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Every week, IndieWire’s Filmmaker Toolkit rounds up the latest in opportunities that can help those looking to advance projects or get a career started in the film industry. The following grants, labs, fellowships, contests and other non-profit opportunities could be a great way to help kickstart your movie and TV dreams.

New Opportunities & Upcoming Deadlines

NBC’s Writers on the Verge

– NBCUniversal’s Writers on the Verge 12-week program focuses on polishing and preparing television writers for a staff writer position on a television series. Writers who are “almost there” but need assistance with their final bit of preparation with their writing and personal presentation skills are encouraged to apply. The program consists of two night classes, which will typically be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 – 10 Pm weekly at NBCUniversal in Universal City, CA. Once accepted, students must attend all classes and turn in all written assignments.

Past...

Read More: 7 Best Screenwriting Apps to Make Life Easier

New York Women in Film & Television (Nywift) and Iris , a collective of women filmmakers, have officially announced the 10 selected screenwriters who will participate in this year’s The Writers Lab. Now in its second year, The Writers Lab is a program where emerging female screenwriters team up with industry mentors to help develop their screenplays. The lab is open to women over the age of 40 and is funded by Meryl Streep. This year’s participants include:

Carol Carpenter, “The Guadalupe”

Melody Cooper, “The Sound of Darkness”

Meredith DePaolo, “Devil’s Eye””

Nancy Duff, “Dead Drop”

Kate Erickson, “Roll With It”

Tina Field Howe, “Drone War”

Christina Hulen, “A Gentleman of Good Hope”

Christine Toy Johnson, “Jumping the Third Rail”

Nanci Katz-Ellis, “Blink”

Leslie Longworth, “One Bad Astronaut”

Barbara Nunberg, “Willful Blindness”

Stephanie Stanley, “The Radical”

The mentors who will be included...

The first ever Writers Lab, a program targeting female screenwriters over 40, took place at Wiawaka on Lake George, New York from September 18-20, 2015.

The group of mentors included Caroline Kaplan ("Boyhood," "Time Out of Mind," "Personal Velocity"), Kirsten Smith ("Legally Blonde," "Ten Things I Hate About You"), Jessica Bendinger ("Bring It On," "Aquamarine"), Mary Jane Skalski ("Win Win," "The Station Agent"),Gina Prince-Bythewood ("Secret Life of Bees," "Beyond the Lights"),Lydia Dean-Pilcher ("The Lunchbox," The Reluctant Fundamentalist"), Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out," "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys"), and Darnell Martin (“Cadillac Records” and “I Like It Like That”).

Launched by New York Women in Film and Television (Nywift) and Iris, a collective of women filmmakers dedicated to championing the female voice in narrative film, was funded in part by Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, and with the collaboration of the Writers Guild of America East.

Motivated by its screenwriting members who were frustrated with the paucity of development opportunities, Iris founders Elizabeth Kaiden, Kyle Ann Stoke, and Nitza Wilson approached Nywift to support a screenwriting Lab exclusively for this demographic and The Writers Lab came into being.

I spoke with Iris cofounder Elizabeth Kaiden to follow up about the first Writers Lab.

Kouguell: How many screenplays were submitted for consideration?

Kaiden: There were approximately 3,500 screenplays submitted. The selected participants were Sarah Bird ("Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen), Vanessa Carmichael ("The American"). Tracy Charlton ("Raised Up"), Kellen Hertz ("Ashburn"), Anna Hozian ("Anchor Baby"), Lyralen Kaye ("St John the Divine in Iowa"), Jan Kimbrough ("The Glastonbury Cow Party"), Billie Jo Mason ("The Cargo"), Peres Owino ("Basketweaver"), Gretchen Somerfeld ("Face Value"), Janet Stilson ("Jaguar Trail"), and Kim Turner ("It Goes Like This").

Kouguell: What were some highlights from the three-day Lab?

Kaiden: Highlights included the chemistry, warmth and enthusiasm of the group, the bucolic setting in which serious and thoughtful individual meetings between writers and mentors took place, the outstanding, locally sourced, group meals presented by Wiawaka chef Meg, and evening conversations around a bonfire. Oh, and the weather was fabulous.

Kouguell: What is the next step for these writers selected for the Lab?

Kaiden: Writers are all revising their work and communicating with each other. They will use the feedback, resources, references, and friendships they took away from the Lab to further develop their scripts and their opportunities.

Kouguell: In addition to the one-on-one meetings, what other events took place?

Kaiden: There were three panel discussions in which the mentors addressed specific craft issues and general industry insight, informal conversations, group meals, as well as small, directed group conversations led by Nywift Board President Alexis Alexanian to address the challenges writers face in navigating the film world.

Kouguell: What do you feel were some of the most positive outcomes from the weekend in Lake George?

Kaiden: The most exciting outcome of this venture, for me, is uncovering and bringing to public attention the field of women screenwriters, particularly its enormous breadth and depth. The most positive outcomes of the weekend Lab, for me, include the sense of empowerment I believe the Lab gave the writers to continue their work and develop their projects, and the supportive community of writers we all discovered, which can only further our goals of ensuring that more of their stories will reach audiences.

Kouguell: Will the Writers Lab take place again next year?

Kaiden: Yes.

Kouguell: Anything else you’d like to add?

Kaiden: We were excited and delighted by the energy and enthusiasm at the Lab. It felt like an important event. It Was an important event. We discussed and debated issues of theme, tone, craft, structure, character, as well as production, representation, and target markets. The mentors were unbelievably focused, supportive and encouraging. Serious work was done. The writers left feeling, I think, that their voices had been heard, and that they should all continue to tell their stories. I think you will be hearing more from these writers and about these projects. And, although that would have been enough, everyone had a blast.

Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Susan Kouguell teaches screenwriting at Purchase College Suny, and presents international seminars on screenwriting and film. Author of Savvy Characters Sell Screenplays! and The Savvy Screenwriter, she is chairperson of Su-City Pictures East, LLC, a consulting company founded in 1990 where she works with writers, filmmakers, and executives worldwide. www.su-city-pictures.com, http://su-city-pictures.com/wpblog...

Presented by New York Women in Film and Television (Nywift) and Iris, The Writers Lab is funded with the generous support of Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep. The one-of-a-kind lab will bring 12 women screenwriters over the age of 40 together with established mentors from the film industry for an intimate gathering and intensive workshop at Wiawaka Center for Women on Lake George, NY from September 18-20, 2015. The Lab is also presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America, East.

Being the only program of its kind, The Writers Lab evolved in recognition of the absence of the female voice in narrative film, along with the lack of support for script development. The lab will offer these 12 promising features by women over 40 a springboard to production.

The prestigious group of mentors includes Caroline Kaplan ("Boyhood," "Time Out of Mind," "Personal Velocity"), Kirsten Smith ("Legally Blonde," "Ten Things I Hate About You"), Jessica Bendinger ("Bring It On," "Aquamarine"), Mary Jane Skalski ("Win Win," "The Station Agent"), Gina Prince-Bythewood ("Secret Life of Bees," "Beyond the Lights"), Lydia Dean-Pilcher ( "The Lunchbox,"The Reluctant Fundamentalist"), Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out," "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys"). During one-on-one meetings they will provide the participants with insightful feedback and will take part in additional events to inspire the artists to hone their creative vision.

The Writers Lab, which was first announced at this year’s Tribeca film festival, received over 3,500 submissions, which encouraged the organizer to support not eight, as they originally had planned, but 12 women in film.

The selected participants are Sarah Bird ("Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen), Vanessa Carmichael ("The American"). Tracy Charlton ("Raised Up"), Kellen Hertz ("Ashburn"), Anna Hozian ("Anchor Baby"), Lyralen Kaye ("St John the Divine in Iowa"), Jan Kimbrough ("The Glastonbury Cow Party"), Billie Mason ("The Cargo"), Peres Owino ("Basketweaver"), Gretchen Somerfeld ("Face Value"), Janet Stilson ("Jaguar Trail"), and Kim Turner ("It Goes Like This").

You can find out more about this initiative and others from Nywift Here...

Back in April, I interviewed the directors of Nywift and Iris about their noted launch of The Writers Lab, a retreat for women screenwriters over 40, that received a substantial amount of funding from Meryl Streep. The 12 inaugural participants, listed below, were selected from a pool of over 3,500 applicants. The eight mentors for the weekend long September lab are Jessica Bendinger (Bring It On, Aquamarine), Caroline Kaplan (Time Out of Mind, Me and You and Everyone We Know), Meg LeFauve (Inside Out), Darnell Martin (Cadillac Records), Lydia Dean Pilcher (Darjeeling Limited, The Talented Mr. Ripley), Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Beyond the Lights, Mary Jane Skalski (Win Win, The Station Agent) and […]...

Back in April, I interviewed the directors of Nywift and Iris about their noted launch of The Writers Lab, a retreat for women screenwriters over 40, that received a substantial amount of funding from Meryl Streep. The 12 inaugural participants, listed below, were selected from a pool of over 3,500 applicants. The eight mentors for the weekend long September lab are Jessica Bendinger (Bring It On, Aquamarine), Caroline Kaplan (Time Out of Mind, Me and You and Everyone We Know), Meg LeFauve (Inside Out), Darnell Martin (Cadillac Records), Lydia Dean Pilcher (Darjeeling Limited, The Talented Mr. Ripley), Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Beyond the Lights, Mary Jane Skalski (Win Win, The Station Agent) and […]...

First announced in May of this year, thanks to funding from Meryl Streep, The Writers Lab launched a screenwriting workshop contest specifically for woman screenwriters over 40 years old, to be run by the New York Women in Film and Television and Iris, a collective of women filmmakers.  The Writers Lab was seeking women screenwriters over the age of 40 for a screenwriting workshop at Wiawaka Center for Women on Lake George, NY, that would run from September 18-20, 2015.  Selected screenwriters will work one-on-one with mentors including Gina Prince-Bythewood ("Beyond the Lights," "The Secret Life of Bees"), Caroline Kaplan ("Time Out of...

Continuing with their numerous exciting news The Exchange's CEO Brian O'Shea has announced that Robert Sheehan ("Geostorm," "Mortal Instruments," Moonwalkers," "The Misfits," and "Red Riding")has been cast as the male lead in the feature "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" alongside Hailee Steinfeld.

The Exchange brought the feature to Cannes'15 to sell to international buyers. CAA holds domestic sales rights.

"The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" is written, directed, and executive produced by Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black ("Milk," "J. Edgar") and produced by hit makers Bruna Papandrea ("Gone Girl," "Wild," "Warm Bodies"), Caroline Kaplan ("Time Out of Mind," "Boyhood," Letters to Juliet"), and Steve Hutensky ("2:22," "The Human Stain," "The Moon and the Sun"). 

Set over a 24-hour period, "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" follows Hadley (Steinfeld,) stuck at John F. Kennedy Airport and late to her father's second wedding in London, who meets the "perfect" young man in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver (Sheehan), he's British, and he's found his way to seat 18B. Hadley is in 18A. In this story about the mad fears when love first strikes, Hadley and Oliver make it clear that true love isn't what greeting cards peddle, it's an act of bravery that's well worth the leap.

"Robert and Hailee together are perfect" O'Shea went on to state "They are both identifiable and winning, the script is sharp, the production team is aces, I really think we could have 'When Harry Met Sally' for the younger generation."

Robert Sheehan is represented by The Gersh Agency and Lisa Richards Agency.

Mortal Instruments to star opposite Hailee Steinfeld.

Robert Sheehan, the young star of The Mortal Instruments and the upcoming Warner Bros tentpole Geostorm, is to star opposite Hailee Steinfeld in Dustin Lance Black’s The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight, which The Exchange sells in Cannes.

