Here is the latest World News from the Hollywood Reporter.
‘Bittersweet’: Filmart/Hong Kong Review
Sound designer Krishna Ashu Bhati steps behind the camera for this gritty, yet uneven drama with a stellar turn by newcomer Lisa Brand.
Asian Film Awards: ‘The Assassin’ Dominates with Eight Awards
The Hou Hsiao-hsien-directed film won the biggest prizes including best film, best director, best actress for Shu Qi and best supporting actress for Zhou Yun.
Mediaset CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi Gets 14-Month Sentence in Tax Evasion Case
The company’s leader and son of Silvio Berlusconi will appeal the sentence at Italy’s highest court.
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Casting Director to Get Special BAFTA Honor
Nina Gold has also worked on ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Wolf Hall,’ ‘The King’s Speech,’ ‘The Theory of Everything’ and ‘The Imitation Game.’
Star of ‘iCarly’ Jennette McCurdy on Choosing Adult Roles: “I Don’t Want to Offend Anybody”
The former Disney star says she’s drawing on personal experiences to grow as an actor in Netflix’s ‘Between’ drama.
European Pay TV Giant Sky Unveils Virtual Reality Production Unit, Content Initiative
“The Sky VR Studio allows us to add a new dimension to storytelling, taking viewers to extraordinary places and offering a unique perspective,” says content chief Gary Davey.
Lionsgate Hires Former Sony Pictures Exec Audrey Lee for Dealmaking
The studio legal affairs veteran will serve as executive vp and deputy general counsel under Wayne Levin.
Filmart: Zhang Hanyu, Masaharu Fukuyama Join Cast of John Woo’s ‘Manhunt’
The Chinese and Japanese actors will take the leads in the thriller.
Russia Box Office: ‘Zootopia’ Becomes No. 1 Disney Animation or Pixar Title of All Time
The animated film stayed at No. 1 for the second consecutive weekend.
News Corp Australia CEO Peter Tonagh Named Head of Foxtel
He takes the reins at the pay TV company from Richard Freudenstein who departs after four and a half years
British Hotel That Inspired ‘Fawlty Towers’ to be Demolished
The “wonderfully rude” owner of the hotel – now to be turned into a retirement home – provided the template for John Cleese’s iconic Basil Fawlty.
‘Beautiful 2016’: Filmart/Hong Kong Review
HKIFF taps mainland critical favorite Jia Zhangke and Hong Kong veteran Stanley Kwan for the 2016 edition of its signature ‘Beautiful’ anthology.
‘Their Distance’: Filmart/Hong Kong Review
Japanese director Rikiya Imaizumi leads three-fifths of Korean boy band Nu’Est on a romantic journey in his latest feature.
‘The Storm Inside’: Filmart/Hong Kong Review
Fabrice Camoin makes his feature debut with an adaptation of Marguerite Duras’ 1960 novel ‘Ten-Thirty on a Summer Night.’
1957: When Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Throne of Blood’ Was Ahead of Its Time
In Japan, the filmmaker was accused at the time of being stuck in the past.
Imax Partners With United Nations to Promote 3D Doc ‘A Beautiful Planet’
The giant screen exhibitor will help the UN protect the environment as the Jennifer Lawrence-narrated 3D documentary gets set to open on April 29.
‘The Lobster’ Gets New Release Date
A24 will release Yorgos Lanthimos’ film, which also stars Rachel Weisz and John C. Reilly, on May 13.
Sylvia Anderson, Co-Creator of U.K. Kids Series ‘Thunderbirds,’ Dies at 88
As well as helping devise the 1960s science fiction puppet show with her late husband Gerry Anderson, Sylvia voiced one of its central characters.
‘Law & Order’ Veteran Rene Balcer Nabs 10-Episode Order for Arctic Drama
Canada’s CBC network greenlights the mystery-thriller to shoot in the Iqaliut, London and Copenhagen.
‘Happy Valley’ Producer: TV Opening up to “Less Posh British Drama”
Wednesday sees Netflix launch the second season of the U.K. crime drama, described as the British version of ‘The Wire.’
