Based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel of the same name, Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film War Horse received widespread praise upon its release. However, one notable individual that the film failed to impress is the original author of the story, Morpurgo himself, who later said that the film adaptation could have been much better.
War Horse (2011) | Credit: IMDb
The English book author, known prominently for his children’s novels, has shared that he is not a big fan of his book adaptations, including Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated film while arguing that it’s challenging for him to fully embrace cinematic interpretations of his own stories.
Steven Spielberg’s War Horse Failed to Impress its Original Author
Starring an ensemble cast including Jeremy Irvine, Tom Hiddleston, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film War Horse centers around a boy, Albert, and his horse Joey. After Joey is sold to British cavalry during World War I,...
War Horse (2011) | Credit: IMDb
The English book author, known prominently for his children’s novels, has shared that he is not a big fan of his book adaptations, including Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated film while arguing that it’s challenging for him to fully embrace cinematic interpretations of his own stories.
Steven Spielberg’s War Horse Failed to Impress its Original Author
Starring an ensemble cast including Jeremy Irvine, Tom Hiddleston, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film War Horse centers around a boy, Albert, and his horse Joey. After Joey is sold to British cavalry during World War I,...
- 5/26/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Cinema Management Group has reported brisk sales on Kensuke’s Kingdom featuring Cillian Murphy on the back of wins at the British Animation Awards for best picture, best screenplay and best original music.
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Paris-based Superprod Group has acquired top Luxembourgish animation companies Studio 352 and Mélusine Productions in a move that consolidates its position as one of Europe’s leading animation production groups.
Based in Contern in Southern Luxembourg, the sister companies were founded by Belgian producer Stéphan Roelants in the late 1990s.
Mélusine Productions develops, finances and manages the projects, while Studio 352, which has built up a local team of top-level artists and technicians, executes the work.
The sister companies have been involved in some of the most important animated feature films produced out of Europe in the past 27 years.
At the same time, they have also cemented Luxembourg’s position as an animation production hub, with strong support from the Luxembourg Film Fund.
Latest credits include Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Michael Morpurgo-adaptation Kensuké’s Kingdom, which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 British Animation Awards in February.
Other...
Based in Contern in Southern Luxembourg, the sister companies were founded by Belgian producer Stéphan Roelants in the late 1990s.
Mélusine Productions develops, finances and manages the projects, while Studio 352, which has built up a local team of top-level artists and technicians, executes the work.
The sister companies have been involved in some of the most important animated feature films produced out of Europe in the past 27 years.
At the same time, they have also cemented Luxembourg’s position as an animation production hub, with strong support from the Luxembourg Film Fund.
Latest credits include Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Michael Morpurgo-adaptation Kensuké’s Kingdom, which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 British Animation Awards in February.
Other...
- 4/2/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Francesca Orsi Wins Series Mania Award
HBO programing boss Francesca Orsi is to be awarded Series Mania’s Woman In Series Award and will take the stage with Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter at the Lille confab later this month. Orsi, whose slate has included the likes of The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Euphoria, along with Bad Wolf-made shows such as Industry, will speak about her career and the industry during the Tranter chat. She is one of the biggest draws for the Lille event, which takes place in two weeks and is featuring the likes of Patricia Arquette and Narcos showrunner Chris Brancato. “Awarding Francesca Orsi with this award for 2024 was an easy decision and an obvious choice for us,” said Laurence Herszberg, Series Mania founder. “Francesca is a true leader and I am incredibly honored to be presenting her with our award this year.” Last...
HBO programing boss Francesca Orsi is to be awarded Series Mania’s Woman In Series Award and will take the stage with Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter at the Lille confab later this month. Orsi, whose slate has included the likes of The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Euphoria, along with Bad Wolf-made shows such as Industry, will speak about her career and the industry during the Tranter chat. She is one of the biggest draws for the Lille event, which takes place in two weeks and is featuring the likes of Patricia Arquette and Narcos showrunner Chris Brancato. “Awarding Francesca Orsi with this award for 2024 was an easy decision and an obvious choice for us,” said Laurence Herszberg, Series Mania founder. “Francesca is a true leader and I am incredibly honored to be presenting her with our award this year.” Last...
- 3/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Originally developed as an eight-episode series, the maritime adventure “Lucy Lost” will instead hit the silver screen now that Paris-based powerhouse Xilam Animation has retooled the project as a feature. “Klaus” alum Olivier Clert has boarded as co-writer and director, joining BAFTA-winning screenwriter Helen Blakeman for a seaside family tale adapted from “War Horse” author Michael Morpurgo’s 2014 novel “Listen to the Moon.”
Xilam has shared this first-look with Variety ahead of the reformatted project’s pitch at Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux.
Set on the Isles of Scilly just off the Cornish coast, the film follows a young girl named Lucy raised by a clan of fishermen she knows not to be hers. However, she remembers little else about her past, and as a terrible war rages off in the distance, a chance encounter with the mysterious girl her own age soon helps Lucy put back the pieces of her...
Xilam has shared this first-look with Variety ahead of the reformatted project’s pitch at Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux.
Set on the Isles of Scilly just off the Cornish coast, the film follows a young girl named Lucy raised by a clan of fishermen she knows not to be hers. However, she remembers little else about her past, and as a terrible war rages off in the distance, a chance encounter with the mysterious girl her own age soon helps Lucy put back the pieces of her...
- 3/5/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Making Magic
To mark the 25th anniversary of the “Harry Potter” books being published in the U.S., the Empire State Building is set to be lit up in Hogwarts house colors at sunset on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
Viewers outside of New York can watch the building’s Tower Lights shine red for Gryffindor, yellow for Hufflepuff, blue for Ravenclaw and green for Slytherin on the Empire State’s live cam. For those in New York, there will be a magical pop-up cart on the 86th Floor Observation Deck where fans will be able to pick up free copies of the book and bottles of Butterbeer. Costumes and wizard robes are encouraged.
Crypto Scam
BBC One have set a documentary on alleged crypto-scammer Sam Bankman-Fried. Produced by Bitachon365 (“Secrets of Prince Andrew”), the 60-minute doc will air under the BBC’s “Panorama” strand on Sept. 25. A 90-minute cut will be available...
To mark the 25th anniversary of the “Harry Potter” books being published in the U.S., the Empire State Building is set to be lit up in Hogwarts house colors at sunset on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
Viewers outside of New York can watch the building’s Tower Lights shine red for Gryffindor, yellow for Hufflepuff, blue for Ravenclaw and green for Slytherin on the Empire State’s live cam. For those in New York, there will be a magical pop-up cart on the 86th Floor Observation Deck where fans will be able to pick up free copies of the book and bottles of Butterbeer. Costumes and wizard robes are encouraged.
Crypto Scam
BBC One have set a documentary on alleged crypto-scammer Sam Bankman-Fried. Produced by Bitachon365 (“Secrets of Prince Andrew”), the 60-minute doc will air under the BBC’s “Panorama” strand on Sept. 25. A 90-minute cut will be available...
