Arto Halonen directs from a script by Ossi Hakala.
REinvent International Sales has boarded international sales for the forthcoming sci-fi drama After Us, The Flood.
Arto Halonen directs from a script by Ossi Hakala. Halonen also produces for Art Films Production.
The film is set in 2060, when humanity stands at the brink of extinction because of global warming. Henrik, an old physicist, invented a formula in his youth that led to the creation of a stable fusion reactor. Instead of sharing it with the world, he sold it to a corporation that didn’t stop global warming. But now he...
REinvent International Sales has boarded international sales for the forthcoming sci-fi drama After Us, The Flood.
Arto Halonen directs from a script by Ossi Hakala. Halonen also produces for Art Films Production.
The film is set in 2060, when humanity stands at the brink of extinction because of global warming. Henrik, an old physicist, invented a formula in his youth that led to the creation of a stable fusion reactor. Instead of sharing it with the world, he sold it to a corporation that didn’t stop global warming. But now he...
- 11/3/2023
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
"We are trying to help you..." Mvd Entertainment Group has released an official US trailer for the Finnish crime thriller titled Murderous Trance, formerly known as The Guardian Angel when it first premiered. From producer / director Arto Halonen, it is about the most incredible series of hypnosis crimes in history, sending an investigator and a hypnotist deep into a world of psychological manipulation. The international cast includes Josh Lucas as "the charismatic criminal Björn Schow Nielsen", Pilou Asbæk as detective Anders Olsen, plus Rade Šerbedžija, Christopher Fulford, and Sara Soulié. This is a described as an "edge-of-your seat mystery", but doesn't really look any better than your average crime thriller. There are some cool shots and it does look twisted and trippy, thanks to all the hypnosis. Curious to see where it leads. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Arto Halonen's Murderous Trance, direct from YouTube: Based on the extraordinary true story,...
- 12/24/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
1091 Pictures has acquired worldwide digital rights to A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem, a feature documentary directed and produced by Yu Gu, written and produced by Elizabeth Ai and co-produced by Jin Yoo-Kim. The film, which had its world premiere at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, will be available to buy on platforms January 26, 2021, and rent February 2.
The doc follows Lacy, an Oakland Raiders cheerleader who sued the team in 2014 for wage theft, and Maria, a former cheerleader for the Buffalo Bills who filed a similar suit with three others, as they fight for fair compensation from the NFL amid a structure in which some cheerleaders are compensated at less than minimum wage, compared with the teams’ players, mascots and concession workers. In the process, they reveal a culture of toxic masculinity and the devaluation of women’s labor in society. The Raiders eventually settled their suit and increased their cheerleaders’ pay.
The doc follows Lacy, an Oakland Raiders cheerleader who sued the team in 2014 for wage theft, and Maria, a former cheerleader for the Buffalo Bills who filed a similar suit with three others, as they fight for fair compensation from the NFL amid a structure in which some cheerleaders are compensated at less than minimum wage, compared with the teams’ players, mascots and concession workers. In the process, they reveal a culture of toxic masculinity and the devaluation of women’s labor in society. The Raiders eventually settled their suit and increased their cheerleaders’ pay.
- 12/17/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 35th edition, which will take place from January 15 to 25. There will be 47 world premieres and 71 U.S. premieres, with 50 countries represented overall, in addition to starry tributes that serve as an awards season stop for top Oscar contenders. Among those feted in their respective categories will be Renée Zellweger (American Riviera Award), Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver (Outstanding Performers of the Year Award), Laura Dern (Cinema Vanguard Award), Brad Pitt (Maltin Modern Master Award), along with the winners of the Virtuosos Award: Awkwafina, Taron Egerton, Cynthia Erivo, Beanie Feldstein, Aldis Hodge, George MacKay, Florence Pugh, and Taylor Russell.
The Sbiff is also unique in its yearly celebration of below the line talent. The crafts artists who’ve won the Variety Artisans Award this year are Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (“Frozen II”), Michael Giacchino (“Jojo Rabbit”), Kazu Hiro...
The Sbiff is also unique in its yearly celebration of below the line talent. The crafts artists who’ve won the Variety Artisans Award this year are Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (“Frozen II”), Michael Giacchino (“Jojo Rabbit”), Kazu Hiro...
- 12/31/2019
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
In today’s film news roundup, the 2020 awards season schedule gets finalized; Afm will cover immersive content; “Murderous Trance” and “7 Days to Vegas” get acquired; and Kate Katzman has been added to “The Comeback Trail.”
