EXCLUSIVE : Prolific character actor David Dastmalchian has today announced the launch of his genre-focused production company, Good Fiend Films , which will look to produce character-driven projects across horror, sci-fi and fantasy for film, television, audio and publishing. Dastmalchian, who has recently been seen in such blockbusters as Dune and The Suicide Squad , envisions his shingle as a home for stories about complex characters from all walks of life. Good Fiend Films will aim to generate nostalgic, entertaining content that captivates audiences while reminding them they’re not alone in this scary world. First up on the docket for the company is the horror Late Night with the Devil , starring Dastmalchian as the 1970s late-night talk show host Jack Delroy, on which both the actor and his company hold contributing production credits. The film from writer-directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes, Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Spooky Pictures will make its world … [Read more...] about David Dastmalchian Launches Production Company Good Fiend Films
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Starzplay & Image Nation Abu Dhabi Unveil Streamer’s First Arabic Original Series ‘Kaboos’
Starzplay has announced its first Arabic-language original series, created in collaboration with Emirati content powerhouse Image Nation Abu Dhabi . The international streaming service of Starz has a big following in the Middle East and North Africa where its regional offering Starzplay Arabia is available in 19 territories. The new show, called Kaboos , features five standalone episodes and is billed as a modern-day retelling of Arab folklore. It explores urban legends in Saudi Arabia , Kuwait, Egypt and the UAE, across a variety of genres from classic horror stories to noir psychological thrillers. Some of MENA’s hottest rising young directors are attached to the show, including the UAE’s Majid Al Ansari ( Zinzana , Paranormal ) and Hana Kazim ( Makr ) as well as Iraq-born, Abu Dhabi-based Yasir Al Yasiri ( 122 ), Egypt’s Ahmed Khaled ( 30 March ) and Bahraini, U.S.-based director and producer Hala Matar ( Streetcar ). The horror anthology … [Read more...] about Starzplay & Image Nation Abu Dhabi Unveil Streamer’s First Arabic Original Series ‘Kaboos’
‘My Lover My Killer’: Netflix Orders Second Season Of True Crime Doc Series
EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has commissioned a second season of its British true crime series My Lover My Killer . The first season was a hit on the service and spent several weeks in the streamer’s top ten charts, prompting a re-up of the FirstLook TV -produced show. Distributor Abacus Media Rights closed the deal on behalf of FirstLook, a factual indie based in the Midlands in England. The returning series will again investigate stories of those who paid the ultimate price for offending an obsessive lover. These include tales of an obsessive soldier with a deadly mission, and a crime scene on a puppy farm. They will be told with interviews from those involved in the cases, which include some of the most shocking British murders. Each episode features testimonies from family and friends of the victims, and investigative police officers. FirstLook said “part of the intention with bringing the series back is to raise awareness of these dangerous relationships and crimes, … [Read more...] about ‘My Lover My Killer’: Netflix Orders Second Season Of True Crime Doc Series
Peacock Clears 20M Subscribers, Helping Comcast Nip Wall Street Q4 Estimates
Streaming service Peacock closed 2022 with more than 20 million paid subscribers, helping Comcast slip past Wall Street estimates during a challenging fourth quarter in the media business. Total revenue came in at $30.55 billion in the period, less than 1% ahead of the prior-year quarter but just above analysts’ consensus. Earnings per share of 70 cents fell short of estimates, but exceeded them on a non-GAAP basis. Along with Peacock, a strong return for theme parks helped NBCUniversal post solid numbers on the top line, with revenue up 6% to $9.9 billion. Advertising revenue increased 4%, which the company credited to Spanish-language coverage of the World Cup by Telemundo and rising Peacock ad revenue. The profit story was less encouraging, with adjusted EBITDA falling 36% to $817 Theatrical revenue at the film studio soared 47% over the prior year, with Ticket to Paradise , Puss , Violent Night and Halloween Ends closing the year on a high note. … [Read more...] about Peacock Clears 20M Subscribers, Helping Comcast Nip Wall Street Q4 Estimates
Godard Is Gone: A Remembrance Of The Stubborn & Iconoclastic Film Director
Stubborn and iconoclastic as always, Jean-Luc Godard has passed to another realm –and by his own choice–at age 91. Ever impudent and exasperating, forever pushing boundaries but remaining elusive, and an artist in every fiber of his being, Godard always did exactly what he wanted to do; for a few years many followed him ardently, and for lots of us in the 1960s he led the way into a vastly exciting and personal form of cinema. Thereafter he went entirely his own way, losing most of his audience but remaining at the forefront of exploring what cinema is, could be, and, sometimes, what it absolutely shouldn’t be. The official obituaries and tributes will certainly convey Godard’s importance and influence through the 1960s, the way he helped liberate cinema from its literary and orderly appearance to something far more energized, unexpected, jarring and often exhilarating. Although Godard consumed and brilliantly wrote about the existing cinema as a young critic, he … [Read more...] about Godard Is Gone: A Remembrance Of The Stubborn & Iconoclastic Film Director
