Category: News

13Sep

[FILMNEWS] ONCE UPON A SNOWMAN To Air On DISNEY+

Posted in Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

 

What happened to Olaf within the moments after Elsa created him as she was “letting it go” and building her ice palace, and when Anna and Kristoff first meet him in the forest? And how did Olaf learn to love Summer?

The previously untold origins of Olaf, the innocent and insightful, summer-loving snowman who melted hearts in the Academy Award®-winning 2013 Disney animated feature, Frozen, and its acclaimed 2019 sequel, are revealed in the all-new Walt Disney Animation Studios animated short, Once Upon a Snowman.

The film follows Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle. Once Upon a Snowman is directed by Trent Correy (animation supervisor, “Olaf” in Frozen 2) and Dan Abraham (veteran story artist who boarded Olaf’s “When I Am Older” musical sequence in Frozen 2) and produced by Nicole Hearon (associate producer “Frozen 2” and “Moana”) with Peter Del Vecho (producer, “Frozen 2,” “Frozen” and the upcoming “Raya and the Last Dragon”). Olaf is voiced by award-winning actor Josh Gad.

“This is an idea that started to form when I was an animator on the first Frozen,” said director Trent Correy.”

“Dan Abraham and I are so grateful and excited to have had the opportunity to direct this short, working with our incredible colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios.”

“Josh Gad gives one of the great animated voice performances as Olaf through the ‘Frozen’ films,” said director Dan Abraham. “To have the opportunity to work with him in the recording booth was such a privilege and career highlight.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated short, “Once Upon A Snowman,” debuts exclusively on Disney+ October 23, 2020

12Sep

[FILM NEWS] CLOUDS To Air On DISNEY+

Posted in Drama, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

 

Inspired by an incredible true story, “Clouds” is a poignant and beautiful look at the heartbreaking duality of life and a testament to what can happen when you start to live as if each day might be your last. Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus) is a fun-loving high school student with raw musical talent living with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

At the start of his senior year, he is ready to take on the world, however when he receives the news that the disease has spread, he and his best friend and songwriting partner, Sammy (Sabrina Carpenter), decide to spend Zach’s limited time following their dreams.

With the help of Zach’s mentor and teacher, Mr. Weaver (Lil Rel Howery), Zach and Sammy are given the chance of a lifetime and are offered a record deal. Along with the support of the love of his life, Amy (Madison Iseman) and his parents, Rob and Laura (Tom Everett Scott and Neve Campbell); Zach embarks on an unforgettable journey about friendship, love and the power of music.

“Clouds” is directed by Justin Baldoni and produced by Andrew Lazar, Justin Baldoni and Casey La Scala. Kara Holden wrote the screenplay with a story by Casey La Scala & Patrick Kopka and Kara Holden. The movie is produced by Wayfarer Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures and Mad Chance / La Scala Films.

11Sep

[MOVIE NEWS] FREAKY Trailer Released

Posted in Comedy, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, Horror, News | Leave a comment

 

The trailer for brand new film Freaky has just dropped.

repare to get Freaky with a twisted take on the body-swap movie when a teenage girl switches bodies with a relentless serial killer. 

 

Seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton, Blockers, HBO’s Big Little Lies) is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High and the cruelty of the popular crowd. But when she becomes the newest target of The Butcher (Vince Vaughn), her town’s infamous serial killer, her senior year becomes the least of her worries.

 

When The Butcher’s mystical ancient dagger causes him and Millie to wake up in each other’s bodies, Millie learns that she has just 24 hours to get her body back before the switch becomes permanent and she’s trapped in the form of a middle-aged maniac forever. The only problem is she now looks like a towering psychopath who’s the target of a city-wide manhunt while The Butcher looks like her and has brought his appetite for carnage to Homecoming.

 

With some help from her friends—ultra-woke Nyla (Celeste O’Connor, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), ultra-fabulous Joshua (Misha Osherovich, The Goldfinch) and her crush Booker (Uriah Shelton, Enter the Warriors Gate)—Millie races against the clock to reverse the curse while The Butcher discovers that having a female teen body is the perfect cover for a little Homecoming killing spree.

 

The film also stars Alan Ruck (HBO’s Succession), Katie Finneran (TV’s Why Women Kill) and Dana Drori (Hulu’s High Fidelity).

 

From the deliciously debased mind of writer-director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, the Paranormal Activity franchise) comes a pitch-black horror-comedy about a slasher, a senior, and the brutal truth about high school. 

