Saturday, August 30, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Rose McGowan Reaches for Oscar With Short Film Directorial Debut
ROSE MCGOWAN'S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
DAWN
TO HAVE OSCAR © QUALIFYING RUN IN LOS ANGELES
"Best be described as Douglas Sirk-meets-David Lynch" - Chris O'Falt, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"Provocative...slowly seductive" - Betsy Sharkey, LA TIMES
Read The Hollywood Reporter Exclusive HERE!
(New York | August 27th, 2014) RSA/Black Dog Films announced today that after the critically acclaimed world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, the taut directorial debut from Rose McGowan, DAWN, will have an Oscar © qualifying run in Los Angeles at the Downtown Independent startingSeptember 19th. As mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter, which you can see here, throughout the week the short film will be accompanied by seven features, one per night, curated by McGowan at the first annual "Dawn Festival".
"I'm curating a festival of directors that have given their lead women a strong voice. These stories could have been told with men in the title characters, but these directors showed us what happens when you break stereotypes. They have inspired me as a woman, as a director and as a person", said Rose.
Realizing that her passion lies in filmmaking, Rose McGowan's breakthrough directorial debut, DAWN, is a disturbing tale of a young girl's budding sexuality and one's desire to experience the unknown. Dawn (Tara Barr) is a quiet young teenager living in Kennedy era America who longs for something or someone to free her from her sheltered life. When she strikes up an innocent flirtation with the boy who works at her local gas station (Reiley McClendon), she thinks that he is perhaps the answer to her teenage dreams. Though when she invites the boy and his friends into her otherwise cloistered world, she gets a lot more than she bargained for.
Carefully chosen by McGowan, the films that will accompany DAWN feature iconic performances by actresses that prove rich, complex and layered roles can and should be written for and by women. The following films will screen with Rose McGowan and special guests in attendance:
SAFE - "Todd Haynes directed Julianne Moore in a haunting study of a woman's life."
THELMA & LOUISE - "Ridley Scott directed two substantial actresses in two substantial, inspiring roles."
HAROLD AND MAUDE - "Hal Ashby directed Ruth Gordon. Two creatives on a creative journey."
SIXTEEN CANDLES - "John Hughes directed Molly Ringwald. He made a teen's hopes and hurts real."
ROSEMARY'S BABY - "Roman Polanski directed Mia Farrow in a virtuoso breakdown performance."
SILKWOOD - "Mike Nichols directed Meryl Streep and Cher. They showed us women can change the world by finding their voice."
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS - "Jonathan Demme directed Jodie Foster. She showed us what a person can do when they go forward despite their fear."
FANDOR | September Film Highlights
SEPTEMBER 2014 HIGHLIGHTS
FEATURED FILMS
Cartoon College (2012)
Featured Fandor Debut:August 29 | Directors: Tara Wray and Josh Melrod
Each fall 20 promising cartoon artists immerse themselves in The Center for Cartoon
Studies’ grueling Masters program to develop their talent in preparation for a career
in one of the least secure and most underpaid of professions. This documentary
features interviews with the students and prominent comics artists such as Chris
Ware, Lynda Barry, Art Spiegelman, Francoise Mouly, Scott McCloud, Jason Lutes
and James Sturm.The Lickerish Quartet (1970)
Fandor Debut: September 5 |Director: Radley Metzger
Legendary sexploitation film director Radley Metzger’s art cinema background is on
full display in this classic of the genre, considered by many to be his major opus. He
plays with flashbacks, flash-forwards, dreams, multiple perspectives and ultimately
questions of identity and reality. An aristocratic couple and their adult son
encounter a beautiful female daredevil at a carnival whom they invite back to their
castle. As she seduces each member of the family, their desires and memories shift
their perspective on her identity.Who Is Dayani Cristal? (2013)
Fandor SVOD Premiere:September 9 | Director: Marc Silver
Featuring Gael Garcia Bernal
This powerful documentary employs multiple tacks to uncover the identity of a
corpse found in the Arizona Sonora desert by the Border Patrol. On one level, the
film follows the police procedural model, tracing the official investigation. But
parallel to this investigation, the filmmakers interview the missing man’s family to
present a rounded portrait of the life and personality of the man now reduced to
another corpse and statistic. Actor Gael Garcia Bernal traces the dead man’s
journey as an illegal migrant from Honduras to Arizona, speaking with other hopeful
“illegals” along the way.
