Monogamy isn’t for everyone. Some people like to spice things up in the bedroom by adding a third (or more) to the mix. To each their own, though you’d best be ready to deal with the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy or catching feelings for one partner and not the other. In Vertical‘s The Threesome trailer, Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, and Ruby Cruz discover the complications that could come from one night of abandon.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Threesome:
“An impulsive night leads to a wild threesome between Olivia (Zoey Deutch), Connor (Jonah Hauer-King), and Jenny (Ruby Cruz), leaving both women facing unexpected consequences, thrusting all three into the raw and beautifully messy chaos of adulthood.”
Chad Hartigan directs The Threesome from a script by Ethan Ogilby. Tim White, Trevor White, Vince Jolivette, and Steve Shapiro produce, with Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Robert Longstreet,...
Here’s the official synopsis for The Threesome:
“An impulsive night leads to a wild threesome between Olivia (Zoey Deutch), Connor (Jonah Hauer-King), and Jenny (Ruby Cruz), leaving both women facing unexpected consequences, thrusting all three into the raw and beautifully messy chaos of adulthood.”
Chad Hartigan directs The Threesome from a script by Ethan Ogilby. Tim White, Trevor White, Vince Jolivette, and Steve Shapiro produce, with Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Robert Longstreet,...
- 7/31/2025
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Things are about to get hot, heavy, and very complicated for Jonah Hauer-King, Zoey Deutch, and Ruby Cruz. Vertical has released the first trailer for The Threesome, a romantic comedy that is so much more than its opening encounter. The footage teased a messy romantic journey that goes beyond sex and follows its three stars as they come to terms with what it means to be a true adult and take accountability when it matters. It's a dramatic tale all about the emotional entanglements and the consequences that arise from one night together, and it's set to hit theaters on September 5.
The Threesome casts Hauer-King as the unassuming Connor, who has long had a crush on his former co-worker, Olivia (Deutch). On one fateful night, while visiting the restaurant that employed them both, she steers them both toward an encounter with the alluring Jenny (Cruz), who had been stood up by her date.
The Threesome casts Hauer-King as the unassuming Connor, who has long had a crush on his former co-worker, Olivia (Deutch). On one fateful night, while visiting the restaurant that employed them both, she steers them both toward an encounter with the alluring Jenny (Cruz), who had been stood up by her date.
- 7/31/2025
- by Ryan O'Rourke
- Collider.com
Exclusive: Vertical has acquired North American rights to director Chad Hartigan’s romantic comedy The Threesome, starring Zoey Deutch (Juror #2), Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid), and Ruby Cruz (Bottoms), slating the film for release in theaters on September 5.
World premiering recently at SXSW, the film takes place one fateful night, as the stars appear to align for Connor (Hauer-King), a kind and unassuming young man, as his irreverent long-time crush Olivia (Deutch) steers them into a threesome with alluring stranger Jenny (Cruz). The encounter sparks a relationship between Connor and Olivia and their love grows quickly, all the way toward planning a life together. But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.
Pic was produced from the debut screenplay of Ethan Ogilby. Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Robert Longstreet, Arden Myrin, Kristin Slaysman,...
World premiering recently at SXSW, the film takes place one fateful night, as the stars appear to align for Connor (Hauer-King), a kind and unassuming young man, as his irreverent long-time crush Olivia (Deutch) steers them into a threesome with alluring stranger Jenny (Cruz). The encounter sparks a relationship between Connor and Olivia and their love grows quickly, all the way toward planning a life together. But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.
Pic was produced from the debut screenplay of Ethan Ogilby. Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Robert Longstreet, Arden Myrin, Kristin Slaysman,...
- 5/16/2025
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been a big year so far for Jack Quaid, who has already starred in projects such as Companion and Novocaine, and now his next film just got an exciting new look. Collider is thrilled to partner with Rlje Films to unveil a new sneak peek at Neighborhood Watch, which releases in limited theaters and on digital platforms this weekend. The new clip from the film shows Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) severely wounded as Simon (Quaid) tries to find him some help. The film follows Simon, a young man grappling with mental illness who becomes convinced he’s witnessed an abduction. However, when the police refuse to believe his report, he turns to his neighbor, Ed, a former security guard with a troubled past.
Neighborhood Watch comes from director Duncan Skiles (The Clovehitch Killer) and also stars Malin Akerman (Watchmen). The film was written by Sean Farley, with Luke Daniels,...
Neighborhood Watch comes from director Duncan Skiles (The Clovehitch Killer) and also stars Malin Akerman (Watchmen). The film was written by Sean Farley, with Luke Daniels,...
- 4/24/2025
- by Adam Blevins
- Collider.com
The official trailer for Neighborhood Watch shows the dysfunctional relationship between the leads, played in a mini The Boys reunion by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid. The comedy was picked up by Rlje Films in March and will open in theaters and on demand on April 25, 2025.
“In Neighborhood Watch, Simon (Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Morgan), a jaded, retired security guard with his own troubled past,” reads Rlje Films’ synopsis. “As the unlikely duo delves deeper into the mystery, their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront not only the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance but also the unspoken wounds that haunt them both.”
Morgan’s Watchmen co-star Malin Akerman also stars. Sean Farley wrote...
“In Neighborhood Watch, Simon (Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Morgan), a jaded, retired security guard with his own troubled past,” reads Rlje Films’ synopsis. “As the unlikely duo delves deeper into the mystery, their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront not only the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance but also the unspoken wounds that haunt them both.”
Morgan’s Watchmen co-star Malin Akerman also stars. Sean Farley wrote...
- 4/2/2025
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid in ‘Neighborhood Watch’ (Photo Courtesy of Rlje Films)
Rlje Films has picked up the North American rights to Neighborhood Watch starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid from The Boys, and Malin Akerman. The crime thriller, which reunites Watchmen‘s Morgan (“Edward Blake / Comedian”) and Ackerman (“Laurie Jupiter / Silk Spectre II”), will open on April 25, 2025.
Rlje Films offers this synopsis of the film: “In Neighborhood Watch, Simon (Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Morgan), a jaded, retired security guard with his own troubled past. As the unlikely duo delves deeper into the mystery, their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront not only the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance but also...
Rlje Films has picked up the North American rights to Neighborhood Watch starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid from The Boys, and Malin Akerman. The crime thriller, which reunites Watchmen‘s Morgan (“Edward Blake / Comedian”) and Ackerman (“Laurie Jupiter / Silk Spectre II”), will open on April 25, 2025.
Rlje Films offers this synopsis of the film: “In Neighborhood Watch, Simon (Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Morgan), a jaded, retired security guard with his own troubled past. As the unlikely duo delves deeper into the mystery, their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront not only the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance but also...
- 3/11/2025
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Big news has been revealed for the upcoming movieNeighborhood Watch. The film stars Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, both of whom appeared in the hit Amazon series The Boys.
Per Variety, Neighborhood Watch has been officially acquired for a North American release by Rlje Films. Originally put into development under the title Nowhere Men, the movie has been dated for a release in theaters and on demand on April 25, 2025. The movie is directed by Duncan Skiles (The Clovehitch Killer) and written by Sean Farley. It's produced by Luke Daniels, Greg Lauritano, Vince Jolivette, Chris Bellant, Kurt Fethke, and Jake Robinson.
A first look photo has also been released, shown below.
