“Saving Mr. Banks” Begins Production in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney began production today on “Saving Mr. Banks,” the account of Walt Disney’s twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to P.L. Travers’ popular novel, Mary Poppins, and the testy partnership the upbeat filmmaker develops with the uptight author during the project’s pre-production in 1961.
Two-time Academy Award®-winner Tom Hanks (“Philadelphia,” “Forrest Gump”) will essay the role of the legendary Disney (the first time the entrepreneur has ever been depicted in a dramatic film) alongside fellow double Oscar®-winner Emma Thompson (“Howard’s End,” “Sense and Sensibility”) in the role of the prickly novelist. Before actually signing away the book’s rights, Travers’ demands for contractual script and character control circumvent not only Disney’s vision for the film adaptation, but also those of the creative team of screenwriter Don DaGradi and sibling composers Richard and Robert Sherman, whose original score and song (Chim-Chim-Cher-ee) would go on to win Oscars® at the 1965 ceremonies (the film won five awards of its thirteen nominations).
When Travers travels from London to Hollywood in 1961 to finally discuss Disney’s desire to bring her beloved character to the motion picture screen (a quest he began in the 1940s as a promise to his two daughters), Disney meets a prim, uncompromising sexagenarian not only suspect of the impresario’s concept for the film, but a woman struggling with her own past. During her stay in California, Travers’ reflects back on her childhood in 1906 Australia, a trying time for her family which not only molded her aspirations to write, but one that also inspired the characters in her 1934 book.
None more so than the one person whom she loved and admired more than any other — her caring father, Travers Goff, a tormented banker who, before his untimely death that same year, instills the youngster with both affection and enlightenment (and would be the muse for the story’s patriarch, Mr. Banks, the sole character that the famous nanny comes to aid). While reluctant to grant Disney the film rights, Travers comes to realize that the acclaimed Hollywood storyteller has his own motives for wanting to make the film — which, like the author, hints at the relationship he shared with his own father in the early 20th Century Midwest.
Colin Farrell (“Minority Report,” “Total Recall”) co-stars as Travers’ doting dad, Goff, along with British actress Ruth Wilson (the forthcoming films “The Lone Ranger” and “Anna Karenina”) as his long-suffering wife, Margaret; Oscar® and Emmy® nominee Rachel Griffiths (“Six Feet Under,” “Hilary and Jackie,” “The Rookie”) as Margaret’s sister, Aunt Ellie (who inspired the title character of Travers’ novel); and a screen newcomer — 11-year-old Aussie native Annie Buckley as the young, blossoming writer, nicknamed “Ginty” in the flashback sequences.
The cast also includes Emmy® winner Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing,” “The Cabin in the Woods”) as screenwriter Don DaGradi; Jason Schwartzman (“Rushmore,” “Moonrise Kingdom”) and B.J. Novak (“NBC’s “The Office,” “Inglourious Basterds”) as the songwriting Sherman Brothers (Richard and Robert, respectively); Oscar® nominee and Emmy winner Paul Giamatti (“Sideways,” “Cinderella Man,” HBO’s “John Adams”) as Ralph, the kindly limousine driver who escorts Travers during her two-week stay in Hollywood; and multi-Emmy winner Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences,” “Edward Scissorhands”) as Tommie, one of Disney’s trusted studio associates.
“Saving Mr. Banks” will be directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Blind Side,” “The Rookie”) based on a screenplay by Kelly Marcel (creator of FOX-TV’s “Terra Nova”), from a story by Sue Smith (“Brides of Christ,” “Bastard Boys”) and Kelly Marcel. The film is being produced by Alison Owen of Ruby Films (the Oscar®-nominated “Elizabeth,” HBO’s Emmy®-winning “Temple Grandin”), Ian Collie of Essential Media (the Aussie TV documentary “The Shadow of Mary Poppins,” DirecTV’s “Rake”) and longtime Hancock collaborator Philip Steuer (“The Rookie,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy). The film’s executive producers are Ruby Films’ Paul Trijbits (“Lay the Favorite,” “Jane Eyre”), Hopscotch Features’ Andrew Mason (“The Matrix” trilogy, “Dark City”) and Troy Lum (“Mao’s Last Dancer,” “I, Frankenstein”) and BBC Films’ Christine Langan (Oscar® nominee for “The Queen,” “We Need to Talk About Kevin”).
Hancock’s filmmaking team includes a trio of artists with whom he worked on his 2009 Best Picture Oscar® nominee, “The Blind Side” — two-time Oscar® nominated production designer Michael Corenblith (“How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Apollo 13”), Emmy®-winning costume designer Daniel Orlandi (HBO’s “Game Change,” “Frost/Nixon”) and film editor Mark Livolsi, A.C.E. (“Wedding Crashers” “The Devil Wears Prada”). Hancock also reunites with Academy Award®-nominated cinematographer John Schwartzman (“Seabiscuit,” “Pearl Harbor”), with whom he first worked on his inspiring 2002 sports drama, “The Rookie.”
