Manori Ravindran Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to make an appearance at the Berlinale, Variety has learned. A spokesperson for the Berlin Film Festival, which kicks off on Thursday, confirmed that the Ukrainian leader “will be present at Berlinale in some kind of form,” although “which and when is not confirmed yet.” Zelenskyy is the subject of one of the festival’s most high-profile projects: Sean Penn and Aaron Kaufman’s top-secret documentary “Superpower.” The details of the film have remained sparse for over a year, when it was first revealed that Penn had been in Ukraine when the war with Russia broke out.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International A sequel to “Plane” is officially taking flight — or rather, setting sail. Mike Colter, who played accused murderer Louis Gaspare in the original film, will headline the new, nautical movie, which is aptly titled “Ship.” Producers MadRiver Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures and G-BASE Productions are returning for the sequel, with director Jean-François Richet also back as an executive producer. The follow-up will focus on Colter’s character, who escaped extradition to Toronto when Trailblazer Flight 119 went down in the Philippines, and formed an unlikely partnership with Gerard Butler’s Captain Brodie Torrance to rescue the plane’s passengers and crew from pirates.

Manori Ravindran International Editor “She Said” screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz has said the New York Times journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story in 2017 fed her chapters of their book as they were writing it in order to bring the novel to screen sooner. Speaking as part of a Variety-sponsored London Film Festival panel on screenwriting, the British scribe of such films as the Keira Knightley-fronted “Colette” and Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Ida” described working closely with reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey to write Universal’s film adaptation of their 2019 book. The process took around four years, said Lenkiewicz. “I started working on it before I read the book,” said the Devon-born writer, who had six “freeing” weeks of writing on her own before even getting sight of a chapter.

Manori Ravindran International Editor The tear-stricken faces peering up adoringly at James Bond producer Michael G. Wilson, seated in the royal box at Royal Albert Hall, during a lengthy standing ovation at “The Sound of 007” concert said it all: It’s not just movie music — the music, for this franchise at least, is the movie. Tuesday’s charity event at London’s grandest venue preceded the Oct. 5 release of feature documentary “The Sound of 007” on Amazon’s Prime Video (the streamer’s top executives for Europe were, unsurprisingly, in the box next to the Bond guardians), and didn’t hesitate to remind both Bond novices and grizzled veterans that the franchise is virtually synonymous with some of cinema’s most iconic tracks.

Manori Ravindran International Editor Richard Linklater’s action comedy “Hitman” has begun production in New Orleans for AGC Studios, with actors Austin Amelio, Retta and Molly Bernard joining the cast. “Hitman” stars Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, and was announced ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, where it was first introduced to buyers. Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios is co-financing the movie with leading indie financiers Shivani Rawat’s ShivHans Pictures and Monarch Media. Powell, who plays Hangman in Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” stars in the project as a Houston cop who’s been working undercover as the most in-demand hitman in Houston, until one day he breaks protocol in order to help a desperate woman (Arjona) trying to escape an abusive boyfriend. The project is based on a Texas Monthly article.

Manori Ravindran International Editor Imprison Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s “No Bears” has sold into North America, with Sideshow and Janus Films acquiring U.S. rights, and Films We Like buying the movie for Canada. “No Bears,” which premiered earlier this month at the Venice Film Festival, portrays two parallel love stories. “In both, the lovers are troubled by hidden, inevitable obstacles, the force of superstition and the mechanics of power,” reads an official synopsis. The film is written, produced, and directed by Panahi, and stars Panahi, Naser Hashemi, Vahid Mobaseri, Bakhtiar Panjei, Mina Kavani, Narjes Dalaram and Reza Heydari.

Manori Ravindran International Editor As it continues to cement its European leadership structure, Warner Bros. Disccovery has set out the team working across France, Benelux and Africa under Pierre Branco, general manager for the region. Branco, who reports into EMEA boss Priya Dogra, was previously country manager for WarnerMedia in France, Benelux, Middle East and Africa and head of affiliates and ad sales for EMEA. The changes on his team take effect immediately. In the new layout, Romain Carbonne will manage the insights and research teams across the region, while Guillaume Coffin will lead affiliate sales, ad sales and content licensing for the region.

Manori Ravindran International Editor The Toronto International Film Festival has withdrawn the film “Sparta” following allegations of on-set impropriety against director Ulrich Seidl. “Sparta” was due to have its world premiere in Toronto on Friday afternoon. However, there has been speculation as to whether the film would remain in the festival after allegations against Seidl and the production were published last week in German news magazine Der Spiegel. The investigation alleges that Seidl did not communicate the film’s theme of paedophilia to its young actors, who were between the ages of 9 and 16. It’s also alleged that the actors were confronted with alcoholism, nudity and violence during the production without adequate preparation or support.