Awards Date
The Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild has set Jan. 11 as the date for its seventh annual awards show, four weeks and a day ahead of the 92nd Academy Awards.
The 2020 awards season will have more shows in a tighter time period than usual since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is moving its show forward two weeks.
The announcement was made Wednesday by Julie Socash, president of the guild, which operates as Local 706 of the International Alliance of the Theatrical Stage Employees. The guild also said nominations voting would take place between Oct. 28 and Nov. 8 with nominations announced on Nov. 11. Nominations for Lifetime Achievement Awards nominees will be announced July 9 with voting to open between Aug.
Awards Date
The Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild has set Jan. 11 as the date for its seventh annual awards show, four weeks and a day ahead of the 92nd Academy Awards.
The 2020 awards season will have more shows in a tighter time period than usual since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is moving its show forward two weeks.
The announcement was made Wednesday by Julie Socash, president of the guild, which operates as Local 706 of the International Alliance of the Theatrical Stage Employees. The guild also said nominations voting would take place between Oct. 28 and Nov. 8 with nominations announced on Nov. 11. Nominations for Lifetime Achievement Awards nominees will be announced July 9 with voting to open between Aug.
- 6/27/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nagra-kudelski’s myCinema digital content distribution system has announced its full slate of films a year after it’s launch, teed off by the James Franco feature Zeroville, which the actor both directed and headlines.
Originally, Alchemy took domestic rights at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival to Zeroville months before the company capsized due to bankruptcy. Since its pick-up at Tiff, Zeroville unfortunately became entangled in Alchemy’s financial woes and was thrown into distribution limbo until the Us distribution rights were recently acquired by Nagra. The pic will hit cinemas in September. The comedy based on Steve Erickson’s novel about a young actor who arrives in Hollywood during a transitional time also stars Seth Rogen, Megan Fox, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Dave Franco, Danny McBride, and Jacki Weaver. myCinema delivers films over the internet which individual theaters can then licenses for any number of weeks of play.
Originally, Alchemy took domestic rights at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival to Zeroville months before the company capsized due to bankruptcy. Since its pick-up at Tiff, Zeroville unfortunately became entangled in Alchemy’s financial woes and was thrown into distribution limbo until the Us distribution rights were recently acquired by Nagra. The pic will hit cinemas in September. The comedy based on Steve Erickson’s novel about a young actor who arrives in Hollywood during a transitional time also stars Seth Rogen, Megan Fox, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Dave Franco, Danny McBride, and Jacki Weaver. myCinema delivers films over the internet which individual theaters can then licenses for any number of weeks of play.
- 4/1/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 34th edition, which takes place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9. Sixty-three world premieres will debut at the California fest, which is also hosting 59 U.S. premieres from 48 countries. “Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy” will open the festival, with “Spoons: A Santa Barbara Story” closing it.
Sbiff also serves as an awards-season stop, and this year’s honorees include Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy, Yalitza Aparicio, Sam Elliott, Elsie Fisher, Claire Foy, Richard E. Grant, Thomasin McKenzie, John David Washington, Steven Yeun, and Michael B. Jordan.
Here’s the lineup:
Babysplitters, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Sam Friedlander
Better Together, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Isaac Hernández
The Bird Catcher, Norway, UK – World Premiere
Directed by Ross Clarke
Cemetery Park, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Brandon Alvis
Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy,...
Sbiff also serves as an awards-season stop, and this year’s honorees include Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy, Yalitza Aparicio, Sam Elliott, Elsie Fisher, Claire Foy, Richard E. Grant, Thomasin McKenzie, John David Washington, Steven Yeun, and Michael B. Jordan.
Here’s the lineup:
Babysplitters, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Sam Friedlander
Better Together, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Isaac Hernández
The Bird Catcher, Norway, UK – World Premiere
Directed by Ross Clarke
Cemetery Park, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Brandon Alvis
Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy,...
- 1/12/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
New projects selected for Helsinki scheme.
Helsinki International Film Festival – Love and Anarchy will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the September 2017 edition, and has confirmed a new CEO, Anna Möttölä, who takes the reins from former CEO Sara Norberg.
Möttölä formerly worked at the National Audiovisual Institute and was a film critic for Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat.
The industry programme, Finnish Film Affair (Sept 19-21) has confirmed a few of its works in progress selections.
