ITV

Category: Hollywood

  • ‘American Sniper’ becomes highest-grossing film of 2014

    ‘American Sniper’ becomes highest-grossing film of 2014

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ American Sniper has surpassed two more major milestones, emerging as the top-grossing domestic release of 2014. The film has also surpassed half a billion dollars worldwide, and still climbing. 

     

    To date, the film has grossed an estimated $337.2 million at the domestic box office, and still counting, making it the highest-grossing film in director Clint Eastwood’s long and illustrious career. Among its many other records, American Sniper is also the number one war movie of all time and the top-grossing film in the career of Bradley Cooper, who earned his third consecutive Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of the film’s title character, Chris Kyle.

     

    In addition to its North American success, American Sniper is drawing large numbers of moviegoers overseas, where it is currently in release in 57 markets. The film, to date, has earned an estimated $163 million at the international box office, for an extraordinary worldwide total of $500.2 million and rising.

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman said, “From its record-breaking Christmas opening, American Sniper has been a box office phenomenon. The film’s A+ CinemaScore in every category has translated into enthusiastic word-of-mouth that continues to generate both first-time and repeat business. We could not be happier for Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and everyone on the incredible filmmaking team on this remarkable achievement.”

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president of worldwide marketing and international distribution Sue Kroll added, “American Sniper has become a cultural touchstone that people want to share, discuss and remember. We are thrilled that the movie is still filling theatres, not only in the United States but around the globe, as filmgoers everywhere experience the power of the story of Chris and Taya Kyle.”

     

    “We are all so proud of American Sniper. Its box office success is not only a testament to the talents of Clint, Bradley and all those involved in the film, but also a measure of our appreciation for the sacrifices of all veterans and their families. Congratulations to our partners at Village Roadshow and Ratpac-Dune and everyone behind American Sniper on reaching another momentous benchmark,” said Warner Bros. Pictures president, creative development and worldwide production Greg Silverman.

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president, international distribution Veronika Kwan Vandenberg noted, “Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”

  • The Daytime Emmy Awards return; Michael Levitt to produce broadcast

    The Daytime Emmy Awards return; Michael Levitt to produce broadcast

    MUMBAI: The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and Pop, a newly rebranded television network seen in more than 80 million homes (formerly TV Guide Network), announced that the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be nationally broadcast live on 26 April on Pop. In addition, the Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards gala will take place on 24 April at the Universal Hilton in Los Angeles.

     

    Televised from the legendary Warner Bros. Studios lot on Stage 16 – the location of countless iconic Hollywood films such as Casablanca, Jurassic Park and Ghostbusters – the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards show will be executive produced by Michael Levitt, one of the industry’s most acclaimed producers of live events and awards shows.

     

    “Our new partnership with the Pop network is an ideal platform to present our signature gala. With the Warner Bros Studios as our venue, where so many great films and television shows have been made, coupled together with Michael Levitt, our executive producer, who created the TV Land Awards, and has produced numerous live event specials including The Producers Guild Awards, The Billboard Music Awards, and E! Live from the Red Carpet shows for the Golden Globes and Oscars, this promises to be a very special telecast of the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” said NATAS president Bob Mauro.

     

    “As a network that celebrates talent, we are thrilled to bring the Daytime Emmy Awards back to television for the fans. Daytime audiences are some of the most amazing and passionate in all of television, and we are proud to honor the greatest works and achievements of daytime. Adding premium live events to our schedule is just another exciting way we are building Pop. We’re going to have a lot of fun with this,” said Pop president Brad Schwartz.

     

    “As a fan of daytime television, I couldn’t be more honored to be producing this landmark special. The daytime community consistently generates quality programming and has so much to be proud of. I’m thrilled to be able to produce this ceremony that will celebrate the best of daytime in a memorable, fun and reverential way,” said Levitt.

     

    The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all fields of daytime television production and are presented to individuals and programs broadcast during the 2014 calendar year. The Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards gala honors the crafts behind the many shows that grace the Daytime genre.

