Is Olivier Courson, once a game-changing chairman-ceo of Studiocanal, about to make a big media comeback?
Arte France, bastion of quality European TV, announced June 2 that its president, Veronique Cayla would step down on July 5. Candidates to succeed her, the French press has suggested, include Courson.
Arte France presidency is currently one of the plum jobs in French film and TV. Established in 1992, Arte is a rare case of a bi-national public broadcaster based, moreover, out of the two biggest film-tv powerhouse markets in the E.U., France and Germany. Broadcasting free-to-air in both, paid for by tax payers, and with a cultural remit, it is not exposed to a plunging TV ad market, nor has to meet minimum audience targets, nor sustain a flagging share price. Arte’s France’s market share is small, which allows it to make bold, original programming for two of the most cultured middle-classes in Europe.
Arte France, bastion of quality European TV, announced June 2 that its president, Veronique Cayla would step down on July 5. Candidates to succeed her, the French press has suggested, include Courson.
Arte France presidency is currently one of the plum jobs in French film and TV. Established in 1992, Arte is a rare case of a bi-national public broadcaster based, moreover, out of the two biggest film-tv powerhouse markets in the E.U., France and Germany. Broadcasting free-to-air in both, paid for by tax payers, and with a cultural remit, it is not exposed to a plunging TV ad market, nor has to meet minimum audience targets, nor sustain a flagging share price. Arte’s France’s market share is small, which allows it to make bold, original programming for two of the most cultured middle-classes in Europe.
- 6/19/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel Brühl, Eddie Marsan also star in project based on real events.
Principal photography has wrapped on José Padilha’s untitled thriller based on the real-life story of the 1976 Air France hijacking. Padilha’s previous work includes Narcos and Elite Squad.
The film, temporarily called Untitled Entebbe Project, stars Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Daniel Brühl (Captain America: Civil War). The cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Ben Schnetzer, Lior Ashkenazi, and Denis Ménochet.
The story is inspired by the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight en route from Tel Aviv to Paris by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and depicts ‘Operation Entebbe’, the rescue mission carried out by Israel commandos to free the hostages. The film promises to take a nuanced look at both sides of the conflict.
The Participant Media and Working Title Films project will be released through Participant’s output arrangements via Amblin Partners, with [link=co...
Principal photography has wrapped on José Padilha’s untitled thriller based on the real-life story of the 1976 Air France hijacking. Padilha’s previous work includes Narcos and Elite Squad.
The film, temporarily called Untitled Entebbe Project, stars Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Daniel Brühl (Captain America: Civil War). The cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Ben Schnetzer, Lior Ashkenazi, and Denis Ménochet.
The story is inspired by the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight en route from Tel Aviv to Paris by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and depicts ‘Operation Entebbe’, the rescue mission carried out by Israel commandos to free the hostages. The film promises to take a nuanced look at both sides of the conflict.
The Participant Media and Working Title Films project will be released through Participant’s output arrangements via Amblin Partners, with [link=co...
- 2/8/2017
- ScreenDaily
Participant Media and Working Title announced on Tuesday that José Padilha has finished principal photography on Untitled Entebbe Project starring Rosamund Pike and Daniel Brühl.
Lionsgate International will commence sales in Berlin on those territories not covered by Participant and eOne’s Amblin Partners output deal, which sees eOne distribute directly in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Spain and the Benelux.
Focus Features handles Us distribution on the thriller about the 1976 Israeli commando raid on an Air France passenger jet hijacked by pro-Palestinian forces.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are producing with Kate Solomon, Michelle Wright, and Ron Halpern.
Participant produced and fully financed Untitled Entebbe Project through Amblin Partners, with Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King on board as executive producers alongside Olivier Courson, Jean-Claude Darmon, Angela Morrison, Liza Chasin, and Jo Burn.
The key cast includes Eddie Marsan, Ben Schnetzer, Lior Ashkenazi and Denis Ménochet and production took place on location in the...
Lionsgate International will commence sales in Berlin on those territories not covered by Participant and eOne’s Amblin Partners output deal, which sees eOne distribute directly in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Spain and the Benelux.
Focus Features handles Us distribution on the thriller about the 1976 Israeli commando raid on an Air France passenger jet hijacked by pro-Palestinian forces.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are producing with Kate Solomon, Michelle Wright, and Ron Halpern.
Participant produced and fully financed Untitled Entebbe Project through Amblin Partners, with Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King on board as executive producers alongside Olivier Courson, Jean-Claude Darmon, Angela Morrison, Liza Chasin, and Jo Burn.
The key cast includes Eddie Marsan, Ben Schnetzer, Lior Ashkenazi and Denis Ménochet and production took place on location in the...
- 2/7/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Resignation follows wave of departures at Vivendi-owned umbrella group, Canal Plus Group.
Studiocanal COO Romain Bessi has resigned from his role at the Paris-based film and TV production/distribution company, with his departure taking effect as of July.
A spokesperson at Studiocanal confirmed Bessi’s departure but did not give any further details on who would replace the executive.
Bessi’s resignation is the first major departure from Studiocanal since its former chairman and CEO Olivier Courson was let go in September 2015, to be replaced by Didier Lupfer.
Studiocanal is regarded as the success story of the Vivendi-owned Canal Plus Group, unlike ailing sister entity, French pay-tv channel Canal+.
Bessi joined the Canal Plus Group in 1997 to work as a management controller for pay-tv channel Canal+, before being appointed as financial director of Sport+ and taking control of international negotiations for sports rights.
After stints as financial director at Canal+ Nordic, Canal+ Sa and...
Studiocanal COO Romain Bessi has resigned from his role at the Paris-based film and TV production/distribution company, with his departure taking effect as of July.
A spokesperson at Studiocanal confirmed Bessi’s departure but did not give any further details on who would replace the executive.
Bessi’s resignation is the first major departure from Studiocanal since its former chairman and CEO Olivier Courson was let go in September 2015, to be replaced by Didier Lupfer.
Studiocanal is regarded as the success story of the Vivendi-owned Canal Plus Group, unlike ailing sister entity, French pay-tv channel Canal+.
Bessi joined the Canal Plus Group in 1997 to work as a management controller for pay-tv channel Canal+, before being appointed as financial director of Sport+ and taking control of international negotiations for sports rights.
After stints as financial director at Canal+ Nordic, Canal+ Sa and...
- 6/3/2016
- ScreenDaily
Despite his lengthy filmography as a scribe (mostly Thomas Vinterberg’s righthand man Submarino, The Hunt and upcoming The Commune) and his previous outings as a filmmaker in the grizzly R (2010) and gritty A Hijacking (2012), Tobias Lindholm hasn’t been part of the make-up of the festival in terms of exhibiting a film there, but the Dane has been present as a creative advisor specifically at the January Screenwriters Lab (2014) and June Screenwriters Lab (2015). Rejoining his muse actor Pilou Asbæk, his third film which Variety called “engrossing, impeccably sensitive Afghanistan War drama makes good on the promise of,” and THR suggested that “complexity emerges through a combination of careful writing and a little work on the viewers’ part“) received coin support via the 2014 Sundance Institute/Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award and would eventually land on the Lido in the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons section. Denmark’s official selection for the...
- 11/23/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Media group takes control of film giant’s communications.
Antoine Banet-Rivet has been appointed head of communications for StudioCanal in another round of changes at the once semi-autonomous film and high-end TV production and distribution arm of Canal+.
He replaces Sophie Kopaczynski who has been appointed Evp, catalogue and brands strategy, reporting to Rodolphe Buet, president of international distribution and marketing at StudioCanal.
Former journalist Banet-Rivet, who joined Canal+ in 2000, is already director of corporate communications for the group, reporting to Laurence Gallot, Evp, communications and partnerships at the Canal+ Group.
Kopaczynski joined Canal+ in 2005 as chief of cabinet to the chairman. In her most recent role, she was director of communications, trade shows and festivals at StudioCanal.
The re-shuffling of the communication department did not come as a surprise.