Rlje Films
In the film Quaid plays Simon, a "young man grappling with mental illness, who becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly...
Per Variety, Neighborhood Watch has been officially acquired for a North American release by Rlje Films. Originally put into development under the title Nowhere Men, the movie has been dated for a release in theaters and on demand on April 25, 2025. The movie is directed by Duncan Skiles (The Clovehitch Killer) and written by Sean Farley. It's produced by Luke Daniels, Greg Lauritano, Vince Jolivette, Chris Bellant, Kurt Fethke, and Jake Robinson.
A first look photo has also been released, shown below.
Rlje Films
In the film Quaid plays Simon, a "young man grappling with mental illness, who becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly...
- 3/11/2025
- by Jeremy Dick
- CBR
Rlje Films has acquired “Neighborhood Watch,” a crime thriller starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jack Quaid and Malin Akerman. The film was directed by Duncan Skiles, who is best known for his work on “The Clovehitch Kiler.” It was previously entitled “Nowhere Men.” The rights will cover North America. Rlje Films plans to release “Neighborhood Watch” in theaters and on demand on April 25, 2025.
The film follows Simon (Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, who becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Morgan), a retired security guard with a troubled past. As two try to unravel the mystery, they are forced to confront the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance, as well as grapple with their own issues.
Morgan co-starred on “The Walking Dead,”, Quaid appears on “The Boys,...
The film follows Simon (Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, who becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Morgan), a retired security guard with a troubled past. As two try to unravel the mystery, they are forced to confront the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance, as well as grapple with their own issues.
Morgan co-starred on “The Walking Dead,”, Quaid appears on “The Boys,...
- 3/10/2025
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The title of the new rom-com The Threesome is certainly eye-catching, but the sexual tripling it suggests is just a starting point for a plot that could probably be dragged out for a full season on The Young & the Restless.
Fortunately, the soap-opera turns the story takes are in the hands of talented indie filmmakers who devise a complex tale of three young singles simply looking for love but find complications pulling them apart and keeping them together in ways they never could have imagined.
At its heart it is a simple premise. Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) has a longtime crush on lively and attractive Olivia (Zoey Deutch), who notices him engaged in conversation with a stranger named Jenny (Ruby Cruz) and decides to take matters into her own hands by ingratiating herself with the woman they both have just met, seducing not just Connor but also Jenny, first with...
Fortunately, the soap-opera turns the story takes are in the hands of talented indie filmmakers who devise a complex tale of three young singles simply looking for love but find complications pulling them apart and keeping them together in ways they never could have imagined.
At its heart it is a simple premise. Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) has a longtime crush on lively and attractive Olivia (Zoey Deutch), who notices him engaged in conversation with a stranger named Jenny (Ruby Cruz) and decides to take matters into her own hands by ingratiating herself with the woman they both have just met, seducing not just Connor but also Jenny, first with...
- 3/7/2025
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Following the success of their Western Old Henry, which the National Board of Review named one of the Top Ten Independent Films of 2021, Hideout Pictures is back in the saddle with The Isolate Thief, a new Western to star Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings franchise), Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar), and Odeya Rush (Lady Bird).
Directed by John Suits (3022), the film is set at the close of the U.S. Civil War, as a young woman struggles to conceal the gold she stole from a group of violent outlaws who have seized control of her remote outpost. As the men relentlessly hunt for the treasure, she must outwit and deceive the ruthless bandits at every turn. Amid a deadly winter, survival transforms into a perilous game of cunning and betrayal.
Suits called the film “a story about resilience, survival, and the strength it takes to outlast the harshest odds—both from nature and humanity,...
Directed by John Suits (3022), the film is set at the close of the U.S. Civil War, as a young woman struggles to conceal the gold she stole from a group of violent outlaws who have seized control of her remote outpost. As the men relentlessly hunt for the treasure, she must outwit and deceive the ruthless bandits at every turn. Amid a deadly winter, survival transforms into a perilous game of cunning and betrayal.
Suits called the film “a story about resilience, survival, and the strength it takes to outlast the harshest odds—both from nature and humanity,...
- 12/17/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media has acquired North American rights to Allswell in New York, a dramedy co-starring and co-produced by The Bear Emmy nominee Liza Colón-Zayas, for release in theaters this fall and on digital in November.
Also starring Elizabeth Rodriguez (Orange Is the New Black) and Daphne Rubin-Vega (In the Heights), the film centers on Daisy (Rodriguez), a Brooklyn restaurateur giddy with excitement at the prospect of finally becoming a mom, who eagerly welcomes her young surrogate into her home for the last few weeks of pregnancy, blinded to the huge risk she’s taking — and the secret the troubled young woman is hiding. Meanwhile, sister Ida (Colón-Zayas), busy keeping others on the right track as a counselor at a local clinic, feels the emotional pull of their long-estranged brother, leading to a life-altering discovery. And sister-in-law Serene (Rubin-Vega), making a living as a vocal coach and reliving past glories,...
Also starring Elizabeth Rodriguez (Orange Is the New Black) and Daphne Rubin-Vega (In the Heights), the film centers on Daisy (Rodriguez), a Brooklyn restaurateur giddy with excitement at the prospect of finally becoming a mom, who eagerly welcomes her young surrogate into her home for the last few weeks of pregnancy, blinded to the huge risk she’s taking — and the secret the troubled young woman is hiding. Meanwhile, sister Ida (Colón-Zayas), busy keeping others on the right track as a counselor at a local clinic, feels the emotional pull of their long-estranged brother, leading to a life-altering discovery. And sister-in-law Serene (Rubin-Vega), making a living as a vocal coach and reliving past glories,...
- 8/21/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Arden Myrin (Insatiable) has been set to star alongside Zoey Deutch, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruby Cruz and more in director Chad Hartigan’s high-concept rom-com The Threesome for Star Thrower Entertainment, Filmopoly and Jupiter Peak.
Details as to her role are under wraps.
Recently wrapping production in Arkansas, the film explores the aftermath of one impulsive, seemingly innocuous decision. When a young man’s perennial crush leads him into an unexpected threesome, he thinks it’s his ultimate fantasy come true. But when the fantasy ends, all three are left with sobering real-world consequences, forcing them to take responsibility for their actions — even if it means compromising the lives they’ve always envisioned.
Ethan Ogilby wrote the script for the pic, also starring Jaboukie Young-White and Josh Segarra. Pic’s producers are Tim White and Trevor White for Star Thrower Entertainment, Vince Jolivette for Filmopoly, and Steven Shapiro for Jupiter Peak.
Details as to her role are under wraps.
Recently wrapping production in Arkansas, the film explores the aftermath of one impulsive, seemingly innocuous decision. When a young man’s perennial crush leads him into an unexpected threesome, he thinks it’s his ultimate fantasy come true. But when the fantasy ends, all three are left with sobering real-world consequences, forcing them to take responsibility for their actions — even if it means compromising the lives they’ve always envisioned.
Ethan Ogilby wrote the script for the pic, also starring Jaboukie Young-White and Josh Segarra. Pic’s producers are Tim White and Trevor White for Star Thrower Entertainment, Vince Jolivette for Filmopoly, and Steven Shapiro for Jupiter Peak.
