Category: Spotlight

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

January 10, 2017 (updated February 24, 2017) Published by


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’ 56th 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

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

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

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
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Phoenix Film Foundation Receives Grant

December 13, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by

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.

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

An Inconvenient Truth Sequel

December 12, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by

PARAMOUNT PICTURES TO RELEASE THE FOLLOW-UP TO AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

A DECADE FOLLOWING VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE’S LANDMARK CLIMATE CRISIS CALL TO ACTION WAS RELEASED, 

PARAMOUNT PARTNERS WITH PARTICIPANT MEDIA TO BRING A NEW MESSAGE TO AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD 

FILM WILL PREMIERE AT THE 2017 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ON OPENING NIGHT 

HOLLYWOOD, CA (December 12, 2016) – Paramount Pictures announced today it will release the follow-up to AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, former Vice President Al Gore’s two-time Academy Award-winning landmark documentary about the world’s climate crisis. From Participant Media, and directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, the sequel follows Gore as he continues his decades long fight to build a more sustainable future for our planet.  

Esteemed film critic Roger Ebert said upon the release of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH in 2006, “In 39 years, I have never written these words in a movie review, but here they are: You owe it to yourself to see this film. If you do not, and you have grandchildren, you should explain to them why you decided not to.” A decade after AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the riveting follow up that shows both the escalation of the crisis and the real solutions we have close at hand. 

Former Vice President Al Gore said, “Now more than ever we must rededicate ourselves to solving the climate crisis.  But we have reason to be hopeful; the solutions to the crisis are at hand.  I’m deeply honored and grateful that Paramount Pictures and Participant Media have once again taken on the task of bringing the critical story of the climate crisis to the world.”

Paramount chairman and CEO Brad Grey said, “We are honored to be working again with Al, Jeff Skoll and everyone at Participant on a film whose message is as urgent as ever. Al’s tireless efforts to bring about change continues to inspire all of us as we fight for the health of our world for future generations.”

Executive producer, founder and chairman of Participant Media Jeff Skoll said, “A decade after we took a risk in backing a film centered around a slide show presentation and one human’s quest to awaken global consciousness about our changing planet, we are proud to bring global audiences a promising update: that a future powered by clean, safe, renewable, inexpensive, non-polluting energy is no longer a dream but a very attainable reality.”

Commented directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, “It has been our honor to work with Participant on the follow-up to AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH.  Climate change is the story of our time and following Al Gore during this critical moment in history has been both sobering and incredibly inspiring.  We couldn’t be more excited to have Paramount taking the film out to a wide audience around the world.”

Stepping beyond the limits of the first movie’s focus on Gore’s inspirational slide presentation, the new film travels the world and delivers an inspirational story of change in the making. Participant Media presents a film featuring Al Gore, directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk.  The FOLLOW-UP TO AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH is produced by Richard Berge and Diane Weyermann and executive produced by Jeff Skoll, Davis Guggenheim, Lawrence Bender, Laurie David, Scott Z. Burns, and Lesley Chilcott.

*In Photo:  VP Al Gore with former Mayor of Tacloban City Alfred Romualdez and Typhoon Haiyan survivor Demi Raya, in the Raya family home; Tacloban City, Philippines, March 12, 2016 / Photo Credits: Jensen Walker 

Meghan Trainor Gets Smurfed

December 5, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by

MEGHAN TRAINOR WRITES AND PERFORMS

“I’M A LADY”

FOR SONY PICTURES ANIMATION’S “SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE”

CULVER CITY, Calif., December 5, 2016 – “I’m a Lady,” a new song from the multi-platinum reigning Grammy Awards Best New Artist Meghan Trainor, will be featured in Sony Pictures Animation’s Smurfs: The Lost Village.  The song is performed & written by Meghan Trainor and produced by Martin Rene, Monsters & Strangers and Meghan Trainor.

Fans will be able to hear the song in the new year, in advance of the film’s debut in U.S. theaters on April 7, 2017.

Commenting on the announcement, Trainor said, “I love the Smurfs and was honored when they asked me to write a song for this new movie.  I was especially excited – I wrote the whole thing in one evening!”

In this fully animated, fresh new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does.  Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!  Directed by Kelly Asbury, the film is written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on the characters and works of Peyo.  Produced by Jordan Kerner and Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews, the film features the voices of Demi Lovato as Smurfette, Rainn Wilson as Gargamel, Joe Manganiello as Hefty Smurf, Jack McBrayer as Clumsy Smurf, Danny Pudi as Brainy Smurf, with Mandy Patinkin as Papa Smurf.