CAA holds Us sales rights to the romantic story about two youngsters who sit next to each other on a flight from New York to London.

Bruna Papandrea produces with Caroline Kaplan and Steve Hutensky, while Black serves as executive producer.

Mortal Instruments‘ Robert Sheehan has been set to star opposite Hailee Steinfeld in Dustin Lance Black’s romantic drama The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight. Oscar-winner Black wrote and will direct the project. He’ll also exec produce with Bruna Papandrea, Caroline Kaplan and Steve Hutensky producing. Based on the 2013 Ya novel by Jennifer E. Smith, the story follows Hadley (Steinfeld) over a 24-hour period. What first looks like a rotten day as she waits…...

Robert Sheehan (Geostorm, Mortal Instruments) has been cast as the male lead in Dustin Lance Black's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight alongside Hailee Steinfeld.  Sales company The Exchange will be bringing the feature to Cannes and offer it to international buyers. The Exchange's CEO Brian O'Shea announced the casting on Thursday. CAA holds domestic sales rights. The film is written, directed and executive produced by Black (Milk, J. Edgar) and produced by Bruna Papandrea (Gone Girl), Caroline Kaplan (Boyhood) and Steve Hutensky (The Human Stain). Production is set to begin later this year. Read More Cannes:

read more...

The issue of the lack of women working in the film industry just received a huge Meryl Streep-sized boost in the form of a substantial amount of money.

Variety reported Sunday that Streep, currently about to star in the women’s voting rights drama Suffragette, will be funding a new screenwriting lab for women over 40. The news should stir joy in the hearts of anyone who wants to see more diversity in the film industry (which should be everyone). Everyone knows that Streep is a gem among actors working today, and now she has proven to be even more awesome than we mere mortals could have anticipated.

The screenwriting lab, officially called The Writer’s Lab, will be moderated by New York Women in Film and Television and Iris (a group of women filmmakers) and will accept submissions from May 1 to June 1. The eight winning writers will be notified...

Efm: Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Josh Charles, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dan Stevens, Isaach De Bankolé and Israeli actor Lior Ashkenazi have joined Richard Gere on the cast of Oppenheimer Strategies, which The Solution Entertainment Group is selling at the Efm.

Joseph Cedar directs from his screenplay about the famous scientist. Gideon Tadmor and Tadmor Entertainment, Miranda Bailey and Cold Iron Pictures, David Mandil and MoviePlus Productions, Lawrence Inglee, Eyal Rimmon and Oren Moverman. Michal Graidy, Caroline Kaplan, Amanda Marshall, Jim Kaufman and Doug Mankoff serve as executive producers.

Principal photography is set to being on Sunday (February 8) in New York and Israel. ICM Partners handles Us rights.

The Solution has also come on to handle international sales on thriller Tokyo Vice to star Daniel Radcliffe. John Lesher’s Le Grisbi Productions produces with Adam Kassan and The Solution’s Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel are executive producers alongside Binn Jakupi. Production is set of this summer in Japan...

Cinereach has hired independent film specialist and producer Caroline Kaplan as head of creative initiatives.

The former IFC Productions and InDigEnt executive will guide strategies for film-maker support and strategic partnerships at the not-for-profit film company

“Each film we support faces unique creative and financial challenges,” said Cinereach founder and executive director Philipp Engelhorn.

“Our approach is to tailor our support to those challenges and Caroline’s experience and perspective will greatly expand what we can offer in terms of resources for filmmakers. She will also be a major influence on how Cinereach responds to the evolving independent film landscape.”

“Cinereach is an organisation that holds such a unique and thrilling place in our industry,” said Kaplan. “Its work reflects the ideas, artistry and perspective on cinema that I am most passionate about. I am excited to be part of their continued evolution.”

Kaplan’s producer credits include Letters To Juliet and the upcoming Time Out Of Mind, while...

Caroline Kaplan has joined the Cinereach staff as the Head of Creative Initiatives. A well-known figure throughout the indie film community, Kaplan was a key architect of IFC Productions ("Monsoon Wedding," "Me and You and Everyone We Know") as well as the digital company InDigEnt ("Tadpole," "Pieces of April"). Her work as a producer has spanned Errol Morris' "Mr. Death" to the upcoming Richard Gere-starring "Time Out of Mind." In her new role, Kaplan will oversee filmmaker support and strategic partnerships. "Each film we support faces unique creative and financial challenges," said Cinereach Founder and Executive Director Philipp Engelhorn. "Our approach is to tailor our support to those challenges and Caroline's experience and perspective will greatly expand what we can offer in terms of resources for filmmakers. She will also be a major influence on how Cinereach responds to the evolving independent film...

• Demian Bichir is in negotiations to take the lead in the untitled Low Riders film for Universal, Blumhouse Productions, and Imagine Entertainment. Ricardo de Montreuil is attached to direct the film. Cheo Hodari Coker and Elgin James wrote earlier drafts of the script; Josh Bierne-Gordon and Justin Tipping wrote the current draft. Set in the East Los Angeles world of lowrider cars and street tagging, the story follows a teenager caught in the middle of his traditional father, whom Bichir would play, and his estranged gangbanger brother, both of whom are competing in the annual lowrider “Supershow.” Imagine Entertainment’s...

The Oscar-nominated True Grit actress will star in The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight from writer-director-exec producer Dustin Lance Black (Milk). Based on last year’s Ya novel by Jennifer E. Smith, the film follows Hadley (Hailee Steinfeld) over a 24-hour period. What first looks like a rotten day as she waits in an airport for a flight to London for her father’s second wedding brightens up when she meets a young British chap. Turns out they’re seated together on the plane, and sparks fly. Bruna Papandrea, Caroline Kaplan and Steve Hutensky are producing. Steinfeld, whose credits also include Ender’s Game, The Homesman and the upcoming Barely Lethal and Pitch Perfect 2, is repped by ICM Partners, Coast To Coast Talent Group and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum. The Exchange will sell international rights to Statistical Probability at Afm in Santa Monica.