“Saving Mr. Banks” will film entirely in the Los Angeles area, with key locations to include Disneyland in Anaheim and the Disney Studios in Burbank. Filming will conclude around Thanksgiving, 2012, with no specific 2013 release date yet set.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby" Out May 10, 2013
“The Great Gatsby” to Open in May 2013
Baz Luhrmann’s much-anticipated film receives a May 10 date in North America and will roll out internationally beginning the following week.
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “The Great Gatsby” will open early in the Summer 2013 season, hitting theaters on May 10 in the U.S. and Canada, with an international rollout beginning the following week. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Fellman stated, “Audiences have been looking forward to Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of one of the most beloved books of all time, and we felt this beautifully extravagant and dramatic film would be a perfect way for us to kick off our Summer slate.”
Kwan Vandenberg added, “Baz’s unique take on ‘Gatsby’ is glitzy and glamorous, with his juxtaposition of the classic tale and contemporary themes hitting just the right note. This film should really add heat to the competitive Summer season.”
From the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann comes the new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. The filmmaker has created his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.
“The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.
Academy Award® nominee DiCaprio (“J. Edgar,” “Aviator”) plays Jay Gatsby, with Tobey Maguire starring as Nick Carraway; Oscar® nominee Carey Mulligan (“An Education”) and Joel Edgerton as Daisy and Tom Buchanan; Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke as Myrtle and George Wilson; and newcomer Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker. Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan will play the role of Meyer Wolfsheim.
Oscar® nominee Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge!”) directs the film in 3D from a screenplay co-written with frequent collaborator Craig Pearce, based on Fitzgerald’s book. Luhrmann produces, along with Catherine Martin, Academy Award® winner Douglas Wick (“Gladiator”), Lucy Fisher and Catherine Knapman. The executive producers are Academy Award® winner Barrie M. Osborne (“Lord of the Rings – Return of the King”) and Bruce Berman.
Two-time Academy Award®-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin (“Moulin Rouge!”) designs as well as produces. The editors are Matt Villa, Jason Ballantine and Jonathan Redmond, and the director of photography is Simon Duggan. The music is by Craig Armstrong.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with A&E Television, a Bazmark/Red Wagon Entertainment Production, a Film by Baz Luhrmann, “The Great Gatsby.” In theaters May 10, 2013, the film will be distributed in 3D and 2D by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Baz Luhrmann’s much-anticipated film receives a May 10 date in North America and will roll out internationally beginning the following week.
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “The Great Gatsby” will open early in the Summer 2013 season, hitting theaters on May 10 in the U.S. and Canada, with an international rollout beginning the following week. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Fellman stated, “Audiences have been looking forward to Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of one of the most beloved books of all time, and we felt this beautifully extravagant and dramatic film would be a perfect way for us to kick off our Summer slate.”
Kwan Vandenberg added, “Baz’s unique take on ‘Gatsby’ is glitzy and glamorous, with his juxtaposition of the classic tale and contemporary themes hitting just the right note. This film should really add heat to the competitive Summer season.”
From the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann comes the new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. The filmmaker has created his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.
“The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.
Academy Award® nominee DiCaprio (“J. Edgar,” “Aviator”) plays Jay Gatsby, with Tobey Maguire starring as Nick Carraway; Oscar® nominee Carey Mulligan (“An Education”) and Joel Edgerton as Daisy and Tom Buchanan; Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke as Myrtle and George Wilson; and newcomer Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker. Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan will play the role of Meyer Wolfsheim.
Oscar® nominee Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge!”) directs the film in 3D from a screenplay co-written with frequent collaborator Craig Pearce, based on Fitzgerald’s book. Luhrmann produces, along with Catherine Martin, Academy Award® winner Douglas Wick (“Gladiator”), Lucy Fisher and Catherine Knapman. The executive producers are Academy Award® winner Barrie M. Osborne (“Lord of the Rings – Return of the King”) and Bruce Berman.
Two-time Academy Award®-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin (“Moulin Rouge!”) designs as well as produces. The editors are Matt Villa, Jason Ballantine and Jonathan Redmond, and the director of photography is Simon Duggan. The music is by Craig Armstrong.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with A&E Television, a Bazmark/Red Wagon Entertainment Production, a Film by Baz Luhrmann, “The Great Gatsby.” In theaters May 10, 2013, the film will be distributed in 3D and 2D by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Review: "Silver Bullet" is Like a Scary Bedtime Story (Happy B'day, Stephen King)
Stephen King’s Silver Bullet (1985)
Running time: 95 minutes (1 hour, 35 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTOR: Daniel Attias
WRITER: Stephen King (based upon his novella Cycle of the Werewolf)
PRODUCER: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha Schumacher
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Armando Nannuzzi
EDITOR: Daniel Loewenthal
HORROR with an element of mystery
Starring: Corey Haim, Megan Follows, Gary Busey, Everett McGill, Robin Groves, Leon Russom, and Terry O’Quinn
The subject of this movie review is Silver Bullet, a 1985 werewolf horror movie. The film is based upon the 1985 short novel, Cycle of the Werewolf, from famed horror author, Stephen King.
Famed best-selling novelist Stephen King spent a lot of the 80’s whining about the film adaptation of his novels. Given a chance to prove how good he’d be at filmmaking, he took it. Stephen King’s Silver Bullet (the film’s complete USA title) was his effort as a screenwriter, and while it isn’t ugly, the script isn’t the prettiest girl in screen town. The film flopped, not making a return on its production budget (reportedly 7 million) at the box office (around $5.5 million). Still, Silver Bullet would certainly make my top 25 list of best horror films, as it’s a delightful little scary campfire tale.