·         Website: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation

·         Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonyanimation

 

A Dog’s Purpose – Celebrate National Mutt Day

December 2, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by

In celebration of #NationalMuttDay, we invite you to share your dog’s purpose.

Add your furry friend’s picture to the film’s mosaic and tell the world how your dog enriches the lives around you, or create your own movie poster using your dog’s photo!!

Every dog happens for a reason.

Don’t miss #ADogsPurpose in theaters this January!

Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.  The family film told from the dog’s perspective also stars Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, Britt Robertson, K.J. Apa, Juilet Rylance, Luke Kirby, John Ortiz and Pooch Hall.

A Dog’s Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV’s Gilmore Girls).  The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media is executive produced by Alan Blomquist and Mark Sourian, and it will be distributed by Universal Pictures.  www.adogspurposemovie.com

Genre: Family
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, Britt Robertson, K.J. Apa, Juilet Rylance, Luke Kirby, John Ortiz, Pooch Hall and Josh Gad
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Screenplay by: W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky
Based on the Book by: W. Bruce Cameron
Produced by: Gavin Polone
Executive Producers: Alan Blomquist, Mark Sourian

A DOG’S PURPOSE – IN THEATERS JANUARY 27
Facebook l Twitter l Instagram l #ADogsPurpose

 

Florence Foster Jenkins Returns

November 30, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by

Paramount Pictures will re-release the critically-acclaimed crowd-pleaser FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS starring Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and Simon Helberg, and directed by Stephen Frears, in select theaters December 2.

The film’s stars have been praised for their performances from critics and awards groups alike – Streep will receive the prestigious Cecil B. Demille Award from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at the 2017 Golden Globes, Grant recently won the Hollywood Supporting Actor award at the Hollywood Film Awards, and Helberg will receive the Virtuosos Award from the Santa Barbara Film Festival recognizing his outstanding breakout performance in the film.

The movie will play in Boston at the Boston Commons and AMC Methuen 20; in Chicago at the AMC River East 21 and the AMC Dine-In Theatres Yorktown; in Dallas at the AMC Grapevine Mills 30 and the AMC Stonebriar 24; in Los Angeles at the AMC Burbank Town Center 8, AMC Orange 30, and the AMC Loews Broadway; in New York at the AMC Empire 25 and the AMC Loews Stony Brook 17; in Philadelphia at the AMC Neshaminy 24 and the AMC Hamilton 24; in San Francisco at the AMC Van Ness 14 and AMC Mercado 20; in Seattle at the AMC Loews Alderwood Mall 16 and the AMC Southcenter 16; and in Washington, D.C. at the AMC Hoffman Center 22 and AMC Loews Rio Cinemas 18.

Based on an incredible true story, FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINSstars 3-time Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep as the legendary heiress and socialite who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a great singer. The voice she heard in head was beautiful, but to everyone else it was hilariously awful. Her “husband” and manager, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), an aristocratic English actor, was determined to protect his beloved Florence from the truth. But when Florence decided to give a public concert at Carnegie Hall, St. Clair knew he faced his greatest challenge.

Originally released to rave reviews in August, the film has grossed $27 million to date and will be released on DVD December 13. Paramount Pictures, Pathé and BBC Films present with the participation of Canal+ and Ciné a Qwerty Films production. FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINSwas directed by Stephen Frears and written by Nicholas Martin. The producers are Michael Kuhn and Tracey Seaward and executive producers are Cameron McCracken, Christine Langan and Malcolm Ritchie.

Be Featured On YouTube’s Homepage!

November 30, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by
Fans Have a Chance to Be Featured on the YouTube Homepage Masthead, and Three Lucky Fans Will Win a Trip to L.A. and Get to Participate in a “Next Rising Star” Digital Development Workshop at YouTube Space L.A. to Learn How to Become a Top Content Creator on YouTube.

WHAT: Launch of the “Real Talent, From Real Life” contest in support of Illumination

Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ SING. Contestants to record themselves singing, clapping or dancing to at least 30 seconds of the event film’s original song “Faith,” from the legendary Stevie Wonder featuring Ariana Grande. From submissions, YouTube creator Mike Tompkins will create an edited video of “Faith” that will play on the YouTube homepage.

Throughout their daylong journey, three lucky winners will get to interface with some of today’s hottest YouTube influencers, as well as hear from top professionals behind the scenes (Universal Music execs, YouTube creative + music teams, YouTube + Google product specialists, and more) on how to create a successful channel on the platform.  