Lionsgate Names Long-Time Wall Street Bull Head of Investor Relations
Former Piper Jaffray analyst James Marsh will spearhead investor marketing as analysts continue to look at a possible Starz acquisition by the ‘Hunger Games’ studio.
Vice Media Unveils Expansion Into Russia, Eastern Europe
The company is growing its two-year partnership with Greek-based Antenna Group to roll out its digital offering into Russia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia.
The Art of Kung Fu: From Hong Kong to Africa and Back
Hong Kong’s Hanart TZ gallery’s Kung Fu in Africa exhibition unveils a rare collection of lively, hand painted film art from the 80s and 90s depicting everyone from Bruce Lee to Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Warner Bros.’ Flagship Entertainment Unveils 12 Movie Slate for China
The slate features Chinese-language films from every genre, with a wide range of budgets, including a remake of ‘Miss Congeniality’ and Adam Sandler’s ‘Blended.’
‘Beautiful 2016’: Filmart Review
HKIFF taps Mainland critical favorite Jia Zhangke and Hong Kong veteran Stanley Kwan for the 2016 edition of its signature ‘Beautiful’ anthology.
‘Their Distance’: Filmart Review
Japanese director Rikiya Imaizumi leads three-fifths of Korean boy band Nu’Est on a romantic journey in his latest feature.
Filmart: Zhang and Fukuyama Join Cast of John Woo’s ‘Manhunt’
Zhang Hanyu and Masaharu Fukuyama will take the leads in the thriller.
‘The Storm Inside’: Filmart Review
Fabrice Camoin makes his feature debut with an adaptation of Marguerite Duras’ 1960 novel ‘Ten-Thirty on a Summer Night’.
Filmart: Making A Quick Getaway After the Market
A few days of frenetic negotiations will leave you needing some rest and relaxation, here’s five destinations close to Hong Kong that will take your mind off work in no time.
‘The Bacchus Lady’ (‘Jugyeojuneun Yeoja’): Filmart/Hong Kong Review
Veteran Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung delivers a powerful performance as a sex worker confronting her and her ex-patron’s problems in old age.
‘Autohead’: Filmart/Hong Kong Review
Indian filmmaker Rohit Mittal’s debut revolves around a film crew following a cabbie’s meltdown into madness and murder.
U.K. Box Office: ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Dominates Despite Falling Short of Predecessors
‘The Divergent Series: Allegiant’ landed in second with a mediocre $2.6 million, while ‘Grimsby’ looks set to be Sacha Baron Cohen’s worst performing creation.
First Look: Sean Lau Leads a Rebellion in ‘Call of Heroes’ (Exclusive Image)
Benny Chan directs the period adventure, set during the Qing Dynasty.
Filmart: Download THR’s Day 3 Daily
Johnnie To’s third ‘Election’ film, a chat about the controversial Hong Kong indie ‘Ten Years’, and a selection of nearby post-fest getaways.
Filmart: How Easternlight Films Makes Horror Films Chinese Censors Can Tolerate (Q&A)
The L.A. and Beijing-based exec Ying Ye speaks to THR about China’s appetite for horror movies, dealing with censors and the future of the quota system.
Sony Pictures, eOne Ink Momentum Pictures Distribution Deal
The home entertainment agreement covers specialty label titles like Stephen Frears’ ‘The Program’ and ‘Forsaken,’ starring Kiefer Sutherland.
Tom Hiddleston’s Steamy ‘Night Manager’ Sex Scene Creates Social Media Frenzy
The fourth episode of the spy thriller — due to begin airing on AMC next month — left British audiences hot under the collar.
Altice Eyes Cablevision Deal Close in Second Quarter, Plans No Further U.S. Purchases in 2016
Management lauds U.S. cable firm Suddenlink, says it won’t hurt this year from having dropped Viacom networks and says the broader market is seeing more cord shaving than cord cutting.
When John Woo’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’ Introduced “Gun Fu”
The director sought to break with the clownish kung fu films that were being churned out at the time.
Natalie Portman’s ‘Jackie’ Biopic Finds Its JFK
Danish actor Caspar Phillipson has been cast as the late former president in the upcoming film.