- 9/22/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s book comes vividly to life in Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s joint feature debut, a castaway fantasy in which a young boy learns vital lessons about the natural order of things. Seasoned screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce is on board too, and yet this is likely one of his sparsest screenplays yet, leaning into the subtleties of the animation: traditional hand-drawn 2D with mixed-media elements for the background. Older kids will likely love it, but a beautifully stark encapsulation of the bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 may rule it out as something for the whole family.
It begins with 11-year-old Michael (Aaron MacGregor) setting off on a world cruise on The Peggy Sue with his parents (Cillian Murphy and Sally Hawkins) and sister (Raffey Cassidy). This is a normal family – the kids squabble and fight over their tasks – but Mum and Dad take their responsibilities seriously...
It begins with 11-year-old Michael (Aaron MacGregor) setting off on a world cruise on The Peggy Sue with his parents (Cillian Murphy and Sally Hawkins) and sister (Raffey Cassidy). This is a normal family – the kids squabble and fight over their tasks – but Mum and Dad take their responsibilities seriously...
- 6/17/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
The event showcases UK titles and UK sales companies to mainly European buyers.
Animated features Kensuke’s Kingdom, an adaptation of a Michael Morpurgo novel directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.and sold by Bankside, and Tim Harper’s Ozi - Voice Of The Forest, about an orphan orangutang, that is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and sold by Gfm, are among the high-profile projects that will screen to distributors at this year’s London Screenings.
The three-day event will take place at Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly Circus from June 19 - 21 2023,
UK and international sales companies will be...
Animated features Kensuke’s Kingdom, an adaptation of a Michael Morpurgo novel directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.and sold by Bankside, and Tim Harper’s Ozi - Voice Of The Forest, about an orphan orangutang, that is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and sold by Gfm, are among the high-profile projects that will screen to distributors at this year’s London Screenings.
The three-day event will take place at Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly Circus from June 19 - 21 2023,
UK and international sales companies will be...
- 6/8/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Since 1947, the Tony Awards have recognized an array of remarkable shows with the coveted title of Best Play. From timeless classics like Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire and Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman to modern-day masters such as Alan Bennett’s The History Boys and Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. Through their captivating narratives and spellbinding performances, the plays remind us why the Tonys have a knack for recognizing the timeless magic that leaves audiences longing for an encore.
The most recent winner was Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt, which won at the 2023 Tonys.
Scroll through the gallery to take a look back at all the Best Play winners.
The most recent winner was Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt, which won at the 2023 Tonys.
Scroll through the gallery to take a look back at all the Best Play winners.
- 6/6/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Leading animation festival will open with Benoît Chieux’s Sirocco And The Kingdom Of The Winds.
French director Benoît Chieux’s Sirocco And The Kingdom Of The Wind is to open the Annecy International Animation Film Festival which runs from June 11-17.
The film – about two young sisters who discover a passage between this world and the extraordinary universe of The Kingdom of the Winds - is one of 11 titles selected for the festival’s official competition, where it will compete for the Crystal award.
Scroll down for full list
Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Kensuke’s Kingdom – which is...
French director Benoît Chieux’s Sirocco And The Kingdom Of The Wind is to open the Annecy International Animation Film Festival which runs from June 11-17.
The film – about two young sisters who discover a passage between this world and the extraordinary universe of The Kingdom of the Winds - is one of 11 titles selected for the festival’s official competition, where it will compete for the Crystal award.
Scroll down for full list
Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry’s Kensuke’s Kingdom – which is...
- 4/28/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
More than 200 prominent individuals — including Hollywood actors Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Steve Coogan and Eva Green — have united through an international open letter to call on world leaders at the COP27 climate conference to end factory farming and transform our global food system.
The letter – organized by Compassion in World Farming as part of its new End of the Line for Factory Farming global campaign – highlights the urgent need to transform our global food system and calls on world leaders to support and deliver a global agreement on food and farming at the United Nations General Assembly. It is being released on Solutions Day at the conference.
Some 208 people from around the world have signed the letter, including:
Hollywood actors Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Steve Coogan and Eva Green
British TV personalities Chris Packham, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Dr. Amir Khan Gp, and actors Dame Joanna Lumley, Kate Ford and Peter Egan...
The letter – organized by Compassion in World Farming as part of its new End of the Line for Factory Farming global campaign – highlights the urgent need to transform our global food system and calls on world leaders to support and deliver a global agreement on food and farming at the United Nations General Assembly. It is being released on Solutions Day at the conference.
Some 208 people from around the world have signed the letter, including:
Hollywood actors Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Steve Coogan and Eva Green
British TV personalities Chris Packham, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Dr. Amir Khan Gp, and actors Dame Joanna Lumley, Kate Ford and Peter Egan...
- 11/22/2022
- Look to the Stars
Click here to read the full article.
Kenya Barris is set to do a fresh take on The Wizard of Oz for Warner Bros., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Barris will reimagine the Oscar-winning fantasy musical, which starred Judy Garland, Billie Burke, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley. Warner Bros. Pictures owns the rights to the 1939 Hollywood classic.
Barris will also produce Wizard of Oz through his production banner, Khalabo Ink Society.
Warner Bros. was developing an animated Wizard of Oz retelling, working with veteran scribe Mark Burton. The film, from Toto’s perspective, was to be based on a children’s book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy’s trip through Oz through the eyes of her faithful dog.
Elsewhere, Snoop Dogg and Barris are teaming for The Underdoggs comedy for MGM, with Charles Stone to direct, and MGM and Barris are...
Kenya Barris is set to do a fresh take on The Wizard of Oz for Warner Bros., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Barris will reimagine the Oscar-winning fantasy musical, which starred Judy Garland, Billie Burke, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley. Warner Bros. Pictures owns the rights to the 1939 Hollywood classic.
Barris will also produce Wizard of Oz through his production banner, Khalabo Ink Society.
Warner Bros. was developing an animated Wizard of Oz retelling, working with veteran scribe Mark Burton. The film, from Toto’s perspective, was to be based on a children’s book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy’s trip through Oz through the eyes of her faithful dog.
Elsewhere, Snoop Dogg and Barris are teaming for The Underdoggs comedy for MGM, with Charles Stone to direct, and MGM and Barris are...
- 8/15/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In Hollywood, they say it's all about who you know. In Steven Spielberg's case, that mantra rang true in his bid to make the historical war drama "War Horse." The 2011 film, based on Michael Morpurgo's best-selling novel of the same name, offers a unique perspective of World War I. The narrative is told through the eyes of Joey, a horse, who is purchased by a poor farming family in the English countryside. When the war begins, Joey's owner sells him to the army, much to the chagrin of the owner's son, Albert (Jeremy Irvine). We follow Joey's horrific journey on both...
The post Steven Spielberg Didn't Have To Look Far For His War Horse Research appeared first on /Film.
The post Steven Spielberg Didn't Have To Look Far For His War Horse Research appeared first on /Film.
- 8/11/2022
- by Travis Yates
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Doctor Who star Catherine Tate’s Netflix comedy Hard Cell is a tonal shift from her previous work, according to exec Kristian Smith, who revealed the mockumentary’s producer Leopard Pictures is working on a feature film adaptation of a Michael Morpurgo novel.
Hard Cell, which drops today, features a fake documentary crew following the inmates and staff of Hmp Woldsley, with beloved UK comedy star Tate portraying multiple characters to capture the British penal system at its brutal and humorous best.
