Tag Archives: newswire

Russell Brand to Host MTV Movie Awards, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Sacha Baron Cohen Exits Django: Biz Break

Also in Thursday morning’s Biz Break: Another star may be leaving Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained , getting to know this year’s Cannes competition jury and a new ‘bear’ animation heads for production. Russell Brand to Host MTV Movie Awards Brand will host the awards show for the first time on June 3 from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City in California. Drive, Like Crazy, The Descendants, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and My Week with Marilyn are among this year’s nominees . Thai Cannes Palme d’Or Winner to Head Locarno Jury Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, who won the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2010 for Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives , will lead the jury at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland this summer. The 65th edition will take place August 1 – 11. Vulgaria to Open New York Asian Film Festival The comedy by Pang Ho-cheung is described as a “movie about making movies,” featuring gangsters with names like Brother Tyrannosaur, sleazy lawyers, the sex-film industry, and men who “love donkeys perhaps a little too much.” The 2012 NYAFF Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Korean action director Chung Chang-Wha. Around the ‘net… Guillermo Del Toro Boards Pinocchio Del Toro will co-direct Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio along with Mark Gustafson, animation director on The Fantastic Mr. Fox . The project is a 3-D stop-motion animated production from the Jim Henson Company. Shooting begins in summer 2013, Variety reports . Sacha Baron Cohen Unties from Django He was originally attached to play the role of Scotty Harmony, a role described in the screenplay as an overweight 24-year-old who receives a female slave as a gift from his father. Dictator commitments are keeping him away from the Quentin Tarantino-directed feature. Kurt Russell may also be on the way out, Cinemapulse reports . Meet the Jury Who Will Decide the Cannes Palme d’Or Actors, directors and a fashion designer are among this group of people who will decide on Cannes winners this year, including the top prize, the Palme d’Or. THR reports . Producer David Heyman and StudioCanal Team for Paddington Bear Paul King will direct the story of the curious young bear who travels from Peru to London’s Paddington station where he’s taken in by an English family, Deadline reports .

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Russell Brand to Host MTV Movie Awards, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Sacha Baron Cohen Exits Django: Biz Break

Edgar Wright’s Trilogy-Ender The World’s End Gets Start Date, Synopsis

Rejoice, Shaun of the Dead / Hot Fuzz faithful! At long last, the eagerly anticipated threequel in Edgar Wright ‘s “Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy” (AKA “The Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy” — Wright’s version of Kieślowski’s Colors series) is on its way. Deadline reports that The World’s End , to be directed by Wright with collaborators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost starring, is set to begin filming this September with fingers crossed for a spring 2013 release. But wait, there’s more! Get a taste of the trio’s upcoming shenanigans from the film’s synopsis, which promises adventure, friendship, and — what else? — pubs. The only catch: According to the report, Universal “hasn’t yet green lit the film.” But Wright and Co. are charging ahead anyway with the fall start anyway! Good luck to ’em. (And good luck holding your breath, Ant-Man -watchers…) The set-up: 20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hell bent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King, a 40-year old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their home town and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub, The World’s End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind’s. Reaching The World’s End is the least of their worries. [ Deadline ]

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Edgar Wright’s Trilogy-Ender The World’s End Gets Start Date, Synopsis

Prometheus Rated R, According to… Movie Ticket?

Speculation has swirled for a while now about whether or not Fox and Ridley Scott would pursue a PG-13 rating for its blockbuster hopeful Prometheus , which, if previews and disgusting animated GIFs are any indication, has plenty of raw sci-fi terrors to back up an R. But one fan who locked up an advance ticket to the film might have unintentionally solved the ratings puzzle. Collider passes along the accompanying photo, which an IMDB user apparently nabbed in advance over the weekend and passed along with the giddy declaration: “AS PROMISED!! CHECK THE LINK ABOVE, PROMETHEUS IS RATED R!!!!” ZOMG, etc. Sorry, kids! May I suggest Bully ? [ IMDB via Collider ] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .

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Prometheus Rated R, According to… Movie Ticket?