Hailee Steinfeld will star in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, Dustin Lance Black's adaptation of the popular Ya novel written by Jennifer E. Smith. See more Highly Paid Film Stars Bruna Papandrea, Caroline Kaplan and Steve Hutensky are producing the project, which The Exchange will be selling at Afm in November. CAA is handling domestic sales rights. Set over a 24-hour period, First Sight follows a girl who, while stuck at JFK aiport as she makes her way to London for her father's second wedding, meets a boy who seems perfect. The story is described as being

read more...

The Exchange heads to the Afm with a pair of prestige titles including Dustin Lance Black’s The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight.

Black (pictured) wrote and will direct Hailee Steinfeld in the Ya adaptation from the novel by Jennifer E Smith about a young woman who meets the man of her dreams on a flight.

Bruna Papandrea, Caroline Kaplan and Steve Hutensky are producing.

CEO Brian O’Shea’s roster includes the controversial story Michael to star James Franco.

Emma Roberts and Zachary Quinto also star in the tale of an activist who finds god after a health scare and renounces his gay lifestyle.

Gus Van Sant serves as executive producer with Lauren Selig of Shake And Bake Productions.

Franco produces with his partner Vince Jolivette of Rabbit Bandini Productions alongside Michael Mendelsohn of Patriot Pictures.

Justin Kelly will make his feature directorial debut and CAA represents Us rights.

Richard Gere stars as a homeless man in the film that debuted at Toronto.

IFC Films has acquired Us rights to Oren Moverman’s Time Out Of Mind starring Richard Gere, following its recent world premiere in Toronto.

Ben Vereen, Jena Malone, Kyra Sedgwick and Jeremy Strong also star in the tale of a desperate man on the streets of New York who reconnects with his daughter after he stays at a homeless centre.

Michael Kenneth Williams, Yul Vazquez, Coleman Domingo, Geraldine Hughes and Steve Buscemi round out the cast.

Gere produced with Blackbird Films’ Lawrence Inglee, Caroline Kaplan and Edward Walson, Cold Iron Pictures’ Miranda Bailey and River Road Entertainment’s Bill Pohlad.

Mohammed Al Turki is the executive producer alongside Zak Tucker, Cold Iron’s Amanda Marshall and Eva Maria Daniels.

IFC brokered the deal with Wme Global, ICM Partners and Paradigm and plans a 2015 theatrical release for the film.

IFC Films has acquired Us rights to Oren Moverman’s Time Out Of Mind starring Richard Gere following its recent world premiere in Toronto. Ben Vereen, Jena Malone, Kyra Sedgwick and Jeremy Strong also star in the tale of a desperate man on the streets of New York who reconnects with his daughter after he stays at a homeless centre.Michael Kenneth Williams, Yul Vazquez, Coleman Domingo, Geraldine Hughes and Steve Buscemi round out the cast.Gere produced with Blackbird Fil

IFC Films has acquired Us rights to Oren Moverman’s Time Out Of Mind starring Richard Gere following its recent world premiere in Toronto.

Ben Vereen, Jena Malone, Kyra Sedgwick and Jeremy Strong also star in the tale of a desperate man on the streets of New York who reconnects with his daughter after he stays at a homeless centre.

Michael Kenneth Williams, Yul Vazquez, Coleman Domingo, Geraldine Hughes and Steve Buscemi round out the cast...

Oren Moverman’s Time Out Of Mind world premiered last month at Tiff and had its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival and now IFC Films has acquired U.S. rights to the pic. Written and directed by Moverman, the film stars Richard Gere as George, a desperate man who is thrust onto New York City’s gritty and unforgiving streets. He seeks refuge at an intake center for homeless men at Bellevue, and through a series of events, begins to repair the relationship with his estranged daughter. Ben Vereen, Jena Malone, Kyra Sedgwick, Jeremy Strong, Michael Kenneth Williams, Yul Vazquez, Coleman Domingo, Geraldine Hughes, and Steve Buscemi also star. Gere is producing with Blackbird Films’ Lawrence Inglee, Caroline Kaplan, Edward Walson, Cold Iron Pictures’ Miranda Bailey and River Road Entertainment’s Bill Pohlad. Mohammed Al Turki, Zak Tucker, Cold Iron Pictures’ Amanda Marshall and Eva Maria Daniels are exec producers.

If you live in a decent-sized city, much less a metropolis, you probably see someone like George every day. Having fallen on hard times, George lives on the street; if he's not able to procure a bed at the chaotic, prison-like local shelter, he's apt to be sleeping in a cardboard box or, if he's lucky, the basement of an apartment building he's snuck into. He spends his days shuffling around the city, occasionally panhandling for change. A winter coat he's picked up from a church is pawned for money for a bottle.

With one perfect and one almost-perfect film under his belt already, the Oscar-nominated Oren Moverman is about to go behind the camera once more for his third feature, Time Out of Mind.

Deadline reports that Richard Gere has signed on to take the leading role, and will also be producing the drama.

Time Out of Mind sees Gere star as a New Yorker who enters a shelter when he runs out of other housing options, and then struggles to piece his life back together and fix the troubled relationship with his estranged daughter.

Moverman has adapted the script from a story by fellow Oscar nominee Jeffrey Caine (The Constant Gardner).

Gere will produce the film alongside Caroline Kaplan (Boys Don’t Cry) and Moverman’s past collaborator Lawrence Inglee (The Messenger, Rampart). The actor is coming off an acclaimed performance in Nicholas Jarecki’s dramatic-thriller, Arbitrage, earning him a nod...

Richard Gere is going from hedge fund manager to homeless person as it emerged that his passion project Time Out Of Mind is taking shape quickly. Qed International represents international sales and will introduce at the Efm next week.

