Every week, I get several press releases, screening invitations and other notifications from a handful of studio contacts. While I won’t be sharing any information regarding my screening invites, some of the press releases might be of interest to my readers, so I thought I’d start sharing them in toto with all of you. These could include new image galleries for various films or important updates to upcoming releases from various smaller studios and art house production companies.

• Image Gallery: Horrible Bosses 2
• Press Release: Shekhar Kapur to Direct “Tiger’s Curse”
• Press Release: SundanceNow Doc Club Prsents Ira Glass Favorites
• Press Release: Exhibitor Numbers Rise for 35th American Film Market
• Press Release: Fortissimo Acquires “Front Cover”
• Press Release: Lotus Entertainment Announces Producers to Join “The Crucifixion”
• Press Release: Scott Waugh in Final Negotiations to Direct “Inversion”
• Press Release: Lotus Entertainment to Co-Produce “November Criminals”
• Press Release: Vertical Entertainment Acquires “Playing It Cool”
• Press Release: Michael Shannon and Richard Nixon to Star in “Elvis & Nixon”
• Press Release: John Malkovich and Toni Collette Join Cast of “Unlocked”
• Press Release: “East Jerusalem, West Jerusalem” Screen at The Other Israel Film Festival
• Press Release: Saban Films Acquires “The Trust”
• Press Release: Strong Sales Reported for “Unlocked”

Image Gallery: Horrible Bosses 2

View the Gallery Here

Press Release: Shekhar Kapur to Direct “Tiger’s Curse”

SHEKHAR KAPUR HAS BEEN TAPPED TO DIRECT “TIGER’S CURSE” FOR LOTUS ENTERTAINMENT AND INEFFABLE PICTURES

Lotus to Handle International Sales on the Epic Adventure Starting at the AFM

LOS ANGELES (November 3, 2014) – Internationally acclaimed producer and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur (ELIZABETH) has come on to direct the epic adventure film TIGER’S CURSE, based on the first in a series of New York Times bestselling novels by author Colleen Houck. Julie Plec, creator of “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals” has adapted the book for the screen.

Ineffable Pictures’ founder Raphael Kryszek and Jesse Israel will produce along with Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel, and with director Shekhar Kapur. Lotus’ D.J. Gugenheim and Ara Keshishian are executive producing and Lotus will introduce the action/adventure to foreign buyers starting at AFM.

TIGER’S CURSE follows Kelsey Hayes who learns that she has a powerful connection with a beautiful white tiger named Ren, while working at a circus in Oregon over the summer. When a mysterious stranger arrives to reclaim Ren and return him to his native India, Kelsey is whisked into an exotic adventure across the far reaches of the globe where she learns the powerful beast’s true identity – a prince who is the victim of a 300-year-old curse. With the ability to periodically return to human form, Ren and Kelsey begin a journey through treacherous jungles, sacred temples and go face-to-face with dark forces as they piece together an ancient prophecy which holds the promise of breaking the curse.

Director / Producer Shekhar Kapur said: “Colleen Houck has created a brilliant story of a young girl’s journey through amazing adventures in the discovery of herself. Of who she really is. Yes there are tigers, amazing backdrops, heart stopping action and of course love. But at its center, is an enthralling exploration of a young American teenager’s heart. Her desires. Her fears. Her mission and how she wins. I am super excited to direct this film.”

Ineffable Pictures’ Raphael Kryszek shared, “We are thrilled to pair Kapur’s creative talent with Houck’s epic adventure. This is the first film in a franchise certain to capture the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Lotus shares in our vision and passion for TIGER’S CURSE and we are excited to make them part of the TIGER’S CURSE family.”

Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson said: “We think TIGER’S CURSE has the ability to really capture the imagination of a large, worldwide audience with its combination of fantasy, adventure and romance. We are excited to be a part of launching something special into the marketplace.”