Hot Docs Fest Adds Films About Gun Culture, Climate Change
The Special Presentations sidebar is likely to generate heat with Dawn Porter’s ‘Trapped’ and Stephanie Soechtig’s ‘Under the Gun,’ executive produced by Katie Couric.
‘Shades of Blue,’ ‘Nashville’ Heading to Sky Living in U.K.
The channel is part of pan-European pay TV giant Sky.
Lifetime to Launch in Turkey as Free-to-Air Network
“Lifetime Turkey represents a key element of our growth strategy” across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says A+E Networks.
Filmart: Download THR’s Day 2 Daily
A look at how Donald Trump’s trade rhetoric is being criticized in Asia, and exclusive news of a planned ‘Devil Wears Prada’ remake.
‘The Mermaid’ Producer Explains How Chinese Movies Can Spark International Appeal (Q&A)
The Hollywood vet tells THR how pollution inspired the blockbuster and what’s ahead for the future of the Chinese film sector.
How ‘Crosscurrent’ Director Shot a Chinese-Specific Arthouse Film on Boats (Q&A)
Yang Chao discusses why his second feature is a love letter to the Yangtze River and how the film shoot made him want to learn to swim.
Filmart: With ‘Flying Colors’, Are China and Japan Friends at Last?
After years of tense relations, Asia’s two biggest film sectors are warming up to one another, and the first Japanese live action release in over five years in the Chinese market could lead to a new era of collaboration.
Filmart: Revisiting Japan’s Punk Auteurs
The Hong Kong International Film Fest’s Hachimiri Madness sidebar shines a spotlight on the indie rebels whose do-it-yourself ethos transformed Japanese cinema.
Inside the Fight to Save Hong Kong’s Last Movie Palace
With the iconic State Theatre facing possible demolition, local activists are battling to preserve a piece of local film history: “If it’s demolished, it will be very sad.”
Filmart: Singapore’s mm2 Entertainment Unveils Three Titles
The heartwarming drama ‘Take 2’ and the horror features ‘Ibu’ and ‘Ghost Net’ were unveiled Monday.
Hollywood Reporter, MPA Partner With Third Annual U.S.-China Film, TV Expo
The organization is set to hold its film competition awards on Nov. 3 in downtown Los Angeles at L.A. Live.
‘Kalo Pothi, the Black Hen’: Filmart/Hong Kong Review
Nepalese filmmaker Min Bahadur Bham’s first feature revolves around two boys’ mission to relocate their missing hen as civil war rages around them.
AMBI Partners With Lantica Media For Spanish-Language Films
The two companies will establish a new post-production facility in the Domincian Republic.
Jerry Hall Tweets Family Photo After Marriage to Rupert Murdoch
The photo, which appears to be from the couple’s recent wedding, featured the newlyweds’ 10 children from previous relationships.
When Bruce Lee Left Hollywood to Become ‘The Big Boss’
Exactly why Hong Kong has declined to tap Lee’s enduring star power to serve as one of the city’s icons is still the subject of some debate.
Hollywood’s 100 Favorite Movie Quotes: Funny Foreign Translations of 9 Iconic Lines
It’s “Sayonora, Baby” in the Spanish-language version of ‘Terminator.’
Toronto Film Fest to Tout Canadian Film With ‘See the North’ Showcase
The curated selection of Canadian movies includes the Ellen Page-starrer ‘Into The Forest’ and Andrew Cividino’s ‘Sleeping Giant.’
Room Number: Where to Stay During the Hong Kong Film Festival
The Peninsula Suite embodies luxury in every detail of its 4,111 square feet.
India’s Viacom18 to Launch Video Streaming Service Voot
The latest digital video player in India will take on competitors such as Fox’s Star India-backed hotstar and the recently launched Netflix, among others.
China’s Huayi Brothers to Launch Animation Unit Led by Hollywood Veteran
The Chinese studio, which has an 18-picture financing and distribution deal with STX Entertainment, has hired former DreamWorks Animation and Fox executive Joe Aguilar to lead the new division.
Julian Fellowes Period Drama ‘Doctor Thorne’ Sells Wide
The latest offering from the creator of ‘Downton Abbey’ has already aired in the U.K., with The Weinstein Co. picking up rights for the U.S.