Juice WRLD’s Ex Ally Lotti Cops Plea in Shoplifting/Drug Case
Crittenden County Sheriff's Office Juice WRLD ’S ex-girlfriend, Ally Lotti won't be spending any time behind bars if she stays out of trouble for 6 months ... thanks to the plea deal she struck in her cocaine possession and shoplifting case. According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop , Ally was accused of felony possession of methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin ... but that charge was dropped along with misdemeanor theft of property. Ally ended up pleading guilty to misdemeanor possession of instruments of crime, and got a 1 year suspended sentence and 6 months probation. If she keeps her nose clean during that period, the case will be dismissed. Her boyfriend, Carter Jamison , who was also arrested for property theft, pled no contest to that charge and got the same sentence as Ally. Each paid $1,160 in fines. As we reported, a security guard spotted Ally and Jamison attempting to steal a bunch of items earlier this month from a Walmart in … [Read more...] about Juice WRLD’s Ex Ally Lotti Cops Plea in Shoplifting/Drug Case
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Hold Hands in Date Night Video
TMZ.com Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are hanging out in her home state ... and we've got them looking cute and getting flirty on date night. The country music singer and "Outer Banks" star went out Tuesday night in Nashville, hitting up Robert's Western World for a little bit of live music with their dinner. We got this video of Kelsea and Chase sitting face to face at a table ... and he leans in to whisper in her ear before putting his hand on top of hers. Fair to say, things are moving along for the new couple. TMZ.com Folks who were there say it was clear they were enjoying each other's company over an appetizer -- no kissing or any other heavy PDA, but they were vibing, chatting and generally getting along well. Sounds like this could've been one stop on a night of honky-tonkin' in downtown Nashville ... because they were only at Robert's for about 30 minutes before they left. TMZ.com TMZ broke the story ... Chase … [Read more...] about Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Hold Hands in Date Night Video
Britney Spears ‘Annoyed’ After Fans Call 911 For Deleting Instagram Account
Britney Spears was anything but thrilled to have sheriff’s deputies knocking at her door close to midnight … all thanks to some fans who thought their favorite singer may be in danger. Sources connected to Spears tell us Brit was left “annoyed” after the unexpected visit. We’re told she understands how deeply her fans care about her and her well-being, so she wasn’t totally surprised things escalated to law enforcement’s involvement … but nonetheless, it was an inconvenience. These are the “fans” that called the cops on Britney because she deleted her Instagram account.. y’all know what to do! pic.twitter.com/aBGVyiA8Dk — KingSpears (@godkneebitch) January 25, 2023 @godkneebitch TMZ broke the story, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office paid Britney a visit at her Thousand Oaks home Tuesday night around 11PM to perform a welfare check. Law enforcement sources told us they received several calls from fans who became concerned for Britney’s … [Read more...] about Britney Spears ‘Annoyed’ After Fans Call 911 For Deleting Instagram Account
WME Promotes Amanda Hacohen, Abe Cohen Hoffing to Partner In Scripted TV Department
EXCLUSIVE: WME has promoted Amanda Hacohen and Abe Cohen Hoffing to Partner in the Scripted Television department. Hacohen focuses on representing writers, directors, comedians, and growing companies for comedy creators such as Greg Daniels and Mike Judge (Bandera Entertainment), Andrew Goldberg (Brutus Pink), Rob McElhenney (More Better Productions), David Wain, and John Hamburg. Hacohen also signed Saturday Night Live breakout talent Please Don’t Destroy – a comedy trio consisting of Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy – whose film, produced by Judd Apatow will premiere this summer. Other clients include Anna Drezen ( SNL , Praise Petey ), Punkie Johnson ( SNL ), Joel Kim Booster ( Fire Island , Loot ), Byron Wu (The Brothers Sun), Nicole Byer ( Grand Crew , Nailed It ), and Shiva Baby writer/director Emma Seligman and actor/writer Rachel Sennott, whose sophomore film Bottoms premieres this spring. Hacohen continues to be based in the … [Read more...] about WME Promotes Amanda Hacohen, Abe Cohen Hoffing to Partner In Scripted TV Department
Prime Video Greenlights ‘The Ride’ Docuseries About Professional Bull Riders
Prime Video has ordered The Ride , an eight-episode docuseries that delves into the world of professional bull riding. Produced by Kinetic Content, The Ride takes viewers behind-the-scenes and into the daily lives of some of the sport’s biggest stars. The docuseries will premiere later this year on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The Ride follows an ensemble cast of bull riders and coaches throughout the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series, as they navigate the league’s inaugural 2022 season, budding rivalries, exhilarating highs, and challenging lows of PBR’s newest team-based competition, per the series description. “We’re excited to take Prime Video customers deeper into the lives of the athletes and cowboys competing in professional bull riding,” said Matt Newman, head of Prime Video Original sports content. “ The Ride will showcase the intense action, heated competition, raw emotions, and personal battles that are … [Read more...] about Prime Video Greenlights ‘The Ride’ Docuseries About Professional Bull Riders