Disney's MOANA Motion Picture Soundtrack news update

Set for release on November 18, the Moana original motion picture soundtrack features seven original songs and a full original score, plus two reprises as well as two end-credit versions of songs from the film. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.

The diverse and dynamic team behind the film’s inspired music includes Tony- and Grammy-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who counts among his credits Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton” and the Tony-winning “In the Heights.” The creative team also includes three-time Grammy-winning composer Mark Mancina (“Speed,” “Tarzan” and the Oscar-winning “Training Day”) and Opetaia Foa‘i, the founder and lead singer of Te Vaka, a winner of numerous world music awards.

99 Good Deeds Charitable Event for BroadGreen's 99 HOMES

BroadGreen Pictures announced the launch of 99 Homes: 99 Good Deeds, a charitable initiative to encourage people to perform one good deed to help a member of their community and to underscore the positive impact that even the smallest amounts of assistance can have.

The launch comes just ahead of the release of the studio's upcoming film 99 Homes which debuts in theatres on September 25, then  expanding nationwide on October 9. In collaboration with local organizations in 20 cities throughout the United States, Broad Green Pictures will perform 99 good deeds, including holding benefit screenings of the film in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and Detroit.  The partner organizations include:

• New York: Make Them Visible
• Los Angeles:  LA Family Housing
• Chicago:  North Side Housing and Supportive Services
• Philadelphia: Rosa's Pizza
• San Francisco:  Compass Family Services
• Boston: Haley House
• Washington, D.C.: Friendship Place
• Atlanta: United Way of Greater Atlanta
• Houston: Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston – Meals on Wheels
• Detroit:  South Oakland Shelter 
• Seattle: Mercy Housing Northwest
• Phoenix: Phoenix Rescue Mission
• Tampa: Agency for Community Treatment Services
• Minneapolis: YouthLink
• Miami: HOPE South Florida
• Cleveland: Greater Cleveland Food Bank
• Orlando: Faith Promise of Greater Orlando
• Sacramento: Steps Forward

Sony Pics Updates 2016/17 Theatrical Release Slate

Sony Pictures Entertainment recently unveiled theatrical release dates for sixteen of films for the Culver City CA studio’s 2016 and 2017 slates.

The films compose a diverse, globally oriented mix of films, including new films with franchise potential (The Dark Tower, Uncharted, Patient Zero), established franchises (Bad Boys 3 and 4, Resident Evil, Underworld), adaptations of strong and beloved source material (The Magnificent Seven, Jumanji, Barbie), and daring original films (Passengers, Money Monster, The Shallows, Baby Driver, The Lamb).

These pix join numerous SPE projects already on the studio’s slate, including Ghostbusters (which moves up one week to 7/15/16), the next Spider-Man film (7/28/17), The Equalizer 2 (9/29/17), Dan Brown’s Inferno (10/14/16), Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (11/11/16), and the animated Spider-Man film masterminded by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (7/20/18.)

Sony Pictures Classics Announces North American Deal for THE MEDDLER

Sony Pictures Classics announced this week that they will theatrically release THE MEDDLER, starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons, in North America. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World), the film will have its world premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. 

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquired worldwide rights to the film prior to the start of the production and will distribute internationally.

THE MEDDLER follows Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon), recent widow and eternal optimist, as she moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). Armed with an iPhone and a full bank account, Marnie sets out to make friends, find her purpose, and possibly open up to someone new.

Rounding out the cast are Cecily Strong ("Saturday Night Live"), Jerrod Carmichael (Neighbors) and Michael McKean ("Better Call Saul"). THE MEDDLER is produced by Joy Gorman Wettels of Anonymous Content, with executive producers Susan Sarandon, and Anonymous’ Paul Green and Steve Golin.  No word yet on release dates, or DVD/Blu-ray information.

Lionsgate Signs Deal for USA Rights to "The von Trapp Family - A Life of Music" Film

Just in time for the 50^th anniversary of the worldwide box office blockbuster The Sound of Music, Lionsgate ,  has acquired all USA distribution rights to Tele Munchen Group's The von Trapp Family -- A Life of Music, the two companies announced today.

Award-winning Dutch filmmaker Ben Verbong, who has earned acclaim with family films such as The Girl with the Red Hair, The Slurb and Mr. Bello, is directing, and Eliza Bennett (Broadchurch, Nanny McPhee), Matthew Macfadyen (Anna Karenina, Three Musketeers) and Academy Award nominee Rosemary Harris (Spider-Man 1-3, Tom & Viv) are starring in the film currently being shot in Salzburg and surroundings as well as Bavaria.

The von Trapp Family has been cherished by generations of fans ever since The Sound of Music conquered global audiences and earned five Academy Awards in the 1960's.  One of the most successful motion pictures of all time, the film will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with the release of The von Trapp Family – A Life of Music, based on Agathe von Trapp's autobiography "Memories Before and After the Sound of Music," which tells the story behind the legend. The screenplay was written by Christoph Silber (Good Bye Lenin) and Tim Sullivan (Letters to Juliet).

"As a native Austrian, I am especially proud to bring the real story played by such a great cast together with such a prestigious partner as Lionsgate, one of the leading and prestigious US media companies which I was significantly involved in," said Tele Munchen Group Chairman Dr. Herbert G. Kloiber.

 

Sony Pic's INFERNO Starts Filming!

Sony Pictures has announced that principal photography has started on Inferno, the new film in Columbia Pictures' Robert Langdon series.  A series of films that has taken in more than $1.2B  worldwide a the box office!  The film is currently scheduled for release in theatres on October 14, 2016, no word yet on DVD/BD release.

In the film, Academy Award winner Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon.  He is joined by an international cast of actors, including Felicity Jones, Irrfan Khan, Omar Sy, Ben Foster, and Sidse Babett Knudsen.  The film is directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.  The screenplay is by David Koepp, based on the book by Dan Brown.  The project's executive producers are David Householter, Dan Brown, Anna Culp, and William M. Connor.

Pictured: (Left to Right) Tom Hanks ("Robert Langdon"); Sidse Babett Knudsen ("Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey"); Ron Howard, director/producer; Omar Sy ("Christoph Bouchard"); Dan Brown "Inferno" Author; Felicity Jones ("Dr. Sienna Brooks");

SPE's Faith Label AFFIRM Films Options Book "The Devil in Pew Number Seven"

This week, AFFIRM Films (a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment) and Mass Hysteria Entertainment Inc announced a partnership to develop a motion picture based on the book, The Devil In Pew Number Seven. Written by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss, and released by Tyndale House Publishers Inc in 2010, The Devil In Pew Number Seven tells the story of Rebecca Nichols, a young girl who loses her parents when they stand up against evil within their church. Decades later, Rebecca must address if it was worth losing everything.

"Rebecca Nichols Alonzo's story touched our whole team," said Rich Peluso, Senior Vice President of AFFIRM Films. "Her journey through healing and forgiveness recounted before thousands of people across the country proved both engrossing and engaging. We look forward to working with Rebecca, Dan Grodnik and Steve Armour to bring this story to film."

"The Devil in Pew Number Seven is a compelling look at the power of love and forgiveness," said Mass Hysteria CEO and Producer Dan Grodnik. "We are excited to begin the creative journey with Rich Peluso and his AFFIRM Films team."  Steve Armour has been hired to adapt the book.