Bosnian-Dutch writer and director Ena Sendijarević has signed with Black Bear’s management arm.
Sendijarević’s second feature “Sweet Dreams” was selected as the official Dutch submission for this year’s Academy Awards and deemed a “startlingly accomplished sophomore film” by Variety. She was also one of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch for 2024.
Sendijarević’s feature debut, “Take Me Somewhere Nice,” an absurdist European road trip movie, won the Special Jury award at the 48th International Film Festival in Rotterdam, as well as the “Heart of Sarajevo” award at the 25th Sarajevo Film Festival. The film was then selected for the 72nd Cannes Film Festival Acid selection. Sendijarević has also made several short films, the latest of which, “Import,” had its world premiere in Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight section and was the official Dutch entry for Live Action Short Film at the 89th Academy Awards.
Next for Sendijarević is “The Possessed,...
Sendijarević’s second feature “Sweet Dreams” was selected as the official Dutch submission for this year’s Academy Awards and deemed a “startlingly accomplished sophomore film” by Variety. She was also one of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch for 2024.
Sendijarević’s feature debut, “Take Me Somewhere Nice,” an absurdist European road trip movie, won the Special Jury award at the 48th International Film Festival in Rotterdam, as well as the “Heart of Sarajevo” award at the 25th Sarajevo Film Festival. The film was then selected for the 72nd Cannes Film Festival Acid selection. Sendijarević has also made several short films, the latest of which, “Import,” had its world premiere in Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight section and was the official Dutch entry for Live Action Short Film at the 89th Academy Awards.
Next for Sendijarević is “The Possessed,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Kerry Howley, a screenwriter, author and essayist, has signed with Black Bear for representation. The news comes as Howley is about to make waves at Sundance, where “Winner,” a comedic coming-of-age story that she wrote, is going to debut. Howley adapted the story from her own New York Magazine profile on Reality Winner, an Air Force vet and Nsa translator who leaked an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. The film is directed by Susanna Fogel (“Cat Person”). It stars Emilia Jones, Connie Britton and Zach Galifianakis. “Winner” will debut in Sundance’s Premieres section.
Howley authored the non-fiction book “Bottom’s Up and The Devil Laughs,” which was recently picked as a New York Times 2023 Top Ten Book of the Year and a Vanity Fair Best Book of the Year. She is currently a staff writer at New York Magazine, most recently contributing the cover...
Howley authored the non-fiction book “Bottom’s Up and The Devil Laughs,” which was recently picked as a New York Times 2023 Top Ten Book of the Year and a Vanity Fair Best Book of the Year. She is currently a staff writer at New York Magazine, most recently contributing the cover...
- 1/16/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
“Sing Sing” and “Jockey” filmmakers Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley have signed with CAA for representation.
The award-winning filmmakers’ most recent feature, “Sing Sing,” a prison-set drama, stars Emmy winner Colman Domingo and features a supporting cast that includes Oscar nominee Paul Raci, but is comprised primarily of formerly incarcerated individuals. The film is directed by Kwedar, co-written by both, and produced by Bentley, with its story inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York.
“Sing Sing” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was acquired by A24, in a competitive situation, with the deal brokered by CAA Media Finance.
Kwedar and Bentley’s previous narrative collaborations include “Jockey” and “Transpecos,” both starring Clifton Collins Jr. “Jockey” marked Bentley’s directorial debut, helmed from a script the pair co-wrote and Kwedar produced. The film made its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival,...
The award-winning filmmakers’ most recent feature, “Sing Sing,” a prison-set drama, stars Emmy winner Colman Domingo and features a supporting cast that includes Oscar nominee Paul Raci, but is comprised primarily of formerly incarcerated individuals. The film is directed by Kwedar, co-written by both, and produced by Bentley, with its story inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York.
“Sing Sing” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was acquired by A24, in a competitive situation, with the deal brokered by CAA Media Finance.
Kwedar and Bentley’s previous narrative collaborations include “Jockey” and “Transpecos,” both starring Clifton Collins Jr. “Jockey” marked Bentley’s directorial debut, helmed from a script the pair co-wrote and Kwedar produced. The film made its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Black Bear’s management arm has signed the Swedish actor and model Simon Lööf for representation.
Lööf is currently on set in the lead role of Netflix’s Swedish thriller An Honest Life, directed by Mikael Marcimain, which is due to be released globally 2024.