Smith told Deadline the six-parter is a departure from Tate’s previous work such as the BBC’s The Catherine Tate Show and said it is unique in the TV landscape.
“There’s real pathos to this, it’s proper storytelling” he added. “The show is laugh out loud funny and everything people love about Catherine is there but you will see moments of great tragedy, real...
Hard Cell, which drops today, features a fake documentary crew following the inmates and staff of Hmp Woldsley, with beloved UK comedy star Tate portraying multiple characters to capture the British penal system at its brutal and humorous best.
Smith told Deadline the six-parter is a departure from Tate’s previous work such as the BBC’s The Catherine Tate Show and said it is unique in the TV landscape.
“There’s real pathos to this, it’s proper storytelling” he added. “The show is laugh out loud funny and everything people love about Catherine is there but you will see moments of great tragedy, real...
- 4/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Voice cast includes Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films has released a first-look image from Kensuke’s Kingdom, directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.
The UK-Luxembourg-France co-production is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name, published in 1999. Morpurgo is also the author of War Horse.
The voice cast features Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Boyle is a director and animator who has previously worked on Ethel And Ernest and Space Jam. The screenplay has been penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
The film tells the...
UK sales outfit Bankside Films has released a first-look image from Kensuke’s Kingdom, directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.
The UK-Luxembourg-France co-production is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name, published in 1999. Morpurgo is also the author of War Horse.
The voice cast features Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Boyle is a director and animator who has previously worked on Ethel And Ernest and Space Jam. The screenplay has been penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
The film tells the...
- 10/28/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Freddie Highmore to voice Oscar Wilde adaptation.
Production is underway on animated family feature The Canterville Ghost after closing financing with Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance Align.
Align joins India-based Toonz Media Group, which is producing the adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, and work has begun at Toonz Animation Studio in Trivandrum, India.
UK producers include Robert Chandler of Space Age Films as well as Gina Carter and Stephen Fry of Sprout Pictures. Politowski and Martin Metz will produce for Align. LA-based Cinema Management Group (Cmg) is handling worldwide sales.
Fry...
Production is underway on animated family feature The Canterville Ghost after closing financing with Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance Align.
Align joins India-based Toonz Media Group, which is producing the adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, and work has begun at Toonz Animation Studio in Trivandrum, India.
UK producers include Robert Chandler of Space Age Films as well as Gina Carter and Stephen Fry of Sprout Pictures. Politowski and Martin Metz will produce for Align. LA-based Cinema Management Group (Cmg) is handling worldwide sales.
Fry...
- 5/25/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Former Umedia exec Adrian Politowski’s new company invests $6.5m into the animated feature.
Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance company Align has boarded Kensuke’s Kingdom, the animated adaptation of the best-selling 1999 novel by UK author Michael Morpurgo.
Sold by Bankside Films, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been put together as a UK-France-Luxembourg co-production. It is directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, and has Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy in the voice cast.
The film tells the story of a boy swept overboard with his dog during a storm while on a sailing trip with his family.
Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance company Align has boarded Kensuke’s Kingdom, the animated adaptation of the best-selling 1999 novel by UK author Michael Morpurgo.
Sold by Bankside Films, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been put together as a UK-France-Luxembourg co-production. It is directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, and has Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy in the voice cast.
The film tells the story of a boy swept overboard with his dog during a storm while on a sailing trip with his family.
- 4/16/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Visual effects and animation studio Animal Logic confirmed that Warner Bros.’ animated musical adaptation of Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz will be the next project out of its Vancouver studio.
The Sydney-headquartered company opened its Vancouver base in 2015, after forging a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. through which it would make three animated movies, starting with The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, in Canada.
Toto, the third movie in the deal, is an adaptation of the children’s book by author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark. Alex Timbers is attached to direct,...
The Sydney-headquartered company opened its Vancouver base in 2015, after forging a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. through which it would make three animated movies, starting with The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, in Canada.
Toto, the third movie in the deal, is an adaptation of the children’s book by author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark. Alex Timbers is attached to direct,...
Visual effects and animation studio Animal Logic confirmed that Warner Bros.’ animated musical adaptation of Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz will be the next project out of its Vancouver studio.
The Sydney-headquartered company opened its Vancouver base in 2015, after forging a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. through which it would make three animated movies, starting with The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, in Canada.
Toto, the third movie in the deal, is an adaptation of the children’s book by author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark. Alex Timbers is attached to direct,...
The Sydney-headquartered company opened its Vancouver base in 2015, after forging a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. through which it would make three animated movies, starting with The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, in Canada.
Toto, the third movie in the deal, is an adaptation of the children’s book by author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark. Alex Timbers is attached to direct,...
‘Toto’ Animated Musical Prepping At Animal Logic Studio
Warner Bros’ feature musical animation Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story Of The Wizard Of Oz, based on the Michael Morpurgo book, is heading into production at the Animal Logic studio in Vancouver. Alex Timbers is directing the film from a screenplay by John August – the story is a re-telling of the classic tale from the perspective of Dorothy’s beloved companion. It will be produced by Derek Frey, who previously headed-up Tim Burton Productions. Pre-production has now begun, with the recruitment of artists underway. Animal Logic and Warner have been teaming for 20 years, and are now in production on an animated film based on the DC Super Pets franchise, directed by Jared Stern and set for release in 2022.
Federation Adds Doc Series & Films
French outfit Federation Entertainment has bolstered its documentary sales slate with four new series and film acquisitions. The company...
Warner Bros’ feature musical animation Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story Of The Wizard Of Oz, based on the Michael Morpurgo book, is heading into production at the Animal Logic studio in Vancouver. Alex Timbers is directing the film from a screenplay by John August – the story is a re-telling of the classic tale from the perspective of Dorothy’s beloved companion. It will be produced by Derek Frey, who previously headed-up Tim Burton Productions. Pre-production has now begun, with the recruitment of artists underway. Animal Logic and Warner have been teaming for 20 years, and are now in production on an animated film based on the DC Super Pets franchise, directed by Jared Stern and set for release in 2022.
Federation Adds Doc Series & Films
French outfit Federation Entertainment has bolstered its documentary sales slate with four new series and film acquisitions. The company...
- 2/9/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, based on the Michael Morpurgo novel, Terence Davies’ Siegfried Sassoon biopic Benediction and the Studiocanal-released Saint Maud were among the films to receive the highest level of support from the British Film Institute’s production and distribution funds this year.
It was a year like no other, and the pandemic impact is reflected in the fact that several of the productions were given additional awards to support them through virus-related disruption. Terence Davies’ Benediction, for example, received an initial £1.1M in production finance but a further £341,182 as the movie battled through delays. In total, the org handed out £1.24M to films interrupted by the pandemic.
Nine out of the top 10 films on the production list also received smaller amounts from the BFI’s Step-up initiative, which provides grants to encourage producers to increase representation on their sets and hire a more diverse production crew.
The...
It was a year like no other, and the pandemic impact is reflected in the fact that several of the productions were given additional awards to support them through virus-related disruption. Terence Davies’ Benediction, for example, received an initial £1.1M in production finance but a further £341,182 as the movie battled through delays. In total, the org handed out £1.24M to films interrupted by the pandemic.
