SNEAKPEEK.CA

"Wanderlust": Leave Your Baggage Behind

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Sneak Peek another new poster supporting "Wanderlust", the upcoming comedy feature directed by David Wain, starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, as a married couple who try to escape modern society by leaving their 'cushy lives' behind in New York :

"...after an urban couple purchases a place in New York, the husband loses his job. With no other options, the couple leaves for Georgia to live with family. Along the way, they stay at a bed and breakfast hotel that turns out to be a hippie commune..."

Cast also includes Justin Theroux, Malin Åkerman, Lauren Ambrose, Joe Lo Truglio, Alan Alda,
Kathryn Hahn, Ken Marino, Jordan Peele, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Michaela Watkins, Ray Liotta,
Zandy Hartig, Ian Patrick, Patricia French, Derrick Acosta, Rocco Botte, Garrett Hunter and Trisha Paytas.

"Wanderlust" is produced by Apatow, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd and David Wain, from a screenplay by Marino and Wain.

From Relativity Media and Apatow Productions, "Wanderlust" will be distributed by Universal Pictures, February 24, 2012.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Wanderlust"...

Sneak Peek "Abraham Lincoln : Vampire Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:26:00 +0000

Sneak Peek a new teaser trailer supporting the upcoming 20th Century Fox, live-action, 3D film adaptation of author Seth Grahame-Smith's horror novel, "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter".

The $69 million budgeted feature is directed by Timur Bekmambetov ("Wanted") for producer Tim Burton ("Batman").

"...Indiana, 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin, where a nine-year-old 'Abraham Lincoln' kneels at his suffering mother's bedside.

" She's been stricken with something the old-timers call 'Milk Sickness'.

"After she dies, grieving Abe learns his mother's fatal affliction was the work of a 'vampire'. When the truth becomes known to young Lincoln, he writes in his journal, 'henceforth my life shall be one of rigorous study and devotion. I shall become a master of mind and body. And this mastery shall have but one purpose'...

"Gifted with his legendary height, strength, and skill with an axe, Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House..."

The new film will be released June 22, 2012.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"...

"Iron Man" Fragrance: He Who Smelt It Dealt It

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Marvel's "The Avengers" may not hit theaters until May 4, 2012, but thanks to fragrance company JADS International, LLC (JADS), fans can now smell like green behemoth the 'Hulk', or deadly female assassin "Black Widow", as JADS debuts their line of Marvel colognes and perfumes @ the Toy Industry Association's (TIA) Toy Fair in New York City.

"The Avengers Cologne Set", "Black Widow Perfume", "Infinity Formula for Men" and "Mischief Cologne" will be available April 2012 in the US and Canada.

"Everyone has a favorite comic book hero," said Andrew Levine, Chief Executive Officer of JADS, "now fans can experience what they love about these iconic characters in a much more personal way."

"We created a line of colognes and perfume inspired by Marvel's "The Avengers" after we identified a demand in the marketplace" said John McGonigle, President of JADS. "We are proud to bring these unique products to market and believe there is no better way to build 'fan affinity' than through the use of personal fragrances."

"The Avengers Cologne Set" features four 'heroic fragrances' including "Patriot Cologne: Your Attack Plan" ("...inspired by 'Captain America', pays homage to the confident, stand-up-to-bullies, hard-working average Joe in everyman"), "Mark VII Cologne: Armor Up" ("...inspired by 'Iron Man', combines mandarin and jasmine with light patchouli to create a contemporary expression of 'I don't play well with others' confidence, leaving you ready for whatever a genius, billionaire, playboy-philanthropist might encounter throughout their day"), "Worthy: Posses the Power" ("...inspired by 'Thor', creating a deep dry masculine almost 'god-like' musk") and "Smash!: Be Angry" ("...inspired by 'Hulk', it wears well at work, in the lab, or an evening out on the town").

