Debating the horror genre’s artistic value is tacky. Measuring its success by the box office can be just as boring. But I’d bet you a head-start in a chase sequence that those metrics still steer how Hollywood talks about its longest-surviving obsession at many prestige events.
Not so at The Overlook Film Festival: a community-minded summit that fundamentally reinforced my belief in scary movies and the types of people who make, critique, promote, and protect them.
Co-founded by Landon Zakheim and Michael Lerman in 2013, the annual event started out of Colorado as The Stanley Film Festival, honoring Kubrick before expanding to encompass the horror genre more generally. After a brief stint in Oregon The Overlook Film Festival made its permanent home in New Orleans, Louisiana. That’s “the most haunted city in America” if you ask event organizers, but only the third most haunted if you’re going...
Not so at The Overlook Film Festival: a community-minded summit that fundamentally reinforced my belief in scary movies and the types of people who make, critique, promote, and protect them.
Co-founded by Landon Zakheim and Michael Lerman in 2013, the annual event started out of Colorado as The Stanley Film Festival, honoring Kubrick before expanding to encompass the horror genre more generally. After a brief stint in Oregon The Overlook Film Festival made its permanent home in New Orleans, Louisiana. That’s “the most haunted city in America” if you ask event organizers, but only the third most haunted if you’re going...
- 4/27/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
While the Big Easy was still shaking off a slight springtime chill, my horror-loving heart was heating up as I rode the escalator to the third floor of the Canal Place mall: home of the sprawling food court, the terrific Prytania Theaters, and, for this weekend, the official headquarters of the “summer camp for genre fans,” the 2024 Overlook Film Festival!
Taking that second escalator up to the third floor is akin to ascending to horror nirvana, as I was immediately immersed in all manner of the macabre: the Vinegar Syndrome table of essential physical media waited on my right, the Super Yaki merch table of eerie apparel lied straight ahead, and must-see screenings lurk around every corner. After meeting up with fellow Daily Dead team members Jonathan and Christy, we headed to our first screening of the fest: I Don’t Understand You. Written and directed by David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano,...
Taking that second escalator up to the third floor is akin to ascending to horror nirvana, as I was immediately immersed in all manner of the macabre: the Vinegar Syndrome table of essential physical media waited on my right, the Super Yaki merch table of eerie apparel lied straight ahead, and must-see screenings lurk around every corner. After meeting up with fellow Daily Dead team members Jonathan and Christy, we headed to our first screening of the fest: I Don’t Understand You. Written and directed by David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano,...
- 4/13/2024
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
“I Don’t Understand You” spins its chaos from something lost in translation. And yet, Nick Kroll grabbing a big handful of Andrew Rannells’ ass is a universal language.
There’s an idyllic romance hidden somewhere in Brian Crano and David Craig’s destination horror-comedy that would be worth seeing on its own. The filmmakers and real-life romantic partners premiered their deceptively dreamy movie — about a couple traveling to Italy for an anniversary vacation that goes hellishly wrong — at SXSW on March 8. It rescreened at The Overlook Film Festival from April 4 to 7, where it technically fit the genre-specific bill but also suggested a much wider audience.
Moviegoers who can stomach some gore but don’t like to be jump-scared will laugh as much as any horror head when they realize that game of grab-ass was actually the neurotic Dom checking for his very pretty but occasionally helpless husband Cole’s wallet.
There’s an idyllic romance hidden somewhere in Brian Crano and David Craig’s destination horror-comedy that would be worth seeing on its own. The filmmakers and real-life romantic partners premiered their deceptively dreamy movie — about a couple traveling to Italy for an anniversary vacation that goes hellishly wrong — at SXSW on March 8. It rescreened at The Overlook Film Festival from April 4 to 7, where it technically fit the genre-specific bill but also suggested a much wider audience.
Moviegoers who can stomach some gore but don’t like to be jump-scared will laugh as much as any horror head when they realize that game of grab-ass was actually the neurotic Dom checking for his very pretty but occasionally helpless husband Cole’s wallet.
- 4/7/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire star Dan Stevens truly has a spring in his step right now.
Over the next five months, the English actor has three unique genre films hitting theaters, beginning with Friday’s Godzilla x Kong, which marks his long-awaited reunion with his The Guest director, Adam Wingard. A decade ago, Wingard cast Stevens as David Collins, an unhinged super soldier who ultimately terrorizes the family of a fallen friend and fellow soldier, and the project served as the London native’s breakout feature film role. The Guest continues to increase its cult status with each passing year, and Stevens and Wingard, as well as writer Simon Barrett, have fielded countless requests for a sequel ever since.
Godzilla x Kong may be a 10-year reunion for Stevens, Wingard and Barrett, but it also serves as an anniversary of sorts between him and co-star Rebecca Hall. 20 years ago,...
Over the next five months, the English actor has three unique genre films hitting theaters, beginning with Friday’s Godzilla x Kong, which marks his long-awaited reunion with his The Guest director, Adam Wingard. A decade ago, Wingard cast Stevens as David Collins, an unhinged super soldier who ultimately terrorizes the family of a fallen friend and fellow soldier, and the project served as the London native’s breakout feature film role. The Guest continues to increase its cult status with each passing year, and Stevens and Wingard, as well as writer Simon Barrett, have fielded countless requests for a sequel ever since.
Godzilla x Kong may be a 10-year reunion for Stevens, Wingard and Barrett, but it also serves as an anniversary of sorts between him and co-star Rebecca Hall. 20 years ago,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Overlook Film Fest 2024 edition, taking place April 4 – April 7 in New Orleans, Louisiana, just announced even more additions to their already packed lineup, including the Nicolas Cage-starring creature feature Arcadian.
“With the full scope of this year’s lineup, we’re thrilled to be able to recognize all of the many forms horror can take,” said Lisa Carbonari, festival director of The Overlook Film Festival. “We’re diving headfirst into the dark and twisted, through the films, immersive presentations, interactive exhibits, themed parties and even sensory experiences. We can’t wait to get together with our fellow horror-lovers and celebrate all of the different ways we enjoy being scared.”
The new additions to the lineup bring the festival total to 52 films (28 features and 24 shorts) from 11 countries, as well as four live presentations, six immersive experiences and six special events.
While you can read up on the previously announced lineup here,...
“With the full scope of this year’s lineup, we’re thrilled to be able to recognize all of the many forms horror can take,” said Lisa Carbonari, festival director of The Overlook Film Festival. “We’re diving headfirst into the dark and twisted, through the films, immersive presentations, interactive exhibits, themed parties and even sensory experiences. We can’t wait to get together with our fellow horror-lovers and celebrate all of the different ways we enjoy being scared.”
The new additions to the lineup bring the festival total to 52 films (28 features and 24 shorts) from 11 countries, as well as four live presentations, six immersive experiences and six special events.
While you can read up on the previously announced lineup here,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Swanning around Italy like side characters from the second season of “The White Lotus,” well-to-do gay couple Dom (Nick Kroll) and Cole (Andrew Rannells) have decided the world is against them. As Americans, they live at a time in a country when they can legally get married, adopt and do pretty much everything straight people can — but they’re also old enough to remember when that wasn’t the case, and so they anticipate rejection and homophobia at every turn. They’re prepared for the worst, and somehow they attract it.
Loosely inspired by filmmakers Brian Crano and David Craig’s bumpy road to fatherhood, catty black comedy “I Don’t Understand You” depicts a stretch in Dom and Cole’s relationship when everything seems to be going their way … until suddenly it doesn’t. While celebrating their anniversary in Italy, the pair get the news that the baby they’ve...
