Latest news with #MediaproStudio
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Mediapro Studio to Adapt ‘Beauty and the Beast' Writer Evan Spiliotopoulos' First Novel (EXCLUSIVE)
L.A.-based the Mediapro Studio U.S. & Canada has secured film adaptation rights to 'The Museum of Cursed Artifacts,' an upcoming novel by Evan Spiliotopoulos, writer of 2017 Disney blockbuster 'Beauty and the Beast.' Described by the Mediapro Studio as action-packed, blending suspense, adventure and supernatural twists, 'The Museum of Cursed Artifacts' begins with a famed entrepreneur completing his collection of cursed artifacts. He then takes his life in a shocking manner. More from Variety TrustNordisk's 'The Last Viking' Tempts Buyers International Emmy Winner Aokbab Chutimon to Star in Thai Horror 'Fortune Seekers' as Night Edge Pictures Debuts Sales in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE) Saudi Arabian Film Pioneer Faisal Baltyuor Appointed Red Sea Film Foundation CEO His family, gutted that he blew all his money but still hoping to turn a profit with this macabre museum, assemble leading experts to verify the items' authenticity. All hell literally breaks loose. In what the Mediapro Studio calls a 'highly competitive deal,' rights to the novel were acquired in a two-book deal with Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Spiliotopoulos — whose screenplay credits also include Russell Crowe starrer 'The Pope's Exorcist,' 'The Huntsman: Winter's War' and 2019's 'Charlie's Angels' — is attached to pen the screenplay. 'Securing the film rights to this remarkable novel is a testament to the immense talent behind it and the strong belief we have in its potential,' said J.C. Acosta, head of the Mediapro Studio U.S. & Canada. 'We are excited to collaborate on a project that is sure to captivate audiences, and we are proud to have it as part of our film slate.' Verve, who represents Spiliotopoulos, held the auctions for both the scripted film and book rights, with both entities selling within days of each other. 'You never know if your weirdest ideas will ever see the light of day. I'm grateful to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and The Mediapro Studio for not only seeing the light — but running straight into the darkness with me,' said Evan Spiliotopoulos. 'This is one of the most original and scary novels I have ever read,' said Emily Bestler. After the presentation of its first English-language slate proved a highlight at October's Mipcom, The Mediapro Studio US & Canada is rapidly carving out a reputation in the U.S. market as a bullishly expanding player as both a co-production partner and home to top-notch talent. Mipcom's slate unveiled projects by John Turturro, Melissa Leo, '24' showrunner Evan Katz and Oscar winner Juan José Campanella. In March, The Mediapro Studio US & Canada boarded as a co-producer a biopic on MMA fighter Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez, produced by Keanu Reeves and Fisher Stevens. This month, The Mediapro Studio US & Canada and BBC Film announced 'The End of It,' starring Rebecca Hall, Gael García Bernal, Noomi Rapace and Beanie Feldstein and launched for Cannes by Bankside Films and WME Independent. 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
Indonesia's JAFF Market Sets Cannes Agenda With Film Slate, Global Partnerships
The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) delegation has arrived at the Cannes Film Festival with plans to showcase Indonesia's burgeoning creative industries on the global stage. As JAFF prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, its industry platform JAFF Market is leveraging the festival to highlight multiple Indonesian projects and forge international partnerships. More from Variety '[REC]' Producer Filmax Brings to Market 'The Nest,' Drops Promo (EXCLUSIVE) India's Rahul Bhat Brings 'Lost & Found in Kumbh' to Cannes Market After 'Black Warrant' Netflix Success (EXCLUSIVE) The Mediapro Studio to Adapt 'Beauty and the Beast' Writer Evan Spiliotopoulos' First Novel (EXCLUSIVE) Leading the Indonesian contingent is 'Pangku,' the directorial debut from celebrated actor Reza Rahadian. The coming-of-age drama, set against Indonesia's 1998 economic crisis, was first unveiled at JAFF Future Project 2024 where it secured the White Light Post-Production Award. The film will screen in the 'HAF Goes to Cannes' program at Marché du Film. Three original IP projects showcased at JAFF Content Market 2024 will be featured at Marché du Film's Spotlight Asia – Asian IP Adaptation program. These include 'Locust' from indie publisher Kosmik (founded by Marvel and DC comics artist Sunny Gho), 'Bandits of Batavia' by internationally recognized artist Bryan Valenza and his studio Beyondtopia, and 'Jitu' from Caravan Studio, led by illustrator Chris Lie, whose team has worked with entertainment giants like Sony, Konami and Marvel Comics. 