Nine out of the top 10 films on the production list also received smaller amounts from the BFI’s Step-up initiative, which provides grants to encourage producers to increase representation on their sets and hire a more diverse production crew.
The...
- 12/29/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Titles include animation ’Kensuke’s Kingdom’ and Terence Davies’ next feature, ‘Benediction’.
The 10 biggest recipients of BFI production funding in 2020 received a total of £11.6m in support.
They include additional Covid-related production awards for BFI-backed projects interrupted at the start of pandemic such as Benediction, True Things and Pirates.
Nearly all 10 titles, with the exception of Earwig, also received £20,000 as part of pilot initiative BFI Step-up, which enabled productions to provide opportunities for production crew from under-represented groups to work on BFI-funded features
1. Kensuke’s Kingdom, Jigsaw Films (£1.62m)
Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe are among the English-language voice cast of this animated feature,...
The 10 biggest recipients of BFI production funding in 2020 received a total of £11.6m in support.
They include additional Covid-related production awards for BFI-backed projects interrupted at the start of pandemic such as Benediction, True Things and Pirates.
Nearly all 10 titles, with the exception of Earwig, also received £20,000 as part of pilot initiative BFI Step-up, which enabled productions to provide opportunities for production crew from under-represented groups to work on BFI-funded features
1. Kensuke’s Kingdom, Jigsaw Films (£1.62m)
Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe are among the English-language voice cast of this animated feature,...
- 12/27/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Animated Musical ‘Toto’ About the Dog From ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the Works at Warner Animation Group
Warner Animation Group is developing an animated musical based on the Michael Morpurgo children’s book “Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz,” according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
“Aladdin” screenwriter John August wrote the script based on the HarperCollins book, which is described as an uplifting take on “The Wizard of Oz” that centers on Dorothy’s pet dog, Toto.
Alex Timbers, a veteran Broadway director who co-created and executive produced “Mozart in the Jungle,” is set to direct. Additionally, Derek Frey will produce, and Jared Stern is executive producing.
Along with “Aladdin,” August’s credits include “Big Fish,” “Dark Shadows,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and the first two “Charlie’s Angels” movies for Sony. August also wrote and directed fantasy film “The Nines,” which starred Ryan Reynolds. August is repped by Verve and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
“Aladdin” screenwriter John August wrote the script based on the HarperCollins book, which is described as an uplifting take on “The Wizard of Oz” that centers on Dorothy’s pet dog, Toto.
Alex Timbers, a veteran Broadway director who co-created and executive produced “Mozart in the Jungle,” is set to direct. Additionally, Derek Frey will produce, and Jared Stern is executive producing.
Along with “Aladdin,” August’s credits include “Big Fish,” “Dark Shadows,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and the first two “Charlie’s Angels” movies for Sony. August also wrote and directed fantasy film “The Nines,” which starred Ryan Reynolds. August is repped by Verve and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
- 10/13/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Two-time Tony nominated director Alex Timbers is closed to direct a feature musical adaptation of the Harper Collins Michael Morpurgo book Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz for Warner Bros..
John August penned the script which is loosely based on the book, which tells the story of The Wizard of Oz from the point of view of Dorothy’s loyal companion, and as we all know, they’re not in Kansas anymore.
Jared Stern is serving as executive producer, and Derek Frey, who previously ran Tim Burton Productions and was Burton’s producer, will produce.
Timbers is in Tony contention this year for directing the Moulin Rouge! musical and when the shutdown occurred had Beetlejuice on Broadway as well. In addition he received a creative credit on David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Timbers’ theater credits include Disney Theatrical’s Peter and the Starcatcher which won...
John August penned the script which is loosely based on the book, which tells the story of The Wizard of Oz from the point of view of Dorothy’s loyal companion, and as we all know, they’re not in Kansas anymore.
Jared Stern is serving as executive producer, and Derek Frey, who previously ran Tim Burton Productions and was Burton’s producer, will produce.
Timbers is in Tony contention this year for directing the Moulin Rouge! musical and when the shutdown occurred had Beetlejuice on Broadway as well. In addition he received a creative credit on David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Timbers’ theater credits include Disney Theatrical’s Peter and the Starcatcher which won...
- 10/13/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Voice cast includes Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, which includes Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy among its voice cast, has secured fresh finance and animation partners as it goes into production.
UK-based Lupus Films, whose credits include Ethel & Ernest, will receive backing from the BFI, Ffilm Cymru, Creative Wales and Film Fund Luxembourg on the adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling children’s novel.
Cardiff-based firm BumpyBox has come on board as the production’s Welsh animation partner. Previously announced production partners include Luxembourg-based Melusine Productions and French production company Le Pacte.
Animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, which includes Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy among its voice cast, has secured fresh finance and animation partners as it goes into production.
UK-based Lupus Films, whose credits include Ethel & Ernest, will receive backing from the BFI, Ffilm Cymru, Creative Wales and Film Fund Luxembourg on the adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling children’s novel.
Cardiff-based firm BumpyBox has come on board as the production’s Welsh animation partner. Previously announced production partners include Luxembourg-based Melusine Productions and French production company Le Pacte.
- 9/7/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Driving to develop animated features and series that reach out to more sophisticated global families and 18-34 young adults after the milestone success of the Academy Award-nominated “I Lost My Body,” Marc du Pontavice’s French animation studio Xilam Animation has tapped ‘Dustbin Baby’ and ‘’Hetty Feather’ screenwriter Helen Blakeman to write “Lucy Lost.”
In the run-up to this year’s online Annecy Festival and Mifa market, Du Pontavice also teased further “The Wolf,” the next feature film at Xilam, to be directed by Julien Bisaro, nominated for an Annie for his storyboard artist work on “I Lost My Body,” whose half hour “Shooom’s Odyssey” is one of Annecy’s buzziest titles in its TV Film section.
A BAFTA and International Emmy Award winner for her TV screenplay adaptation of ‘Dustbin Baby’ for BBC/Kindle Entertainment, starring Juliet Stevenson, David Haig and Dakota Blue Richards, Blakeman is also the creator,...
In the run-up to this year’s online Annecy Festival and Mifa market, Du Pontavice also teased further “The Wolf,” the next feature film at Xilam, to be directed by Julien Bisaro, nominated for an Annie for his storyboard artist work on “I Lost My Body,” whose half hour “Shooom’s Odyssey” is one of Annecy’s buzziest titles in its TV Film section.
A BAFTA and International Emmy Award winner for her TV screenplay adaptation of ‘Dustbin Baby’ for BBC/Kindle Entertainment, starring Juliet Stevenson, David Haig and Dakota Blue Richards, Blakeman is also the creator,...
- 6/15/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Micheal Winterbottom’s Greed stars Steve Coogan as a vulgar super-rich British retail tycoon based loosely on Philip Green.
Michael Winterbottom’s Greed starring Steve Coogan opens in UK cinemas this weekend though Sony, with the director looking to set a new high benchmark for his films.
Greed stars Steve Coogan as Sir Richard ‘Greedy’ McCreadie, a vulgar super-rich British retail tycoon based loosely on Philip Green.