Chained to NC-17: Watch the Trailer for the Latest Movie to Earn the MPAA Kiss of Death

Filmmaker Jennifer Lynch knows a thing or two about battling the MPAA — her 1993 debut Boxing Helena earned the ratings board’s dreaded NC-17 for its sexualized violence and general depravity — and so it seems just like old times that her latest effort, Chained , faces the same fate for “some explicit violence.” But wait: Isn’t violence supposed to fly with the ratings board while sex gets the adults-only rating? What gives? Actually, look no further than the film’s NSFW trailer for your answer. On the one hand, I wouldn’t put it past distributor Anchor Bay to pull a Harvey special and exploit Chained ‘s Vincent D’Onofrio serial-killing kidnapper menace for maximum ratings “controversy.” On the other, publicity stunts aside, this just looks… heinous : Anyway, no release date has been set, and Anchor Bay can always turn around and release the film unrated, which is basically regarded the same as an NC-17 by skittish mainstream theaters, so for now it’s just a conversation piece with straight-to-video written all over it. Interested? [ LAT ]

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Chained to NC-17: Watch the Trailer for the Latest Movie to Earn the MPAA Kiss of Death

It’s Official: Francis Lawrence to Direct Catching Fire

Roughly two weeks after Gary Ross’s departure from and Francis Lawrence’s rumored attachment to Catching Fire , Lionsgate has officially announced Lawrence as its man to direct its mega-anticipated Hunger Games sequel . “From the very beginning of this brilliant trilogy’s journey from page to screen, our first priority has been to stay true to the heart and soul of Suzanne Collins’ powerful stories,” producer Nina Jacobson said in a statement just over the transom at Movieline HQ. “From my first conversation with Francis, I knew he would make a great partner for both me and Suzanne. His passion for Catching Fire and inspired ideas for a faithful adaptation make him the perfect director for this movie. I know this will be a wonderful collaboration and I cannot wait to get started.” Added Lawrence: “It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring Catching Fire , the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved.” Mazel tov! And get to work : Catching Fire opens November 22, 2013. [Photo: Getty Images]

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It’s Official: Francis Lawrence to Direct Catching Fire

Willy Wonka Auction: Anyone Wanna Buy Gene Wilder’s Costume?

The auction-happy crew at Profiles in History, which has previously unloaded Hollywood treasures ranging from Dorothy’s ruby slippers to the Dude’s sweater from The Big Lebowski , has got the 10-year-old in you right where they want it: Prepare yourself for the most comprehensive auction of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory memorabilia to date, featuring costumes, props and one of only two known Everlasting Gobstoppers in existence. Also: They will cost you. Via a press release just in from PiH : First up and most significantly is the Gene Wilder “Willy Wonka” signature costume. The costume consists of flamboyant purple velvet frock coat, wool & camelhair slacks, off-white shirt, distinctive purple & violet lamé vest with floral design and satin bow tie. Originally obtained from Michael D. Beinner, Director of Field Advertising and Publicity for Paramount Pictures who was gifted the costume following its promotional tour of several key cities around the U.S. Without doubt, one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable costumes in the history of film. It is estimated to fetch $80,000 – $120,000. Also up for auction are three iconic items from the collection of Julie Dawn Cole, who played “Veruca Salt.” First is an original screen-used Everlasting Gobstopper, one of only two known to exist. It comes with a notarized copy of a letter from Ms. Cole stating (in part), “The Everlasting Gobstopper was used in the Inventing Room Scene. Mr. Wonka gives each of the children one Everlasting Gobstopper each. Typically Veruca tries to wangle another one, if only she had succeeded! But at least I was allowed to keep this one.” It is expected to fetch $20,000 – $30,000. You can also own the Golden Egg, screen used by Julie Dawn Cole during the “I Want it Now,” musical number. The egg comes with a notarized copy of a letter from Ms. Cole stating (in part), “The Filming of this [Golden Egg] scene and Veruca’s demise was actually filmed on my 13th birthday. The egg was presented to me at the end of the day’s shoot as a birthday present.” The egg is fashioned from polystyrene foam painted gold and is expected to fetch $20,000 – $30,000. And there’s more , all going on the block in July . Sadly, no Oompa Loompas are to be found on the list (though one of those costumes is up for sale as well, a representative notes), and the beheaded chicken from the psychedelic-tunnel-trip montage doesn’t come with a Certificate of Authenticity, so caveat emptor, etc. [ Profiles in History ]

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Willy Wonka Auction: Anyone Wanna Buy Gene Wilder’s Costume?