     

    The 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards is a presentation of NATAS in cooperation with the Television Academy. The show will be produced by Michael Levitt of Michael Levitt Productions with Gary Tellalian and Mike Rothman also serving as executive producers.

  • Lionsgate partners Buena Vista for ‘The Hunger Games’ release in Russia

    Lionsgate partners Buena Vista for ‘The Hunger Games’ release in Russia

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate and Buena Vista International (BVI) have joined hands on the theatrical release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, the fourth installment of the global blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, in Russia and the rest of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) later this year.

     

    BVI will launch Mockingjay 2 on 19 November in all available formats including Imax 3D as part of the film’s day-and-date global rollout.

     

    “Mockingjay 2 is the next thrilling chapter of an incredible global franchise, and we look forward to creating a singular motion picture event for Russian audiences. We’re delighted to extend our partnership with our friends at Lionsgate on one of the most highly anticipated films of the year,” said BVI international distribution executive David Kornblum.

     

    “We’re thrilled to capitalize on the opportunity to extend our long and successful relationship with the BVI team around the world. Their prestige, performance and consistency speak for themselves.  We look forward to creating an epic and memorable Mockingjay 2 launch for our Russian fans, and BVI is the perfect partner to help us bring The Hunger Games franchise to the next level of performance,” added Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chair Patrick Wachsberger

     

    Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label has previously partnered with BVI on the Japanese release of the action thriller Red, the release of the Step Up franchise in Japan and Spain and the Japanese releases of Source Code and Tree of Life.

     

    The first three installments of The Hunger Games franchise have already grossed more than $2.3 billion at the global box office, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the tenth highest-grossing domestic release of all time. The Hunger Games trilogy of books has already sold more than 82 million copies around the world.

     

    The Lionsgate and Summit labels will continue their theatrical output deals with West Company and Central Partnership, respectively, for the rest of their theatrical slates in Russia and the CIS.

  • Hong Kong Intl Film Fest to showcase 260 films from 56 countries

    Hong Kong Intl Film Fest to showcase 260 films from 56 countries

    MUMBAI: Murmur of the Hearts by Sylvia Chang will be the opening film of the 39th International Film Festival opening on 23 March. The Festival will close on 6 April with Port of Call by Philip Yung. Both the films are to get their world premieres at the Festival.

     

    The festival will screen 264 films from 56 countries, including 78 world or Asian premieres. While Chang’s film is about growing up and letting go in Taiwan, Yung is a compassionate look at the effect of crimes on the families of the criminals.

     

    With Germany as the country of focus, there will be 13 films from that country including Victoria, which won the Silver Bear at the Berlinale for artistic contribution. The German programme is supported by the Goethe Institute in Hong Kong and German Films.

     

    The Festival is supported by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), which is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film. Through its year-round programmes, the mission of the Society is to strengthen global appreciation of Asian and Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong. 

     

    Committed to the development of a vibrant film culture in Hong Kong and Asia, the Society organises two annual flagship events in March and April: the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

    The Hong Kong International Film & Television Market (FILMART), a concurrent event of the HKIFF, will be held along with the Festival. This will be held from 23 to 26 March.

     

    Committed to discovering new talent, the Festival premieres the breadth of Chinese cinema and showcases Asian talents. As a lifestyle event, festival-goers can enjoy world-class films, attend seminars hosted by leading filmmakers from around the world, visit film exhibitions, join celebration parties, and more.

     

    The Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) to be held from 23 to 25 March is widely recognised as the most important film-financing platform in Asia. The HAF brings Asian filmmakers with upcoming projects to Hong Kong to explore co-production opportunities with top financiers, producers, bankers, distributors and buyers. Attracting more than 1,000 filmmakers and guests from at least 35 countries and regions, around 30 projects are selected annually to participate in the three-day event.

  • Censor Board bans ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ in India

    Censor Board bans ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ in India

    MUMBAI: It finally official. Fifty Shades of Grey will not see an India release. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has said that they will not allow the film to be shown in cinemas as fans had eagerly waited for the release of the film in India.

     

    Fifty Shades of Grey was first screened at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival on 11 February, 2015. The film was released in 75 IMAX screens across the US on 13 February, 2015.