The confirmed titles so far are:
Iron Sky: The Coming Race, the anticipated sci-fi sequel by Timo Vuorensola, Stupid Young Heart, the sophomore feature by Little Wing director Selma Vilhunen, Guardian Angel by Princess director Arto Halonen and starring Pilou Asbæk and Josh Lucas’ Untitled new project directed by Klaus Haro of Golden Globe nominated The Fencer.
In addition to around ten Works in Progress projects, Finnish Film Affair will present around ten works in development and around 15 completed films.
Möttölä...
Helsinki International Film Festival – Love and Anarchy will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the September 2017 edition, and has confirmed a new CEO, Anna Möttölä, who takes the reins from former CEO Sara Norberg.
Möttölä formerly worked at the National Audiovisual Institute and was a film critic for Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat.
The industry programme, Finnish Film Affair (Sept 19-21) has confirmed a few of its works in progress selections.
The confirmed titles so far are:
Iron Sky: The Coming Race, the anticipated sci-fi sequel by Timo Vuorensola, Stupid Young Heart, the sophomore feature by Little Wing director Selma Vilhunen, Guardian Angel by Princess director Arto Halonen and starring Pilou Asbæk and Josh Lucas’ Untitled new project directed by Klaus Haro of Golden Globe nominated The Fencer.
In addition to around ten Works in Progress projects, Finnish Film Affair will present around ten works in development and around 15 completed films.
Möttölä...
- 5/24/2017
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Finland now offerering 25% tax incentive for film and TV production.
Finland has announced the first three productions to take advantage of its recently launched 25% film and TV production tax incentive.
The three productions are:
The Guardian Angel (pictured), feature film by Art Film Production - $230,000 (€216,767)Gigglebug animation series by Gigglebug Entertainment, for $115,200 (€108,709)The New Norway, documentary by Saamifilmi, $56,600 (€53,400)
The Guardian Angel, an English-language drama/thriller, is being sold internationally by Ambi, and is directed by Finland’s Arto Halonen and stars Pilou Asbaek and Josh Lucas. The film is based on the true story of Copenhagen’s Hypnosis Murders of 1951; a police investigation discovers that one man used manipulation and hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a murderer.
The film is now shooting in Croatia and Denmark and will use the Finnish incentive to do its post-production in Finland.
The cash rebate, which came into effect on Jan 1, covers a maximum of 25% of the eligible...
Finland has announced the first three productions to take advantage of its recently launched 25% film and TV production tax incentive.
The three productions are:
The Guardian Angel (pictured), feature film by Art Film Production - $230,000 (€216,767)Gigglebug animation series by Gigglebug Entertainment, for $115,200 (€108,709)The New Norway, documentary by Saamifilmi, $56,600 (€53,400)
The Guardian Angel, an English-language drama/thriller, is being sold internationally by Ambi, and is directed by Finland’s Arto Halonen and stars Pilou Asbaek and Josh Lucas. The film is based on the true story of Copenhagen’s Hypnosis Murders of 1951; a police investigation discovers that one man used manipulation and hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a murderer.
The film is now shooting in Croatia and Denmark and will use the Finnish incentive to do its post-production in Finland.
The cash rebate, which came into effect on Jan 1, covers a maximum of 25% of the eligible...
- 2/24/2017
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Finland now offerering 25% tax incentive for film and TV production.
Finland has announced the first three productions to take advantage of its new 25% film and TV production tax incentive.
The three productions are:
The Guardian Angel (pictured), feature film by Art Film Production - $230,000 (€216,767)Gigglebug animation series by Gigglebug Entertainment, for $115,200 (€108,709)The New Norway, documentary by Saamifilmi, $56,600 (€53,400)
The Guardian Angel, an English-language drama/thriller, is being sold internationally by Ambi, and is directed by Finland’s Arto Halonen and stars Pilou Asbaek and Josh Lucas. The film is based on the true story of Copenhagen’s Hypnosis Murders of 1951; a police investigation discovers that one man used manipulation and hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a murderer.
The film is now shooting in Croatia and Denmark and will use the Finnish incentive to do its post-production in Finland.
The cash rebate, which came into effect on Jan 1, covers a maximum of 25% of the eligible...
Finland has announced the first three productions to take advantage of its new 25% film and TV production tax incentive.
