Exec Shuffle for 9/7/15: Major Promotions at Authentic Ent., CSP Management Launched & Multiple Shifts at MGM TV
Among the many things that happened in the last week before Labor Day were that Time Inc. has launched The Foundry, a new collective that joins editorial and branded content creators under a single group, Broad Green Pictures has tapped Alix Madigan to be their head of creative affair, and David Ansen has been tapped as the Lead Programmer for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. There’s a lot more, so click the link to read on. (SSN)
Light Labor Day Weekend Turnout Means Upset For ‘War Room’, Which Takes Top Spot
The faith-based film ended Straight Outta Compton’s three-week run at the box office with $9.35 million, while the N.W.A. biopic came in second with $8.85 million. A Walk In The Woods surprised with a third-place finish and a solid $8.17 million, while Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation did $7.15 million to edge out Transporter Refueled for fourth place. The new Transporter film debuted softly with $7.13 million. (BO)
Universal’s Incredible Year Continues, as ‘Jurassic World’ Clears a Billion Worldwide, and the Studio Passes the $6B Mark
Now the third-highest grossing film of all-time (after Avatar and Titanic), it’s also the fourth movie in history to earn more than a billion dollars internationally. Combined with the $647 million World has made in North America, and that comes to a total of $1.65 billion. It also continues the studio’s record-breaking year, marking the first time any studio has ever cleared that number in a single calendar year. Also, remember that it’s only Labor Day. (DH)
Now That It’s Officially Labor Day, It’s Time To Look At the Summer’s Biggest Flops
Disney’s Tomorrowland and Fox’s Fantastic Four were both big losers for their respective studios, while Adam Sandler and Cameron Crowe were among the others who have definitely had better summers in their lives. (THR)
If Chris Evans Has His Way, He’ll Be Playing Captain America For Many More Years
After initially being reluctant to sign on to play the iconic character back in 2011, the actor has become a star in the ensuing four years. There were rumors that he would leave the Marvel Cinematic Universe upon the expiration of his contract, which extends through the two-part Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and 2019, but while pushing his directorial debut, Before We Go, he said that “if Marvel wants me, they got me.” (COL)
DreamWorks and Frank Marshall Are Teaming To Develop Horror-Thriller ‘Cropsey’
Duo are moving forward on a pitch from Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, who will also write the screenplay. Jake Steinfeld is on board as an executive producer. Story will center on a group of adolescents at a summer camp haunted by an urban legend that dates back to the Colonial period. The studio is said to be looking to mix horror and humor, much like Gremlins and The Goonies. (CS)
No Rebel Wilson? No Problem For ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’, as the Animated Flick Casts Kate Hudson Instead
The Pitch Perfect star was slated to voice a character named Mei Mei, a ribbon-dancing panda who is romantically obsessed with Po. However, Almost Famous star Hudson has now been hired to replace her on the film. Apparently, the production schedule for the movie was extended, which unfortunately led to Wilson having to bow out. (SF)
Talk About ‘UnREAL’, Lifetime Show Star Snags Key ‘Game Of Thrones’ Season Six Role
Freddie Stroma has signed on to play Samwell’s brother, Dickon. Little is known about Dickon from George R.R. Martin’s novels, except that he is Sam’s (John Bradley-West) younger and more physically capable brother. Sam was last seen in the fifth season leaving Castle Black with Gilly (Hannah Murray) for Oldtown to study to become a maester. So far, the series has yet to introduce their father, Lord Randyll Tarly. (TLF)
Your Creative Calendar For September: 97 Things To Do, See and Hear This Month
Just when it feels like summer will last forever and we’re all stuck in a Gordian time knot, the first signs of fall are arriving. Prepare to say goodbye to the leaves and hello to new Daily Show host Trevor Noah and new Late Show maestro Stephen Colbert. Don’t you feel at least a little bit refreshed and less teetering-on-the-brink-of-heatstroke already? No? Well then, read on and forget that whole summer bit even happened. (FCC)
Screenwriters: Submissions Insanity — Three Key Submission Questions and Answers
Generally speaking, there are three big questions young writers like to ask in regard to submissions, such as, is it better to enter screenplay competitions early, when should one follow up on a script submission, and what if one doesn’t ever hear back? All these answers and more come by reading the piece. (SM)