Lotus Entertainment’s current film slate includes: REPLICAS starring Keanu Reeves; KIDNAP starring Halle Berry; Tom Tykwer’s A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING starring two-time Academy Award® Winner Tom Hanks; Scott Hicks’ FALLEN based on the best-selling YA novel; Henry Hobson’s MAGGIE starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin, which was acquired by Lionsgate for North America; and Craig Zobel’s Z FOR ZACHARIAH with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine and Margot Robbie.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur began his directing career with Masoom (1983) and the science-fiction film Mr. India (1987), which was one of India’s most successful films of the 1980s. In 1994 he directed the critically acclaimed Bandit Queen which introduced him to worldwide audiences. His epic tale Elizabeth (1998) garnered seven Academy Award nominations, as well as a Golden Globe for best director. His second installment in the Elizabeth mytho-history, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, was nominated for two Oscars. He went on to direct the epic historical drama The Four Feathers and several short films, as well as a segment in New York, I Love You. He premiered his documentary, Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Shekhar Kapur is represented by CAA, Renee Tab at Sentient and attorney Howard Frumes.

Press Release: SundanceNow Doc Club Prsents Ira Glass Favorites

SUNDANCENOW DOC CLUB PRESENTS IRA GLASS FAVORITES

New York, NY (November 4, 2014) – SundanceNow Doc Club, the member-based advertising-free streaming video service dedicated to documentaries, announced today that IRA GLASS FAVORITES, a program of films hand-picked by the legendary “This American Life” host, is now live on DocClub.com.

Glass selected seven of his favorite documentaries of all time to share with Doc Club members. His picks include: Bennett Miller’s THE CRUISE; Errol Morris’ FIRST PERSON: LEAVING THE EARTH and THE THIN BLUE LINE; Ra’anan Alexandrowicz’s THE LAW IN THESE PARTS; Richard Press’ BILL CUNNINGHAM, NEW YORK; Ross McElwee’s SHERMAN’S MARCH; and Jonathan Demme’s STOP MAKING SENSE.

Rarely seen titles THE CRUISE, from FOXCATCHER director Miller, and THE LAW IN THESE PARTS are both currently not available for streaming anywhere else online.

Of his selections, Glass said: “I like documentaries that conceive of themselves as entertainments. All these films have genuinely surprising moments and compelling characters. They’re emotional. Each has a completely original take on the world. That’s what I thought this list was. Then I wrote up my notes for this program and noticed that every film on the list has also inspired me in some way. Either it got me totally excited for making my own documentary stories, or simply – in the case of Bill Cunningham and Speed Levitch and David Byrne – made me want to be a better person, more awake to the world, more disciplined and effective and inventive at my work. I don’t think of myself as someone in the market for inspiration but I guess got it from these movies. Corny, sure. And so what?”

SundanceNow Doc Club offers a carefully curated selection of acclaimed, and in many cases hard-to-find, documentaries including exclusive digital releases of groundbreaking documentaries, premieres of new films and handpicked membership perks. Member benefits also include special screenings, free movie tickets, events with filmmakers, exclusive filmmaker interviews and updates, and behind the scenes looks at film festivals.

Press Release: Exhibitor Numbers Rise for 35th American Film Market

AMERICAN FILM MARKET TO OPEN FOR 35TH EDITION WITH SIGNIFICANT RISE IN EXHIBITORS

Los Angeles – November 4, 2014 – The American Film Market (AFM) opens tomorrow for its 35th edition with 396 exhibiting companies; the highest level of participation since 2008. Running November 5-12, more than 8,000 attendees from over 80 countries are expected in Santa Monica over the course of the week.

Growing from 2013, a total of 430 films are set to screen with 349 market premieres and 84 world premieres. Attendees can look forward to first-glimpse performances by the likes of: Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Adam Driver, Kate Beckinsale, Maggie Smith, Hailee Steinfeld, Kristin Scott Thomas, Al Pacino, James Franco, Elijah Wood and many others. The entire screening program can be viewed at http://www.thefilmcatalogue.com.