The three productions are:
The Guardian Angel (pictured), feature film by Art Film Production - $230,000 (€216,767)Gigglebug animation series by Gigglebug Entertainment, for $115,200 (€108,709)The New Norway, documentary by Saamifilmi, $56,600 (€53,400)
The Guardian Angel, an English-language drama/thriller, is being sold internationally by Ambi, and is directed by Finland’s Arto Halonen and stars Pilou Asbaek and Josh Lucas. The film is based on the true story of Copenhagen’s Hypnosis Murders of 1951; a police investigation discovers that one man used manipulation and hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a murderer.
The film is now shooting in Croatia and Denmark and will use the Finnish incentive to do its post-production in Finland.
The cash rebate, which came into effect on Jan 1, covers a maximum of 25% of the eligible...
- 2/24/2017
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Finnish-Danish-Croatian co-pro is currently shooting in Croatia and Denmark.
Ambi Distribution has acquired worldwide sales rights (Scandinavia, Iceland and former Yugoslavia) to thriller The Guardian Angel, now shooting.
Writer-director Arto Halonen [pictured] is currently filming the Finnish-Danish-Croatian co-production on location in Croatia and Denmark.
Pilou Asbæk (A War), Josh Lucas (The Lincoln Lawyer), Rade Serbedzija (Downton Abbey) and Cyron Melville (A Royal Affair) lead the cast.
The English-language film is based on the true story of Copenhagen’s Hypnosis Murders of 1951; a police investigation discovers that one man used manipulation and hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a murderer.
“The story holds great interest for us today, not only as proof of the external power of controlling the human mind but also as it focuses on the visible and invisible manipulations acting upon us and affecting us as human beings,” said Halonen. “Focused on a single, fascinating case of an actual hypnosis crime, [link...
Ambi Distribution has acquired worldwide sales rights (Scandinavia, Iceland and former Yugoslavia) to thriller The Guardian Angel, now shooting.
Writer-director Arto Halonen [pictured] is currently filming the Finnish-Danish-Croatian co-production on location in Croatia and Denmark.
Pilou Asbæk (A War), Josh Lucas (The Lincoln Lawyer), Rade Serbedzija (Downton Abbey) and Cyron Melville (A Royal Affair) lead the cast.
The English-language film is based on the true story of Copenhagen’s Hypnosis Murders of 1951; a police investigation discovers that one man used manipulation and hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a murderer.
“The story holds great interest for us today, not only as proof of the external power of controlling the human mind but also as it focuses on the visible and invisible manipulations acting upon us and affecting us as human beings,” said Halonen. “Focused on a single, fascinating case of an actual hypnosis crime, [link...
- 2/11/2017
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Ambi Pictures acquires English-language remake rights to Princess.
Ambi Pictures Group has acquired the English-language remake rights to Arto Halonen’s Finnish feature Princess, based on the true story of cabaret dancer Anna Lappalainen.
Ambi’s Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi are financing and producing the remake with an eye toward aligning with A-list female talent for the picture.
Sales arm Ambi Distribution is handling worldwide sales.
Ambi’s president of worldwide sales and acquisitions, Julie Sultan, brought the project to Ambi and will develop and produce with Iervolino and Bacardi.
Produced by Art Films, Princess starred many of Finland’s leading actors including Katja Kuttner, Samuli Edelmann, Krista Kosonen and Peter Franzen, and was the fiction debut of documentary filmmaker Halonen, director of Shadow of the Holy Book, Pavlov’s Dogs and The Magnetic Man.
Princess tells the true story of former cabaret dancer Anna Lappalainen’s redemptive struggle with insanity, who checked...
Ambi Pictures Group has acquired the English-language remake rights to Arto Halonen’s Finnish feature Princess, based on the true story of cabaret dancer Anna Lappalainen.
Ambi’s Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi are financing and producing the remake with an eye toward aligning with A-list female talent for the picture.
Sales arm Ambi Distribution is handling worldwide sales.
Ambi’s president of worldwide sales and acquisitions, Julie Sultan, brought the project to Ambi and will develop and produce with Iervolino and Bacardi.
Produced by Art Films, Princess starred many of Finland’s leading actors including Katja Kuttner, Samuli Edelmann, Krista Kosonen and Peter Franzen, and was the fiction debut of documentary filmmaker Halonen, director of Shadow of the Holy Book, Pavlov’s Dogs and The Magnetic Man.
Princess tells the true story of former cabaret dancer Anna Lappalainen’s redemptive struggle with insanity, who checked...