Manakamana (2013)
Fandor SVOD Premiere:September 12 | Directors: Stephanie Spray and Pacho Velez
This documentary feature uses a simple, almost hypnotic, visual structure to evoke
the spiritual, emotional, and cultural complexities of pilgrims making the journey to
Nepal’s Manakamana Temple. Pacho Velez shoots a series of cable-car trips to the
temple using a static camera framing each set of passengers in an identical
medium shot for the ride. The pilgrims reveal themselves against this ascetic
grounding through words, actions and even with silence.
Double Play (2013)
Featured Fandor Debut:September 19 | Director: Gabe Klinger
This unique documentary focuses on the friendship between director Richard
Linklater (Before Midnight, Boyhood) and experimental filmmaker James Benning,
combining filmed conversations and archival material to explore connections
between the work and lives of these two American visionaries.Hellaware (2013)
Featured SVOD Exclusive Premiere: September 26 |Director: Michael Bilandic
Jaded by the “incestuous, New York, socialite shit” that sells at prominent art
galleries, Nate (Keith Poulson) embarks on a quest for a more authentic brand of
contemporary art. When a coked-up YouTube search leads to a music video from
Delawarean Goth rappers Young Torture Killaz, an Insane Clown Posse knock-off,
Nate knows he’s found his subjects. He soon drags his friend-with-benefits
Bernadette (Sophia Takal) to rural Delaware to shoot the group playing in their
parents’ basement. To “immerse himself” in the group’s culture and add an extra
layer of realism to his work, Nate befriends the rappers and makes return trips to get
to know them. But as his relationship with group develops, he becomes increasingly
aware that, while you can take the boy out of the art world, you can’t take the art
world out of the boy.Love in the City (L'Amore in Città , 1953)
Featured Fandor Debut: September 26 | Director: Michelangelo Antonioni, Federico
Fellini, Alberto Lattuada, Carlo Lizzani, Francesco Maselli, Dino Risi and Cesare
ZavattiniIn 1953, writer Cesare Zavattini, the leading light in the Italian neo-realism film
movement, brought together five directors, including Michelangelo Antonioni and
Federico Fellini, to explore love in contemporary Rome. Each director contributed a
short for the omnibus that captured a different element of “love” told in his own
unique style. The film presents a surprisingly diverse array of subjects including
heartbreak-fueled suicide attempts, the struggles of an unwed mother and even a
young woman’s encounter with a purported werewolf.
FEATURED FANDOR EVENTS
Movie Lists
Fandor has launched Movie Lists compiled by our community, staff and filmmakers.
You can now make a list of your favorite Fandor films and share them with anyone
you want.
http://www.fandor.com/movie-lists
Pro Skater Eli Reed Skates the PLAYBOY Mansion in Flamingo Pink Marc Jacobs
| Pro Skater Eli Reed Skates PLAYBOY Mansion |
| Eli Reed teamed up with Playboy.com to romanticize the imagination of a New York City skater in “Lost Paradise”. As he skates through the sweltering, concrete island that is NYC he takes a nasty spill and wakes up in easy, breezy Beverly Hills. His eyes flutter open to find himself draped in women inside of the Playboy Mansion. He finds paradise in the arms of Playmates Kayla Collins, Ashley Doris, Carly Lauren, Crystal McCahill, Jaslyn Ome, Tiffany Toth, and Dani Mathers. As we watch pro skater Eli Reed skate around the forbidden Playboy Mansion in his flamingo pink Marc Jacobs suit, we are met with visually stunning imagery of Hugh Heffner’s iconic home. The film is a new twist on an old favorite. Babes, boards and bunnies. Video by James Buckmen |
Mr. Pickles and Squidbillies Dominate With an Animation Doubleheader!