In the town of Tarker’s Mill, a series of sadistic murders begins in the late spring of 1976. A wheel chair bound boy named Marty Coslaw (Corey Haim) discovers that the killer is not maniac, but a werewolf. He convinces his sister, Jane (Megan Follows), that there really is a killer werewolf in town, but Marty and Jane (who narrates the story) can’t make their Uncle Red (Gary Busey), with whom Marty is very close, believe them. However, Uncle Red does build a motorized wheel chair/motor cycle, christened the “Silver Bullet,” that comes in handy when Marty needs to avoid both the werewolf and its human form, a prominent and highly respected member of the Tarker’s Mill. Eventually, the siblings convince Uncle Red enough to get him to join them in an attempt to destroy the werewolf.
While not a great film, Silver Bullet is an excellent mystery horror film that is teen friendly in it’s edited-for-TV version. Actually, the R-rated, theatrical version seems to have gore and violence strictly for titillation. The performances are passable and the production values are of made-for-TV quality, but the film’s small town setting feels authentic, enough to make the atmosphere of a small town under siege feel real. Stephen King’s Silver Bullet isn’t great, but it’s a quaint little horror film worth watching with some genuinely good scary movie moments.
6 of 10
B
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Patrick Stewart, Eliza Dushku at Wizard World New Orleans
Patrick Stewart, Stan Lee, Eliza Dushku, Michael Madsen, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® Lead Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con Celebrity Roster, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2
Also To Feature Dean Cain, Michael Rooker, Jon Bernthal, Superstar Artists Greg Capullo, Neal Adams, Many Others At New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor Sir Patrick Stewart, comics legend Stan Lee, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku, Reservoir Dogs headliner Michael Madsen and WWE® Superstar CM Punk® top the standout lineup of celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2012, at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. They will be joined by an All-Star collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the final event on Wizard World's 2012 calendar.
Stewart and Lee will appear on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2, while Dushku and Punk are scheduled to attend on Saturday and Madsen all three days.
Other headliners on the Wizard World New Orleans roster include Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “90210”), Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead,” Henry), Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead,” Night at the Museum), Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules, The Legendary Journeys,” “Andromeda”) and the Boondock Saints trio of Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco.
The lineup of superstar comic creators in New Orleans is also impressive, with Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Eisner nominees J.G. Jones (“Final Crisis,” “Wanted”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Firestorm,” “Green Lantern”) and Ron Garney (“Captain America,” “Wolverine”), Phil Jimenez (“Spider-Man,” “X-Men”) and Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Daredevil”) leading the way.
Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, December 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.
For more on the 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.html.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
Also To Feature Dean Cain, Michael Rooker, Jon Bernthal, Superstar Artists Greg Capullo, Neal Adams, Many Others At New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor Sir Patrick Stewart, comics legend Stan Lee, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku, Reservoir Dogs headliner Michael Madsen and WWE® Superstar CM Punk® top the standout lineup of celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2012, at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. They will be joined by an All-Star collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the final event on Wizard World's 2012 calendar.
Stewart and Lee will appear on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2, while Dushku and Punk are scheduled to attend on Saturday and Madsen all three days.
Other headliners on the Wizard World New Orleans roster include Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “90210”), Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead,” Henry), Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead,” Night at the Museum), Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules, The Legendary Journeys,” “Andromeda”) and the Boondock Saints trio of Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco.
The lineup of superstar comic creators in New Orleans is also impressive, with Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Eisner nominees J.G. Jones (“Final Crisis,” “Wanted”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Firestorm,” “Green Lantern”) and Ron Garney (“Captain America,” “Wolverine”), Phil Jimenez (“Spider-Man,” “X-Men”) and Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Daredevil”) leading the way.
Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, December 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.
For more on the 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.html.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
"Jack Ryan" Begins with Kenneth Branagh as Director
PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND SKYDANCE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE THE START OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON “JACK RYAN,” FROM DIRECTOR KENNETH BRANAGH
IN THEATERS CHRISTMAS DAY 2013
Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., and Skydance Productions announced today that principal photography has begun on “JACK RYAN,” from Academy Award®-nominated director Kenneth Branagh, starring Chris Pine, Academy Award®-nominated Keira Knightley and Academy Award®-winner Kevin Costner. The film is shooting in New York, Moscow and London and is slated for release on December 25, 2013.
Based on the Jack Ryan character created by bestselling author Tom Clancy, the film is a contemporary action thriller set in the present day. The original story, written by David Koepp (“ANGELS AND DEMONS,” “WAR OF THE WORLDS”), follows a young Jack as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura (the “TRANSFORMERS” franchise, “RED”) will produce through his Di Bonaventura Pictures banner, along with Mace Neufeld (“THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER,” “PATRIOT GAMES”) and David Barron (the “HARRY POTTER” franchise). David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake of Skydance Productions (“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL,” “TRUE GRIT”) will executive produce along with Tommy Harper (“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL”).