More than 100 speakers from around the globe will participate in the AFM Conference Series, Producers Forum, Roundtables and Industry Conversations – with industry thought leaders and experts sharing their knowledge and insights with participants. Director/producer Brett Ratner takes part in the Finance Conference and comedian/podcast king Adam Carolla will participate in an Industry Conversation. Millennium Films’ President Mark Gill, WME Partner Mark Ankner, and UTA’s Independent Film Group Co-Head Rena Ronson will impart wisdom and advice in the Production Conferences. Additional speakers include: Preferred Content’s Kevin Iwashina, Tugg, Inc. CEO and independent producer Nicolas Gonda, Cinetic Media Founder John Sloss, Relativity Europa’s Russell Schwartz, Mister Smith’s Jill Jones, CineTel President & CEO Paul Hertzberg, UTA partner Rich Klubeck, Foresight Unlimited CEO & Chairman Mark Damon and independent producer Cassian Elwes. Further information on all scheduled events can be found at: www.americanfilmmarket.com/attendee.

The independent film industry growth is evident as 126 buying companies from 41 countries and 112 exhibiting companies from 21 countries will participate in the market for the first time. Asian companies will once again be particularly well-represented, with the largest number of new buyers coming from South Korea.

Press Release: Fortissimo Acquires “Front Cover”

FORTISSIMO ACQUIRES WORLDWIDE RIGHTS TO RAY YEUNG’S DRAMATIC COMEDY “FRONT COVER”.

SALES FOR THE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE, NEW YORK BASED FEATURE WILL COMMENCE AT THE AFM.

AMSTERDAM/HONG KONG, NOVEMBER 4, 2014: Fortissimo Film’s announced today its acquisition of worldwide rights, including North America, for Ray Yeung’s dramatic comedy FRONT COVER. The English-language feature is currently in the advanced stages of post-production and will mark the second film from Yeung, whose first foray, “CUT SLEEVE BOYS”, made its Premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and won Best Feature at the LA based, Outfest Fusion Festival.

Produced by New York based Production Company, NewVoice Productions, along with Producer, Kaer Vanice (TEN STORIES TALL) and Co-Producer Chowee Leow (THE BLUE MANSION, CUT SLEEVE BOYS), FRONT COVER follows the story of Ryan Fu (Jake Choi), an up-and-coming gay Asian American fashion stylist who detests and rejects his Asian heritage and impoverished upbringing in Chinatown, Manhattan.

When Ryan is tasked with the demanding assignment of styling famous Chinese actor, Qi Xiao Ning (James Chen), his position is threatened by Ning’s belief in the power of New China and his disregard of Ryan’s attempt to westernise his style. After a rocky start to their working relationship, an unlikely friendship develops between the two, which leads Ryan to closely examine his cultural identity and personal values.

Upon confirming the deal, Fortissimo Chairman, Michael Werner, said, “Stylish, witty, observant and touching describes Director Ray Yeung’s close-up look in FRONT COVER; a story of two up and coming young Asian men in New York City who must first find themselves before they can find each other. We are pleased to be working with Ray once again, on his new film.”

Pre-sales for the FRONT COVER will commence at the AFM.

Press Release: Lotus Entertainment Announces Producers to Join “The Crucifixion”

TEAMS BEHIND “ANNABELLE” & “THE CONJURING” JOIN FORCES ON “THE CRUCIFIXION” FOR LOTUS ENTERTAINMENT

Xavier Gens to Direct with Lotus Introducing the Supernatural Thriller to Foreign Buyers at the AFM

LOS ANGELES (November 5, 2014) – The producer behind box office sensations ANNABELLE and THE CONJURING will re-team with writers of THE CONJURING for the thriller THE CRUCIFIXION, to be directed by Xavier Gens (THE DIVIDE, HITMAN). Chad and Carey Hayes (THE CONJURING) penned the screenplay, which is based on true events. Peter Safran (ANNABELLE, THE CONJURING) and the Hayes brothers will produce, with Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson, Jim Seibel, D.J. Gugenheim and Ara Keshishian executive producing. Lotus will handle international sales and introduce to buyers at AFM.

When a priest is jailed for the murder of a nun on whom he was performing an exorcism, an investigative journalist strives to determine whether he in fact murdered a mentally ill person, or if he lost the battle with a demonic presence.