Based on a thriller by Joakim Zander of the same name, the buzzed about production revolves around a disillusioned law school student who finds himself on the wrong side of the law, when he falls under the thrall of an anarchic, young woman he meets a political demonstration.
Simon Lööf made his acting debut in 2020 in teen ice hockey drama Eagles, which he followed with a co-starring role in the critically acclaimed Swedish series Threesome opposite Matilda Källström.
Aside from An Honest Life, Lööf’s will soon be seen in the series So Long, Marianne about the relationship between...
Lööf is currently on set in the lead role of Netflix’s Swedish thriller An Honest Life, directed by Mikael Marcimain, which is due to be released globally 2024.
Based on a thriller by Joakim Zander of the same name, the buzzed about production revolves around a disillusioned law school student who finds himself on the wrong side of the law, when he falls under the thrall of an anarchic, young woman he meets a political demonstration.
Simon Lööf made his acting debut in 2020 in teen ice hockey drama Eagles, which he followed with a co-starring role in the critically acclaimed Swedish series Threesome opposite Matilda Källström.
Aside from An Honest Life, Lööf’s will soon be seen in the series So Long, Marianne about the relationship between...
- 11/8/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Black Bear’s management arm has signed award-winning Quebec director Sophie Dupuis for representation. Most recently, Dupuis’ third picture, “Solo,” premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the award for best Canadian film. The film, which was written and directed by Dupuis, stars fellow Black Bear client Théodore Pellerin. It is set in Montreal’s drag queen scene.
Critics embraced the film with SlashFilm calling it “a vibrant portrait of queer nightlife” and the Toronto Star praising the work as a “dexterous film that combines bold images with the quiet beat of a heart torn asunder two ways.”
Dupuis’ previous work, which also showcases her impactful storytelling and her focus on human complexity, has been widely lauded. Her feature film debut, the crime drama “Family First,” earned four Canadian Screen Awards. It was selected as Canada’s submission for best foreign language film at the 2018 Academy Awards.
Critics embraced the film with SlashFilm calling it “a vibrant portrait of queer nightlife” and the Toronto Star praising the work as a “dexterous film that combines bold images with the quiet beat of a heart torn asunder two ways.”
Dupuis’ previous work, which also showcases her impactful storytelling and her focus on human complexity, has been widely lauded. Her feature film debut, the crime drama “Family First,” earned four Canadian Screen Awards. It was selected as Canada’s submission for best foreign language film at the 2018 Academy Awards.
- 10/12/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Black Bear, the production, management and financing company founded by Teddy Schwarzman, on Thursday announced its signing of Simona Tabasco, one of the breakout Italian stars of The White Lotus‘ second season.
The news follows the firm’s introduction to Tabasco as the producer of Immaculate, a forthcoming psychological horror film in which she stars opposite fellow White Lotus alum Sydney Sweeney.
In the Sicily-set second installment of Mike White’s HBO satire The White Lotus, examining the dynamics between employees and guests at luxury hotels around the world, Tabasco starred alongside Adam Dimarco, Michael Imperioli, Beatrice Grannò, Theo James and more. The 10x Emmy-winning series had her playing the role of Lucia Greco, a prostitute enjoying the high life alongside aspiring chanteuse Mia (Grannò), as she builds her business on the grounds of The White Lotus Sicily. For her performance, the actress was recognized with an Emmy nom...
The news follows the firm’s introduction to Tabasco as the producer of Immaculate, a forthcoming psychological horror film in which she stars opposite fellow White Lotus alum Sydney Sweeney.
In the Sicily-set second installment of Mike White’s HBO satire The White Lotus, examining the dynamics between employees and guests at luxury hotels around the world, Tabasco starred alongside Adam Dimarco, Michael Imperioli, Beatrice Grannò, Theo James and more. The 10x Emmy-winning series had her playing the role of Lucia Greco, a prostitute enjoying the high life alongside aspiring chanteuse Mia (Grannò), as she builds her business on the grounds of The White Lotus Sicily. For her performance, the actress was recognized with an Emmy nom...
- 8/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Black Bear’s management arm has signed Danish-American actor Elliott Crosset Hove for representation.
Hove is best known for the well-received Danish/Icelandic feature Godland, which premiered in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
His lauded performance in the picture earned him Best Male Actor at Denmark’s 2023 Bodil Awards, as well as a Best Actor nomination at the European Film Awards.
