Latest news with #BenBarnes
Geek Tyrant
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
New Poster and Photos From Stephen King's THE INSTITUTE Series — GeekTyrant
MGM+ recently released a new poster and a few new images from its series adaptation of Stephen King's The Institute . I loved the bok that this series is based on and I hope this series ends up giving us a strong adaptation. In The Institute , 'When 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. 'In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson (Barnes) has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won't last, as his story and Luke's are destined to collide.' Ben Barnes' Tim Jamieson is 'a disillusioned ex-cop who takes a job as the night knocker in a small town, withdrawing from the world until Luke's plight reignites him and gives him something to believe in.' Mary-Louise Parker will play Ms. Sigsby, 'the charming but iron-willed director of the Institute and a true believer in its awful mission. She's certain history will come to see her as a hero.' A trailer for the film was previously shared to press behind closed door. It offers 'a first look at the Institute itself, a cement, brutalist-style building where kids with telekinetic powers are taken after being mysteriously abducted. 'Luke, played by newcomer Joe Freeman, is seen meeting the fellow children in the Institute as well as villain Ms. Sigsby for the first time, who encourages him that he is doing something good for the world as he is hooked up to machines and made to move objects.' Parker says in the trailer: 'You're not kids, not here. There's no bedtime, there's no chores. But here, if you break a rule, there's grown-up consequences.' There are clips flashing of the children being abused and tortured. The Institute is being developed by Jack Bender ( Lost, Mr. Mercedes ), who will produce and direct, and Benjamin Cavell ( Justified, The Stand ) who will write and produce. King previously said in a statement: 'I'm delighted and excited at the prospect of The Institute, with its high-intensity suspense, being filmed as a series. The combination of Jack Bender and Ben Cavell guarantees that the results will be terrific.' Michael Wright, head of MGM+ added: 'We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work again with Stephen King. And The Institute, based on his critically acclaimed novel, is an exciting addition to the MGM+ original series slate. 'There is no creative team I would trust more to bring the book to life than Jack and Ben, whose creative vision and love of Mr. King's voice, will bring this thought-provoking and gut-wrenching story to life, in the engaging, cinematic, and thrilling style MGM+ viewers expect.' Bender said: 'I'm thrilled that Stephen King has entrusted me with another of his brilliant novels and continuing the extraordinary creative relationship with Michael Wright and MGM+. 'Working alongside Ben Cavell and a team of exceptional writers, to tell the story of these uniquely gifted children, will ensure a suspenseful and engrossing series.' Cavell added: 'It is my great honor to have another chance to adapt Stephen King, who has been generous and collaborative beyond my wildest imaginings. 'Also, the opportunity to work with Jack Bender, who has directed some of my all-time favorite television, is truly a dream come true. I couldn't be more grateful to Michael Wright and MGM for putting this team together.' The series will consist of eight episodes.
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
‘The Institute': Stephen King's New TV Thriller Premieres in London
American writer Stephen King and director Jack Bender have joined forces again for a new TV thriller "The Institute", which premiered in London on Thursday. Based on King's best-selling 2019 novel by the same name, Bender said after working together on shows such as crime drama "Mr. Mercedes" and sci-fi show "Under the Dome" they were keen to find a new project. "This show is about the power of youth coming together to rectify the world that all of us adults have screwed up a little bit," Bender said. As well as directing, Bender, along with King has an executive producer credit on the show, as does Ben Cavell, who also wrote the small screen adaptation. Joe Freeman, in his first major role, stars as Luke Ellis, a teenager with unusual abilities, who is kidnapped and taken to "The Institution," a facility full of trapped kids with psychological powers. "He's never acted and he's remarkable .... The minute I saw him on tape, it was: 'Oh, my God, this kid is it. He's so real,'" Bender said of 19-year-old Freeman, the son of actor Martin Freeman. Asked if his dad, known for "The Hobbit" franchise and "Sherlock" had given him any advice, Joe Freeman said it was not to take anything for granted, as "the job (of an actor) is 99% rejection." Freeman stars alongside Emmy award winner Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby, who runs the institution and Ben Barnes, who plays an ex-cop whose life becomes intertwined with the facility. "It's a sort of... a slow simmering sort of horrifying thriller rather than a horror," Barnes said. While the first series covers the book, there are plans to continue. "We certainly intend to tell much more story... if there's an appetite for it, we will absolutely continue this story because these characters, these actors, this crew... it all feels too good to leave behind," Cavell said.