- 10/16/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Projects range from a film about centenarians to documentaries about renowned hunger striker Bobby Sands, Winnie Mandela, Ratko Mladic and Madonna’s backing dancers.Scroll down for full list of projects
Idfa (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) has unveiled the 50 titles that will be presented at its international co-finance and production market, the Idfa Forum (Nov 24-26).
At the market, filmmakers and producers will present their documentary projects to commissioning editors from international television stations and other financiers with the aim of completing finance for their documentary projects.
A total of 50 projects have been selected for the upcoming Idfa Forum, including new projects by Heddy Honigmann, Janus Metz and Vitaly Mansky.
The Idfa 2014 programme contains 17 documentaries that were presented as projects at previous editions of the Idfa Forum.
Projects selected for this year’s Idfa Forum will be pitched in a variety of settings: the central pitches in the main auditorium of the Compagnietheater, the round table...
Idfa (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) has unveiled the 50 titles that will be presented at its international co-finance and production market, the Idfa Forum (Nov 24-26).
At the market, filmmakers and producers will present their documentary projects to commissioning editors from international television stations and other financiers with the aim of completing finance for their documentary projects.
A total of 50 projects have been selected for the upcoming Idfa Forum, including new projects by Heddy Honigmann, Janus Metz and Vitaly Mansky.
The Idfa 2014 programme contains 17 documentaries that were presented as projects at previous editions of the Idfa Forum.
Projects selected for this year’s Idfa Forum will be pitched in a variety of settings: the central pitches in the main auditorium of the Compagnietheater, the round table...
- 10/14/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Our International Sales Agent (Isa) of the Day coverage resumed for this year's Cannes Film Festival. We feature successful, upcoming, innovative and trailblazing agents from around the world (during and after the festival) and cover the latest trends in sales and distribution. Beyond the numbers and deals, this segment will also share inspirational and unique stories of how these individuals have evolved and paved their way in the industry, and what they envision for the new waves in global cinema.
New Morning Films is a relatively new sales company based in Paris that represents exquisite art house films including "Letter to the King" and "Before Snowfall" (both by Hisham Zaman), which both won The Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at the Goteborg Film Festival in 2013 and 2014. Its founder Germain Labeille has years of experience to draw from, and it all began as a child in Melbourne, Australia when the chairman of Village Roadshow sparked his interest in cinema by inviting him to private screenings. As an adult, he studied acting, production, and eventually worked in film sales for Rezo, Jour2Fete, and Albany Films International.
What's unique about Germain is his experience living in Poland for several years, which gave him fluency in the country's language and culture. This intercultural experience places him ahead of most when it comes to representing Polish and Eastern European talent, and has helped him to take on the Polish documentary "Minkowski | Saga" by Rafael Lewandowski, the feature "Little Crushes" by Aleksandra Gowin & Ireneusz Grzyb, and the Slovenian Film "Good to Go" by Matevz Luzar.
Germain shares his experience, his passion to help new directors, and his intercultural perspective on doing business:
How did you first get into film?
The father of my best friend in Melbourne was the chairman of Village Roadshow. I first met him when he was developing the video rental business in Australia back in the 80s. He would invite me to private screenings and hired me to sell ice cream and popcorn, while letting me eat the ice cream as a reward on the side. Each time I took the plane to Melbourne, he would organize a stopover in Hong Kong and welcome me as a guest to his studios. It made for a very wonderful childhood. When I was 11, he said to me, "Germain, one day you'll also work in the cinema industry," and I always kept it in mind. That's probably why I'm here, in a way.
How did you start New Morning Films?
My first job in sales (apart from selling ice cream) was with Rezo for eight months. I started out as an assistant. That's where I learned this industry is about promoting and defending creative voices that need help to get out there, and you need to be passionate to do that.
My next job was with a distribution company specialized in art house films called Jour2Fete, and then I went on to open up international sales for Albany Films International. Nearly a year ago, I moved on and opened my own company. This is how New Morning Films was born.
How's your first year of business going?
It's going well, because of all these contacts I've built over the years with other sales companies. People on the major festival circuit have started to know me, so it's much easier. The main thing in this industry is to have the contacts. If you don't have them, it's extremely difficult.
What makes New Morning Films welcoming to its clients?
My idea is to promote new directors that don't know how to get the ball rolling with their films. I come in with my contacts and experience to expose their films in ways they can't do on their own.