Gere will produce and Oren Moverman of The Messenger and Rampart fame will direct from his adaptation of a story by Jeffrey Caine.

Caroline Kaplan and Lawrence Inglee are also producing. Wme Global and Paradigm jointly represents Us rights.

Time Out Of Mind tells of a New York man who enters a shelter when he runs out of housing options, then struggles to put the pieces of his life back together and fix a troubled relationship with his estranged daughter. Gere recently played a billionaire in Arbitrage.

”Time Out Of Mind has obsessed me for many years now,” said Gere. “It is a profoundly human story that we are determined to make into a powerful film that speaks...

Richard Gere is going from hedge fund manager to homeless person as it emerged that his passion project Time Out Of Mind is taking shape quickly. Qed International represents international sales and will introduce at the Efm next week.

Gere will produce and Oren Moverman of The Messenger and Rampart fame will direct from his adaptation of a story by Jeffrey Caine.

Caroline Kaplan and Lawrence Inglee are also producing. Wme Global and Paradigm jointly represents Us rights.

Time Out Of Mind tells of a New York man who enters a shelter when he runs out of housing options, then struggles to put the pieces of his life back together and fix a troubled relationship with his estranged daughter. Gere recently played a billionaire in Arbitrage.

”Time Out Of Mind has obsessed me for many years now,” said Gere. “It is a profoundly human story that we are determined to make into a powerful film that speaks...

Exclusive: Richard Gere will produce as well as topline Time Out Of Mind, a drama about a New Yorker who enters a shelter when he runs out of housing options, then struggles to put the pieces of his life back together and fix a troubled relationship with his estranged daughter. It’s the next directing job for Oren Moverman, who was Oscar-nominated in 2010 for co-writing The Messenger. He also adapted the script from a story by another Oscar nominee, The Constant Gardener‘s Jeffrey Caine. Gere, Caroline Kaplan and Lawrence Inglee will produce the pic, which is slated to start production in March. Qed will handle international sales starting next month in Berlin. Wme and Paradigm are handling domestic rights. Qed, which is not involved in the financing of this one, adds this to a full plate ahead of the European Film Market confab in Berlin. Films on offer include another Gere pic,...

Richard Gere is set to headline Time Out of Mind , the upcoming drama from writer/director Oren Moverman ( The Messenger , Rampart ), Deadline reports. Gere will play a New Yorker who, down on his luck and at the end of his rope, places himself in a homeless shelter where he begins to work rebuilding his life and reconnecting with his estranged daughter. Moverman, who was Oscar-nominated for his work on The Messenger , is also scripting Time Out of Mind from a story by Jeffrey Caine ( The Constant Gardener ). Gere, who last appeared on the big screen in Movie 43 , will also produce alongside Lawrence Inglee and Caroline Kaplan. (Photo Credit: Kyle Blair / WENN.com)...

Keanu Reeves is making his way back onto the big screen on friday starring in the new film Generation Um… a tale of three friends who form an intimate bond as their deepest secrets from their past are revealed after partying in New York City the night before. Friendships are tested and compromises are made as these three friends are preparing to do it all again tonight. Recently, I got the chance to sit down with both Keanu Reeves and director Mark Mann in a roundtable discussion about the film. Check it out below.

Keanu, your character is kind of a kleptomaniac in the film.

Keanu Reeves: Yes. I steal a camera and some chocolate. (laughs)

When you’re reading it and playing it, what did that bring to the character?

Keanu Reeves: Stealing the camera for John was the only thing he could do in order to have that camera.

Ryan Piers Williams' X/Y drama has cast Amber Tamblyn who joins America Ferrera, Common and Melanie Diaz, as well as Jon Paul Phillips, Dree Hemingway, Ann Dowd, Adam Rapp, Maria Dizzia, and David Harbour. The 127 Hours actress who was last seen in Django Unchained, will, according to Deadline, play Stacey who's a close friend of Silvia (Ferrera) and Mark (Williams) and partner to Tessa (Sue Jean Kim), who struggles with her own demons after her mother’s death. Ferrera and Williams are producing X/Y with Kwesi Collisson, Thomas B. Fore and Jason Michael Berman while Mark G. Mathis, Margo Johnston, Dori A. Sperko, Paull Cho, Todd Feuer, Mike Feuer, Jason Silverman, Caroline Kaplan and Kim Gillingham serve as executive producers.

Ryan Piers Williams' X/Y drama has cast Amber Tamblyn who joins America Ferrera, Common and Melanie Diaz, as well as Jon Paul Phillips, Dree Hemingway, Ann Dowd, Adam Rapp, Maria Dizzia, and David Harbour. The 127 Hours actress who was last seen in Django Unchained, will, according to Deadline, play Stacey who's a close friend of Silvia (Ferrera) and Mark (Williams) and partner to Tessa (Sue Jean Kim), who struggles with her own demons after her mother’s death. Ferrera and Williams are producing X/Y with Kwesi Collisson, Thomas B. Fore and Jason Michael Berman while Mark G. Mathis, Margo Johnston, Dori A. Sperko, Paull Cho, Todd Feuer, Mike Feuer, Jason Silverman, Caroline Kaplan and Kim Gillingham serve as executive producers.

Catch the trailer for Phase4 Films' Generation Um..., starring Keanu Reeves, Adelaide Clemens, Bojana Novakovic and Daniel Sunjata. Mark L. Mann directs as well as writing the film produced by Caroline Kaplan, Lemore Syvan and Alison Palmer Bourke. Also in the cast of the drama are Jake Hoffman, Johnny Orsini and Sarita Choudhury. Generation Um...opens on May 3rd. The world is downtown New York City, present day - from the point of view of a driver for an escort service. John (Keanu Reeves), a quietly sexy withdrawn guy, is finally ageing out of his young, trendy neighborhood, dealing with the beginnings of the next chapter of his life.