Dave Grohl’s Sound City Love Letter: Read What’s Behind the Rocker’s Directing Debut

It wasn’t exactly what anyone would call a best-kept secret, but nevertheless, the rumors of Dave Grohl’s directing debut are officially confirmed: The Nirvana drummer/Foo Fighters frontman has been hard at work on Sound City , a documentary chronicling the life, times and exploits of the eponymous San Fernando Valley studio where scores of classic albums by the likes of Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Guns and Roses, Metallica and Nirvana itself have been recorded over the past 40 years. Read on for Grohl’s handwritten description of the project, a short video teaser and more details via Grohl’s Roswell Films outlet. And then there’s the teaser, which has been around for a while now, but still: Finally, the press release from Roswell Films, the movie-production offshot of the Foo Fighters Roswell Records: (May 1, 2012, Los Angeles, CA) – Confirming widely circulated rumors, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana announced today that he will direct and produce a feature Documentary film, SOUND CITY about the infamous recording studio in Van Nuys, California. The film was conceived by Grohl after purchasing the legendary Neve 8028 recording console from Sound City Studios last year. The console, built in 1972, is considered by many to be the crown jewel of analog recording equipment, having recorded such artists as Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, Guns and Roses, Fear, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Slipknot, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, and countless other musical legends over the past 40 years. Through interviews with the artists and producers that created decades of musical history at Sound City, the film will showcase the amazing history of the studio, focus on the albums recorded there that went on to change the world, discuss the human element of music in an age of technology, and feature performances from many of the artists that called it “home”. Grohl’s personal connection to Sound City began with the 1991 recording of Nirvana’s breakthrough album, Nevermind . Selling over 30 million copies worldwide, Nevermind changed the entire musical landscape and forever altered the course of Dave Grohl’s life. Roswell Films, a division of the Roswell Records label that releases Foo Fighters music, will distribute the film. Key personnel involved with the film include Producer/Director Dave Grohl; Editor Paul Crowder ( Dogtown & Z Boys, Once In a Lifetime, Riding Giants ); and Writer Mark Monroe ( The Cove, Once In a Lifetime, The Tillman Story ). The film is also being produced in conjunction with Jim Rota, John Ramsay, and Therapy studios. Speaking to both the art of music and the art of filmmaking, Grohl crafted the letter below to share his vision for the film. Information and future announcements related to the film can be found at www.soundcitymovie.com Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .

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Dave Grohl’s Sound City Love Letter: Read What’s Behind the Rocker’s Directing Debut

Biz Break: 1st Oscar Winner Re-Released, Tyler Perry Fire, Gene Kelly Honored, and More

Wednesday morning’s news roundup includes a fire at Tyler Perry’s studios in Atlanta, an AMPAS celebration for Gene Kelly’s centennial and a rare screening of the first Oscar-winner, Wings . The Hunger Games partners form a new label, Fandor plans a new indie news site and Justin Bieber’s manager joins a doc spotlighting America’s school dropout crisis. First Oscar Winner Wings Set for Screenings A restored version of the 1927 World War I drama Wings , the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, is set to hit screens for a rare presentation, exhibitor Cinemark Holdings said. Produced by Paramount for an whopping $2 million, the film explores the devastating effects of war through the story of two men who go off to battle and the woman they both leave behind. This historic piece of cinema stars Clara Bow, Charles “Buddy” Rogers and Richard Arlen, and also features Gary Cooper in one of his first feature film roles. A fully restored version of the feature will be presented May 2 and 16 at select Cinemark locations . Academy to Fete Gene Kelly The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a two-night celebration of the life and career of dancer, director and choreographer Gene Kelly on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Film clips, personal remembrances and an exploration of the technology Kelly used to change the look of dance on film will be featured May 17 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, and Friday, May 18 at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Both programs will be hosted by Kelly’s widow, film historian Patricia Ward Kelly. Around the ‘net… Tyler Perry’s Atlanta Studios Catch Fire A 4-alarm fire broke out at 9pm last night at Tyler Perry Studios, AP reported Tuesday night. The complex includes a 200,000 square-foot studio and other buildings. No injuries were reported. Justin Bieber’s Manager Boards Doc About Public School Dropout Crisis Scott ‘Scooter’ Braun, who manages an array of musical acts including Justin Bieber, will produce director Adam McKay’s look at the scourge of American school dropouts, Deadline reports . Hunger Games ‘ Joe Drake Partners on New Film Label Longtime partners Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane have launched a new full-service motion picture financing, production and global sales company, Good Universe. It will kick off its upcoming slate with films in Cannes, Deadline reports . Mad Men Actress Climbs Kilimanjaro Actress Abigail Spencer will star opposite actor Brian Geraghty ( Hurt Locker ) in indie drama Kilimanjaro , which will be directed by Walter Strafford. The story revolves around Geraghty’s character who dreams of climbing the mountain, Africa’s highest. THR reports . Fandor Launches Digital Film Magazine Keyframe Online film service Fandor is backing a new site dubbed Keyframe , which will “provide in-depth coverage of the art, craft and business of the film world.” San Francisco-based Susie Gerhard will serve as editor-in-chief. She formally headed website SF360, initiated by Indiewire and the San Francisco Film Society, Market Watch reports .