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin and Fremantle Group COO and CEO Continental Europe Andrea Scrosati are set to deliver a keynote address at Mipcom. The session comes on the heels of Fremantle Group’s recent high-profile acquisitions, including Element Pictures (“Conversations With Friends”), Lux Vide (“Medici”), Dancing Ledge Productions (“The Salisbury Poisonings”) and Eureka (“Holey Moley”). alongside talent partnerships with globally-renowned creatives including Angelina Jolie, Neil Cross, Paolo Sorrentino, Luca Guadagnino, Michael Winterbottom, Jimmy Fallon, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Simon Cowell, Penelope Cruz, Pablo and Juan De Dios Larrain and Cara Delevingne.

Manori Ravindran International Editor“Tinder Swindler” production outfit AGC Studios has launched a new division for non-fiction and unscripted content, headed by former Magical Elves executive Joel Zimmer.AGC Unwritten will develop, finance, produce and distribute the company’s burgeoning unscripted slate, with Zimmer serving as president. The intention is for the non-scripted arm to match AGC’s busy operations in the feature film and scripted TV arena.Set up by Stuard Ford in 2018, AGC Studios’ non-fiction titles include the upcoming documentary series “Nobu,” about the famed restauranteur and entrepreneur Nobu Matsuhisa, from documentary director Matt Tyrnauer (“Valentino: The Last Emperor,” “Where’s My Roy Cohn?”).

Naman Ramachandran The Variety Welcome to Cannes party at the Unifrance terrace was the place to be on Thursday afternoon, with guests including Eva Longoria, Sony Pictures Classics’ Tom Bernard and Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente.The hot ticket event was a bubbles and canapes celebration where the movers and shakers of the entertainment industry turned up in force to mingle after two years of COVID-caused separation.Dayna Wolpa, managing director, programming and distribution at Variety, kicked off proceedings by saying that Variety has been covering the Cannes Film Festival for 75 of the publication’s 116 years of existence and that Variety.com has 35 million unique users. “That makes Variety the No.

Naman Ramachandran Emmy-nominated Michael Sheen (“Good Omens”) will join the upcoming TEDxSoho talk on May 30 at London’s Cambridge Theatre virtually via a pre-recorded session. The event will also feature an in-person talk from actor Ray Panthaki, recently BIFA-nominated for “Boiling Point,” while Brit and Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing.Hosted by “The Battersea Poltergeist” podcast creator Danny Robins, the curated program of short inspirational talks features previously announced speakers including U.K Cinema Association CEO Phil Clapp, Variety international editor Manori Ravindran, author and computational biologist, autism advocate and winer of the 2020 Science Book Award, Dr.

Manori Ravindran International Editor5Ringside Media, the investment arm of Newen-backed indie Ringside Studios, has taken a minority stake in Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s Joi Productions.Joi Productions was founded by Gharoro-Akpojotor (pictured, right), and in 2020 received a BFI Vision award. Gharoro-Akpojotor, a BAFTA Breakthrough nominee, has had breakout hits producing Rapman’s “Blue Story” and “Boxing Day.” She is currently producing the BBC’s “Champion,” written by “Queenie” author and screenwriter Candice Carty-Williams.

K.J. Yossman Sony Pictures Television International chief Wayne Garvie has set his sights on European production, he revealed during a keynote discussion at MipTV on Monday afternoon.Garvie was speaking alongside Bad Wolf co-founder Jane Tranter in a panel discussion moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran.

K.J. Yossman Kevin Mayer, co-CEO of Blackstone Group-backed Candle Media, discussed the company’s 360 IP-investment strategy at the MipTV conference in Cannes on Monday morning.Mayer was appearing alongside Moonbug Entertainment co-founder René Rechtman on a panel moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran.

Naman Ramachandran “Is bigger generally better?” was one of the hot button topics being debated at a Series Mania panel on Wednesday and the answer in general was there is always room for growth in a rapidly expanding market, albeit with some caveats. Weighing in on the topic were the heads of Europe-based companies, each of which operate several labels across territories.

