Latest news with #AliAfshar
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic '80s Rock Band Biopic Announces Star-Studded Cast
Iconic '80s Rock Band Biopic Announces Star-Studded Cast originally appeared on Parade. An iconic 1980s rock group is getting a biopic, and the star-studded cast has just been announced. Scorpions, the German hard rock band behind "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "Wind of Change," is getting a feature film biopic from FOX Entertainment Studios, and on Friday, June 27, the studio announced the cast for the main roles. The biopic is called Wind of Change and it chronicles "he incredible journey of the legendary rock group the Scorpions, with the longest-running and most successful line-up of the band." Dominic West (The Crown) is playing Scorpions famous manager Don McGhee, Alexander Dreymon (The Last Kingdom) is starring as guitarist Rudolf Schenker, Ludwig Trepte (Generation War) is playing frontman Klaus Meine, Ed Speleers (You) is playing guitarist Matthias Jab, Luke Brandon Field (Interview with the Vampire, Jojo Rabbit) is playing drummer Herman Rarebell and David Kross (The Reader) is playing Andrej, the band's friend who is imprisoned on the other side of the Berlin description of the film reads, "Through their music, with hits ranging from 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' to 'Still Loving You,' the Scorpions helped bridge the divide between East and West, leaving an indelible mark on history and proving the transformative power of art." 'It's been an unbelievable journey developing this film, and bringing it to life feels surreal,' says Ali Afshar, Founder and President of ESX Entertainment, in a statement. 'Not only did the Scorpions' music help me get through tremendous difficulties as an Iranian immigrant in America in the early 80s, but their message of love, peace and rock 'n' roll seems more relevant today than ever. This cast is an amazing ensemble of truly great talent. I can't thank FOX Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment enough for their support and especially the band — Rudolf, Klaus and Matthias — for believing in us and trusting us to tell their life story.' Wind of Change is set for a 2025 theatrical debut, though no specific date has been announced yet. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Iconic '80s Rock Band Biopic Announces Star-Studded Cast first appeared on Parade on Jun 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Edinburgh Reporter
01-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Details of the AMA deal at Summerhall becoming clearer
Edinburgh-based developer AMA has concluded missives to secure the site at Summerhall, and say the development will include housing in the mix. The luxury house developer have now confirmed they bought the site at the closing date subject to planning consent. When that is obtained, AMA will purchase the Summerhall complex from the current owner, Oesselmann Estate Limited, and say they will 'sensitively develop it for the future'. A representative from Oesselmann Estate Limited, said: 'We are continuing to work closely with AMA to hand over ownership of Summerhall following a successful planning outcome. AMA has committed to creating a mixed-use space with a continued arts use that will truly enliven the fabric of the local community.' Stephen Kay, Director of Capital Markets at CuthbertWhite, the independent commercial property consultants managing the transaction, said: 'We are pleased to have secured agreement with Scot Art to manage the iconic Summerhall arts and entertainment venue. Within this process, Scot Art, alongside subtenant Summerhall Arts, have signed leases for the continued use of Summerhall for a minimum of three years.' AMA will now embark on the necessary consultations which are part of the planning process to determine the future use of the site. The developer says it hopes to lodge a planning application within the next twelve months. Dr Ali Afshar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of AMA, said: 'As a family owned, Edinburgh based company, we understand how deeply valued Summerhall is to the community here, and as its future custodian we will protect its historic legacy and forge a bright future for the estate. Having now formally entered a contract to acquire Summerhall, we will begin to consider the next steps to shape its plans for the future. In the coming months, we will begin to undertake consultations with the local community and The City of Edinburgh Council. 'We anticipate that this consultation period will take a considerable time as we prepare to lodge a planning application, given Summerhall is a highly sensitive site. This lengthy period will enable us all to agree a way forward. The redevelopment will be critical to maintaining the integrity of Summerhall and the fabric of its buildings, many of which are significantly underused, protecting them for the long term. 'We foresee that the result will be a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space, while providing a facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts. Our aim is to build a legacy that we can all be proud of, and we want to assure all parties that our guiding principle will be a commitment to creating a high-quality redevelopment for the benefit of all.' Anyone can ask to be updated about the future plans for Summerhall by registering at AMA@ Like this: Like Related
The National
29-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Major update on future of Summerhall as Edinburgh Fringe venue