“JACK RYAN” stars Pine (“STAR TREK,” “RISE OF THE GUARDIANS”) as the title character; Knightley (“ANNA KARENINA,” the “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN” franchise) as his fiancé Cathy Muller; Costner (“HATFIELDS & MCCOYS,” “DANCES WITH WOLVES”) as Ryan’s CIA handler Harper; and Peter Andersson (“THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO” trilogy) as security agent Dmitri Lemkov. Branagh, in addition to directing the film, will take on the role of Russian oligarch Viktor Cherevin.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
About Skydance Productions
Skydance Productions creates and produces elevated event-level commercial entertainment. In its strategic partnership with Paramount Pictures, the David Ellison-led company co-finances and produces several films per year with the studio. The first film to be co-produced under the partnership was the Coen Brothers’ “True Grit,” which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards© and has earned $250 million worldwide. Most recently, Skydance productions released the Paramount feature “Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol,” starring Tom Cruise, which has made more than $694 million worldwide and growing. Upcoming films include “Jack Reacher,” based on the best-selling novels by Lee Child, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Tom Cruise, set for release on December 21, 2012; “The Guilt Trip,” starring Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen, slated for release on December 25, 2012; “G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation,” starring Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson, set for release on March 29, 2013; “World War Z,” directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt, set for release on June 21, 2013; “Star Trek Into Darkness,” starring Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine; and “Jack Ryan,” based on the Tom Clancy character and starring Chris Pine, directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Mace Neufeld, set for release on December 25, 2013. Additionally, Skydance is producing, along with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, “Without Remorse,” written by Shawn Ryan.
IN THEATERS CHRISTMAS DAY 2013
Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., and Skydance Productions announced today that principal photography has begun on “JACK RYAN,” from Academy Award®-nominated director Kenneth Branagh, starring Chris Pine, Academy Award®-nominated Keira Knightley and Academy Award®-winner Kevin Costner. The film is shooting in New York, Moscow and London and is slated for release on December 25, 2013.
Based on the Jack Ryan character created by bestselling author Tom Clancy, the film is a contemporary action thriller set in the present day. The original story, written by David Koepp (“ANGELS AND DEMONS,” “WAR OF THE WORLDS”), follows a young Jack as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura (the “TRANSFORMERS” franchise, “RED”) will produce through his Di Bonaventura Pictures banner, along with Mace Neufeld (“THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER,” “PATRIOT GAMES”) and David Barron (the “HARRY POTTER” franchise). David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake of Skydance Productions (“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL,” “TRUE GRIT”) will executive produce along with Tommy Harper (“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL”).
“JACK RYAN” stars Pine (“STAR TREK,” “RISE OF THE GUARDIANS”) as the title character; Knightley (“ANNA KARENINA,” the “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN” franchise) as his fiancé Cathy Muller; Costner (“HATFIELDS & MCCOYS,” “DANCES WITH WOLVES”) as Ryan’s CIA handler Harper; and Peter Andersson (“THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO” trilogy) as security agent Dmitri Lemkov. Branagh, in addition to directing the film, will take on the role of Russian oligarch Viktor Cherevin.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
About Skydance Productions
Skydance Productions creates and produces elevated event-level commercial entertainment. In its strategic partnership with Paramount Pictures, the David Ellison-led company co-finances and produces several films per year with the studio. The first film to be co-produced under the partnership was the Coen Brothers’ “True Grit,” which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards© and has earned $250 million worldwide. Most recently, Skydance productions released the Paramount feature “Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol,” starring Tom Cruise, which has made more than $694 million worldwide and growing. Upcoming films include “Jack Reacher,” based on the best-selling novels by Lee Child, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Tom Cruise, set for release on December 21, 2012; “The Guilt Trip,” starring Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen, slated for release on December 25, 2012; “G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation,” starring Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson, set for release on March 29, 2013; “World War Z,” directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt, set for release on June 21, 2013; “Star Trek Into Darkness,” starring Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine; and “Jack Ryan,” based on the Tom Clancy character and starring Chris Pine, directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Mace Neufeld, set for release on December 25, 2013. Additionally, Skydance is producing, along with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, “Without Remorse,” written by Shawn Ryan.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
DreamWorks Studios Announces New International Partnerships
DreamWorks Studios Announces Initial Strategic Partnerships with Entertainment One, Constantin Film, Nordisk Film and Italia Film
LONDON & TORONTO & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamWorks Studios is pleased to announce that through their newly created collaboration with Mister Smith Entertainment, they have concluded the first of many key partnership deals with independent distribution companies Entertainment One (eOne), announced earlier; Constantin Film; Nordisk Film; and Italia Film; reflecting the previously announced shift in DreamWorks' international strategy.
These deals signal the first phase of DreamWorks' plans to create a network of partnerships for their product across all of Europe, Africa and The Middle East with the top independent distributors. This strategy will provide the Company with additional financial flexibility, while also taking advantage of a burgeoning global market.
"On behalf of Steven and Stacey, we are so excited to be in business with international partners we consider the ‘best of breed’ and a perfect match for our films. Partnering with industry leaders at eOne, Constantin, Nordisk, and Italia, we know our films will be handled with the utmost skill and creativity by their distribution teams. This new network of relationships encapsulates the studio's vision for capitalizing on the growing global marketplace," said Jeff Small, DreamWorks' President and COO.
