Latest news with #BetaFilm
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
World War II Drama ‘Never Alone' From Klaus Haro Sells to Multiple Territories (EXCLUSIVE)
The Playmaker has closed several distribution deals for the World War II drama 'Never Alone,' directed by Klaus Härö. 'Never Alone' has been picked up for distribution in Bulgaria (Beta Film), India (BookMyShow), Latin America (Encripta) and Spain (Twelve Oaks). As previously announced, the rights in North America were acquired by Menemsha. The film was released in Finland in January by Nordisk Films. More from Variety Martin Scorsese to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Italy's Taormina Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE) Leonardo DiCaprio Will Present Robert De Niro With Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival Opening Cannes Film Festival Bans Nudity and 'Voluminous' Outfits on the Red Carpet 'Never Alone,' based on the life of Abraham Stiller, tells the story of Jewish refugees seeking safety in Finland during World War II. As Nazi influence grows, Stiller, a Jewish leader in Helsinki, must risk everything to protect his community. The cast is led by Ville Virtanen, Nina Hukkinen and Rony Herman. The film is produced by Ilkka Matila of MRP Matila Röhr Prods., in co-production with Samsara Filmproduktion, Taska Film, Penned Pictures and Hobab. It is supported by the Finnish Film Foundation, the Austrian Film Institute, ÖFI+, ORF, the Estonian Film Institute, the Swedish Film Institute, Estonia cash rebate, Estonian Cultural Endowment, Nordisk Film, Playmaker Munich, SVT, ARTE, NDR, Creative Europe/Media, Nordic Film & TV Fund, Barona, Cyberdune Investment, Konstsamfundet and Church's Media Foundation. Härö's film 2015 drama 'The Fencer' was Golden Globe-nominated and Oscar-shortlisted for foreign-language film. Härö's other features include 'Elina' (2003), 'Mother of Mine' (2005), 'Letters to Father Jacob' (2008) and 'My Sailor, My Love' (2022). The Playmaker represents festival titles like 'Curveball' by Johannes Naber, Locarno contender 'Monte Verita' by Stefan Jäger and Venice and Toronto contender 'Die Andere Heimat' by Edgar Reitz, as well as family films like 'Help I Shrunk My Teacher' by Sven Unterwaldt, 'Pirate Mo' by Florian Westermann, and 'Ploey — You Never Fly Alone' by Árni Ólafur Ásgeirsson, Gunnar Karlsson and Ives Agemans, and genre movies like 'Paws' by Lukas Rinker, 'Rubikon' by Leni Lauritsch and 'Holy Shit' by Lukas Rinker. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
World War II Drama ‘Never Alone' From Klaus Haro Sells to Multiple Territories (EXCLUSIVE)
The Playmaker has closed several distribution deals for the World War II drama 'Never Alone,' directed by Klaus Härö. 'Never Alone' has been picked up for distribution in Bulgaria (Beta Film), India (BookMyShow), Latin America (Encripta) and Spain (Twelve Oaks). As previously announced, the rights in North America were acquired by Menemsha. The film was released in Finland in January by Nordisk Films. More from Variety Martin Scorsese to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Italy's Taormina Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE) Leonardo DiCaprio Will Present Robert De Niro With Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival Opening Cannes Film Festival Bans Nudity and 'Voluminous' Outfits on the Red Carpet 'Never Alone,' based on the life of Abraham Stiller, tells the story of Jewish refugees seeking safety in Finland during World War II. As Nazi influence grows, Stiller, a Jewish leader in Helsinki, must risk everything to protect his community. The cast is led by Ville Virtanen, Nina Hukkinen and Rony Herman. The film is produced by Ilkka Matila of MRP Matila Röhr Prods., in co-production with Samsara Filmproduktion, Taska Film, Penned Pictures and Hobab. It is supported by the Finnish Film Foundation, the Austrian Film Institute, ÖFI+, ORF, the Estonian Film Institute, the Swedish Film Institute, Estonia cash rebate, Estonian Cultural Endowment, Nordisk Film, Playmaker Munich, SVT, ARTE, NDR, Creative Europe/Media, Nordic Film & TV Fund, Barona, Cyberdune Investment, Konstsamfundet and Church's Media Foundation. Härö's film 2015 drama 'The Fencer' was Golden Globe-nominated and Oscar-shortlisted for foreign-language film. Härö's other features include 'Elina' (2003), 'Mother of Mine' (2005), 'Letters to Father Jacob' (2008) and 'My Sailor, My Love' (2022). The Playmaker represents festival titles like 'Curveball' by Johannes Naber, Locarno contender 'Monte Verita' by Stefan Jäger and Venice and Toronto contender 'Die Andere Heimat' by Edgar Reitz, as well as family films like 'Help I Shrunk My Teacher' by Sven Unterwaldt, 'Pirate Mo' by Florian Westermann, and 'Ploey — You Never Fly Alone' by Árni Ólafur Ásgeirsson, Gunnar Karlsson and Ives Agemans, and genre movies like 'Paws' by Lukas Rinker, 'Rubikon' by Leni Lauritsch and 'Holy Shit' by Lukas Rinker. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
See - Sada Elbalad
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Gulliver's Travels" TV Series Adaptation in Works