- 2/21/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Zoey Deutch (Not Okay), Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid) and Ruby Cruz (Bottoms) will star alongside Jaboukie Young-White (Rap Sh!t) and Josh Segarra (Scream IV) in the high-concept romantic comedy The Threesome from Star Thrower Entertainment (King Richard), Filmopoly and Jupiter Peak, which has wrapped production in Arkansas.
Directed by Chad Hartigan (Morris from America) from a script by Ethan Ogilby, The Threesome explores the aftermath of one impulsive, seemingly innocuous decision. When a young man’s perennial crush leads him into an unexpected threesome, he thinks it’s his ultimate fantasy come true. But when the fantasy ends, all three are left with sobering real-world consequences, forcing them to take responsibility for their actions — even if it means compromising the lives they’ve always envisioned.
The film is produced by Tim White and Trevor White for Star Thrower Entertainment, Vince Jolivette for Filmopoly, and Steven Shapiro for Jupiter Peak.
Directed by Chad Hartigan (Morris from America) from a script by Ethan Ogilby, The Threesome explores the aftermath of one impulsive, seemingly innocuous decision. When a young man’s perennial crush leads him into an unexpected threesome, he thinks it’s his ultimate fantasy come true. But when the fantasy ends, all three are left with sobering real-world consequences, forcing them to take responsibility for their actions — even if it means compromising the lives they’ve always envisioned.
The film is produced by Tim White and Trevor White for Star Thrower Entertainment, Vince Jolivette for Filmopoly, and Steven Shapiro for Jupiter Peak.
- 2/20/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Exchange has acquired international sales to thriller Crescent City, adding the title to its slate for next week’s European Film Market (EFM).
The crime mystery, currently in post-production, stars Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Alec Baldwin and Nicky Whelan. Rj Collins directs from a screenplay by Rich Ronat. Producers are Eduard Osipov of Beno Films, Vince Jolivette of Filmopoly, David Lipper, Denise Loren and Robert A Daly Jr of Latigo Films, and Maurice Compte.
Crescent City is the story of a twisted murder that sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation.
The Exchange reports that a US distribution deal...
The crime mystery, currently in post-production, stars Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Alec Baldwin and Nicky Whelan. Rj Collins directs from a screenplay by Rich Ronat. Producers are Eduard Osipov of Beno Films, Vince Jolivette of Filmopoly, David Lipper, Denise Loren and Robert A Daly Jr of Latigo Films, and Maurice Compte.
Crescent City is the story of a twisted murder that sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation.
The Exchange reports that a US distribution deal...
- 2/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Dtla Film Festival has set the full feature lineup for its 15th edition, taking place at Regal L.A. Live from November 1-5, announcing the Jack Huston starrer Hail Mary as its opening night film.
Also starring Angela Sarafyan, Natalia del Riego, and Benny Emmanuel, the film from Rosemary Rodriguez is described as a genre-bending retelling of the Mary and Joseph story following an undocumented, pregnant migrant’s journey to make it safely across the U.S. border.
Nicki Micheaux’s Summer of Violence will serve as Centerpiece film for the fest, being put on in accordance with SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines, with Deborah Attoinese’s Women in Fire to close it out. Additional feature highlights include the sci-fi rom-com Molli and Max in the Future starring Zosia Mamet, Aristotle Athari, and Okieriete Onaodowan; Maxim Pozdorovkin’s animated doc The Conspiracy featuring voice actors like Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber,...
Also starring Angela Sarafyan, Natalia del Riego, and Benny Emmanuel, the film from Rosemary Rodriguez is described as a genre-bending retelling of the Mary and Joseph story following an undocumented, pregnant migrant’s journey to make it safely across the U.S. border.
Nicki Micheaux’s Summer of Violence will serve as Centerpiece film for the fest, being put on in accordance with SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines, with Deborah Attoinese’s Women in Fire to close it out. Additional feature highlights include the sci-fi rom-com Molli and Max in the Future starring Zosia Mamet, Aristotle Athari, and Okieriete Onaodowan; Maxim Pozdorovkin’s animated doc The Conspiracy featuring voice actors like Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to “American Murderer,” a new thriller with Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver. The film is the debut feature of director and writer Matthew Gentile. Saban Films is planning an October 2022 release.
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots an audacious scheme, one that lands him on the FBI’s top ten fugitive list.
Pelphrey is an Emmy nominee for his work on “Ozark” and also appeared in “Mank.” Phillippe starred in “Cruel Intentions” and “MacGruber.” Menzel is the Tony Award winning star of “Wicked” and acted alongside Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” Weaver is a two-time Oscar nominee for her work...
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots an audacious scheme, one that lands him on the FBI’s top ten fugitive list.
Pelphrey is an Emmy nominee for his work on “Ozark” and also appeared in “Mank.” Phillippe starred in “Cruel Intentions” and “MacGruber.” Menzel is the Tony Award winning star of “Wicked” and acted alongside Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” Weaver is a two-time Oscar nominee for her work...
- 7/19/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The 2022 Tribeca Festival presented awards in its competition categories on Thursday, with Good Girl Jane and The Cave of Adullam among this year’s top winners.
Good Girl Jane won the Founders’ Award for best U.S. narrative feature, with a 20,000 prize, with star Rain Spencer winning best performance in the U.S. narrative competition. The film, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, also stars Andie MacDowell, Patrick Gibson, Odessa A’Zion, Olan Prenatt and Eloisa Huggins.
The movie follows Spencer’s lonely high schooler Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, as she spirals out of control after falling for a charismatic drug dealer. Other awards in the U.S. Narrative Competition went to Allswell (best screenplay) and Next Exit (best cinematography), with the screenplay winner receiving 2,500. The U.S. narrative jury also gave a special...
The 2022 Tribeca Festival presented awards in its competition categories on Thursday, with Good Girl Jane and The Cave of Adullam among this year’s top winners.
Good Girl Jane won the Founders’ Award for best U.S. narrative feature, with a 20,000 prize, with star Rain Spencer winning best performance in the U.S. narrative competition. The film, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, also stars Andie MacDowell, Patrick Gibson, Odessa A’Zion, Olan Prenatt and Eloisa Huggins.
The movie follows Spencer’s lonely high schooler Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, as she spirals out of control after falling for a charismatic drug dealer. Other awards in the U.S. Narrative Competition went to Allswell (best screenplay) and Next Exit (best cinematography), with the screenplay winner receiving 2,500. The U.S. narrative jury also gave a special...
- 6/16/2022
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2022 Tribeca Festival has officially announced the slate of award-winning films, marking the end of the 21st annual event.
Presented by Okx, the Tribeca Festival unveiled the winning storytellers in its competition categories on June 16 at the awards ceremony at New York City restaurant Thalassa. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human/Nature, and Tribeca X.
“Good Girl Jane” took home the top prize, the Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, the film marked its World Premiere at the festival. “Good Girl Jane” follows a private school dropout teen who falls in love with a charismatic drug dealer. Lead star Rain Spencer also won Best Performance for her turn as Jane.
Latvian drama “January (Janvaris)” won Best International Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Viesturs Kairiss it’s about an aspiring...
Presented by Okx, the Tribeca Festival unveiled the winning storytellers in its competition categories on June 16 at the awards ceremony at New York City restaurant Thalassa. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human/Nature, and Tribeca X.
“Good Girl Jane” took home the top prize, the Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, the film marked its World Premiere at the festival. “Good Girl Jane” follows a private school dropout teen who falls in love with a charismatic drug dealer. Lead star Rain Spencer also won Best Performance for her turn as Jane.
