‘Nightcrawler’ Ekes Out a Win, Fox Sets a Box Office Record, British Independent Award Noms Are Out

This Weekend’s Box Office Race Ends Close, But ‘Nightcrawler’ Ekes Out a Win Over ‘Ouija’

Both films come in right at $10.9 million for the weekend, but Jake Gyllenhaal’s thriller gets just a few more viewers to earn the top spot, with Fury, Gone Girl and The Book of Life rounding out the top five. (SSN)

Speaking of Box Office, There Is a New Industry World Heavyweight Champion

Fox International clears the $3.25 billion mark, breaking Paramount’s 2011 record of $3.21 bil, becomes the highest grossing studio in history with still eight weeks left in the year. (DH)

The List of Nominees For the British Independent Film Awards Is Out. Are You On It?

Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley each scored noms for their work in The Imitation Game, but Irish thriller ’71 leads all with nine nominations, including Best British Independent Film. (THR)

The Network Television Show Cancellation Sweepstakes Claims Two More

NBC decides it’s had enough of Bad Judge and A to Z, though both will continue to air until their 13-episode runs are complete. (TVG)

Weinstein Company Marketing Wiz Heads Over to Netflix

Stephen Bruno becomes Vice President of Originals Marketing for the online streaming service, which is looking to get into the film business after a successful venture into TV. (WP)

Spoiler Alert! ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Will Have a Beloved Villain Making an Appearance

Since this article contains potential spoilers about the much-anticipated sequel, which is in theaters the first weekend of May, we will not reveal any details, but will provide the link to those who want to learn more. (CB)

And the Latest Movie Star to Turn to TV Is … Sharon Stone!

TNT gives series order to Agent X, a secret agent action-drama also starring Jeff Hephner and Gerald McRaney with a pilot penned by The Bourne Identity’s William Blake Herron. (VAR)

Sam Raimi Is Once Again Doing Business With the Man Who Remade ‘Evil Dead’

Filmmaker’s Ghost House shingle will produce director Fede Alvarez’s new horror flick, A Man in the Dark, which he co-wrote with partner Rodo Sayagues. (EMP)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Furious 7’

The first trailer from the latest installment in the long-running franchise, directed by James Wan, featuring the final performance of the late Paul Walker, and in theaters April 3, 2015. (MF)

Screenwriters: Submissions — How to Handle “No”

Pitching is not a standard sales situation, though you are selling your writing, but there is much more at stake than whether or not the person sitting across from you buys your widgets or not. (SM)