Catch the trailer for Phase4 Films' Generation Um..., starring Keanu Reeves, Adelaide Clemens, Bojana Novakovic and Daniel Sunjata. Mark L. Mann directs as well as writing the film produced by Caroline Kaplan, Lemore Syvan and Alison Palmer Bourke. Also in the cast of the drama are Jake Hoffman, Johnny Orsini and Sarita Choudhury. Generation Um...opens on May 3rd. The world is downtown New York City, present day - from the point of view of a driver for an escort service. John (Keanu Reeves), a quietly sexy withdrawn guy, is finally ageing out of his young, trendy neighborhood, dealing with the beginnings of the next chapter of his life.

Jonathan Demme ("Rachel Getting Married," "The Silence of the Lambs") is set to direct the family dramedy "Old Fires" at Anonymous Content says Variety.

The story follows a world-renowned architect who comes out of a coma in need of both physical and mental rehabilitation. A snarky female physical therapist tries to help him repair his damaged relationship with his estranged family.

Heather McGowan ("Tadpole") penned the script while Rosalie Swedlin and Caroline Kaplan will produce. Shooting kicks off next Summer.

Phase 4 Films has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to writer-director Mark L Mann’s "generation Um...," which stars Keanu Reeves. The specialty distributor plans a theatrical release in the spring. Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens co-star in "generation Um…," a day-in the-life portrait of three people trying to make sense of their lives and relationships in the city. Alison Palmer, Caroline Kaplan and Lemore Syvan produced; Nicolas Chartier, Cassian Elwes, Zev Foreman and Jared Goldman are executive producers. Read More: Phase 4 Films to Distribute Alex Gibney's Hockey Doc 'The Last Gladiators' "We are excited to be working with Mark on his first film and to be collaborating with Keanu and the cast to share their edgy, socially relevant drama with audiences," said Phase 4 president and CEO Berry Meyerowitz. Reeves is currently on-screen as producer and host of the documentary "Side By Side,"...

Phase 4 Films acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to director Mark L Mann’s generation Um… Mann also wrote the screenplay for the film, with Alison Palmer, Caroline Kaplan, and Lemore Syvan producing. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Bojana Novakovic, and Adelaide Clemens and was executive produced by Nicolas Chartier, Cassian Elwes, Zev Foreman, and Jared Goldman. Phase 4 plans to release the film theatrically in spring 2013.

Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Adrian Holmes, with director Catherine Hardwicke were in London to promote their new film Red Riding Hood, a twist on the well known fairytale, and we were invited along to a special round table with the cast and crew.

First up were director Catherine Hardwicke, and Adrian Holmes who plays the Captain.

What did you think was special about this story?

Catherine Hardwicke: Leonardo DiCaprio’s company had written this script, and I guess they thought it would fun and interesting to go back to the original roots, even before the Brothers Grimm, when there was a werewolf in the story. It is an intricate tale, with different levels of symbolism… so I said ‘Yeah, sign me up!’

Why do you think forbidden love works so well?

Ch: I guess if you have a happy love story then it’s kind of boring!

Director and producer Gary Winick, a friend and mentor to many in the independent film community, died Sunday afternoon in New York at the age of 49. The cause was brain cancer, a friend told Indiewire.

As the comments in that Indiewire piece — “an amazing mentor,” “a generous visionary,” “one of the finest human beings in our industry”— attest, Winick was a rare soul in the world of independent film. He was a smart, compassionate and truly giving person, and, even as his Hollywood career took off, he never forgot his roots. While he was crafting smart and heartfelt mainstream movies, he continued to advise, nurture and be a resource to a younger community of filmmakers who were still awaiting their own breaks.

Winick’s films include the tough and nuanced addiction drama Sweet Nothing, with Michael Imperioli and Mira Sorvino; the witty and improbably charming Tadpole, with Aaron Stanford, Sigourney Weaver...

Chicago – Vanessa Redgrave’s role in “Letters to Juliet” could not have come at a more poignant time in her life. She plays a starry-eyed woman in her twilight years, desperate to reconnect with her childhood sweetheart. He’s played by Franco Nero, the man Redgrave fell for on the set of 1969’s “Camelot.” She was Guinevere and Nero was Lancelot. Yet they didn’t marry until 2006.

That’s why it’s profoundly difficult to avoid getting a lump in your throat when Redgrave’s long lost love materializes before her very eyes, on a horse no less (you half expect him to be singing, “If Ever I Would Leave You”). It’s also impossible not to be moved during an earlier moment, when Redgrave pauses before a gravestone, fearing that her love is truly gone for good. This sequence probably didn’t require much acting from the screen legend,...

Keanu Reeves (lately known as World’s Saddest Superstar) is back!

And this time, he has signed on to star in Mark L. Mann’s indie-drama titled Generation Um.

Reeves is set to star alongside Bojana Novakovic (Edge of Darkness) and Adelaide Clemens (Mad Max: Fury Road) in the story that will follow:

“…a day in the life of Reeves’ character and his two cohorts as they live life on the fringe, immersed in sex, drugs and indecision.

As they navigate their daily routine of bars and crowds, they embark on a path of self-discovery.”

Mark L. Mann is directing Generation Um from his own script, and the movie will be shooting in New York.

Alison Palmer Bourke, who helped develop the script with Mann, is producing with Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan.

At the end, little reminder for all Reeves fans out there, he next stars in Henry’s Crime,...

Keanu Reeves will star in the independent drama "Generation Um." According to Variety, Mark L. Mann ("Finishing Heaven") will direct from his own script with shooting set to start Thursday in New York City.The cast includes Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens.The film follows a day in the life of Reeves' character and his two friends as they embark on a path of self-discovery after drifting through life in a haze of sex, drugs and indecision. Alison Palmer ("Henry's Crime") is producing for Company Films. Palmer also helped develop the script with Mann. Lemore Syvan ("Henry's Crime," "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee") and Caroline Kaplan ("Letters to Juliet") will also produce. Reeves stars in the upcoming "Henry's Crime," which will...