Hove’s previous feature roles include Rasmus Heisterberg’s 2016 feature film In the Blood, for which Hove was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Bodil Awards, and Hlynur Pálmason’s Winter Brothers, which won him a Danish Robert Award and Best Actor at the Locarno Film Festival. He has also appeared in Journal 64, Before the Frost, Parents and Wildland.
Most recently, Hove starred in Katrine Brocks’ The Great Silence and Simon Jaquemet’s Electric Child, which is currently in post-production, alongside Rila Fukushima.
Hove is best known for the well-received Danish/Icelandic feature Godland, which premiered in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
His lauded performance in the picture earned him Best Male Actor at Denmark’s 2023 Bodil Awards, as well as a Best Actor nomination at the European Film Awards.
Hove’s previous feature roles include Rasmus Heisterberg’s 2016 feature film In the Blood, for which Hove was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Bodil Awards, and Hlynur Pálmason’s Winter Brothers, which won him a Danish Robert Award and Best Actor at the Locarno Film Festival. He has also appeared in Journal 64, Before the Frost, Parents and Wildland.
Most recently, Hove starred in Katrine Brocks’ The Great Silence and Simon Jaquemet’s Electric Child, which is currently in post-production, alongside Rila Fukushima.
- 7/11/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: CAA has signed filmmaker Jamie Dack, whose debut feature Palm Trees and Power Lines earned her the U.S. Dramatic Directing Award at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Related Story Whitney Peak Of ‘Gossip Girl’ Signs With CAA Related Story Michael C. Hall Signs With CAA Related Story CAA TV Lit Agent Christopher Licata Joins 42 As Manager
The coming-of-age drama, based on Dack’s 2018 short film of the same name, tells the story of Lea (Lily McInerny), a disconnected teenage girl who enters a relationship with a man twice her age. She sees Tom (Jonathan Tucker) as the solution to all her problems, but his intentions are not what they seem.
Dack co-wrote, directed and produced the pic, which was most recently nominated for Best First Screenplay and Best First Feature at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards, also respectively landing McInerny and Tucker noms for Best Breakthrough Performance and Supporting Performance.
Related Story Whitney Peak Of ‘Gossip Girl’ Signs With CAA Related Story Michael C. Hall Signs With CAA Related Story CAA TV Lit Agent Christopher Licata Joins 42 As Manager
The coming-of-age drama, based on Dack’s 2018 short film of the same name, tells the story of Lea (Lily McInerny), a disconnected teenage girl who enters a relationship with a man twice her age. She sees Tom (Jonathan Tucker) as the solution to all her problems, but his intentions are not what they seem.
Dack co-wrote, directed and produced the pic, which was most recently nominated for Best First Screenplay and Best First Feature at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards, also respectively landing McInerny and Tucker noms for Best Breakthrough Performance and Supporting Performance.
- 3/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Paris-based Petit Film has boarded “Hot Spot” by Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska.
The story, set in the near future, follows a disillusioned private eye Djonny, called to investigate a murder at a refugee camp. But he becomes increasingly unstable as he confronts a cyber witch who gradually takes control of his life.
Smoczyńska’s previous film, Cannes premiere “The Silent Twins” – based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons – earned Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance a BIFA [British Independent Film Award] for Best Joint Lead Performance.
“Agnieszka’s work does not derive from, or resemble, any existing films. That’s the first and foremost reason why I would not miss the chance to participate in one of them,” says producer Jean des Forêts, also behind Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s English-language debut “Earwig.”
“Last year the opportunity arose and I seized it immediately. The project brings together a nice band...
The story, set in the near future, follows a disillusioned private eye Djonny, called to investigate a murder at a refugee camp. But he becomes increasingly unstable as he confronts a cyber witch who gradually takes control of his life.
Smoczyńska’s previous film, Cannes premiere “The Silent Twins” – based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons – earned Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance a BIFA [British Independent Film Award] for Best Joint Lead Performance.
“Agnieszka’s work does not derive from, or resemble, any existing films. That’s the first and foremost reason why I would not miss the chance to participate in one of them,” says producer Jean des Forêts, also behind Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s English-language debut “Earwig.”
“Last year the opportunity arose and I seized it immediately. The project brings together a nice band...
- 2/19/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Black Bear, the independent production and financing group behind such features as Mudbound, I Care a Lot and The Imitation Game, has set up a multi-year revolving development fund with B-Reel Films, the Scandinavian production company whose credits include Ari Aster’s Midsommar and Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World.