There have been a number of hirings and firings at Canal+ and its various subsidiaries over the last few months, amid a shake-up...
Antoine Banet-Rivet has been appointed head of communications for StudioCanal in another round of changes at the once semi-autonomous film and high-end TV production and distribution arm of Canal+.
He replaces Sophie Kopaczynski who has been appointed Evp, catalogue and brands strategy, reporting to Rodolphe Buet, president of international distribution and marketing at StudioCanal.
Former journalist Banet-Rivet, who joined Canal+ in 2000, is already director of corporate communications for the group, reporting to Laurence Gallot, Evp, communications and partnerships at the Canal+ Group.
Kopaczynski joined Canal+ in 2005 as chief of cabinet to the chairman. In her most recent role, she was director of communications, trade shows and festivals at StudioCanal.
The re-shuffling of the communication department did not come as a surprise.
There have been a number of hirings and firings at Canal+ and its various subsidiaries over the last few months, amid a shake-up...
- 10/29/2015
- ScreenDaily
Amid Canal Plus shake-up, parent company Vivendi ups stake in video games companies Ubisoft and Gameloft.
New Canal Plus CEO Maxime Saada has put out a call to the French cinema world to produce more action and adventure pictures and crime thrillers to fill the gap left by the Us Studios’ focus on superheroes and teenage audiences.
Speaking at a debate on the future of French cinema at the 25th edition of the Rencontres Cinématographiques de Dijon, running Oct 22-24, Saada said he was worried by the lack of mainstream films for older audiences in the pipeline.
“Through the agreements we have with most the Us studios, we get to see their line-ups into 2018 and 2019. It’s all heavily-skewed towards superheroes and adolescent audiences and this isn’t going to change anytime soon,” said Saada.
He said there was real demand for French genre pictures aimed an older audience.
“Our subscribers aren’t teenagers, well some of...
New Canal Plus CEO Maxime Saada has put out a call to the French cinema world to produce more action and adventure pictures and crime thrillers to fill the gap left by the Us Studios’ focus on superheroes and teenage audiences.
Speaking at a debate on the future of French cinema at the 25th edition of the Rencontres Cinématographiques de Dijon, running Oct 22-24, Saada said he was worried by the lack of mainstream films for older audiences in the pipeline.
“Through the agreements we have with most the Us studios, we get to see their line-ups into 2018 and 2019. It’s all heavily-skewed towards superheroes and adolescent audiences and this isn’t going to change anytime soon,” said Saada.
He said there was real demand for French genre pictures aimed an older audience.
“Our subscribers aren’t teenagers, well some of...
- 10/26/2015
- ScreenDaily
Momentum Pictures acquires drama set to world premiere in Toronto.
Stephen Frears’ Lance Armstrong biopic The Program has been acquired by Momentum Pictures for North America.
The deal was brokered by Aska Yamaguchi at StudioCanal and by Larry Greenberg and Katharyn Howe for Momentum Pictures.
The film, which follows disgraced cycling champion Armstrong’s doping scandal and downfall, will world premiere tonight (Sept 13) at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The biopic, which stars Ben Foster and Chris O’Dowd, is slated for release winter 2016.
Frears (The Queen, Philomena) directed The Program from a screenplay by John Hodge (Trainspotting) who adapted the script from David Walsh’s book Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produced the film alongside Tracey Seaward and Kate Solomon, while Olivier Courson, Ron Halpern, Amelia Granger and Liza Chasin executive produced.
The film will be released in France on Sept 16, in Germany on Oct...
Stephen Frears’ Lance Armstrong biopic The Program has been acquired by Momentum Pictures for North America.
The deal was brokered by Aska Yamaguchi at StudioCanal and by Larry Greenberg and Katharyn Howe for Momentum Pictures.
The film, which follows disgraced cycling champion Armstrong’s doping scandal and downfall, will world premiere tonight (Sept 13) at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The biopic, which stars Ben Foster and Chris O’Dowd, is slated for release winter 2016.
Frears (The Queen, Philomena) directed The Program from a screenplay by John Hodge (Trainspotting) who adapted the script from David Walsh’s book Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produced the film alongside Tracey Seaward and Kate Solomon, while Olivier Courson, Ron Halpern, Amelia Granger and Liza Chasin executive produced.
The film will be released in France on Sept 16, in Germany on Oct...
- 9/13/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
It has been awhile, but the director of Wallace & Gromit is back for more stop-motion films.
Deadline reported on Wednesday that Nick Park, who also directed Chicken Run, is set to join Studiocanal for his next feature film. The project, titled Early Man, is a caveman comedy that will trace the world’s first game of soccer.
Studiocanal aims to release the film in 2018, ahead of the World Cup. Mark Burton and John O’Farrell have written the script. The company will unveil visuals from the project to buyers at Cannes.
Park has been out of the game since directing Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit in 2005 with his studio, Aardman, most recently releasing Shaun the Sheep.
“This is a very ambitious project, with a lot more characters than Shaun,” added Studiocanal chief exec Olivier Courson. “The film is not about football but it is an important component. Nick...
Deadline reported on Wednesday that Nick Park, who also directed Chicken Run, is set to join Studiocanal for his next feature film. The project, titled Early Man, is a caveman comedy that will trace the world’s first game of soccer.
Studiocanal aims to release the film in 2018, ahead of the World Cup. Mark Burton and John O’Farrell have written the script. The company will unveil visuals from the project to buyers at Cannes.
Park has been out of the game since directing Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit in 2005 with his studio, Aardman, most recently releasing Shaun the Sheep.
“This is a very ambitious project, with a lot more characters than Shaun,” added Studiocanal chief exec Olivier Courson. “The film is not about football but it is an important component. Nick...
- 5/7/2015
- by Zach Dennis
- SoundOnSight
It's very early days, but Studio Canal is in discussions about making a Paddington sequel...
In America, the biggest surprise hit of recent months has been Clint Eastwood's American Sniper. In the UK? It's arguably been Paddington, a really quite lovely family movie from director Paul King, that far outperformed box office expectations. The movie has picked up over $200m and counting worldwide so far, and that total continues to grow.
It's a thoroughly deserved triumph.
Such has been its level of success that distributor Studio Canal has begun talks over a sequel. It's early stages for the project thus far, with the studio in talks with producer David Heyman about a Paddington 2.
Said Studio Canal's CEO Olivier Courson, "Paddington has been our biggest bet. Even the development costs, such as creating the bear, were significant. But it shows we can be ambitious in this area of family entertainment,...
In America, the biggest surprise hit of recent months has been Clint Eastwood's American Sniper. In the UK? It's arguably been Paddington, a really quite lovely family movie from director Paul King, that far outperformed box office expectations. The movie has picked up over $200m and counting worldwide so far, and that total continues to grow.
It's a thoroughly deserved triumph.
Such has been its level of success that distributor Studio Canal has begun talks over a sequel. It's early stages for the project thus far, with the studio in talks with producer David Heyman about a Paddington 2.
Said Studio Canal's CEO Olivier Courson, "Paddington has been our biggest bet. Even the development costs, such as creating the bear, were significant. But it shows we can be ambitious in this area of family entertainment,...
- 2/10/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Following a remarkable stint at the box office which saw the marmalade-loving bear pull in close to $210 million, StudioCanal has its proverbial hand hoovering over the greenlight for a Paddington 2.
Word comes by way of Variety, who report that the company along with producer David Heyman are contemplating the ways in which they could continue the story of the furry back-packer. But a sequel is far from set in stone just yet, with StudioCanal boss Olivier Courson apprehensive about fast-tracking a follow-up simply to cash in on the original’s popularity.
“We have to be selective, work with strong brands, top talent, take the time we need,” Courson told Variety. “[But] obviously, the result on Paddington is a strong incentive to us and the partners on the movie to work on a sequel, and a strong incentive for Studiocanal to continue in this area. Paddington has been our biggest bet. Even the development costs,...
