Latest news with #FilmIndependent
Broadcast Pro
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Labs unveils selected teams for third edition of SeriesLab
SeriesLab includes an exclusive trip to Los Angeles for intensive training and participation in the Film Independent Forum. Red Sea Labs has announced the eight creative teams selected for the third edition of its SeriesLab programme, an initiative developed in strategic partnership with the Los Angeles-based nonprofit arts organisation Film Independent. Designed to cultivate fresh voices in television, the SeriesLab aims to nurture creative independence and elevate the craft of TV storytelling through an immersive and supportive educational framework. Kicking off in April 2025, the programme will support 16 emerging creators—scriptwriters, co-writers, and producers—through a mix of virtual and in-person residencies. Over several months, participants will receive professional training from experienced television writers, showrunners and industry experts to help them refine their series concepts, develop full pilot scripts, and prepare compelling pitch materials. The programme concludes in December 2025, aligning with the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, where participants will pitch their projects at the Red Sea Souk, the festival's industry platform. This year's selected projects represent a broad geographic spread, showcasing creative talents from Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, India, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The lineup includes Malpractice by Hind Metwalli and Ahmed El Zoghby (Egypt), Mad Bounty and the Midnight Gun by Talemwa Pius and Tusabe Ivan (Uganda), Till Death Do Us Part by Tomisin Folowosele and producer Orire Nwani (Nigeria) and Money Town by Tony Koros and producer Toni Kamau (Kenya). From Asia, Society by Sushant Nagpal and Mayank Shandilya (India), Flyweights by Eldar Shibanov and co-writer/producer Yuliya Levitskaya (Kazakhstan) and Flash by Sue Young Kim and Donghwan Kim (South Korea) were selected. Representing the host country is the project Dérift by Zahra Zuhair and producer Mawadda Sallam (Saudi Arabia). A major highlight of the SeriesLab programme is a two-week trip to Los Angeles, where participants will engage in high-level workshops and attend the Film Independent Forum, gaining critical industry exposure and mentorship opportunities. This element underscores the programme's mission to bridge regional talent with global platforms and foster meaningful creative exchange. Through this latest edition of SeriesLab, Red Sea Labs and Film Independent continue to invest in the next generation of television storytellers, offering them the tools, network and guidance needed to bring their series to life—and ultimately, to audiences around the world.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jesse Eisenberg's Viral Speech Thanking Emma Stone Reminded Me of the Importance of Having 'Fairy Godfriends'
Lady Gaga once said (a few times), 'you can have 100 people in a room and 99 don't believe in you, but all it takes is one,' and I think Jesse Eisenberg found his one in Emma Stone. On any given day — but particularly during awards season — Hollywood stars are waxing poetic about how some of their projects couldn't have been made if it weren't for that one special person. 'Unrehearsed' thank you speeches are usually brimming with thanks to mothers who have sacrificed so much, spouses who have carried the heavy load to accommodate the star's shooting schedules, studio heads who saw the potential in their one little idea or actors who did it "practically for free." And while most of it is probably true — we cannot downplay the effort it takes to make a film — the repetitiveness of these themes in acceptance speeches can sometimes make the whole thing seem insincere. Every now and again, however, there comes a moment that just seems so pure and is so heartwarming, it puts my cynicism on pause and makes my small heart grow three times. For this award season, that moment came last weekend, when a clip of Jesse Eisenberg singing Emma Stone's praises while at the Film Independent Spirit Awards went viral. In the video posted by Film Independent, Eisenberg was on stage accepting an award for best screenplay for his film A Real Pain. The film follows two cousins who are forced to battle through some deep-rooted family issues when they travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother. Eisenberg plays Kieran Culkin's cousin, and even before production started, Stone — a producer of the film — was working her fairy godmother magic to make the movie take off (having to use a little "reverse psychology" to get Culkin not to drop out at the last moment). 'I met Emma when we were in Zombieland together in 2009, and since then, I write little magazine articles and little things on McSweeney's, and she's the only person — I'm including my mom here — who would take little screenshots of it over the last 15 years and send me things like, 'This is such a funny line!'" Eisenberg said from the stage. 'At the time she was definitely — and still [is] — the most famous person I know and yet also the most dedicated to encouraging me as a writer. I think about her not as my producer but as a fairy godmother that I am riding the coattails of her goodwill,' he continued. 'I think it's so important that somebody like her who is so unbelievably successful in mainstream movies looks for people like me and Julio [Torres], and Jane [Schoenbrun], to try to produce our movies with all the goodwill that she's amassed so rightly and deservedly over the last several years. Thanks Emma." As the camera cut to Stone, the actress could be seen fighting for her life, trying not to go into an ugly cry. 