Loosely inspired by filmmakers Brian Crano and David Craig’s bumpy road to fatherhood, catty black comedy “I Don’t Understand You” depicts a stretch in Dom and Cole’s relationship when everything seems to be going their way … until suddenly it doesn’t. While celebrating their anniversary in Italy, the pair get the news that the baby they’ve...
- 3/9/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
March fest announces multiple competition sections.
SXSW announced on Wednesday that Netflix series 3 Body Problem from Game Of Thrones co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss is the festival’s opening night TV premiere, while Universal’s action comedy The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is the centrepiece screening.
Top brass at the Austin, Texas, festival (March 8-16) also unveiled feature and short competitions and Midnighters and Global sections, as well as select titles from other categories and Xr Experience for the 31st edition.
Headliners selections include world premieres of Pamela Adlon’s Babes starring Ilana Glazer,...
SXSW announced on Wednesday that Netflix series 3 Body Problem from Game Of Thrones co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss is the festival’s opening night TV premiere, while Universal’s action comedy The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is the centrepiece screening.
Top brass at the Austin, Texas, festival (March 8-16) also unveiled feature and short competitions and Midnighters and Global sections, as well as select titles from other categories and Xr Experience for the 31st edition.
Headliners selections include world premieres of Pamela Adlon’s Babes starring Ilana Glazer,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Carrie Preston has boarded John Logan’s untitled feature directorial debut at Blumhouse, which has been billed as a Lgbtqia+ empowerment movie set at a gay conversion camp. The project from the three-time Oscar nominee was previously known as Whistler Camp.
Preston joins the already cast Theo Germaine and Kevin Bacon, the latter who is also serving as executive producer. Jason Blum and Michael Aguilar are producing. Scott Turner Schofield is also serving as EP.
For seven seasons, Preston starred as Arlene Fowler, the sassy red-headed waitress on the hit HBO series True Blood. She won an Emmy playing Elsbeth Tascioni on CBS’ The Good Wife and recurred in the same role on its spinoff The Good Fight. She also recurred for five years on CBS’ Person of Interest playing Grace, the love interest to her real-life husband, Michael Emerson.
Preston can now be seen on TNT’s series Claws as Polly.
Preston joins the already cast Theo Germaine and Kevin Bacon, the latter who is also serving as executive producer. Jason Blum and Michael Aguilar are producing. Scott Turner Schofield is also serving as EP.
For seven seasons, Preston starred as Arlene Fowler, the sassy red-headed waitress on the hit HBO series True Blood. She won an Emmy playing Elsbeth Tascioni on CBS’ The Good Wife and recurred in the same role on its spinoff The Good Fight. She also recurred for five years on CBS’ Person of Interest playing Grace, the love interest to her real-life husband, Michael Emerson.
Preston can now be seen on TNT’s series Claws as Polly.
- 9/27/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
By Peter Belsito.A seemingly casual comedy proceeds methodically to personal disaster and maturation for two New Yorkers.
In Permission directed by Brian Crano, the question is, “What if?”
By that we mean before you — anyone — makes a “permanent” life-setting decision what if (???) one could instead examine alternatives Just to know “they”, i.e., “other choices” are out there and you “lived them”.
What if??? indeed….
A New York couple has been happily living together for a number of years.
On the verge of marriage, a friend suggests that maybe they owe it to themselves to play the field a bit before tying the knot forever. No jealousy, no recriminations, it’s just sex, right?
Will, husband to be played by Dan Stevens is even there and approves of wife to be Anna’s (Rebecca Hall) would-be lover who tries to pick her up at a local bar.
So what...
In Permission directed by Brian Crano, the question is, “What if?”
By that we mean before you — anyone — makes a “permanent” life-setting decision what if (???) one could instead examine alternatives Just to know “they”, i.e., “other choices” are out there and you “lived them”.
What if??? indeed….
A New York couple has been happily living together for a number of years.
On the verge of marriage, a friend suggests that maybe they owe it to themselves to play the field a bit before tying the knot forever. No jealousy, no recriminations, it’s just sex, right?
Will, husband to be played by Dan Stevens is even there and approves of wife to be Anna’s (Rebecca Hall) would-be lover who tries to pick her up at a local bar.
So what...
- 12/5/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
"Aren't you curious? You must be..." Good Deed Entertainment has debuted an official trailer for the indie romantic drama Permission, from director Brian Crano. The film stars Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens as a couple on the brink of getting engaged. But just before this happens, they both realize they should sleep with other people before, and attempt to get the permission necessary to do this. Obviously this is a movie for adults, and a perfectly quirky Valentine's Day movie, if that's your thing. Also starring Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, David Joseph Craig, Morgan Spector, and Jason Sudeikis. This premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this year, but hasn't had much buzz since then. Check it out below if you're interested. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Brian Crano's Permission, direct from YouTube:...
- 12/4/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It’s coming to the point of the year where it’s difficult to see past December releases as awards chatter swells. However, this movie is worth keeping an eye on.
First premiering at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, “Permission,” starring Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens is an unconventional romantic comedy where the focus stems from the pressure of finding “the one.” More clever than it has any right to be, Brian Crano‘s picture is a lovely depiction of a couple who have grown complacent, if still loving, in their relationship, and who have to wonder if there’s anything else they’ve missed in the years they’ve been together.
Continue reading ‘Permission’ Trailer: Dan Stevens & Rebecca Hall Search For “The One” at The Playlist.
First premiering at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, “Permission,” starring Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens is an unconventional romantic comedy where the focus stems from the pressure of finding “the one.” More clever than it has any right to be, Brian Crano‘s picture is a lovely depiction of a couple who have grown complacent, if still loving, in their relationship, and who have to wonder if there’s anything else they’ve missed in the years they’ve been together.
Continue reading ‘Permission’ Trailer: Dan Stevens & Rebecca Hall Search For “The One” at The Playlist.
- 12/1/2017
- by Ally Johnson
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Permission, a romantic dramedy starring Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens and Gina Gershon, has been picked up for U.S. distribution by Good Deed Entertainment. The film, the second feature from writer-director Brian Crano, will be released early next year. Hall, who also serves as a producer on the film, plays Anna, a woman who could not be happier with her boyfriend, Will (Stevens). They are talking marriage and hoping to close on a new Brooklyn brownstone when her…...
- 6/13/2017
- Deadline
What happens when you’re in a romantic relationship, and everything is essentially fine, yet you’re plagued with questions of infinity? And what happens when two people are entirely in love with one another, yet find themselves wanting different things? These are some of the questions explored in Permission, the second feature from writer/director Brian Crano, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday. The film follows a 30-something couple—Anna (Rebecca Hal…...
- 4/26/2017
- Deadline
In Permission, Rebecca Hall stars opposite Dan Stevens as a woman who, though content with her long-term beau, tries out an open relationship. The Brian Crano dramedy — premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, where Wme and Film Constellation are handling sales — tackles the predicaments of marriage, starting a family and staying together amid disruptions. It also marks Hall’s debut as a producer.
It’s all part of the long game for the Christine and The Dinner actress, who has been penning scripts and steadily readying for her directorial debut. Hall chats with The Hollywood Reporter about acting in a movie...
It’s all part of the long game for the Christine and The Dinner actress, who has been penning scripts and steadily readying for her directorial debut. Hall chats with The Hollywood Reporter about acting in a movie...