Word comes by way of Variety, who report that the company along with producer David Heyman are contemplating the ways in which they could continue the story of the furry back-packer. But a sequel is far from set in stone just yet, with StudioCanal boss Olivier Courson apprehensive about fast-tracking a follow-up simply to cash in on the original’s popularity.
“We have to be selective, work with strong brands, top talent, take the time we need,” Courson told Variety. “[But] obviously, the result on Paddington is a strong incentive to us and the partners on the movie to work on a sequel, and a strong incentive for Studiocanal to continue in this area. Paddington has been our biggest bet. Even the development costs,...
- 2/9/2015
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
It appears that more haphazard hijinks are in store for one classic duffel-coated curious creature. Production company Studiocanal are reportedly moving forward with a sequel to the recent live-action Paddington film. Will London be able to survive the unwittingly destructive wrath of one of children.s literature.s most famous ursine stumblebums? According to a scoop report from Variety, Studiocanal are seeing a prospective Paddington sequel as a guaranteed money maker and are not even looking back, with negotiations having already begun with Paddington producer David Heyman for another round of bear-based chaos. According to Olivier Courson, the chairman and CEO of Studiocanal, Paddington, coming off generally positive reception, is now being seen as the start of a new family-based strategy for the French-based studio: We have to be selective, work with strong brands, top talent, take the time we need. [But] obviously, the result on Paddington is a strong ...
- 2/9/2015
- cinemablend.com
Though January is usually a dumping ground for bad movies, the family friendly adaptation of Paddington was a surprising critical darling with a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. And the film has been doing decently at the box office by pulling in over $200 million worldwide, which is the highest grossing family film released by a studio outside of the United States. And now the European-based StudioCanal is looking at rounding up some more family films, and part of that plan included discussions with Paddington producer David Heyman about bringing the bear back for a sequel, though it's not a guaranteed plan yet. StudioCanal CEO Olivier Courson was speaking at Berlinale over the weekend and when asked about the potential for a sequel, he said (via Variety), "Obviously, the result on Paddington is a strong incentive to us and the partners on the movie to work on a sequel, and a strong incentive...
- 2/9/2015
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Boasting superb reviews and garnering over $200 million at the global box-office so far from a modest $55 million budget, it comes as little surprise that Studiocanal is looking into a sequel to the holiday hit "Paddington".
Variety reports that Studiocanal chairman-ceo Olivier Courson is in talks with "Paddington" producer David Heyman for a sequel which will likely go ahead sooner rather than later.
Studiocanal financed, distributed and sold the first film which has become the highest grossing family film released by a non-u.S. studio to date. The company is now using that film's success to explore more family tentpole fare.
Variety reports that Studiocanal chairman-ceo Olivier Courson is in talks with "Paddington" producer David Heyman for a sequel which will likely go ahead sooner rather than later.
Studiocanal financed, distributed and sold the first film which has become the highest grossing family film released by a non-u.S. studio to date. The company is now using that film's success to explore more family tentpole fare.
- 2/9/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
StudioCanal has confirmed plans to work on a sequel to Paddington.
Studio chairman-ceo Olivier Courson said that talks have begun with producer David Heyman to work on a follow-up to last year's film.
Paddington has earned more than $200 million to date at the global box office making it the highest grossing family film released by a non-us studio.
Speaking to Digital Spy at last night's BAFTAs, Paddington director Paul King hinted that a follow-up will likely draw from one of author Michael Bond's novels.
"We'd love to do another one, there's lots of Paddington books and source material," he said. "He a great character to write for and direct so I'd love to do more. I really hope we can make it happen."
Courson told Variety of StudioCanal's plans: "We have to be selective, work with strong brands, top talent, take the time we need.
"Obviously, the result...
Studio chairman-ceo Olivier Courson said that talks have begun with producer David Heyman to work on a follow-up to last year's film.
Paddington has earned more than $200 million to date at the global box office making it the highest grossing family film released by a non-us studio.
Speaking to Digital Spy at last night's BAFTAs, Paddington director Paul King hinted that a follow-up will likely draw from one of author Michael Bond's novels.
"We'd love to do another one, there's lots of Paddington books and source material," he said. "He a great character to write for and direct so I'd love to do more. I really hope we can make it happen."
Courson told Variety of StudioCanal's plans: "We have to be selective, work with strong brands, top talent, take the time we need.
"Obviously, the result...
- 2/9/2015
- Digital Spy
Exclusive- StudioCanal is in advanced discussions with Sebastien Raybaud’s Anton Capital Entertainment to re-up its slate financing in a deal that could exceed the € 150 million ($194 million) pact originally agreed in 2011. That three-year deal, which was itself extended in 2012 to continue until the beginning of 2016, was the first of its kind in Europe and has allowed StudioCanal to emerge as Europe’s dominant film studio, and a genuine global film player, with distribution in the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
That pioneering slate deal saw Sebastien Reybaud’s Anton Capital Entertainment, the Europe-based media fund of merchant bank Anton Capital, finance 30 per cent of StudioCanal’s film releases under the agreement.
Deadline understands that the new deal, though still weeks away from closing, will be on similar lines, if not even higher, given the continued growth and success produced by StudioCanal under the leadership of CEO Olivier Courson.
That pioneering slate deal saw Sebastien Reybaud’s Anton Capital Entertainment, the Europe-based media fund of merchant bank Anton Capital, finance 30 per cent of StudioCanal’s film releases under the agreement.
Deadline understands that the new deal, though still weeks away from closing, will be on similar lines, if not even higher, given the continued growth and success produced by StudioCanal under the leadership of CEO Olivier Courson.
- 2/9/2015
- by Ali Jaafar
- Deadline
With more than $208 million in the bank worldwide and a raft of positive reactions behind it, the team who brought Paddington on to the big screen is in the early days of talking about a sequel. Speaking at the Berlin Film Festival, StudioCanal boss Olivier Courson told Variety that the company is in discussions with producer David Heyman for a further film chronicling the adventures of the furry traveller.The first one, which overcame early worries and turned out to be a charm-filled delight, served as an origin story for Paddington (voiced in the film by Ben Whishaw) and followed him from Darkest Peru to his new home with the Brown family in London. After close shave with a scheming taxidermist (played by Nicole Kidman) he was finally able to settle in with the family. As to what might happen in the new film? That’s still too early to say,...
- 2/8/2015
- EmpireOnline
Shana Eddy-Grouf has been appointed svp of international production and development based in Los Angeles as the company deepens its commitment to global production and development.
Eddy-Grouf will be the company’s first creative executive based in Los Angeles and will generate production opportunities for the studio, whose Paddington recently crossed $100m worldwide and opens in the Us this week through Weinstein/Dimension.
The executive will support StudioCanal’s Us-based producing deals with Andrew Rona’s The Picture Company and Eric Newman’s Grand Electric Entertainment.
“I am so happy to welcome Shana,” said eve of international production and acquisitions Ron Halpern, to whom Eddy-Grouf will report.
“She has such great talent relationships in Los Angeles and elsewhere and a perfect understanding of the types of films StudioCanal would like to make. She is a great addition to StudioCanal.”
“I am thrilled to contribute to StudioCanal’s ambitions in the Us and expand upon the exceptional strategic...
Eddy-Grouf will be the company’s first creative executive based in Los Angeles and will generate production opportunities for the studio, whose Paddington recently crossed $100m worldwide and opens in the Us this week through Weinstein/Dimension.
The executive will support StudioCanal’s Us-based producing deals with Andrew Rona’s The Picture Company and Eric Newman’s Grand Electric Entertainment.
“I am so happy to welcome Shana,” said eve of international production and acquisitions Ron Halpern, to whom Eddy-Grouf will report.
“She has such great talent relationships in Los Angeles and elsewhere and a perfect understanding of the types of films StudioCanal would like to make. She is a great addition to StudioCanal.”
“I am thrilled to contribute to StudioCanal’s ambitions in the Us and expand upon the exceptional strategic...
- 1/12/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Shana Eddy-Grouf has been appointed svp of international production and development based in Los Angeles as the company deepens its commitment to global production and development.