'Cannes offers us an opportunity to share the energy and opportunities of the Indonesian film industry's growth unfolding in Indonesia. It's especially meaningful to see several of our JAFF Market-selected films and IP projects, including 'Pangku,' 'Locust,' 'Bandits of Batavia,' and 'Jitu,' now stepping onto the global stage at Cannes,' said Ifa Isfansyah, festival director of JAFF and president commissioner of JAFF Market. JAFF Market is also cementing international relationships through key partnership events. A matchmaking reception with the Netherlands Film Fund will take place May 16 at the SEE NL pavilion, building on the co-production treaty signed between Indonesia and the Netherlands last year. Adelaide Film Festival will host an exchange session with Australian filmmakers on May 18, and JAFF Market is partnering with Indonesian powerhouses Visinema and Jagartha for networking events connecting them with international industry figures. 'The upcoming 2025 JAFF Market is a major milestone — not only does JAFF celebrate two decades of championing Asian cinema, but JAFF Market is back with even more ambition, activating the entire ecosystem and building a collaborative platform where local and international filmmakers, producers, and industry players can meet and set the foundation for future co-productions and partnerships,' said Linda Gozali, JAFF market director. Indonesia's film sector has demonstrated impressive growth, achieving over 80 million admissions and maintaining 65% local box office market share in 2024 alone. As JAFF celebrates its 20th anniversary, the second edition of JAFF Market will take place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, with the full JAFF festival running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, in Yogyakarta, aiming to foster global collaboration and promote Southeast Asia's next generation of storytellers. 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
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rachel Zegler Says Live-Action ‘Snow White' Backlash Is Due to ‘Passion' For the Original Movie: ‘We're Not Always Going to Agree With Everyone'
'Snow White' star Rachel Zegler says the backlash against Disney's latest live-action remake is due to 'passion' for the original film. While Disney's live-action re-releases have seen better days since 2019's 'The Lion King,' the 'Snow White' rehash has been a particular point of contention in some circles due to Zegler's Columbian heritage. The outrage came to a head when the 'Y2K' star called the 1937 original 'dated,' featuring a prince that 'literally stalks' Snow White. Zegler now says she interprets the controversies as an overprotective reaction to a beloved Disney classic. More from Variety Disney Unveils 'Pinocchio' 85th Anniversary Merch and Apparel Capsule: Shop the Pieces Here Mexico Marks First Blockbuster of the Year With Wedding Rom-Com 'Mesa de Regalos' From the Mediapro Studio and Pampa Films Baseball Strikes Out at ESPN: Sports Giant to End TV Rights Deal With MLB After Current Season 'I interpret people's sentiments towards this film as passion,' Zegler told Vogue Mexico. 'What an honor to be a part of something that people feel so passionately about. We're not always going to agree with everyone who surrounds us and all we can do is our best.' (Quotes were independently translated from Spanish to English by Variety) She continued, 'I understand that the conversation comes from the community not wanting to be seen as a monolith, but the reality of being Latino and working in this industry is that we try to represent the entire diaspora. I know where I've been, I represent it in my narrative, and I carry it in my heart every day. No one can ever tell me that it's not a part of me.' Shortly after her 'Snow White' casting was unveiled, Zegler reacted to the online backlash on Variety's 'Actors on Actors,' saying that the discourse on X (then called Twitter) went on 'for days, because all of the people were angry.' 'We need to love them in the right direction,' Zegler said at the time. 'At the end of the day, I have a job to do that I'm really excited to do. I get to be a Latina princess.' 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