Three other scents available outside of the "Avenger Cologne Pack" include "Black Widow Perfume' ("...for that Russian spy, trained assassin, world-class ballerina and girl from the legal department), "Infinity Formula Cologne" ("... inspired by 'Nick Fury' of 'S.H.I.E.L.D.'.a seductive fragrance for not just any man, but only for those who will risk everything to keep the dream of freedom alive") and "Mischief Cologne" ("....inspired by Thor's bad brother, 'Loki', this unisex fragrance in a dangerous-sexy, yet playful way, wears well on anyone, day or night").

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Avengers"...

Is "Raven" Ready For CW ?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:20:00 +0000

Development continues on CW's live-action TV pilot, based on the DC Comics character "Raven", from a script by executive producer Diego Gutierrez ("V").

Created by writer Marv Wolfman and illustrator George Pérez for DC Comics Presents #26 (October 1980), 'Raven' is a half-human, half-demon, that arrived in the 'mortal' world at the age of 16, taking the name 'Rachel Roth'.

She became a member of the superhero team the "Teen Titans", clad in a purple hood, with the ability to mentally project and teleport her soul away from her body as well as make use of empathic powers to read other beings' minds.

The daughter of human mother 'Arella' and the interdimensional entity 'Trigon', Raven grew up in an alternate dimension called 'Azarath', with pacifistic inhabitants whose spiritual leader was the mystic 'Azar'.

In her homeland, she was taught to control her emotions by Azar, in order to suppress her inherited demonic powers.

Essentially, it was feared that if Raven was allowed to feel any strong emotion, she could become a demon like her father.

Upon Azar's death, Arella began the task of raising and teaching Raven, with her demonic heritage revealed, meeting her father face to face for the first time. Raven reformed the superhero team, the "Titans" as the "New Teen Titans" to fight her father.

Raven has the psionic ability of empathy, enabling her to feel the feelings of others. She can also use her empathy to steal emotions, can absorb the pain of injured people to ease their suffering and induce rapid healing.

She also has the ability to heal herself, absorb another person's knowledge with a touch and the ability to force outside emotions into other people, consciously or otherwise.

Manifesting her 'soul-self' through a form of astral projection, Raven can take the form of either her human shape or a giant raven, teleporting herself and others over vast distances, while generating shadows and darkness.

Click the images to enlarge...

Hasbro Toys With "The Avengers"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:39:00 +0000

Sneak Peek new images of Hasbro's latest action figures of superheroes 'Black Widow', 'Iron Man', 'Captain America' and 'Thor' ", based on Marvel Studios' upcoming 3D feature "The Avengers".

Director Joss Whedon's "The Avengers", opening in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters May 4, 2012, continues the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe' started in "Iron Man", "The Incredible Hulk", "Iron Man 2", "Thor" and "Captain America: The First Avenger".

Cast of "The Avengers" includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson :

...when an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, 'Nick Fury', Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as 'SHIELD', finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Avengers"...

"Durham County" 3 Season DVD Pack - February 21, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:40:00 +0000

Anchor Bay Entertainment will release all 3 seasons of the one-hour Canadian dramatic TV series, "Durham County" in a special 7 DVD pack, February 21, 2012.

The series is produced by Back Alley Film Productions Ltd. and Muse Entertainment Enterprises, starring actor Hugh Dillon ("Flashpoint") as a police detective, "...who finds that moving back home comes with trouble and danger..." :

"...'Mike Sweeney' (Dillon), a homicide detective from Toronto moves his family to suburban 'Durham County' to start over after his partner is killed and his wife 'Audrey' (Hélène Joy) is diagnosed with breast cancer. However, he soon discovers that his neighbour and childhood nemesis 'Ray Prager' (Justin Louis) may be a killer..."

Season 3 cast also includes Michael Nardone, Laurence Leboeuf, Greyston Holt, Krista Bridges, Bénédicte Décary, Andreas Aspergis, Cicely Austin and Shannon Kook-Chun :

"...when two young drug runners are found dead along Highway 401, newly promoted 'Superintendant Mike Sweeney' (Dillon) is assigned the case with his new partner 'Ivan Sujic' (Nardone). Mike also suspects foul play in the disappearance of Sujic's wife 'Katya' and that Sujic may know more then he claims. With Mike's wife 'Audrey' (Joy) pregnant and his daughter 'Sadie' (Leboeuf) a rookie on the police force, things may be looking up..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek Season 3 of "Durham County"...