David Mitchell, Isla Fisher, Shirley Henderson and Asa Butterfield round out the main cast; the late TV presenter Caroline Flack makes a brief cameo.
Winterbottom has directed an impressive 29 features for theatrical and television release since his first,...
Michael Winterbottom’s Greed starring Steve Coogan opens in UK cinemas this weekend though Sony, with the director looking to set a new high benchmark for his films.
Greed stars Steve Coogan as Sir Richard ‘Greedy’ McCreadie, a vulgar super-rich British retail tycoon based loosely on Philip Green.
David Mitchell, Isla Fisher, Shirley Henderson and Asa Butterfield round out the main cast; the late TV presenter Caroline Flack makes a brief cameo.
Winterbottom has directed an impressive 29 features for theatrical and television release since his first,...
- 2/21/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Written and directed by Ben Cookson, Waiting for Anya is a WWII set tale about Jo Lalande (Stranger Things’ Noah Schnapp), a 13-year-old shepherd boy who discovers that a reclusive widow named Horcada (Anjelica Huston) is helping smuggle Jewish children into Spain. Cookson adapted his script from Michael Morpurgo’s (War Horse) novel of the same [...]
The post Director Ben Cookson And Noah Schnapp Face A Mountainous Challenge With ‘Waiting For Anya’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Director Ben Cookson And Noah Schnapp Face A Mountainous Challenge With ‘Waiting For Anya’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 2/4/2020
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Waiting For Anya Vertical Entertainment Reviewed for Shockya.com & BigAppleReviews.net linked from Rotten Tomatoes by: Harvey Karten Director: Ben Cookson Screenwriter: Ben Cookson, Michael Morpurgo, Toby Torlesse adapting Michael Morpurgo’s book of the same name Cast: Noah Schnapp, Anjelica Huston, Sadi Frost, Jean Reno, Nicolas Rowe, Thomas Kretschmann, Frederick Schmidt, Gilles Marini, Tómas Lemarquis, Elsa […]
The post Waiting for Anya Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Waiting for Anya Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 2/2/2020
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Exclusive: Aladdin screenwriter John August has been set to write Toto, an animated musical for the Warner Animation Group. Pic is based on the book Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz, written by Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Emma Chichester.
Jared Stern’s A Stern Talking To is attached to produce. Toto tells the Wizard of Oz story from the point of view of Dorothy’s dog.
August has a strong track record in writing fantastical movies, co-writing with director Guy Ritchie the Aladdin live action film that grossed $1 billion worldwide last year, and before that films that include Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Nines. Toto becomes the second high-profile musical for August, with the Grease prequel Summer Nights in development at Paramount Players.
August is also the author of the international best-selling middle grade fantasy trilogy of novels Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire,...
Jared Stern’s A Stern Talking To is attached to produce. Toto tells the Wizard of Oz story from the point of view of Dorothy’s dog.
August has a strong track record in writing fantastical movies, co-writing with director Guy Ritchie the Aladdin live action film that grossed $1 billion worldwide last year, and before that films that include Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Nines. Toto becomes the second high-profile musical for August, with the Grease prequel Summer Nights in development at Paramount Players.
August is also the author of the international best-selling middle grade fantasy trilogy of novels Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kaleidoscope Entertainment has acquired UK and Irish distribution rights (excluding ships and airlines) to Waiting for Anya, Ben Cookson’s World War II drama based on War Horse author Michael Morpurgo’s novel of the same name.
Stranger Things‘ Noah Schnapp, Oscar winner Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), Jean Reno (Leon) and Thomas Kretschmann (The Pianist) star in the feature about a 13 year-old shepherd (Schnapp), his grandfather (Reno) and a widow (Huston), who help smuggle Jewish children across the border from southern France into Spain during World War II.
Kaleidoscope says it is planning a wide theatrical release in February 2020, followed by digital and home entertainment releases in the summer. Schnapp is set to attend the film’s London premiere.
The UK deal was brokered by Victor Glynn and Geoff Iles. As we revealed last month, Vertical Entertainment has boarded North American rights from sales firm 13 Films.
Screenplay...
Stranger Things‘ Noah Schnapp, Oscar winner Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), Jean Reno (Leon) and Thomas Kretschmann (The Pianist) star in the feature about a 13 year-old shepherd (Schnapp), his grandfather (Reno) and a widow (Huston), who help smuggle Jewish children across the border from southern France into Spain during World War II.
Kaleidoscope says it is planning a wide theatrical release in February 2020, followed by digital and home entertainment releases in the summer. Schnapp is set to attend the film’s London premiere.
The UK deal was brokered by Victor Glynn and Geoff Iles. As we revealed last month, Vertical Entertainment has boarded North American rights from sales firm 13 Films.
Screenplay...
- 12/3/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to Waiting for Anya, Ben Cookson’s World War II drama based on the novel by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo. A day-and-date release is planned for early next year.
Stranger Things‘ Noah Schnapp, Anjelica Huston and Jean Reno star in the pic. The plot centers on Jo Lalande (Schnapp), a 13-year-old shepherd, and a widow, Horcada (Huston), who help smuggle Jewish children across the border from southern France into Spain during WWII.
Cookson wrote and directed the pic, which was produced by Phin Glynn and Alan Latham and hails from Goldfinch, Fourth Culture Films, Bad Penny Productions, 13 Films and Artemis Productions. 13 Films handled worldwide sales at the just-wrapped American Film Market.
Executive producers are Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, Tannaz Anisi, Kirsty Bell, Adam Betteridge, Alastair Burlingham, Ekkasitha Chalermrattawongz, Julian Hicks, Geoffrey Iles, Phil Mckenzie, Greg Schenz, Prornsuree Thienbunlertrat and Paul Ward.
Stranger Things‘ Noah Schnapp, Anjelica Huston and Jean Reno star in the pic. The plot centers on Jo Lalande (Schnapp), a 13-year-old shepherd, and a widow, Horcada (Huston), who help smuggle Jewish children across the border from southern France into Spain during WWII.
Cookson wrote and directed the pic, which was produced by Phin Glynn and Alan Latham and hails from Goldfinch, Fourth Culture Films, Bad Penny Productions, 13 Films and Artemis Productions. 13 Films handled worldwide sales at the just-wrapped American Film Market.
Executive producers are Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, Tannaz Anisi, Kirsty Bell, Adam Betteridge, Alastair Burlingham, Ekkasitha Chalermrattawongz, Julian Hicks, Geoffrey Iles, Phil Mckenzie, Greg Schenz, Prornsuree Thienbunlertrat and Paul Ward.
- 11/15/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles — Longtime Telefonica and Viacom exec Axel Kuschevatzky, one of the Spanish-speaking world’s highest-profile film executives, is teaming with “Waiting for Anya” producer Phin Glynn and Cindy Teperman (“Animal”) to launch L.A, London and Buenos Aires-based Infinity Hill.
A development-production-financing entity, Infinity Hill has unveiled a first film slate, with some some of the titles on offer at the American Film Market.