Latvian drama “January (Janvaris)” won Best International Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Viesturs Kairiss it’s about an aspiring...
- 6/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Taking place in its newly minted summer slot of June 8-19, the 2022 edition of Tribeca Festival has now unveiled its film lined up. First, some stats: The features program spans ten categories and showcases 110 feature films and 16 online premieres from 151 filmmakers across 40 countries. The lineup includes 88 world premieres, 2 international premieres, 7 North American premieres, 2 U.S. premieres, and 11 New York premieres. There are 32 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects, and 50 first-time directors. More than 64 (81) of the feature films are directed by female, Bipoc, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers––46 (58) female directors, 34 (43) Bipoc directors, 8 (10) LGBTQ+ directors.
As for the films, highlights include Andrew Bujalski’s new feature There There, Ray Romano’s directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Hannah Marks’ Don’t Make Me Go (pictured above), the Jon Hamm-led Corner Office, Andrew Dosunmu’s Beauty, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch / Oz, which explores Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic through David Lynch’s ouevre,...
As for the films, highlights include Andrew Bujalski’s new feature There There, Ray Romano’s directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Hannah Marks’ Don’t Make Me Go (pictured above), the Jon Hamm-led Corner Office, Andrew Dosunmu’s Beauty, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch / Oz, which explores Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic through David Lynch’s ouevre,...
- 4/19/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Deadline has a new trailer for Alaskan Nets, a sports documentary executive produced by Chris Pratt and his production company Invisible Productions that Good Deed Entertainment is releasing on digital and VOD on April 8.
The film from director Jeff Harasimowicz takes viewers to an island that lies off the coast of Southeast Alaska. Remote and largely hidden from the outside world, it’s home to the Tsimshian natives of Alaska’s last remaining native reserve: Metlakatla. For more than a century, two sacred traditions have defined Metlakatla: fishing and basketball. Audiences will witness the improbable journey of cousins Danny Marsden and DJ King, fishermen and stars of the high school basketball team, as they lead their team and town toward their first state championship in more than 30 years—the only thing that will bring life back to an island that has undergone unimaginable tragedy.
Alaskan Nets made its world...
The film from director Jeff Harasimowicz takes viewers to an island that lies off the coast of Southeast Alaska. Remote and largely hidden from the outside world, it’s home to the Tsimshian natives of Alaska’s last remaining native reserve: Metlakatla. For more than a century, two sacred traditions have defined Metlakatla: fishing and basketball. Audiences will witness the improbable journey of cousins Danny Marsden and DJ King, fishermen and stars of the high school basketball team, as they lead their team and town toward their first state championship in more than 30 years—the only thing that will bring life back to an island that has undergone unimaginable tragedy.
Alaskan Nets made its world...
- 3/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards: ‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes the Top Prize (Complete Winners List)
The 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier, with comedy power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally serving as hosts.
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
- 3/6/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
James Franco and his associates will pay more than $2 million to settle a sexual misconduct lawsuit. In February, The Disaster Artist actor reached a tentative settlement over a 2019 class action lawsuit, which accused him, as well as Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis, of fraudulently running the Rabbit Bandini production companies and Studio 4 film school for their personal and financial benefit. The plaintiffs, former students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, also alleged claims of sexual harassment, exploitation and coercion. Now, details of the payout are being finalized, pending judge approval, according to the joint motion dated June 24 and obtained by E!...
- 6/30/2021
- E! Online
Hollywood star James Franco has agreed to a settlement of $2.2 million in a class-action lawsuit that was brought against the Oscar-nominated actor claiming that he forced former students of his Studio 4 Film School to take part in explicit sex scenes while being recorded. The Hollywood Reporter revealed the news of the settlement following the publication of court documents, which detailed the settlement being prepared to go before a judge for approval. The news of the settlement comes within a year of Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, former students at Franco's school, lodging a complaint suggesting that his students were victims of fraud.
In January 2018, Tither-Kaplan was one of five women who told their story to the Los Angeles Times, detailing claims that The Deuce star had been sexually exploitative and inappropriate towards them while on set. All of the claims made were refuted by Franco on numerous occasions. Even before...
In January 2018, Tither-Kaplan was one of five women who told their story to the Los Angeles Times, detailing claims that The Deuce star had been sexually exploitative and inappropriate towards them while on set. All of the claims made were refuted by Franco on numerous occasions. Even before...
- 6/30/2021
- by Anthony Lund
- MovieWeb
James Franco and associated parties will pay $2.235 million in order to settle a sexual misconduct lawsuit from 2019, in which two former students of Franco’s acting school accused him of intimidating them into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations.
Though news of the settlement broke in February, the details of the settlement were unveiled as part of court filings made public on Wednesday. The deal will now be brought to a Los Angeles judge for approval on whether it is “fair, reasonable and adequate.”
Actresses and ex-students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal led a class action lawsuit against Franco’s Playhouse West Studio 4, saying the class was a front in which Franco and his business partners, Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis, could take advantage of young female performers. They said the “Pineapple Express” star asserted his influence as an instructor by offering them parts in movies that never materialized or were never released,...
Though news of the settlement broke in February, the details of the settlement were unveiled as part of court filings made public on Wednesday. The deal will now be brought to a Los Angeles judge for approval on whether it is “fair, reasonable and adequate.”
Actresses and ex-students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal led a class action lawsuit against Franco’s Playhouse West Studio 4, saying the class was a front in which Franco and his business partners, Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis, could take advantage of young female performers. They said the “Pineapple Express” star asserted his influence as an instructor by offering them parts in movies that never materialized or were never released,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
James Franco has signed off on paying $2,235,000 to settle an Oct. 2019 lawsuit alleging he and his associates coerced students into performing explicit sex scenes on camera. The proposed figure was revealed in court filings that were made public on Wednesday, and a Los Angeles judge will need to approve it.
In 2019, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal filed a class action complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that Franco and his partners “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and an employer by dangling the opportunity for roles in their projects.” They argued they were victims of fraud, paying $300 a month for an acting school opened by Franco and his business partner Vince Jolivette in 2014 at which they claimed they were intimidated and sexually objectified. They further alleged that those who were willing to disrobe in front of...
In 2019, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal filed a class action complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that Franco and his partners “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and an employer by dangling the opportunity for roles in their projects.” They argued they were victims of fraud, paying $300 a month for an acting school opened by Franco and his business partner Vince Jolivette in 2014 at which they claimed they were intimidated and sexually objectified. They further alleged that those who were willing to disrobe in front of...
- 6/30/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Questlove’s Summer of Soul (Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) will tease the specialty box office this weekend with the brilliantly reviewed Sundance Grand Jury and Audience award-winner in special engagements in two theaters to tee up a wide release on some 600 screens, and Hulu, July 2.
The film from Searchlight Pictures about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which features never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and others, will strike a chord at the El Capitan Theater in LA and the Magic Johnson AMC Harlem.
Footage from the festival in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) held the same year as Woodstock was stored in a basement and all but forgotten for 50 years before today and this film, which was directed by musician Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove, drummer of...
The film from Searchlight Pictures about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which features never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and others, will strike a chord at the El Capitan Theater in LA and the Magic Johnson AMC Harlem.