Eddy-Grouf will be the company’s first creative executive based in Los Angeles and will generate production opportunities for the studio, whose Paddington recently crossed $100m worldwide and opens in the Us this week through Weinstein/Dimension.
The executive will support StudioCanal’s Us-based producing deals with Andrew Rona’s The Picture Company and Eric Newman’s Grand Electric Entertainment.
“I am so happy to welcome Shana,” said eve of international production and acquisitions Ron Halpern, to whom Eddy-Grouf will report.
“She has such great talent relationships in Los Angeles and elsewhere and a perfect understanding of the types of films StudioCanal would like to make. She is a great addition to StudioCanal.”
“I am thrilled to contribute to StudioCanal’s ambitions in the Us and expand upon the exceptional strategic...
Eddy-Grouf will be the company’s first creative executive based in Los Angeles and will generate production opportunities for the studio, whose Paddington recently crossed $100m worldwide and opens in the Us this week through Weinstein/Dimension.
The executive will support StudioCanal’s Us-based producing deals with Andrew Rona’s The Picture Company and Eric Newman’s Grand Electric Entertainment.
“I am so happy to welcome Shana,” said eve of international production and acquisitions Ron Halpern, to whom Eddy-Grouf will report.
“She has such great talent relationships in Los Angeles and elsewhere and a perfect understanding of the types of films StudioCanal would like to make. She is a great addition to StudioCanal.”
“I am thrilled to contribute to StudioCanal’s ambitions in the Us and expand upon the exceptional strategic...
- 1/12/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Producer Eric Newman’s newly formed Grand Electric has entered into a multi-year co-venture with StudioCanal through which the new company will acquire, develop, and produce films for the European and Us markets.
StudioCanal, whose recent productions include Non-Stop and the upcoming Paddington, will act as a creative partner, financier, foreign sales entity, and direct distributor in their territories for Newman’s projects.
Grand Electric will be based in Los Angeles and will continue to develop and produce genre fare for which Newman is best known.
Olivier Courson, StudioCanal chairman and CEO, said: “Eric has great taste and knows how to make quality commercial films that play to audiences throughout the world.
“We are in advanced development with Eric and Jose Padilha on Revenge and we look forward to many more films together.”
Newman left his post as the ranking production executive at Beacon Communications (Air Force One, Bring It On) in 2002 along with Beacon principals [link=nm...
StudioCanal, whose recent productions include Non-Stop and the upcoming Paddington, will act as a creative partner, financier, foreign sales entity, and direct distributor in their territories for Newman’s projects.
Grand Electric will be based in Los Angeles and will continue to develop and produce genre fare for which Newman is best known.
Olivier Courson, StudioCanal chairman and CEO, said: “Eric has great taste and knows how to make quality commercial films that play to audiences throughout the world.
“We are in advanced development with Eric and Jose Padilha on Revenge and we look forward to many more films together.”
Newman left his post as the ranking production executive at Beacon Communications (Air Force One, Bring It On) in 2002 along with Beacon principals [link=nm...
- 9/25/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Producer Eric Newman has formed Grand Electric, a new shingle that starts with a multi-year co-venture with StudioCanal that will enable him to acquire, develop and produce films for the European and U.S. markets. The company will be based in Los Angeles, and StudioCanal will be the financier, foreign sales entity and direct distributor in its stronghold territories.
It is the first overall deal that Newman has made since he and Marc Abraham split their Strike Entertainment partnership. Abraham wanted to concentrate on directing and is making the Hank Williams biopic I Saw The Light, with Tom Hiddleston playing Williams and Elizabeth Olsen playing Audrey Mae Williams. Newman has been busy exec producing the Netflix series Hemlock Grove and the upcoming Netflix drug war series Narcos, with Jose Padilha directing his Elite Squad lead Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar in the pilot. Newman and Padilha bonded on the RoboCop remake.
It is the first overall deal that Newman has made since he and Marc Abraham split their Strike Entertainment partnership. Abraham wanted to concentrate on directing and is making the Hank Williams biopic I Saw The Light, with Tom Hiddleston playing Williams and Elizabeth Olsen playing Audrey Mae Williams. Newman has been busy exec producing the Netflix series Hemlock Grove and the upcoming Netflix drug war series Narcos, with Jose Padilha directing his Elite Squad lead Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar in the pilot. Newman and Padilha bonded on the RoboCop remake.
- 9/24/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Co-pros include English-language Easy Money, Henning Mankell TV series.
Svensk Filmindustri (Sf) and Studiocanal have entered an agreement that includes an all rights, output distribution deal for Sf on all new Studiocanal films in the Nordic market (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland) and the digital distribution by Sf of Studiocanal catalogue titles.
The deal also comprises coproduction based on English-speaking Nordic features and TV-series from Sf properties.
Sf will handle the Nordic markets for the co-productions and Studiocanal will distribute them internationally.
StudioCanal’s upcoming titles to be distributed by Sf include Paddington, Shaun the Sheep, Our Kind of Traitor, Macbeth, Legend and Bigger Splash (Luca Guadagnino’s Untitled Pantelleria).
Two feature co-productions are currently being developed: Easy Money (Snabba Cash), the English-language remake of the Swedish 2010 box office hit, and the Ibiza-set thriller The White Island, to be directed by Jens Jonsson.
Sf and Studiocanal are also developing two TV series. This first is...
Svensk Filmindustri (Sf) and Studiocanal have entered an agreement that includes an all rights, output distribution deal for Sf on all new Studiocanal films in the Nordic market (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland) and the digital distribution by Sf of Studiocanal catalogue titles.
The deal also comprises coproduction based on English-speaking Nordic features and TV-series from Sf properties.
Sf will handle the Nordic markets for the co-productions and Studiocanal will distribute them internationally.
StudioCanal’s upcoming titles to be distributed by Sf include Paddington, Shaun the Sheep, Our Kind of Traitor, Macbeth, Legend and Bigger Splash (Luca Guadagnino’s Untitled Pantelleria).
Two feature co-productions are currently being developed: Easy Money (Snabba Cash), the English-language remake of the Swedish 2010 box office hit, and the Ibiza-set thriller The White Island, to be directed by Jens Jonsson.
Sf and Studiocanal are also developing two TV series. This first is...
- 9/4/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Here's your first look at the animated film 'Thunder and the House of Magic' coming to DVD and Blu-ray on September 30!
This fall, venture inside an intriguing mansion full of endearing animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos, and spellbound by the exciting animated adventure of Thunder And The House Of Magic. Already a great box-office success in much of the world, this highly entertaining family movie is directed by renowned 3D filmmakers Ben Stassen (Fly Me to the Moon, Sammy's Adventures: Escape from Paradise) and Jeremie Degruson (A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure), with original music by Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones). The film also features the music of Selena Gomez.
On September 30, 2014, Shout! Factory is proud to present Thunder And The House Of Magic on DVD and on two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and digital), available exclusively at Walmart stores everywhere.
This fall, venture inside an intriguing mansion full of endearing animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos, and spellbound by the exciting animated adventure of Thunder And The House Of Magic. Already a great box-office success in much of the world, this highly entertaining family movie is directed by renowned 3D filmmakers Ben Stassen (Fly Me to the Moon, Sammy's Adventures: Escape from Paradise) and Jeremie Degruson (A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure), with original music by Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones). The film also features the music of Selena Gomez.
On September 30, 2014, Shout! Factory is proud to present Thunder And The House Of Magic on DVD and on two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and digital), available exclusively at Walmart stores everywhere.
- 8/21/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Victor Medina)
- Cinelinx
Here's your first look at the animated film 'Thunder and the House of Magic' coming to DVD and Blu-ray on September 30!
This fall, venture inside an intriguing mansion full of endearing animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos, and spellbound by the exciting animated adventure of Thunder And The House Of Magic. Already a great box-office success in much of the world, this highly entertaining family movie is directed by renowned 3D filmmakers Ben Stassen (Fly Me to the Moon, Sammy's Adventures: Escape from Paradise) and Jeremie Degruson (A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure), with original music by Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones). The film also features the music of Selena Gomez.