Keanu Reeves joins Mark L. Mann's indie Generation UmKeanu Reeves will star in the new indie movie project Generation Um, according to Variety.

The movie started shooting today in New York City with Keanu Reeves starring alongside Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens. Generation Um will follow a day in the life of three friends (Reeves, Novakovic and Clemens) as they immerse themselves in booze, sex and drugs, which leads them down an unlikely path of self-discovery.

Mark L. Mann is directing the film from his own script. Alison Palmer Bourke, who helped develop the script with Mann, is producing with Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan. Palmer Bourke and Syvan produced Henry's Crime, which Keanu Reeves starred in and will debut at the Toronto Film Festival this week.

Generation Um comes to theaters in 2012 and stars Keanu Reeves, Bojana Novakovic, Adelaide Clemens.

Keanu Reeves, Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens have joined the indie drama "Generation Um..." reports Variety.

The story follows Reeves' character and his two cohorts "as they live life on the fringe, immersed in sex, drugs and indecision. As they navigate their daily routine of bars and crowds, they embark on a path of self-discovery".

Mark L. Mann ("Finishing Heaven") directs from his own script while Alison Palmer, Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan will produce. Shooting kicks off Thursday in New York City.

"Letters to Juliet" from Summit Entertainment new images as well as clips including behind-the-scenes looks and interviews with Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, Gael Garcia Bernal, director Gary Winick and producers Mark Canton and Caroline Kaplan. Also, don't miss out on 14 new clips from the film itself. The romance opens on May 14th and is Rated PG for brief rude behavior, some language and incidental smoking. When a young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame, she joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter dated from 1957, she inspires its author (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love...

Win tickets to see Summit Entertainment's eagerly anticipated "Letters to Juliet" starring Amanda Seyfried, Gael Garcia Bernal, Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Egan, Franco Nero, Luisa Ranieri and Daniel Baldock! The Gary Winick-directed romantic drama is written by Jose Rivera and Tim Sullivan. Caroline Kaplan, Ellen Barkin and Mark Canton produced film opens on May 14th. You'll love this one. When a young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame, she joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter dated 1957, she inspires its author (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love, and sets off a chain of events that will bring a love into both their lives unlike anything they ever imagined...

We have the trailer as well as images in from Summit Entertainment's "Letters to Juliet" romance starring Gary Winick ("Bride Wars," "Charlotte's Web") directs from the screenplay written by Jose Rivera and Tim Sullivan. Pic sees theatres on May 7th next year and is produced by Caroline Kaplan, Ellen Barkin and Mark Canton. When a young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame, she joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter dated from 1957, she inspires its author (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love, which sets off a chain of events that will bring a love into both their lives unlike anything they have ever imagined...

According to Variety, Summit Entertainment has tapped Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, Gael Garcia Bernal and Franco Nero to star in Letters to Juliet.

The film will be directed by Gary Winick and starts shooting on June 25 in Italy. It is based on a novel by Lise and Ceil Friedman "about the letters written by the lovelorn to star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet."

The film will follow a couple (Seyfried, Garcia) who venture to Italy and get a note meant for Juliet written by a woman (Redgrave), who is searching for a young man that romanced her during a vacation in the country long ago.

The script was written by Jose Rivera and Tim Sullivan. Producing the project are Mark Canton, Ellen Barkin and Caroline Kaplan.

Gary Winick is set to direct Summit Entertainment’s upcoming comedy “Rat Bastard,” according to Variety.

The trade says the film follows a conman who plots revenge when his old partner steals the loot from their latest grift and hides out by posing as a chef for a family on New York's Upper East Side.

Heather McGowan penned an early version of the script, which Niels Mueller (“The Assassination of Richard Nixon”) is rewriting. Ellen Barkin and Caroline Kaplan are on board to produce.

Winick’s credits include “13 Going on 30” and “Charlotte’s Web.” He recently wrapped shooting for “Bride Wars,” a comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

PARK CITY -- The land of Goshen, namely the barren burg in Indiana, is the grim setting for this tale of despair and renewal. In these biblical terms, it's the story of the prodigal son as Jim, an apathetic 27-year-old, trudges home to dwell with his parents.

Etched in subdued hues and featuring a terrific indie cast of Casey Affleck, Liv Tyler, Mary Kay Place and Seymour Cassel, Lonesome Jim may find most hospitable company as a cable offering, as well as a DVD possibility for the indie connoisseur.

Director Steve Buscemi's hand is alternately edgy and mushy as Lonesome Jim meanders from the darkest recesses of the spirit to an atonal, feel-good finale. Indie fans who usually associate Buscemi's acting with a creepy cynicism will be mystified by the film's uplifting, studio-ish resolution. Jim, however, might be most noteworthy for the finely nuanced scripting of writer James C. Strouse, who kindles a resonant spark from the bleakest of settings and circumstance. In the end, Buscemi seemingly pushes the film's aesthetics, especially the strummy upbeat music, beyond the story's succinct philosophical duality.

Set in the gray of the post-Christmas holidays, Goshen is a netherworld that looks like neither winter or spring. Similarly, Jim's family is devoid of vitality or distinction. They are a sorry, if somewhat well-off lot: Dad (Cassel) owns a ladder-making factory, while Mom (Place) busies herself selling snacks to workers and doting on her two sons, including the newly returned Jim (Affleck) and ever-present Tim (Kevin Corrigan). All are weary, and none are happy; in fact, Tim has repeatedly tried to kill himself behind the wheel. Even by Midwestern standards, they are laconic and uncommunicative.

Permeating this flat family tract is the overall philosophical question: What is the point of going on with lives so drab? Aspiring writer Jim papers his walls with mugs of the most celebrated of the distressed writers -- Platt, Hemingway, Beckett, et al. No one connects, and Mom's incessant chirpiness and neediness only alienates them further. In this world, we never expect to see the spring.

