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Tag: Dan Fellman

  • Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’ to release in December 2017

    Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’ to release in December 2017

    MUMBAI: The game is on in 2017. Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures’ Ready Player One – the sci-fi action adventure to be directed by Steven Spielberg – has been slated for release on 15 December, 2017.

     

    A three-time Academy Award winner, Spielberg is directing Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon. The film is being produced by Spielberg; Donald De Line, under his De Line Pictures banner; Dan Farah; and Spielberg’s longtime colleague Kristie Macosko Krieger; with Bruce Berman serving as executive producer. De Line and Farah originally brought the project to Warner Bros.

     

    Ready Player One marks a return to Warner Bros. for Spielberg, who previously directed the studio’s Empire of the Sun, The Color Purple and A.I. Artificial Intelligence, in addition to producing the hits Gremlins and The Goonies.

     

    Warner Bros president, domestic distribution Dan Fellman said, “Any film from Steven Spielberg is an event film, so it felt right to date this thrilling new project from one of our greatest filmmakers for the holiday season.”

     

    Warner Bros president, worldwide marketing and distribution Sue Kroll added, “From the success of the book, Ready Player One already has a devoted following, and we’re excited for its fans and moviegoers everywhere to see this fantastically innovative story come to life. We know it couldn’t be in better hands, and look forward to working with Steven and the producers to bring it to the big screen.”

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president, worldwide distribution Veronika Kwan Vandenberg said, “There are few directors with the global stature of Steven Spielberg, so we are thrilled to be delivering his latest adventure to audiences worldwide.”

  • Dan Fellman steps down from Warner Bros; Kroll named president worldwide distribution

    Dan Fellman steps down from Warner Bros; Kroll named president worldwide distribution

    MUMBAI: Hollywood’s theatrical distribution legend Dan Fellman is all set to leave Warner Bros. Pictures at year’s end. As Warner Bros. Pictures enjoys its unprecedented 15th consecutive billion-dollar-plus year at the US box office, Fellman, who serves as president, domestic distribution, will hang his boots at the studio at the end of the year, capping a 37-year career with Warner Bros.

     

    In the light of this development, Warner Bros has consolidated the studio’s domestic and international film distribution into a global function, wherein Sue Kroll has been promoted to Warner Bros. Pictures president, worldwide marketing and distribution. Kroll will report to Warner Bros chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara.

     

    Additionally, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg has been promoted to Warner Bros. Pictures president, worldwide distribution.

     

    Speaking on Fellman, Tsujihara said, “While Dan’s role was to run domestic distribution for Warner Bros., he really helped shape and lead the entire theatrical distribution business. It goes without saying he’s been an invaluable asset to the company, and he’s also been incredibly important and helpful to me personally. A couple of years ago, I asked him to stay on to help me – and Warner Bros. – through the executive transition. He graciously agreed, and now we’re at a place where we both feel the time is right to make this change. We will miss him tremendously.”

     

    Under Fellman’s leadership of domestic distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures has become the only studio to gross more than $1 billion domestically for 15 consecutive years (including 2015) as well as to have more than 70 movies earn more than $100 million domestically.

     

    He was instrumental in the industry’s conversion to digital cinema and the development of the satellite delivery system DCDC. In 2003, he pioneered the theatrical release of feature films in the IMAX format. The division recently handled the strategic rollout of Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, with a domestic gross of $350 million, the highest of 2014.

     

    Eastwood opined, “I’ve known and worked with Dan for years, from Unforgiven to American Sniper and everything in between. He’s been a great partner on my films and helped us find the right audiences for our greatest success. Dan’s a fantastic film executive and a close friend, and I look forward to working with him on my projects in the future.”

     

    Speaking on Kroll and Kwan Vandenberg’s appointments, Tsujihara said, “Entertainment is a global business, and combining domestic and international film distribution is the logical evolution of our operations. Sue and Veronika are great executives with global perspectives and expertise that will serve this new structure well. Veronika has headed up our international distribution for the last 15 years and we know she’ll bring the same thoughtful, strategic management to our domestic film operations. And, Sue is widely known and respected for her acumen and success in marketing and distribution in the global film marketplace. Dan has been a formidable force in the distribution world, and there’s no one better to continue his great work on our behalf than Veronika and Sue.”