Lotus’ Jim Seibel said: “Peter and the Hayes brothers have an amazing track record in the genre space, and we’re excited to be teaming up with them. We felt that a smart, edgy thriller like THE CRUCIFIXION combined with this amazing creative team had all the right ingredients to be a global box office hit.”

Lotus recently announced they are handling international sales on Shekhar Kapur’s epic adventure TIGER’S CURSE, based on the first in a series of New York Times bestselling novels. In addition, the current Lotus slate includes: Tanya Wexler’s REPLICAS starring Keanu Reeves; Luis Prieto’s KIDNAP starring Halle Berry; Tom Tykwer’s A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING starring two-time Academy Award® Winner Tom Hanks; Scott Hicks’ FALLEN based on the best-selling YA novel; Henry Hobson’s MAGGIE starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin, acquired by Lionsgate for North America; and Craig Zobel’s Z FOR ZACHARIAH with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine.

Press Release: Scott Waugh in Final Negotiations to Direct “Inversion”

SCOTT WAUGH IN FINAL NEGOTIATIONS TO DIRECT THE $120 MILLION SCI-FI EPIC “INVERSION”

LOS ANGELES (November 5, 2014) –Filmmaker Scott Waugh (NEED FOR SPEED, ACT OF VALOR) is currently in final negotiations to direct the $120 million sci-fi epic INVERSION. The film follows two unlikely heroes, a young Chinese scientist and a street smart American expat, on a frenzied journey across the globe to save Earth from an apocalyptic threat – a total reversal of gravity that causes whole cities and civilizations to uproot and plummet into the sky. With the writing team of Bragi Schut (SEASON OF THE WITCH) and Academy Award® nominee David Arata (CHILDREN OF MEN, SPY GAME), INVERSION will be produced by Academy Award® nominee Michael Nozik (SYRIANA, THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES), Markus Barmettler (CONVICTION) and Philip Lee (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, CLOUD ATLAS). INVERSION is currently in pre-production with a planned start date of late April 2015.

Foresight Unlimited will continue sales on the picture, which was first introduced to buyers in Cannes.

Scott Waugh has appeared in some of the greatest action sequences ever put to film, including international blockbusters such as SPIDER-MAN, MR. & MRS. SMITH, THE ITALIAN JOB, BAD BOYS II, and XXX. As a director he has translated this knowledge and expertise into delivering action packed and thrilling box office winners such as DreamWorks’ NEED FOR SPEED, which grossed $200m worldwide earlier this year.

Scott Waugh, co-founded Bandito Brothers, the trend setting commercial production company and is represented by WME.

Foresight Unlimited is one of the industry’s leading independent film production, sales, and distribution companies. With a pioneering entertainment career spanning over 50 years, CEO, Mark Damon is considered to be one of the leading authorities on international film financing, distribution and marketing strategies as well as being a successful independent producer.

The company’s management group is helmed by President Tamara Birkemoe who oversees all aspects of the company’s slate that currently includes 2 recent #1 US box office hits, LONE SURVIVOR directed by Peter Berg and starring Mark Wahlberg, 2 GUNS starring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington. Also, Rob Reiner’s comedy AND SO IT GOES starring Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton, released wide in the US in July, and SPINNING GOLD, set to star Justin Timberlake and to be directed by Spike Lee, in pre-production.

Damon has produced and distributed such notable films as: Academy Award ® winner MONSTER, Academy Award ® nominee DAS BOOT, 91/2 WEEKS, ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, THE NEVER ENDING STORY, NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN, LOST BOYS, LONE SURVIVOR, and 2 GUNS.

Press Release: Lotus Entertainment to Co-Produce “November Criminals”

LOTUS ENTERTAINMENT BOARDS SACHA GERVASI’S “NOVEMBER CRIMINALS”

Chloë Grace Moretz and Academy Award® Nominee Catherine Keener Star with Lotus introducing the Elevated Thriller to Foreign Buyers at the AFM

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2014) – Lotus Entertainment has come on board to co-finance and co-produce Sacha Gervasi’s (HITCHCOCK, ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL) NOVEMBER CRIMINALS starring Chloë Grace Moretz (THE EQUALIZER, IF I STAY) and two-time Academy Award® Nominee Catherine Keener (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, CAPOTE). The screenplay has been adapted by Academy Award® Nominee Steven Knight (LOCKE, EASTERN PROMISES) from Sam Munson’s novel. Beth O’Neil (JACK GOES BOATING) will produce alongside Lotus, who is also handling international sales starting at the AFM. CAA and WME are co-repping the domestic sale.