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentVariety shined a spotlight on European talents at its jam-packed dinner cocktail party at Series Mania Festival in Lille, France.The event, which was co-hosted by Variety and Series Mania Forum, celebrated Mo Abudu, the CEO of Nigeria’s EbonyLife Media who won the 2022 Woman in Series Award. The party also brought together the laureates of the Copro pitching sessions and over 800 international industry players.Following an introduction by Series Mania Forum’s head Francesco Capurro, Variety‘s international editor Manori Ravindran welcomed on stage three rising series directors and creators who are part of Variety’s 10 European Talents to Watch: Chas Appeti and Junior Okoli, the cinematographer and director of “Jungle,” and Quoc Dang Tran, the creator, showrunner and writer of Disney Plus’ French original “Parallels.” “Jungle” is an Amazon Original Series showcasing the creativity of the U.K.’s drill, grime and rap music.

William Earl Variety is pleased to welcome thought-leaders at the forefront of the global TV industry to share their strategies for success. Angela Colla, Head of International Sales, Globo; Carol Hanley, President, Whip Media; Lisa Holme, Group SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy for Discovery, Inc.; Miquel Penella, President, Streaming Services, AMC Networks; Rodrigo Mazón, EVP & GM of SVOD, Univision; and Jeff Shultz, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Paramount Streaming, sit down with Variety International Editor, Manori Ravindran, for the panel discussion “Have Content, Will Travel: Strategies for Building a Global TV Audience,” airing March 29 in the Variety Streaming Room.  “Today’s streaming age is creating new possibilities for content to gain traction worldwide. In this highly competitive market, being armed with data capable of determining what titles have the strongest appeal — and why — is a major competitive advantage,” said Carol Hanley, President of Whip Media. Streaming has upended the business in a way no one ever imagined, but these companies are learning and creating strategies that will allow their businesses to expand in the years to come.

Naman Ramachandran BBC Three series “Munya and Filly Get Chilly,” a spin-off from BBC One‘s “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” produced by Hungry Bear Media, is set to offer a light-hearted take on the challenges of the main show, which will follow a group of celebrities facing a test of mental strength under the guidance of extreme athlete Wim Hof. In the spin-off, presenters, comedy stars Munya and Filly, will immerse themselves in sub-zero temperatures and take on Hof’s challenges, from breathing exercises to ice baths and beyond.

Terry Flores Variety won 26 National Art and Entertainment Journalism Awards, including entertainment publication for its 115th anniversary issue “Gamechangers” and two journalist of the year awards: senior vice president Tim Gray for print and deputy music editor Jem Aswad for online.The venerable entertainment publication received 98 nominations.The awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work created from July 2020 through June 2021, were handed out virtually Feb. 17 after an in-person event scheduled for Feb.

Naman Ramachandran James Burstall, CEO of Argonon, the parent company behind “The Masked Singer U.K.,” has spoken out about the need for a “strong” BBC and Channel 4 for the good of the U.K. TV industry.Speaking at the 2022 Creative Coalition Festival on Wednesday, Burstall said: “The BBC has absolutely propped up and created and grown and nurtured an incredible bed of talent, who then move out to the independent sector and then back again. I grew up with this extraordinary institution, which is flawed, probably needs some changes.

Terry Flores Variety‘s International Editor Manori Ravindran, Senior Entertainment Writer Angelique Jackson and Senior Correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister have been selected as 2021 Top Women in Media honorees in the category of up and comers.The Top Women in Media Awards are presented by AdMonsters and Folio to honor women who are making a significant impact in the publishing industry.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentOn Tuesday night, the eve of the 78th annual Venice Film Festival, Variety hosted a rooftop party at the Hotel Danieli honoring fest topper Alberto Barbera and the Biennale, its parent organization, with its International Achievement in Film Award.Variety international editor Manori Ravindran presented the prize to Barbera and Roberto Cicutto, the president of the Biennale.The event’s theme was “Stairway to Parasite,” a tribute to director Bong Joon Ho,

Variety Staff Follow Us on TwitterVariety International Editor Manori Ravindran will moderate a conversation about succeeding in the global streaming economy with Yulia Poltorak, Head of International Content Distribution, Roku; Jane Millichip, Chief Commercial Officer, Sky Studios; Kelly Day, Chief Operating Officer, ViacomCBS Networks International; Debbie Weinstein, VP, YouTube and video global solutions, Google; and Stefan Lederer, CEO, Bitmovin.

Manori Ravindran International Editor“The Trip” helmer Michael Winterbottom is set to direct a series depicting the U.K.’s muddled response to the coronavirus crisis under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.Producer-distributor Fremantle is partnering with “True Detective” executive producer Richard Brown’s nascent production outfit Passenger and Winterbottom’s Revolution Films on the project, which will have a keen focus on Johnson, who was admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 in late March and

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran

By Manori Ravindran