WHO: Fans with vocal talent, energy, passion and charisma; YouTube creator Mike Tompkins

WHERE: www.RealTalentFromRealLife.com and YouTube Space Los Angeles

WHEN: November 30: Submissions must be received.

December 5: Submissions reviewed and three individuals selected to visit YouTube Space L.A. and attend a bespoke creator workshop, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

December 14: Travel to Los Angeles.

December 15: Three winners participate in a “Next Rising Star” digital development workshop at YouTube Space L.A., designed by YouTube and Universal specifically for this initiative.

December 16: Edited “Faith” video plays on the YouTube masthead on the homepage.

ASU Film Spark Releases Car Dogs

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

Arizona State University’s Film Spark program announced last night that “CAR DOGS”, a dramatic comedy starring Patrick J. Adams, George Lopez, Nia Vardalos, Octavia Spencer, Josh Hopkins, and Dash Mihok, will be released in theaters across the Valley on Friday, January 27, 2017.

The production gave 85 ASU students and 15 recent alums the chance to learn filmmaking on an actual film set from an Oscar winning, Hollywood cast and crew.  ASU Film Spark, an unprecedented program at the intersection of the entertainment industry and academia, helps ASU students and alumni in their entertainment careers while creating a better film industry, culture and society. 

More information on the film can be found at

ABOUT “CAR DOGS”

With everything to gain, and even more to lose, Mark (Patrick J. Adams) and his brazen sales team have just eight hours to sell more cars than have ever been sold in a single day. Leading the pack is sales vet, Christian (George Lopez). He’s slick, fast talking, and conniving; able to get customers to both open their wallets and part with their better judgement. Hot on his heels is Sharon (Nia Vardalos). She’s smart and savvy, outmaneuvering the competition with her wit and charm. As the clock ticks down, their outrageous tactics step up, with each salesperson ready to do whatever it takes to be top “car dog.”  But for Mark, the stakes are much more than just a paycheck.

ABOUT OF FILM SPARK

In Fall of 2009, ASU film professor Adam Collis, hosted a simple video-conference between his students and the cinematographer of The Hangover films.  The students liked it so much, Collis set upon a mission to connect ASU students with the best filmmakers and executives in the world.

Since then Professor Collis has connected ASU with 4 Oscar-winners, 5 Oscar-nominees, 3 studio chiefs, the presidents of the Academy and the Directors Guild, as well as numerous blockbuster producers and award-winning directors. The program also deepens ASU connections with entertainment companies, alumni and prospective students in Southern California.

President Michael Crow and Dean Steve Tepper recognized the value of Collis’ efforts and formally established ASU Film Spark at the ASU California Center in Santa Monica with a staff of five.  Turning a professor’s passion for his students into a university strategic initiative is yet another example of why U.S. News & World Report named ASU the “Most Innovative University in the Nation” two years in a row.

Hollywood Invades Tempe, Arizona

November 14, 2016 (updated December 22, 2016) Published by

WHO: Hollywood Invades Tempe hosts the brilliant team of futurists, artists, engineers, ethicists and others who helped envision the world for Steven Spielberg’s science fiction classic, Minority Report.

WHAT:  A two-day FREE event showcasing the filmmakers and producers of Minority Report featuring fun interactive events that peer 50 years into the future!

 

WHEN: 

Thursday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. at Old Main – Dialogue on story with Minority Report producer Walter Parkes.

6:30 p.m. at Harkins Valley Art Theatre – Minority Report screening

9:00 p.m. – Q&A with the creators of the iconic film

 

Friday, November 18 – Old Main

Session 1: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Session 2: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:

Old Main

400 E. Tyler Mall

Tempe, AZ 85281

 

Harkins Valley Art

509 S. Mill Ave

Tempe, AZ 85281

 

DETAILS:     Join ASU’s Hollywood Invades Tempe for a lecture on Narrative Matters – How Stories Reflect, Distort, and Create Our World with Minority Report producer Walter Parkes on November 17 at Old Main. Later that evening, catch a special screening of the film at Harkins Valley Art Theater followed by a Q&A with the minds behind the magic. Finally, on Friday, November 18, come collaborate with the futurists behind the world of Minority Report, ASU leading edge professors, and fellow students for a two-part, day-long “idea summit” and look 50 years into the future!

Come out for this completely free event and dive into the minds of the genius creators behind the futuristic sci-fi, Minority Report.

Seats are limited, reserve yours today.

RSVP NOW

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