First up is “The Doorman,” starring Ruby Rose (Warner Bros.’ “Batwoman”) and Jean Reno (“Leon”). A Lionsgate U.S. pick up which has sold strongly in international, handled by Ddi, off a Berlin European Film Market bow, it is directed by Japan’s Ryûhei Kitamura. “The Doorman” is produced by Glynn, alongside Ddi’s Jason Moring, Immediate Film’s Michael Phillips and Smash Media’s Harry Winer.
Underscoring the film world’s new demands and consumer habits, first slate projects balance English-language projects – adaptations of...
A development-production-financing entity, Infinity Hill has unveiled a first film slate, with some some of the titles on offer at the American Film Market.
First up is “The Doorman,” starring Ruby Rose (Warner Bros.’ “Batwoman”) and Jean Reno (“Leon”). A Lionsgate U.S. pick up which has sold strongly in international, handled by Ddi, off a Berlin European Film Market bow, it is directed by Japan’s Ryûhei Kitamura. “The Doorman” is produced by Glynn, alongside Ddi’s Jason Moring, Immediate Film’s Michael Phillips and Smash Media’s Harry Winer.
Underscoring the film world’s new demands and consumer habits, first slate projects balance English-language projects – adaptations of...
- 11/7/2019
- by John Hopewell and Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Toulouse, France – Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Cartoon Forum wrapped Sept. 19 having showcased the ever-growing strength of European animation. 85 projects were pitched from 24 countries at the co-production forum platform that played host to north of 1,000 investors, distributors and producers – a record number.
Falling on French-speaking Belgium – Wallonie-Bruxelles – whose animators are aptly called the little giants of animation – this year’s Spotlight fore-fronted the technical skills of a region that has been betting intelligently on animation for several decades.
Wallonie-Bruxelles offers not only service companies and co-pruction partners but also strong tax incentives and regional funding. Two “little giants” won Cartoon Tributes, OUFTivi as best broadcaster and Panique! as best producer. Ireland’s Telegael (“Kulipari: an Army of Frogs”) took home Cartoon Forum’s best investor/distributor Tribute.
Belgium and Germany stood out at Cartoon Forum with nine and seven projects respectively. Biggest attendee, however, was France with 26
projects, appropriate for a...
Falling on French-speaking Belgium – Wallonie-Bruxelles – whose animators are aptly called the little giants of animation – this year’s Spotlight fore-fronted the technical skills of a region that has been betting intelligently on animation for several decades.
Wallonie-Bruxelles offers not only service companies and co-pruction partners but also strong tax incentives and regional funding. Two “little giants” won Cartoon Tributes, OUFTivi as best broadcaster and Panique! as best producer. Ireland’s Telegael (“Kulipari: an Army of Frogs”) took home Cartoon Forum’s best investor/distributor Tribute.
Belgium and Germany stood out at Cartoon Forum with nine and seven projects respectively. Biggest attendee, however, was France with 26
projects, appropriate for a...
- 9/21/2019
- by Emiliano Granada
- Variety Film + TV
Annecy, France – France’s “Lucy Lost” and “Galaxy Camp,” and the U.K.’s “The World’s Worst Children” are among the 86 TV series projects set to unspool at the 2019 Cartoon Forum, which takes place in Toulouse, Southern France. The 2019 Cartoon Forum runs Sept. 16-19.
Preeminent French animation company Xilam Animation, headed by Marc du Pontavice, is developing “Lucy Lost,” a family-targeted show of 26 26-minute episodes. Set during 1915 in the Islands of Scilly off Cornwall, the plot kicks off when a fisherman and his son rescue an injured girl from the sea. The girl just seems to be able to say one word- ‘Lucy’ – becoming a mystery for everybody in the local village.
The fishing community is not ready to accept mysteries, especially during war time. Is she a German spy? The adventure drama is an adaptation of bestseller “Listen to the Moon,” a WWI mystery novel by British children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo.
Preeminent French animation company Xilam Animation, headed by Marc du Pontavice, is developing “Lucy Lost,” a family-targeted show of 26 26-minute episodes. Set during 1915 in the Islands of Scilly off Cornwall, the plot kicks off when a fisherman and his son rescue an injured girl from the sea. The girl just seems to be able to say one word- ‘Lucy’ – becoming a mystery for everybody in the local village.
The fishing community is not ready to accept mysteries, especially during war time. Is she a German spy? The adventure drama is an adaptation of bestseller “Listen to the Moon,” a WWI mystery novel by British children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo.
- 6/14/2019
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
The life and work of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo will be the subject of a new animated film from U.K.-based Lupus Films and Universal Content Group. Paloma Baeza has signed on to direct the as-yet-untitled, female-led project.
Salma Hayek produced and starred in a biopic of Kahlo, “Frida,” which scored six Oscar noms. The animated feature will, the producers said, depict Frida Kahlo’s life in a celebratory way, offering an accurate representation of her as an artist and a woman. The film will use 2D animation with some live-action elements.
Baeza, herself of Mexican descent, was one of the Variety Animators to Watch last year, and landed a best animated short BAFTA for “Poles Apart.” She is currently helming Alex Garland’s animation and live-action hybrid movie “The Toymaker’s Secret” for Sony Tristar.
“Frida Kahlo approached life with such vibrant energy, and was ahead of her time in many ways,...
Salma Hayek produced and starred in a biopic of Kahlo, “Frida,” which scored six Oscar noms. The animated feature will, the producers said, depict Frida Kahlo’s life in a celebratory way, offering an accurate representation of her as an artist and a woman. The film will use 2D animation with some live-action elements.
Baeza, herself of Mexican descent, was one of the Variety Animators to Watch last year, and landed a best animated short BAFTA for “Poles Apart.” She is currently helming Alex Garland’s animation and live-action hybrid movie “The Toymaker’s Secret” for Sony Tristar.
“Frida Kahlo approached life with such vibrant energy, and was ahead of her time in many ways,...
- 4/30/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sally Hawkins (The Shape Of Water), Cillian Murphy (Inception), Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai) and Raffey Cassidy (The Killing Of A Sacred Deer) are to voice the animated adaptation of War Horse scribe Michael Morpurgo’s novel Kensuke’s Kingdom.
The children’s book tells the story of Michael, who is taken by his family on a round-the-world sailing trip. When a storm strikes he is washed overboard and ends up on a remote island in the Pacific where he struggles to survive on his own. He soon realizes there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive.
Sherlock Gnomes animator Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry (Junk) will direct the adventure story with an ecological message whose script comes from Frank Cottrell-Boyce (The Railway Man). Bankside is handling sales at the Efm and has previously closed pre-sales in France (Le Pacte...
The children’s book tells the story of Michael, who is taken by his family on a round-the-world sailing trip. When a storm strikes he is washed overboard and ends up on a remote island in the Pacific where he struggles to survive on his own. He soon realizes there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive.
Sherlock Gnomes animator Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry (Junk) will direct the adventure story with an ecological message whose script comes from Frank Cottrell-Boyce (The Railway Man). Bankside is handling sales at the Efm and has previously closed pre-sales in France (Le Pacte...
- 2/7/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Andy De Emmony (West Is West) directs the adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel.
Russell Brand family film Four Kids And It is attracting buyer interest at this year’s Afm for 13 Films.
Screen can reveal the first look image from the film, above.