Edinburgh-based developer AMA had previously been confirmed as the preferred bidder for the Summerhall arts hub, telling reporters bosses aim to treat the building with 'respect and consideration' for its 'rich history'. AMA has now entered a contract to secure the long-term legacy of the venue, but refused to comment on whether it would retain Summerhall as a Fringe venue. The arts complex, formerly a veterinary college, acts as a major venue during the Edinburgh Fringe and contains a pub as well as hosting spaces for artists and small businesses. READ MORE: Skerryvore release extra tickets for Scottish castle concert amid high demand The mixed-use development is expected to include a commercial element as well as 'living space', the developer said, adding that a public and planning consultation period to determine the future use of the site will take place within the next year. Clarity on the building's function as a Fringe venue will come in the form of its planning application and subsequent public consultation as the housebuilder works on the building for the next three years, the company said. A representative from Oesselmann Estate Limited, the buildings current owner, said: 'We are continuing to work closely with AMA to hand over ownership of Summerhall following a successful planning outcome. AMA has committed to creating a mixed-use space with a continued arts use that will truly enliven the fabric of the local community.' Stephen Kay, director of Capital Markets at CuthbertWhite, the independent commercial property consultants managing the transaction, added: 'We are pleased to have secured agreement with Scot Art to manage the iconic Summerhall arts and entertainment venue. "Within this process, Scot Art, alongside subtenant Summerhall Arts, have signed leases for the continued use of Summerhall for a minimum of three years.' (L-R): Neil Gordon, Ali Afshar, and Stephen Kay (Image: AMA)In May 2024, the owners of Summerhall announced that they were planning to sell the site with estate agents claiming it had 'endless' potential to be developed into student housing, a 'boutique hotel', or offices. Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said: 'As a family owned, Edinburgh based company, we understand how deeply valued Summerhall is to the community here, and as its future custodian we will protect its historic legacy and forge a bright future for the estate. "Having now formally entered a contract to acquire Summerhall, we will begin to consider the next steps to shape its plans for the future. In the coming months, we will begin to undertake consultations with the local community and The City of Edinburgh Council. 'We anticipate that this consultation period will take a considerable time as we prepare to lodge a planning application, given Summerhall is a highly sensitive site. This lengthy period will enable us all to agree a way forward. The redevelopment will be critical to maintaining the integrity of Summerhall and the fabric of its buildings, many of which are significantly underused, protecting them for the long term. 'We foresee that the result will be a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space, while providing a facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts. Our aim is to build a legacy that we can all be proud of, and we want to assure all parties that our guiding principle will be a commitment to creating a high-quality redevelopment for the benefit of all.'
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Summerhall venue: Developers refuse to say if arts hub will remain as Fringe venue in long term
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Developers working on plans for the future of Edinburgh's Summerhall arts hub have refused to say whether their proposals include the complex continuing as a Fringe venue in the long term. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh-based AMA told the Evening News' sister paper The Scotsman that residential properties are to form a key part of the redevelopment of the former Royal (Dick) Vet School, but the site's future as a Fringe venue was undecided. The company - preferred bidders for Summerhall - said it planned to create residential and commercial space as well as continued arts provision in a "high quality redevelopment that will be beneficial to all". A contract to manage Summerhall is set to be agreed with AMA. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Summerhall has operated as an arts hub for 14 years and a major Fringe venue. And new charity Summerhall Arts is due to launch its 2025 Festival Fringe programme for the venue next week. A public consultation is planned on the future of the building. AMA is to work on plans for the complex - including obtaining formal planning consent - over the next three years. But it refused to comment on whether it would retain Summerhall as a Fringe venue in the longer term. The company, which is also behind the redevelopment of the former Scottish and Newcastle brewery site at Fountainbridge and other projects across the city, said the final make-up of the building would be dependent on the planning and consultation process and insisted it was "open minded". Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, told The Scotsman the contract for his company's acqusition of Summerhall was subject to acquiring planning consent. In the meantime, it will remain under the current owner, Oesselmann Estate. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Day to day management was taken over last month by charity Scot-Art, previously known as Edinburgh Palette, which will work alongside Summerhall Arts, headed by former Summerhall chief executive Sam Gough to "provide year-round arts and cultural activities" at the venue. Edinburgh arts venue Summerhall has been hosting shows and exhibitions since 2011 | Supplied Dr Afshar said: "As a family owned, Edinburg-based company, we understand how deeply valued Summerhall is to the community here, and as its future custodian we will protect its historic legacy and forge a bright future for the estate. "Having now formally entered a contract to acquire Summerhall, we will begin to consider the next steps to shape its plans for the future. In the coming months, we will begin to undertake consultations with the local community and the city council." The mixed use development is likely to include a commercial element as well as "living space". More than 100 organisations, predominantly artists and creative or tech-focused companies, are already based at the site. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Afshar added: "We anticipate that this consultation period will take a considerable time as we prepare to lodge a planning application, given Summerhall is a highly sensitive site. This lengthy period will enable us all to agree a way forward. We foresee that the result will be a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space, while providing a facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts.."