Footage from the festival in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) held the same year as Woodstock was stored in a basement and all but forgotten for 50 years before today and this film, which was directed by musician Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove, drummer of...
- 6/25/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance Film Festival: London has revealed that “Zola” and “Coda” will be among the 2021 lineup, when the festival returns to Picturehouse Central next month.
“Coda” — an acronym meaning “Child of Deaf Adults” — features Marlee Matlin (“The West Wing”) and 19-year-old Emilia Jones (“Locke & Key”) navigating their relationship, while “Zola” is based on a 148-tweet viral Twitter thread from 2015 by Aziah “Zola” Wells. It stars Taylor Paige (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) and Riley Keough (“Max Max: Fury Road”) and will close the 4-day festival.
Edgar Wright’s rockumentary “The Sparks Brothers,” described as a “musical odyssey,” opens the festival on July 29.
Other feature film offerings, which have been selected from the longer line-up shown at the Sundance Film Festival, include “The Nest,” starring Jude Law (“Sherlock Holmes”), animation “Cryptozoo,” which features Lake Bell (“BoJack Horseman”) and Michael Cera (“Arrested Development”), and documentary “Writing With Fire,” about a female-run Indian newspaper, which...
“Coda” — an acronym meaning “Child of Deaf Adults” — features Marlee Matlin (“The West Wing”) and 19-year-old Emilia Jones (“Locke & Key”) navigating their relationship, while “Zola” is based on a 148-tweet viral Twitter thread from 2015 by Aziah “Zola” Wells. It stars Taylor Paige (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) and Riley Keough (“Max Max: Fury Road”) and will close the 4-day festival.
Edgar Wright’s rockumentary “The Sparks Brothers,” described as a “musical odyssey,” opens the festival on July 29.
Other feature film offerings, which have been selected from the longer line-up shown at the Sundance Film Festival, include “The Nest,” starring Jude Law (“Sherlock Holmes”), animation “Cryptozoo,” which features Lake Bell (“BoJack Horseman”) and Michael Cera (“Arrested Development”), and documentary “Writing With Fire,” about a female-run Indian newspaper, which...
- 6/2/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
At least not “right now,” actor tells The Sunday Times
Seth Rogen says he has no plans to work with James Franco again following multiple accusations of misconduct against his friend and frequent movie collaborator.
That is in contrast to what Rogen said in 2018, when asked the same question after multiple women accused Franco of misbehavior. At the time, Rogen said he would continue to work with his friend.
“I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not and I do not plan to right now,” Rogen told The Sunday Times.
Franco and two of his former acting students, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, settled a lawsuit in February in which they accused the actor of intimidating them into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations. The two former students of Franco’s Playhouse West...
Seth Rogen says he has no plans to work with James Franco again following multiple accusations of misconduct against his friend and frequent movie collaborator.
That is in contrast to what Rogen said in 2018, when asked the same question after multiple women accused Franco of misbehavior. At the time, Rogen said he would continue to work with his friend.
“I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not and I do not plan to right now,” Rogen told The Sunday Times.
Franco and two of his former acting students, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, settled a lawsuit in February in which they accused the actor of intimidating them into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations. The two former students of Franco’s Playhouse West...
- 5/10/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Orange Is the New Black alumna Taylor Schilling has been tapped for a series regular role opposite Lily James, Sebastian Stan and Seth Rogen in Pam & Tommy, Hulu’s limited series based on the true story behind the release of the first ever viral video — the sex tape of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. Nick Offerman also stars.
Spenser Granese and Mozhan Marnò are set to recur in the series written by Robert Siegel and Dv DeVincentis and produced by Annapurna, which stars James and Stan as the celebrity couple.
Rogan plays Rand, the man who stole the tape; Offerman plays porn impresario Uncle Miltie, who helped him distribute it.
Schilling, a fractional series regular, will play Erica, Rand’s wife — at least on paper. Erica is a porn star on her own terms, with emotional and intellectual intelligence that Rand cannot quite fathom. Although she’s moved on long ago,...
Spenser Granese and Mozhan Marnò are set to recur in the series written by Robert Siegel and Dv DeVincentis and produced by Annapurna, which stars James and Stan as the celebrity couple.
Rogan plays Rand, the man who stole the tape; Offerman plays porn impresario Uncle Miltie, who helped him distribute it.
Schilling, a fractional series regular, will play Erica, Rand’s wife — at least on paper. Erica is a porn star on her own terms, with emotional and intellectual intelligence that Rand cannot quite fathom. Although she’s moved on long ago,...
- 4/28/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Pepi Sonuga and Andrew Dice Clay are set for recurring roles opposite Lily James, Sebastian Stan and Seth Rogen in Pam & Tommy, Hulu’s limited series based on the true story behind the release of the first ever viral video — the sex tape of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. Nick Offerman also stars.
Written by Robert Siegel and Dv DeVincentis, Annapurna-produced Pam & Tommy stars James and Stan as the famous celebrity couple.
Sonuga will play Melanie, Pam’s best friend and wing-woman. Confident and strong, she becomes overprotective when bad-boy rock star Tommy Lee takes a liking to her best friend.
Clay will portray Butchie. A mob guy but not a “Mob Guy,” Butchie’s malevolence is matter-of-fact and he’s tired of what you’ve said before you’ve finished saying it. He can’t stand clowns,...
Written by Robert Siegel and Dv DeVincentis, Annapurna-produced Pam & Tommy stars James and Stan as the famous celebrity couple.
Sonuga will play Melanie, Pam’s best friend and wing-woman. Confident and strong, she becomes overprotective when bad-boy rock star Tommy Lee takes a liking to her best friend.
Clay will portray Butchie. A mob guy but not a “Mob Guy,” Butchie’s malevolence is matter-of-fact and he’s tired of what you’ve said before you’ve finished saying it. He can’t stand clowns,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Nick Offerman has joined Hulu’s limited series about Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s infamous sex tape, which stars Sebastian Stan as Lee and Lily James as Anderson, TheWrap has learned.
“Parks and Rec” alum Offerman has been cast in the eight-episode series, which is currently titled “Pam and Tommy,” in the role of “legendary prolific porn impresario” Uncle Miltie. Described as “big and burly,” Uncle Miltie “brings his larger-than-life stature into the workplace to keep things lively and real.” As “the money guy,” Uncle Miltie helps “disgruntled electrician” Rand (played by Seth Rogen) distribute the sex tape. “A borderline sociopath,” Offerman’s character “treads along a line between humorous and horrific.”
Hulu’s “Pam and Tommy” is written by Rob Siegel and directed by Craig Gillespie. Siegel and Gillespie will executive produce the series along with Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee for their Point Grey production company,...
“Parks and Rec” alum Offerman has been cast in the eight-episode series, which is currently titled “Pam and Tommy,” in the role of “legendary prolific porn impresario” Uncle Miltie. Described as “big and burly,” Uncle Miltie “brings his larger-than-life stature into the workplace to keep things lively and real.” As “the money guy,” Uncle Miltie helps “disgruntled electrician” Rand (played by Seth Rogen) distribute the sex tape. “A borderline sociopath,” Offerman’s character “treads along a line between humorous and horrific.”