 

Freaky is written by Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy (Fox’s Bordertown) and is produced by Jason Blum (Halloween, The Invisible Man). The film is produced by Blumhouse Productions in association with Divide/Conquer. The executive producers are Couper Samuelson and Jeanette Volturno.

 

10Sep

[FIM NEWS] ELVIS To Begin Filming

Posted in Drama, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, Music / Musicals, News | Leave a comment

 

Principal photography will begin on September 23 on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Elvis,” Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”) musical drama about the life and music of Elvis Presley.  Seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, the film stars Austin Butler (“Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood”) as Elvis, Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Forrest Gump”) as Colonel Tom Parker and Olivia DeJonge (“Stray Dolls”) as Priscilla Presley. 

Looking forward to getting to work after the lengthy delay, Luhrmann stated, “We’re back to, as Elvis liked to say, ‘taking care of business!’  It is a real privilege in this unprecedented global moment that Tom Hanks has been able to return to Australia to join Austin Butler and all of our extraordinary cast and crew to commence production on ‘Elvis.’  I cannot emphasize enough how lucky we feel in the current climate that the state of Queensland, and Queenslanders in general, have been so supportive of this film.  We thank our partners in the Queensland Government and Queensland Health for their extremely diligent process, so that we can be an example how creativity and productivity can proceed safely and responsibly in a way that protects our team and the community at large.  We are all excited to start working with Tom Hanks when he is out of quarantine in two weeks.”

The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.  Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley.

Luhrmann directs from the current screenplay written by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce.  Luhrmann is also producing the film, alongside Catherine Martin, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss, with Andrew Mittman executive producing.

The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Mandy Walker (“Mulan,” “Australia”), Oscar-winning production designer and costume designer Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”), editors Matt Villa (“The Great Gatsby,” “Australia”) and Jonathan Redmond (“The Great Gatsby”) and composer Elliott Wheeler (“The Get Down”).

Principal photography on “Elvis” is taking place in Queensland, Australia with the support of the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland and the Australian Government’s Producer Offset program.  The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

09Sep

[FILM NEWS] TOTAL RECALL 30th Anniversary Re-Release Announced

Posted in Action, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

 

STUDIOCANAL, Lionsgate, Fathom Events and Rialto Pictures today announce the 4K, Ultra High Definition™ restoration of Paul Verhoeven’s (ROBOCOP, BASIC INSTINCT, STARSHIP TROOPERS) sci-fi classic TOTAL RECALL (1990) which was undertaken by STUDIOCANAL and supervised by the renowned director himself. 

 

The film has been selected to premiere at the upcoming Deauville American Film Festival (4-13 September 2020) as well as Sitges, International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia (8-18 October 2020).

 

Director Paul Verhoeven says of the restoration: “I just saw the 4K presentation of my movie and it’s absolutely wonderful what STUDIOCANAL and the restoration team have done. There is so much detail you could say it is three-dimensional. Bravo! I hope many people go and see the movie.” 

 

In celebration of the film’s 30th Anniversary, the film will premiere theatrically in France on September 16 2020 followed by the US, where Fathom Events and Rialto Pictures are partnering with STUDIOCANAL to bring the restored classic back to cinemas this fall. Fathom’s screenings will feature an exclusive introduction from Paul Verhoeven.

 

STUDIOCANAL will also launch a series of new home entertainment editions in France, the UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand later this year.  Additionally, Lionsgate will release a 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack and Steelbook in the US on December 8 2020.

 

A brand-new poster and trailer have been created to promote the release. Notably, the poster was designed by British illustrator and movie poster artist, Kyle Lambert. Lambert has previously designed the iconic key art for STRANGER THINGS and is renowned in the industry for his distinctive retro style. 

 

Adapted from Philip K. Dick’s short novel, We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, TOTAL RECALL is a truly visionary film ahead of its time. Featuring a career best performance from the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film was restored in 4K from a scan of the original 35mm negative and was made at Technicolor LA in tiff 16 bits format. Colour-grading was supervised by Jérome Bigleur at Hiventy. The restoration crew paid particularly high attention to preserve special effect continuity. One of the earliest films to use computer generated-images, TOTAL RECALL was honoured with the Academy Award® for Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects in 1991, and those effects have impressively stood the test of time. The original soundtrack, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, also greatly benefited from digital restoration. This exceptional restoration in its Dolby HDR version will make it possible for all generations to enjoy TOTAL RECALL both in theatres with the 4K cinema version, and on Home Entertainment with the new UHD™  Blu-ray edition.

 

TOTAL RECALL will be released on Ultra HD™, Blu-Ray and DVD.  Extra bonus content includes an exclusive documentary feature, TOTAL EXCESS: HOW CAROLCO CHANGED HOLLYWOOD, as well as two additional featurettes on the soundtrack and the development of the film.

