Alliance of Women Directors Hires Melanie Mack as Executive Director (EXCLUSIVE)

Robert Lieberman, who directed the sci-fi cult classic Fire in the Sky and won the inaugural DGA Award for Commercials, has died in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer. He was 75.

Clayton Davis Senior Awards Editor A group of state legislators representing the California Legislative Black Caucus are calling on film studios to meet with them regarding the sudden removal of Black female executives over the past few weeks. A mass exodus of Black women from senior leadership posts — Vernā Myers (Netflix), LaTondra Newton (Disney), Jeanell English (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) and Karen Horne and Terra Potts (Warner Bros. Discovery) — has raised questions about the depth of the film and television industry’s commitment to diversifying the top ranks of the entertainment industry. The CLBC held a press conference on Thursday, citing the executives’ resignations and removals after the State Legislature approved the $1.6 billion Film Tax Credit initiative to provide tax incentives for the film studios.

Jimmie Allen is countersuing the two women who accused the country singer of sexual assault.In new court documents obtained by ET, Allen denied all allegations, claiming that one of the accusers defamed him and that the other took his cell phone without his permission.Allen responded to the lawsuits in the docs, filed in a Nashville federal court Thursday — the first case claims he repeatedly assaulted an unnamed «Jane Doe» on his management team, while the second claims he assaulted another woman in a Las Vegas hotel room and secretly recorded the encounter.In the case of Allen's former day-to-day manager, the «Down Home» singer's attorney's claim that she defamed him by making «deliberate, intentional, malicious, and willful» statements in  beyond what is included in the lawsuit. In the report published by the outlet in May, the woman claims that during a work trip to Los Angeles in March 2021, Allen allegedly raped her following his appearance as a celebrity guest on . She claims that after a business dinner and the  taping, she woke up naked in her hotel room in pain, bleeding and not remembering anything of what happened the night prior. The woman claims Allen was lying next to her in bed, and insisted she take a Plan B pill.

Al Pacino is so good at his craft, you can blink and miss it.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor Nicole Avantwill release her memoir, “Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief With Grit, Grace, and Gratitude,” in October, Variety can exclusively reveal. In the book, the philanthropist, filmmaker and diplomat writes candidly about coming to terms with the tragic death of her mother, Jacqueline, who was fatally shot during a robbery at her Beverly Hills home in 2021. “Getting out there and being creative helps me a lot,” Avant says. “I am grieving and I am crying and I am angry and I’m furious at what has happened — there is no denying that. But I’m going to put one foot forward because the greatest thing I can do for my mom is live my life. The greatest way to honor her soul is to live my life to the fullest.”

Melanie Griffith has proven that she’s ready to turn the page on her romantic history with ex-husband Antonio Banderas, quite literally! The iconic “Working Girl” star was spotted in Los Angeles sporting some fresh ink that cleverly concealed her old heart-shaped tattoo dedicated to the dashing “Puss in Boots” actor.Griffith’s new tattoo, designed in a playful crossword style, proudly showcases the names of her four children. It’s a beautiful symbol of her love and devotion to her family, including her daughter Stella, 26, whom she shares with Banderas.

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Celebrity chef David Chang has signed a production deal with Brent Montgomery and Jimmy Kimmel’s Wheelhouse. Previously under a production agreement with Vox Media, Chang’s banner, Majordomo Media, has set a pact with Wheelhouse, a producer on Chang’s latest Hulu series, “Secret Chef,” to exclusively develop and produce unscripted programming across food, home and lifestyle, among other genres. Wheelhouse and Chang are also focused on creating original content and developing new talent for his new FAST channel, MajordomoTV, co-developed with LG Electronics.

Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated  film has yet to hit theaters, but eager fans are already clamoring for a sequel. The filmmaker was joined by stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera and more at the movie's pink carpet premiere on Sunday, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Speaking with ET's Will Marfuggi, Gerwig responded to growing speculation surrounding a potential Ken-focused spin-off. «Honestly, I'm just focused on getting this one out and crossing all my fingers and toes,» she said.

William J. Immerman, a veteran movie producer who held senior executive positions at studios including 20th Century Fox, died June 24 at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes, his widow, Ginger Immerman told TheWrap on Friday.