- 4/25/2017
- by Ashley Lee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Despite a slightly silly premise and a script that plays it fast and loose with increasingly ridiculous scenarios, director Brian Crano‘s sincere and funny “Permission” manages to charm and impress thanks to the largely committed and above-average cast of Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens. A comedy/drama hybrid that strongly resembles the underrated “Sleeping With Other People” in tone, “Permission” skillfully tackles this popular dram-com mixture while adding a relatively fresh spin on the genre.
Continue reading Rebecca Hall & Dan Stevens Impress In The Charming ‘Permission’ [Tribeca Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading Rebecca Hall & Dan Stevens Impress In The Charming ‘Permission’ [Tribeca Review] at The Playlist.
- 4/25/2017
- by Ally Johnson
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Film is set to premiere at Tribeca this weekend.
UK based sales outfit Film Constellation has inked several deals on its Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens-starring romantic comedy Permission.
TF1 Studio has picked up France distribution rights, while the film has also gone to Portugal (Outsider), Turkey (Bir Films) and Middle East (Falcon Films).
Deals were previously struck for South Korea (SYcomad) and China (Red Appolo) at Hong Kong Filmart.
Beauty And The Beast actor Stevens stars alongside Christine and The Prestige actor Rebecca Hall, who will also be seen in Oren Moverman’s The Dinner this year.
The film, which premieres at Tribeca on Saturday (April 22) and will screen in the market at Cannes next month, follows a couple who decide to try dating other people before they commit to spending the rest of their lives together.
The cast also features Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, David Joseph Craig, [link...
UK based sales outfit Film Constellation has inked several deals on its Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens-starring romantic comedy Permission.
TF1 Studio has picked up France distribution rights, while the film has also gone to Portugal (Outsider), Turkey (Bir Films) and Middle East (Falcon Films).
Deals were previously struck for South Korea (SYcomad) and China (Red Appolo) at Hong Kong Filmart.
Beauty And The Beast actor Stevens stars alongside Christine and The Prestige actor Rebecca Hall, who will also be seen in Oren Moverman’s The Dinner this year.
The film, which premieres at Tribeca on Saturday (April 22) and will screen in the market at Cannes next month, follows a couple who decide to try dating other people before they commit to spending the rest of their lives together.
The cast also features Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, David Joseph Craig, [link...
- 4/20/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Author: James Kleinmann
The Tribeca Film Festival hits New York next week and runs from April 19 – 30 th. Now in its sixteenth year, the annual event was co-founded by screen legend Robert De Niro in the wake of the September 11th attacks in an effort to revitalise Lower Manhattan. Retaining an element of its original commitment to Us indie cinema, it has evolved to encompass TV, Vr, online work, music and gaming. As ever, the festival will welcome a dizzying array of big name guests including Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, Jon Favreau, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Quentin Tarantino, Scarlett Johansson and Ron Howard. Here are just some of the highlights, for the full line up and to buy tickets check out the official festival website here.
Opening and Closing night Galas at Radio City Music Hall
Kicking off the festival is the world premiere of music doc Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives.
The Tribeca Film Festival hits New York next week and runs from April 19 – 30 th. Now in its sixteenth year, the annual event was co-founded by screen legend Robert De Niro in the wake of the September 11th attacks in an effort to revitalise Lower Manhattan. Retaining an element of its original commitment to Us indie cinema, it has evolved to encompass TV, Vr, online work, music and gaming. As ever, the festival will welcome a dizzying array of big name guests including Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, Jon Favreau, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Quentin Tarantino, Scarlett Johansson and Ron Howard. Here are just some of the highlights, for the full line up and to buy tickets check out the official festival website here.
Opening and Closing night Galas at Radio City Music Hall
Kicking off the festival is the world premiere of music doc Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives.
- 4/13/2017
- by James Kleinmann
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Exclusive: UK-based sales outfit Film Constellation scores deals on upcoming title.
Film Constellation has pre-sold New York-set rom-com Permission, starring Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens, to Red Apollo Media for mainland China and SYcomad for South Korea. The deal was negotiated by Yoyo Song of Red Apollo Media and Edward Parodi of Film Constellation at Filmart in Hong Kong.
In Permission, Anna and Will are each other’s first kiss, first loves and first and only relationship. But as Will is about to propose, their best friend suggests they should date other people before spending the rest of their lives together, leading the duo on an unexpected romantic journey.
Written and directed by Brian Crano, the film also features Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, David Joseph Craig and Jason Sudeikis.
Film Constellation’s slate includes David Lynch event documentary The Art Life and Scandinavian horror hit Lake Bodom.
Film Constellation has pre-sold New York-set rom-com Permission, starring Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens, to Red Apollo Media for mainland China and SYcomad for South Korea. The deal was negotiated by Yoyo Song of Red Apollo Media and Edward Parodi of Film Constellation at Filmart in Hong Kong.
In Permission, Anna and Will are each other’s first kiss, first loves and first and only relationship. But as Will is about to propose, their best friend suggests they should date other people before spending the rest of their lives together, leading the duo on an unexpected romantic journey.
Written and directed by Brian Crano, the film also features Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, David Joseph Craig and Jason Sudeikis.
Film Constellation’s slate includes David Lynch event documentary The Art Life and Scandinavian horror hit Lake Bodom.
- 3/14/2017
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
One of the most talked-about films to premiere at Sundance this year was Antonio Campos’ “Christine.” Written by Craig Shilowich, the film stars Rebecca Hall as television reporter Christine Chubbuck who tragically took her own life live on the air in 1974.
IndieWire has an exclusive clip from the film which features Hall going up to a couple who seem “very much in love” and tells them they’d be perfect for a human interest story. “Sorry to interrupt, you just made my night,” she tells the couple before she leaves. “Don’t lose sight of what you have here.”
Read More: ‘Christine’ Trailer: Rebecca Hall Is a Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in Antonio Campos’ Disturbing Drama
The movie received rave review from critics who praised Hall for her performance as the titular character battling depression. Calling it “one of the most enthralling and compelling films we saw at Sundance,...
IndieWire has an exclusive clip from the film which features Hall going up to a couple who seem “very much in love” and tells them they’d be perfect for a human interest story. “Sorry to interrupt, you just made my night,” she tells the couple before she leaves. “Don’t lose sight of what you have here.”
Read More: ‘Christine’ Trailer: Rebecca Hall Is a Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in Antonio Campos’ Disturbing Drama
The movie received rave review from critics who praised Hall for her performance as the titular character battling depression. Calling it “one of the most enthralling and compelling films we saw at Sundance,...
- 10/14/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
DC Comic’s iconic female superhero Wonder Woman has been generating buzz with the upcoming Gal Gadot-starring film due out next year. Then last week, Greg Rucka, writer of the reborn Wonder Woman comics revealed that the heroine is bisexual. But now, the story of Diana Prince’s creator is getting the spotlight in the upcoming indie drama “Professor Marston & The Wonder Women.”
Per Deadline, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired the worldwide rights from Topple Productions and Boxspring Entertainment. Directed and written by Angela Robinson, the film stars Luke Evans as Dr. William Moulton Marston, a Harvard psychologist and inventor who created Wonder Woman in 1941. Rebecca Hall will portray his wife Elizabeth, also a psychologist and inventor, and Bella Heathcote will play Olive Byrne, a former student of Marston’s and who also shared a polyamorous relationship with the couple.
Read More: ‘Wonder Woman’ Director Patty Jenkins Fights...
