Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s professional network Impact is teaming up with Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Crew, the personnel database aiming to help underrepresented communities, to “create the number one global hiring source for the entertainment industry.” Through this new partnership, they aim to further their goal to “make hiring, collaboration and communication more efficient and inclusivewith the goal of empowering the people who bring stories to life.”
DuVernay’s ARRAY Crew connects below-the-line professionals of underrepresented backgrounds with producers, studio executives, and department heads. Impact is an online network that helps productions hire crews efficiently and inclusively. Together, Impact and ARRAY Crew have an active user base of 40,000 verified industry professionals who will be able to reach a network of 1.2 million people in the industry. They will also provide users with other resources to help them with their careers, like networking opportunities and production tools.
Grazer, Howard, and Impact CEO Tyler Mitchell made a joint statement on the partnership. “Ava has been leading the way when it comes to increasing diversity and inclusion behind the camera. Joining forces with Ava and the larger ARRAY team enables us to continue to advance how talented people in the entertainment community get hired, and find the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed,” they said.
Ava DuVernay and ARRAY President Tilane Jones also spoke on the partnership. “Crew members are the heart of our industry and serving them through ARRAY has been an honor that we are thrilled to continue with Ron, Brian and the Impact team. Our shared vision of an inclusive industry in which professionals of all kinds can thrive and shine is key to this collaboration.”
New users can apply for a verified profile at impact.net/access.
Sony Sets Oct. 6 Theatrical Release for Pedro Almodóvar’s “Strange Way of Life”
Sony Pictures Classics has set Pedro Almodóvar’s short film “Strange Way of Life” for a nationwide theatrical release on Oct. 6 following its Oct. 4 release in New York and Los Angeles.
“Strange Way of Life” will play in theaters alongside Almodóvar’s 2020 short film “The Human Voice” which stars Tilda Swinton.
Starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal, “Strange Way of Life” follows the story of two gunmen who reunite after spending many years apart. “In the film, a man rides a horse across the desert that separates him from Bitter Creek. He comes to visit Sheriff Jake. Twenty-five years earlier, both the sheriff and Silva, the rancher who rides out to meet him, worked together as hired gunmen. Silva visits him with the excuse of reuniting with his friend from his youth, and they do indeed celebrate their meeting, but the next morning Sheriff Jake tells him that the reason for his trip is not to go down the memory lane of their old friendship…” reads the film’s official logline.
Pedro Casablanc, Manu Ríos, George Steane, José Condessa, Jason Fernández and Sara Sálamo join the cast alongside Hawke and Pascal. Agustín Almodóvar produced with Esther García as executive producer and Bárbara Peiró, Diego Pajuelo and Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello as associate producers.
Brooklyn Museum to Open “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” Exhibit on Oct. 7
The Brooklyn Museum is set to open the exhibit “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” on Oct. 7 in honor of the filmmaker’s career. It is described as “the most extensive museum show focused on Lee to date” and it aims to communicate how Lee’s personal interests have shaped his films. The exhibition will include objects from Lee’s personal collection that he acquired over the years, fitting into seven categories that have inspired his work: Black history and culture, Brooklyn, sports, music, cinema history, family and politics. The 300+ objects span from Prince’s love symbol guitar to Serena Williams’ tennis racket. Additionally, the seven sections of the exhibition will include historical photographs, album covers, letters, first-edition books, costumes, and film memorabilia. Each section shows a clip from one of Lee’s films in order to connect the objects in the exhibition to his work. “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” is the first major exhibition dedicated to Lee in Brooklyn.
The exhibition is organized by Kimberli Gant, Curator, Modern and Contemporary Art, with Indira A. Abiskaroon, Curatorial Assistant, Modern and Contemporary Art, Brooklyn Museum. “By making Lee’s collection accessible to the public, this showcase celebrates his legacy while honoring his deep connection to Brooklyn, a place that has been an integral part of his storytelling,” said Gant.
‘Portrait of the Queen’ documentary Acquired by VMI Releasing
based on the bestselling Paola Calvetti novel, VMI Releasing has acquired the distribution rights to Fabrizio Ferri’s “Portrait of the Queen.”