DreamWorks has entered into multi-year output agreements to distribute the company's films in all media with eOne for the UK and Benelux; with Italia Film for the Middle East; with Nordisk Film for Scandinavia; and with Constantin Film for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Other partnerships will be announced over the days and weeks ahead. DreamWorks’ domestic distributor, The Walt Disney Company, will continue to handle North America, Latin America, Asia, Russia and Australia. Reliance continues to finance production of DreamWorks’ films and hold distribution rights in India.
Mister Smith CEO David Garrett commented that the swift conclusion of these very complex deals in Toronto reflects the high level of enthusiasm in the international marketplace for DreamWorks' product and for exploring new ways to collaborate in the arenas of both production and distribution.
Martin Moszkowicz, a member of the executive board of Constantin Film said: "We take great pride in seeing Constantin included among the best distributors in each territory and being part of this strategic distribution partnership for the upcoming DreamWorks films. We look forward to working with the most iconic studio in Hollywood and with such a distinguished and dynamic group of people led by Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Jeff Small."
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider, Jeff Small and the entire DreamWorks team in the UK and Benelux. We’re delighted that their expansion aligns so well with eOne’s strategic international distribution infrastructure. We’re looking forward to working on DreamWorks’ premium slate and sharing many successes in the coming years," said Patrice Theroux, eOne’s President, Filmed Entertainment.
Kenneth Wiberg, Senior Vice President, Nordisk Film said: “We are extremely excited about being in business with a legendary Studio such as DreamWorks led by Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Jeff Small. This is an extraordinary opportunity to work with some of the most creative and dynamic people in Hollywood and to further expand on our current position as the leading distributor of high quality and commercial films. Combined with our existing Output Deal with Lionsgate and our outstanding position as distributor of Local content it will cement Nordisk Film’s position as a major distributor in the Nordic region in the years to come.”
Italia Film CEO/major Partner, Joseph Vincenti stated: “We are honored and thrilled to have been chosen with the great international Dream-team distribution companies to be part of this new adventure with DreamWorks and Mister Smith Entertainment. We are truly confident that the movie passion, enthusiasm, dynamism, long time experience and professionalism behind Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Jeff Small can only lead to great cinematographic output & blockbuster titles that will surely top the box office in our region.”
The first film to go into production in the new slate will be the remake of French-Canadian film “Starbuck,” starring Vince Vaughn, which begins principal photography in October 2012 for release in 2013.
About DreamWorks
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company's recent releases include "Real Steel," starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy, Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," based on Michael Morpurgo's award-winning book and was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, and "The Help," which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award nominations with Octavia Spencer winning one for Best Supporting Actress. Its upcoming releases include Spielberg's "Lincoln" starring Daniel Day-Lewis.
DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios
About Mister Smith Entertainment
Led by CEO David Garrett, Mister Smith Entertainment is involved in the financing, co-financing and licensing of high-quality mainstream feature films and filmmaker driven movies for the global market. The company is a joint venture between Garrett and Constantin Film. Mister Smith Entertainment's current film slate includes Constantin Film's THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, the first film in the highly anticipated action fantasy franchise based on Cassandra Clare's #1 best-selling book series, currently shooting in Toronto, and scheduled for release in August 2013 through Screen Gems; and the compelling true story 3,096 DAYS based on the autobiography of Natascha Kampusch, the Austrian girl who was held captive for over 8 years and whose escape made headlines around the world. The film is due for release in early 2013.
About Constantin Film
Constantin Film has been synonymous with quality and success for over 30 years. It has played a crucial role in establishing German cinema both nationally and internationally. Between 1977, when Bernd Eichinger established the company, and 2009, when it was integrated into media conglomerate Constantin Medien AG, Constantin Film emerged as the most successful independent production and distribution company in the German media industry. Constantin Film’s operations include German and English language motion picture theatrical production, theatrical distribution, home entertainment distribution, licensing and television production.
Constantin Film’s diverse slate includes box office hits and award-winning films alike, ranging from comic book to literary adaptations, historical dramas, action and genre, among them THE NEVERENDING STORY, THE FANTASTIC FOUR film franchise, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, WICKIE THE MIGHTY VIKING, NOWHERE IN AFRICA, DOWNFALL, THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX, PERFUME - THE STORY OF A MURDERER, THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS, and the RESIDENT EVIL film franchise. Upcoming films include 3,096 DAYS about real-life kidnap victim Natascha Kampusch and the highly anticipated film adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s #1 New York Times Bestseller THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES.
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 24,000 film and television titles, 2,700 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.