Yara Sameh Oscar-nominated multi-hyphenate Uberto Pasolini – who produced 'The Full Monty' and most recently directed 'The Return,' starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus – has embarked on a TV series adaptation of Jonathan Swift's classic satirical adventure 'Gulliver's Travels.' Prominent British writer William Ivory is writing the screenplay for the six-episode project on which Pasolini will serve as showrunner. The high-end show, now in the early stages, is being produced by Italy's Roberto Sessa and Germany's Jan Wünschmann. It will be unveiled to prospective broadcasters during the Series Mania festival in Lille. World sales will be jointly handled by Germany's Beta Film and ZDF Studios. 'What Gulliver allows us to do today is to make something really, really fun,' Pasolini said in a statement. But at the same time – very much like Swift did in his time – to talk about the world around us; to talk about politics; to talk about greed; to talk about the place of the Western man in the world as a whole; to talk about the relationship between man and nature,' he said. Pasolini developed Hallmark's 1996 'Gulliver's Travels' series that scored five Primetime Emmy wins. Though specifics on casting are premature, Pasolini said they have been looking at a British actor for the main role. But, he added, the story is 'telling you that you're entering into different worlds, different cultures, different atmospheres, and those will be reflected in the casting,' he said. Commenting on a recently announced Federation Studios 'Gulliver's Travels' TV series adaptation that is a contemporary reimagining penned by Emmy-winning writer Tom Bidwell titled 'The Gullivers' Pasolini said he did not think it 'makes sense' to bring 'Gulliver's Travels' 'into our contemporary world.' 'To me it feels like fear and not trusting that an audience will recognize themselves in someone who doesn't dress, or move, in worlds that they recognize,' he said. 'I don't think there's a big risk in there being two ['Gulliver's Travels'] projects on the market, especially since they are doing a contemporary adaptation,' said Jan Wünschmann, who heads Intaglio Films, which is a joint venture between Beta and ZDF Studios. Wünschmann said the next step now is to find the broadcasting partners for this project, adding that 'we've already started initial discussions with ZDF, which is our go-to partner.' They are eying an end of 2025 start of production date. Roberto Sessa, who heads Fremantle-owned Picomedia – which has a close rapport with Beta – noted that they are looking to mount the show as a 'potential European co-production,' but also 'have our eyes set on the U.S.' in terms of prospective partners. 'When Uberto first pitched it to me, I thought: 'This is going to be fun. Something for the whole family, that everyone can enjoy,' said Beta head of content and co-production Ferdinand Dohna, noting that 'it's subversive and kids love subversive stories.' Donha also pointed out that the 'Gulliver's Travels' book is still a global evergreen and that Pasolini's expertise, given his involvement in the Hallmark show, is a definite plus. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Yours, Margot,' by ‘Compartment No. 6' Director Juho Kuosmanen, Boarded by Elisa Viihde (EXCLUSIVE)
Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen – awarded the Grand Prix at Cannes for 'Compartment No. 6' – has joined forces with Finland's Elisa Viihde on upcoming six-episode series 'Yours, Margot.' Elisa Viihde is an entertainment service of Elisa, which has been commissioning original drama series since 2014. 'The project has been in stand-by mode and I'm happy to see it proceed with Elisa. We are still writing, because the script is crucial – even more in TV than in cinema,' he told Variety. More from Variety Vivica A. Fox, Lynn Chen, Dwayne Perkins Board Multicultural Rom-Com 'Love Bait' (EXCLUSIVE) 'Gossip Girl' Who? In Beta Film YA Thriller 'Shadow Leaks,' Based on Jonas Ems' Novel, All the Secrets Are Out REinvent International Sales Boards Crime Series 'The Pushover' from 'Fatal Crossing' Creators (EXCLUSIVE) 'We are not interested in making a TV series; we are interested in making a good TV series. And that takes time.' What makes a good TV series? 'A good script and a great ensemble. And a brilliant location scout,' he added. Previously, Kuosmanen directed series 'Zone B' and 'Alice & Jack,' the latter starring Andrea Riseborough and Domhnall Gleeson. He also served as the show's executive producer. 'Yours, Margot,' based on a novel by Meri Valkama, zooms in on Vilja, who spent her childhood in East Berlin. After the death of her father, a foreign correspondent, she finds old letters from the mysterious 'Margot,' uncovering her family's traumatic past in the 1980s. Now a journalist herself, she decides to find Margot – and finally get some answers. 'We've been doing the adaptation for quite some time now. Adapting is never as simple as you first think. You cannot just 'write' the book into images and dialogue. You really have to discover what touched you in the original material, what took you in and what emotions and themes were the most important to you. And then you have to build on that,' explained producer Jussi Rantamäki of Aamu Film Company. 