"The Dead" Shambles To Blu-Ray/DVD February 14, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:59:00 +0000

The 2010 zombie horror feature, "The Dead", directed, written and lensed by UK brothers Howard J. and Jon Ford, will be available on Blu-ray and DVD, through Anchor Bay Entertainment, February 14, 2012 :

"...shot in the life-threatening regions of Burkina Faso and Ghana, 'The Dead' takes audiences on a horrifying road-trip through a zombie-dominated terrain. An American mercenary, the sole survivor of a violent plane crash, maneuvers through the hostile, arid landscape while battling against the newly risen living dead.

"Almost losing all hope, he encounters an African soldier desperately searching for his son amongst the chaos. The mercenary and the soldier rise up together to forge their way through the unstoppable assault of the ever-hungry undead and forward into an uncertain future..."

Cast includes Rob Freeman, Prince David Oseia, David Dontoh, Elizabeth Akingbade, Benjamin C. Akpa, Stephen Asare Amaning, Anthony Arinze, Kwesi Asmah, Edward Bruce, Genardo Campbell, Mark Chapman, Ben Crowe, Frank Owusu Darko, Anne Davaud and hundreds of extras playing 'victims' that were all given screen credits at the end of the film.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Dead"...

Halle Berry Makes A Splash In "Dark Tide"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Sneak Peek the new poster supporting "Dark Tide", the upcoming action thriller directed by John Stockwell, starring Oscar winner Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez and Ralph Brown.

Produced by Jeanette Buerling and Matthew E. Chausse, screenplay is by Ronnie Christensen and Amy Sorlie, based on a story by Sorlie :

"...'Kate Mathieson' (Berry), once renowned for swimming with Great White Sharks, spends her days giving mundane wildlife tours after the tragic death of her mentor. The surprise arrival of her old partner and boyfriend, 'Jeff' (Martinez), convinces her to face her inner demons and get back in the water with the fiercest of predators..."

Also starring are Ralph Brown, Luke Tyler, Mark Elderkin and Sizwe Msutu.

From Village Roadshow Pictures and Infinite Ammo Motion Picture Company, to be distributed by Warner Bros., Sneak Peek "Dark Tide"...

New "Star Trek" Video Game Beams Up In 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:29:00 +0000

BigGameHunter reports that Paramount Pictures and developer Namco Bandai Games Europe S.A.S. have signed a deal for Namco Bandai Games Inc. to co-publish and distribute the next "Star Trek" video game worldwide, during the first quarter of 2013 for all major home consoles and PC.

The combat game is set to launch the first quarter of 2013 prior to the May 17 th theatrical release of the second "Star Trek" movie from director/producer J.J. Abrams.

The game, through a license with CBS Consumer Products, will be based on a stand-alone storyline that continues the adventure of 'Kirk' and 'Spock' as they work together to stop a legendary enemy bent on conquering the galaxy.

The game’s story is being scripted by BAFTA award winner and "God of War" writer Marianne Krawczyk in collaboration with Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, writer/producers for the next "Star Trek" film.

Click the images to enlarge...

"DC Nation" Begins March 3, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:38:00 +0000

Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment report a March 3, 2012 launch for "DC Nation", a full hour of TV programming based on DC Comics characters, targeting 'kids'.

The block, anchored by "Green Lantern: The Animated Series" and "Young Justice", will air Saturdays at 10 a.m. (ET/PT), with repeats on Sunday.

"...rounding out this branded block of original programming will be a number of shorts featuring DC Comics super heroes and characters as you have never seen them before. With fresh designs and concepts, fan favorites such as 'Plastic Man' and 'Doom Patrol' will finally take center stage next to the likes of 'Wonder Woman' and 'Teen Titans'..."