     

    Central Board of Film Certification Shravan Kumar did not mention the reasons for which the panel refused to approve the film adaptation. He though went on to add that the Comcast Corp unit that released the Universal Pictures film could appeal the decision. 

     

    Sources said that the board had objected to the film’s dialogue, even after Universal had made voluntary edits to the film to bring down its raunchy sex scenes and removed some forms of nudity.

     

    The film so far has grossed more than $400 million in global ticket sales. However, countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya have banned the film in their theaters for its sexual content.

  • India & China lead nominations for Asian Film Awards in Macau

    India & China lead nominations for Asian Film Awards in Macau

    NEW DELHI: Three Indian films share seven nominations among 42 films nominated in 14 categories for the Asian Film Awards this year. 

     

    Haider has four nominations. In addition to Best Film, Haider is recognised for its director Vishal Bhardwaj, supporting actress Tabu, and production design. 

     

    Margarita, With a Straw is recognised for Kalki Koechlin’s performance and its score. 

     

    Court is nominated for director Chaitanya Tamhane’s screenplay.

     

    The awards are returning to Macau on 25 March this year. In sharp contrast to December’s Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), there are no nominations shared with the remainder of Asia or the Middle East. The festival defines the Asian Region as “East of the Suez”. It still maintains several voting members from Iran, a country that has previously won big at the awards. 

     

    With five nominations, Ann Hui’s biographical drama The Golden Era (China – Hong Kong) has the highest number of nominations for any single film, but it has not been recognised for Best Film. 

     

    Overall, films from China – including Hong Kong co-productions – are the most recognised with 26 nominations out of 74 in all categories. Three local Hong Kong films – That Demon Within, Golden Chickensss and The Midnight After -score an additional three nominations.

     

    Along with Haider, China’s Black Coal, Thin Ice and Blind Massage are the next most recognised films, with four nominations apiece. They will compete for Best Film with Japan’s The Light Shines Only There and from South Korea, Hill of Freedom and Ode to My Father. 

     

    Three China co-productions received four nominations apiece: Diao Yi’nan Black Coal, Thin Ice, Lou Ye’s Blind Massage and Jiang Wen’s Gone with the Bullets. Tsui Hark’s The Taking of Tiger Mountain 3D received three nominations; Zhang Yimou’s Coming Home has two nominations, for actresses Gong Li and Zhang Huiwen.

     

    From South Korea, 10 films have received 16 nominations. Two films received three nominations apiece: Hong Sang-soo’s Hill of Freedom (including Best Actor for Japan’s Kase Ryo) and Kim Seong-hun’s A Hard Day. The two films screened in Venice and Cannes last year. 

     

    From Japan, 12 films have received 15 nominations. Only two films received more than one nomination: Oh Mipo’s The Light Shines Only There and Miike Takashi’s Over Your Dead Body. In addition to Best Film, Oh’s film is nominated for Takada Ryo’s screenplay and Ikewaki Chizuru’s supporting actress performance.

     

    The cinema of Southeast Asia is almost completely overlooked in the nominations. Just two films are recognised: Indonesia’s The Raid 2 directed by Gareth Evans, and the Philippines’ From What is Before directed by Lav Diaz. Diaz has a Best Director nominee for his 338-minute drama.

  • Merlin Entertainments plans 4D film on ‘The Lego Movie’

    Merlin Entertainments plans 4D film on ‘The Lego Movie’

    MUMBAI: Merlin Entertainments is partnering with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and The Lego Group to bring a new 4D animated film based on the popular characters of The Lego Movie, from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and Lego System A/S, to guests at LegoLand Parks and LegoLand Discovery Centers around the world later this year.

     

    The new 4D animated film will open exclusively at the six LegoLand Parks and 11 LegoLand Discovery Centers in North America, Asia and Europe.

     

    Using elements such as wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects, the larger-than-life experience brings the film’s main characters, Emmet and Wyldstyle, back together with their friends for another awesome adventure.