'Oh my God,' she mouthed at one point as she was visibly touched by the mention. The moment was a display of pure, unadulterated gratitude that, I dare say, you don't often see in Hollywood. Entertaining as they are, there is some truth to the criticism that awards shows can often feel like beautiful people in fancy clothes patting themselves on the back for their own work. Rarely do you see someone like Jesse Eisenberg — the guy who is so genuinely unaffected by the fare around him, he showed up in a T-shirt and grey cardigan to the Film Independent Spirit Awards, and who is known for the occasional awkward viral interview — have that leading man moment of recognition. But a true friend sees you and elevates all the best parts of you even when you're out of your comfort zone, and it seems that's what Eisenberg feels Stone has done for him. Those of us who have always been oddballs, who second guess our decisions and talk ourselves out of taking chances, having a "fairy godfriend" supporting you and cheering you on from the sidelines goes a long way. It's a vote of confidence that puts wind beneath your wings and makes you feel like the world is not so scary after all. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. It can be argued that in some way, the press run for A Real Pain has really shined a light on Jesse Eisenberg in a way that wasn't so in the previous years. Not only is he a brilliant writer, but we've gotten to see his quick wit, self-deprecating humor and I think we can all agree that seeing him try to get a word in when he's in an interview with Kieran Culkin is a movie unto itself. Related: Jesse Eisenberg Shares He Writes Music with His 'Artsy' 7-Year-Old Son Banner: 'Brilliant Musical Kid' (Exclusive) A Real Pain would probably still have been made had Emma Stone not been involved in the project. But perhaps the most important part of it isn't the all the front-facing stuff she's done for the film, but all those quiet texts and words of encouragement that she sent to Jesse that clearly meant so much him, he's mentioned it any chance he's gotten the opportunity to do so. But that's what our fairy godfriends do for us. They shine a spotlight so we can be seen in and appreciated for all the quirky things that make us unique. They nudge you when no one is looking and take joy in supporting all the little things you do for yourself behind-the-scenes until one day, you're an Oscar-nominated screenwriter — reuniting with your pal at the ball of the year on March 2. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Anora' Continues Its Winning Streak by Sweeping Film Independent's Spirit Awards
At Film Independent's 40th annual Spirit Awards on Feb. 22, Anora continued its recent winning streak — taking home three of the big film awards, for Best Feature, Best Director for Sean Baker and Best Lead Performance for Mikey Madison. "Indie film is struggling right now, more than ever," said Baker — who in his Best Director acceptance speech for his Brighton Beach, Brooklyn-set story about a sex worker who falls for a Russian oligarch, spoke about the state of the indie film industry. "I think for many of my peers, if we're lucky, the average number of years dedicated to making a film is around three. ... How do you support yourself with little or no income for three years?" He continued: "I personally do not have children, but I know for a fact that if I did, I would not be able to make the movies that I make." Baker declared himself an "indie film life." "And I know that there are other indie film lifers in this room," he said. "Those who don't see indie films as calling cards, those who don't make these films to land a series or a studio film. Some of us want to make personal films that are intended for theatrical release with subject matter that would never be greenlit by the big studios." His plea: "The system has to change because this is simply unsustainable. We are creating product that creates jobs and revenue for the entire industry; we shouldn't be barely getting by. Creatives that are involved in projects that span years have to begin getting much higher upfront fees. ... So let's demand what we're worth." Upon arrival at the beachside event in Santa Monica, guests mingled during a cocktail hour with stations offering Bulleit Frontier Whiskey drinks and Miraval rose. Then, they continued inside the tent for a healthy gourmet box lunch and a seated program hosted for the second year in a row by Aidy Bryant. This year included a moving tribute and (double) standing ovation for Josh Welsh, the longtime president of Film Independent who recently passed away after a five-year battle with cancer, but whose spirit and legacy remain, per the team. Among the other films honored, A Real Pain won Best Supporting Performance for Kieran Culkin and Best Screenplay for Jesse Eisenberg — who thanked producer Emma Stone. "I met Emma when we were in Zombieland together in 2009," he said, "and since then, I write little magazine articles and things on McSweeney's, and she's like the only person — I'm including my mom here — who would take little screenshots of it over the last 15 years, and send me things like, 'This is such a funny line.'' He went on, "And at the time, she was definitely — and still [is], the most famous person I know — and yet also the most dedicated to encouraging me as a writer. And