On September 30, 2014, Shout! Factory is proud to present Thunder And The House Of Magic on DVD and on two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and digital), available exclusively at Walmart stores everywhere.
This fall, venture inside an intriguing mansion full of endearing animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos, and spellbound by the exciting animated adventure of Thunder And The House Of Magic. Already a great box-office success in much of the world, this highly entertaining family movie is directed by renowned 3D filmmakers Ben Stassen (Fly Me to the Moon, Sammy's Adventures: Escape from Paradise) and Jeremie Degruson (A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure), with original music by Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones). The film also features the music of Selena Gomez.
On September 30, 2014, Shout! Factory is proud to present Thunder And The House Of Magic on DVD and on two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and digital), available exclusively at Walmart stores everywhere.
- 8/21/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Victor Medina)
- Cinelinx
Focus Features has snapped up North American rights from StudioCanal to the action thriller Bastille Day starring Idris Elba and Adèle Exarchopoulos.
James Watkins will direct from a script by Andrew Baldwin. Vendome Pictures’ Philippe Rousselet produces with Steve Golin, David Kanter and Bard Dorros for Anonymous Content.
A summer shoot is planned for the story of a rogue CIA agent in Paris who teams up with a con artist to thwart a terror attack.
Financier and sales agent StudioCanal will distribute directly in France, the UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
“We are all excited to be working with James, these accomplished producers, and the incomparable Idris Elba on what will surely be a thrill ride set in Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world,” said Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel.
“We are all thrilled to have Focus Features distribute our film,” said Rousselet. “We could not have dreamed of a better home for...
James Watkins will direct from a script by Andrew Baldwin. Vendome Pictures’ Philippe Rousselet produces with Steve Golin, David Kanter and Bard Dorros for Anonymous Content.
A summer shoot is planned for the story of a rogue CIA agent in Paris who teams up with a con artist to thwart a terror attack.
Financier and sales agent StudioCanal will distribute directly in France, the UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
“We are all excited to be working with James, these accomplished producers, and the incomparable Idris Elba on what will surely be a thrill ride set in Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world,” said Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel.
“We are all thrilled to have Focus Features distribute our film,” said Rousselet. “We could not have dreamed of a better home for...
- 5/18/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
StudioCanal and Canal+ Group have joined forces with The Killing creator/writer Soren Sveistrup, Borgen writer Adam Price and veteran Danish producer Meta Louise Foldager [pictured] to launch production company Sam Productions ApS.
The company will work on both TV and film projects, with initial emphasis on TV series for the international market.
Foldager, who has produced films for Lars von Trier and who now runs Copenhagen’s Meta Film, will serve as partner, CEO and executive producer.
Sveistrup and Price will continue to work on their own projects as well as being partners in the company and executive producing works.
StudioCanal will be a partner as well as distributor for the company’s projects; it gives the company a strengthened presence in Scandinavia.
Olivier Courson, StudioCanal Chairman and CEO, said: “Sam is meeting StudioCanal’s ambitions to develop TV series and strengthen our relationships with Scandinavian talents. We’ve already been working with Tomas Alfredson, Susanne Bier, and Tobias Lindholm...
The company will work on both TV and film projects, with initial emphasis on TV series for the international market.
Foldager, who has produced films for Lars von Trier and who now runs Copenhagen’s Meta Film, will serve as partner, CEO and executive producer.
Sveistrup and Price will continue to work on their own projects as well as being partners in the company and executive producing works.
StudioCanal will be a partner as well as distributor for the company’s projects; it gives the company a strengthened presence in Scandinavia.
Olivier Courson, StudioCanal Chairman and CEO, said: “Sam is meeting StudioCanal’s ambitions to develop TV series and strengthen our relationships with Scandinavian talents. We’ve already been working with Tomas Alfredson, Susanne Bier, and Tobias Lindholm...
- 5/14/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
StudioCanal drops A-List titles on market; slate includes Bastille Day, starring Idris Elba [pictured].
At a busy buyers screening this afternoon in Cannes, StudioCanal announced their involvement on a couple of hot new market titles.
The French giant confirmed that it has boarded Luca Guadagnino’s untitled thriller inspired by French classic La Piscine, which will star Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Margot Robbie and Matthias Schoenaerts, with shoot due in Italy later this year.
Previously announced ‘big budget action film’ Bastille Day has been cast with Idris Elba and Adele Exarchopoulos and will shoot in Paris this summer from director James Watkins.
Watkins and Legend writer-director Brian Helgeland will be in Cannes later this week to talk to select buyers.
Working Title-Tom Hardy thriller Legend about the Kray twins, previously announced by Screen, is due to shoot this summer with Universal on board for a wide Us release.
Also recently announced on the slate is Tobias Lindholm title...
At a busy buyers screening this afternoon in Cannes, StudioCanal announced their involvement on a couple of hot new market titles.
The French giant confirmed that it has boarded Luca Guadagnino’s untitled thriller inspired by French classic La Piscine, which will star Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Margot Robbie and Matthias Schoenaerts, with shoot due in Italy later this year.
Previously announced ‘big budget action film’ Bastille Day has been cast with Idris Elba and Adele Exarchopoulos and will shoot in Paris this summer from director James Watkins.
Watkins and Legend writer-director Brian Helgeland will be in Cannes later this week to talk to select buyers.
Working Title-Tom Hardy thriller Legend about the Kray twins, previously announced by Screen, is due to shoot this summer with Universal on board for a wide Us release.
Also recently announced on the slate is Tobias Lindholm title...
- 5/13/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: In its latest aggressive pre-buy to line its slate with star-driven pictures, Open Road Films has on the eve of the Cannes Film Festival closed a deal to acquire U.S. rights to The Gunman, the action thriller that stars Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, Mark Rylance and Jasmine Trinca. It was directed by Taken helmer Pierre Morel. The film was expected to be one of the hot titles for domestic distribution at the market that starts next week. The deal was made by Open Road CEO Tom Ortenberg and Studiocanal chairman/CEO Olivier Courson. It is a commitment for a big wide release. Based on the Jean-Patrick Manchette novel The Prone Gunman, the film stars Penn as a former Special Forces soldier and military contractor suffering from Ptsd. He tries to reconnect with his longtime love, but first must go on the run from London...
- 5/8/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Exclusive: GrandElectric Entertainment, a new shingle formed by ex-Strike Entertainment partner Eric Newman, has teamed with director Jose Padilha‘s Cold Mountain to preemptively purchase Nekome, a period action pitch by John Hlavin. Studiocanal will finance development and production of the film. The title is the Yiddish word for revenge and the film is set in the days following the end of World War II. Two young Holocaust survivors are sent by the Jewish underground to Brazil to hunt down and kill the escaped Nazis who ran their concentration camp. The film will shoot in Brazil. Studiocanal is committed to finance the film, but Newman and Padilha retained distribution rights in Brazil, where Padilha is a movie god after his Elite Squad films. Deal marks a growing relationship between Newman and Padilha, and also Studiocanal’s Olivier Courson and Ron Halpern. Newman first began working with them in 2010 on The Last Exorcism,...
- 4/16/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
MipTV was awash with producers, networks and broadcasters looking for international partners to co-finance high-end drama projects that appeal beyond national borders.
Keynotes from Starz chief executive Chris Albrecht, Playground boss Colin Callender, StudioCanal chief executive Olivier Courson and Tandem Communications president Rola Bauer set the tone, and a raft of high-profile drama collaborations were revealed during the market or just prior to it.
These included Sundance TV’s tie-ups with the BBC on Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman and Guy Hibbert’s One Child; Tandem Communication’s Spotless, in collaboration with Canal+ and Rosetta Media; Kudos’ Real Humans reboot, backed by Channel 4 and Xbox Entertainment Studios; and Gaumont International Television’s Pablo Escobar series Narcos for Netflix.
