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Fox Searchlight acquires “Patti Cake$”

January 25, 2017 (updated January 25, 2017) Published by Shari K. Green

FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES ACQUIRES

DIRECTOR GEREMY JASPER’S PATTI CAKE$

Starring Danielle Macdonald, Bridget Everett, Cathy Moriarty, Siddharth Dhananjay,

Mamoudou Athie, McCaul Lombardi, Sahr Ngaujah, Wass Stevens, and MC Lyte

Specialty Arm Acquires Worldwide Rights

PARK CITY, UT January 25, 2017 – Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley announced today that the company has acquired worldwide distribution rights to first-time writer / director Geremy Jasper’s infectious hip hop debut film PATTI CAKE$, starring Danielle Macdonald, Bridget Everett, Cathy Moriarty, Siddharth Dhananjay, Mamoudou Athie, McCaul Lombardi, Sahr Ngaujah, Wass Stevens, and MC Lyte. The film is an RT Features, Stay Gold Features, Maiden Voyage Pictures presentation of a Department of Motion Pictures production. It is the new company’s first feature film. PATTI CAKE$ is produced by Michael Gottwald, Noah Stahl, Rodrigo Teixeira, Dan Janvey, Daniela Taplin Lundberg and Chris Columbus, with Lourenço Sant’Anna, Sophie Mas, Eleanor Columbus, Josh Penn, Jonathan Bronfman, Lon Molnar, Fernando Fraiha, and Bill Benenson serving as executive producers. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released in 2017.

“Geremy Jasper has created a personal and specific story which resonates universally and is very entertaining. Patti Cake$, brought to life by Danielle Macdonald, is a singular, lovable, and highly talented character for whom we root hard. We are proud to bring this beautiful film to the world,” said Utley and Gilula.

“Patti Cake$ is a true labor of love made by a team of people with so much creativity, care, and passion. Sundance finally got to meet Patti AKA Killa P AKA Danielle MacDonald and now Fox Searchlight will make sure the world does too. We could not be in better hands,” said director Geremy Jasper.

“We knew from our experience with ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ that Fox Searchlight was the perfect place to introduce the world to an incredible heroine like Patti, and a fiercely talented filmmaker like Geremy,” said producer Michael Gottwald.

PATTI CAKE$ introduces Australian native Danielle Macdonald in a breakout role, as aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$. Fighting an unlikely quest for glory in her downtrodden hometown in Jersey where her life is falling apart, Patti tries to reach the big time in the hip hop scene with original and affecting music. Cheered on by her grandmother (Cathy Moriarty) and only friends, Jheri (Siddharth Dhananjay) and Basterd (Mamoudou Athie), Patti also shoulders her mother’s (Bridget Everett) heartaches and misfortunes.

The deal was brokered by Fox Searchlight’s Executive Vice President of Business Affairs Megan O’Brien and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions Ray Strache, with CAA and WME Global on behalf of the filmmakers.

Fox Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and its films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Searchlight Pictures is a unit of 21st Century Fox.

The Phoenix Film Festival preps for another year!!

January 25, 2017 (updated January 25, 2017) Published by Shari K. Green

PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL PREPS FOR 17TH YEAR!

PHOENIX (January 25, 2017) – It’s that time of year again! The 17^th Annual Phoenix Film Festival, occurring this year from its opening night on April 6^thto its conclusion on April 13^th, is rapidly approaching. Continually breaking attendance records since its inception, last years’ festival saw over 25,000 attendees and there are hopes to pull in even more film enthusiasts this year. The week long Festival will be held once again at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters located at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054.

If you are a movie lover, this is an event that is not to be missed. Tickets and passes go on sale February 23^rd and will be available through the Phoenix Film Festival website www.phoenixfilmfestival.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Film Festival Ticket Center next to the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theater. Tickets range in price from $13 for a single screening to $300 for a platinum pass. For more information call 480-513-3195 or go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com.