     

    “Veronika and I have been partners for years, and I look forward to this next chapter in our professional relationship. I’d also like to acknowledge the legacy of excellence and achievement that Dan and his team have established. There’s a high bar set for us, and I’m confident that working together as a global team, we’ll continue this success,” said Kroll.

     

    “I am very fortunate to have worked closely with my colleague and dear friend Dan Fellman throughout these years. Our domestic film team is the best in the business, and I’m excited to be working with Jeff Goldstein (EVP and general sales manager) and the entire domestic distribution group. Bringing all of our talented executives’ distribution expertise together into a worldwide organization will help us to maximize every opportunity for success,” said Kwan Vandenberg.

     

    Kroll most recently served as Warner Bros. Pictures president, worldwide marketing and international distribution, a role she’d held since 2013. On the other hand, Kwan Vandenberg most recently served as Warner Bros. Pictures president, international distribution, a post to which she was promoted in November 2000. 

  • Warner Bros lines up three Lego movies till 2018

    Warner Bros lines up three Lego movies till 2018

    MUMBAI: Building a strong slate of animated tentpoles that extends well into 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures has announced the release dates of three much-anticipated Lego movies. 

     

    The next Lego film to open will be the as-yet-untitled Lego Batman feature, which will come to theatres earlier than planned, with the global launch starting in North America on 10 February, 2017.

     

    The second movie Ninjago, which had been slated for release in fall 2016; will now release on 22 September, 2017 in the North American market, with international dates to follow. The release has been pushed as the film is still under construction.

     

    The Lego Movie Sequel, the follow-up to The Lego Movie, will open one week earlier than originally slated, on 18 May, 2018 in North America.

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president, domestic distribution Dan Fellman said, “We are very excited about dating our upcoming Lego animated features, which already have a worldwide fan following, built on the foundation of the first film. These three films already in the pipeline are just the beginning of a creative and diverse animation slate that will be delighting audiences for years to come.”

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president, international distribution Veronika Kwan Vandenberg added, “We are looking forward to expanding the Lego film franchise globally with these three incredibly imaginative movies, each offering something different to appeal to a broad range of audiences around the world.”

     

    The Lego Group vice president of licensing and entertainment Jill Wilfert said, “We are so pleased to continue our creative partnership with Warner Bros. on these upcoming projects. It’s truly amazing to see how the big screen lends another dimension to the rich Lego world, and offers new ways for fans to be engaged and entertained by these characters.”

  • ‘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.”

  • ‘American Sniper’ hits $200 million at US box office

    ‘American Sniper’ hits $200 million at US box office

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Oscar-nominated movie American Sniper has surpassed $200 million at the North American box office on only its tenth day in wide release.

     

    Following its record-breaking first weekend in wide release, the Clint Eastwood-directed film has continued to fill conventional and IMAX theatres nationwide. American Sniper took in an estimated $64.4 million this past weekend, representing the smallest percentage drop ever for a film that opened at more than $85 million, including both three and four-day weekends, and bringing the domestic gross to $200.1 million and climbing. The movie is now, domestically, the highest-grossing film in Eastwood’s long career, and it is on track to become his top-grossing film worldwide.

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman said, “The filmmakers, led by Clint Eastwood, and cast, led by Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, have created a gripping drama with a rare insight into the toll of war that has resonated with audiences in almost every demographic. We congratulate them not only on the film’s box office success but on generating one of the most talked about films of this or any year.”

     

    Eastwood directed American Sniper from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.

     

    The movie has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall). In addition, Eastwood was honoured by his peers with his fourth Directors Guild of America Award nomination and also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. The film’s other honours include a Producers Guild of America Award nomination, a Writers Guild of America Award nomination, and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

  • ‘Edge of tomorrow’ clocks in as the weekend’s #1 film worldwide

    ‘Edge of tomorrow’ clocks in as the weekend’s #1 film worldwide

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ grossed $111.1 million, making it the weekend’s #1 film internationally and worldwide.  The announcement was made by Domestic Distribution president Dan Fellman and Warner Bros. International Distribution president Veronika Kwan Vandenberg.