Big-name interest
Other projects are being fuelled by big-name writers and directors. Sky Italia and Wildside’s Italian-us co-pro Young Pope will be directed by Oscar-winning film director Paolo Sorrentino, while Tandem...
Keynotes from Starz chief executive Chris Albrecht, Playground boss Colin Callender, StudioCanal chief executive Olivier Courson and Tandem Communications president Rola Bauer set the tone, and a raft of high-profile drama collaborations were revealed during the market or just prior to it.
These included Sundance TV’s tie-ups with the BBC on Hugo Blick’s The Honourable Woman and Guy Hibbert’s One Child; Tandem Communication’s Spotless, in collaboration with Canal+ and Rosetta Media; Kudos’ Real Humans reboot, backed by Channel 4 and Xbox Entertainment Studios; and Gaumont International Television’s Pablo Escobar series Narcos for Netflix.
Big-name interest
Other projects are being fuelled by big-name writers and directors. Sky Italia and Wildside’s Italian-us co-pro Young Pope will be directed by Oscar-winning film director Paolo Sorrentino, while Tandem...
- 4/10/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Miptv: The X-Files and Hunted writer and producer is developing a slate of high-end television shows through his London-based Big Light Productions.
Munich-based television company Tandem Communications has inked a first look deal with Us writer and producer Frank Spotnitz, best known for work on The X-Files and more recently Hunted which aired on the BBC1 in the UK and HBO Cinemax in the Us.
“We are very excited to have an opportunity to work so closely with such a unique and creative talent,” said Tandem president Rosa Bauer.
Bauer made the announcement at a news conference following a mastermind keynote speech at Miptv, alongside Olivier Courson of European studio StudioCanal, which took a majority stake in Tandem in 2011.
The prolific Munich-based, Canadian producer said she started courting Spotnitz two years ago, following his move to Europe to make Hunted - where he has since been working on European-produced series such as Left Bank Pictures’ Strike Back, his own...
Munich-based television company Tandem Communications has inked a first look deal with Us writer and producer Frank Spotnitz, best known for work on The X-Files and more recently Hunted which aired on the BBC1 in the UK and HBO Cinemax in the Us.
“We are very excited to have an opportunity to work so closely with such a unique and creative talent,” said Tandem president Rosa Bauer.
Bauer made the announcement at a news conference following a mastermind keynote speech at Miptv, alongside Olivier Courson of European studio StudioCanal, which took a majority stake in Tandem in 2011.
The prolific Munich-based, Canadian producer said she started courting Spotnitz two years ago, following his move to Europe to make Hunted - where he has since been working on European-produced series such as Left Bank Pictures’ Strike Back, his own...
- 4/9/2014
- ScreenDaily
Chairman and CEO of StudioCanal and president/partner of Tandem Communications to present joint keynote address.
Olivier Courson, chairman and CEO of StudioCanal, and Rola Bauer, president/partner of Tandem Communications (a StudioCanal company), will present a joint keynote address at Miptv in Cannes on April 8.
Entitled Tandem/StudioCanal: European Sensibility - Global Appeal, the keynote will highlight the companies’ international productions and announcements of new productions for prime time programming worldwide.
It will also highlight how they are optimising synergies and opportunities within StudioCanal.
Miptv runs April 7-10.
Olivier Courson, chairman and CEO of StudioCanal, and Rola Bauer, president/partner of Tandem Communications (a StudioCanal company), will present a joint keynote address at Miptv in Cannes on April 8.
Entitled Tandem/StudioCanal: European Sensibility - Global Appeal, the keynote will highlight the companies’ international productions and announcements of new productions for prime time programming worldwide.
It will also highlight how they are optimising synergies and opportunities within StudioCanal.
Miptv runs April 7-10.
- 2/10/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Belgian 3D specialist nWave Pictures and StudioCanal’s $34m The House Of Magic is to get a Christmas release in France, Belgium, South Korea, Singapore and Italy.
The film was produced in association with media fund Anton Capital Entertainment and is directed by nWave founder Ben Stassen and Jeremie Degruson. StudioCanal handles international sales.
Cj Entertainment will distribute in South Korea on December 24, StudioCanal in France and Belga Films in Belgium on December 25, The Shaw Organization in Singapore on December 26. Notorious Pictures will release in Italy on January 1 2014 and Medya Vizyon in Turkey on January 31 2014. Us distributors are circling for a 2014 release.
The House Of Magic tells the story of an abandoned cat who stumbles into a magical old mansion operated by automatons and gizmos and must save the place from sale.
James Flynn, Domonic Paris and Stassen co-wrote the screenplay from an original story idea by Stassen. Caroline Van Iseghem and Stassen produce and Olivier Courson and Eric Dillens...
The film was produced in association with media fund Anton Capital Entertainment and is directed by nWave founder Ben Stassen and Jeremie Degruson. StudioCanal handles international sales.
Cj Entertainment will distribute in South Korea on December 24, StudioCanal in France and Belga Films in Belgium on December 25, The Shaw Organization in Singapore on December 26. Notorious Pictures will release in Italy on January 1 2014 and Medya Vizyon in Turkey on January 31 2014. Us distributors are circling for a 2014 release.
The House Of Magic tells the story of an abandoned cat who stumbles into a magical old mansion operated by automatons and gizmos and must save the place from sale.
James Flynn, Domonic Paris and Stassen co-wrote the screenplay from an original story idea by Stassen. Caroline Van Iseghem and Stassen produce and Olivier Courson and Eric Dillens...
- 12/16/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Red, which also produced Russell T Davies's Queer as Folk, acquired by Studiocanal in deal valuing company at about £30m
Red, the independent producer behind hit shows including Last Tango in Halifax and Queer as Folk, has sold a majority stake to French film and TV company Studiocanal, in a deal thought to value the UK firm at about £30m.
The acquisition of Manchester-based Red, which is working with Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies on two TV dramas about 21st century gay life for Channel 4, marks the French company's first foray into the UK TV production sector.
Studiocanal is best known for its work in the film industry – its 5,000-strong catalogue is the largest outside of the Us, with a catalogue as diverse as Shaun the Sheep, The Dambusters, Cliffhanger and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
Olivier Courson, the chairman and chief executive of Studiocanal, said the...
Red, the independent producer behind hit shows including Last Tango in Halifax and Queer as Folk, has sold a majority stake to French film and TV company Studiocanal, in a deal thought to value the UK firm at about £30m.
The acquisition of Manchester-based Red, which is working with Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies on two TV dramas about 21st century gay life for Channel 4, marks the French company's first foray into the UK TV production sector.
Studiocanal is best known for its work in the film industry – its 5,000-strong catalogue is the largest outside of the Us, with a catalogue as diverse as Shaun the Sheep, The Dambusters, Cliffhanger and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
Olivier Courson, the chairman and chief executive of Studiocanal, said the...
- 12/5/2013
- by Mark Sweney
- The Guardian - Film News
French film producer and distributor StudioCanal has acquired a majority stake in Red Production Company as part of its drive to move into UK TV production.
The deal will allow the indie TV production outfit, set up by Nicola Shindler, to move into producing larger-scale international dramas in addition to global versions of scripted formats such as Scott & Bailey and Last Tango In Halifax.
StudioCanal did not disclose how much it paid, but Red turned over £24m in 2012 with £3m profit, a 60% revenue rise from 2011. Some 98% of Red’s 2012 revenue was generated in the UK, and the indie believes the deal will help it bump up its income from overseas.
Shindler told Broadcast she had been talking to a number of companies about different investment options, but quickly clicked with StudioCanal, run by chairman and chief executive Olivier Courson, who was able to offer her a high degree of creative control.
“Equally, we’ve...
The deal will allow the indie TV production outfit, set up by Nicola Shindler, to move into producing larger-scale international dramas in addition to global versions of scripted formats such as Scott & Bailey and Last Tango In Halifax.
StudioCanal did not disclose how much it paid, but Red turned over £24m in 2012 with £3m profit, a 60% revenue rise from 2011. Some 98% of Red’s 2012 revenue was generated in the UK, and the indie believes the deal will help it bump up its income from overseas.