New Adult Swim SeriesMr. Picklespremieres Sunday, September 21st at 11:30 p.m. followed by Fan Favorite Squidbillies at 11:45 p.m. (ET/PT)
Mr. Pickles is an original animated series set in the small, old-fashioned world of Old Town that is slowly being taken over by the modern world. The series centers on the lives of the Goodman family and their innocent six-year-old son Tommy, whose best friend is the family’s lovable Border Collie, Mr. Pickles.
The two roam around Old Town together getting into classic adventures. Unbeknownst to Tommy and everyone else, except Tommy’s Grandpa, Mr. Pickles has an evil streak and frequently wanders off to kill, mutilate and hump his deserving victims. But the one thing everybody knows about the sweet and adorable dog is that he loves pickles and he gets one every time he’s a good boy.
Mr. Pickles, a HotHouse production, is created and executive produced by Will Carsola and Dave Stewart and executive produced by Michael Rizzo.
And rounding out the animation doubleheader - America’s fourth favorite animated family returns for season eight of Squidbillies, featuring brand new grandiloquent episodes! Watch as the Cuylers kick the ass of America’s toughest issues, including marriage inequality, taint cancer, speciesism, and the impending Russian snake apocalypse.
It's good clean family fun for childless families!
Squidbillies is written and produced by Dave Willis and Jim Fortier
Monday, August 25, 2014
New NSFW Extended Trailer from AS ABOVE/SO BELOW | In Theaters Friday!
Your fears will torment you.
Face your demons and discover the darkness within this new extended restricted trailer from Legendary and Universal Pictures' AS ABOVE/SO BELOW, courtesy of Yahoo! Movies! Descend into the Catacombs of Paris with Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman & Edwin Hodge in the upcoming psychological thriller from John Erick & Drew Dowdle opening in theaters everywhere this Friday, August 29th!
Watch & share the new #AsAboveSoBelow extended restricted trailer here.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Sean Astin and Gina Gershon joins BAD KIDS GO 2 HELL cast
SEAN ASTIN, GINA GERSHON, DRAKE BELL, SUFE BRADSHAW
JOIN SAMMI HANRATTY IN
HORROR-COMEDY BAD KIDS GO 2 HELL
Gershon Stars Opposite Astin In Sequel To
Cult Comic Book / Film Series Phenomenon
DALLAS, TX – Sean Astin (“The Strain,” the Lord of the Rings trilogy)and daughter Ali Astin (Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), Gina Gershon (Killer Joe, Showgirls, Bound), Drake Bell (Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh”), and Sufe Bradshaw (HBO’s “Veep”) have signed on to join Sammi Hanratty (WGN America’s “Salem”) in Bad Kids Go 2 Hell, the latest chapter in the cult dark comedy-horror franchise Bad Kids Go To Hell. The announcement was made today by the producers of the Bad Kids film franchise, James R. Hallam, Barry Wernick and Brad Keller. The film is based on the best-selling graphic novel and has developed a tremendous cult following.
BGKTH veteran Ben Browder (Farscape, Stargate, “Arrow”), who played “Max” in the original film, makes his feature directorial debut onBKG2H, as well as reprises his role for the sequel. The film reunites Sean Astin with his daughter, last seen together on-screen in Return of the King.
Hanratty, in the starring role, leads an ensemble cast of “Bad Kids” comprised of young rising stars Colby Arps (the upcoming Men, Women & Children), Sophia Taylor Ali (“Tyrant” and the upcomingWalking with the Dead), Matthew Frias (When the Game Stands Tall), and Erika Daly.
Gershon won the Toronto Critics Film Association award for Best Supporting Actress in Killer Joe, and was most recently seen in the filmsStaten Island Summer and Love Ranch, and is currently in production on My Dead Boyfriend.
Executive Producer James Hallam noted: “We are so blessed to have rounded out our youthful and very talented cast with the star power, that Sean, Gina, Drake, and Sufe bring
to the table.”