###

7000 E Mayo Blvd, Suite 1059 – Phoenix, AZ 85054

www.phxfilm.com Email: OFFICE@PHXFILM.com

The Phoenix Film Festival is a program of the

501c3 non-profit Phoenix Film Foundation

FOX Searchlight acquires Sundance sensation “STEP”

January 25, 2017 Published by Shari K. Green

FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES ACQUIRES

DIRECTOR AMANDA LIPITZ’S SUNDANCE SENSATION “STEP”

Specialty Arm Acquires Worldwide

Distribution and Remake Rights

PARK CITY, UT January 24, 2017 – Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula announced today that the company has acquired worldwide distribution and remake rights to director and producer Amanda Lipitz’s inspiring documentary STEP, featuring Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon, Gari McIntyre and Paula Dofat. The film is a Stick Figure, Impact Partners, Vulcan and Scott Rudin production and produced by Lipitz and Steven Cantor with Dan Cogan, Geralyn Dreyfous, Jenny Raskin, Scott Rudin, Paul G. Allen, Carole Tomko, Micheal Flaherty, Valerie McGowan, Barbara Dobkin, Regina K. Scully, Debra McLeod, Jay Sears, Ann Tisch and Andrew Tisch serving as executive producers. STEP will be released in 2017.

“STEP immerses us into the world of a group of young women whom we come to love and admire. Amanda Lipitz shows us their humor, heart, tenacity and joie de vivre through our own laughter and tears. We are excited to share this inspiring experience around the world,” said Gilula and Utley.

“This film was made as a tribute to the bravery and conviction of the young women in the film and to the courage they demonstrated in their willingness to share their story. We are thrilled to partner with Fox Searchlight on the release of the film throughout the world and are very grateful for their enthusiasm and passion. We hope that the heroes of STEP will inspire girls everywhere to do what they have done, which is to prove that nothing is impossible when you surround yourself with a group of powerful women,” said director and producer Amanda Lipitz.

STEP documents the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore. As each one tries to become the first in their families to attend college, the girls strive to make their dancing a success against the backdrop of social unrest in the troubled city.

The production also received generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Baltimore Ravens. The film world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to sold out screenings with show-stopping performances by the team, who were greatly supported by the local Park City community.

Very funny! Horror RINGS Hidden Camera Prank!

January 24, 2017 Published by Shari K. Green

This is hsterical!

You know the rules: first you watch it, then you die.

Watch as hidden cameras capture the reactions of unsuspecting customers when Samara comes for them.

RINGS is in theaters February 3

Directed by: F. Javier Gutierrez

Starring: Matilda Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, Aimee Teegarden, Bonnie Morgan and Vincent D’Onofrio

A new chapter in the beloved RING horror franchise. A young woman becomes worried about her boyfriend when he explores a dark subculture surrounding a mysterious videotape said to kill the watcher seven days after he has viewed it. She sacrifices herself to save her boyfriend and in doing so makes a horrifying discovery: there is a “movie within the movie” that no one has ever seen before…

Rings Official Channels

Hashtag: #Rings

Facebook: /RingsMovie

Twitter: @RingsMovie

Instagram: @RingsMovie

Snapchat: ringsmovie

Voice of Lightning McQueen In Disney / Pixar’s ‘Cars 3’ Named Grand Marshal For DAYTONA 500

January 19, 2017 Published by Shari K. Green

Owen Wilson, Voice of Lightning McQueen in Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3,”

Named Grand Marshal for 59th Annual DAYTONA 500

Popular Star to Deliver Starting Command for “The Great American Race”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2017) – Actor Owen Wilson, the voice of the animated character Lightning McQueen in Disney•Pixar’s upcoming movie “Cars 3,” will serve as Grand Marshal for the 59th annual DAYTONA 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Feb. 26 at Daytona International Speedway.

The DAYTONA 500, the season-opening race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, will begin at 2 p.m. (TV – FOX, FOX Deportes; Radio – MRN Radio, SiriusXM) following Wilson delivering the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command to the 40-car field. In addition to giving the command, Wilson will ride in one of the Grand Marshal cars during pace laps prior to the green flag of the 200-lap, 500-mile race and attend the drivers meeting.

“Cars 3” opens nationwide on June 16. Wilson, who voiced Lightning McQueen in “Cars” (2006) and “Cars 2” (2011), is also known for starring roles in a variety of hit comedy films including “Wedding Crashers,” “Meet the Parents,” ”Zoolander” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Wilson stars in the upcoming “Wonder” and the Woody Harrelson-directed live film “Lost in London.”