I think about her not as my producer, but like a fairy godmother that I am like riding the coattails of her goodwill." Also on the film front, Maisy Stella won Best Breakthrough Performance for My Old Ass; Dìdi won Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay for Sean Wang; Flow won Best International Film; No Other Land won Best Documentary; Best Cinematography went to Jomo Fray for Nickel Boys; and Hansjörg Weissbrich won Best Editing for September 5. The 17th annual Robert Altman Award went to His Three Daughters director Azazel Jacobs, along with casting director Nicole Arbusto, and ensemble cast members Jovan Adepo, Jasmine Bracey, Carrie Coon, Jose Febus, Rudy Galvan, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Randy Ramos Jr. and Jay O. Sanders. Baby Reindeer swept the television category by winning three awards: Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series for Richard Gadd, Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series for Nava Mau and Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series for Jessica Gunning. Shōgun took home Best New Scripted Series; Hollywood Black won Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series; and How to Die Alone won Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series. "The show was about finding humor, and heart, and humanity, and life's messiness; and having it celebrated in this way really truly means everything," said creator and star Natasha Rothwell — who got emotional. ("I took a beta blocker so this wasn't supposed to happen!" she quipped.) "And for Black stories, this ability isn't a privilege, it is a necessity," continued Rothwell, who currently stars as spa manager Belinda Lindsey on The White Lotus. "We deserve to take up space, to be complex, to be hilarious and to be fully human. Although our time with this show was cut regrettably short, I know that I created something with you all that is so special ... beta blockers need more beta blocking!" She finished, "And for those of you who connected with the show and felt alone and you long to be seen, don't worry — this is just one of many stories that I have to tell for us." Then she spoke about another marginalized group: "And lastly, to the trans community that is under attack right now, know that you are not alone. I see you, we see you, we all see you, we stand with you." Read our story with Natasha Rothwell from the September 2024 issue of Los Angeles magazine here.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Guests at the 2025 Indie Spirit Awards Forecast a ‘Messy' Future for Independent Film
Arriving on a busy blue carpet for a gray day at the beach, guests at the 2025 Indie Spirit Awards agreed: It's time to Make the Movies Messy Again. Inside the ceremony tent, host Aidy Bryant put it perfectly when she said, 'It's been a great year for film and a bad year for human life.' Hundreds of the most important decision-makers and visionary artists championing creative independence today gathered in Santa Monica, California on Saturday to honor the best in boundary-breaking film and TV. More from IndieWire The Sound of 'Severance' Is Way More Than Office Space 'Dreams (Sex Love)' Review: A Teen's Sexual Awakening Challenges Perceptions in Final Film of Norwegian Humanist Trilogy 'Anora' and 'Baby Reindeer' won the most categories in several tight races, but the show's main source of dramatic tension came from the countless news items surrounding a tough awards season. From fraught talk of cultural fascism to economic critiques of the entertainment industry, honorees and their peers predicted an uncertain but fiery future for filmmakers, cast, and crew. The word 'messy' came up in-conversation with IndieWire a lot. 'We're getting our butts kicked right now, but we're going to win in the end,' said Vera Drew, 'The People's Joker' auteur and John Cassavetes Award nominee, to IndieWire. 'It can be a little disheartening sometimes just to see how things move,' agreed 'The Fire Inside' star Ryan Destiny, nominated for Best Lead Performance. 'I'm just hoping that we can continue to go forward and not backwards.' Presented by Film Independent, the 40th Indie Spirit Awards memorialized the first year since the hosting nonprofit lost its late president Josh Welsh in December. The event also brought attendees back to its storied spot along the West Coast (coincidentally, the location is changing next year) — just a few miles south of the wreckage left by last month's devastating wildfires in the Pacific Palisades. 'We're in a world that eats your spirit,' said actress Lily Gladstone, nominated for Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series for 'Under the Bridge.' 'Spirit,' she said, 'is having that human experience and a big part of that is speaking from whatever our creative impulse is [inside]. That's what we do as storytellers and it's what keeps our autonomy alive.' On stage, 'Anora' filmmaker Sean Baker went semi-viral advocating for 'higher upfront fees' in a powerful Best Director acceptance speech. On the carpet, creatives of all kinds questioned how funding would — and wouldn't — hold back the right indie artists going forward. 'I want to see more stories from filmmakers we haven't heard from before,' said 'Dìdi' filmmaker Sean Wang, who won both Best First Screenplay and Best First Feature. Wang said he likes to see movies from first-time filmmakers because 'when you don't know the rules, it's more exciting.' 