Award-winning Aardman Studios ("Wallace and Gromit") are on board with stop-motion clay animation.

DC Nation will also feature event programming, 'interstitials', exclusive sneak peek at theatrical motion pictures and an insiders look into the world of "all things DC Comics".

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "DC Nation"...

Cassel Cast In "Beauty and the Beast"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Director Christophe Gans ("Brotherhood of the Wolf") confirms that he will direct a new adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast", starring Vincent Cassel ("Black Swan") and Lea Seydoux.

"Although I will keep to a form of storytelling of this timeless fairy tale that is in keeping with the same pace and characters as the original," said Gans, "I will surprise the audience by creating a completely new visual universe never experienced before and produce images of an unparalleled quality."

"Every single one of my movies has presented me with a challenge but this one is, by far, the most exciting and rewarding."

"Beauty and the Beast" (French: "La Belle et la Bête"), a traditional fairy tale, about a prince supernaturally changed into a 'beast', was first published in 1740. The best-known written version was published in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont. The first English translation appeared in 1757.

Gans' "Beauty and the Beast" will start in October 2012 for producer Richard Grandpierre.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek director Jean Cocteau's "La Belle et la Bête"....

Countdown to "Zero Hour"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Sneak Peek attended the opening night of "Zero Hour", followed by an 'After-Show Champagne Reception', February 9, 2012 @ Toronto's Bathurst Street Theatre.

Directed by Oscar-nominated actress Piper Laurie ("Carrie") and produced by Lia and Dana Matthow, the limited run of the one-man show starring and written by actor Jim Brochu recreates the persona of funnyman actor 'Zero Mostel' ("The Producers"):

"...Jim Brochu brings Zero Mostel back to extraordinary life in 'Zero Hour', re-creating the definitive backstory to this amazing performer's appearances in 'Fiddler on the Roof', 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' and Mel Brooks' 'The Producers'. Brochu is both hilarious and poignant as he recounts Mostel's big life - as a Broadway legend, a larger than life personality and the target of Hollywood blacklisting..."

"Zero Hour" won the New York Drama Desk Award for 'Outstanding Solo Performance', the Los Angeles Ovation for 'Best Play' and the Washington, D.C. 'Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor'.

"Zero had a great influence on my life and I was fortunate to get to know him when I was first starting out, " said Brochu.

"Zero Hour" plays in Toronto to March 11, 2012.

Click the images to enlarge...

DreamWorks Obssessed With "Rebecca"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:43:00 +0000

DreamWorks reports it will develop author Daphne du Maurier's 1938, romantic suspense novel "Rebecca" for the big screen, with writer Steven Knight ("Eastern Promises") adapting a new screenplay.

"Rebecca' was previously adapted by director Alfred Hitchcock for producer David O. Selznick, in the 1940 feature starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine and George Sanders.

"..when a naive young woman marries a rich widower and settles in his gigantic mansion, she finds the memory of his first wife 'Rebecca' maintaining a grip on her husband and the household servants..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Rebecca"...

HDFilms Launching "Space: 2099"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:14:00 +0000

According to reports, the classic 1970's sci fi TV series "Space: 1999", created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson will be updated as a new series under the more 'contemporary' title of "Space: 2099", from HDFilms ("V").

"Science fiction is a powerful format capable of visualizing the human condition in thought-provoking ways," said Jace Hall, president of HDFilms, who will executive produce the new show with ITV Studios International.

The original British-produced TV series ran from 1975 to 1977.

In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident, September 13, 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and sending it and the 311 inhabitants of 'Moonbase Alpha' hurtling into space.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space: 1999"...

"Smallville" TV Series Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:35:00 +0000

DC Entertainment reports that the new comic book series, "Smallville Season 11", continuing the CW TV series that ended May 2011, will be scripted by former "Smallville" series writer Bryan Q. Miller. Illustrators for the new series are print cover artist Gary Frank, digital cover artist Cat Staggs and interior artist Pere Perez.

