NFTS And Left Bank Pictures Launch UK Writers Scheme; Tom Felton Pic Lands International Deal — Global Briefs

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Rome Film Fest opener “There’s Still Tomorrow,” a bold period dramedy that marks the directorial debut of popular Italian actor Paola Cortellesi, has scored a slew of international sales. The film, shot in black-and-white and set in post-World War II Rome, riffs on Italy’s neorealist past, albeit with a female empowerment element angle and a contemporary A-list Italian cast.

Daniel Radcliffe has finally reacted to fan rumors that he might be the next Wolverine, noting that there is simply no truth to the theory.“No,” Radcliffe, 34, confirmed during a Vanity Fair lie detector interview with his “Merrily We Roll Along” costars Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez.When asked by Mendez if he got buff for no reason, he laughed.“Yes. I got buff because I am obsessive, and I want to… You’ve seen my parents, they’re like insane fitness people,” he said.

Manchester United forwards Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund scored superb goals for their countries on Tuesday night.

It’s our first celebrity “Seemingly Ranch” Halloween costume of 2023!

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Veteran media exec Christian Toksvig is launching Cocoa Media, a distribution company dedicated to placing content on Free Advertising Supported Television (FAST) platforms. Cocoa has pacted with cutting edge Turkish content aggregator Merzigo to bring Turkish dramas into the FAST sphere.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Beta Film’s Channel4/Starz drama series “The Couple Next Door” is moving across European neighborhoods, being sold ahead of Mipcom to Movistar Plus+ in Spain and throughout the Nordics. Public broadcasters NRK for Norway, YLE for Finland, SVT for Sweden, DR for Denmark and RUV for Iceland snagged the thriller, starring Sam Heughan (“Outlander,” “Suspect”) and Eleonor Tomlinson (“Poldark,” “The War of the Worlds”). The show explores the stultifying claustrophobia of suburbia and the fallout of chasing one’s darkest desires.

Brent Lang Executive Editor Cross Creek Pictures has acquired “The Sessions,” a new screenplay from writer and former Paramount Pictures executive Tom 8. Hayes. The screenplay is based on true events, telling a storyset amidst the New York City jazz scene of the mid-1950s.

EXCLUSIVE: UK-based sales and distribution company Blue Finch Film Releasing has acquired worldwide sales rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, to Jordon Prince-Wright’s WW1 war feature Before Dawn. First-look materials will be available to view at the American Film Market, where Blue Finch will begin sales.

Crunchyroll and GSN, each a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, have joined forces to launch a new 24/7 anime streaming channel.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Ryadh-based media conglomerate SRMG has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to launch Asharq Discovery, a free-to-view pan-Arabic-language platform with a lineup that includes shows that have never been seen for free in Arabic before. These include international dating reality TV series “90 Day Fiancé” (pictured), reality shows “Gold Rush” and “Wheeler Dealers” and the Morgan Freeman-hosted science docs program “Through the Wormhole.” Warner Bros.

EXCLUSIVE: The Eternal Memory, the latest film from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Maite Alberdi (The Mole Agent), has landed a series of international deals for Dogwoof and MTV Documentary Films ahead of its UK premiere this week at the London Film Festival. 

Emily Longeretta Eight of Wolf Entertainment/Universal Television writers rooms are opening this week following the end of the writers strike. Additionally, two new showrunners have been named: “Chicago Fire” Season 12 will be run by Andrea Newman, formerly co-showrunner with Derek Haas; and “FBI: International” Season 3 will be run by executive producer Matt Olmstead.

Coronation Street spoilers have revealed that married life doesn't get off to the best start for Paul Foreman and Billy Mayhew.The pair tied the knot in the Bistro in some emotional scenes that aired on Monday, 2 October, but knowing that Billy was disappointed that they didn't get married in a church, Paul had a surprise up his sleeve. After the ceremony, as the pair made their way outside, Paul told his husband that he had found a vicar to marry them again, but this time in the church.

Naman Ramachandran The U.K.’s National Film and Television School (NFTS) has partnered with “The Crown” producer Left Bank Pictures on the NFTS Diverse Writers Development Program that kicks off in March 2024. It will select six emerging U.K. screenwriters from under-represented backgrounds to contribute their voices to the entertainment landscape and inject fresh perspectives into scripted drama.

Adam Thomas is clearly getting into the Strictly Come Dancing spirit as after his first set of rehearsals saw him wishing to get back home. This week he's keen to get back into training after being forced to miss a session before his second performance of the competition.

Naman Ramachandran Stephen Graham and Keira Knightley are among the British talents backing a pioneering U.K. initiative to prevent and tackle bullying and harassment that will launch in 2024. The stars, and U.K.

Selome Hailu Tom Brady is getting the biopic treatment. The Gotham Group is developing a scripted limited series titled “The Patriot Way” based on the career of NFL superstar, who led the New England Patriots to nine Super Bowls, winning six.

Michael Gambon has died at the age of 82. The beloved English actor had a lengthy and prodigious career in theater, television, radio, and film, and was known for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” films. Argentine actress Silvina Luna has passed away at the age of 43Sandra Bullock’s partner Bryan Randall dies at 57: what is ALS?Gambon’s death was confirmed by a statement released on behalf of his family.

EXCLUSIVE: Roland Emmerich is heading to next month’s Mipcom Cannes to present first-look footage from upcoming Gladiator epic Those About to Die.

has died at the age of 82. The British star, known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the magical film franchise, died at a hospital after suffering from pneumonia.Fellow actors and fans alike have taken to social media to express their condolences and to pay tribute to the star.“The Crown” actor Jared Harris — whose father Richard Harris was the original Dumbledore — penned on X: “Hilarious! A brilliant actor. I saw him on stage several times, and he lives unforgettably in my memory.” “He took over Dumbledore from my father, which was fitting as he over took [Marlon] Brando as my father’s favourite actor,” Harris added.Fan site Harry Potter Universe chimed in: “Sad to report that Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the last six Harry Potter films, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.