Geek Girl Authority
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Stephen King's THE INSTITUTE Series Gets Release Date and First-Look Photos
The television adaptation of Stephen King's The Institute drops this Summer. The series is based on King's 2019 novel of the same name and follows Luke Ellis, a kidnapped teen, who awakens at an Institute with several others like him. Ben Barnes and Joe Freeman lead a talented cast for the MGM+ horror series. MGM+ has announced the release date for its upcoming Stephen King adaptation, The Institute . Alongside the release date, the streamer has also released several images from the show. Scroll down to the bottom of the article to see the images, and read on to learn everything we know about the horror series so far. The Institute on MGM+ Based on the 2019 novel of the same name, The Institute follows Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman), an ordinary American teenager of extraordinary intelligence. After being kidnapped, Ellis awakens at the titular Institute. There, he meets several other children, each with their own unusual abilities, who have been subjected to the same fate. RELATED: Mike Flanagan's Carrie Series Gets Greenlight From Prime Video Meanwhile, Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes) is a former police officer who is haunted by his past. Jamieson has relocated to a town near the Institute in the hopes of starting a new, quieter life. However, such a fate is not to be, as he soon becomes embroiled in the situation faced by Ellis. Also appearing on the series are Hannah Galway (Wendy), Fionn Laird (Nick), Simone Miller (Kalisha), Mary-Louise Parker (Ms. Sigsby) and Martin Roach (Chief Ashworth). The cast also includes several actors who have previously appeared in other King adaptations. One of these is Julian Richings (Stackhouse), who previously appeared in King's American miniseries adaptation of Kingdom Hospital . Meanwhile, Robert Joy (Dr. Hendricks) previously appeared in the 1993 film adaptation of King's novel The Dark Half . RELATED: Solar Opposites : 8 Stephen King References The Institute is from MGM+ Studios, director/executive producer Jack Bender ( LOST ) and writer/executive producer Benjamin Cavell ( The Stand ). Comprised of eight episodes, the Stephen King horror series will debut on July 13, 2025. Will you be checking out The Institute when it arrives? GGA's Otherworldly Summer Reading List Avery Kaplan is the author of several books and the Features Editor at Comics Beat. She was honored to serve as a judge for the 2021 Cartoonist Studio Prize Award and the 2021 Prism Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her partner and a pile of cats, and her favorite place to visit is the cemetery. You can also find her writing on Comics Bookcase, NeoText, Shelfdust, the Mary Sue, in many issues of PanelxPanel, and in the margins of the books in her personal library.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Reuters
'The Institute': Stephen King's new TV thriller premieres in London
LONDON, June 5 - American writer Stephen King and director Jack Bender have joined forces again for a new TV thriller "The Institute", which premiered in London on Thursday. Based on King's best-selling 2019 novel by the same name, Bender said after working together on shows such as crime drama "Mr Mercedes" and sci-fi show "Under the Dome" they were keen to find a new project. "This show is about the power of youth coming together to rectify the world that all of us adults have screwed up a little bit," Bender said. As well as directing, Bender, along with King has an executive producer credit on the show, as does Ben Cavell, who also wrote the small screen adaptation. Joe Freeman, in his first major role, stars as Luke Ellis, a teenager with unusual abilities, who is kidnapped and taken to "The Institution," a facility full of trapped kids with psychological powers. "He's never acted and he's remarkable ….The minute I saw him on tape, it was: 'Oh, my God, this kid is it. He's so real,'" Bender said of 19-year-old Freeman, the son of actor Martin Freeman. Asked if his dad, known for "The Hobbit" franchise and "Sherlock" had given him any advice, Joe Freeman said it was not to take anything for granted, as "the job (of an actor) is 99% rejection." Freeman stars alongside Emmy award winner Mary-Louise Parker as Ms Sigsby, who runs the institution and Ben Barnes, who plays an ex-cop whose life becomes intertwined with the facility. "It's a sort of… a slow simmering sort of horrifying thriller rather than a horror," Barnes said. While the first series covers the book, there are plans to continue. "We certainly intend to tell much more story….if there's an appetite for it, we will absolutely continue this story because these characters, these actors, this crew... it all feels too good to leave behind," Cavell said.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Political notes: Lawmakers get a pat on the back, Kamonjoh, Thomas get new jobs, more
House Appropriations chair Ben Barnes (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) and Senate Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone discuss the budget with reporters during the 2025 legislative session. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Who says being a lawmaker is a thankless job? The Arc Maryland said thanks to four lawmakers Thursday, recognizing them at the Arc Maryland's 65th Convention and Awards banquet for their part in clawing back nearly $300 million in proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone (D-Howard), Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes (D- Prince George's and Anne Arundel), Sen. Cory McCray (D-Baltimore City) and Del. Emily Shetty (D-Montgomery) were each given a Legislator of the Year award Thursday at the Arc Maryland's 65th Convention and Awards banquet. As chairs of committees that create the state budget, Guzzone and Barnes were influential in restoring millions in funding back to the DDA, which oversees the services for people with developmental disabilities, after Gov. Wes Moore (D) initially proposed $457 million in cuts for the 2026 budget citing unsustainable growth and costs. Much of the work to restore almost $300 million to the agency occurred in budget subcommittees in the respective chambers, with McCray leading the effort in the Health and Human Services subcommittee and Shetty leading the Health and Social Services subcommittee. 'This was a heck of a year – one that we would not like to be repeated,' Guzzone said in accepting his award. It was a grueling session for advocates in the developmental disabilities community. Hundreds of people with disabilities, their families and support staff rallied in Annapolis against the hefty cuts, and significant lobbying efforts continued throughout session. Guzzone recognized the persistent lobbying from the developmental disability community this session as 'inspiring' and an example of democracy at work. 