The deal, announced Tuesday by Black Bear’s President and CEO Teddy Schwarzman and B-Reel Films CEO, Pelle Nilsson, will see the two companies jointly acquire and develop Scandinavian-sourced IP and content, both for film and television. Black Bear will also represent B-Reel Films’ English-language and international projects and will coordinate closely with B-Reel’s representatives at CAA.
Philip Westgren, who runs B-Reel Films’ U.S. operations, will join Black Bear partners Keith Redmon and Joanne Roberts Wiles as a manager and producer in the company’s newly formed management division.
The Scandinavian deal is part of...
The deal, announced Tuesday by Black Bear’s President and CEO Teddy Schwarzman and B-Reel Films CEO, Pelle Nilsson, will see the two companies jointly acquire and develop Scandinavian-sourced IP and content, both for film and television. Black Bear will also represent B-Reel Films’ English-language and international projects and will coordinate closely with B-Reel’s representatives at CAA.
Philip Westgren, who runs B-Reel Films’ U.S. operations, will join Black Bear partners Keith Redmon and Joanne Roberts Wiles as a manager and producer in the company’s newly formed management division.
The Scandinavian deal is part of...
- 1/10/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The Imitation Game outfit Black Bear Pictures is bolstering the senior ranks of its fledgling management division with the hire of respected former ICM Partners and William Morris agent Joanne Roberts Wiles.
While a partner at ICM, Wiles represented filmmakers including Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth), the Duplass Brothers (Cyrus), Karyn Kusama (Yellowjackets), Duke Johnson (Anomalisa), Charlie McDowell and Justin Lader (Windfall), Gregg Araki (Now Apocalypse), Jamie Dack (Palm Trees and Power Lines), Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley (Jockey), So Yong Kim (Lovesong), David Siegel and Scott McGehee (Montana Story), and David Lachapelle (Rize).
She also represented talent in front of the camera including Oscar nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of The Dog), Hannah Gross (Mindhunter), Garance Marillier (Titane), Théodore Pellerin (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Dree Hemingway (Starlet), Chris Klein (American Pie), and Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike).
Wiles will be a Partner in Black Bear’s newly formed management division,...
While a partner at ICM, Wiles represented filmmakers including Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth), the Duplass Brothers (Cyrus), Karyn Kusama (Yellowjackets), Duke Johnson (Anomalisa), Charlie McDowell and Justin Lader (Windfall), Gregg Araki (Now Apocalypse), Jamie Dack (Palm Trees and Power Lines), Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley (Jockey), So Yong Kim (Lovesong), David Siegel and Scott McGehee (Montana Story), and David Lachapelle (Rize).
She also represented talent in front of the camera including Oscar nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of The Dog), Hannah Gross (Mindhunter), Garance Marillier (Titane), Théodore Pellerin (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Dree Hemingway (Starlet), Chris Klein (American Pie), and Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike).
Wiles will be a Partner in Black Bear’s newly formed management division,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Almost nine months to the day after the surprise Deadline scoop that CAA would acquire ICM Partners, the deal finally got government approval and closed. This creates a mega agency in the biggest linkup in the space since the Wma-Endeavor merger. Sources close to the situation said the Department of Justice finally approved the deal late last night or this morning, and it closed. It is valued around 750 million, and a combined enterprise value around 5 billion. The merged company’s leadership is expected to address staff at a town hall Thursday, with the newly combined departments set to begin their integration process with get-togethers on July 11, we hear.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
- 6/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The steady trickle of agents leaving ICM Partners over the past nine months has grown into a stream in the last week, with dozens of reps making inquiries to other agencies and management companies as they mull their future ahead of the pending Department of Justice ruling on ICM’s proposed acquisition by CAA.
With the merger decision expected in the next couple of weeks, the prospect of ICM staff moving to CAA has become real, and so have the invites to join the combined agency after months of hints and winks. While no hiring/layoff decisions can be made while the regulatory approval process is ongoing, by now everyone knows where they stand. Staff reductions are an inevitable byproduct of any merger, and with the proceedings dragging on for so long, a number of ICM agents already left for other jobs ahead of the deal close — either because they...
With the merger decision expected in the next couple of weeks, the prospect of ICM staff moving to CAA has become real, and so have the invites to join the combined agency after months of hints and winks. While no hiring/layoff decisions can be made while the regulatory approval process is ongoing, by now everyone knows where they stand. Staff reductions are an inevitable byproduct of any merger, and with the proceedings dragging on for so long, a number of ICM agents already left for other jobs ahead of the deal close — either because they...