NOVEMBER CRIMINALS follows two teenagers into the dangerous underbelly of Washington DC as they decide to investigate the murder of their friend while falling in love for the first time.

“Lotus is excited to be collaborating with Beth O’Neil and Sacha Gervasi in bringing Sam Munson and Steve Knight’s authentic characters to life,” said Ara Keshishian, President of Lotus Entertainment. “This is a beautiful love story between two teenagers set against the backdrop of a murder mystery, and it’s thrilling to have an amazing cast taking shape led by Chloe and Catherine.”

Lotus recently announced they are handling international sales on Xavier Gens thriller THE CRUCIFIXION from a screenplay by Chad and Carey Hayes (THE CONJURING) and Shekhar Kapur’s epic adventure TIGER’S CURSE, based on the first in a series of New York Times bestselling novels.

In addition the current Lotus slate includes: Tanya Wexler’s REPLICAS starring Keanu Reeves; Luis Prieto’s KIDNAP starring Halle Berry; Tom Tykwer’s A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING starring two-time Academy Award® Winner Tom Hanks; Scott Hicks’ FALLEN based on the best-selling YA novel; Henry Hobson’s MAGGIE starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin, acquired by Lionsgate for North America; and Craig Zobel’s Z FOR ZACHARIAH with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine.

Steve Knight and Sacha Gervasi are both represented by CAA. Chloë Grace Moretz is repped by WME and Catherine Keener by The Gersh Agency.

Press Release: Vertical Entertainment Acquires “Playing It Cool”

Vertical Entertainment Acquires “PLAYING IT COOL” Starring Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan

Los Angeles, November 5, 2014 – Vertical Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to Justin Reardon’s “PLAYING IT COOL”, which stars Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan, Martin Starr, Aubrey Plaza, Patrick Warburton, Topher Grace, Luke Wilson, Anthony Mackie, Ioan Gruffudd, and Philip Baker Hall. The film was previously known as “A Many Splintered Thing” during production. The deal was announced by the company’s Co-President’s Rich Goldberg and Mitch Budin, who plan to release the film in theaters in Q1 2015.

PLAYING IT COOL is the story of ME (Chris Evans), a young man disillusioned by love, who meets a breathtaking young woman, HER (Michelle Monaghan), at a charity dinner by pretending to be a philanthropist. Only one problem: she’s engaged. Yet, he engages into a platonic relationship to be able to keep seeing her. Like a young ‘Walter Mitty’ using the power of imagination and wild vignettes, ME will stop at nothing to conquer HER heart.

“We are looking forward to working with Chris Evans and the rest of the cast for the U.S. release of PLAYING IT COOL,” said Vertical Co-President Mitch Budin. “We think audiences will appreciate the unique storytelling and the honest intimacy between Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan, which will challenge moviegoers to redefine the way they see love and happiness.”

“We’re very excited to partner with Vertical on PLAYING IT COOL, said producer Nicolas Chartier. “We hope it will be the first of many.”

PLAYING IT COOL is directed by Justin Reardon, written by Chris Shafer and Paul Vicknair, executive produced by Chris Evans, produced by Nicolas Chartier, Craig Flores, McG, and Mary Viola, cinematography by Jeff Cutter, editing by Catherine Haight, music by Jake Monaco with additional music by Andrew Feltenstein and John Nau. The film stars Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan, Martin Starr, Aubrey Plaza, Patrick Warburton, Topher Grace, Luke Wilson, Anthony Mackie, Ioan Gruffudd, and Philip Baker Hall. For more information about the film, please visit www.facebook.com/VertEnt.