Shindler told Broadcast she had been talking to a number of companies about different investment options, but quickly clicked with StudioCanal, run by chairman and chief executive Olivier Courson, who was able to offer her a high degree of creative control.
“Equally, we’ve...
- 12/5/2013
- ScreenDaily
[Press Release] New York, NY (October 23, 2013) – The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that they are acquiring U.S. and Canadian rights from Studiocanal for director Justin Kurzel’s (Snowtown) big screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s MacBeth. Jacob Koskoff and Todd Louiso (The Marc Pease Experience) have penned the screenplay for the film, which will star Michael Fassbender (12 Years A Slave, Shame) and Marion Cotillard (The Immigrant, Rust And Bone). The project is being produced by See-Saw Films’ Iain Canning and Emile Sherman (The King’S Speech). Studiocanal is financing and is handling international sales. Film4 developed and is partnering on the project. Olivier Courson, Studiocanal Chairman and CEO, said “I’m delighted to team up with The Weinstein Company again who are the...
- 10/23/2013
- by Pietro Filipponi
- The Daily BLAM!
After a week of stars, filmmakers, and worldwide media coverage on the Croisette, the 2013 Cannes Film Festival came to an end today. The Palme d’Or went to Blue Is The Warmest Color from director Abdellatif Kechiche, best director award went to Amat Escalante for Heli, while the Jury Grand Prix went to the Coen Bros. for Inside Llewyn Davis.
The Closing Ceremony of the 66th Festival de Cannes took place at the Grand Théâtre Lumière where the Jury, presided over by Steven Spielberg, revealed the award winners.
Audrey Tautou hosted Uma Thurman on the stage to award the Palme d’or to the best film among the 20 in Competition. Taking place May 15 – 26, director Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby kicked off the 66th Festival in the Grand Théâtre Lumière of the Palais des Festivals, out of Competition in the Official Selection.
With films such as Inside Llewyn Davis scheduled...
The Closing Ceremony of the 66th Festival de Cannes took place at the Grand Théâtre Lumière where the Jury, presided over by Steven Spielberg, revealed the award winners.
Audrey Tautou hosted Uma Thurman on the stage to award the Palme d’or to the best film among the 20 in Competition. Taking place May 15 – 26, director Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby kicked off the 66th Festival in the Grand Théâtre Lumière of the Palais des Festivals, out of Competition in the Official Selection.
With films such as Inside Llewyn Davis scheduled...
- 5/27/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Shaun the Sheep is finally starring in his very own movie.
First seen in the Oscar winning short film A Close Shave, the world’s most famous sheep and his flock have been enthralling TV audiences in over 170 countries and has proved to be one of the studios most popular and endearing characters.
Aardman Animations will produce the movie debut of one of their most popular animated characters, while Studiocanal is financing and will distribute the film in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand and handle international sales.
The film will be shot in Aardman’s trademark style of stop motion animation and is written and directed by Richard Starzak (aka Golly) and Mark Burton.
Synopsis: When Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
First seen in the Oscar winning short film A Close Shave, the world’s most famous sheep and his flock have been enthralling TV audiences in over 170 countries and has proved to be one of the studios most popular and endearing characters.
Aardman Animations will produce the movie debut of one of their most popular animated characters, while Studiocanal is financing and will distribute the film in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand and handle international sales.
The film will be shot in Aardman’s trademark style of stop motion animation and is written and directed by Richard Starzak (aka Golly) and Mark Burton.
Synopsis: When Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
- 4/29/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Aardman Animations teams ups with French broadcasting giant StudioCanal to give Nick Park's creation his own movie
Shaun the Sheep, the animated character created by Wallace and Gromit's Nick Park, is to get his own movie, it was announced today.
Shaun first appeared in A Close Shave, the third Wallace and Gromit film from 1995 that went on to win the Oscar for best animated short. He then became the central character in a Cbbc TV series that was first broadcast in 2007. The film's plot is described as an "epic adventure" in which "Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go to the big city to rescue [the Farmer]".
The UK's Aardman Animations, which has created all the Wallace and Gromit films as well as more recent work such as Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, is teaming up with the French-owned powerhouse StudioCanal to make the film.
Shaun the Sheep, the animated character created by Wallace and Gromit's Nick Park, is to get his own movie, it was announced today.
Shaun first appeared in A Close Shave, the third Wallace and Gromit film from 1995 that went on to win the Oscar for best animated short. He then became the central character in a Cbbc TV series that was first broadcast in 2007. The film's plot is described as an "epic adventure" in which "Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go to the big city to rescue [the Farmer]".
The UK's Aardman Animations, which has created all the Wallace and Gromit films as well as more recent work such as Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, is teaming up with the French-owned powerhouse StudioCanal to make the film.
- 4/26/2013
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Hoyts Distribution in Australia and New Zealand has been renamed Studiocanal. The re-branding, effective yesterday, comes after the French production house and distribution company acquired Hoyts Distribution in July last year. The decision was made in order to provide clarity to the international market and strengthen Studiocanal.s positioning worldwide. Studiocanal Chairman and CEO Olivier Courson said, .The company is fully integrated and despite the long distance, our collaboration is doing great. Having a single name is important for us but also for our partners around the world.. Robert Slaviero, CEO Australia/New Zealand says: .We are extremely proud and.excited to be part of such a prestigious organization and look forward to delivering.great films and great results to Australia and New Zealand..
- 4/2/2013
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
It's been over a year since Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy hit theaters in 2011, but before the film even had a wide release and buzz on the awards circuit, there was talk about the subtle, quiet spy thriller becoming a franchise. In September of 2011, Oldman theorized about which John Le Carre books might be adapted into films (or maybe even one film), and now word comes from ScreenDaily, after speaking with StudioCanal Chairman and CEO Olivier Courson and Ron Halpern from international productions and acquisitions, that the sequel Smiley's People is gearing up to begin shooting in 2014. But who's coming back? More below! Here's what Courson and Halpern said about Smiley's People: “We are working on 'Smiley’s People' with Working Title. It’s still at the development stage - but, yes, the old team of Peter Straughan and Tomas Alfredson is back together. The same 'Tinker Tailor' actors whose...
- 2/7/2013
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
John Le Carre continues to lure film producers who want to tap into intelligent espionage thrillers and wrestle with the challenge of adapting the author.s dense plotting into a streamlined, tight-knit motion picture. As casting continues on an adaptation of Le Carre.s Our Kind of Traitor, we.re hearing more about that possible Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy sequel that.s often been rumored. More on Traitor in a moment. First, The Playlist caught up with Tinker executive producers Olivier Courson and Ron Halpern, who proclaimed: We are working on Smiley.s People with Working Title. It.s still at the development stage - but, yes, the old team of Peter Straughan and Tomas Alfredson is back together. The same Tinker Tailor actors whose characters would reappear are well aware of what we.re doing. We.re hopeful for a 2014 shoot.. Mind you, they said something similar back in...
- 2/7/2013
- cinemablend.com
An Australian independent film distributor has been acquired by a European production and distribution film studio.
Hoyts Distribution, the distribution arm of Hoyts Group, distributor of both the Twilight series and the Saw series, has been acquired by Studiocanal.
The entry of Studiocanal into the Australian market will see the subsidiary of Canal+ Group look to bring international productions to Australia to take advantage of the lucrative tax incentives and strong local talent, according to a press release.
Olivier Courson, chairman and CEO of Studiocanal said: “We are very happy to develop direct operations in Australia, one of the most dynamic markets in the world, with the very experienced and talented team of Hoyts, led by Robert Slaviero. We believe there are strong opportunities in this territory for our films.”
Slaviero said: “This is great for the business and we are so pleased about the exciting times ahead. Studiocanal is...
Hoyts Distribution, the distribution arm of Hoyts Group, distributor of both the Twilight series and the Saw series, has been acquired by Studiocanal.