- 6/17/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia has acquired North American rights to “Shorta,” Anders Ølhom and Frederik Louis Hviid’s Danish action thriller, which world premiered during Critics’ Week at the Venice Film Festival to warm reviews. The movie went on to play at Toronto.
The action-packed film follows Jens and Mike, two police officers who are on a routine patrol in a disadvantaged neighborhood when news breaks that 19-year-old Talib Ben Hassi has died in police custody. As the neighborhood’s young inhabitants call for revenge, the two officers find themselves trapped in a maze of buildings.
“Shorta” bowed in theaters in Scandinavia on Oct. 8 and reached more than 30,000 admissions over the first weekend, according to French sales outfit Charades, which is shopping the film globally.
“We are thrilled to have found in Magnolia the best home in the U.S. for Anders and Frederik’s work,” said Charades’ partner Carole Baraton, who negotiated...
The action-packed film follows Jens and Mike, two police officers who are on a routine patrol in a disadvantaged neighborhood when news breaks that 19-year-old Talib Ben Hassi has died in police custody. As the neighborhood’s young inhabitants call for revenge, the two officers find themselves trapped in a maze of buildings.
“Shorta” bowed in theaters in Scandinavia on Oct. 8 and reached more than 30,000 admissions over the first weekend, according to French sales outfit Charades, which is shopping the film globally.
“We are thrilled to have found in Magnolia the best home in the U.S. for Anders and Frederik’s work,” said Charades’ partner Carole Baraton, who negotiated...
- 10/19/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
When Peter Vack scored a role over the summer playing Lola Kirke’s boyfriend on the Amazon series “Mozart in the Jungle,” he used the money to direct his first feature. The actor had scored in dozens of low-budget projects and directed a short film a few years earlier, but he had reason to believe nobody else was going to back his feature-length debut.
“Just imagine the first sentence of the pitch,” said Vack, over lunch at Soho House. “‘It’s about two people who share an anal fetish, and I’m thinking of my sister to play the lead.’ I knew this particular endeavor was not something I’d be able to find investors for.”
The movie, by the way, was called “Assholes.” It premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, where it won the inaugural Adam Yauch Hornblower Award (a prize reserved for unique filmmaking visions); it also jolted audiences and critics alike,...
“Just imagine the first sentence of the pitch,” said Vack, over lunch at Soho House. “‘It’s about two people who share an anal fetish, and I’m thinking of my sister to play the lead.’ I knew this particular endeavor was not something I’d be able to find investors for.”
The movie, by the way, was called “Assholes.” It premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, where it won the inaugural Adam Yauch Hornblower Award (a prize reserved for unique filmmaking visions); it also jolted audiences and critics alike,...
- 10/6/2017
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Continuing their support for women directors, Horizon Award co-founding producers Cassian Elwes, Lynette Howell Taylor, and Christine Vachon, announced the winners of the second annual Horizon Award. Academy Award nominee Chloë Sevigny will bestow up-and-coming filmmakers Macarena Gaona, Juliette Gosselin, Shanice Malakai Johnson, and Florence Pelletier with the Horizon Award at a reception in Park City, Utah, with creative talent, producers, entertainment executives and media in attendance to celebrate these rising women directors and their achievements in independent filmmaking.
The Horizon Award ceremony and reception will take place on Sunday, January 24th, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the WireImage Portrait Studio at Village at the Lift (825 Main Street, Park City), co-hosted by Jeff Vespa.
The Horizon Award is an annual award that seeks to identify and mentor talented, up-and-coming female directors – the primary goal being to support women directors early enough in their development to help them overcome the hurdles in advancing their learning curve and careers.
In addition to the Horizon Award, the four winners will receive grants from the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. The Foundation supports the artistic achievements of female filmmakers through a series of grants that reflect Adrienne Shelly’s dedication to the art of filmmaking and her own successful transition from actress to filmmaker.
This year’s winners are:
Horizon Award First Place
Juliette Gosselin (University of Quebec in Montreal) & Florence Pelletier (Concordia University, Montreal)
Co-directors of "Mes Anges à Tête Noire"
Horizon Award Runners-Up
Macarena (Macqui) Gaona (New York University) Director of "Channel 999 and Channel 1000"
Shanice Malakai Johnson (Scottsdale Community College) Director of "End to the Suffering"
On making the announcement, Cassian Elwes said: “I’m so excited to announce the winners of the second annual Horizon Award. This year’s overwhelming number of submissions and caliber of work made it very hard indeed to pick just one winner – the jury identified one grand prize winner, and two runners-up. Additionally, we have added new partners to our already formidable team – proving that not only is the move towards gender equality in the zeitgeist, but that there are very real advocates amongst our peers. After the recent summit for systemic change (hosted by Sundance and Women in Film), I am more convinced than ever that we can make a difference and that history is on our side. I remain steadfastly committed to the idea that, one day soon, women will have exactly the same opportunities as men to direct movies.”
Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List and one of the award’s original advocates added: “We are passionate supporters of this award that recognizes fresh voices and perspectives in storytelling. This effort mirrors our own effort – the Black List's 500 Feminist Films project, created by our Director of Community, Kate Hagen. We look forward to mentoring the winners in the year to come.”
The jury was comprised of 38 influential directors, producers, and executives from the filmmaking community who viewed 483 short film submissions from over 200 colleges and universities world-wide, including the U.S., Canada, England, Australia, India, China, South Africa, Scotland, France, Mexico, Portugal, Columbia, Brazil, Russia, Serbia, the Ukraine, and more. This year, submissions increased by over one hundred from last year, with additional countries and universities participating. Submissions were received from Nyu, USC, UCLA, Chapman, Emerson, Penn State, Loyola Marymount, University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, Syracuse, Tcu, Ryerson (Toronto), Oxford, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Delhi, and more.
Now in its second year, the Horizon Award provides an all-expense-paid trip for the winning female college students to the Sundance Film Festival, where they will have the opportunity to present their films to some of the industry’s most influential names. The winners receive mentorship, festival access, and important introductions by Elwes, Howell, and Vachon to agents, producers, executives, festival staff, and other influencers throughout the Sundance Film Festival.
The Horizon Award was founded by producer, Cassian Elwes ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club"), and Michelle Satter, Founding Director, Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, in response to a Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles study that revealed that only 4.2% of the top 100 films each year from 2002-2013 were directed by women. Elwes partnered with Howell ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes," "The Place Beyond the Pines:), and Vachon ( "Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry," "One Hour Photo," "Far From Heaven"), to create the award as an opportunity for young female directors to have mentorship and networking opportunities in conjunction with Sundance, the home of American Independent film.
You can see links for more info on the study:
Phase I and II
Phase III
Sponsors and Partners for the 2016 Horizon Award are: The Black List, CreativeFuture, The Creative Mind Group, Done To Your Taste Catering, FilmLA, Indiegogo, Mprm Communications, the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, Sundance Institute, Twitter, Verge, Vimeo, WireImage, Adina Design, and Women in Film. This impressive group has come together to support an award that they hope will continue to identify, nurture, and launch the careers of future female directors for years to come.
Full List of Jurors:
Stephanie Allain Producer ("Dear White People," "Hustle & Flow")
Dori Begley Magnolia Pictures (Svp, Acquisitions)
Amy Berg Director ("Janis: Little Girl Blue," "Deliver Us From Evil," "Prophet’s Prey")
Arianna Bocco IFC Films (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Robbie Brenner The Firm (Partner, President of Film)
Susan Carter Hall Painter
Amal ElWardi Zeal Media Company (Producer)
Cassian Elwes Producer ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club")
Janet Grillo Director ("Jack of the Red Hearts," "Fly Away")
Poppy Hanks Macro Venture (Svp, Development & Production)
Catherine Hardwicke Director ("Miss You Already," "Red Riding Hood," "Twilight")
Lynette Howell Taylor Producer ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes")
Liza Johnson Director ("Elvis & Nixon," "Return," "Hateship Loveship," "In the Air")
Eda Kowan Lionsgate (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Gina Kwon Amazon Studios (Executive, Comedy)
Helen Lee-Kim Good Universe (Partner, Head of International)
Laura Lewis CAA (Agent, Film Finance)
Alix Madigan Broad Green Pictures (Head, Creative)
Marianna Palka Actress/Director ("I’m the Same,""Always Worthy," "Good Dick")
Bruna Papandrea Pacific Standard (Producer/Partner)
Keri Putnam Sundance Institute (Executive Director)
Dee Rees Director ("Bessie," “Empire”)
Laura Rister Untitled Entertainment (Head of Production)
Rena Ronson UTA (Partner)
Michelle Satter Sundance Institute (Director, Feature Film Program)
Cathy Schulman Stx Entertainment (President & Chief Content Officer)
Lauren Selig Shake and Bake Productions (Executive Producer)
Mary Jane Skalski Producer ("The Visitor," "Mysterious Skin," "The Station Agent")
Lara Thompson E1 Entertainment (Svp, Worldwide Acquisitions)
Christine Vachon Producer ("Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry")
Ruth Vitale CreativeFuture (CEO)
Angie Wang Director ("Cardinal X")
Hanna Weg Producer ("Septembers of Shiraz")
Tanya Wexler Director ("Hysteria," "Finding North," "Ball in the House")
Joanne Wiles ICM (Partner/Agent, Motion Picture Talent)
Pam Williams Pam Williams Productions ("Lee Daniels’ The Butler," "Fail Safe")
Lisa Wilson The Solution Entertainment (Co-Founder/Partner)
So Yong Kim Director ("Love Song," "For Ellen," "In Between Days")...
