Leo Barraclough International Features EditorInternational sales company Andana Films has acquired Islamic State documentary “Rojek,” which has its North American premiere in Hot Docs’ Canadian Spectrum section on Saturday.The film, which had its world premiere in the International Competition section at Visions du Réel, will have a theatrical release in Canada through Maison 4:3.In the film, director Zaynê Akyol talks to imprisoned members of the Islamic State, alternating their words with aerial views of the countryside. It is “an unexpected look at a far-reaching current political issue, and a film whose subject matter and rhythm create an impressive cinematic object,” Andana stated.Mariam Zaidi at Hot Docs said: “The Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly Kurdish, as well as the international coalition, have succeeded in dislodging the Islamic State from their last stronghold and ending their project of establishing a caliphate in Syria.
MBC Studios Ramps Up TV Production With Saudi Series ‘Rise of The Witches,’ ‘Devil’s Promise,’ ‘1001 Nights’ (EXCLUSIVE)
12.04.2022 - 17:39 / variety.com
Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentDubai-based broadcaster and streamer MBC is ramping up production with several new high-end shows.These include “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date, “The Devil’s Promise,” created by U.K. writer Tony Jordan, and crime thriller “1001 Nights.”MBC Group CEO Sam Barnett in an interview said MBC Studios now has 65 projects in various stages and reiterated the the Saudi-owned company is committed to serve as a driver to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry.“Rise of The Witches” (first look image, above) is based on a Saudi novel described by Barnett as “a fantasy novel set 1,500 years ago in a time of witches” with a strong female empowerment theme.
The storyline of the show, written by British actor and writer Charlie Higson (the “Young Bond” novel series), who worked in tandem with two female Saudi writers on “Witches,” tracks the rise of two witches’ covens that ultimately go to war with each other.Emmy-nominated Irish director Declan O’Dweyer (“Free Rein”) and the U.K.’s Craig Pickles (“London Kills”) are directing the “Witches” series, with Dominic Barlow (“The Last Kingdom”) serving as show runner and producer along with MBC Studios chief Rasha AlEmam.Shooting on “Witches” started in January in NEOM, a sprawling area in the northwest along Saudi’s Red Sea coast with ambitions to become a major industry hub where $100 million seventh century actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star international cast led by “Captain America” star Anthony Mackie, was recently shot. The plan is for “Witches,” which features an all-Saudi cast of more than 100 actors, to remain in production in NEOM through December.— “The Devil’s
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Wrigley Woodhill Studios Offers ‘New Life’ for Old Kentucky Multiplex
Todd Longwell When the subject of homegrown Kentucky production companies comes up these days, the first name out of anyone’s mouth is Wrigley Media Group, which is transforming an abandoned multiplex in the city of Lexington into a full-service state-of-the-art art 52,000-sq.-ft. studio complex, dubbed Wrigley Woodhill Studios.Currently, it has a single soundstage, which is hosting the second season of the group’s nationally syndicated courtroom reality show “Relative Justice,” starring Judge Rhonda Wills.
Production On Showtime Series ‘American Gigolo’ Shut Down Following Showrunner David Hollander’s Dismissal
EXCLUSIVE: Showtime and Paramount Television Studios have suspended production for four days on upcoming series American Gigolo, a reboot of the popular 1980 movie. The move comes a couple of days after the Paramount network and TV studio severed ties with the series’ developer, writer, director and executive producer David Hollander following an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
Bob Odenkirk Sets New Series at AMC Ahead of 'Better Call Saul' Ending
Bob Odenkirk‘s AMC series Better Call Saul is going to end very soon, but his relationship with the network is not ending.
Bob Odenkirk Comedic Drama ‘Straight Man’ Gets Series Order at AMC
AMC has given a series order to the one-hour comedic drama, “Straight Man,” starring “Breaking Bad” alum and “Better Call Saul” star Bob Odenkirk. Here’s the show’s logline: “Straight Man is a mid-life crisis tale set at Railton College, told in the first person by William Henry Devereaux, Jr.
AMC Greenlights Bob Odenkirk Dramedy Series ‘Straight Man’
Joe Otterson TV ReporterWell, that was fast. AMC has formally greenlit the dramedy series “Straight Man” starring Bob Odenkirk a little over two weeks after announcing the show as in development.The show is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Russo. It is described as a mid-life crisis tale set at Railton College in the Pennsylvania Rust Belt.