'I am just touched by the fact that all of you keep telling your stories, bringing them to the legislature,' he said 'And there are others in the legislature who really stepped up.' 'This was a session when we needed all hands on deck,' he said. 'The team of people who came together who said, 'No way, we're not going to let this happen. We're going to work with the administration to make this thing — this enormous amount of money — we're going to figure out a way to deal with it.'' Teresa Thomas, who designed and led a neurodiversity internship program at MITRE and supported pilot neurodiversity hiring programs at federal agencies, is joining Melwood Community Services to lead and expand its abilIT initiative, the organization announced last week. CONTACT US The abilIT program bridges the gap between people with disabilities and careers in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity, with free training for eligible individuals to help them get industry-recognized certifications, and foll0w-up help finding an IT-related job . As director, Thomas will drive the expansion of the program, which recently won an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to take the program nationwide. According to a Melwood news release announcing the appointment, Thomas has spent nearly a decade in neurodivergent talent recruiting and retentio. She has led and trained teams in neurodiversity-focused best practices, co-authored influential works on the topic – including the Neurodiversity@Work Playbook: Federal Edition – and is a parent to an adult on the autism spectrum. 'Teresa Thomas is a passionate advocate for neuroinclusive workplaces, having facilitated employment for neurodiverse individuals across industries in the U.S. and globally. She is the ideal leader for Melwood's abilIT program, and we're thrilled to welcome her expertise and dedication,' said Melwood President & CEO Larysa Kautz. 'I'm honored to lead the abilIT team and contribute to a transformative program that changes lives by preparing adults with disabilities for rewarding careers in a high-demand sector of our economy,' Thomas said in the Melwood release. The abilIT program addresses critical challenges: high underemployment and unemployment rates among neurodivergent and disabled adults, the growing demand for IT and tech talent, and the need for a cohesive national solution. To learn more about abilIT or to apply for the program visit Edward Kamonjoh, who was recently director of impact management at Calvert Research and Management, was named last week as the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System's next senior corporate governance manager. Kamonjoh will 'oversee the strategic execution of the System's governance program, including proxy voting, the integration of material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment due diligence, and board-level engagement initiatives,' according to an agency release announcing the appointment. 'Edward's appointment signals a deepened commitment by the System to uphold leading governance practices, informed engagement and responsible stewardship across our investment operations,' State Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, chair of the SRPS Board of Trustees, said in the release. 'We are confident that his global perspective and policy fluency will enhance our governance framework in meaningful and measurable ways.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Kamonjoh has more than two decades of corporate governance and investment experience. At Calvert Research and Management, part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, he designed and led a landmark impact stewardship program, according to the SRPS release. He has also worked at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), The 50/50 Climate Project and Climate Safe Lending. In his new role, he will advise the system's chief investment officer and the board of trustees, he will be responsible for implementing a proxy voting program, include ESG — environmental, social and governance — into investment considerations, and will represent SRPS with corporate issuers, regulatory bodies and policy organizations. 'Edward's industry experience and passion for principled investing make him uniquely equipped to guide the System through an evolving governance landscape,' said Comptroller Brooke Lierman, vice chair of the SRPS board and chair of the investment committee. 'His leadership will help ensure our governance program not only reflects the highest standards but also delivers on our long-term investment and fiduciary goals.' Kamonjoh officially began his job Wednesday, when he was introduced at the SRPS Board of Trustees meeting. Maryland State Retirement Agency Chief Investment Officer Andrew Palmer has been named to Blueprint Capital Advisors' 2025 'Power100' list as a leading allocator among institutional investors. The Power 100 is a nonprofit enterprise designed 'to shine a spotlight on alternative investment organizations, professionals and investors that are high performing, impacting the industry and narrowing societal gaps related to wealth, health, education, and other areas important to us all.' 'This recognition speaks to the work of our investment team and the broader mission of the Maryland State Retirement Agency,' Palmer said in a release from the retirement agency. 'It's gratifying to see how our investment strategy not only secures the long-term retirement benefits of our members but also contributes meaningfully to the future of the investment industry.' It is the second consecutive year Palmer has been named to the Power 100. Under his guidance, the agency said, the investment division has consistently pursued innovative strategies while staying grounded in the fiduciary responsibilities owed to Maryland's public employees and retirees. 'Andy's recognition is a reflection of the values we prioritize at SRA: integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to the public good,' said SRA Executive Director Martin Noven. 'We're proud that our investment program is not only producing strong results for members, but also serving as a model for principled, inclusive leadership in the broader investment community.' The list also features other prominent state pension systems, including CalSTRS, the New York State Common Retirement Fund, and the Employees' Retirement System of Hawaii. A full list of the 2025 Power 100 honorees is available at