Per Deadline, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired the worldwide rights from Topple Productions and Boxspring Entertainment. Directed and written by Angela Robinson, the film stars Luke Evans as Dr. William Moulton Marston, a Harvard psychologist and inventor who created Wonder Woman in 1941. Rebecca Hall will portray his wife Elizabeth, also a psychologist and inventor, and Bella Heathcote will play Olive Byrne, a former student of Marston’s and who also shared a polyamorous relationship with the couple.
Read More: ‘Wonder Woman’ Director Patty Jenkins Fights...
- 10/7/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
New York is about to play host to yet another love story, but this time it isn’t Woody Allen dreaming up a love letter to the Big Apple; instead, Rebecca Hall and Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens have been cast in Permission, a romantic comedy written and directed by Brian Crano.
Production is already underway on the film, which set up shop at Brooklyn before the turn of the year. That would place Crano’s feature film on course for a release in late 2016, though a firm release date wasn’t disclosed at the time of writing.
In light of today’s announcement, Hall and Stevens join a starry ensemble that already includes Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, Bridget Everett, David Joseph Craig, Sarah Steele and Horrible Bosses and Angry Birds star Jason Sudeikis. Placed at the crux of the story, Permission sees Hall and Stevens play a...
Production is already underway on the film, which set up shop at Brooklyn before the turn of the year. That would place Crano’s feature film on course for a release in late 2016, though a firm release date wasn’t disclosed at the time of writing.
In light of today’s announcement, Hall and Stevens join a starry ensemble that already includes Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, Bridget Everett, David Joseph Craig, Sarah Steele and Horrible Bosses and Angry Birds star Jason Sudeikis. Placed at the crux of the story, Permission sees Hall and Stevens play a...
- 1/27/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Rebecca Hall and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens are starring in a new romantic comedy Permission, which is being shot in New York by writer-director Brian Crano. Hall is starring in Christine, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Stevens was in the breakout Sundance hit The Guest and next will appear as the Beast in Disney’s live-action Beauty & The Beast. In Permission, the duo will portray a couple who decide to sleep with other people for the sake of…...
- 1/27/2016
- Deadline
Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens are set to team up for Brian Crano's romantic comedy "Permission" at Ball and Chain and Picture Films.
Crano also penned the script about a couple who decide to sleep with other people for the sake of their relationship. Set at the 30th birthday party of Hall's character, Stevens' character is about to propose when the couple's best friend makes a toast suggesting that as their relationship is so stable it's threatening to their friends and perhaps they should sleep around before their inevitable marriage.
Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, Bridget Everett, David Joseph Craig, Sarah Steele and Jason Sudeikis also star. Margot Hand, Hall, Giri Tharan and Joshua Thurston will produce the project which is currently shooting in Brooklyn.
Source: Deadline...
Crano also penned the script about a couple who decide to sleep with other people for the sake of their relationship. Set at the 30th birthday party of Hall's character, Stevens' character is about to propose when the couple's best friend makes a toast suggesting that as their relationship is so stable it's threatening to their friends and perhaps they should sleep around before their inevitable marriage.
Gina Gershon, Francois Arnaud, Morgan Spector, Bridget Everett, David Joseph Craig, Sarah Steele and Jason Sudeikis also star. Margot Hand, Hall, Giri Tharan and Joshua Thurston will produce the project which is currently shooting in Brooklyn.
Source: Deadline...
- 1/27/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Plus: Former Relativity TV duo launch Critical Content; Surveillance producer Kent Harper makes directorial debut on Villainous; and more
Rebecca Hall, currently doing the press tour in Park City for the world premiere of Christine, will star opposite Dan Stevens in the rom-com Permission for Ball And Chain and Picture Films in association with Paper Trail. Shooting is underway in Brooklyn and the cast includes Gina Gershon and Jason Sudeikis. Brian Crano directs and Wme is represents worldwide rights.
Former Relativity TV CEO Tom Forman has launched Critical Content backed by $75m in growth capital to make unscripted and scripted content for broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. Forman will serve as CEO and former Relativity TV president Andrew Marcus is named president and COO.GoDigital, Inc has named Nick Soares CEO of GoDigital, Inc. Soares most recently served as CEO of digital film self-distribution site Distribber.com, which GoDigital acquired last year. He reports...
Rebecca Hall, currently doing the press tour in Park City for the world premiere of Christine, will star opposite Dan Stevens in the rom-com Permission for Ball And Chain and Picture Films in association with Paper Trail. Shooting is underway in Brooklyn and the cast includes Gina Gershon and Jason Sudeikis. Brian Crano directs and Wme is represents worldwide rights.
Former Relativity TV CEO Tom Forman has launched Critical Content backed by $75m in growth capital to make unscripted and scripted content for broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. Forman will serve as CEO and former Relativity TV president Andrew Marcus is named president and COO.GoDigital, Inc has named Nick Soares CEO of GoDigital, Inc. Soares most recently served as CEO of digital film self-distribution site Distribber.com, which GoDigital acquired last year. He reports...
- 1/27/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
This short thriller has played at a slew of film festivals and won Best Horror Thriller at Comic-Con. It will gross you the hell out. Seriously, it is gross, although without being really graphic. It relies more on the power of suggestion to make you squirm. Called “Dog Food,” it was directed by Brian Crano, and stars Amanda Seyfried, who is maybe my favorite, and Cory Michael Smith, whom you may or may not recognize from Gotham (he plays Edward Nygma). David Craig (not Craig David) also stars.
"Dog Food" is about a hipster-ish ethical butcher in Brooklyn who receives threats from animal rights activists.* You’ll probably see things coming from a mile away, but the ending is a surprise. Like I said, it isn’t graphic, but there is a tiny bit of profanity that may make this Nsfw without headphones.
*Parts of it reminded me a bit...
"Dog Food" is about a hipster-ish ethical butcher in Brooklyn who receives threats from animal rights activists.* You’ll probably see things coming from a mile away, but the ending is a surprise. Like I said, it isn’t graphic, but there is a tiny bit of profanity that may make this Nsfw without headphones.
*Parts of it reminded me a bit...
- 10/29/2014
- by Mily Dunbar
- GeekTyrant
A dog is man's best friend, and it's easy to understand the heartache when a canine is lost or missing. But in Brian Crano's short "Dog Food," he takes that premise that gives it a nasty twist. Starring Amanda Seyfried, Cory Michael Smith, and David Craig, the 18-minute short film tells the story of a butcher who loses his dog, and the girl who he's been interested in coming into the picture in an unexpected way. After premiering at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this year, "Dog Food" has been on a helluva run to over 20 festivals around the world. Now you can watch it with a click of your mouse below, so check it out, it's a nice little treat for Halloween.
- 10/27/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
"You probably don't stock this in your shop." What better way to freak people out for Halloween than with something that is totally fucked up? If this short didn't have a Hollywood cast included, I probably would've skipped right over it (especially running at 18 minutes) but alas, here we are, sharing with you the one of the craziest shorts I've seen yet. Titled Dog Food from writer/director Brian Crano (@briancrano), the short stars Cory Michael Smith, Amanda Seyfried, David Craig and an adorable dog. Tip: don't watch this if you're eating, or about to start eating food anytime soon, as you may lose your appetite. Oh and I should say that, yes, the director is actually a dog owner/lover. Which might explain the way this ends. So have fun! The only short synopsis available: "When Declan loses his dog and best friend, Ralphie, his life starts to unravel.