U.S. Ex-Reporter for Japan’s NHK Arrested for Sex Video With Underage Girl
The now 30-year-old fled Japan in 2013 after the video was discovered by police.
Filmart: Pegasus Readies Lee’s ‘Hunter’ (Exclusive)
Produced by HongKong’s Pegasus Motion Pictures, China’s Shanghai Xinyi Media, and South Korea’s Union Investment Partners, ‘Bounty Hunter’ is scheduled for a 2016 summer release.
Filmart: Malaysia’s Animasia Teams with China’s Zero One on ‘Chuck Chicken’ (Exclusive)
Malaysia’s Film Kingdom Group is also collaborating with Hong Kong’s Pegasus Motion Pictures and Eunice and Tonia Entertainment for ‘Miss Sunshine
The Hollywood Reporter, MPA Chosen As Partners For Third Annual U.S.-China Film, TV Expo
The Expo takes place Nov. 2-3 at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles.
Filmart: China’s Desen Planning ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Remake (Exclusive)
The Chinese-language version of the 2006 comedy will take place in Shanghai.
Filmart: 7 Things to See and Do During the Hong Kong Film Festival
Tackle the S.A.R. like an S.V.I.P.
Sony Pictures Television Takes Stake in ‘Suffragette’ Producer Faye Ward’s Fable Pictures
Ward’s credits also include upcoming projects ‘Stan & Ollie’ and Netflix’s ‘The Crown.’
China’s Wanda to Consolidate Film Units
The Chinese conglomerate will inject its film production units, including Legendary Entertainment, into movie theater unit Wanda Cinema Line, whose stock trades on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Matt LeBlanc ‘Top Gear’ Stunt Criticized as “Gravely Disrespectful,” Co-Host Apologizes
Chris Evans “apologized unreservedly” after the former ‘Friends’ star performed stunts for the revamped show near one of London’s most famous war memorials.
Filmart: Hong Kong Is A Feast for Foodies
Chic, contemporary and memorable, these five restaurants offer ideal settings to celebrate closing that Filmart deal.
Filmart: Jet Tone CEO Talks Working With Wong Kar Wai, Managing Talent and ‘Ferryman’ Rumors (Q&A)
Jacky Pang, the CEO of the film shingle, discusses the company’s 25th anniversary, why she gave up directing and how she became a trusted collaborator with one of the world’s most celebrated auteurs.
Where to Stay During the Hong Kong Film Festival
The Peninsula Suite embodies luxury in every detail of its 4,111 square feet.
‘Room’ Dominates Canadian Screen Awards, Oscar-Winner Brie Larson Named Best Actress
It was the hostage drama’s night as Jacob Tremblay and Joan Allen nabbed trophies for their own performances.
Filmart: Andy Lau Boards Action Thriller ‘Shock Wave’
Lau’s new production company, Infinitus Films, will be involved in the production.
Filmart: Leading Japanese Directors Join ‘Roman Porno’ Reboot (Exclusive)
Nikkatsu’s big screen soft porn productions are to be relaunched with five Japanese helmers taking charge of the first slate of releases.
Filmart: Fox Unites Departments to Produce Chinese-Language Content
The joint venture will include developments of new scripts and remakes of existing Fox titles into Chinese.
Filmart: Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium Studios Expands to Asia (Exclusive)
Co-founded with Jonathan Cavendish, the company is launching a specialist performance capture and content creation hub in Malaysia.
Filmart: Raunchy Animated Film ‘Bad Cat’ Sells to China, Middle East (Exclusive)
A risque, action-packed comedy for adults, it is described as blending — in animated form — “the outrageousness of ‘Fritz The Cat’, the cuteness of ‘Garfield’ and the whip-smart action of [Quentin] Tarantino.”
Filmart: Download THR’s Day 1 Daily
News of the Russo brothers’ new startup studio, a chat with the CEO of Wong Kar Wai’s Jet Tone film shingle and a look at Wayne Wang’s latest film.
Filmart: How Wayne Wang Rebuilt ‘While the Women Are Sleeping’ as a Japanese Story (Q&A)
The Hong Kong-born, U.S.-based helmer tells THR what his latest film owes to ‘Lolita’, working in a foreign language and not getting arrested.