I work very close with producers, and we move together. I don't disappear once the agreement is signed, and we collaborate to show these films because the business is tough right now. There's a distribution revolution going on, and the question is how to succeed in getting these young directors out there - especially with theatrical distribution going down.
What is the biggest challenge of working with first time directors?
The challenge with young producers and directors is that they have extremely high expectations, and you have to help them find the balance. They can make fantastic films, but this is a competitive world. Some think they're going to win awards at every festival, and become acclaimed overnight. In a way, it's very understandable, because they've put so much time, money, and soul into their films. The main goal of first time films is to be seen as much as possible. Maybe it won't be released everywhere, but it's a sure fire way to get people talking.
Please talk about the New Morning Films Slate.
I have eight films in my care, and they've all done really well at gaining awards and attention at festivals. They're from all over the world: from Canada ("Une Jeune Fille-a Journey" by Catherine Martin), the USA, Poland, Slovenia, Spain ("Violet" by Luiso Berdejo) Germany, Scandinavia ("Princess" by Arto Halonen) and Kurdistan. I also like following the careers of the directors; I'm lucky enough to have two films by Hisham Zaman ("Letter to the King" and "Before Snowfall"), who won the Tiger Award in Goteborg two years in a row. This is the first time it's ever happened to a director. All his films talk about the cultural differences and difficulties that the Kurdistan people encounter in places like Germany and Scandinavia.
How do you approach the challenges of doing business between multiple countries and cultures?
Every country has a certain way of doing business, and it helps to know about it before you dive in. With China for example, it's extremely difficult to release a film there, because there's a lot of censorship that you have to consider. Due to this difficulty, there are very few European and American art house films that succeed in breaking into the Chinese market.
Every country and culture has its stereotypes, in which there is some truth. The Americans go straight to the point. They're very pragmatic, and the contracts are very long! With the Russians, it can take longer to get answers, and their organization is different. Really, it is a question of observation and listening. It comes from experience, and learning how to deal with them. As for the Spanish, the film makers are very passionate, so it's important not to let their excitement overwhelm you... even if it turns into anger. At the end of the day, you have to do your best to be aware of how people think, and genuinely reach an understanding with them.
Learn about the New Morning Films catalog here.
More about New Morning Films:
New Morning Films is a new independent sales company based in Paris, France. It is handled by Germain Labeille, who formerly managed Albany Films International after working at Rezo and Jour2Fete, a French quality Art House distributor. Nmf's editorial line is dedicated to the promotion of upscale Art House, and Indie Films by gifted and promising directors.
In order to build up a close and transparent work relationship with the producers and directors, our catalogue will privilege quality over quantity with no more than six films a year.
Besides Berlin and Cannes, the company will attend key markets and festivals including Warsaw and Thessaloniki to seek out rising talents.
Nmf's ultimate goal is to make use of all means of communication and innovative networks to stimulate emerging talents and optimize film visibility.
New Morning Films is a relatively new sales company based in Paris that represents exquisite art house films including "Letter to the King" and "Before Snowfall" (both by Hisham Zaman), which both won The Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at the Goteborg Film Festival in 2013 and 2014. Its founder Germain Labeille has years of experience to draw from, and it all began as a child in Melbourne, Australia when the chairman of Village Roadshow sparked his interest in cinema by inviting him to private screenings. As an adult, he studied acting, production, and eventually worked in film sales for Rezo, Jour2Fete, and Albany Films International.
What's unique about Germain is his experience living in Poland for several years, which gave him fluency in the country's language and culture. This intercultural experience places him ahead of most when it comes to representing Polish and Eastern European talent, and has helped him to take on the Polish documentary "Minkowski | Saga" by Rafael Lewandowski, the feature "Little Crushes" by Aleksandra Gowin & Ireneusz Grzyb, and the Slovenian Film "Good to Go" by Matevz Luzar.
Germain shares his experience, his passion to help new directors, and his intercultural perspective on doing business:
How did you first get into film?
The father of my best friend in Melbourne was the chairman of Village Roadshow. I first met him when he was developing the video rental business in Australia back in the 80s. He would invite me to private screenings and hired me to sell ice cream and popcorn, while letting me eat the ice cream as a reward on the side. Each time I took the plane to Melbourne, he would organize a stopover in Hong Kong and welcome me as a guest to his studios. It made for a very wonderful childhood. When I was 11, he said to me, "Germain, one day you'll also work in the cinema industry," and I always kept it in mind. That's probably why I'm here, in a way.
How did you start New Morning Films?