 

SPECIAL FEATURES available on Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and DVD

  • Total Excess: How Carolco changed Hollywood
  • Open your mind: Scoring Total Recall
  • Dreamers Within the Dream: Developing Total Recall 

 

Theatrical release date:

AUSTRALIA: 29th October 2020 – Monster Fest 2020

https://www.monsterfest.com.au/

 

Home Entertainment release date:

AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND: 25th November 2020

09Sep

[FILM NEWS] NEVER TOO LATE To Hit Australian Cinemas

Posted in Comedy, Drama, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

 

R&R Films is delighted to announce that the cinema release of the laugh out loud comedy NEVER TOO LATE has been rescheduled for October 29.

With enthusiastic cinema support, the film will open on approximately 150 screens nationally.

In the film, when a nursing home stands in the way of a 50-year courtship, four grumpy old Vietnam Vets unite to re-enact the great escape. They may have lost their memory and speed, but these renegades prove it’s never too late for new adventures, even if you have to break rules to break free.

Cinema goers will love the shenanigans of these four vets, one of their long-lost loves and an estranged son – played by the stellar cast of Jacki Weaver, Jack Thompson, Shane Jacobson, James Cromwell, Dennis Waterman, Roy Billing and Max Cullen.

Filmed on location in Adelaide, Never Too Late was directed by Mark Lamprell (My Mother Frank, A Few Less Men), was written by screenwriter and crime novelist Luke Preston and produced by Antony I Ginnane (Patrick, Turkey Shoot) and David Lightfoot (Wolf Creek).
The film will be released in Australia by Richard Becker and Robert Slaviero from R&R Films.

“Never Too Late is a charmer and we are confident audiences will love the antics of our heroes and the warmth of the late-in-life love story played so delightfully by our fabulous cast,” Richard and Robert said.

07Sep

[FILM NEWS] WATCH THE SUNSET Lands US Deal

Posted in Drama, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

 

SPI International takes exclusive rights to USA, UK, CEE, Turkey, Benelux, Portugal and China for gritty drama crime-thriller Watch the Sunset, Australia’s first one-take feature film in a deal brokered by Australian distribution and international sales company Fighting Chance Films.

Watch the Sunset, follows Danny Biaro (Tristan Barr), a man desperately trying to escape his outlaw bikie gang, The Bloodless Brothers. In violently breaking his bond, he sets into motion a series of events that will change his world, and those around him forever. Danny must now race against the clock, and the gang, to reach his estranged family before it’s too late.

SPI International’s Chief Content Operations Manager John Mattie said “We’re excited to be representing Watch the Sunset for sales in many of our core markets, as well as releasing the film on our channels. This bold and innovative film is an excellent addition to the lineup of Filmbox Arthouse, our channel devoted to showcasing independent film from around the world. We also feel we will find a great home for it with many of our TV and VOD partners around the world.”.

With an upcoming 2020 international release date scheduled for Watch the Sunset, SPI International’s acquisition caps off a huge year for the film’s producers, Tristan Barr, Michael Gosden & Damien Lipp after a successful limited theatrical release and launching exclusively on AU streamer Stan last year also through local distributor Fighting Chance Films. FCF Managing Director Dustin Clare said “We are really happy this film is getting an international home, we have been passionate supporters of the craft and grit that went into making this truly independent title, and we are so happy to see it succeed”.

SPI is a global media company operating 40 television channels on six continents, producer and cinematographer Damien Lipp said of the deal; “We have been so humbled by its reception in Australia and we’re looking forward to seeing how it travels. The SPI team bring tremendous credibility, experience and passion to the table and we’re absolutely thrilled to be working with them ”.

SPI International has been a world-leading supplier of theatrical films and television for over 30 years.

WINNER: BEST ACTOR, MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER: BEST ACTOR, AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER: BEST ACTOR, LONDON FILM AWARDS
WINNER: BEST FILM, ONE SHOT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER: AUDIENCE AWARD, BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER: BEST AUSTRALIAN CINEMA, SYDNEY WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER: JURY AWARD, AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
OFFICIAL SELECTION: SYDNEY UNDERGROUND, BYRON BAY, PERTH REVELATION, ORLANDO FILM FESTIVALS

03Sep

[MUSIC NEWS] TOMBS Announce New Album

Posted in Home Page, Metal, Music, Music Genre, Music News, News | Leave a comment

 

Brooklyn black metal formation TOMBS are now announcing the release of a brand new album, ‘Under Sullen Skies’. The record is set for worldwide release on November 20, via Season of Mist.