About Nordisk Film
Nordisk Film was founded in 1906 and is one of the oldest still operating film companies in the world. Nordisk Film is part of the Egmont Group and the leading Nordic developer, producer and distributor of creative content in films and games. In addition to the output deal with DreamWorks, Nordisk Film has output deals with Lionsgate/ Summit, Relativity Media and Lava Bear. Nordisk Film works closely together with several of the leading production companies in the Nordic region, either as distributor/co-producer or co-owner. In recent years Nordisk Film has launched The Twilight Franchise, The Hunger Games and local blockbusters like the Millennium Trilogy, Easy Money, The Headhunters, A Royal Affair, Kon-Tiki and the recent Susanne Bier film Love is All you Need. Nordisk Film produces or co-produces more than 15 films annually. Nordisk Film and Zentropa own the international sales arm TrustNordisk, which is handling sales on 7 films included in this year’s Official TIFF Program. The titles that participated were Love is All you Need, A Royal Affair, Purge, Blondie, A Hijacking, Call Girl, and The Hunt.
Nordisk Film owns the number one cinema chain in Denmark and holds the Nordic distribution rights to Sony PlayStation. Nordisk Film also supplies production and post-production facilities to a number of Nordic film companies. In 2011, Nordisk Film generated a total revenue of EUR 334 million. The company has app. 1.000 employees in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
About Italia Film:
ITALIA FILM, a privately owned company, is the largest USA/European Independent films Buyer/Distributor for the Middle East in addition to being the Walt Disney Pictures exclusive distributor in the region since 1993. Italia Film has distributed, over the last 4 decades, the biggest Independent movies ever with a an average of 55-60 theatrical releases/year. Its CEO/major Partner: Joseph Vincenti, a pioneer and pillar of the movie industry in the region, has started the company in 1954 for the distribution of Italian films, at that time very popular, and then its activities were extended for the distribution of French and U.S. films. In 1993, Italia Film was appointed as Disney Pictures exclusive sub-distributors in the Middle East. Italia Film, is the only company in the Middle East, releasing the films distributed on a percentage basis with branch offices in each of: Dubai (United Arab Emirates): to supervise the distribution of our films in the Gulf States; Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Omam; Cairo (Egypt): to supervise the distribution of our films in Egypt; Amman (Jordan): to supervise the distribution of our films in Jordan; and Beirut (Lebanon): to supervise the distribution of our films in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan.
Italia Film Masters the distribution & marketing of children, family & Adults oriented movies due to very efficient ATL as well as BTL plans that involve tie-in partnerships, targeted Database & PR activities with schools and various organizations. Italia Film has over the last years been numerously been praised and awarded for its marketing activities by the Independent Companies it distributes as well as by Disney who has also for several years in row named I.F. as: Most Profitable& Biggest Contributor Sub-Distributor Market (Middle East).
LONDON & TORONTO & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamWorks Studios is pleased to announce that through their newly created collaboration with Mister Smith Entertainment, they have concluded the first of many key partnership deals with independent distribution companies Entertainment One (eOne), announced earlier; Constantin Film; Nordisk Film; and Italia Film; reflecting the previously announced shift in DreamWorks' international strategy.
These deals signal the first phase of DreamWorks' plans to create a network of partnerships for their product across all of Europe, Africa and The Middle East with the top independent distributors. This strategy will provide the Company with additional financial flexibility, while also taking advantage of a burgeoning global market.
"On behalf of Steven and Stacey, we are so excited to be in business with international partners we consider the ‘best of breed’ and a perfect match for our films. Partnering with industry leaders at eOne, Constantin, Nordisk, and Italia, we know our films will be handled with the utmost skill and creativity by their distribution teams. This new network of relationships encapsulates the studio's vision for capitalizing on the growing global marketplace," said Jeff Small, DreamWorks' President and COO.
DreamWorks has entered into multi-year output agreements to distribute the company's films in all media with eOne for the UK and Benelux; with Italia Film for the Middle East; with Nordisk Film for Scandinavia; and with Constantin Film for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Other partnerships will be announced over the days and weeks ahead. DreamWorks’ domestic distributor, The Walt Disney Company, will continue to handle North America, Latin America, Asia, Russia and Australia. Reliance continues to finance production of DreamWorks’ films and hold distribution rights in India.
Mister Smith CEO David Garrett commented that the swift conclusion of these very complex deals in Toronto reflects the high level of enthusiasm in the international marketplace for DreamWorks' product and for exploring new ways to collaborate in the arenas of both production and distribution.
Martin Moszkowicz, a member of the executive board of Constantin Film said: "We take great pride in seeing Constantin included among the best distributors in each territory and being part of this strategic distribution partnership for the upcoming DreamWorks films. We look forward to working with the most iconic studio in Hollywood and with such a distinguished and dynamic group of people led by Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Jeff Small."
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider, Jeff Small and the entire DreamWorks team in the UK and Benelux. We’re delighted that their expansion aligns so well with eOne’s strategic international distribution infrastructure. We’re looking forward to working on DreamWorks’ premium slate and sharing many successes in the coming years," said Patrice Theroux, eOne’s President, Filmed Entertainment.
Kenneth Wiberg, Senior Vice President, Nordisk Film said: “We are extremely excited about being in business with a legendary Studio such as DreamWorks led by Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Jeff Small. This is an extraordinary opportunity to work with some of the most creative and dynamic people in Hollywood and to further expand on our current position as the leading distributor of high quality and commercial films. Combined with our existing Output Deal with Lionsgate and our outstanding position as distributor of Local content it will cement Nordisk Film’s position as a major distributor in the Nordic region in the years to come.”