“Owen Wilson is one of America’s most beloved comedic actors and his voice has brought Lightning McQueen to life for millions of movie-goers over the last 10 years,” said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. “His star-power, and of course his personality, are perfect fits for ‘The Great American Race.’”

For more information on “Cars 3” visit http://disney.com/Cars3.

Wilson is the latest name on a long list of actors who have served as DAYTONA 500 Grand Marshals including Gerard Butler, Vince Vaughn, John Travolta, Ben Affleck, Nicolas Cage and Matthew McConaughey.

Tickets for the 2017 DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can also follow NASCAR on Twitter and stay up to speed on the latest news by using #DAYTONA500 and #SPEEDWEEKS. Stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube,Pinterest and Snapchat,and by downloading the Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

ABOUT “CARS 3”

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

The first film was made in 1896… my, how far we’ve come!

January 17, 2017 (updated January 17, 2017) Published by Shari K. Green

New technology enables global fans to interact with a fictional character in multiple languages

Los Angeles CA, January 17, 2017 – In anticipation of the worldwide release of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) is teaming up with artificial intelligence (AI) agency IV.AI to bring the world’s first movie character powered by true AI to social media platforms with the #ChallengeTheRedQueen Messenger Experience.

As the experience launches today, Facebook users can match wits against The Red Queen by messaging the Facebook user The Red Queen on Facebook Messenger. In Russia, the feature will be available on Telegram.

True to the character that fans know and love, the Red Queen’s dismissiveness and attitude have been embedded in the personality profile of the experience using AI, so that the audience can have genuine interaction with the character.

In the experience, The Red Queen AI challenges fans of the franchise to test their Resident Evil knowledge and share their accomplishments. This unique messenger experience utilizes automated AI with built-in natural language processing in multiple languages, across a variety of social media platforms enabling fans of the films to interact with the Red Queen character in real time.

Using IV.AI’s sophisticated artificial intelligence ingestion system, the online experience has been created using Resident Evil scripts, films and writers from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Alongside this, IV.AI‘s natural language processing algorithms and emotional analysis based machine learning transforms this data into a natural feeling, interactive artificial character online.

Sony Pictures, EVP International Marketing Sal Ladestro explains, “As digital marketers and filmmakers, our goal is to find new ways to push the boundaries of emerging technologies in entertainment IP. Seeing the power of artificial intelligence collaborating with talented scriptwriters and filmmakers is just the beginning. We always strive to enable moviegoers to have unique experiences with our characters and this will set an industry standard of how to use messenger platforms to market our movies.”

IV.AI CEO, Vince Lynch describes the bot as, “A new way of approaching entertainment via social media. Using customized AI, we can better understand the nuances of a character and allow fans to play along in real life.” Explains Lynch, “I like that we’re taking fictional AI that is normally portrayed as dark and tweaking the sentiment to make it fun and entertaining.“

The #ChallengeTheRedQueen experience will go live today and be available to fans in the US, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, and Russia. Fans can find the experience through Facebook Messenger and Telegram by following links –

◦ English: m.me/TheRedQueenBot/

◦ Spanish (Latin America): m.me/LaReinaRojaBot/

◦ Spain (Castilian): m.me/LaReinaRojaES

◦ Russian: https://telegram.me/ObitelZlabot

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter picks up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, in which Alice (Milla Jovovich) is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead. Now, she must return to where the nightmare began – The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse. The film is written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.

Special Movie Premiere Night Experience for “The Shack”

January 13, 2017 Published by Shari K. Green

The Shack

Don’t Miss the Special Movie Premiere Night Experience

Thursday, March 2^nd – Tickets on Sale Now

Movie Premiere Night Tickets will Include a Special Celebration After the Film, Featuring Exclusive Cast Interviews, Behind the Scenes Footage, and a Special Musical Performance by Dan + Shay

+ Free Book Download Gift with Purchase while Supplies Last

The Shack In-Theatres Nationwide on March 3^rd

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

#TheShack

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, The Shack takes us on a father’s uplifting spiritual journey. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips [Sam Worthington] spirals into a deep depression causing him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa [Octavia Spencer]. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.