'Juho is very demanding when it comes to scripts, especially regarding the tone of the story. Andris Feldmanis and Livia Ulman [also behind 'Compartment No. 6'] wrote quite a lot of versions until we were all happy. Now, we developed a great pilot and bible together with Beta Film.' In 2023, the show was already adjudicated one of the Seriesmakers' Beta Development Awards and €50,000 ($54,000). The initiative, then in its first edition, is led by SeriesMania and supported by Beta. 'It was a great start for the project. We realized that others see great potential in the team and the story. We were very early in development and the prize and partnering with Beta Film, pushed us further,' recalled Rantamäki, ready to 'start international financing.' 'We think the series really suits [Elisa's] editorial line and we have been working on the development with them from the very early stages.' Sari Lempiäinen, executive producer at Elisa Viihde, noted: 'We are proud to have this series as part of our original series slate and to start working with Juho and Jussi.' According to Ani Korpela, Elisa's chief content officer, the show 'perfectly encapsulates what Elisa Viihde strives for in its original series: bold, high-quality European drama with a distinct creative vision and international appeal.' 'With 'Yours, Margot', everything came together in such an organic way. Juho Kuosmanen saw in Meri Valkama's novel the kind of layered, deeply personal story that needed a larger canvas,' 'The project is also a great example of our approach to international co-productions: since much of the story is set in Berlin, it is natural to seek German partners. Beyond that, its themes are universally relevant, which is why we believe it will speak to audiences far beyond Finland.' Ferdinand Dohna, Head of Content & Co-Production at Beta Film, called the new partnership a 'milestone' for the series. 'It's great to see that the creative initiative that is Seriesmakers serves its purpose: fostering creativity and nurturing global talent eager to dive deep into television storytelling. With the support of outstanding partners, mentors and speakers, we're proud to accompany 'Yours, Margot' and unveil its cinematic approach to a global audience.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beta Film, Greece's Foss Productions Team Up on Six-Part Period Drama ‘The Great Chimera' (EXCLUSIVE)
Beta Film and Athens-based Foss Productions are teaming up for a six-hour drama series, 'The Great Chimera,' that will bring to the screen for the first time one of the most important Greek novels of the 20th century. Following on the heels of their collaboration on the hit TV series 'The Beach' and Yorgos Zois' feature film 'Arcadia,' which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024, 'The Great Chimera' is produced by Foss Productions in co-production with Beta Film, which is handling international sales. Shooting is underway on the Greek island of Syros, before moving to Athens and Trieste, Italy. More from Variety Keshet International Scores 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World' Pre-Sales Ahead of London TV Screenings Showcase (EXCLUSIVE) Japan's New Era of Global Content Collaboration Takes Center Stage at Mip London AI Set to Transform Production Industry, Mip London Panel Says: 'This Is the Most Exciting Time in TV History' The series is adapted from M. Karagatsis' boundary-pushing, 1930s-set modern classic, which explores the complex psychological life of a young Greek woman who wants more than the traditional role expected of her. The cast is led by Italy's Fotinì Peluso ('Everything Calls for Salvation,' 'Greek Salad'), who stars as Marina, a restless, young Italian beauty fascinated by classical Greek culture. When she falls in love with Greek shipowner Yannis, played by Andreas Konstantinou ('Milky Way,' 'Cloudy Sunday'), she quickly decides to join him to start a new life on the idyllic island of Syros. Although Marina has left her past behind, she can't escape an inner strife that only grows stronger with time. Caught between cultures and social expectations, she struggles to balance her passions and desires. Soon she gives in to her love for her husband's brother, Minas, played by Dimitris Kitsos ('The Beach,' 'Maestro in Blue'), and finds herself trapped in her very own Greek tragedy. 'The Great Chimera' is directed by Vardis Marinakis ('Silent Road,' 'Zizotek,' 'Black Field') and written by Panagiotis Iosifelis ('The Beach'), with Giorgos Valsamis ('American Girl,' 'Milky Way') serving as DOP. Production services are provided by Beta's subsidiary, Mompracem. ERT is co-producing and releasing the series in Greece. The series is supported by EKKOMED Creative Greece and co-produced by Boo Productions. 'The Great Chimera' joins Foss Productions' growing slate of prestige Greek series, including three seasons of Netflix original 'Maestro in Blue' and 2023 Series Mania competition selection 'Milky Way.' The company's Crete-set murder mystery 'The Beach,' a primetime sensation for public broadcaster ERT that's being sold internationally by Beta Film, is now in its second season. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