Italia Film CEO/major Partner, Joseph Vincenti stated: “We are honored and thrilled to have been chosen with the great international Dream-team distribution companies to be part of this new adventure with DreamWorks and Mister Smith Entertainment. We are truly confident that the movie passion, enthusiasm, dynamism, long time experience and professionalism behind Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Jeff Small can only lead to great cinematographic output & blockbuster titles that will surely top the box office in our region.”
The first film to go into production in the new slate will be the remake of French-Canadian film “Starbuck,” starring Vince Vaughn, which begins principal photography in October 2012 for release in 2013.
About DreamWorks
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company's recent releases include "Real Steel," starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy, Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," based on Michael Morpurgo's award-winning book and was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, and "The Help," which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award nominations with Octavia Spencer winning one for Best Supporting Actress. Its upcoming releases include Spielberg's "Lincoln" starring Daniel Day-Lewis.
DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios
About Mister Smith Entertainment
Led by CEO David Garrett, Mister Smith Entertainment is involved in the financing, co-financing and licensing of high-quality mainstream feature films and filmmaker driven movies for the global market. The company is a joint venture between Garrett and Constantin Film. Mister Smith Entertainment's current film slate includes Constantin Film's THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, the first film in the highly anticipated action fantasy franchise based on Cassandra Clare's #1 best-selling book series, currently shooting in Toronto, and scheduled for release in August 2013 through Screen Gems; and the compelling true story 3,096 DAYS based on the autobiography of Natascha Kampusch, the Austrian girl who was held captive for over 8 years and whose escape made headlines around the world. The film is due for release in early 2013.
About Constantin Film
Constantin Film has been synonymous with quality and success for over 30 years. It has played a crucial role in establishing German cinema both nationally and internationally. Between 1977, when Bernd Eichinger established the company, and 2009, when it was integrated into media conglomerate Constantin Medien AG, Constantin Film emerged as the most successful independent production and distribution company in the German media industry. Constantin Film’s operations include German and English language motion picture theatrical production, theatrical distribution, home entertainment distribution, licensing and television production.
Constantin Film’s diverse slate includes box office hits and award-winning films alike, ranging from comic book to literary adaptations, historical dramas, action and genre, among them THE NEVERENDING STORY, THE FANTASTIC FOUR film franchise, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, WICKIE THE MIGHTY VIKING, NOWHERE IN AFRICA, DOWNFALL, THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX, PERFUME - THE STORY OF A MURDERER, THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS, and the RESIDENT EVIL film franchise. Upcoming films include 3,096 DAYS about real-life kidnap victim Natascha Kampusch and the highly anticipated film adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s #1 New York Times Bestseller THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES.
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 24,000 film and television titles, 2,700 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.
About Nordisk Film
Nordisk Film was founded in 1906 and is one of the oldest still operating film companies in the world. Nordisk Film is part of the Egmont Group and the leading Nordic developer, producer and distributor of creative content in films and games. In addition to the output deal with DreamWorks, Nordisk Film has output deals with Lionsgate/ Summit, Relativity Media and Lava Bear. Nordisk Film works closely together with several of the leading production companies in the Nordic region, either as distributor/co-producer or co-owner. In recent years Nordisk Film has launched The Twilight Franchise, The Hunger Games and local blockbusters like the Millennium Trilogy, Easy Money, The Headhunters, A Royal Affair, Kon-Tiki and the recent Susanne Bier film Love is All you Need. Nordisk Film produces or co-produces more than 15 films annually. Nordisk Film and Zentropa own the international sales arm TrustNordisk, which is handling sales on 7 films included in this year’s Official TIFF Program. The titles that participated were Love is All you Need, A Royal Affair, Purge, Blondie, A Hijacking, Call Girl, and The Hunt.
Nordisk Film owns the number one cinema chain in Denmark and holds the Nordic distribution rights to Sony PlayStation. Nordisk Film also supplies production and post-production facilities to a number of Nordic film companies. In 2011, Nordisk Film generated a total revenue of EUR 334 million. The company has app. 1.000 employees in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
About Italia Film:
ITALIA FILM, a privately owned company, is the largest USA/European Independent films Buyer/Distributor for the Middle East in addition to being the Walt Disney Pictures exclusive distributor in the region since 1993. Italia Film has distributed, over the last 4 decades, the biggest Independent movies ever with a an average of 55-60 theatrical releases/year. Its CEO/major Partner: Joseph Vincenti, a pioneer and pillar of the movie industry in the region, has started the company in 1954 for the distribution of Italian films, at that time very popular, and then its activities were extended for the distribution of French and U.S. films. In 1993, Italia Film was appointed as Disney Pictures exclusive sub-distributors in the Middle East. Italia Film, is the only company in the Middle East, releasing the films distributed on a percentage basis with branch offices in each of: Dubai (United Arab Emirates): to supervise the distribution of our films in the Gulf States; Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Omam; Cairo (Egypt): to supervise the distribution of our films in Egypt; Amman (Jordan): to supervise the distribution of our films in Jordan; and Beirut (Lebanon): to supervise the distribution of our films in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan.