The documentary is set to highlight the life, history and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II. “All over the globe and in every moment of her long life, people have always wanted to watch her, discover new things about her, get to know her better, connect with her, and understand her. Portrait of the Queen offers an original portrayal of the story of The Queen from a new perspective: through the most intense, amazing, revealing photographic portraits of her, as shared by the extraordinary photographers who captured these images – sometimes crafting the image of the British monarchy itself,” reads the documentaries official logline.
Charles Dance is set to narrate the project that will feature photography by Brian Aris, Jason Bell, Julian Calder, Chris Levine, David Montgomery, and John Swannell. Additional interviews with Susan Sarandon, Isabella Rossellini, curator Emma Blau and stylist Pierpaolo Piccioli will reveal more about the Queen’s legacy.
“Elizabeth II has, over the years, worked with great photographers from whom she has commissioned the portraits used to build, communicate, and manage her image,” said Ferri. Paola Calvetti, author of the book ‘Elisabetta II. Ritratto di Regina’, asked me to direct and do the photography for the film Portrait of the Queen, written by her. Paola’s intuition to take an unprecedented point of view and make a film about the collaboration between Queen Elizabeth II and the great photographers was compelling.”
“Portrait of the Queen” will premiere on digital platforms on Sept. 5.
Gravitas Acquires Orson Welles-Themed documentary ‘American: An Odyssey to 1947’
Gravitas Ventures has picked up North American rights to the documentary “American: An Odyssey to 1947,” written, directed and produced by Danny Wu. The documentary focuses on the political evolution of director Orson Welles, though a journey though the 1930s and ’40s in American history, against the backdrop of the Great Depression, World War II and the atom bomb.
The documentary will be released on VOD on Sept. 12.
Gravitas Ventures’ VP of Acquisitions, Bill Guentzler negotiated the deal with Maple Road Pictures.
Lionsgate Picks Up ‘Unsung Hero,’ Sets Release Date
Lionsgate has picked up the family drama film “Unsung Hero” from the Christian music duo for King + Country. Helmed by Richard Ramsey and for King + Country’s Joel Smallbone, the film tells the story of Smallbone family’s trek from Australia to America, and Joel and his brother Luke’s path to becoming Grammy-winning artists.
Joel Smallbone stars as his father David in the film, with Daisy Betts playing Joel’s mother Helen. According to the official synopsis, “With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen set out to rebuild their lives. based on a remarkable true story, Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children.”
The film also stars Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott. It was produced by Justin Tolley, Josh Walsh and Luke Smallbone for Kingdom Story Company and Candy Rock.
“Unsung Hero” is set to release April 26, 2024.
Prime Video Announces Promotional Karaoke Bus Ahead of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ Release
Amazon is hosting a karaoke event on a double decker bus on Aug. 13, taking passengers through Los Angeles with stops along the way to promote the upcoming rom com “Red, White & Royal Blue.” based on the book of the same name, the film follows the romance between the son of the first female president of the United States (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and a British prince (Nicholas Galitzine).
“Just as Prince Henry captured the heart of Alex Clairemont-Diaz with an impromptu karaoke number, fans can take their own chance at finding love and serenade strangers to a curated enemies-to-lovers themed setlist perfectly tied to the film,” reads the event’s description.
The journey begins at Milk Bar at 10:30 on Melrose Ave., where fans can try cake decorated in honor of the film. Other stops include Rocco’s and Hamburger Mary’s at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. respectively. The event will also feature photo opportunities.
“Red, White & Royal Blue” will be released on Prime Video on Aug. 11.
American Film Institute Announces the Launch of Official Letterboxd Account
The American Film Institute (AFI) has launched an official Letterboxd account called AFI HQ. Letterboxd is a social media platform on which film buffs can curate lists, rate and review films, as well as learn about new movies and discuss those they’re passionate about. AFI is known for curating their own lists of films; their Top 100 lists are well regarded and will now be available on their Letterboxd account in addition to exclusive content from the AFI Archive and AFI newsletters. Letterboxd will also provide film fans with a link to Get the Picture, AFI’s daily movie guessing game.
Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, made a statement on the new development. “We are excited to open the doors to AFI on Letterboxd and its community of millions of film lovers from around the world.”
Letterboxd Editor-in-Chief Gemma Gracewood also spoke on the new partnership. “AFI, like Letterboxd, has always been really focused on community, so it’s fantastic to have them join our devoted community of film fans.”
Follow AFI on Letterboxd at letterboxd/afi.
Steven Kostanski’s ‘Frankie Freako’ Comedy Has Wrapped Production
Steven Kostanski’s forthcoming horror-comedy “Frankie Freako” has wrapped production, with Shout! Studios acquiring U.S. distribution rights.
“Frankie Freako” will star Conor Sweeney (“The Editor,” “Father’s Day”) as he accidentally unleashes “a trio of tiny trouble-makers into his home, led by the maniacal rock-n-roll party monster Frankie Freako. It’s a race against time as Conor must defeat the rambunctious ruffians and clean up their trail of destruction before his wife returns from her weekend work trip, all while going on an unexpected journey of self-discovery,” per the projects official logline.
Adam Brooks and Kristy Wordsworth star alongside Sweeney. The film is Kostanski’s commemoration of various practical-FX-led projects including “Gremlins 2” and “Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College.”
“Steven is a human love letter to genre films, and this is a partnership Shout has long sought,” said Jordan Fields, senior VP of acquisitions and originals at Shout! “With his impeccable sense of tone and humor, not to mention his wizardry with practical effects, Frankie Freako will surely delight fans of those subversive and mischievous creature features of yesteryear.”
“Frankie Freako” is produced under Hanger 18 Media by Melanie Murray, Pasha Patriki and Steven Kostanski alongside Michael Paszt, Andrew Thomas Hunt and James Fler. Avi Federgreen and Alison Waxman executive produce alongside Garson Foos, Bob Emmer and Jordan Fields. Raven Banner is handling international sales and Canadian distribution.
2023 Yugo BAFTA Student Awards Winners Revealed
The British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) named its 2023 Yugo Awards winners on July 27 in a ceremony hosted by actor Elliot Knight in Los Angeles.
Daria Batueva, Preetam Dhar, Merel Hamers, Hannah Judd, Mogau Kekana and Leroy Le Roux were awarded the BAFTA Award for animation for “Thaba Ye” while Laura Rindlisbacher was awarded for “Happy” in the documentary category. “The Taster” was recognized under the live-action genre, as awarded to Sophia Bierend.
BAFTA’s Student Award for games went to Rafif Kalantan for Eros Xavier’s Love Solutions with immersive being awarded to Cameron Kostopoulos for Body of Mine. Tari Wariebi with “We Were Meant To” was granted the Special Jury Prize by a jury including Kathryn Busby, Jinko Gotoh, Mike O’Malley, Jeff Negus and Dawn Steinberg.
“We feel incredibly honored to celebrate these exceptional creatives and their remarkable talent,” said Busby. Each year, we are amazed by the unprecedented level of originality these students possess. BAFTA is thrilled to champion new voices, extraordinary talent and unique perspectives.”
DNEG Taps Tim Burke as Visual Effects Supervisor
DNEG has enlisted the Academy-Award-winning Tim Burke as its latest visual effects supervisor, the company announced Tuesday.
Burke’s longstanding career in VFX has earned him an Oscar, along with three other nominations from the Academy. His portfolio includes serving as the VFX supervisor for Sir Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”
He joins DNEG after recently serving as the production VFX supervisor for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Burke’s additional credits include “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “The Legend of Tarzan” and the last four films in the “Harry Potter” franchise, with director David Yates.
“The recognition that Tim has earned in our industry is incredibly well-deserved and I am proud to welcome him to DNEG’s creative leadership team,” said Namit Malhotra, CEO of DNEG. “I am thrilled to have him onboard as part of our senior creative team as we chart the course for DNEG through the rest of 2023 and beyond.”