Andy De Emmony (West Is West) directs the adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel, while Julie Baines and Anne Brogan produce. The shoot wrapped in Dublin recently.
Brand’s co-stars incluce Paula Patton, Michael Caine and Matthew Goode.
Simon Lewis has adapted Wilson’s novel for screen, with additional writing by Mark Oswin.
The story follows...
Russell Brand family film Four Kids And It is attracting buyer interest at this year’s Afm for 13 Films.
Screen can reveal the first look image from the film, above.
Andy De Emmony (West Is West) directs the adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel, while Julie Baines and Anne Brogan produce. The shoot wrapped in Dublin recently.
Brand’s co-stars incluce Paula Patton, Michael Caine and Matthew Goode.
Simon Lewis has adapted Wilson’s novel for screen, with additional writing by Mark Oswin.
The story follows...
- 11/2/2018
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Veteran press agents Jim Byk and Shane Marshall Brown are launching a new theatrical and entertainment publicity office, the duo announced to Deadline today. The new company will be called The Press Room.
Publicist Kelly Guiod will serve as vice president.
Both Byk and Brown move from Sam Rudy Media Relations; Brown, a senior press agent there, will work concurrently with Rudy and The Press Room before pivoting to the new company full time in 2019.
Clients to be represented by The Press Room include this season’s Broadway productions of Kenneth Lonergan’s The Waverly Gallery; King Lear starring Glenda Jackson; the world premiere of Gloria: A Life; and The Book of Mormon.
Also repped by The Press Room: The Royal Opera House’s Cinema Series for Trafalgar Releasing; Shakespeare’s Globe; Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful; the world premiere of Jessica Dickey’s The Convent; New York Classical Theatre...
Publicist Kelly Guiod will serve as vice president.
Both Byk and Brown move from Sam Rudy Media Relations; Brown, a senior press agent there, will work concurrently with Rudy and The Press Room before pivoting to the new company full time in 2019.
Clients to be represented by The Press Room include this season’s Broadway productions of Kenneth Lonergan’s The Waverly Gallery; King Lear starring Glenda Jackson; the world premiere of Gloria: A Life; and The Book of Mormon.
Also repped by The Press Room: The Royal Opera House’s Cinema Series for Trafalgar Releasing; Shakespeare’s Globe; Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful; the world premiere of Jessica Dickey’s The Convent; New York Classical Theatre...
- 10/1/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Principal photography on the film began on July 16 in Ireland.
Russell Brand (Get Him To The Greek) and Paula Patton (Precious) have joined the cast of Four Kids And It, the adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel directed by Andy De Emmony (West Is West).
Brand and Patton join a cast that already includes Michael Caine (Youth) and Matthew Goode (The Crown). Principal photography on the film began on July 16 on location in Ireland.
Simon Lewis has adapted Wilson’s novel for screen, with additional writing by Mark Oswin.
The story follows four children who are horrified to learn that...
Russell Brand (Get Him To The Greek) and Paula Patton (Precious) have joined the cast of Four Kids And It, the adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel directed by Andy De Emmony (West Is West).
Brand and Patton join a cast that already includes Michael Caine (Youth) and Matthew Goode (The Crown). Principal photography on the film began on July 16 on location in Ireland.
Simon Lewis has adapted Wilson’s novel for screen, with additional writing by Mark Oswin.
The story follows four children who are horrified to learn that...
- 7/19/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Ever watched The Wizard of Oz and thought: this could be better if it was told entirely from the perspective of Dorothy’s dog, Toto? Well you’re in luck because Warner Bros. is developing an animated film based on Michael Morpurgo‘s children’s book Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz. Because let’s be honest, we could […]
The post ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Animated Film Will Retell the Story From Toto’s Perspective appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Animated Film Will Retell the Story From Toto’s Perspective appeared first on /Film.
- 7/17/2018
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Warner Bros. is developing an animated Wizard of Oz retelling, working with veteran scribe Mark Burton.
Burton will adapt Toto, a children's book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy's trip through Oz from her faithful dog's perspective.
The movie from Warner Animation Group will be executive produced by Jared Stern and Winsor Yuan through their A Stern Talking To banner. Stern worked with Warner Bros. as a writer on the Lego Batman and Lego Ninjago pics.
Burton often works with the U.K.'s Aardman Studios, having written the studio's last two ...
Burton will adapt Toto, a children's book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy's trip through Oz from her faithful dog's perspective.
The movie from Warner Animation Group will be executive produced by Jared Stern and Winsor Yuan through their A Stern Talking To banner. Stern worked with Warner Bros. as a writer on the Lego Batman and Lego Ninjago pics.
Burton often works with the U.K.'s Aardman Studios, having written the studio's last two ...
- 7/12/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. is developing an animated Wizard of Oz retelling, working with veteran scribe Mark Burton.
Burton will adapt Toto, a children's book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy's trip through Oz from her faithful dog's perspective.
The movie from Warner Animation Group will be executive produced by Jared Stern and Winsor Yuan through their A Stern Talking To banner. Stern worked with Warner Bros. as a writer on the Lego Batman and Lego Ninjago pics.
Burton often works with the U.K.'s Aardman Studios, having written the studio's last two ...
Burton will adapt Toto, a children's book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy's trip through Oz from her faithful dog's perspective.
The movie from Warner Animation Group will be executive produced by Jared Stern and Winsor Yuan through their A Stern Talking To banner. Stern worked with Warner Bros. as a writer on the Lego Batman and Lego Ninjago pics.
Burton often works with the U.K.'s Aardman Studios, having written the studio's last two ...
- 7/12/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Gary Oldman, fresh from his Oscar win, and Jessica Alba, who stars in the forthcoming television series “L.A.’s Finest,” have joined the cast of thriller “Killers Anonymous,” producer Goldfinch Studios said Wednesday.
The cast also includes Tommy Flanagan, Sam Hazeldine (“Mechanic: Resurrection”), Rhyon Nicole Brown MyAnna Buring, Tim McInnerny (“Game of Thrones”), Michael Socha, Elizabeth Morris (“Let’s Be Evil”), Elliot James Langridge (“Northern Soul”) and Isabelle Allen (“Les Misérables”).
The film is shooting on location in London. Martin Owen (“Let’s Be Evil”) directs from a script co-written by Owen, Elizabeth Morris and Seth Johnson. Matt Williams is producing for Goldfinch alongside CEO Kirsty Bell. Executive producers are Doug Urbanski, Jonathan Willis and Phil McKenzie.
The film enters “a world that exists beneath ours, beneath the day-to-day, the restraint and the order,” according to a statement. “For every life there is a death, and for every person...
The cast also includes Tommy Flanagan, Sam Hazeldine (“Mechanic: Resurrection”), Rhyon Nicole Brown MyAnna Buring, Tim McInnerny (“Game of Thrones”), Michael Socha, Elizabeth Morris (“Let’s Be Evil”), Elliot James Langridge (“Northern Soul”) and Isabelle Allen (“Les Misérables”).
The film is shooting on location in London. Martin Owen (“Let’s Be Evil”) directs from a script co-written by Owen, Elizabeth Morris and Seth Johnson. Matt Williams is producing for Goldfinch alongside CEO Kirsty Bell. Executive producers are Doug Urbanski, Jonathan Willis and Phil McKenzie.
