AWARDS HEADLINES
The Revenant: Can a Hit Prestige Film Change the Tentpole-Centric Mindset of the Major Studios?
If the success of The Revenant proves anything, it’s that there are some risks, even in Hollywood, that are simply worth taking. It’s easy to say now after the dozen Oscar nominations, but it’s important to remember there was a time not so long ago when people were exceedingly worried about the film’s fate. (SSN)
The Academy’s Efforts to Diversify Have Exposed Ranks as Members Come Forward
The Academy’s image as an august organization comprised of only the starriest A-list actors, world-class directors and most accomplished master craftsmen isn’t the whole picture. What often gets papered over is the sizable contingent of working stiffs. (THR)
OTHER HEADLINES
SSN Box Office Trending Report for 2/12/16: ‘Deadpool’ to Make a Killing this Weekend While ‘Zoolander 2′ Strikes a Pose
The women of How to Be Single will have to search hard to find a date as they’ll all be watching Deadpool make a killing this Valentine’s weekend. Zoolander 2 also snags some early ticket sales. (SSN)
On the Set for 2/12/16: Gael García Bernal Starts ‘If You Saw His Heart’, Keanu Reeves & Bridget Moynahan Wrap Up ‘John Wick’ Sequel
Keanu Reeves, Common, Ian McShane and Bridget Moynahan wrap up shooting the Untitled John Wick sequel and in other news Charlize Theron and James McAvoy wrap up shooting Coldest City. (SSN)
Just in Time for VDay, Miramax Closes in on Obama First Date Film, ‘Southside With You’
Southside With You, the film that chronicles the first date between future U.S. President Barack Obama and future First Lady Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, is near closing with Miramax and Roadside Attractions in a North American rights deal around $2 million. (DL)
The Doctor is in: Apple’s First Scripted TV Series to be Filmed by Dr. Dre
Apple is making its first original television show. The technology giant is backing a top-secret scripted series starring one of its own executives, Beats co-founder and rap legend Dr. Dre. (THR)
Fox Orders Lethal Weapon Pilot Starring Damon Wayans Sr., But Who Will Play Riggs?
Fox is pulling the trigger on a pilot order for a Lethal Weapon TV series – plus has filled one of the project’s two starring roles. (EW)
Mystery Surrounding Michael Moore’s Doc: Who’s Paying to Release His New Film?
An elusive distributor and scuttled marketing for Michael Moore’s latest film, Where to Invade Next, raise questions as the movie limps into 300 theaters Feb. 12. (THR)
‘Bob’s Burger’ Prod. House Bento Box to Create Animated VR Content with Littlestar
Animation house Bento Box Ent is launching Bento Box Digital Studios to produce content targeting the 18-24 demographic on mobile and digital platforms. They also announced an exclusive partnership with Littlstar to produce, curate and distribute immersive animated VR content. (VI)
Does Any Other Franchise Have a Hope of Beating ‘Star Wars’ Fueled 2015 Toy Sales?
Studios have a high-class concern as they head to the annual Toy Fair confab taking place in New York from tomorrow to Tuesday. Can they top 2015 when, The NPD Group says, the relaunch of Star Wars helped to propel a 9.4% domestic increase in movie-related toy sales? (DL)