- 10/27/2014
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The fifth annual Telluride Horror Show is getting set to kick off in Telluride, Colorado, next month, and right now we have the first batch of announced films for your perusal.
From the Press Release
The Telluride Horror Show is excited to announce the first batch of films for its 5th annual festival, scheduled for October 10-12, 2014, in beautiful Telluride, Colorado.
Features
Backwater
USA | 2013 | 94 min | Director: Christopher Schrack
Followed by a Q&A with director Christopher Schrack.
A couple camping in the woods believe they are in tremendous danger even though they can't explain what is causing their terror.
Bag Boy Lover Boy
USA | 2014 | 77 min | Director: Andres Torres
Bag Boy Lover Boy follows the lowly life of Albert, an oddball hotdog vendor who is shocked to find himself suddenly becoming the bizarre muse of enigmatic NYC photographer Ivan Worthington. But shocks come his way even more so when, amidst his...
From the Press Release
The Telluride Horror Show is excited to announce the first batch of films for its 5th annual festival, scheduled for October 10-12, 2014, in beautiful Telluride, Colorado.
Features
Backwater
USA | 2013 | 94 min | Director: Christopher Schrack
Followed by a Q&A with director Christopher Schrack.
A couple camping in the woods believe they are in tremendous danger even though they can't explain what is causing their terror.
Bag Boy Lover Boy
USA | 2014 | 77 min | Director: Andres Torres
Bag Boy Lover Boy follows the lowly life of Albert, an oddball hotdog vendor who is shocked to find himself suddenly becoming the bizarre muse of enigmatic NYC photographer Ivan Worthington. But shocks come his way even more so when, amidst his...
- 9/5/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
We told you back in April that Bryan Fuller‘s pilot for Syfy, High Moon, had gone into production. Four months later they’re announcing lead casting, so I’m trying to not be concerned about the time that’s elapsed, and instead be pleased about this forward momentum.
I love Bryan Fuller‘s work with Our Kind of Shows (Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls and more), so I’d really love to see this one go forward.
Chris Diamantopoulos And Jake Sandvig Sign On For Lead Roles In Syfy’S New Scripted Series Pilot High Moon
New York – August 13, 2013 – Syfy has inked actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Jake Sandvig for starring roles in High Moon, a 90-minute pilot, co-produced by Universal Cable Productions and Lark Productions set to commence shooting August 26 in Vancouver BC. The project is based on the novel “The Lotus Caves” by John Christopher.
High Moon is an imaginative,...
I love Bryan Fuller‘s work with Our Kind of Shows (Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls and more), so I’d really love to see this one go forward.
Chris Diamantopoulos And Jake Sandvig Sign On For Lead Roles In Syfy’S New Scripted Series Pilot High Moon
New York – August 13, 2013 – Syfy has inked actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Jake Sandvig for starring roles in High Moon, a 90-minute pilot, co-produced by Universal Cable Productions and Lark Productions set to commence shooting August 26 in Vancouver BC. The project is based on the novel “The Lotus Caves” by John Christopher.
High Moon is an imaginative,...
- 8/14/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: June 19, 2012
Price: DVD $24.98, Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Mpi
Two law-breaking goofballs are forced to turn into responsible grownups in the 2011 independent comedy A Bag of Hammers.
Buddies Ben (Jason Ritter, The Dry Land) and Alan (Jake Sandvig, Easy A) are twenty-something L.A. slackers who make money through a valet-parking scam (they park cars at funerals, then steal them) and by leasing their rental house next door. Their new tenant is a stressed-out single mom, Kelsey (Carrie Preston, TV’s True Blood), who’s struggling to pay her bills and support her precocious, street-smart 12-year-old son (Chandler Canterbury, Knowing).
Ben and Alan strike up a friendship with Kelsey, but Alan’s sister Mel (Rebecca Hall, The Town) comes to believe that the boy may be a neglected latchkey kid. Mel’s intervention to remedy that situation sets off a chain of events that leads the guys to invent...
Price: DVD $24.98, Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Mpi
Two law-breaking goofballs are forced to turn into responsible grownups in the 2011 independent comedy A Bag of Hammers.
Buddies Ben (Jason Ritter, The Dry Land) and Alan (Jake Sandvig, Easy A) are twenty-something L.A. slackers who make money through a valet-parking scam (they park cars at funerals, then steal them) and by leasing their rental house next door. Their new tenant is a stressed-out single mom, Kelsey (Carrie Preston, TV’s True Blood), who’s struggling to pay her bills and support her precocious, street-smart 12-year-old son (Chandler Canterbury, Knowing).
Ben and Alan strike up a friendship with Kelsey, but Alan’s sister Mel (Rebecca Hall, The Town) comes to believe that the boy may be a neglected latchkey kid. Mel’s intervention to remedy that situation sets off a chain of events that leads the guys to invent...
- 6/1/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
A Bag of Hammers is like the funny guy at parties. He’s not perfect, maybe a bit of a lush and flabby around the middle, but you love having him around. The feature debut from Director Brian Crano follows two cheeky criminals as they steal cars from funeral goers. Ben (Jason Ritter, NBC’s Parenthood) and Alan (Jake Sandvig Easy A) are best friends with a mysteriously dark past, yet they are harmless felons who share the wit and maturity of teenagers....
- 5/10/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
Title: A Bag of Hammers Mpi Media Group Director: Brian Crano Screenwriter: Brian Crano, Jake Sandvig Cast: Jason Ritter, Rebecca Hall, Jake Sandvig, Chandler Canterbury, Carrie Preston Screened at: Review 1, NYC, 4/19/12 Opens: May 11, 2012 This well-meaning but innocuous comedy-drama featuring Brian Crano’s TV-style direction and which is co-written by him and one of the principal performers is a story about redemption and emotional growth. However the pace is sluggish, the situations absurd, and the actors go about their roles mechanically in an underwritten script. Ben (Jason Ritter) and Alan (Jake Sandvig) have been buddies for years, living in the same California home adjacent to unemployed single mother [ Read More ]...
- 4/20/2012
- by Brian Corder
- ShockYa
Director: Brian Crano Writers: Brian Crano, Jake Sandvig Starring: Jason Ritter, Jake Sandvig, Chandler Canterbury, Rebecca Hall, Carrie Preston Ben (Jason Ritter) and Alan (Jake Sandvig) are a pair of slacker-cum-grifters whose signature con is posing as valets in order to steal cars from cemeteries during funeral services. They have been best friends forever, spending almost every moment of their lives within spitting distance (figuratively speaking, of course) of each other. Ben and Alan own a house and a rental house -- and this is where Lynette (Carrie Preston) and her son Kelsey (Chandler Canterbury) blow into the picture. Lynette and Kelsey have evacuated Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, and they move into Ben and Alan's rental house. Lynette does not have a job -- she is determined to get an office job, but is not qualified (the job interviews we witness are excruciatingly painful). She is never home (presumably earning...
- 5/7/2011
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
By Elliot V. Kotek
(from the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
The Newport Beach Film Festival has sprung to life with a dynamic opening weekend, kicking off with the world premiere of Michael Knowles’ “East Fifth Bliss,” starring two-time Oscar nominee Peter Fonda and “Dexter” Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall, both of whom were in attendance to present the film to a jam-packed thousand-plus-person theater.
“Saving Private Ryan’s” Tom Sizemore, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s” Robert Patrick, “American Graffiti’s” Mackenzie Phillips, “Happy Gilmore’s” Christopher McDonald and a host of others were also in attendance on opening night, the festival’s proximity to Los Angeles making it easy for casts and crews to be present at, and to promote, screenings of their films.