"Six months after 'Clark Kent' donned the cape and took to the skies to save Earth from 'Apokolips', enter 'Season 11'," said writer Miller.

The series will be published digitally April 13, 2012, with new digital chapters released every week. Online chapters will also be offered in a print periodical, along with an episode guide to the "Smallville" TV series. The first print issue will be released, May 16 2012.

The graphic novel picks-up where the "Smallville" TV series ended (with 'Clark Kent' officially becoming the costumed 'Superman'), including the characters 'Oliver Queen' aka 'Green Arrow', 'Chloe Sullivan' aka 'Queen', 'Lois Lane', 'Lex Luthor' and 'General Lane'.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Smallville"...

Sneak Peek "Aliens: Colonial Marines"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

From BigGameHunter, Sneak Peek the new 'xenomorph' cover art for SEGA's upcoming video game "Aliens: Colonial Marines", adapting the 1986 feature film "Aliens" by director James Cameron, introducing a gung-ho group of interplanetary soldiers.

The first-person 'shooter' for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, is also based on characters/creatures of the first "Alien" movie by director Ridley Scott.

"'Aliens' is one of the most influential science fiction properties of all time,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software.

"Designed as an interactive successor to the landmark films from Twentieth Century Fox, this is a dream project about which our studio is deeply committed and passionate."

The squad-based "Aliens: Colonial Marines" has the player control four 'Colonial Marines', each with a different personality and primary weapon.

Additional weapons including flamethrower, 'pulse rifle', 'smartgun', pistol, and various types of grenades.

The player controls one marine at a time, issuing orders to others using 'context-sensitive' commands, able to switch between characters at any time.

Players can also control particular locations using tactical positioning and turrets to fend off attacks.

Primary enemies in the game are 'Aliens' that will attempt to outflank the player, forcing the use of tactical combat.

Several different types of Aliens will appear and attack differently, with 'Facehuggers' attempting to attach themselves to the player character's face.

'Warrior Aliens' are the primary enemies, based on the designs of artist HR Giger, established in the "Alien" feature films.

'Scouts' are faster and will spy on the player characters' activities. 'Drones' will primarily carry and position eggs and work into the heart of the 'Hive' serving the 'Queen'.

The story of "Aliens: Colonial Marines" is scripted by "Battlestar Galactica" writers Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, with events of the game, set after the feature "Alien 3".

"...A 'Colonial Marine' search and rescue team has been sent to investigate the 'USS Sulaco' in search of 'Ellen Ripley', 'Corporal Dwayne Hicks' and the rest of the missing marines who were dispatched to 'LV-426'..."

The development team also recreated the vehicles of the original films.

Concept artist Syd Mead, who worked on "Aliens", was hired to design areas of the Sulaco ship that did not appear in the film but will play in the game.

In development since 2006, "Aliens: Colonial Marines" will be released Fall 2012.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Aliens: Colonial Marines"...

Vancouver Film Production Update - February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:58:00 +0000

FromVancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for February 2012 :