The entry of Studiocanal into the Australian market will see the subsidiary of Canal+ Group look to bring international productions to Australia to take advantage of the lucrative tax incentives and strong local talent, according to a press release.
Olivier Courson, chairman and CEO of Studiocanal said: “We are very happy to develop direct operations in Australia, one of the most dynamic markets in the world, with the very experienced and talented team of Hoyts, led by Robert Slaviero. We believe there are strong opportunities in this territory for our films.”
Slaviero said: “This is great for the business and we are so pleased about the exciting times ahead. Studiocanal is...
- 7/17/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
French production house and distribution company Studiocanal has announced plans to acquire Australasian company Hoyts Distribution.
The acquisition will allow Studiocanal to more aggressively distribute its own productions, such as upcoming CGI live-action Paddington (based on children's favourite Paddington Bear). The company said it will also look at opportunities to produce films in Australia, where it can take advantage of tax rebates.
Studiocanal distributes more than 50 films a year throughout Europe and has an extensive back catalogue containing more than 5000 French, British, Italian, German and American titles. Hoyts Distribution's film library includes more than 120 titles, including four films from the Saw series and the Twilight franchise, including the final installment which will be released later this year.
Studiocanal chairman and chief executive Olivier Courson said: .We are very happy to develop direct operations in Australia, one of the most dynamic markets in the world, with the very experienced and talented team of Hoyts,...
The acquisition will allow Studiocanal to more aggressively distribute its own productions, such as upcoming CGI live-action Paddington (based on children's favourite Paddington Bear). The company said it will also look at opportunities to produce films in Australia, where it can take advantage of tax rebates.
Studiocanal distributes more than 50 films a year throughout Europe and has an extensive back catalogue containing more than 5000 French, British, Italian, German and American titles. Hoyts Distribution's film library includes more than 120 titles, including four films from the Saw series and the Twilight franchise, including the final installment which will be released later this year.
Studiocanal chairman and chief executive Olivier Courson said: .We are very happy to develop direct operations in Australia, one of the most dynamic markets in the world, with the very experienced and talented team of Hoyts,...
- 7/17/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Next year’s RoboCop reboot is set to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer, and after kicking off the viral campaign for the film last week, MGM have released the first official synopsis for their film, and announced that the brilliant StudioCanal have acquired the distribution rights in the UK, France, and Germany.
The reboot sees Joel Kinnaman (The Killing) take on the leading role, and he’ll be joined by the lovely Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Rises), and Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction), with Elite Squad’s José Padilha behind the camera.
Hugh Laurie has also been in talks to play the antagonist, and though the press release makes no mention of him, here’s to hoping that talks are moving in the right direction.
“In RoboCop, the year is 2029 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Their...
The reboot sees Joel Kinnaman (The Killing) take on the leading role, and he’ll be joined by the lovely Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Rises), and Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction), with Elite Squad’s José Padilha behind the camera.
Hugh Laurie has also been in talks to play the antagonist, and though the press release makes no mention of him, here’s to hoping that talks are moving in the right direction.
“In RoboCop, the year is 2029 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Their...
- 7/13/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Studio Canal has recently acquired the United Kingdom, German, and French rights for José Padilha's reboot/remake movie, RoboCop, and following that, we have a press release which includes the official plot synopsis of the movie..... Los Angeles, CA (July 11, 2012) – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) today announced that Studio Canal has acquired rights to RoboCop, MGM and Sony’s reboot of the 1987 sci-fi action classic, in the UK, France and Germany. Studio Canal will release director José Padilha’s RoboCop theatrically and across platforms including video, VOD and television, with certain limited exceptions. The announcement was made by Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM, and Olivier Courson, Chairman and CEO of Studio Canal. "MGM is thrilled to be bringing RoboCop back to the big screen," said Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM. "Studio Canal is the ideal partner to...
- 7/13/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen and Oscar Isaac will star in the thriller, Two Faces Of January, based on a Patricia Highsmith novel, and directorial debut of Drive writer Hossein Amini. Shooting will start on October 1st, on location, mainly in Greece and Turkey.
Working Title will produce, Studiocanal will finance, distribute in the U.K., Germany and France, and handle international sales. Based on the same principle, Working Title and Studiocanal produced Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in 2011, as well as I Give It A Year, currently in post-production, with Rose Byrne and Simon Baker.
Set in Greece and Turkey, a charming and brilliant con artist, Chester MacFarland (Viggo Mortensen) accidentally kills a private detective who has tracked him down from the Us to Athens. He goes on the run from the international police with his wife (Kirsten Dunst) and a young American (Oscar Isaac) across the Greek islands through to Istanbul.
Working Title will produce, Studiocanal will finance, distribute in the U.K., Germany and France, and handle international sales. Based on the same principle, Working Title and Studiocanal produced Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in 2011, as well as I Give It A Year, currently in post-production, with Rose Byrne and Simon Baker.
Set in Greece and Turkey, a charming and brilliant con artist, Chester MacFarland (Viggo Mortensen) accidentally kills a private detective who has tracked him down from the Us to Athens. He goes on the run from the international police with his wife (Kirsten Dunst) and a young American (Oscar Isaac) across the Greek islands through to Istanbul.
- 7/12/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
MGM has today announced that StudioCanal has acquired the rights to release the Robocop remake in the UK, France and Germany.
A 2013 release date has been set for José Padilha's "action-packed reboot" starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman and Samuel L. Jackson.
The MGM/Sony remake of the 1987 sci-fi classic will be released by StudioCanal theatrically and across platforms including video, VOD and television, with certain limited exceptions.
The announcement was made by Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM, and Olivier Courson, Chairman and CEO of StudioCanal.
"MGM is thrilled to be bringing RoboCop back to the big screen," said Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM. "StudioCanal is the ideal partner to help us share the reimagined, action-packed classic with audiences in the UK, France and Germany."
"StudioCanal is extremely happy to be partnering with MGM on RoboCop.
A 2013 release date has been set for José Padilha's "action-packed reboot" starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman and Samuel L. Jackson.
The MGM/Sony remake of the 1987 sci-fi classic will be released by StudioCanal theatrically and across platforms including video, VOD and television, with certain limited exceptions.
The announcement was made by Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM, and Olivier Courson, Chairman and CEO of StudioCanal.
"MGM is thrilled to be bringing RoboCop back to the big screen," said Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM. "StudioCanal is the ideal partner to help us share the reimagined, action-packed classic with audiences in the UK, France and Germany."
"StudioCanal is extremely happy to be partnering with MGM on RoboCop.
- 7/12/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Lionsgate and Studiocanal have extended and expanded their partnership with a longterm renewal of the agreement under which Lionsgate distributes the Studiocanal library of more than 2,000 titles as well as a new agreement for Studiocanal to distribute the next installment of The Hunger Games franchise, Catching Fire, in the German speaking territories, the two companies announced today at the Cannes Film Festival.
The first film in the franchise, the global blockbuster The Hunger Games, has grossed nearly $400 million at the North American box office and is approaching $650 million at the worldwide box office, including more than $24 million at the box office in the German speaking territories.
“Studiocanal exemplifies the global reach, market leadership and innovative thinking of the media companies with whom we are partnered around the world,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks. “We’re delighted to...
The first film in the franchise, the global blockbuster The Hunger Games, has grossed nearly $400 million at the North American box office and is approaching $650 million at the worldwide box office, including more than $24 million at the box office in the German speaking territories.
“Studiocanal exemplifies the global reach, market leadership and innovative thinking of the media companies with whom we are partnered around the world,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks. “We’re delighted to...
- 5/23/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Olivier Courson has been with the Canal Plus group since 2003 after a governmental career that included stints at the French state council, France’s state film organization the Cnc and as culture and communication advisor to Prime Minister Lionel Jospin. He’s since traded state affairs for studio politics as CEO of Canal Plus subsidiary Studiocanal. The Paris-based producer-distributor will kick off the festival with Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom on opening night before the world premiere of Alain Resnais’ competition entry You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet, the animated title Ernest & Celestine in Directors’ Fortnight and several new international
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- 5/15/2012
- by Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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