'I'm most excited for like 19-year-old queer kids with cameras to do some cool punk shit,' said 'I Saw the TV Glow' filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun when asked about the future of indie cinema. Nominated for Best Director, Best Feature, and Best Screenplay, they continued, 'And I'm least excited for 40-year-old straight men with cameras and lots and lots of money to do boring shit.' 'It's amazing the resilience of filmmakers, but I don't want to sugarcoat it, it's really, really hard,' cautioned director and Cassavetes winner Shuchi Talati. Made over eight years, her film 'Girls Will Be Girls' was an intense labor of love. Talati lamented to IndieWire that even with considerable success too many directors 'can't pay crew and cast and ourselves what I think people deserve.' 'Nickel Boys' filmmaker RaMell Ross argued you don't 'need a lot of money to make a film that's cinematic and deserves to be in theaters' — but urged for a broad reassessment of the cost-benefit analysis between artistic risk and economic return. 'I think we should be afraid of things continuing as they are, and we should hope for new models and paradigms,' Ross told IndieWire. 'The market is really uncertain so if you can do something of some quality for less there's a lot more freedom,' agreed 'Ghostlight' co-director and producer Alex Thompson. 'We get to make our own dreams come true at the independent level. And that comes with a lot of responsibility.' 'With more money, famously, there comes more problems,' said 'Ghostlight' co-director and writer Kelly O'Sullivan. 'But with really small budgets like ours, we were able to maintain full creative control. There's a clarity of vision. There's a preservation of artistic integrity. And you get to work with actors who are maybe just as talented as some of the more famous actors but haven't yet gotten their shot in the sun.' Also nominated for the Cassavetes, 'Ghostlight' follows a rag-tag theater group and stars Best Lead Performance nominee Keith Kupferer opposite his real family. 'To have my family here with me' representing the real Chicago theater scene at the Indie Spirits, Kupferer said, was 'a joy.' Authenticity fortified through community is at the core of all moviemaking and remained front of mind when guests looked back on both their past year's accomplishments — and the road ahead. 'You can't get a more tight-knit family than after making two microbudget films in a row,' said 'Jazzy' filmmaker Morrissa Maltz, now on her second Cassavetes nomination for a movie made for under $300,000. 'It was incredibly hard, but we got the films made. And that's what's important.' Nominated for Best Supporting Performance, 'A Different Man' actor Adam Pearson praised co-star Sebastian Stan (separately nominated for Best Lead Performance thanks to 'The Apprentice') and the wider artistic world for empowering his decades-long fight against the misrepresentation of disability in Hollywood. 'To any young actors coming up,' Pearson said, 'bide your time, make smart choices, know what kind of actor you want to be, and don't compromise on that. I'd rather act for myself and have no audience than act for an audience and have no self.' 'We see that the world is always faking everything and it's really uncomfortable and creepy,' echoed 'I Saw the TV Glow' star and Best Supporting Performance nominee Jack Haven. 'When you're queer you can't deny certain things about that lie.' Haven wore a jacket advocating for the people of Palestine and continued, 'We have to stay vigilant and stay brave and honest with ourselves and what we represent — and we can't confuse what it means to be independent. What it means to be independent is to stand in solidarity with the people who are being stolen from on this Earth.' Asked if art can fight fascism, their co-star and Best Lead Performance nominee Justice Smith said, 'Art can motivate people to fight fascism. But art cannot fight fascism.' Coming off a buzzy breakout performance in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' at Sundance, actor Tonatiuh emphasized the intersection of community, authenticity, and shifting economic and geopolitical priorities all at once. 'A lot of the narratives that are the most interesting aren't the ones that are being taken a chance on because people want a high return on investment because, at the end of the day, it's still a business. But I think that dynamic is shifting and I think with this new geopolitical era that we're entering art is going to be the thing that gets us through any of it — and community. These circles is where we're going to be seeing the new frontier of filmmaking.' Best of IndieWire The 15 Best Thrillers Streaming on Netflix in January, from 'Fair Play' to 'Emily the Criminal' The 25 Best Sci-Fi TV Series of the 21st Century, Ranked The Best Modern Westerns, from 'The Power of the Dog' to 'Killers of the Flower Moon' to 'The Hateful Eight'
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
9 Things the Cameras Missed During the Spirit Awards