     

    Internationally, the film has been in limited release for 12 days, including Wednesday openings, and debuted in an additional 36 countries over the weekend, earning an impressive $82 million, including outstanding returns in Russia with $8.6 million, China with $25 million and Korea at $16.6 million.  The international cumulative gross now stands at $111 million.  On the domestic side, in its first three days of release, ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ has grossed $29.1 million, bringing the worldwide total to $140.1 million and counting.

     

    In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “‘Edge of Tomorrow’ has received terrific critical acclaim, which has been echoed by audiences who have responded to the film and the fantastic performances of Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.  Word-of-mouth is extremely strong, which should continue to drive moviegoers to the theatre, either for the first time or to enjoy the film again.”

     

    Kwan Vandenberg said, “‘Edge of Tomorrow’ has risen above the crowded summer marketplace and continues to gain momentum, from our massive opening in Korea to the incredible results we’ve seen in Russia and China.  We congratulate Doug Liman, Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt and the remarkable filmmakers, cast and crew on reaching this terrific benchmark.” 

     

    Oscar nominee Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ action thriller ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ under the direction of Doug Liman.

     

    The epic action unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world.

     

     Major William Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission.  Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again.

     

    But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt).  And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

     

    The international cast also includes Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Noah Taylor, Kick Gurry, Dragomir Mrsic, Charlotte Riley, Jonas Armstrong, Franz Drameh, Masayoshi Haneda and Tony Way.

     

    Liman directed ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ from a screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie and Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, based on the novel entitled All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.  Erwin Stoff produced, along with Tom Lassally, Jeffrey Silver, Gregory Jacobs and Jason Hoffs.  The executive producers are Doug Liman, David Bartis, Joby Harold, Hidemi Fukuhara and Bruce Berman, with Tim Lewis and Kim Winther serving as co-producers.

  • All You Need Is Kill to open on 14 March 2014

    All You Need Is Kill to open on 14 March 2014

    MUMBAI: Sci-fi thriller All You Need Is Kill starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt will open on 14 March 2014. The film, based on the book by the same title, is from Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.
    The announcement of the release date was made by Warner Bros. Pictures president domestic distribution Dan Fellman and Warner Bros. Pictures president international distribution Veronika Kwan Vandenberg.
    The story is set in the near future, in which a hive-like alien race, called Mimics, have hit Earth, shredding cities to rubble and leaving millions of human casualties. The world‘s armies have joined forces for a last offensive.
    Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously demoted and then dropped into combat. Cage is killed within minutes, managing to take an alpha alien down with him. But he awakens back at the beginning of the same day and is forced to fight and die again…and again – as physical contact with the alien has thrown him into a time loop.
    “But with each pass, Cage becomes tougher, smarter, and able to engage the Mimics with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt), who has lain waste to more Mimics than anyone on Earth,” a description of the film says.
    The film is being directed by Doug Liman and is the first to be shot at the recently christened Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden near London.

  • ‘Superman Returns’ first week earnings cross $100 million in the US

    ‘Superman Returns’ first week earnings cross $100 million in the US

    MUMBAI: The return of one of the most popular comic book characters Superman in the movie Superman Returns proved to be a bonanza for Warner at the US box office.

    The film has earned $108 million domestically in its first seven days, and more than $20 million from 11 overseas markets in its opening weekend. In India, it was the second highest opening weekend ever for a Hollywood film.

    Warner Bros president domestic distribution Dan Fellman says, “We’ve enjoyed an outstanding response to this film — from exit polls to critics, and where it counts the most: at the box office.

    “Few titles in motion picture history have generated more than $100 million in its first week of release. At Warner Bros., they include the four Harry Potter films and The Matrix: Reloaded.”

    The latest edition of the Man of Steel franchise opened in the number one spot in each of the overseas markets in which opened, including India, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, The Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan.

    In the Philippines, Superman Returns had the second biggest weekend of all time. In Indonesia, it was the industry’s all-time highest opening weekend.