Latest news with #LaMorte
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
'We lovingly poke fun at all things Disney...' Screamboat director Steven LaMorte shares inspiration for movie
'Screamboat' director Steven LaMorte hopes Disney "won't come after us" because the horror comedy mocks everything about the corporation. LaMorte helmed the reimagining of the Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks 1928 animated short film 'Steamboat Willie', with the gore-filled flick following a group of New Yorkers who are picked off by a monstrous mouse named Steamboat Willie. Animation 'Steamboat Willie' is considered to be the public debut of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and although Disney retains exclusive rights to its own Mickey Mouse universe, the 'Steamboat Willie' version of the character entered the public domain on January 1, 2024, with 'Screamboat' being announced a day later. LaMorte admits his new movie lampoons many aspects of Disney and he hopes the corporation will see the funny side. Speaking to the new issue of SFX magazine, he said: "We lovingly poke fun at all things Disney; it's corporate culture, TV shows, lore and pricing - all of it. "And you know hopefully they won't come after us!" Homicidal mouse Steamboat Willie is played by David Howard Thornton, famous for portraying Art the Clown in the 'Terrifier' franchise, as well as Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Kailey Hyman, Jesse Kove and Jarlath Conroy. LaMorte revealed that Thornton had to spend four-and-a-half hours in makeup each day to play the miniature murderer and suffered in the heat of his furry suit for the role. The filmmaker shared: "Once the cowl and the ears are on, he's able to move, but it's extremely hot. He's wearing a fur suit, and he's constantly burning through these cooling vests that he has underneath." LaMorte also shared all the filming tricks he used to make David as Steamboat Willie appear as small as a mouse. He said: "We knew the only way this would really be funny, the only thing that would keep him from looking like a guy in a suit or a mascot at a theme park, is that he had to be a creature and he had to be small. "Having a miniature killer made the film exponentially harder to make. "We have shots where the mouse is walking, where if you look, it's a puppet. We used LED walls, forced perspective and oversized props. Really every magic trick under the sun to make him appear tiny." LaMorte has teased he has an idea for a sequel meaning horror fans have not seen the last of 'Screamboat'. He said: "I may or may not have a completely outlined a fully formed idea. So if there was to be an opportunity to make a second one I'm definitely open to it, because there's plenty of stories left to tell on the Staten Island Ferry." 'Screamboat' is on Digital Platforms 5 May and DVD and Blu-ray 2 June. Distributed by Signature Entertainment.
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Nicholas LaMorte Joins the Commercial Real Estate Division at Peapack Private Bank & Trust
BEDMINSTER, NJ - March 19, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: PGC) and Peapack Private Bank & Trust are pleased to announce the addition of Nicholas LaMorte to the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) team as a Senior Managing Director. Nicholas, along with a growing team of CRE bankers, is responsible for cultivating the Bank's presence in new markets, increasing loan production and developing the Bank's CRE portfolio. LaMorte is a seasoned real estate finance professional with more than 20 years of experience. He has lent to top-tier real estate investors throughout the New York Metropolitan area, specializing in credit and depository needs. Most recently, LaMorte served as Senior Vice President and Group Director at Signature Bank, where over the span of his time there, he sourced, negotiated, and underwrote loans for various property types, organically developing a large commercial real estate portfolio with total aggregate loan balances of approximately $3.8 billion. LaMorte's extensive experience and proven history make him a valuable addition to the Bank as it continues to expand its CRE portfolio. LaMorte is a Pace University at NYC Campus Lubin School of Business graduate with a Bachelor of Administration in Finance. About the Company Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is a New Jersey bank holding company with total assets of $7.0 billion and assets under management and/or administration of $11.9 billion as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1921, Peapack Private Bank & Trust is a commercial bank that offers a client-centric approach to banking, providing high-quality products along with customized and innovative wealth management, investment banking, commercial and personal banking solutions. The Bank's wealth management division offers comprehensive financial, tax, fiduciary and investment advice and solutions to individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices and not-for-profit organizations, which help them to establish, maintain and expand their legacy. Peapack Private Bank & Trust offers an unparalleled commitment to client service. Visit for more information.