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Biz Break: 1st Oscar Winner Re-Released, Tyler Perry Fire, Gene Kelly Honored, and More

Star Trek 2 Villain Confirmed — Again (Or Not?)

Rumors, conjecture, speculation… All in a day’s work around the Star Trek 2 gossip mill, where the identity of the villain in J.J. Abrams’s sequel (currently in production) has seemingly undergone more revisions than a Kardashian’s Wiki page over the last few months. We know Benedict Cumberbatch has the part , but which part? Khan? Worf’s Zit? Who knows? Except for the obsessives at TrekMovie, that is — they apparently know. Spoiler alert! (Sort of.) Anyone who hasn’t been paying attention since the days when Benicio Del Toro was originally penciled in as Trek 2 ‘s baddie may be surprised to know that Khan in fact remains the villain, despite indications to the contrary by Abrams. Per TrekMovie [via /film ]: TrekMovie has confirmed this with a number of sources so we no longer consider it to be a rumor. Khan is back in 2013, however sources indicate that the film is not a rehash of “Space Seed,” the original Star Trek episode where Kirk and crew first encounter the genetic superman from the past. Great. Now we get to speculate about the plot. Or just caption the above set photo of Cumberbatch and Zachary Quinto, which crept out a while back from MTV . Your call! [ TrekMovie , /film ]

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Star Trek 2 Villain Confirmed — Again (Or Not?)

Biz Break: Webby Winners, 5 More Hulks, Warner Bros. Pick Up and more

This morning’s Biz Break includes news of Webby Award winners, more Hulk gigs for Mark Ruffalo, a Rascal -y pick up by Warner Bros. and a new venture by the founder of Summit Entertainment. 2012 Webby Awards Congratulations to our friends and colleagues at Indiewire which won the Webby Award in the Movie and Film category today. Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures’ The Muppets Mahna Mahna won the People’s Voice prize in the same category. Louis C.K. was recognized as Webby Person of the Year for his groundbreaking digital-only release Louis C.K. – Live at the Beach Theater , while also taking prizes at the 16th annual event were Pinterest, Spotify and Google+ — all of which took their first Webbys. Facebook was recognized with the inaugural People’s Special Achievement for Social Change prize, singer Bjork will be presented with the Webby Artist of the Year Award for her “Biophilia” album, and Instagram won the Webby Breakout of the Year award. The Webby Awards will be held May 21 in New York; Patton Oswalt will host. Visit the Webby site for more winners. From around the ‘net… Mark Ruffalo to Return as Hulk in Five More Films? Ruffalo talks about his six-picture deal with Marvel, which would have him returning as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in five more films after his incarnation of the green creature in Avengers explodes in the U.S. box office this weekend. Collider reports . Summit co-Founder David Garrett and Constantin Film Launch New Venture David Garrett, co-founder of Summit Entertainment, and former President of Summit International, announced today that he is launching a new company, Mister Smith Entertainment, at the upcoming 2012 Cannes Film Market, Deadline reports . Warner Bros. Picks Up Rascal Raccoon for Harold & Kumar Director The studio has picked up Rascal Raccoon’s Raging Revenge with Harold & Kumar Christmas director Todd Strauss-Schulson attached to direct and Matt Fogel set to adapt the screenplay. THR reports . Atlas Independent Gets Revenge Tribeca premiere Revenge for Jolly! , the first completed film of Atlas Entertainment’s year-old label Atlas Independent, is set to hit the Cannes Market for international sales via Highland Film Group, Variety reports . Once Dominates Tony Award Nominations The romantic comedy involving a flower seller, a street musician, and a vacuum cleaner repairman — received 11 nominations including Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, and Best Actress in a Musical, Deadline reports .

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Biz Break: Webby Winners, 5 More Hulks, Warner Bros. Pick Up and more