“Conception” drew down some of its cast, including real-life couple Jennifer Finnigan and “Weekend at Bernie’s” Jonathan Silverman, who are also in town for...
(from the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
The Newport Beach Film Festival has sprung to life with a dynamic opening weekend, kicking off with the world premiere of Michael Knowles’ “East Fifth Bliss,” starring two-time Oscar nominee Peter Fonda and “Dexter” Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall, both of whom were in attendance to present the film to a jam-packed thousand-plus-person theater.
“Saving Private Ryan’s” Tom Sizemore, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s” Robert Patrick, “American Graffiti’s” Mackenzie Phillips, “Happy Gilmore’s” Christopher McDonald and a host of others were also in attendance on opening night, the festival’s proximity to Los Angeles making it easy for casts and crews to be present at, and to promote, screenings of their films.
“Conception” drew down some of its cast, including real-life couple Jennifer Finnigan and “Weekend at Bernie’s” Jonathan Silverman, who are also in town for...
- 5/1/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
By Elliot V. Kotek
(from the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
The Newport Beach Film Festival has sprung to life with a dynamic opening weekend, kicking off with the world premiere of Michael Knowles’ “East Fifth Bliss,” starring two-time Oscar nominee Peter Fonda and “Dexter” Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall, both of whom were in attendance to present the film to a jam-packed thousand-plus-person theater.
“Saving Private Ryan’s” Tom Sizemore, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s” Robert Patrick, “American Graffiti’s” Mackenzie Phillips, “Happy Gilmore’s” Christopher McDonald and a host of others were also in attendance on opening night, the festival’s proximity to Los Angeles making it easy for casts and crews to be present at, and to promote, screenings of their films.
“Conception” drew down some of its cast, including real-life couple Jennifer Finnigan and “Weekend at Bernie’s” Jonathan Silverman, who are also in town for...
(from the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
The Newport Beach Film Festival has sprung to life with a dynamic opening weekend, kicking off with the world premiere of Michael Knowles’ “East Fifth Bliss,” starring two-time Oscar nominee Peter Fonda and “Dexter” Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall, both of whom were in attendance to present the film to a jam-packed thousand-plus-person theater.
“Saving Private Ryan’s” Tom Sizemore, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s” Robert Patrick, “American Graffiti’s” Mackenzie Phillips, “Happy Gilmore’s” Christopher McDonald and a host of others were also in attendance on opening night, the festival’s proximity to Los Angeles making it easy for casts and crews to be present at, and to promote, screenings of their films.
“Conception” drew down some of its cast, including real-life couple Jennifer Finnigan and “Weekend at Bernie’s” Jonathan Silverman, who are also in town for...
- 5/1/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Brian Crano's first feature A Bag Of Hammers premiered just a few weeks ago in Austin at the SXSW Film Festival, where I saw it and instantly fell in love (with the film, not Crano - sorry, dude, that just might be too creepy). A Bag Of Hammers follows two misfit best friends, Ben and Allan (played by Jason Ritter and Jake Sandvig, respectively), who get by doing no good. They're thrown a bag of hammers when they take a mother and fatherless boy under their wings.
Read more on SXSW 2011 Interview: A Bag Of Hammers co-writer/director Brian Crano...
Read more on SXSW 2011 Interview: A Bag Of Hammers co-writer/director Brian Crano...
- 3/29/2011
- by Chase Whale
- GordonandtheWhale
I think I can safely say IFC covered the crap out of South by Southwest 2011. Stephen Saito and I reviewed over fifteen films and interviewed over forty filmmakers during our ten days in Austin. That's way more films covered than hours either of us slept. Here now is a complete archive of everything we did: reviews, video interviews, and print interviews. At the bottom, you'll also find mine and Stephen's picks for the five best films at this year's SXSW. Enjoy. I know we did.
Reviews
"Attack the Block," directed by Joe Cornish
"The Beaver," directed by Jodie Foster
"Bellflower," directed by Evan Glodell
"Bridesmaids," directed by Paul Feig
"Convento," directed by Jarred Alterman
"The Fp," directed by The Brothers Trost
"The Greatest Movie Ever Sold," directed by Morgan Spurlock
"Insidious," directed by James Wan
"Last Days Here," directed by Don Argott and Demian Fenton
"The Other F Word," directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins
"Paul,...
Reviews
"Attack the Block," directed by Joe Cornish
"The Beaver," directed by Jodie Foster
"Bellflower," directed by Evan Glodell
"Bridesmaids," directed by Paul Feig
"Convento," directed by Jarred Alterman
"The Fp," directed by The Brothers Trost
"The Greatest Movie Ever Sold," directed by Morgan Spurlock
"Insidious," directed by James Wan
"Last Days Here," directed by Don Argott and Demian Fenton
"The Other F Word," directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins
"Paul,...
- 3/23/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
I love an actor like Jake Sandvig. He’s a working actor (Easy A, series regular in Twenty Good Years and Cracking Up) but instead of sitting around and waiting for an audition, he chose to do something about it.
He and his friend, Brian Crano, made a film.
Directed by Crano and co-written by both he and Sandvig, the film is a comedy about two immature friends whose lives are completely changed when an abandoned child enters their lives. Starring Sandvig, Jason Ritter, Rebecca Hall and Carrie Preston, it’s a great indie comedy that you should definitely check out when you get a chance.
I talked to Jake at SXSW about writing his first script, casting the movie and nightmare audition stories.
You’re wrote this movie?
Jake Sandvig: Yeah, I co-wrote with the director Brian Crano, good buddy of mine.
How did that happen? Have you ever written a script before?...
He and his friend, Brian Crano, made a film.
Directed by Crano and co-written by both he and Sandvig, the film is a comedy about two immature friends whose lives are completely changed when an abandoned child enters their lives. Starring Sandvig, Jason Ritter, Rebecca Hall and Carrie Preston, it’s a great indie comedy that you should definitely check out when you get a chance.
I talked to Jake at SXSW about writing his first script, casting the movie and nightmare audition stories.
You’re wrote this movie?
Jake Sandvig: Yeah, I co-wrote with the director Brian Crano, good buddy of mine.
How did that happen? Have you ever written a script before?...
- 3/22/2011
- by Lance@dailyactor.com (Lance Carter)
- DailyActorMedia
Rating: 4/5
Director: Brian Crano
Writers: Brian Crano, Jake Sandvig
Cast: Jason Ritter, Jake Sandvig, Chandler Canterbur, Rebecca Hall, Carrie Preston, Carrie Preston, Amanda Seyfried
Alan and Ben are a pair of slackers who pay rent by working valet at funerals. No, wait, wait that’s very incorrect. Alan and Ben are a pair of slackers who pay rent by boosting cars while posing as valet employees at funerals. Sounds morbid and cruel, but A Bag Of Hammers is actually a bag of charm.
Read more on SXSW 2011 Review: A Bag Of Hammers…...
Director: Brian Crano
Writers: Brian Crano, Jake Sandvig
Cast: Jason Ritter, Jake Sandvig, Chandler Canterbur, Rebecca Hall, Carrie Preston, Carrie Preston, Amanda Seyfried
Alan and Ben are a pair of slackers who pay rent by working valet at funerals. No, wait, wait that’s very incorrect. Alan and Ben are a pair of slackers who pay rent by boosting cars while posing as valet employees at funerals. Sounds morbid and cruel, but A Bag Of Hammers is actually a bag of charm.