Hulu’s “Pam and Tommy” is written by Rob Siegel and directed by Craig Gillespie. Siegel and Gillespie will executive produce the series along with Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee for their Point Grey production company,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Nick Offerman will star alongside Lily James, Sebastian Stan, and Seth Rogen in the Hulu limited series about the theft and release of Pam Anderson and Tommy Lee’s sex tape, Variety has learned.
The eight-episode series is currently titled “Pam and Tommy.” Stan will play Lee while James will play Anderson. Offerman will star as Uncle Miltie. Described as big and burly, this legendary prolific porn impresario brings his larger-than-life stature into the workplace to keep things lively and real. “The money guy,” Uncle Miltie helps disgruntled electrician Rand (Rogen) distribute the sex tape. A borderline sociopath, he treads along a line between humorous and horrific.
Offerman is perhaps best known for playing Ron Swanson in the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” He and his “Parks and Rec” co-star Amy Poehler currently host the NBC competition series “Making It,” for which the pair has been nominated for the Emmy...
The eight-episode series is currently titled “Pam and Tommy.” Stan will play Lee while James will play Anderson. Offerman will star as Uncle Miltie. Described as big and burly, this legendary prolific porn impresario brings his larger-than-life stature into the workplace to keep things lively and real. “The money guy,” Uncle Miltie helps disgruntled electrician Rand (Rogen) distribute the sex tape. A borderline sociopath, he treads along a line between humorous and horrific.
Offerman is perhaps best known for playing Ron Swanson in the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” He and his “Parks and Rec” co-star Amy Poehler currently host the NBC competition series “Making It,” for which the pair has been nominated for the Emmy...
- 4/7/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Offerman has been tapped to co-star opposite Lily James, Sebastian Stan and Seth Rogen in Pam & Tommy, Hulu’s limited series based on the true story behind the release of the first ever viral video in history — the sex tape of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.
In the Annapurna-produced project, which stars James and Stan as the famous celebrity couple, Offerman will play Uncle Miltie. Big and burly, this legendary prolific porn impresario brings his larger-than-life stature into the workplace to keep things lively and real. “The money guy,” Uncle Miltie helps Rand (Rogen) distribute the sex tape. A borderline sociopath, he treads the a line between humorous and horrific.
Pam & Tommy was written by Rob Siegel and will be directed by Craig Gillespie. The two executive produce the series with Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee via Point Grey; James Franco, Dave Franco and...
In the Annapurna-produced project, which stars James and Stan as the famous celebrity couple, Offerman will play Uncle Miltie. Big and burly, this legendary prolific porn impresario brings his larger-than-life stature into the workplace to keep things lively and real. “The money guy,” Uncle Miltie helps Rand (Rogen) distribute the sex tape. A borderline sociopath, he treads the a line between humorous and horrific.
Pam & Tommy was written by Rob Siegel and will be directed by Craig Gillespie. The two executive produce the series with Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee via Point Grey; James Franco, Dave Franco and...
- 4/7/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A lawsuit alleging James Franco intimidated students into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations at an acting and film school he founded has been tentatively settled, according to attorneys for the plaintiffs.
Attorneys from the firm of Valli Kane & Vagnini, Llp, representing the plaintiffs, confirmed the agreement in a statement to The Associated Press on Saturday night. They claimed it will be “further memorialized in a Joint Stipulation of Settlement to be filed with the Court at a later date,” but provided no further comment or details on any possible monetary exchange.
Los Angeles Superior Court has received a filing from the two sides indicating a tentative settlement has been reached in the class-action suit. That document was filed Feb. 11, but was revealed Saturday by the attorneys for the former students who brought the suit. Named defendants included Franco’s production company, Rabbit Bandini, and his partners Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis.
Attorneys from the firm of Valli Kane & Vagnini, Llp, representing the plaintiffs, confirmed the agreement in a statement to The Associated Press on Saturday night. They claimed it will be “further memorialized in a Joint Stipulation of Settlement to be filed with the Court at a later date,” but provided no further comment or details on any possible monetary exchange.
Los Angeles Superior Court has received a filing from the two sides indicating a tentative settlement has been reached in the class-action suit. That document was filed Feb. 11, but was revealed Saturday by the attorneys for the former students who brought the suit. Named defendants included Franco’s production company, Rabbit Bandini, and his partners Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis.
- 2/21/2021
- by Bruce Haring and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
James Franco and two former students in his acting school have reached a tentative deal to settle a 2019 lawsuit in which they accused the actor of intimidating them into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations.
According to a joint status report filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Feb. 11, actresses and ex-students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal have agreed to drop their individual claims against Franco and his Playhouse West Studio 4. “The settlement will be further memorialized in a Joint Stipulation of Settlement to be filed with the Court at a later date,” the law firm Valli Kane & Vagnini said in a statement.
No further details were given of the agreement or if a financial settlement was part of the deal.
The two former students of Franco’s Playhouse West Studio 4 said in a 2019 lawsuit that the class was a front in which Franco and his business partners, Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis,...
According to a joint status report filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Feb. 11, actresses and ex-students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal have agreed to drop their individual claims against Franco and his Playhouse West Studio 4. “The settlement will be further memorialized in a Joint Stipulation of Settlement to be filed with the Court at a later date,” the law firm Valli Kane & Vagnini said in a statement.
No further details were given of the agreement or if a financial settlement was part of the deal.
The two former students of Franco’s Playhouse West Studio 4 said in a 2019 lawsuit that the class was a front in which Franco and his business partners, Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis,...
- 2/21/2021
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Vvs Films separately acquires Canadian rights.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has picked up international rights from A24 to Sundance entry Zola, inspired by stripper Aziah “Zola” King’s viral tweet storm about a wayward road trip.
Vvs Films has separately acquired Canadian rights to the saga, which debuted in U.S Dramatic Competition last Friday.
Spwa will distribute in all territories except North America, China and Japan. A24 plans a summer release of the film, which stars Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, and Colman Domingo.
Janicza Bravo directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with playwright Jeremy O about...
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has picked up international rights from A24 to Sundance entry Zola, inspired by stripper Aziah “Zola” King’s viral tweet storm about a wayward road trip.
Vvs Films has separately acquired Canadian rights to the saga, which debuted in U.S Dramatic Competition last Friday.
Spwa will distribute in all territories except North America, China and Japan. A24 plans a summer release of the film, which stars Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, and Colman Domingo.
Janicza Bravo directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with playwright Jeremy O about...
- 1/27/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
A24’s Zola has sold the Sundance pic’s international distribution rights to Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa). Spwa will distribute the film in all territories except North America, China and Japan. Vvs films has also acquired distribution rights in Canada. A24 is planning a summer release of the film.
The thriller is based on the viral twitter sensation, written by Janicza Bravo and playwright Jeremy O. Harris and directed by Bravo. The movie premiered as part of the Us Dramatic Competition selection on Friday.
Bravo’s pic chronicles the 144 tweets posted by A’ziah King on October 27, 2015.
In the movie, Zola (Taylour Paige) meets Stefani (Riley Keough) at a restaurant where Zola waitresses, and the two immediately click over pole dancing. Only a day after they exchange numbers, Stefani invites Zola on a cross-country road trip, where the goal is to make as much money as possible dancing in Florida strip clubs.
The thriller is based on the viral twitter sensation, written by Janicza Bravo and playwright Jeremy O. Harris and directed by Bravo. The movie premiered as part of the Us Dramatic Competition selection on Friday.