The deal was negotiated by Rich Goldberg at Vertical, and Nicolas Chartier and Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Rose on behalf of the filmmakers.

Press Release: Michael Shannon and Richard Nixon to Star in “Elvis & Nixon”

Academy Award® Nominee Michael Shannon TO STAR AS ELVIS PRESLEY AND TWO-TIME Academy Award® WINNER KEVIN SPACEY TO STAR AS RICHARD NIXON IN “ELVIS & NIXON” FOR BLOOM

BLOOM will introduce the True Story to Buyers Starting at AFM

LOS ANGELES (November 5, 2014) – Academy Award® Nominee Michael Shannon (MAN OF STEEL, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD) will star as Elvis Presley alongside two-time Academy Award® Winner Kevin Spacey (AMERICAN BEAUTY, THE USUAL SUPSPECTS) who will star as Richard Nixon in the extraordinary true story ELVIS & NIXON. To be directed by Liza Johnson (HATESHIP LOVESHIP, RETURN), ELVIS & NIXON is based off a screenplay by Cary Elwes and Hanala and Joey Sagal. Cassian Elwes (Dallas Buyers Club, The Butler), and Holly Wiersma (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, BOBBY) are producing while Byron Wetzel and Prescience’s Tim Smith and Paul Brett are executive producing. Prescience is financing the film which BLOOM is introducing to foreign buyers at AFM.

Two men at the height of their powers, conscious they could not stay on top forever, both ripped with fear of the inevitable, sharing one famous private moment in the Oval office. ELVIS & NIXON recounts the morning of December 21st 1970, when the King of Rock’ n Roll (Michael Shannon) showed up on the White House lawn to request a meeting with the most powerful man in the world, President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey). He had a very urgent request: to be sworn in as an undercover Federal Agent at large. This intimate moment in the Oval office between two men at the height of their powers has never been told.

BLOOM’S Alex Walton said: “It’s almost hard to fathom this story which evolved in the oval office between these two extraordinary men. It’s almost too good to be true.”

Producer Cassian Elwes continued: “After the enormous success of ‘The Butler’ I have a deep affection for films set in the White House as does the public. To work with Shannon and Spacey on this movie at the height of their careers is a dream come true.”

Shannon is repped by CAA, Wetzel Entertainment and Morris, Yorn, Levine, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner & Gellman. Spacey is represented by CAA and Joanne Horowitz Management.

BLOOM is currently in production on Shane Black’s detective thriller The Nice Guys starring Academy Award® Winner Russell Crowe and Academy Award® nominee Ryan Gosling and in post on Gus Van Sant’s THE SEA OF TREES starring Academy Award® Winner Matthew McConaughey. The BLOOM slate also includes: Michael Apted‘s Unlocked starring Noomi Rapace, Academy Award® Winner Michael Douglas and Orlando Bloom; Renny Harlin’s Skiptrace starring Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville; and The Hunters, which will be directed by John Moore. The existing slate includes: Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel Dark Places starring Charlize Theron; A Walk Among the Tombstones starring Liam Neeson; The Woman in Black: Angel of Death; PELE, the biopic about the legendary Brazilian soccer player; Jane Got a Gun starring Natalie Portman; and Out of the Dark starring Julia Stiles and Scott Speedman.

Press Release: John Malkovich and Toni Collette Join Cast of “Unlocked”

Academy Award® Nominees John Malkovich and Toni Collette BOARD MICHAEL APTED’S UNLOCKED FOR BLOOM

Noomi Rapace, Michael Douglas and Orlando Bloom Topline with Principal Photography Began on November 3

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2014) – BLOOM announced today that Academy Award® Nominees John Malkovich (RED, In the line of Fire, DANGEROUS LIAISONS) and Toni Collette (THE SIXTH SENSE, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE) are joining Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Academy Award® Winner Michael Douglas (The Game, Wall Street) and Orlando Bloom (THE HOBBIT franchise; THE LORD OF THE RINGS franchise; THE PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN franchise) in director Michael Apted’s (The World Is Not Enough, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) UNLOCKED. Based on a screenplay by Peter O’Brien, the female Bourne-style thriller is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Transformers: Age of Extinction, Red, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, SALT) alongside Georgina Townsley and Erik Howsam. Claudia Blumhuber is also producing as well as financing through Silver Reel. BLOOM first introduced the film to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival.