In Bad Kids Go 2 Hell, it's four years later and a new group of students has been placed in Saturday detention at snooty Crestview Academy. After one of the kids locks away the teacher assigned to watch them, the five of them very quickly find their ranks dwindling as each meets a gruesome fate. They may make it out of the library, but with a new threat revealing itself around every hallway, is there enough time and resources for at least one of them to make it out alive?
The film, which was written by Barry Wernick and based on the comic book series created by Wernick and Matthew Spradlin, is currently in production in Texas and is expected to be released in Summer 2015. Additional plot details are being kept under wraps, but fans of the first film in the franchise should expect a lot of fun twists and turns.
New Custom Adventure from AS ABOVE/SO BELOW
The only way out is down.
Your demons await in a new Facebook Connect Experience from Legendary and Universal Pictures' AS ABOVE/SO BELOW! Delve deep beneath the streets of Paris with a team of friends to explore the Catacombs' darkest secrets. But be wary -- as the tunnels have been known to reveal the evil that lies within.
Embark on your own #AsAboveSoBelow custom adventure here.
About As Above/So Below:
Miles of twisting catacombs lie beneath the streets of Paris, the eternal home to countless souls. When a team of explorers ventures into the uncharted maze of bones, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead. A journey into madness and terror, As Above/So Below reaches deep into the human psyche to reveal the personal demons that come back to haunt us all.
Written by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle (Quarantine, Devil) and directed by John Erick Dowdle, the psychological thriller is produced by Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Patrick Aiello and Drew Dowdle. Alex Hedlund serves as the executive producer.
----------------------------
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Cast: Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman, Edwin Hodge
Directed by: John Erick Dowdle
Written by: John Erick Dowdle & Drew Dowdle
Produced by: Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Patrick Aiello, Drew Dowdle
Executive Producer: Alex Hedlund
Adult Swim's Tim & Eric Are Baaaaaaack!
Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Storiespremieres Thursday, September 18th at 12:15 a.m. (ET/PT) on Adult Swim
Tim Heidecker & Eric Wareheim return to Adult Swim - writing, directing and starring in Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories - an anthology series in the tradition of Twilight Zone. Each episode offers a unique tale: dark, horrifying, perverse, insane… hilarious - featuring a wide array of comedic and dramatic guest stars. High production value replaces “awesome show” era cable access low-fi - but there’ll be no question whose minds are behind “Bedtime Stories.” This live-action half-hour series premieres September 18th on Adult Swim.
Aubrey Plaza Stars In Hilarious "Zom-Com" Life After Beth Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD October 21 From Lionsgate Home Entertainment
It's never too late for a second chance at love in Life After Beth, arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD (plus Digital) October 21 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Just in time for Halloween, the laugh out loud "zom-rom-com" proves that relationships can always be more challenging, especially when your girlfriend is a zombie. The film features an all-star comedic cast that includes Aubrey Plaza (TV's "Parks & Recreation"), Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Molly Shannon (Bad Teacher, TV's "Saturday Night Live"), Cheryl Hines (HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), Paul Reiser (TV's "Mad About You"), Matthew Gray Gubler (TV's "Criminal Minds"), and John C. Reilly (Stepbrothers, Chicago). Released theatrically by A24, the film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Zach (DeHaan) is devastated after his girlfriend Beth (Plaza) dies unexpectedly. After Beth suddenly and mysteriously returns to life, Zach is overjoyed to have the second chance to prove his love for her. But when Beth starts developing some bizarre tendencies - including a rather disturbing taste for flesh - Zach has to confront the facts. Can love survive among the living dead?
With bonus features including audio commentary with writer/director Jeff Baena and actors Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan and Matthew Gray Gubler, a behind-the-scenes featurette and deleted scenes, the Life After Beth Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.
BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*
- Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Jeff Baena, Actors Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan and Matthew Gray Gubler
- "Life After Beth: The Post Mortem" featurette
- Deleted Scenes
Original Props and Costumes from PACIFIC RIM Coming to Auction
Auction begins 25th August 9am(PST)
LOS ANGELES, 2014: In partnership with Legendary Pictures, Prop Store is pleased to present an exclusive auction of over 300 original props, costumes and set decoration pieces used in the making of the 2013 Guillermo del Toro film, Pacific Rim.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ Pacific Rim tells the story of humanity’s war against the monstrous Kaiju creatures that emerge from the ocean. Humanity battles the massive Kaiju with specially developed weapons—robotic fighting machines called Jaegers, which are controlled by paired human pilots. The sequel to the fan-favorite title has already been announced.
Highlights of the auction will include complete Jaeger Pilot costumes for the Striker Eureka and Crimson Typhoon Jaegers, light-up helmets worn by Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) and Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), animatronic Kaiju skin parasite bugs, Hannibal Chau’s (Ron Perlman) glasses and ring, Dr. Newton Geizler’s (Charlie Day) costume, and Yancy Becket’s (Diego Klattenhoff) costume.
Also available are a wide variety of costumes and props used in the Shatterdome sequences, pieces of Kaiju samples from Chau’s lair, and oversized prop Jaeger batteries.
The auction opens 25th August. More than 30 lots will be added to the sale each day, with all lots open for a bidding duration of 7 days. New auction lots will be listed for ten working days at 9AM PST daily. For more information see:http://www.propstore.com/cms/pacific-rim-auction/
All lots are offered with no reserve and will include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by an authorized Legendary representative. Auction registration is open now.
Brandon Alinger, COO Prop Store says: "We are excited to be working with Legendary Pictures to present a unique offering of props and costumes from Pacific Rim. The film has already become a fan favorite and the props and costumes are both brilliantly designed and exceptionally well made--we expect quite a bit of interest in this sale from collectors and fans alike
New Poster for THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Toronto International Film Festival World Premiere on September 7th
In Select Cities Starting November 7th
World-premiering next month at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival in advance of its November release in the U.S and Canada, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING stars Eddie Redmayne ("Les Misérables") and Felicity Jones ("The Amazing Spider-Man 2") in the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of - time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed. The screenplay by Anthony McCarten is based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, by Jane Hawking, and is directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh ("Man on Wire"). The film's cast also includes Charlie Cox ("Daredevil"), Academy Award nominee Emily Watson, Simon McBurney ("Magic in the Moonlight"), and David Thewlis ("Harry Potter").
#TheTheoryOfEverything
Official Website // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube
"THE ALMIGHTY JOHNSONS SEASON 1" On DVD And Blu-Ray October 7!!
“THE ALMIGHTY JOHNSONS SEASON 1”ARRIVES ON DVD AND BLU-RAY OCTOBER 7th
Set in New Zealand, “The Almighty Johnsons” is an Action-packed Comedy Drama about Four Brothers who just Happen to be Descended from Norse Gods
Click Here to View a Preview of “The Almighty Johnsons”
DVD and Blu-ray Feature the Unedited Version of Season 1
Series Airs on Syfy Fridays, July 11 – September 12
Arlington, Va. – August 21, 2014 – PBS Distribution announced today it will release the unedited version of “THE ALMIGHTY JOHNSONS SEASON 1” on DVD and Blu-ray October 7, 2014. The Johnson brothers, Mike, Anders, Ty, and Axl, are far from ordinary – they are descendants of Norse gods. Upon turning 21, each brother secretly became a Norse god with his own powers, except that their powers are not all that powerful anymore.
With guidance from the family oracle (their eternally young grandfather Olaf) and with the help of his brothers, Axl, as the human incarnation of Odin, god of wisdom, victory, and magic, must embark upon his life’s quest, to find Frigg, his beloved. The family prophecy states that only when Odin and Frigg are reunited will the house of Asgard be rebuilt and the Gods will rule again – unless their nemeses, the power-hungry Goddesses, can stop the Johnsons and find Frigg first!