Read more on SXSW 2011 Review: A Bag Of Hammers…...
- 3/20/2011
- by Chase Whale
- GordonandtheWhale
Filed under: Reviews, SXSW Film Festival, Cinematical
There aren't all that many great movies about scoundrels. Rapscallions, ruffians and reprobates have been the basis of some of the cinema's most enduring films, but not scoundrels. Scoundrels are lazy and unfocused and impishly full of potential -- they're the characters who are one pivotal moment away from blossoming into stand-up gentlemen, and that transition is usually so forced and obvious that the movies they inhabit tend to fall apart as soon as they try to get serious.
'A Bag of Hammers' is more charming than most of these flicks, and surprisingly affecting when it turns on the waterworks, but the joy of watching Brian Crano's eager and delightfully quick-witted debut feature is almost fatally dissipated by his film's inability (or unwillingness) to stick to its guns. The movie crackles with its own good-natured energy, but it can't figure out how...
There aren't all that many great movies about scoundrels. Rapscallions, ruffians and reprobates have been the basis of some of the cinema's most enduring films, but not scoundrels. Scoundrels are lazy and unfocused and impishly full of potential -- they're the characters who are one pivotal moment away from blossoming into stand-up gentlemen, and that transition is usually so forced and obvious that the movies they inhabit tend to fall apart as soon as they try to get serious.
'A Bag of Hammers' is more charming than most of these flicks, and surprisingly affecting when it turns on the waterworks, but the joy of watching Brian Crano's eager and delightfully quick-witted debut feature is almost fatally dissipated by his film's inability (or unwillingness) to stick to its guns. The movie crackles with its own good-natured energy, but it can't figure out how...
- 3/17/2011
- by David Ehrlich
- Moviefone
Filed under: Reviews, SXSW Film Festival, Cinematical
There aren't all that many great movies about scoundrels. Rapscallions, ruffians and reprobates have been the basis of some of the cinema's most enduring films, but not scoundrels. Scoundrels are lazy and unfocused and impishly full of potential -- they're the characters who are one pivotal moment away from blossoming into stand-up gentlemen, and that transition is usually so forced and obvious that the movies they inhabit tend to fall apart as soon as they try to get serious.
'A Bag of Hammers' is more charming than most of these flicks, and surprisingly affecting when it turns on the waterworks, but the joy of watching Brian Crano's eager and delightfully quick-witted debut feature is almost fatally dissipated by his film's inability (or unwillingness) to stick to its guns. The movie crackles with its own good-natured energy, but it can't figure out how...
There aren't all that many great movies about scoundrels. Rapscallions, ruffians and reprobates have been the basis of some of the cinema's most enduring films, but not scoundrels. Scoundrels are lazy and unfocused and impishly full of potential -- they're the characters who are one pivotal moment away from blossoming into stand-up gentlemen, and that transition is usually so forced and obvious that the movies they inhabit tend to fall apart as soon as they try to get serious.
'A Bag of Hammers' is more charming than most of these flicks, and surprisingly affecting when it turns on the waterworks, but the joy of watching Brian Crano's eager and delightfully quick-witted debut feature is almost fatally dissipated by his film's inability (or unwillingness) to stick to its guns. The movie crackles with its own good-natured energy, but it can't figure out how...
- 3/17/2011
- by David Ehrlich
- Cinematical
South by Southwest is still going strong down in Austin, Texas and if you're following along on Twitter, there are a ton of movies that should have hit your radar. Films like Kill List, The Fp, Bridesmaids and Attack the Block just to name a few. Another one that seems to have people talking is A Bag of Hammers, one of those classic, festival ready indie comedies starring co-writer Jake Sandvig, Jason Ritter and Rebecca Hall. Directed and co-written by Brian Crano, the film is about two immature friends whose lives are changed when an abandoned child enters their lives. Check out the trailer and more after the break. Thanks to The Film Stage [1] for the heads up. There's more info over on the official site [2]. Does this seem like something you'd like to see? [1] http://thefilmstage.com/2011/03/16/bag-of-hammers-trailer-featuring-rebecca-hall/ [2] http://abagofhammers.com...
- 3/17/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
South by Southwest is slowly coming to close. Are we sad? Of course. For every new movie release, there's a trailer. They're like bits of happiness that can be cracked open during work -- assuming your PC monitor isn't in your boss's eye line.
The latest trailer from the fest, "A Bag of Hammers," was posted to the web in conjunction with film's premiere. The footage is delightful, mostly because it features the impossibly beautiful Rebecca Hall.
"A Bag of Hammers" is the debut full-length film for director Brian Crano, who worked with Hall on two previous shorts, "Official Selection" and "Rubberheart." The story follows two con men named Alan and Ben, Alan's sister and a doomed young boy. From all the grave robbing we see in the trailer, it's safe to assume this is a dark comedy.
And what's the title refer to? That's still a mystery, though something...
The latest trailer from the fest, "A Bag of Hammers," was posted to the web in conjunction with film's premiere. The footage is delightful, mostly because it features the impossibly beautiful Rebecca Hall.
"A Bag of Hammers" is the debut full-length film for director Brian Crano, who worked with Hall on two previous shorts, "Official Selection" and "Rubberheart." The story follows two con men named Alan and Ben, Alan's sister and a doomed young boy. From all the grave robbing we see in the trailer, it's safe to assume this is a dark comedy.
And what's the title refer to? That's still a mystery, though something...
- 3/16/2011
- by Chris Plante
- NextMovie
A film festival without a quirky indie comedy is like a day without sunshine. Helping to fulfill this inevitability for SXSW is Bag of Hammers, from feature debut director Brian Crano. Starring co-writer Jake Sandvig, Jason Ritter and the lovely Rebecca Hall, who’s worked with Crano on two previous shorts, Rubberheart and Official Selection. As it stands, reviews seem a tad mixed; Jonathan Sullivan saw it and wasn’t too keen on it, although Jack Giroux happened to enjoy the film.
The trailer has premiered on the official site, and the plot is as follows:
“A comedy about two misfit best friends incapable of growing up, whose direction is tested by an abandoned child, worn beyond his years; together they invent the family they’ve always needed.”
It’s not a bad trailer, either. While I can maybe see where some problems would come in (the production values look kind of low,...
The trailer has premiered on the official site, and the plot is as follows:
“A comedy about two misfit best friends incapable of growing up, whose direction is tested by an abandoned child, worn beyond his years; together they invent the family they’ve always needed.”
It’s not a bad trailer, either. While I can maybe see where some problems would come in (the production values look kind of low,...
- 3/16/2011
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Submarine Entertainment have released the debut trailer for indie-drama A Bag of Hammers.
Directed by Brian Crano (Rubberheart), A Bag of Hammers premiered at SXSW festival earlier this week to warm reviews from critics.
The film stars Jason Ritter (Swimfan), Jake Sandvig (Easy A), Rebecca Hall (Please Give), Chandler Canterbury (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ), Carrie Preston (Doubt) and Todd Louiso (High Fidelity).
Synopsis: A comedy about two misfit best friends incapable of growing up, whose direction is tested by an abandoned child, worn beyond his years; together they invent the family they’ve always needed.
A Bag of Hammers does not yet have a distributor but, thanks to the positive reviews, it could be one of the festival’s next pick ups.
Check out the trailer below:
Iframe Embed for Youtube
Source: The Playlist...
Directed by Brian Crano (Rubberheart), A Bag of Hammers premiered at SXSW festival earlier this week to warm reviews from critics.
