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Tag: Ron Meyer

  • Universal Pictures to restore 15 classic silent films over the next four years

    Universal Pictures to restore 15 classic silent films over the next four years

    MUMBAI: Building on its 2012 Centennial celebration, Universal Pictures will be restoring some of the world’s most classic silent films.

     

    During the next four years, the studio will restore approximately 15 silent film titles from Universal’s early years. The complete list of films is still in development in collaboration with outside film historians, institutions, and preservationists. Partners and collaborators in the initiative include the Library of Congress, The Film Foundation, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, George Eastman House, UCLA Film & Television Archives, Association of Moving Image Archivists, and Hollywood Heritage.

     

    The announcement was made at the Opening Night of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. 

     

    “The company understands its responsibility and need to preserve our silent film legacy. This early art of filmmaking is the foundation on which Universal Pictures was built more than 100 years ago, and it’s important we honor our rich history,” said NBC Universal vice chairman Ron Meyer.

     

    The silent film era is best known for instantly recognizable storylines, settings, costumes, and characters. Most early silent films were accompanied by a full-fledged orchestra, organist or pianist to provide musical background and to underscore the narrative on the screen. Some even included live actors or narrators. The major genre emphasis was on swashbucklers, historical extravaganzas, and melodramas, although all kinds of films were being produced throughout the decade.

     

    According to a report released by the Library of Congress, 70 per cent of the America’s silent feature films have been completely lost. Universal’s restoration team will work with archives and collectors worldwide to secure copies of prints and additional elements needed to complete this restoration effort and augment the silent film titles currently in its library.

     

    Universal Pictures silent film restoration initiative builds on the company’s ongoing restoration commitment. Since the program was first announced in 2012, nearly 30 titles have been restored and 25 more titles are expected to be restored by 2017. Fully restored titles to date include All Quiet on the Western Front, The Birds, Buck Privates, Dracula (1931), Dracula Spanish (1931), Frankenstein, Jaws, Schindler’s List, Out of Africa, Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein, The Sting, To Kill a Mockingbird, Touch of Evil, Double Indemnity, High Plains Drifter, and Holiday Inn.

  • Michael Moore to head NBCUniversal Studio

    Michael Moore to head NBCUniversal Studio

    MUMBAI: Michael Moore, currently the president of Raleigh Entertainment, is set to join NBC Universal as president and general manager, Universal Studios Operations, beginning 17 September. He will succeed Dave Beanes, who retires after 17 years with the studio.
    Moore, who will report jointly to Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios and John Wallace, president, Operations & Technical Services, NBCUniversal, will be part of NBCUniversal’s operations and technical services organisation and will oversee all the operations of Universal City Studios including production services, sound services, facilities, and marketing.
    In his current role as president of Raleigh Entertainment/Raleigh Film and Television Studios, Moore oversees the global operations of that company, including studio operations, post-production, facilities, leasing, marketing, and business development, for Raleigh’s Hollywood studios, as well as studio facilities across the United States, Europe and Asia.
    “Michael has the rare combination of skills to effectively lead our Studio Operations group and ensure the long-term success of this world-class studio lot,” Meyer has reportedly said.
    Prior to his current position, Beanes served as senior VP of production services, Universal Operations Group. Before that he was VP of production services, Universal Operations Group.

  • Universal in plans to celebrate centennial

    Universal in plans to celebrate centennial

    MUMBAI: As part of a year-long celebration of the studio‘s centennial,Universal Studios is redesigning both its audio visual and print logos that will be unveiled early in 2012.

    The 100th anniversary campaign will include restoration of some of the studio‘s classic movies, theme park activities and promotions, and engagement with fans through special events and social media initiatives.

    Universal Studios president Ron Meyer announced the broad plans for the centennial celebration in a memo that he sent to the studio‘s employees Tuesday.

    “This is a proud and exciting moment for our company, which celebrates the studio‘s rich history and cultural impact,” Meyer wrote.

    “Throughout Universal‘s hundred years, we‘ve created films that have touched the hearts of millions, and fostered our culture‘s love affair with cinema. Some films have been more successful than others, but all of them have a place in our history.

    The strength of Universal, as with any company, is the talent of its team. We‘re fortunate to have an incredible group of individuals as well as gifted filmmakers who are at the heart of this studio,” he added.

    In 2012, Universal Studios will be honoring its past and celebrating the future.