horde. Sam Raimi and Bill Block will produce.
- 11/16/2010
- Comingsoon.net
Exclusive: Days after he scored a seven-figure deal from Universal for Snow White and the Huntsmen, producer Joe Roth is in the center of another auction. In a competitive situation, Qed and financier/producer Norton Herrick have committed to fund Ten, a drama that will begin shooting in December with Bruce Willis starring. Patrick Allesandrin is directing a script by Skip Woods. Roth and Palak Patel will produce with Qed principals Bill Block and Paul Hanson, Herrick and Woods. Basically, the backers committed to fund a picture with an under $35 million budget. They'll set a distributor shortly. This becomes the seventh film collaboration for Roth and Willis either while Roth was producer or studio exec. It was Roth who bailed Willis out of a Disney jam after the actor abruptly dropped out of the in-progress Broadway Brawler because of disputes with director Lee Grant. Facing a lawsuit and on the...
- 10/5/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
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