Pat Saperstein Deputy Editor Bill Immerman, veteran executive at film companies including 20th Century Fox, AIP, Cannon Films and Yari Film Group, died June 24 in Los Angeles of natural causes. Born Dec. 29, 1937 in New York, he graduated the U. of Wisconsin and obtained his J.D. at Stanford Law School. Before moving into entertainment, Immerman started his career as a deputy district attorney for the County of Los Angeles. He joined American International Pictures as associate counsel in 1965, eventually heading up business affairs and serving as production executive on films including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Wild In the Streets,” “Three In the Attic” and “An Evening of Edgar Allen Poe,” starring Vincent Price.

Bill Immerman, who was a Senior EVP during the 20th Century Fox 1970s heyday that produced such box office hits as Star Wars, Young Frankensten, and The Omen, died June 24 at his Los Angeles home of natural causes. He was 85.

EXCLUSIVE: Writer and director Sheridan O’Donnell, has signed with CAA for representation. 

Peter Caranicas Deputy Editor Law firm Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz has added Melanie Tomanov as a partner in its Entertainment Group. She will be based in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Previously, Tomanov was a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman. Tomanov, a transactional attorney, has represented production companies, motion picture and television studios, animation studios, video game companies and tech firms. She has also worked with individual creators, writers, animation designers, producers and directors. Her high-profile clients have included Matt Groening, creator of TV blockbuster animated series “The Simpsons”; United Plankton Pictures, the production company behind “SpongeBob SquarePants” and other shows); and film production company Legendary Entertainment (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” the “Dune” franchise).

Selome Hailu Ahead of the July 21 release of “Barbie,” Warner Bros. Discovery and Mattel have partnered with humanitarian organization Save the Children to launch a girls’ empowerment initiative. “Barbie” stars Margot Robbie, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu and Will Ferrell appear in a text-to-donate PSA that will air across WBD’s linear, digital and social platforms to raise money for Save the Children, which is working to connect girls around the world to educational resources. Additionally, there will be an in-show integration on HGTV’s “Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge” as well as consumer activations through different brand partnerships and a charity auction that features tickets to the Los Angeles and London premieres of the movie.

Melanie Lynskey has posted her thoughts on Instagram about longtime friend Julian Sands, who was found dead in the Southern California mountains earlier this week.

Brent Lang Executive Editor MTV Documentary Films has released a first look teaser for “The Eternal Memory,” a look at love and Alzheimer’s disease that won the grand jury prize for world documentary at this year’s Sundance. A U.S. theatrical release kicks off on Aug. 11 in New York. It will be followed by engagements in Los Angeles and San Francisco on Aug. 18, with a limited national roll out to follow. Chilean filmmaker Maite Alberdi directed the movie, which could be a contender for the documentary Oscar. Alberdi is the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker behind “The Mole Agent.” To that end, “The Eternal Memory” played at the Berlin Film Festival, where it was the runner up for the audience award. A robust international festival campaign is already in the works, including stops at CPH:DOX, Hot Docs, and DocAviv, Hamptons Summer Docs and DC DOX.

The International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600) named Alex Tonisson as its new National Executive Director Saturday afternoon during a meeting of its Executive Board in Los Angeles.

Creative Artists Agency on Wednesday announced the elevation of five to agent, along with the promotion of another to an executive role.

Sophia Scorziello editor The American Film Institute has revealed its selection of participants for the 2023 Cinematography Intensive for Women. The four-day program aims to give aspiring cinematographers extensive on-set experience and a look into the ins and outs of the entertainment industry. CIW is presented by Panavision and is spearheaded by Stephen Lighthill, head of AFI Conservatory Cinematography Discipline and president of the American Society of Cinematographers. “We are thrilled to champion this cohort of talented and diverse filmmakers,” said Lighthill. “This opportunity – to help the participants continue to develop their craft at this stage in their career and provide them with the tools necessary to excel as a visual storyteller – is a wonderful honor for us all.”

Women in Film, Los Angeles said Monday that it is launching a screening series to celebrate the nonprofit organization’s 50th anniversary, and has picked a timely movie to kick it off.