Bravo’s pic chronicles the 144 tweets posted by A’ziah King on October 27, 2015.
In the movie, Zola (Taylour Paige) meets Stefani (Riley Keough) at a restaurant where Zola waitresses, and the two immediately click over pole dancing. Only a day after they exchange numbers, Stefani invites Zola on a cross-country road trip, where the goal is to make as much money as possible dancing in Florida strip clubs.
- 1/27/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Zola,” a buzzy title among next year’s Sundance lineup, comes from unprecedented source material: a 148-tweet Twitter thread from October 2015.
The movie had an arduous journey to the screen due to ongoing allegations around James Franco, whose company Rabbit Bandini bought the rights to the story, while Franco was originally attached to direct. A24 is now backing the movie, directed by Janicza Bravo, and written by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris.
In fall 2015, a woman named Aziah Wells (nickname: Zola) told an exaggerated — but not that exaggerated! — story of her journey from Detroit to Tampa, Fla. in order to make money stripping. Wells was conscripted to go to Tampa by a woman named Jessica, whom she’d met while serving her at Hooters; Jessica’s boyfriend, Jarrett; and their roommate, nicknamed Z, who turns out to be a violent pimp. What was meant to be an innocent trip of...
The movie had an arduous journey to the screen due to ongoing allegations around James Franco, whose company Rabbit Bandini bought the rights to the story, while Franco was originally attached to direct. A24 is now backing the movie, directed by Janicza Bravo, and written by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris.
In fall 2015, a woman named Aziah Wells (nickname: Zola) told an exaggerated — but not that exaggerated! — story of her journey from Detroit to Tampa, Fla. in order to make money stripping. Wells was conscripted to go to Tampa by a woman named Jessica, whom she’d met while serving her at Hooters; Jessica’s boyfriend, Jarrett; and their roommate, nicknamed Z, who turns out to be a violent pimp. What was meant to be an innocent trip of...
- 12/10/2019
- by Kate Aurthur and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with statement from Franco’s attorney: A new class-action lawsuit alleges that James Franco and other defandants “committed egregious wrongs to hundreds of student actors.” The complaint accuses them of sexual harassment, sex discrimination, fraud and multiple other violations regarding their now-shuttered acting and film school .
In a 33-page suit filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court (read it here), lead plaintiffs Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal allege that Franco, actor-producer Vince Jolivette and the latter’s cousin Jay Davis — “through the use of various RabbitBandini production companies and the RabbitBandini Studio 4 acting and film school — opted to sexualize their power and fame by dangling the opportunity to aspiring actors of employment in film and television in exchange for explicit nudity, sex and as Franco put it, the ‘pushing of boundaries.'”
Tither-Kaplan and Gaal enrolled in 2014 at the Studio 4 acting school, for which they paid $300 in monthly tuition,...
In a 33-page suit filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court (read it here), lead plaintiffs Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal allege that Franco, actor-producer Vince Jolivette and the latter’s cousin Jay Davis — “through the use of various RabbitBandini production companies and the RabbitBandini Studio 4 acting and film school — opted to sexualize their power and fame by dangling the opportunity to aspiring actors of employment in film and television in exchange for explicit nudity, sex and as Franco put it, the ‘pushing of boundaries.'”
Tither-Kaplan and Gaal enrolled in 2014 at the Studio 4 acting school, for which they paid $300 in monthly tuition,...
- 10/3/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Two women filed a lawsuit against James Franco on Thursday, accusing the actor of sexually exploiting them while enrolled at a now-defunct acting school that he hosted. Franco intends to “fully defend himself” and will also seek damages, according to a statement from Franco’s lawyer.
The two former students of Franco’s Playhouse West Studio 4 claim that the class was a front in which Franco and his male associates could take advantage of young female performers. They said that Franco asserted his influence as an instructor by offering them parts in movies that never materialized or were never released, even with the expectation that Franco would star in some of the projects.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court Thursday by Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal. Franco’s business partners, Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis, were also named in the lawsuit along with their production company,...
The two former students of Franco’s Playhouse West Studio 4 claim that the class was a front in which Franco and his male associates could take advantage of young female performers. They said that Franco asserted his influence as an instructor by offering them parts in movies that never materialized or were never released, even with the expectation that Franco would star in some of the projects.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court Thursday by Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal. Franco’s business partners, Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis, were also named in the lawsuit along with their production company,...
- 10/3/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Nearly two years after five women accused James Franco of sexual misconduct, a pair of women who attended his acting school filed a lawsuit against the actor, alleging he sexually exploited them.
According to the New York Times, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal — two former students at Franco’s Studio 4 acting school — sued the actor and his business partner Vince Jolivette over the program’s various alleged practices.
Franco and his partners in the school “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power...
According to the New York Times, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal — two former students at Franco’s Studio 4 acting school — sued the actor and his business partner Vince Jolivette over the program’s various alleged practices.
Franco and his partners in the school “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power...
- 10/3/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Hollywood multi-hyphenate James Franco is once again facing accusations of sexual harassment and exploitation from women who participated in his Studio 4 acting school, which shuttered in fall 2017. But this time in the form of a lawsuit.
In a lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal state that Franco and his partners “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and an employer by dangling the opportunity for roles in their projects.” The lawsuit, the details of which are reported in The New York Times, alleges that the bicoastal Studio 4, which Franco operated with his business partner Vince Jolivette, also listed as a defendant in the suit, was little more than a ploy for Franco and his male collaborators to assemble a pool of young actresses to then take advantage of.
The lawsuit harks...
In a lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal state that Franco and his partners “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and an employer by dangling the opportunity for roles in their projects.” The lawsuit, the details of which are reported in The New York Times, alleges that the bicoastal Studio 4, which Franco operated with his business partner Vince Jolivette, also listed as a defendant in the suit, was little more than a ploy for Franco and his male collaborators to assemble a pool of young actresses to then take advantage of.
The lawsuit harks...
- 10/3/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Two former students of James Franco’s now-closed acting school filed a lawsuit Thursday alleging that the classes existed principally to create a way for Franco and his associates to take advantage of young women.
Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal filed the class action complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying that Franco and his partners “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and an employer by dangling the opportunity for roles in their projects.”
Franco and his business partner Vince Jolivette opened the Studio 4 school in 2014, with branches in New York and Los Angeles.
The suit alleges that the students paid $300 a month, thinking they were participating in a bona fide acting school. Instead, the women claim they were intimidated and sexually objectified, and found that those who were willing to disrobe in front of Franco...
Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal filed the class action complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying that Franco and his partners “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior towards female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and an employer by dangling the opportunity for roles in their projects.”
Franco and his business partner Vince Jolivette opened the Studio 4 school in 2014, with branches in New York and Los Angeles.
The suit alleges that the students paid $300 a month, thinking they were participating in a bona fide acting school. Instead, the women claim they were intimidated and sexually objectified, and found that those who were willing to disrobe in front of Franco...
- 10/3/2019
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The “Masters of Doom” pilot in the works at USA Network has found its main cast members, as well as its director.
Eduardo Franco (“Booksmart”), Patrick Gibson (“The Oa”), John Karna (“Valley of the Boom”), Jane Ackermann (“Neptune”) and Siobhan Williams (“Deadly Class”) have all joined the cast in central roles, as well as “Succession” star Peter Friedman who has jumped aboard in a recurring guest role. Regular “Saturday Night Live” and “Documentary Now!” director Rhys Thomas will helm the pilot.