Italia Film Masters the distribution & marketing of children, family & Adults oriented movies due to very efficient ATL as well as BTL plans that involve tie-in partnerships, targeted Database & PR activities with schools and various organizations. Italia Film has over the last years been numerously been praised and awarded for its marketing activities by the Independent Companies it distributes as well as by Disney who has also for several years in row named I.F. as: Most Profitable& Biggest Contributor Sub-Distributor Market (Middle East).
New Trailer for "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" Debuts Today
Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures to Celebrate Tolkien Week with Worldwide Trailer Debut for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”
Trailer Debut Leads Up to 75th Anniversary of Publication of The Hobbit and Worldwide Hobbit Day, Marking the Birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) are joining the worldwide celebration of Tolkien Week with the debut of the highly anticipated theatrical trailer for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” on September 19, 2012. The first in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is directed by Oscar® winner Peter Jackson, who previously brought to the screen the blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy. The week-long Tolkien Week celebration encompasses the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit novel and the worldwide celebration of Hobbit Day.
The American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day and Tolkien Week in 1978, though Hobbit Day celebrations existed prior to its official recognition. Tolkien fans the world over celebrate by having parties and feasts emulating Hobbit celebrations as described in the books.
The new trailer is set to debut on broadcast and online media on September 19, 2012, then roll out in theaters around the world throughout the day. The first satellite feed will be coordinated worldwide at 14:00 Greenwich Time; the second satellite feed at 17:00 Greenwich Time. Satellite coordinates are TBA.
The celebration will continue on Friday, September 21, with activities related to the 75th anniversary of the book’s publication, which occurred on that same day in 1937.
On Saturday, September 22, fans around the world will recognize Hobbit Day—marking the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the Hobbits who are the unlikely heroes of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, respectively—with Hobbit Day parties and celebrations. Bilbo and Frodo were both said to be born on the same day of different years, Bilbo in the year 2890 and Frodo in the year of 2968 in the Third Age (1290 and 1368, respectively, in Shire-reckoning, the Hobbits’ own calendar).
Throughout early September, the Facebook page for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will roll out a series of features and ideas to create a fun, communal experience leading up to Tolkien Week, including “How to Throw a Hobbit Party” instructions, a “Fan of the Week” contest, and a special app on which fans will be able to share and collect recipes inspired by Middle-earth.
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”
The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.
Under Jackson’s direction, “The Hobbit” Trilogy has been shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second and will be released in High Frame Rate (HFR) 3D, other 3D formats, IMAX and 2D. Under Jackson’s direction, “The Hobbit” Trilogy has been shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Production has taken place at Jackson's own facilities in Miramar, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and the second and third films of the trilogy—“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again”—are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM.
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released worldwide beginning December 14, 2012, with “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second film, releasing beginning December 13, 2013, and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” the third film, slated for release on July 18, 2014.
www.thehobbit.com
About New Line Cinema
New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (“MGM”) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of films and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television programming. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
Trailer Debut Leads Up to 75th Anniversary of Publication of The Hobbit and Worldwide Hobbit Day, Marking the Birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) are joining the worldwide celebration of Tolkien Week with the debut of the highly anticipated theatrical trailer for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” on September 19, 2012. The first in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is directed by Oscar® winner Peter Jackson, who previously brought to the screen the blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy. The week-long Tolkien Week celebration encompasses the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit novel and the worldwide celebration of Hobbit Day.
The American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day and Tolkien Week in 1978, though Hobbit Day celebrations existed prior to its official recognition. Tolkien fans the world over celebrate by having parties and feasts emulating Hobbit celebrations as described in the books.
The new trailer is set to debut on broadcast and online media on September 19, 2012, then roll out in theaters around the world throughout the day. The first satellite feed will be coordinated worldwide at 14:00 Greenwich Time; the second satellite feed at 17:00 Greenwich Time. Satellite coordinates are TBA.
The celebration will continue on Friday, September 21, with activities related to the 75th anniversary of the book’s publication, which occurred on that same day in 1937.
On Saturday, September 22, fans around the world will recognize Hobbit Day—marking the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the Hobbits who are the unlikely heroes of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, respectively—with Hobbit Day parties and celebrations. Bilbo and Frodo were both said to be born on the same day of different years, Bilbo in the year 2890 and Frodo in the year of 2968 in the Third Age (1290 and 1368, respectively, in Shire-reckoning, the Hobbits’ own calendar).
Throughout early September, the Facebook page for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will roll out a series of features and ideas to create a fun, communal experience leading up to Tolkien Week, including “How to Throw a Hobbit Party” instructions, a “Fan of the Week” contest, and a special app on which fans will be able to share and collect recipes inspired by Middle-earth.
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”
The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.
Under Jackson’s direction, “The Hobbit” Trilogy has been shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second and will be released in High Frame Rate (HFR) 3D, other 3D formats, IMAX and 2D. Under Jackson’s direction, “The Hobbit” Trilogy has been shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Production has taken place at Jackson's own facilities in Miramar, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and the second and third films of the trilogy—“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again”—are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM.
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released worldwide beginning December 14, 2012, with “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second film, releasing beginning December 13, 2013, and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” the third film, slated for release on July 18, 2014.
www.thehobbit.com
About New Line Cinema
New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (“MGM”) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of films and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television programming. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
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