The film stars Jason Ritter (Swimfan), Jake Sandvig (Easy A), Rebecca Hall (Please Give), Chandler Canterbury (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ), Carrie Preston (Doubt) and Todd Louiso (High Fidelity).
Synopsis: A comedy about two misfit best friends incapable of growing up, whose direction is tested by an abandoned child, worn beyond his years; together they invent the family they’ve always needed.
A Bag of Hammers does not yet have a distributor but, thanks to the positive reviews, it could be one of the festival’s next pick ups.
Check out the trailer below:
Iframe Embed for Youtube
Source: The Playlist...
- 3/16/2011
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
There's a peculiar inconsistency in the tone of A Bag Of Hammers. It starts out as a snide, whimsical buddy comedy, lulling audiences into a false sense of alt-bromance cleverness, before abruptly dropping the bottom out and letting the dirty real world force its way in. In some ways, it's refreshing and keeps you on your toes. On the other hand, the shift are so total and, at times, harsh, that it makes their incongruity stick out a little too much.
Let's start at the beginning. A Bag Of Hammers, directed by Brian Crano in his first full-length film, is about two winsome slackers and small-time con artists -- Ben (Jason Ritter) and Alan (Jake Sandvig). They're good-natured, generally sweet guys who spend their days posing as valets at funerals, and the stealing the cars. The rest of their time is spent hanging out with their reprobate friend who fences the cars for them,...
Let's start at the beginning. A Bag Of Hammers, directed by Brian Crano in his first full-length film, is about two winsome slackers and small-time con artists -- Ben (Jason Ritter) and Alan (Jake Sandvig). They're good-natured, generally sweet guys who spend their days posing as valets at funerals, and the stealing the cars. The rest of their time is spent hanging out with their reprobate friend who fences the cars for them,...
- 3/14/2011
- by TK
"I wrote this part for you."
I'm fascinated by the phenomenon of writers writing parts for specific actors. It makes sense: a character needs a voice when you're writing it, so you imagine it being someone's specific voice. But that also seems like a potentially insulting situation. "Hey, I wrote this part for you in my movie: it's about this junkie who beats up homeless people for kicks. You'd basically just be playing yourself! You have to do it!"
"A Bag of Hammers" writers Brian Crano (also director) and Jake Sandvig (also co-star) wrote Rebecca Hall's part in the film specifically for her -- no, she's not a homeless abusing junkie -- which led to a fun conversation about that very topic. We also spoke about the film, its complex mix of tones, and how that can make it tough to talk about with the press. Oh and hats made out of waffles.
I'm fascinated by the phenomenon of writers writing parts for specific actors. It makes sense: a character needs a voice when you're writing it, so you imagine it being someone's specific voice. But that also seems like a potentially insulting situation. "Hey, I wrote this part for you in my movie: it's about this junkie who beats up homeless people for kicks. You'd basically just be playing yourself! You have to do it!"
"A Bag of Hammers" writers Brian Crano (also director) and Jake Sandvig (also co-star) wrote Rebecca Hall's part in the film specifically for her -- no, she's not a homeless abusing junkie -- which led to a fun conversation about that very topic. We also spoke about the film, its complex mix of tones, and how that can make it tough to talk about with the press. Oh and hats made out of waffles.
- 3/13/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
By Elliot V. Kotek
(March 2011)
That the SXSW Film Conference and Festival (or “South by,” as preferred by insiders), which runs March 11-19 in Austin, Texas, has changed over the past 10 years is self-evident. Once solely a haven for music lovers, the program is now also bursting with interactive new media events, prominent national sponsors and a film slate so solid that distributors have started coming here with an eye to acquisitions.
With truly original and interesting programming across sections named Narrative Feature Competition, Documentary Feature Competition, Headliners, Spotlight Premieres, Emerging Visions, 24 Beats per Second, Festival Favorites, Lone Star States, Sx Global and Special Events, there’s too much in store to provide the perfect playbook, but be sure to keep an eye out for the following baker’s dozen:
Gourdough’s: It’s not a film; it’s a food truck — and one of the many that will keep you well-oiled during the festival.
(March 2011)
That the SXSW Film Conference and Festival (or “South by,” as preferred by insiders), which runs March 11-19 in Austin, Texas, has changed over the past 10 years is self-evident. Once solely a haven for music lovers, the program is now also bursting with interactive new media events, prominent national sponsors and a film slate so solid that distributors have started coming here with an eye to acquisitions.
With truly original and interesting programming across sections named Narrative Feature Competition, Documentary Feature Competition, Headliners, Spotlight Premieres, Emerging Visions, 24 Beats per Second, Festival Favorites, Lone Star States, Sx Global and Special Events, there’s too much in store to provide the perfect playbook, but be sure to keep an eye out for the following baker’s dozen:
Gourdough’s: It’s not a film; it’s a food truck — and one of the many that will keep you well-oiled during the festival.
- 3/11/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
By Elliot V. Kotek
(March 2011)
That the SXSW Film Conference and Festival (or “South by,” as preferred by insiders), which runs March 11-19 in Austin, Texas, has changed over the past 10 years is self-evident. Once solely a haven for music lovers, the program is now also bursting with interactive new media events, prominent national sponsors and a film slate so solid that distributors have started coming here with an eye to acquisitions.
With truly original and interesting programming across sections named Narrative Feature Competition, Documentary Feature Competition, Headliners, Spotlight Premieres, Emerging Visions, 24 Beats per Second, Festival Favorites, Lone Star States, Sx Global and Special Events, there’s too much in store to provide the perfect playbook, but be sure to keep an eye out for the following baker’s dozen:
Gourdough’s: It’s not a film; it’s a food truck — and one of the many that will keep you well-oiled during the festival.
(March 2011)
That the SXSW Film Conference and Festival (or “South by,” as preferred by insiders), which runs March 11-19 in Austin, Texas, has changed over the past 10 years is self-evident. Once solely a haven for music lovers, the program is now also bursting with interactive new media events, prominent national sponsors and a film slate so solid that distributors have started coming here with an eye to acquisitions.
With truly original and interesting programming across sections named Narrative Feature Competition, Documentary Feature Competition, Headliners, Spotlight Premieres, Emerging Visions, 24 Beats per Second, Festival Favorites, Lone Star States, Sx Global and Special Events, there’s too much in store to provide the perfect playbook, but be sure to keep an eye out for the following baker’s dozen:
Gourdough’s: It’s not a film; it’s a food truck — and one of the many that will keep you well-oiled during the festival.
- 3/11/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
...Or we should say "Cheat Sheets" since this year's SXSW Film Festival boasts over 140 films, requiring more than just one page to cover every single one of the narrative and documentary features that will be playing in Austin from March 11th through 19th. While the festival has already provided a very helpful schedule to flip through and Pdf of the screening grid online, consider this your quick hit guide to all the features at the festival - every title leads to its corresponding festival page in addition to links to trailers, official sites, filmmakers' Facebook pages and Twitter accounts so you can follow the action from the festival or from home.
Meanwhile, there will be plenty of action during these next two weeks on IFC.com where, in addition to our live video page, Matt Singer (@mattsinger) and I (@mfrushmore) will be filing reviews and interviews throughout the film festival.
Meanwhile, there will be plenty of action during these next two weeks on IFC.com where, in addition to our live video page, Matt Singer (@mattsinger) and I (@mfrushmore) will be filing reviews and interviews throughout the film festival.
- 3/9/2011
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
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