My first job in sales (apart from selling ice cream) was with Rezo for eight months. I started out as an assistant. That's where I learned this industry is about promoting and defending creative voices that need help to get out there, and you need to be passionate to do that.
My next job was with a distribution company specialized in art house films called Jour2Fete, and then I went on to open up international sales for Albany Films International. Nearly a year ago, I moved on and opened my own company. This is how New Morning Films was born.
How's your first year of business going?
It's going well, because of all these contacts I've built over the years with other sales companies. People on the major festival circuit have started to know me, so it's much easier. The main thing in this industry is to have the contacts. If you don't have them, it's extremely difficult.
What makes New Morning Films welcoming to its clients?
My idea is to promote new directors that don't know how to get the ball rolling with their films. I come in with my contacts and experience to expose their films in ways they can't do on their own.
I work very close with producers, and we move together. I don't disappear once the agreement is signed, and we collaborate to show these films because the business is tough right now. There's a distribution revolution going on, and the question is how to succeed in getting these young directors out there - especially with theatrical distribution going down.
What is the biggest challenge of working with first time directors?
The challenge with young producers and directors is that they have extremely high expectations, and you have to help them find the balance. They can make fantastic films, but this is a competitive world. Some think they're going to win awards at every festival, and become acclaimed overnight. In a way, it's very understandable, because they've put so much time, money, and soul into their films. The main goal of first time films is to be seen as much as possible. Maybe it won't be released everywhere, but it's a sure fire way to get people talking.
Please talk about the New Morning Films Slate.
I have eight films in my care, and they've all done really well at gaining awards and attention at festivals. They're from all over the world: from Canada ("Une Jeune Fille-a Journey" by Catherine Martin), the USA, Poland, Slovenia, Spain ("Violet" by Luiso Berdejo) Germany, Scandinavia ("Princess" by Arto Halonen) and Kurdistan. I also like following the careers of the directors; I'm lucky enough to have two films by Hisham Zaman ("Letter to the King" and "Before Snowfall"), who won the Tiger Award in Goteborg two years in a row. This is the first time it's ever happened to a director. All his films talk about the cultural differences and difficulties that the Kurdistan people encounter in places like Germany and Scandinavia.
How do you approach the challenges of doing business between multiple countries and cultures?
Every country has a certain way of doing business, and it helps to know about it before you dive in. With China for example, it's extremely difficult to release a film there, because there's a lot of censorship that you have to consider. Due to this difficulty, there are very few European and American art house films that succeed in breaking into the Chinese market.
Every country and culture has its stereotypes, in which there is some truth. The Americans go straight to the point. They're very pragmatic, and the contracts are very long! With the Russians, it can take longer to get answers, and their organization is different. Really, it is a question of observation and listening. It comes from experience, and learning how to deal with them. As for the Spanish, the film makers are very passionate, so it's important not to let their excitement overwhelm you... even if it turns into anger. At the end of the day, you have to do your best to be aware of how people think, and genuinely reach an understanding with them.
Learn about the New Morning Films catalog here.
More about New Morning Films:
New Morning Films is a new independent sales company based in Paris, France. It is handled by Germain Labeille, who formerly managed Albany Films International after working at Rezo and Jour2Fete, a French quality Art House distributor. Nmf's editorial line is dedicated to the promotion of upscale Art House, and Indie Films by gifted and promising directors.
In order to build up a close and transparent work relationship with the producers and directors, our catalogue will privilege quality over quantity with no more than six films a year.
Besides Berlin and Cannes, the company will attend key markets and festivals including Warsaw and Thessaloniki to seek out rising talents.
Nmf's ultimate goal is to make use of all means of communication and innovative networks to stimulate emerging talents and optimize film visibility.
- 6/8/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
Cannes slate includes trio of classics as well as slew of new films, including pictures from Arto Halonen and Tala Hadid.
Wide Management has picked up international sales on Jean Renoir’s 1939 picture The Bitch (La Chienne), which is screening in Cannes Classics this year.
The tale of a humble clerk who falls victim to a prostitute and her violent, scheming pimp, was Renoir’s second sound film.
It recently restored by Les Films du Jeudi - the historic production company of Renoir’s late producer Pierre Braunbreger - and the Cinémathèque Francaise with the support of France’s National Cinema Centre and the DGA and WGA-backed Franco-American Cultural Fund.