Bob Odenkirk-Led ‘Straight Man’ Lands Series Order At AMC
AMC has handed a series order to its Bob Odenkirk-fronted adaptation of Straight Man.
Adoptive dad of fugitive US sex offender Nicholas Rossi breaks silence as he claims cops have the right man
The adoptive dad of fugitive US sex offender Nicholas Rossi has said that the authorities have the right man.
Sony’s Affirm Originals Sets ‘A Thousand Tomorrows’ Series Deal With Author Karen Kingsbury
Sasha Urban editorSony Pictures’ Affirm Originals has struck a deal with author Karen Kingsbury to adapt her 2005 novel “A Thousand Tomorrows” as a TV series.Production by Affirm and Red Clay Studios is set to begin early next month in Tulsa, Okla.“I am thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures’ Affirm team, producers of the strongest, most beautiful and moving inspirational content in the market,” said Kingsbury. “The world is desperate for hope, and ‘A Thousand Tomorrows’ will bring hope and light to all people, everywhere.
Who is actor Walker Scobell as he's cast in Percy Jackson series on Disney+?
Announced back in 2020, fans have been eagerly awaiting the latest news on the Disney+ adaptation of the beloved fantasy novels Percy Jackson and the Olympians. In a significant new update, it appears the upcoming series has found its Percy – The Adam Project star, Walker Scobell.
Francis C. La Maina, Former COO of Dick Clark Productions, Dies at 82
Francis C. La Maina, the former COO of Dick Clark Productions who helped create Dick Clark Corporate Productions in 1991, has died at 82. La Maina, who represented Clark for over 25 years as his business advisor and president and board member of Clark’s affiliated companies, died Friday in Burbank, California.“We announce with great sadness that Francis C.
Francis La Maina, Former President of Dick Clark Productions, Dies at 82
Wilson Chapman editorFrancis “Fran” La Maina, who served as president and chief operating officer of Dick Clark Productions, died Saturday in Burbank, Calif., his representative Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to Variety. He was 82.“Fran was my soulmate,” his domestic partner Carla Patterson said in a statement.
‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 to Answer Big Questions, Duffer Brothers Promise
Creators and showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer took part in the Deadline Contenders TV panel over the weekend, where they shared some new details about the hotly anticipated fourth season. (Season 3 premiered way back on July 4, 2019.)They referred to the news season as their “’Game of Thrones’ season.” “We kind of jokingly call it our ‘Game of Thrones’ season because it’s so spread out.
Bebe Rexha and Jimmie Allen on Being 'American Idol' Mentors After Previously Auditioning (Exclusive)
Bebe Rexha and Jimmie Allen are returning to their roots. ET's Lauren Zima spoke to the musicians at Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa in Kapolei, Hawaii, where the pair were serving as mentors on , years after they each auditioned for the singing competition series.«It's hard, 'cause I feel like we actually care about the future generations of music of all genres,» Allen said of their mentoring gig.
Kelsey Grammer To Host ‘Historic Battles’ Series For Fox Nation — Update
UPDATE, Wednesday, 1:49 PM PT: Kelsey Grammer has signed on to headline another series in the Fox News Media wheelhouse.
Bob Odenkirk to Star in Dramedy Series ‘Straight Man’ in Development at AMC
Joe Otterson TV ReporterBob Odenkirk could already have a new AMC show lined up.Variety has learned that the “Better Call Saul” star is attached to lead a new dramedy series that is currently being fast-tracked in development at AMC. The series is called “Straight Man,” based on the Richard Russo novel of the same name. It is described a mid-life crisis tale set at Railton College, told in the first person by William Henry Devereaux, Jr.
'RHOC': Noella Bergener Opts Out of Group Excursions After Heather Dubrow Drama (Exclusive)
cast's trip to Aspen, Colorado, isn't over yet. After the group's first dinner imploded when Noella Bergener brought up allegations against Heather Dubrow, claiming Heather physically assaulted someone at a party she hosted at the start of the season, Noella's gone a bit MIA. «So, has anyone seen Noella today?» Shannon Beador asks the other ladies over breakfast, to which Emily Simpson replies, «No, but I saw a Bloody Mary and a bowl of fruit go to her room.» «I don't think she's going with us,» Gina Kirschenheiter remarks, quickly followed by a laughing Dr. Jen Armstrong, who says, «Let's go before she changes her mind!»Heather joins in on Jen's laughter.