The Johnson’s are led by the eldest brother Mike. Mike’s power is derived from Ullr, the God of skill, hunt and duel. Anders is the second Johnson brother. His power is derived from Bragi, the God of poetry, which means he can influence people with his words. Anders’ unique ability has served him alright in a business sense. He runs a small PR company and does pretty well for himself with the ladies. The third brother, Ty, is the human incarnation of Hodor (also known as Hodur or Hoor or Hoth), the blind Norse God of winter and darkness. As Hodor, his Godlike ‘power’ is to make things slightly colder – a room when he walks into it, a glass of beer when he’s holding it. Last, but certainly not least, is Axl. Axl is an ordinary 20-year old, about to become the 21-year old human incarnation of Odin, a deity with responsibilities far out-weighing anything Axl wants or needs in his life at his tender young age.
“THE ALMIGHTY JOHNSONS SEASON 1” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray October 7, 2014. The run time is approximately 465 minutes on 3 discs. The DVD SRP is $39.99 and the Blu-ray SRP is $44.99. The program will also be available for digital download. DVD and Blu-ray special features include episode 1 commentary with Tim Balme (Mike), Emmett Skilton (Axl), and director Mark Beesley; plus a bonus cast interview.
“The Almighty Johnsons” is from the creators of the Oscar®-nominated film “Whale Rider.” “The Almighty Johnsons” is produced by South Pacific Pictures, part of the all3media group of companies and is represented around the world by all3media International.
Viewer Discretion is Advised: This program includes materials that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. May contain suggestive dialogue, coarse language, sexual content, and violence.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
SHOHREH AGHDASHLOO AND STEVEN STRAIT TO STAR IN THE EXPANSE, SYFY & ALCON TV’S NEW 10-EPISODE SPACE OPERA
SYFY AND ALCON TV ANNOUNCE EMMY WINNER AND OSCAR NOMINEE SHOHREH AGHDASHLOO(HOUSE OF SADDAM, HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG) ANDSTEVEN STRAIT (MAGIC CITY) WILL STAR IN THE EXPANSE,NEW 10-EPISODE SPACE OPERA
BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLER, THE EXPANSE WILL PREMIERE ON SYFY IN 2015
NEW YORK – August 21, 2014 – Syfy and Alcon TV today announced that Steven Strait (Magic City) and Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Saddam, House of Sand and Fog) will star in The Expanse, the new 10-episode space opera based on the international best-selling book series, premiering on Syfy in 2015.
Strait plays Holden, an officer on the ice-carrying freighter the Canterbury. Holden is a natural leader who's not sure he wants responsibility, but who will soon have no choice when he is drawn into a dangerous plot. Strait’s many credits include the movies 10,000 BC, City Island and City Island.
Aghdashloo portrays Chrisjen Avasarala, a smart and passionate member of a political family legacy who has risen high in the ranks of Earth’s governing body without once standing for election. In addition to appearing in the long-running TV series 24, Aghdashaloo has starred in films such asX-Men: The Last Stand, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and The Stoning of Soraya M. She just completed filming on Septembers In Shiraz with Adrien Brody and Salma Hayek, and The Last Knights with Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman.
Earlier, Syfy and Alcon TV announced that three-time Golden Globe nominee Thomas Jane (Hung, The Punisher) will also star as the world-weary Detective Miller, a native of “the Asteroid Belt” between Mars and Jupiter.
The Expanse is a thriller set two hundred years in the future. The series follows the case of a missing young woman who brings a hardened detective (Thomas Jane) and a rogue ship’s captain (Steven Strait) together in a race across the solar system to expose the greatest conspiracy in human history.
In making the announcement, Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President, Original Content, Syfy, said: “Steven and Shohreh are both outstanding talents whowe feel lucky to have in our series.”
Said Sharon Hall, President, Alcon Television: “We knew this material would attract high end talent. Steven Strait embodies the humor, gravitas and humanity that the character of James Holden possesses. Having him alongside Thomas Jane as our leading men is thrilling. The incomparable Shohreh Aghdashloo is our dream Chrisjen Avasarala.”
Award-winning director Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, Suits, Better Call Saul) will direct the first two episodes.