The Horizon Award ceremony and reception will take place on Sunday, January 24th, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the WireImage Portrait Studio at Village at the Lift (825 Main Street, Park City), co-hosted by Jeff Vespa.
The Horizon Award is an annual award that seeks to identify and mentor talented, up-and-coming female directors – the primary goal being to support women directors early enough in their development to help them overcome the hurdles in advancing their learning curve and careers.
In addition to the Horizon Award, the four winners will receive grants from the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. The Foundation supports the artistic achievements of female filmmakers through a series of grants that reflect Adrienne Shelly’s dedication to the art of filmmaking and her own successful transition from actress to filmmaker.
This year’s winners are:
Horizon Award First Place
Juliette Gosselin (University of Quebec in Montreal) & Florence Pelletier (Concordia University, Montreal)
Co-directors of "Mes Anges à Tête Noire"
Horizon Award Runners-Up
Macarena (Macqui) Gaona (New York University) Director of "Channel 999 and Channel 1000"
Shanice Malakai Johnson (Scottsdale Community College) Director of "End to the Suffering"
On making the announcement, Cassian Elwes said: “I’m so excited to announce the winners of the second annual Horizon Award. This year’s overwhelming number of submissions and caliber of work made it very hard indeed to pick just one winner – the jury identified one grand prize winner, and two runners-up. Additionally, we have added new partners to our already formidable team – proving that not only is the move towards gender equality in the zeitgeist, but that there are very real advocates amongst our peers. After the recent summit for systemic change (hosted by Sundance and Women in Film), I am more convinced than ever that we can make a difference and that history is on our side. I remain steadfastly committed to the idea that, one day soon, women will have exactly the same opportunities as men to direct movies.”
Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List and one of the award’s original advocates added: “We are passionate supporters of this award that recognizes fresh voices and perspectives in storytelling. This effort mirrors our own effort – the Black List's 500 Feminist Films project, created by our Director of Community, Kate Hagen. We look forward to mentoring the winners in the year to come.”
The jury was comprised of 38 influential directors, producers, and executives from the filmmaking community who viewed 483 short film submissions from over 200 colleges and universities world-wide, including the U.S., Canada, England, Australia, India, China, South Africa, Scotland, France, Mexico, Portugal, Columbia, Brazil, Russia, Serbia, the Ukraine, and more. This year, submissions increased by over one hundred from last year, with additional countries and universities participating. Submissions were received from Nyu, USC, UCLA, Chapman, Emerson, Penn State, Loyola Marymount, University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, Syracuse, Tcu, Ryerson (Toronto), Oxford, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Delhi, and more.
Now in its second year, the Horizon Award provides an all-expense-paid trip for the winning female college students to the Sundance Film Festival, where they will have the opportunity to present their films to some of the industry’s most influential names. The winners receive mentorship, festival access, and important introductions by Elwes, Howell, and Vachon to agents, producers, executives, festival staff, and other influencers throughout the Sundance Film Festival.
The Horizon Award was founded by producer, Cassian Elwes ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club"), and Michelle Satter, Founding Director, Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, in response to a Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles study that revealed that only 4.2% of the top 100 films each year from 2002-2013 were directed by women. Elwes partnered with Howell ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes," "The Place Beyond the Pines:), and Vachon ( "Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry," "One Hour Photo," "Far From Heaven"), to create the award as an opportunity for young female directors to have mentorship and networking opportunities in conjunction with Sundance, the home of American Independent film.