"RANDOM ACTS OF ROMANCE"
Feature
Jan 30/12 - Feb 21/12

"SEVENTH SON"
Feature
Mar 12/12 - May 19/12

"A CHRISTMAS STORY 2"
Digital Feature
Mar 05/12 - Apr 04/12

"TRUE JUSTICE: BLOOD ALLEY'
Digital feature
Feb 09/12 - Feb 28/12

"MIDNIGHT SUN"
TV Pilot
Mar 12/12 - Mar 30/12

"MOCKINGBIRD LANE"
TV Pilot
Feb 27/12 - Mar 19/12

"ALCATRAZ"
TV Series
Aug 26/11 - Mar 07/12

"CONTINUUM"
TV Series
Jan 10/12 - May 03/12

"FAIRLY LEGAL" ~ Season 2
TV Series
Oct 28/11 - Mar 26/12

"FALLING SKIES" Season 2
TV Series
Oct 19/11 - Feb 28/12

"FRINGE" Season 4
TV Series
Jul 14/11 - Apr 10/12

"ONCE UPON A TIME"
TV Series
Jul 19/11 - Mar 30/12

"PRIMEVAL - NEW WORLD"
TV Series
Feb 29/12 - Jul 09/12

"SUPERNATURAL" Season 7
TV Series
Jul 06/11 - Apr 18/12

"THE KILLING" Season 2
TV Series
Nov 28/11 - Apr 20/12

"THE SECRET CIRCLE"
TV Series
Jul 19/11 - Apr 12/12

"CHRISTMAS MIRACLE"
MOW
Feb 12/12 - Feb 28/12

Toronto Film Production Update - February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

From TorontoFilm.Net, here is the Toronto Film Production Update, for February 2012 :

"COPPER"
TV Series
Jan. – May/12

"HOME AGAIN"
Feature
Jan. 16 – Mar. 1/12

"NIKITA' Season 2
TV Series
July 13/10 – Apr. 20/12

"SWORN TO SILENCE"
TV Pilot
Jan. 25 – Feb. 22/12

"THE FIRM"
TV Series
Aug. 4 – May 18/12

"XIII.2"
TV Series
Feb. 13 – July 18/12

"COVERT AFFAIRS" Season 3
TV Series
Mar. 19 – Oct. 9/12

"INCOME PROPERTY"
TV Series
Sept 30/11- Nov/12

"THE BLACK MARKS'
Feature
Jan. 16 – Feb. 25/12

"THE LISTENER' Season 3
TV Series
Sept. 14 – Feb. 15/12

"FLASHPOINT" Season 5
TV Series
Feb. 9 – June 27/12

"KING" Season 2
TV Series
Sept. 29 – Mar. 30/12

"STILL SEAS"
Feature
Oct/11 – Apr. 24/12

"THE COLONY"
Feature
Feb. 22 – Mar. 30/12

"WAREHOUSE 13" Season 4
TV Series

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Haunted By "The Darkness"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"), has been cast as the lead in the upcoming feature "The Darkness", to be directed by Daniel Stamm ("The Last Exorcism").

The screenplay by Megan Holley ("Sunshine Cleaning") adapts author Henry James' 1898 ghost story "The Turn of the Screw".

The new story will follow an American student working for a tutor in an English manor house who becomes convinced that she and the children in her care are being haunted.

Producers are Joe Neurauter, Felipe Marino and Ben Forkner, targeting a European start, Summer 2012.

Click the images to enlarge...

2011 Best Production Year For Ontario Film/TV Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:47:00 +0000

According to TorontoFilm.Net, the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) reports that Ontario's film and television industry recorded its best year ever in 2011 contributing $1.26 billion to the provincial economy - a $300 million increase or 31% over the previous year.

It was the strongest performance since 2000 ($1.01 billion) and the highest since the agency started keeping records in 1986.

The $1.26 billion in production activity accounted for almost 30,000 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.

The increase was led by domestic spending which accounted for $852.1 million in total, a 32% increase over 2010's figure of $646.2 million. Foreign spending was also up contributing $412.9 million total - a 30% increase over the previous year's $318.1 million.

High-profile film/TV productions lensed in Toronto during 2011, include Toronto-based director David Cronenberg’s "Cosmopolis", romantic feature "The Vow", horror fantasy sequel "Resident Evil Retribution", the CTV/CBS series "Flashpoint", the TV reboot of "Nikita", a TV spin-off of the feature film "The Firm" and a whole lot more.

Click the images to enlarge...

Trish Stratus Runs With "Bounty Hunters" February 28, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada and Raven Banner Entertainment will release director Patrick McBrearty's new action feature "Bounty Hunters" (aka "Bail Enforcers") on DVD, February 28, 2012. The film stars former seven-time WWE Women’s Champion, TV personality and fitness icon Trish Stratus in her feature film debut :

"...'Jules' (Stratus) and her team of 'mercenaries' struggle to make ends meet until they find what seems like an easy job: deliver a crime informant to the police and claim a $100,000 reward. But the underworld has its own proposition and gives Jules a choice: hand over the captive and walk away with a million dollars or face death. Now Jules and her group must use every fighting skill they possess in an all-out battle for survival...."