The Academy Award-nominated screenwriting duo Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (Alfonso Cuaron’s Children of Men,Iron Man) wrote the pilot and will continue to serve as writers as well as executive producers. Fergus and Ostby are showrunners alongside fellow executive producer Naren Shankar (CSI, Farscape).
The Expanse is produced by Alcon Television Group (ATG), a division of Alcon Entertainment, and marks the company’s first series order. Alcon co-founders and co-CEO’s Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson will serve as executive producers with Hall. Alcon Television executive Ben Roberts will serve as co-producer. Ben Cook will serve as producer. Sean Daniel (Graceland, The Mummy) and Jason Brown of the Sean Daniel Company developed the original pitch, with Fergus and Ostby, and will also executive produce.
Developed with the Sean Daniel Company as a direct-to-series project, Alcon is financing and executive producing the hour-long, 10 episode series, based on the popular New York Times bestselling book series collectively known as The Expanse, written by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (under the pen name James S. A. Corey). Abraham and Franck will be show producers.
The multi-installment, best-selling book series is published in 17 countries, including China, France, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. Book one in the series, “Leviathan Wakes,” was nominated for a Hugo Award as well as a Locus Award, while the second novel, “Caliban’s War” was nominated for a Locus Award.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
AMC NETWORKS’ YEAH! OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY & CURATED EXPERIENCE OF 80’S MOVIE CLASSIC, DIRTY DANCING
New Streaming Movie Service to Host Gratis Marathon Viewing 8/22-24 to
Celebrate Films’ Anniversary
To commemorate the 27th year of the iconic summer flick Dirty Dancing, AMC Networks’ movie streaming service YEAH! will be offering film fans a three-day, non-stop lovefest of the 80’s classic with a bevy of in-depth facts, quotes from the stars, and much more.
From August 22-24, Dirty Dancing aficionados will have the chance to relive every salsa step, iconic lift, and love scene in true YEAH!-version fashion, giving viewers access to a rich layer of curated content integrated into the screen below the film as it plays. The 72-hour movie streaming event includes special features – movie lovers can only get from YEAH! – like quizzes, polls, and behind-the-scenes stories about the moves, the music, and the stars of Dirty Dancing.
Unlike DVD extras or Blu-ray features, the YEAH! iPad app delivers information instantly, scene-by-scene, where and when you want it during the movie – content that can be switched on or off with a single tap of the finger. With 400-500 curated elements, the encyclopedic depth of content included in this and all YEAH! editions of iconic films can turn any fan into an instant expert on the movies they love.
YEAH! is honored to work with leading directors, writers and actors on the curation of the films, featuring exclusive interviews, little known facts and intimate stories. Director Richard Linklater hailed YEAH! as, “a film geek paradise,” while horror legend Wes Craven said, “I learned things about my movies even I didn’t know!” The New York Times calls the YEAH! experience "illuminating … everything you wanted to know about [the film] plus the film itself,” while Entertainment Weekly says YEAH! is "the only time we've really loved a know-it-all.”
To help get the party started, YEAH! has also teamed up with women’s magazine BUST to provide the tools needed to make it a Dirty Dancing marathon to never forget! Film enthusiasts will have the chance to learn fun facts and enjoy party favors like:
· It took 10 years for Dirty Dancing to get a green light;
· Patrick “Johnny Castle” Swayze was picked for his role from a headshot (the writer of the film had no idea who he was);
· Some of the dancers had passed out due to heat exhaustion during shooting;
· Downloadable Dirty Dancing-themed cocktail recipes (including “The Pachenga” and “The Kellerman’s Kooler”);
· Printable party favors and games (“Pin the Baby in the Corner,” anyone?);
· Streamable playlist of Dirty Dancing song favorites;
· The chance to win a Google Chromecast;
Dirty Dancing fans can sign-up or sign-in to have the time of their lives from Aug. 22-24, courtesy of YEAH! To watch Dirty Dancing, users can download the YEAH! app on the iPad for free from the App Store on iTunes or visit the website,www.yeahtv.com, and enter promo code BUST. To be a part of the YEAH! and BUST fun, folks can register at BUST.com/yeahtv.