BLOOM’s Alex Walton said: “We are thrilled to have John and Toni’s unmatchable talent join our already outstanding cast. This additional caliber combined with our fresh and smart European script models a unique and dynamic package that is bound to excite audiences worldwide.”

With principal photography beginning on November 3, UNLOCKED tells the story of a CIA interrogator (Rapace), who unwittingly provides information to terrorists and then must race against the clock to stop a biological warfare attack on London.

BLOOM is currently in production on Shane Black’s detective thriller The Nice Guys starring Academy Award® Winner Russell Crowe and Academy Award® nominee Ryan Gosling and in post on Gus Van Sant’s THE SEA OF TREES starring Academy Award® Winner Matthew McConaughey. The BLOOM slate also includes: Michael Apted‘s Unlocked starring Noomi Rapace, Academy Award® Winner Michael Douglas and Orlando Bloom; Renny Harlin’s Skiptrace starring Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville; and The Hunters, which will be directed by John Moore. The existing slate includes: Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel Dark Places starring Charlize Theron; A Walk Among the Tombstones starring Liam Neeson; The Woman in Black: Angel of Death; PELE, the biopic about the legendary Brazilian soccer player; Jane Got a Gun starring Natalie Portman; and Out of the Dark starring Julia Stiles and Scott Speedman.

Malkovich is represented by Principato-Young Entertainment and Collette is represented by CAA.

Press Release: “East Jerusalem, West Jerusalem” Screen at The Other Israel Film Festival

THE OTHER ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL TO SCREEN “EAST JERUSALEM, WEST JERUSALEM”

Screenings to be followed by a Q&A and special musical performance with David Broza, Mira Awad, and Steve Earle

New York, NY (November 6, 2014) – The Other Israel Film Festival will screen the music documentary “EAST JERUSALEM, WEST JERUSALEM,” which follows legendary Israeli singer-songwriter and peace activist David Broza on his mission to build camaraderie and bridges through music in the culturally divided and long term war zone.

Broza’s belief in the power of music to heal inspired his latest album, “EAST JERUSALEM/ WEST JERUSALEM,” which he recorded in collaboration with local Israeli and Palestinian musicians at a studio in the predominantly Palestinian populated East Jerusalem. The album, which lends its name to the film, was produced by American singer-songwriter-activist Steve Earle and Grammy winner Steve Greenberg and features a range of guests—including Wyclef Jean,‎ Israeli musicians Gadi Seri, Yossi Sassi (from the renowned band Orphaned Land), and (from the popular band Hadag Nachash) Shaanan Street; Palestinian hip-hop duo G-Town; and Palestinian-Israeli singer Mira Awad.

The film recently played to sold out audiences and critical acclaim at The Woodstock Film Festival, and has already sold out both showings for the NYC premiere at the Other Israel Film Festival. Broza will be appearing for a special performance and conversation after the screenings along with acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Steve Earle, and Palestinian singer, actor, and activist, Mira Awad, both who participated in the film.

Press Release: Saban Films Acquires “The Trust”

SABAN FILMS ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO NICOLAS CAGE STARRER “THE TRUST”

LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER, 6 2014 – Haim Saban, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group, Inc. (“SCG”), announced today that the company has acquired the North American distribution rights to the crime thriller THE TRUST starring Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage (ADAPTATION, LEAVING LAS VEGAS, JOE). The film is co-written by Ben Brewer and Adam Hirsch and will be directed by Ben and Alex Brewer. THE TRUST is currently in pre-production with lensing in Las Vegas, NV.

THE TRUST centers on two crooked cops who discover a hidden safe, the contents of which will lead them down a deadly road of corruption. With each shocking twist, and every deadly turn, the pair are left fighting for their lives, with no one left to trust. Not even themselves.