Film Independent assumed its regular position on Santa Monica Beach on Saturday to present its annual Spirit Awards, the biggest party for the independent film scene. While cameras captured the live show for a stream on YouTube, The Hollywood Reporter was inside the iconic white tent on the beach to bring you all the action you might've missed. The iconic New Yorkers made the trek to the West Coast for Saturday's ceremony at which LuPone was nominated for her work in Agatha All Along while Lyonne was honored with the Robert Altman prize for Azazel Jacobs' His Three Daughters. While in the tent, they made the most of their time by teaming up to present the John Cassavetes Award in what turned out to be one of the liveliest segments of the day thanks to their witty banter (and the reveal that they were renaming it the Gena Rowlands Award). While the nominees were being named on the big screen — the John Cassavetes Award was given to the best feature made under $1 million. LuPone snuck a peek at the winner before it came time to reveal it to the audience. Spoiler alert: the trophy went to Girls Will Be Girls. More from The Hollywood Reporter Spirit Awards: Justin Simien Shares Plan for "Stopping the White Nationalist Coup Taking Over This Country" Mikey Madison Thanks Sean Baker While Accepting Spirit Awards Win: "I'm So Grateful That You Came Into My Life" Most Memorable Spirit Awards Moments, From 'Anora' Winning Big to Natasha Rothwell's Emotional Speech Telecast cameras definitely caught A Real Pain filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg gushing about his 'fairy godmother' as he accepted a trophy for best screenplay, among other niceties. The love fest continued backstage when the veteran multi-hyphenate was asked if he would ever write something for the two-time Oscar winner. 'Every single person in the world who opens a Final Draft folder wants to write something for Emma Stone,' he said to the press. 'She's the greatest in every genre. I tend not to think of writing from the perspective of what actor could do it, more just [what] characters interest me. I, at some point, will probably have the presumption to write something for her, and it will be a very awkward conversation where she tells me she's busy.' OK, to be fair, the Oscar-nominated star of The Apprentice wasn't technically late. He made it to Santa Monica Beach with plenty of time to pose for photographers and rush inside the massive white tent before showtime. But he was the last and final actor to hit the blue carpet and his rep apologized to eager reporters who wanted a quick word with the in-demand star. 'Sorry guys, we're late,' she said as they passed. Hours later, once the show was over, Stan's SUV was mobbed by autograph hounds as his driver approached PCH. In case you haven't heard, this weekend marked yet another hectic crush of awards season events. Saturday delivered the Spirit Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, the Scripter Awards and the Cinema Audio Society Awards, while Sunday is the SAG Awards. So, nobody could fault Colman Domingo for dipping out early from the Spirit Awards. The Oscar-nominated star of Sing Sing made a quiet exit during the best feature acceptance speech in order to make it across town to Pasadena for the NAACP Image Awards, where he was also nominated for his work. It's a cross-city drive that would make most Angelenos break out in hives. Double nominee Julio Torres had a busy Saturday at the beach. The Fantasmas and Problemista guru took the stage to present the best editing trophy and to do a comedic bit about psychic visions with longtime friend and fellow Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant. It was during the former segment that Torres pretended to have an issue with the teleprompter but it was all for the sake of comedy as it was working just fine as seen below. The Spirit Awards start past lunchtime, but event organizers don't let the hundreds of guests sit there for hours without snacks. Courtesy of Untitled Events, guests receive boxed lunches at their seats that include grilled Tuscan chicken with artichokes, citrusy couscous, pineapple, cucumber and hearts of palm salad and pita chips with beet feta dip. The table spread also featured family-style desserts like vegan, gluten-free olive oil shortbread, vanilla pear crostatas, mini raspberry cheesecake tartlets and cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow cookies. Fiji Water also had a starring role at the event, keeping guests hydrated at water stations outside and inside the tent. Beloved Film Independent president Josh Welsh loved the Spirit Awards and he loved donuts. Welsh passed away in January and Saturday's show featured two standing ovations for the late and long-serving indie film champion (led by acting president Brenda Robinson). While those were featured during the telecast, outside the tent, guests also applauded the donut wall mounted in his honor courtesy of Peterson's Donut Corner. It's safe to say he would've loved to see it and snack on some donuts himself. Nominated for his starring turn in I Saw the TV Glow, Justice Smith had a glowing Saturday. The veteran actor also spread some rays around in support of his fellow artists. When Nava Mau heard her name called as the winner for best supporting performance for a turn opposite Richard Gadd in his critically acclaimed Netflix series Baby Reindeer, Smith jumped on his feet to give Mau an enthusiastic standing ovation. See the full winner's list here. At The Hollywood Reporter's actress roundtable, Demi Moore and Mikey Madison bonded over their love of dogs as both actors brought their canine companions to the shoot. On Saturday, Moore arrived at Santa Monica Beach with her well-known pooch, Pilaf. The little guy got plenty of attention inside the tent, and during the telecast, cameras caught the sweet moment when Madison planted a kiss on Pilaf after winning the best lead performance trophy. But earlier, before the show even started, Madison spent some quality time with Moore and Pilaf in a scene that has since gone viral. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise What the 'House of the Dragon' Cast Starred in Before the 'Game of Thrones' Spinoff