The film enters “a world that exists beneath ours, beneath the day-to-day, the restraint and the order,” according to a statement. “For every life there is a death, and for every person...
- 7/11/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute’s London event was celebrated at The May Fair hotel on May 31.
Sundance London, the Sundance Institute’s UK offshoot of their January festival, celebrated its 2018 edition opening night with a party at The May Fair hotel on May 31.
Guests in attendance included Sundance director John Cooper and new director of programming Kim Yutani and joint managing director at Picturehouse Cinemas Clare Binns.
Sundance London takes place at Picturehouse Central in London from May 31 to June 3.
Sundance London, the Sundance Institute’s UK offshoot of their January festival, celebrated its 2018 edition opening night with a party at The May Fair hotel on May 31.
Guests in attendance included Sundance director John Cooper and new director of programming Kim Yutani and joint managing director at Picturehouse Cinemas Clare Binns.
Sundance London takes place at Picturehouse Central in London from May 31 to June 3.
- 6/1/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Simon Reade’s critically acclaimed Irish production of the one-man play Private Peaceful starring Shane O’Regan will make its New York debut Off Broadway in August, producers said today. Reade (screenwriter on 2017’s Journey’s End) adapted the play from the novel by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo.
Earlier productions of the play have been staged on London’s West End, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Bristol Old Vic. The current production starring O’Regan began touring Ireland last year.
Producers Pemberley Productions and Ireland’s Verdant Productions said today that Private Peaceful will play a limited six-week engagement at Manhattan’s Tbg Mainstage Theatre from August 28 through October 7, with the official opening set for Thursday, September 6.
Morpurgo’s young adult novel was first published in 2003, and Reade’s stage adaptation was first produced the following year at the Bristol Old Vic. Reade also adapted the novel into...
Earlier productions of the play have been staged on London’s West End, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Bristol Old Vic. The current production starring O’Regan began touring Ireland last year.
Producers Pemberley Productions and Ireland’s Verdant Productions said today that Private Peaceful will play a limited six-week engagement at Manhattan’s Tbg Mainstage Theatre from August 28 through October 7, with the official opening set for Thursday, September 6.
Morpurgo’s young adult novel was first published in 2003, and Reade’s stage adaptation was first produced the following year at the Bristol Old Vic. Reade also adapted the novel into...
- 5/31/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryan Reynolds sequel easily tops Avengers: Infinity War in opening weekend.
RankFilm / DistributorWeekend Gross
(Fri-Sun)Running
TotalWeek 1 Deadpool 2 (Fox) £7.7m £12.9m 1 2 Avengers: Infinity War (Disney) £2.05m £64.05m 4 3 Sherlock Gnomes (Paramount) £709,101 £3.48m 2 4 I Feel Pretty (Stx) £407,773 £3.9M 3 5 Life Of The Party (Warner Bros) £226,704 £1.11m 2 20th Century Fox
Deadpool 2 easily topped the UK box office on its first full weekend, plundering a £7.7m Fri-Sun non-final total. The Ryan Reynolds-starring sequel opened on Tuesday and had already made £5.24m in previews, taking its cume to £12.9m.
This is slightly down on the original’s £13.72m opening, which opened one day later on a Wednesday.
RankFilm / DistributorWeekend Gross
(Fri-Sun)Running
TotalWeek 1 Deadpool 2 (Fox) £7.7m £12.9m 1 2 Avengers: Infinity War (Disney) £2.05m £64.05m 4 3 Sherlock Gnomes (Paramount) £709,101 £3.48m 2 4 I Feel Pretty (Stx) £407,773 £3.9M 3 5 Life Of The Party (Warner Bros) £226,704 £1.11m 2 20th Century Fox
Deadpool 2 easily topped the UK box office on its first full weekend, plundering a £7.7m Fri-Sun non-final total. The Ryan Reynolds-starring sequel opened on Tuesday and had already made £5.24m in previews, taking its cume to £12.9m.
This is slightly down on the original’s £13.72m opening, which opened one day later on a Wednesday.
- 5/21/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Palme d’Or-winner Shoplifters finishes second.
Burning, Lee Chang-dong’s drama based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, has finished top of Screen’s Cannes 2018 jury grid with a record score of 3.8 out of 4.
Described by Screen’s review as ’quietly devastating…a film of wondrous complexity and inscrutability’, the film centres on a lost young man, the woman he falls for, and a stranger with unknown motivations. It received top marks from eight of the ten critics on the grid and 3 from the other two.
The 3.8 average is the highest score in the history of the Screen Cannes jury grid,...
Burning, Lee Chang-dong’s drama based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, has finished top of Screen’s Cannes 2018 jury grid with a record score of 3.8 out of 4.
Described by Screen’s review as ’quietly devastating…a film of wondrous complexity and inscrutability’, the film centres on a lost young man, the woman he falls for, and a stranger with unknown motivations. It received top marks from eight of the ten critics on the grid and 3 from the other two.
The 3.8 average is the highest score in the history of the Screen Cannes jury grid,...
- 5/19/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Lee Chang-dong’s drama received top marks from eight of the ten critics.
Burning, Lee Chang-dong’s drama based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, has finished top of Screen’s Cannes 2018 jury grid with a record score of 3.8 out of 4.
Described by Screen’s review as ’quietly devastating…a film of wondrous complexity and inscrutability’, the film centres on a lost young man, the woman he falls for, and a stranger with unknown motivations. It received top marks from eight of the ten critics on the grid and 3 from the other two.
The 3.8 average is the highest score...
Burning, Lee Chang-dong’s drama based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, has finished top of Screen’s Cannes 2018 jury grid with a record score of 3.8 out of 4.
Described by Screen’s review as ’quietly devastating…a film of wondrous complexity and inscrutability’, the film centres on a lost young man, the woman he falls for, and a stranger with unknown motivations. It received top marks from eight of the ten critics on the grid and 3 from the other two.
The 3.8 average is the highest score...
- 5/19/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Bankside Films boards feature animation from Ethel & Ernest producers.
Kensuke’s Kingdom, the feature animation based on a Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s novel from the team behind Ethel & Ernest, has secured a sales deal ahead of Cannes with UK outfit Bankside Films.
The Railway Man screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce has adapted Morpurgo’s novel for the screen. Producers are Sarah Radclyffe, who co-founded UK powerhouse Working Title, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding, the co-founders of Ethel & Ernest animation studio Lupus Films, with Barnaby Spurrier (Somers Town) and Stephan Roelants (Ernest & Celestine).
The project is being directed by Neil Boyle,...
Kensuke’s Kingdom, the feature animation based on a Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s novel from the team behind Ethel & Ernest, has secured a sales deal ahead of Cannes with UK outfit Bankside Films.
The Railway Man screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce has adapted Morpurgo’s novel for the screen. Producers are Sarah Radclyffe, who co-founded UK powerhouse Working Title, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding, the co-founders of Ethel & Ernest animation studio Lupus Films, with Barnaby Spurrier (Somers Town) and Stephan Roelants (Ernest & Celestine).
The project is being directed by Neil Boyle,...
- 5/1/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
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