“The script for THE TRUST was incredibly captivating and tells such a riveting story,” said Saban President Bill Bromiley. “Audiences everywhere will love Nicolas Cage in this role and it’s a great addition to the Saban Films portfolio.”

Bromiley and Ness Saban negotiated on behalf of Saban Films and Highland Film Group (HFG) on behalf of the producers. Molly Hassell and Braxton Pope are producing. THE TRUST is a Hassell Free Production in association with Electric Shadow Fund who is providing finance. Mike Nilon will executive produce along with HFG’s Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier. Highland Film Group is handling the worldwide sales for the film.

Saban Films’ first acquisition, THE HOMESMAN, starring Academy Award® winners Tommy Lee Jones and Hilary Swank will screen at the upcoming AFI Festival as part of the gala lineup on November 11th. The film will be released stateside with Roadside Attractions on November 14th.

Saban Films recently acquired the U.S. rights to John Travolta’s THE FORGER, the action thriller TRACERS starring Taylor Lautner and Marie Avgeropoulos from Temple Hill Entertainment and AMERICAN HEIST starring Hayden Christensen, Academy Award Winner® Adrien Brody, Jordana Brewster, Tory Kittles and Aliaune “AKON” Thiam.

Press Release: Strong Sales Reported for “Unlocked”

BUYERS FLOCK TO MICHAEL APTED’S “UNLOCKED” FOR ALEX WALTON’S BLOOM

Noomi Rapace, Michael Douglas, Orlando Bloom, John Malkovich and Toni Collette Star

LOS ANGELES (November 7, 2014) – BLOOM announced today that they have seen strong international sales on director Michael Apted’s (The World Is Not Enough, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) UNLOCKED starring Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Academy Award® Winner Michael Douglas (The Game, Wall Street) and Orlando Bloom (THE HOBBIT franchise; THE LORD OF THE RINGS franchise; THE PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN franchise). BLOOM recently announced that Academy Award® Nominees John Malkovich (RED, In the line of Fire, DANGEROUS LIAISONS) and Toni Collette (THE SIXTH SENSE, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE) joined the film which starts filming on November 3rd.

Sold territories include: Benelux (DFW), Eastern Europe (Forum), Germany (Square One), Italy (Notorious Pictures), Greece (Italia), India (Italia), Indonesia (PT Amero), Israel (United King), Latin America (Sun), Middle East (Italia), Spain (Tripictures), Turkey (Italia), and the UK (Lionsgate).

BLOOM’s Alex Walton said: “Buyers truly resonated with UNLOCKED as it is an exceptional package. Between the caliber of talent, filmmakers, and fresh script – it really has all the components to make a successful and commercial film worldwide.”

Based on a screenplay by Peter O’Brien, the female Bourne-style thriller is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Transformers: Age of Extinction, Red, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, SALT) alongside Georgina Townsley and Erik Howsam. Claudia Blumhuber is also producing as well as financing through Silver Reel. BLOOM first introduced the film to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival.

UNLOCKED tells the story of a CIA interrogator (Rapace), who unwittingly provides information to terrorists and then must race against the clock to stop a biological warfare attack on London.

BLOOM is currently in production on Shane Black’s detective thriller The Nice Guys starring Academy Award® Winner Russell Crowe and Academy Award® nominee Ryan Gosling and in post on Gus Van Sant’s THE SEA OF TREES starring Academy Award® Winner Matthew McConaughey. The BLOOM slate also includes: Liza Johnson’s ELVIS & NIXON starring Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon as Elvis Presley alongside Academy Award® Winner Kevin Spacey as Richard Nixon; Michael Apted‘s Unlocked starring Noomi Rapace, Academy Award® Winner Michael Douglas and Orlando Bloom; Renny Harlin’s Skiptrace starring Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville; and The Hunters, which will be directed by John Moore. The existing slate includes: Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel Dark Places starring Charlize Theron; A Walk Among the Tombstones starring Liam Neeson; The Woman in Black: Angel of Death; PELE, the biopic about the legendary Brazilian soccer player; Jane Got a Gun starring Natalie Portman; and Out of the Dark starring Julia Stiles and Scott Speedman.