“Masters of Doom,” based on David Kushner’s non-fiction book, tells the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game “Doom.” John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
Eduardo Franco (“Booksmart”), Patrick Gibson (“The Oa”), John Karna (“Valley of the Boom”), Jane Ackermann (“Neptune”) and Siobhan Williams (“Deadly Class”) have all joined the cast in central roles, as well as “Succession” star Peter Friedman who has jumped aboard in a recurring guest role. Regular “Saturday Night Live” and “Documentary Now!” director Rhys Thomas will helm the pilot.
“Masters of Doom,” based on David Kushner’s non-fiction book, tells the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game “Doom.” John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
- 9/26/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Eduardo Franco (Booksmart) and Patrick Gibson (The Oa) are set as the leads in USA Network’s Masters of Doom pilot, a drama based on David Kushner’s nonfiction book, from James and Dave Franco’s Ramona Films, The Gotham Group and Ucp. John Karna (Valley of the Boom), Jane Ackermann (Neptune) and Siobhan Williams (Deadly Class) round out the series regular cast. Peter Friedman (Succession) is set to recur, and Rhys Thomas has been tapped to direct.
Written and executive produced by WGA Award winner Tom Bissell (Gears of War), Masters of Doom is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the ’90s, the video game Doom. Franco and Gibson play best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video...
Written and executive produced by WGA Award winner Tom Bissell (Gears of War), Masters of Doom is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the ’90s, the video game Doom. Franco and Gibson play best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video...
- 9/26/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-time coming Zeroville has finally released a trailer. The James Franco (The Disaster Artist) directed film was originally picked up by Alchemy for distribution in 2014, but after the company went under, Zeroville's fate was left up in the air. Now, under the online-based myCinema, the comedy-drama is getting a theatrical release in September 2019.
Based on Steve Eirckson's novel by the same name, Zeroville follows Vikar (James Franco), a wide-eyed innocent in love with the movies. The film follows his trip to the heart of a transitioning Hollywood in 1969 where the studio system is in decay, and a new generation of brash filmmakers are on the rise.
Vikar is a naïve newcomer with nothing but his 'outsider' past and a huge tattoo of Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor from his favorite film, 1951's A Place in the Sun tattoo on his shaved skull. He is driven by the "allure...
Based on Steve Eirckson's novel by the same name, Zeroville follows Vikar (James Franco), a wide-eyed innocent in love with the movies. The film follows his trip to the heart of a transitioning Hollywood in 1969 where the studio system is in decay, and a new generation of brash filmmakers are on the rise.
Vikar is a naïve newcomer with nothing but his 'outsider' past and a huge tattoo of Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor from his favorite film, 1951's A Place in the Sun tattoo on his shaved skull. He is driven by the "allure...
- 8/15/2019
- by Samantha Clair
- MovieWeb
USA Network has ordered a pilot based on the book “Masters of Doom” by David Kushner with James and Dave Franco on board as executive producers, Variety has learned.
“Masters of Doom” is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game “Doom.” John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
Should the project get picked up to series, the story of “Doom” would serve as the first installment in a planned anthology. Each subsequent season would then be based on seminal moments in the history of video games.
Tom Bissell will serve as writer and executive producer on the series. Bissell is no stranger to the video game world,...
“Masters of Doom” is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game “Doom.” John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
Should the project get picked up to series, the story of “Doom” would serve as the first installment in a planned anthology. Each subsequent season would then be based on seminal moments in the history of video games.
Tom Bissell will serve as writer and executive producer on the series. Bissell is no stranger to the video game world,...
- 6/27/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
USA Network has given a pilot order to Masters of Doom, a drama based on David Kushner’s nonfiction book, from James and Dave Franco’s Ramona Films, The Gotham Group and Ucp. Masters of Doom is being eyed as an anthology series, with the first installment based on Kushner’s book, published by Random House in 2003.
Written and executive produced by WGA Award winner Tom Bissell (Gears of War), Masters of Doom is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game Doom. John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson and Jeremy Bell executive produce via The Gotham Group, along with James Franco,...
Written and executive produced by WGA Award winner Tom Bissell (Gears of War), Masters of Doom is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game Doom. John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson and Jeremy Bell executive produce via The Gotham Group, along with James Franco,...
- 6/27/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cleopatra Entertainment has secured the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to The Pretenders, an indie drama directed by James Franco. The drama, written by Josh Boone, stars Jack Kilmer (The Nice Guys), Jane Levy (Don’t Breathe), Shameik Moore (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse), Tyler Alvarez (American Vandal), Brian Cox (X2: X-Men United), Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow), Juno Temple (Maleficent), as well as Franco.
Cleopatra will release the pic in theaters this summer before its VOD roll-out mid to late summer, and a home entertainment release for the fall
The plot follows French New Wave-obsessed film student, Terry, who finds his muse in mysterious and beguiling actress, Catherine. Both Terry and his best friend, Phil, fall under the spell of this beautiful woman. But they soon realize that the more time they spend with her, the more enigmatic she becomes. After years of sex, betrayal, and collateral damage,...
Cleopatra will release the pic in theaters this summer before its VOD roll-out mid to late summer, and a home entertainment release for the fall
The plot follows French New Wave-obsessed film student, Terry, who finds his muse in mysterious and beguiling actress, Catherine. Both Terry and his best friend, Phil, fall under the spell of this beautiful woman. But they soon realize that the more time they spend with her, the more enigmatic she becomes. After years of sex, betrayal, and collateral damage,...
- 3/25/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Sheila Vand, and Jeremy Allen White will star in the horror movie “The Rental,” Dave Franco’s directorial debut.
Franco wrote the script with Joe Swanberg. The story centers on two couples who rent a vacation home for a celebratory weekend.
“The Rental” will be fully financed by Black Bear Pictures, which is producing along with Franco’s Ramona Films. The producers are Ramona’s Vince Jolivette, Elizabeth Haggard, and Franco; Black Bear’s Ben Stillman and Teddy Schwarzman; and Swanberg and Chris Storer. Black Bear’s Michael Heimler is executive producing along with Sean Durkin.
Shooting begins this April in Oregon.
Franco starred in “The Disaster Artist,” the “Now You See Me” and “Neighbors” franchises, and the upcoming “6 Underground.”
Brie plays Ruth Wilder in “Glow,” and has credits on “Mad Men” and “The Post.” Stevens stars in the FX series “Legion,” and portrayed one...
Franco wrote the script with Joe Swanberg. The story centers on two couples who rent a vacation home for a celebratory weekend.
“The Rental” will be fully financed by Black Bear Pictures, which is producing along with Franco’s Ramona Films. The producers are Ramona’s Vince Jolivette, Elizabeth Haggard, and Franco; Black Bear’s Ben Stillman and Teddy Schwarzman; and Swanberg and Chris Storer. Black Bear’s Michael Heimler is executive producing along with Sean Durkin.
Shooting begins this April in Oregon.
Franco starred in “The Disaster Artist,” the “Now You See Me” and “Neighbors” franchises, and the upcoming “6 Underground.”
Brie plays Ruth Wilder in “Glow,” and has credits on “Mad Men” and “The Post.” Stevens stars in the FX series “Legion,” and portrayed one...
- 3/11/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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