“Screening in Cannes Classics gives a masterpiece like La Chienne, which is part of cinema history, a new lease of life and visibility,” said Wide Management’s founding chief, Loic Magneron. “This is a timeless classic that should be seen by new audiences.”
Wide’s slate...
Wide Management has picked up international sales on Jean Renoir’s 1939 picture The Bitch (La Chienne), which is screening in Cannes Classics this year.
The tale of a humble clerk who falls victim to a prostitute and her violent, scheming pimp, was Renoir’s second sound film.
It recently restored by Les Films du Jeudi - the historic production company of Renoir’s late producer Pierre Braunbreger - and the Cinémathèque Francaise with the support of France’s National Cinema Centre and the DGA and WGA-backed Franco-American Cultural Fund.
“Screening in Cannes Classics gives a masterpiece like La Chienne, which is part of cinema history, a new lease of life and visibility,” said Wide Management’s founding chief, Loic Magneron. “This is a timeless classic that should be seen by new audiences.”
Wide’s slate...
- 5/8/2014
- ScreenDaily
Budding filmmakers: You have until July 15th to apply for a the Reykjavík International Film Festival's Transatlantic Talent Lab, a wholly unique educational experience taking place over four days this fall in one of the world's most truly spectacular settings. Bringing together hopeful filmmakers from Europe and America who want to meet up with other like-minded individuals, the lab consists of a schedule "stuffed with great films, workshops, events and seminars." Running October 1st-5th, 2013 -- parallel to the Reykjavík International Film Festival (this fall celebrating its 10th year) -- the labs have seen the likes of Dario Argento, Jim Jarmusch, Milos Forman, Béla Tarr, Lone Scherfig, Richie O'Donnell, James Marsh, Arto Halonen, Baltasar Kormákur, João Pedro Rodrigues, Jessica Hausner, Giorgos Lanthimos and Valdis Oskarsdottir, producers Peter Wintonick and Cédomir Kolar, actors Paprika Steen and Ulrich Thomsen, Tiff director Cameron Bailey and Tribeca director...
- 7/2/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
- Last week The European Film Academy announced the ten finalists for the category of european documentary film of the year (see complete list below) and today they've announced that the big winner is Helena Trestikova's RENÉ. The docu receives the 2008 Documentary Prix Arte award discerned by the Academy. The jury statement reads as follows: This is a film which tells a powerful story – filmed over 20 years – about an extraordinary character on the edge of society. It is a longitual documentary of outstanding quality. The jury found its examination of the relationship between subject and filmmakerfascinating and thought-provoking. Known for shooting her subjects for long periods of time, Trestikova began shooting her subject in 1989 at a youth correctional facility in Libkovice. René has been in prison since he was 16. While in custody, he and several others attempted a riot, which extended his sentence. History repeats itself in and out
- 10/21/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Cologne, Germany -- Politics, big and small, are the themes running through this year's nominees for the Prix Arte -- the European Film Academy's best documentary award.
Political films of all stripes will be in the running for Europe's top docu prize, from resurgent Russian nationalism in Mikhail Morozov's "Durakovo -- Village of Fools" to African dictatorship in Klaarte Quirijns' "The Dictator Hunter"; from a private look at the former Czech president in Pavel Kotecky and Miroslav Janek's "Citizen Havel" to "Shadow of the Holy Book," Arto Halonen's comic criticism of crony capitalism.
Other nominees include "Children. As Times Flies," Thomas Heise's picture of social deprivation in eastern Germany; "Rene," a 20 years-in-the-making portrait of a petty criminal from Czech director Helena Trestikova; and "The Mother," Antoine Cattin and Pavel Kostomarov's look at a woman raising her family on a Russian farm away from her violent husband.
Political films of all stripes will be in the running for Europe's top docu prize, from resurgent Russian nationalism in Mikhail Morozov's "Durakovo -- Village of Fools" to African dictatorship in Klaarte Quirijns' "The Dictator Hunter"; from a private look at the former Czech president in Pavel Kotecky and Miroslav Janek's "Citizen Havel" to "Shadow of the Holy Book," Arto Halonen's comic criticism of crony capitalism.
Other nominees include "Children. As Times Flies," Thomas Heise's picture of social deprivation in eastern Germany; "Rene," a 20 years-in-the-making portrait of a petty criminal from Czech director Helena Trestikova; and "The Mother," Antoine Cattin and Pavel Kostomarov's look at a woman raising her family on a Russian farm away from her violent husband.
- 10/16/2008
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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