Motion Picture: Gangster Thrillers, New in Command and Barney
Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: The film, First Love, centers around a young reserved boxer and beautiful prostitute get involved in a high-stakes drug smuggling ring. In pursuit in finding the missing load of drugs gangsters, dirty cops and assassins go down in a blood bath all in search of the pair on one night in Tokyo. Directed by Takashi Miike previously known for 2013’s spy thriller Shield of Straw, was once again selected for First Love to be screened at the Cannes film festival.
The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil is about a mobster and a detective teaming up to take down a local serial killer. Directed by Won-Tae Lee whose debut film historical drama, Man of Will solidified his space in South Korean film industry. Lee’s new film has a standing 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has received astonishing reviews. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil was also selected to be screened at Cannes earlier this year.
The beloved purple dinosaur, Barney has been green-light for a live action film. Daniel Kayuula will star and produce supported by his new production company called 59%. According to reports Kaluuya says “We’re excited to explore this compelling modern-day hero and see if his message of ‘I love you, you love me’ can stand the test of time.” Cherished and loved by many children of the nineties the film will bring nostalgia to many fans of the show.
Documentary:Shut Up Sona is a gripping tale of singer Sona Mohapatra attempts to change the music business in India. In part of the #MeToo movement happening in India prior to the premiere of the film, Shut Up Sona. Mohapatra has assisted in speaking up about the issue of patricharcy in the country. Cinematographer Deepti Gupta spent three years capturing Sona Mohapatra hardships with fighting for equality within the entertainment business in her directorial debut.
Drama: Winner of Grand Jury Prize for Drama at Sundance, the film starring Alfre Woodard and Aldis Hodge, Clemency delivers a striking tale of emotions. Tackling the mind of a prison Warden responsible for taking the lives of criminals on death row, Woodard contemplates her own decisions on a job that is not easy to do. The emotional and psychological stress of her job, has affected her marriage and mental state when she is pressed to perform two back to back executions.
Multi-award winning singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin life story has been adapted to biopic with a star stunned cast. Aretha hand picked Jennifer Hudson to play the lead of the film, Respect. Marlon Wayans will play the icon’s abusive first husband, Ted White, Forest Whitaker will portray the father and manager of Aretha as, the Reverend CL Franklin. It has been recently reported Tony Award winning actress-singer, Audra McDonald will be playing Barbara Franklin. Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures tied Liesl Tommy to direct and Thelma & Louise” screenwriter, Callie Khouri will write the legends biography from local church girl singing in the choir to the Queen of Soul.
Valence Media | Sony
Industry Update: Valence Media has hired, Amit Dey as Senior Vice President and head of non-fiction for the new documentary department. Established in 2018 the company includes Dick Clark Productions known for producing the Golden Globe Awards and MCR that has helped develop new film Knives Out. Dey has previously helped develop documentaries such as Apollo 11, Listen to Me Marlon and Ronaldo just to name a few. According to reports Co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu said "We’re really excited to welcome Amit, his experience and knack for finding great stories is integral as we build this division." Dey’s first film under Valence Media will be about the rock band Sparks with alongside director Edgar Wright (Baby Driver), making a good start in the success of the new division.
As part of Sony’s label Stage 6 co-heads Michael Helfand and Joe Matukewicz has employed “Elizabeth Grave and Tamara Woolfork as SVP of Production and Development and SVP of Business Affairs.” Grave’s previously served as SVP of Production and Development for an independent production company that financed films such as Desperados and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. While on the other hand, Woolfork began her career as part of the live-action counsel for The Walt Disney Company and worked her way to head of Business & Legal Affairs for Universal Brand Development at Sony, where she helped develop branding techniques for Despicable Me and Minions. Stage 6 is currently set to release a reboot of The Grudge early 2020.