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Summerhall's Fringe venue hangs in the balance as homes to form key part of arts hub redevelopment
AMA will take over management of Summerhall, with a view to buying the venue Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Residential properties are to form a key part of the redevelopment of Edinburgh arts hub Summerhall, while the site's future as a Fringe venue is undecided, the company behind the project has revealed. Developer AMA said it plans to create residential and commercial space as well as continued arts provision at the complex in a 'high quality redevelopment that will be beneficial to all'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The housebuilder, which is to work on plans for the building - including obtaining formal planning consent - for the next three years, reiterated plans for a 'facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts' at Summerhall. However, it refused to comment on whether it would retain Summerhall as a Fringe venue in the longer term. A public consultation is to be launched into the future of the building, the former home of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, which has operated as an arts hub for 14 years and a major venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. AMA, which is behind the redevelopment of the former Scottish and Newcastle brewery site in the city's Fountainbridge district, as well as other high-end projects across the city, said the final make-up of the building would be dependent on the planning and consultation process and insisted it was 'open minded'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said the contract for his company's acqusition of Summerhall will be subject to acquiring planning consent. In the meantime, it will remain under the current owner, Oesselmann Estate. Meanwhile, the day to day management was last month taken over by charity Scot-Art, previously known as Edinburgh Palette, which will work alongside Summerhall Arts, a new charity headed by former Summerhall chief executive Sam Gough to 'provide year-round arts and cultural activities' at the venue. Dr Afshar said: 'As a family owned, Edinburgh-based company, we understand how deeply valued Summerhall is to the community here, and as its future custodian we will protect its historic legacy and forge a bright future for the estate. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Having now formally entered a contract to acquire Summerhall, we will begin to consider the next steps to shape its plans for the future. In the coming months, we will begin to undertake consultations with the local community and the City of Edinburgh Council.' The mixed use development is likely to include a commercial element as well as 'living space'. More than 100 organisations, predominantly artists and creative or tech-focused companies, are already based out of the site. Edinburgh arts venue Summerhall has been hosting shows and exhibitions since 2011 | Supplied Dr Afshar added: 'We anticipate that this consultation period will take a considerable time as we prepare to lodge a planning application, given Summerhall is a highly sensitive site. This lengthy period will enable us all to agree a way forward. The redevelopment will be critical to maintaining the integrity of Summerhall and the fabric of its buildings, many of which are significantly underused, protecting them for the long term. 'We foresee that the result will be a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space, while providing a facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts. Our aim is to build a legacy that we can all be proud of, and we want to assure all parties that our guiding principle will be a commitment to creating a high-quality redevelopment for the benefit of all.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When asked if the company would retain Summerhall's status as a Fringe venue after the redevelopment, a spokesman added: 'At this stage AMA will wait until after the consultation process and outcome until any decisions are made, but we aim to continue supporting the arts.' A representative from Oesselmann Estate said: 'We are continuing to work closely with AMA to hand over ownership of Summerhall following a successful planning outcome. AMA has committed to creating a mixed-use space with a continued arts use that will truly enliven the fabric of the local community.'
