Bleecker Street, Slated Enter Strategic Partnership to Identify and Develop Films (EXCLUSIVE)

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentGreenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to Christophe Cognet’s “From Where They Stood,” a searing WW2-set documentary which premiered at the Berlinale. Represented in international markets by MK2 Films, “From Where They Stood” went on the win the Spirit of Freedom Award for best documentary at last year’s Jerusalem Film Festival.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaQuiver Distribution has acquired North American rights to “Bitch Ass,” a horror movie that premiered at this year’s SXSW where it won the Midnighter’s Audience Award and earned praise for its sly reinvention of the slasher genre. The film stars Teon Kelley (“Tyler”), Tunde Laleye (“Black as Night”), Me’lisa Sellers (“Split”), Tony Todd (“Candyman”), and Sheaun McKinney (“The Neighborhood”) and was written and directed by Bill Posley (“Cobra Kai”).

Manori Ravindran International EditorA cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that pulled in an estimated $4 billion worldwide is getting the documentary treatment.Sky Germany, the U.K.’s Channel 4 and super-indie Fremantle are backing a three-part doc series about the con, which was spearheaded by the mysterious Dr. Ruja Ignatova, who is still on the run from law enforcement officials.“Crypto Queen” (working title) promises to shed exclusive new light on one of the biggest digital scams of the last decade.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaRLJE Films and Shudder have acquired Nyla Innuksuk’s “Slash/Back,” an alien invasion thriller that premiered to raves at this year’s SXSW.The two companies are business units of AMC Networks. The film is expected to be released in theaters and on VOD/Digital before streaming on Shudder later this year.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaUkonwa Ojo has stepped down as chief marketing officer of Amazon’s Prime Video and Amazon Studios, the company announced to staff on Tuesday. During her time at the streamer, Ojo led the marketing campaigns for movies like “Coming 2 America” and “Being the Ricardos,” as well as the series “The Boys,” “Wheel of Time,” and “The Underground Railroad.” “For nearly two years, Ukonwa has supported the Prime Video brand and its broad and growing content slate with focus, passion, and commitment,” Mike Hopkins, SVP Prime Video & Amazon Studios, wrote in a note to staff.

previously announced star Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”), as well as Anna Baryshnikov (“Dickinson”).Directed by Rose Glass (A24’s “Saint Maud”) from a script by Glass and Weronika Tofilska, the film is described as a romance driven by ego, desire and the American Dream. Production begins this week.A24 is set to produce with Andrea Cornwell for Lobo Films and Oliver Kassman for Escape Plan Productions, with Film4 co-developing and co-financing.

EXCLUSIVE: Katy O’Brian, Dave Franco, Ed Harris and Jena Malone have joined Kristen Stewart and Anna Baryshnikov in Love Lies Bleeding with A24 and Film4 teaming on the pic. Rose Glass will direct from a script she co-wrote with Weronika Tofilska.

K.J. Yossman Coming of age drama “Purple Beatz” will get worldwide distribution via Trinity Creative Partnership and 101 Films.Described as a “music-driven, romantic drama, set in the underground drum ‘n’ bass music scene of ‘90s London,” “Purple Beatz” is written and directed by Lola Atkins and features a diverse, female-led cast and crew.The feature stars Izzy Jones (“Distant”), Erika Alexander (“Abattoir,” “The Wives in the Attic”), Aron Von Andrian (“Masters Of The Air”) and Steven Michael-O’Hara (“Frenemies”).

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaRoadside Attractions has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Free Turn’s “Gigi & Nate.” The film stars Charlie Rowe, Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden, and Jim Belushi, and is based on true events. It tells the story of Nate Gibson, a young man whose life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic.And “Gigi & Nate” also serves as the introduction to a pint-sized, though still formidable new talent.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaQuiver Distribution has acquired “The Wheel,” a relationship drama about a young couple on the brink of divorce. That film is from Steve Pink, the co-writer of “High Fidelity” and the director of “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “About Last Night.” It premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Quiver will distribute the film on July 22, 2022.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film WriterSaban Films has secured worldwide distribution rights to Jason Momoa’s forthcoming Western “The Last Manhunt.”Featuring a largely Native American ensemble cast, the movie follows the true story of the outlaw Willie Boy. Set in 1909, when a reputed murder sparks a Shakespearean tragedy, Momoa’s Willie accidentally shoots his love interest’s father after a confrontation gone wrong. With President Taft coming to town, a local sheriff leads two Native American trackers seeking justice for their fallen tribal leader.The story is based on an oral history of the Chemehuevi tribe.

Kevin Costner is ready for whatever Harrison Ford is bringing to the universe. The actor, who stars as John Dutton in the original series, spoke with ET’s Cassie DiLaura during the Paramount + U.K.

“Love Lies Bleeding,” a new romantic thriller from A24, already has a lot going for it. For one, it’s an A24 movie, and that brings a certain sheen to it.

EXCLUSIVE: Anna Baryshnikov (Dickinson) will join Oscar nominee Kristen Stewart in A24’s romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding from double BAFTA Award-nominated director Rose Glass (Saint Maud).

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaNewportFILM Outdoors has unveiled its upcoming season of award-winning documentaries. The organization showcases non-fiction features and screens them in dramatic, often opulent settings around Newport, Rhode Island, a legendary summer getaway.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorIn today’s podcast roundup, domestic guru Martha Stewart teams with iHeartMedia for a talk-show podcast; ESPN expands its partnership with Peyton Manning for a new slate of podcasts; Audible taps Dominic Monaghan for a new spin on Sherlock Holmes’ famous nemesis, Moriarty; SiriusXM premieres original scripted podcast “Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine”; and more.Martha Stewart is no stranger to podcasts — and she has been a mainstay of TV, magazines and other media for years. Now she’s hosting her first-ever original podcast series, “The Martha Stewart Podcast,” slated to premiere June 22, produced in partnership with iHeartRadio.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaBrian Gersh has been named president of Network Entertainment USA. He brings three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, having worked as an executive, agent, manager, and producer, where he has greenlit scores of film and television projects around the world.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaIt’s that time of year again. That post-July 4th period when media barons and billionaires break out the Brooks Brothers casual and don their sweater vests to hit an idyllic Idaho resort town of Sun Valley for another edition of “lets make a deal.”Many of the names expected to rub elbows next month are familiar ones. Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Liberty Media’s John Malone, Comcast chairman Brian Roberts, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple pasha Tim Cook and Berkshire Hathaway guru Warren Buffett are among those who have once again made the cut for Allen & Co.’s annual media conference.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaPaul Yanover is stepping down as president of Fandango after nearly a decade atop the country’s leading movie ticketing service. He will be replaced by Will McIntosh, who currently serves as executive VP of NBC Sports Next.His new role will be slightly different, as he will serve as president of both NBC Sports Next and Fandango.