Jet Tone CEO Talks Working With Wong Kar Wai, Managing Talent and ‘Ferryman’ Rumors (Q&A)
Jacky Pang, the CEO of the film shingle, discusses the company’s 25th anniversary, why she gave up directing and how she became a trusted collaborator with one of the world’s most celebrated auteurs.
Russo Brothers Launch Studio to Produce Chinese-Language Films (Exclusive)
The directing team behind Marvel’s ‘Captain America’ franchise and the upcoming ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ films are planting their flag in the booming Chinese market.
K-Pop Convention KCON Sets Dates for SoCal Return
It’s set to be held over three days at the Staples Center from July 29 to 31.
Filmart: Jet Tone Unveils ‘Europe Raiders’ (Exclusive)
The third installment in director Jingle Ma’s ‘Tokyo Raiders’ and ‘Seoul Raiders’ series, which had a combined box office of $4.6 million in Hong Kong.
‘Oscuro Animal’ Takes Honors at Guadalajara Film Festival
Special guests this year at the Mexico fest included Alfonso Cuaron, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Maya Rudolph, Danny Glover and Antonio Banderas.
J.K. Rowling Concludes Series of Short Essays With “Wizarding” in Roaring ’20s
The fourth and final part of the author’s new writings chronicling North American magic brought the history lesson up to the same setting as the upcoming Harry Potter spin-off film, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.’
Former Russian Top Media Executive, Putin Aide Died From Blows to Head, U.S. Autopsy Finds
Mikhail Lesin, who was found dead at a Washington hotel last year, was head of Gazprom Media and press minister.
What Does Wanda Want? Weighing the Chinese Conglom’s Global Movie Theater Buying Spree
With AMC Entertainment’s acquisition of Carmike for $1.1 billion, Wanda will own an unprecedented 11,500 movie screens worldwide, shaping the global entertainment industry for years to come.
BBC, ITV in Talks to Launch Subscription Video Streaming Service (Report)
Early-stage discussions about a Netflix-style service reportedly also involved NBCUniversal.
Jack Black to Star in Biopic ‘The Man Who Would Be Polka King’
The polka king-turned-swindler pic will also be produced by the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ star.
Alfonso Cuaron to Speak at China-U.S. Motion Picture Summit
The inaugural film industry confab, to be held near Beijing on March 25, will also include talks given by Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Bill Borden, producer of ‘The Mermaid,’ China’s top-grossing film ever.
Oliver Stone Slams Reports of His Involvement in El Chapo Film as “Unfounded” (Exclusive)
The Oscar-winning director was responding to allegations in a British tabloid newspaper.
J.K. Rowling Describes “Catastrophe” That Hit American Wizarding World in Latest ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Essay
The third short story aimed at introducing the upcoming film’s pre-Potter world focuses on the “serious breach” in the 17th century that forced the North American magical world underground.
Ken Adam, Oscar-Winning Production Designer for Bond Films, Dies at 95
He designed the inside of Fort Knox for ‘Goldfinger’ and the war room for Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Dr. Strangelove.’
Montclair Film Festival to Honor Richard Curtis
The director will also provide commentary during a live screening of his beloved film ‘Love Actually’ and participate in a conversation with longtime festival supporter Stephen Colbert.
‘Game of Thrones’ Writer George R.R. Martin Pens Appreciation for Beatles Producer George Martin
“He will be missed.”
Diversity Reigns as BET’s ‘Book of Negroes’ Dominates Early Round of Canadian Screen Awards
Take that #OscarsSoWhite — the Cuba Gooding Jr.-starring miniseries took home nine trophies in early prize-giving.
Fox, Sky Lead $15 Million Funding Round for Video Streaming Service fuboTV
ICM Partners’ Chris Silbermann, former NBA commissioner David Stern and Edgar Bronfman Jr. are also among those putting money into the U.S. company that provides subscribers with a bundle of sports channels.
Adele Tops Noms for Germany’s Echo Music Awards
The British soul singer scores three nominations for Germany’s equivalent to the Grammys, including an album of the year mention for her latest release, ’25.’
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