The band are now also premiering the first track from their new album. The song “Barren” can be streamed at the official Season of Mist Youtube Channel HERE.

Pre-orders for ‘Under Sullen Skies’ available in the Season of Mist shop HERE.

 

03Sep

[GAMING NEWS] TONY HAWKE Announced As Guest For PAX Online

Posted in Home Page, News | Leave a comment

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, creator of Cyberpunk 2020 Mike Pondsmith, and AAA panelists highlight a star-studded lineup at PAX Online 2020, the 9-day digital event transforming North America, Australia, and the UK’s most attended gaming events into a global celebration of gaming culture.

 

Taking place Saturday, Sept. 13th through Sunday, Sept. 21st AEST (12-20th Sept PT), the free show combines several of the industry’s largest events including PAX West, PAX AUS, and EGX to feature community activities, esports events, can’t-miss panels from fan-favourite industry creatives, journalists, and content creators, and hands-on demos from some of 2020’s most anticipated titles. The nine-day expo of gaming will open with the creator of the seminal Cyberpunk franchise Mike Pondsmith delivering the storytime keynote Sunday,Sept.13th at 3:15AM AEST (repeated Sunday, Sept. 13th at 8:00PM AEST for Aussie audiences).

 

The official Discord server for PAX Online will bring together these hallmarks, which have delighted millions of PAX attendees over the years, alongside dedicated community spaces, gaming schedules, and easter eggs to create a central event hub with everything fans need to enjoy the celebration.

 

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will appear at the PAX Arena to provide commentary for a special Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 tournament presented by OMEN. Alongside renowned skate photographer Atiba Jefferson, Hawk will break down top-tier play from a hand-selected group of the THPS community’s finest, including Prod1gyX and TylerLasagna. The winner will receive a skate deck signed by Hawk along with OMEN gear and the opportunity to donate OMEN setups to a charity of their choice.

 

The Telstra Tourneys and Freeplay will present a daily schedule of community tournaments and freeplay for Australia’s PAX Online, with live-streamed finals and a huge mix of games giving Aussies the chance to play with and against friends around the globe. Participants will be playing for bragging rights and exclusive PAX Online medals.

 

The prestigious PAX Online Indie Showcase will deliver a virtual showcase of home-grown games among the 20 winners, including TopplePOP: Bungee Blockbusters (SAI Team), Unpacking (Witch Beam), and Innchanted (DragonBear Studios).

 

PAX Rising also returns, showcasing Australian and international talent, including the best games proudly made in Melbourne, supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

PAX Online continues other beloved show traditions, including a jam-packed panel schedule. Legendary creator Sid Meier will share the story of his career, and a fan Q&A and diversity discussion will unite the Overwatch voice actors who bring Pharah, Symmetra, Hanzo, Winston, Zenyatta, Echo, Baptiste, and Sombra to life. Ted Price of Insomniac Games (Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart) and Brian Fleming of Sucker Punch Productions (Ghost of Tsushima) will record a special episode of Game Maker’s Notebook, and Gearbox will host an hour-long segment sharing what’s coming next from the studio.

PAX Online will also highlight the best of the Australian & New Zealand games community, including DayZ creator, Dean Hall (NZ), and Battle Royale pioneer, Brian Hicks. Australia’s Jono Pech will host Yuri Lowenthal and Jennifer Hale, seasoned voice actors from some of gaming’s most iconic franchises. We’re also proud to continue to work with local gaming groups, including generOZity, Magnificent Nerds, CouchWarriors, and TGDA.

The hits keep coming with an exciting lineup of panels brought to attendees by EGX. Acclaimed composer-vocalist pairings Gareth Coker and Aeralie Brighton (Ori and the Will of the Wisps), Joris de Man and Julie Elven (Horizon Forbidden West), and Inon Zur and Mimi Page (Fallout 4) will share their collaborative process and how to imbue games with emotional, iconic scores. In celebration of the HITMAN series’ 20th anniversary, Agent 47 voice actor David Bateson will sit down with Eurogamer’s Ian Higton to reminisce on the series’ legacy, his acting career, and what it’s like portraying one of the most iconic and dangerous characters in video games.

 

PAX Online 2020 is a digital event and free to attend. For schedules, FAQs, and more, check out the official website of PAX Online and follow PAX on Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram. The official PAX Online Discord server will host the global attending audience, with details to come.

 

Limited edition merchandise for PAX Online is now available via the online store, with more planned to go live during the event.