     

    “We’re excited to be partnering with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and The Lego Group on such a, dare I say, awesome, adventure. Emmet and Wyldstyle have become immensely popular at our theme parks and Discovery Centers across the globe and bringing this new 4D movie exclusively to our guests continues our Merlin philosophy of creating memorable family experiences,” says Merlin Entertainments CEO Nick Varney.

     

    “More than a film, The Lego Movie became an anthem for creative building, inspiring families around the world to pull their Lego collections out and piece together their imaginations. I know that LegoLand guests are going to love seeing these characters in a fun, new adventure,” says Lego Group vice president, licensing and entertainment Jill Wilfert.

  • RIP Mr Spock: Star Trek’s Leonard Limoy returns to the stars

    RIP Mr Spock: Star Trek’s Leonard Limoy returns to the stars

    MUMBAI: One of Hollywood’s most well known faces of the sci-fi property Star Trek, Leonard Limoy passed away aged 83. He played the role of a human alien philosopher and first officer Mr Spock in the popular series.

     

    The actor sent his last tweet on Monday, which suggested that he knew the end was coming soon. It said, “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP.”

     

    His wife Susan Bay Nimoy told the New York Times that Limoy passed away on Friday morning due to an end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Bel-Air. Some days before he had been hospitalised at the UCLA medical center with breathing difficulties.

     

    His famous salutation “Live long and prosper” will be remembered the most.

     

    US President Barack Obama took a few minutes to remember Nimoy’s most famous character. “Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy, I loved Spock,” he said.

  • Harrison Ford to star in ‘Blade Runner’ sequel

    Harrison Ford to star in ‘Blade Runner’ sequel

    MUMBAI: Harrison Ford is up and ready to star in the sequel to Blade Runner. He will reprise his role as Rick Deckard in the upcoming movie Prisoners. The director Denis Villeneuve is in talks to helm the Alcon Entertainment film.

     

    The film is scheduled to start principle photography in the summer of 2016. Hampton Fancher (who co-wrote the original) and Michael Green have written the screenplay, which is based on an idea from Fancher and Ridley Scott.

     

    The story takes place several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original, which centered on a man (Ford) working as a blade runner who was tasked with chasing down machines called replicants.

     

    Alcon Entertainment acquired the rights to Blade Runner in 2011 with the intention of making both prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Bud Yorkin will serve as a producer on the sequel along with Alcon co-founders Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson.

     

    Thunderbird Films CEOs Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble will serve as executive producers.

     

    Villeneuve most recently directed the crime thriller Sicario, staring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro. He also directed Canada’s Oscar-nominated French-language film Incendies and Prisoners, staring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

     

    Ford will next be seen in Lionsgate’s The Age of Adaline and will reprise his role as Han Solo in Disney’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

  • Sony Pictures inks first-look deal with Josh Bratman

    Sony Pictures inks first-look deal with Josh Bratman

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has signed a two-year first-look deal with Josh Bratman’s Immersive Pictures.

     

    Bratman will produce multiple movie projects for the studio under the deal. These include:

     

    1) The Harlem Hellfighters, based on the graphic novel by Max Brooks, with Overbrook Entertainment;

     

    2) The Black Count, based on Tom Reiss’ biography of General Alex Dumas, with John Legend’s Get Lifted Productions. Cary Fukunaga to adapt and direct;

     

    3) The Sculptor, based on Scott McCloud’s graphic novel, which Bratman will produce with Scott Rudin;

     

    4) The Themis Files, an upcoming sci-fi debut novel by Sylvain Neuvel, which David Koepp will adapt and on which Bratman will team with Matt Tolmach Productions;

     

    5) Descender, based on Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s upcoming graphic novel.

     

    “Josh has been an important part of the Sony Pictures family for many years. This deal just cements that fact. He’s an incredibly skilled producer, capable of the best work on many different kinds of films.  We’re thrilled that we’ll be keeping him in-house as he continues to work on some of our most important development projects,” said Columbia Pictures presidents of production Michael De Luca and Hannah Minghella.

     

    Before founding Immersive Pictures, Bratman worked as an executive for Sony Pictures-based Michael De Luca Productions for over a decade. There, he oversaw and executive produced various projects for De Luca.