“Moana” the Sing-Along version hits theatres! How exciting!

January 10, 2017 (updated February 24, 2017) Published by Shari K. Green

BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2017) – The epic journey continues for “Moana” fans as Walt Disney Animation Studios introduces an all-new sing-along version of the hit, critically-lauded comedy-adventure “Moana,” coming to theaters nationwide Jan. 27, 2017. Additionally, the original theatrical version of the film will release digitally Feb. 21 and on Blu-ray March 7.

Fans are invited to warm up those vocal cords and set sail with an all-new sing-along version of “Moana” launching in more than 2,000 theaters nationwide on Jan. 27 andexclusively at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre on Jan. 20.

“Moana” audiences were swept away by the film’s original songs and score from a dynamic team that includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda (Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning “Hamilton,” Tony-winning “In the Heights”), Mark Mancina (“Tarzan,” Broadway’s “The Lion King”) and Opetaia Foa‘i (founder and lead singer of the award-winning world music band Te Vaka).

The sing-along version of “Moana” includes the full feature film with on-screen lyrics, so audiences can belt out the words to their favorite songs, such as the Golden Globe®-nominated “How Far I’ll Go.” Moviegoers can check local listings for showtimes and theaters; the sing-along run will vary by location.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56^th animated feature opened domestically on Nov. 23, 2016, becoming the No. 2 Thanksgiving debut ever with $82 million. The film continues to delight audiences around the globe, earning more than $225 million domestically and $450 million worldwide to date. The film has a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore.

“Moana” has received, thus far, nominations for BAFTA, PGA, Golden Globe® and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for best animated feature. The film’s uplifting soundtrack has dominated the music charts for more than six weeks, peaking at No. 1 on the iTunes Albums chart; it is currently No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The soundtrack is available wherever music is sold and at streaming services.

At Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, the “Moana” sing-along will begin Jan. 20, one week prior to the nationwide opening. Daily showtimes are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available at El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396) or online at www.elcapitantickets.com.

Audiences can soon enjoy the original theatrical version of the film at home and packed with a variety of bonus extras when “Moana” arrives on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Feb. 21, and on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital SD, DVD and On-Demand on March 7.

Nicolas Cage Roulette – Yeah, it’s what it sounds like.

December 21, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by markdeli

Ever sit around thinking, “ah man, I wish someone would build an App that streams a random Nic Cage movie from netflix”.

Drop that Ploom designed vaporizer dude, you’re mind is about to be blown.

Introducing, NICOLAS CAGE ROULETTE! Created by Scott Luptowski, this web App is designed to work with your existing Netflix account. Now you can stream a random Nic Cage film anytime you want. You even have the choice between Action Movies or All Movies.

Go ahead, give it a try and for extra credit, report back here which movie you get first.

Now shhhhh, Windtalkers is starting.

NICOLAS CAGE ROULETTE

Take it for a spin

Phoenix Film Foundation Receives Grant

December 13, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by Shari K. Green

Phoenix Film Foundation to Receive $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

PHOENIX (December 13, 2016) – National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $30 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $10,000 to the Phoenix Film Foundation in support of the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival. The Art Works category focuses on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts.

“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as the Phoenix Film Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer.”

“We are thrilled and honored to receive a grant for the first time from the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Phoenix Film Foundation Executive Director Jason Carney. “To receive this grant from such a respected governmental agency is a great step forward for showcasing film as art within Arizona.”

The 2017 Phoenix Film Festival will take place April 6 – 13, 2017 at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 in North Phoenix. As Arizona’s largest film event, the Phoenix Film Festival screens over 175 films from new and emerging filmmakers and holds filmmaking seminars, parties and events for over 25,000 yearly attendees at the Harkins Scottsdale 101. More information about the Phoenix Film Festival and its education programs can be found at phxfilm.com.

The Phoenix Film Foundation, the organization that produces the Phoenix Film Festival, is dedicated to supporting and developing the artistic appreciation, educational opportunities and growth of independent film within Arizona. The Foundation’s primary functions through its programs are to promote the exhibition of independent films and conduct educational programs that teach the art of independent filmmaking, bringing new, emerging and established voices in film to the community

For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.