You can see links for more info on the study:
Phase I and II
Phase III
Sponsors and Partners for the 2016 Horizon Award are: The Black List, CreativeFuture, The Creative Mind Group, Done To Your Taste Catering, FilmLA, Indiegogo, Mprm Communications, the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, Sundance Institute, Twitter, Verge, Vimeo, WireImage, Adina Design, and Women in Film. This impressive group has come together to support an award that they hope will continue to identify, nurture, and launch the careers of future female directors for years to come.
Full List of Jurors:
Stephanie Allain Producer ("Dear White People," "Hustle & Flow")
Dori Begley Magnolia Pictures (Svp, Acquisitions)
Amy Berg Director ("Janis: Little Girl Blue," "Deliver Us From Evil," "Prophet’s Prey")
Arianna Bocco IFC Films (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Robbie Brenner The Firm (Partner, President of Film)
Susan Carter Hall Painter
Amal ElWardi Zeal Media Company (Producer)
Cassian Elwes Producer ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club")
Janet Grillo Director ("Jack of the Red Hearts," "Fly Away")
Poppy Hanks Macro Venture (Svp, Development & Production)
Catherine Hardwicke Director ("Miss You Already," "Red Riding Hood," "Twilight")
Lynette Howell Taylor Producer ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes")
Liza Johnson Director ("Elvis & Nixon," "Return," "Hateship Loveship," "In the Air")
Eda Kowan Lionsgate (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Gina Kwon Amazon Studios (Executive, Comedy)
Helen Lee-Kim Good Universe (Partner, Head of International)
Laura Lewis CAA (Agent, Film Finance)
Alix Madigan Broad Green Pictures (Head, Creative)
Marianna Palka Actress/Director ("I’m the Same,""Always Worthy," "Good Dick")
Bruna Papandrea Pacific Standard (Producer/Partner)
Keri Putnam Sundance Institute (Executive Director)
Dee Rees Director ("Bessie," “Empire”)
Laura Rister Untitled Entertainment (Head of Production)
Rena Ronson UTA (Partner)
Michelle Satter Sundance Institute (Director, Feature Film Program)
Cathy Schulman Stx Entertainment (President & Chief Content Officer)
Lauren Selig Shake and Bake Productions (Executive Producer)
Mary Jane Skalski Producer ("The Visitor," "Mysterious Skin," "The Station Agent")
Lara Thompson E1 Entertainment (Svp, Worldwide Acquisitions)
Christine Vachon Producer ("Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry")
Ruth Vitale CreativeFuture (CEO)
Angie Wang Director ("Cardinal X")
Hanna Weg Producer ("Septembers of Shiraz")
Tanya Wexler Director ("Hysteria," "Finding North," "Ball in the House")
Joanne Wiles ICM (Partner/Agent, Motion Picture Talent)
Pam Williams Pam Williams Productions ("Lee Daniels’ The Butler," "Fail Safe")
Lisa Wilson The Solution Entertainment (Co-Founder/Partner)
So Yong Kim Director ("Love Song," "For Ellen," "In Between Days")...
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Tweet
Fabulous fan Hanna sent Chan and Jenna the wonderful fan letter below, and I love the fact that Jenna showed her gratitude by replying to Hanna on Twitter…
Hanna’s fan letter really had legs. In addition to all of the retweets by fans who loved the letter on Chan and Jenna’s Twitter accounts, The Daily Beast also picked it as one of the “Best Celebrity TwitPics of the Week”!
You guys often ask how to send Chan and Jenna fan mail and more importantly, do they read it? Since Jenna has so eloquently answered the latter part of that question, I thought I could help with the first. Below you will find the fan mail addresses where you can send letters, autograph requests, and anything else you want to give Chan and Jenna…
Channing Tatum
Management 360
9111 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Jenna Dewan-Tatum
c/o...
Fabulous fan Hanna sent Chan and Jenna the wonderful fan letter below, and I love the fact that Jenna showed her gratitude by replying to Hanna on Twitter…
Hanna’s fan letter really had legs. In addition to all of the retweets by fans who loved the letter on Chan and Jenna’s Twitter accounts, The Daily Beast also picked it as one of the “Best Celebrity TwitPics of the Week”!
You guys often ask how to send Chan and Jenna fan mail and more importantly, do they read it? Since Jenna has so eloquently answered the latter part of that question, I thought I could help with the first. Below you will find the fan mail addresses where you can send letters, autograph requests, and anything else you want to give Chan and Jenna…
Channing Tatum
Management 360
9111 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Jenna Dewan-Tatum
c/o...
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