"Bounty Hunters" also stars Boomer Philips, Joe Rafla, Andrea James Lui,and Frank J. Zupancic.

The Canadian DVD release of "Bounty Hunters' will be launched at a special screening in Toronto with Trish Stratus present, 7:00pm Tuesday, February 28, 2012 @ the AMC Yonge and Dundas, with a red carpet beforehand, as well as Q & A and autograph sessions afterwards.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Bounty Hunters"...

Sony Saves "Damsels In Distress"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:14:00 +0000

Sneak Peek the new poster supporting writer/director Whit Stillman's, Sony Pictures Classics' comedy feature "Damsels In Distress", following three teenage girls who try to revolutionize life at an American university:

"...dynamic leader 'Violet Wister' (Greta Gerwig), principled 'Rose' (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and sexy 'Heather' (Carrie MacLemore), welcome transfer student 'Lily' (Analeigh Tipton) into their group, by helping depressed students with a program of good hygiene and musical dance numbers.

"The girls become romantically entangled with a series of men – including smooth 'Charlie' (Adam Brody), dreamboat 'Xavier' (Hugo Becker) and the frat-pack of 'Frank' (Ryan Metcalf) and 'Thor' (Billy Magnussen), who threaten the girls’ friendship and sanity..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Damsels In Distress"...

Jason Statham Feels The "Heat"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Producers Sierra/Affinity report they are drumming up pre-sales for their developing renmake of the 1986 feature "Heat".

Jason Statham is attached to star in the new film for director Brian De Palma ("The Phantom Of The Paradise") from a screenplay by Oscar winner William Goldman, writer of the original screenplay of the 1986 version of "Heat" (starring Burt Reynolds) based on Goldman's novel of the same title.

Statham will also produce "Heat" with Steven Chasman, targeting an early 2013 start in France.

"...this tightly-wound action-thriller tells the story of a tough recovering gambling addict (Statham) who makes his living providing protection in the rough edges of the gambling world. Statham's character refuses to resort to gunplay, strictly using hand and edged weapon combat. When a dear friend is assaulted by a high-rolling mobster, he helps her get her revenge, getting into more trouble than he ever imagined..."

"We are pleased to once again be working with Jason and Steve on another project which in this case is based on great source material from a rare combination of an acclaimed novelist who is also at the top of his game as a screenwriter," said Sierra’s Nick Meyer. "We look forward to bringing this elevated action-thriller from Brian De Palma to distributors around the world."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Heat"...

Alcon Bewitched By "Beautiful Creatures"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:35:00 +0000

Alcon Entertainment reports that actors Jack O’Connell ("This Is England") and Alice Englert are in final negotiations to star in the romance "Beautiful Creatures", adapting the first of a five-novel supernatural series by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. The new screenplay will be written by Richard LaGravenese :

"...high-school student 'Ethan Wate' meets and becomes bewitched by 'Lena Duchannes', a teenager whose family has moved to the small South Carolina town where he lives. The two must confront a curse that has haunted her family for generations as she comes to grips with her powers..."

Filming will start April 2012, in and around the New Orleans area.

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Imagine Stakes Out "The Tale Of The Body Thief"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Stevens) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:03:00 +0000

According to reports, the character of the 'Vampire Lestat', last seen in "Interview With A Vampire", will return to the big screen in the Imagine Entertainment adaptation of the 1992 contemporary horror novel, "The Tale of the Body Thief", by author Anne Rice.

"The Tale of the Body Thief" is the fourth novel in Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" series, continuing the adventures of Lestat, specifically his efforts to regain his lost humanity.

Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci ("Transformers") are attached to produce the adaptation with a screenplay by Lee Patterson.

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