Under Buscemi's overall smart direction, the acting is terrific. Affleck brings credible fiber to a weak-willed loser, while Tyler is warm as a small-town nurse with no hopes. Veteran indie players Place and Cassel are terrific as a husband and wife who ignore and alienate one another. Place is particularly sympathetic as a woman who tries too hard to find love and goodness within her sad-sack family. As a skull-collecting druggie, Mark Boone Junior is a blast of manic energy and evil.

Technical credits are apt and accomplished. Cinematographer Phil Parmet's stark compositions and pallid hues clue us to the characters' inner emptiness, while Chuck Voelter's Midwestern gothic production design is a deadening blend of kitsch and emptiness.

LONESOME JIM

Plum Pictures

Producers: Galt Niederhoffer, Celine Rattray, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Jake Abraham, Gary Winick, Steve Buscemi

Director: Steve Buscemi

Screenwriter: James C. Strouse

Executive producers: Jonathan Sehring, Caroline Kaplan, John Sloss, Reagan Silber, Anna Waterhouse

Co-produce: Derrick Tseng

Associate producers: Saxon Eldridge, Emily Gardiner, Mandy Tagger

Director of photography: Phil Parmet

Editor: Plummy Tucker

Productionj designer: Chuck Voelter

Costume designer: Victoria Farrell

Casting directors: Sheila Jaffe, Georgianne Walken

Cast:

Jim: Casey Affleck

Anika: Liv Tyler

Sally: Mary Kay Place

Don: Seymour Cassel

Tim: Kevin Corrigan

Ben: Jack Rovello

Rachel: Rachel Strouse

Sarah: Sarah Strouse

Evil: Mark Boone Junior

Running time -- 87 minutes...

PARK CITY -- Rebecca Miller's critique of the "tune in, turn on, drop out" generation of the '60s and early '70s is scathing enough in The Ballad of Jack & Rose. But her insights into people are as pat as they are unconvincing. The writer-director's strategy is to isolate her characters so most influences are psychological rather than societal. Then she watches them disintegrate. Yet the schematic design behind her plot and characters is so rigidly predetermined that nothing feels lifelike despite the naturalistic acting and filmmaking.

Starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Catherine Keener, this Ballad should entice art house audiences, but boxoffice will be modest. The film opens March 25.

The story takes place in 1986, when most of the counterculture communes have petered out. Jack Slavin (Day-Lewis) is the last Utopian, a hard-headed man privileged by an inheritance to continue living in the remains of a commune he helped create on an island off the East Coast. His only companion is his 16-year-old daughter Rose (Camilla Belle), whom he painstakingly shelters from the influences of the outside world.

Even he realizes though that these indolent days of idealism and innocence are nearing their end. Rose is entering womanhood, whether he likes it or not. Plus, he suffers from a fatal heart disease that could take his life at any moment. Furthermore, a developer (Beau Bridges) has invaded his island sanctuary to build a tasteless housing tract near Jack's property.

So Jack makes a foolish decision that triggers the story's conflict: He invites his sometimes lover Kathleen (Keener) to move into his earth-covered house along with her two teenage sons, Rodney (Ryan McDonald) and Thaddius (Paul Dano), who don't much like each other. Predictably, the boys hate the isolation, Rose feels threatened by having to share her father's affection with another woman and the two parents lose control over their increasingly wild offspring.

To pay back dad for this "experiment" in living, Rose offers her virginity first to Rodney, who out of sensitivity or other sexual preferences declines, then to Thaddius, who is wired for fornicate without discretion. When Rodney's free-spirited pal Red Berry (Jena Malone) drops by, a flashback to the flower-child era if ever there were one, the experimentation grows wilder.

Jack inexplicably tolerates Rose firing a shotgun in the general direction of Kathleen -- he actually laughs it off. Even her bringing a copperhead snake into the house to scare his girlfriend doesn't faze him. But then he's a guy with heart disease who chain smokes, so we're not talking about a responsible adult.

Indeed the real point here, for all the surface melodrama, seems to be that Jack is willing to create chaos to distract himself from the knowledge he has fallen in love with his own daughter. And that this superannuated hippie is really no better than the land-raping developer -- each does what he pleases without considering the consequences of his actions.

Ultimately, the coming-of-age story eclipses the depiction of a man's failed legacy. So strong is the performance from young Camilla Belle -- touching, sincere, gutsy -- that this ballad belongs to Rose. She is her father's daughter, both strong- and narrow-minded, willful and determined. The major difference is she is still innocent

Day-Lewis and Keener essentially play parents cursed with unacknowledged guilt, as each is careless with his or her emotional life. So the youngsters rebel: Rodney overeats, Thaddius grows remote and self-absorbed and Rose creates a life of her own.

The production work on Canada's ruggedly beautiful Prince Edward Island is terrific, especially designer Mark Ricker's tumble-down communal home in its state of arrested development and Ellen Kuras' intense, crystal-clear cinematography.

THE BALLAD OF JACK & ROSE

IFC Films

IFC Prods./Initial Entertainment/Elevation Pictures

Credits:

Screenwriter/director: Rebecca Miller

Producer: Lemore Syvan

Executive producers: Jonathan Sehring, Caroline Kaplan, Graham King

Director of photography: Ellen Kuras

Production designer: Mark Ricker

Music: Michael Rohatyn

Co-producer: Melissa Marr

Costumes: Jennifer von Mayrhauser

Editor: Sabine Hoffman

Cast:

Jack: Daniel Day-Lewis

Rose: Camilla Belle

Kathleen: Catherine Keener

Thaddius: Paul Dano

Rodney: Ryan McDonald

Red Berry: Jena Malone

Marty: Beau Bridges

Gray: Jason Lee

MPAA rating: R

Running time -- 111 minutes...