Thompson on Hollywood

'Rango' Oscar-Winner Verbinski Starts Production on 'Lone Ranger,' Starring Depp as Tonto; Red Carpet Verbinski Video

News

At long last, Disney has started principal photography in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado on producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s epic "Lone Ranger" (May 13, 2013). In the wake of the disappointing "Cowboys & Aliens," Disney chief Rich Ross tussled with Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp to bring down the western's budget to $215 million.

By Anne Thompson
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February 28, 2012 3:25 PM
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Film Independent Spirit Awards: Complete List of Winners

Awards

As expected, "The Artist" dominated Saturday's Independent Spirit Awards, winning four awards for best feature, director, actor and cinematography. The drama was getting "The Artist" creative team via police escort to the event from a delayed flight from Paris, where the film won six Cesars.

By Anne Thompson
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February 25, 2012 7:16 PM
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Spurlock's 'Comic-Con Episode IV' Goes on Tour to Support Theatrical/VOD Release

News

No rest for the weary for Morgan Spurlock ("Super Size Me"). He's hitting the road with his latest doc, "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope" with a multi-city, live road show designed to create a Comic-Con-like experience.

By Sophia Savage
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February 24, 2012 8:00 AM
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SXSW FIRST LOOK: 'Prince of Broadway' Director Sean Baker Debuts Poster for 'Starlet'

Festivals

Sean Baker's "Prince of Broadway" was a fine second feature and an honest indie gem. Check out our interview with Baker and "Price of Broadway" presenter Lee Daniels below. His third film, "Starlet," is set to debut at SXSW on March 11 and stars Dree Hemingway. Check out the full poster and synopsis below:

By Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 3:07 PM
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New Directors/New Films 2012 Opens With 'Where Do We Go Now,' Adds Horror, Family, Kubrick to Full Line-Up

Festivals

The Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Museum of Modern Art have unveiled the 2012 lineup for the 41st New Directors/New Films festival, running March 21–April 1. The festival will showcase 29 features and 12 shorts, hailing from 28 countries.

By Anne Thompson & Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 2:58 PM
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Cinema Guild Takes 'Planet of Snail;' Documentary Looks at World Without Sound & Sight

News

The Cinema Guild has picked up "Planet of Snail" for US distribution. Seung-jun Yi's documentary looks into a silent world where "love and touch are all one needs to survive."

By Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 1:51 PM
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Oscars 2012: Tony Bennett Will Perform at The Governors Ball

Awards

After the Oscar show, while the 1,500 guests of the Governors Ball will not be sitting down to dinner--the Academy is feting them buffet style this year--they will be treated to a performance by music legend Tony Bennett. Academy president Tom Sherak calls the 85-year-old crooner "that rare artist who truly reaches across generations. Welcoming him to the Ball is an honor and privilege." More on Bennett below (along with a video of him singing with Norah Jones):

By Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 1:30 PM
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Paramount and Bad Robot Extend First-Look Deal to Late 2015

News

Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot Productions are extending their exclusive first-look agreement through the end of 2015. Why wouldn't they? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

By Jacob Combs
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February 22, 2012 8:46 PM
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DiCaprio and Spielberg Convince Academy To Buy 'Oz' Ruby Slippers for Museum of Motion Pictures

News

The Academy did not buy anything at the recent Debbie Reynolds' auction --even though iconic costumes were being sold that would seem must-owns for an organization planning a major Hollywood museum. Well, with help from Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, the Academy has finally stepped up and acquired Dorothy's ruby slippers.

By Anne Thompson
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February 22, 2012 4:28 PM
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Sundance and SXSW Factual Thriller 'The Imposter' Goes to Indomnia; Reviews

News

The Indomina Group has picked up A&E IndieFilms' "The Imposter" for North American distribution. The Sundance entry is also set to play SXSW. Check out the synopsis for the factual thriller below. “Few documentaries are able to draw you in and keep you captivated in the way that 'The Imposter' does,” says Indomina's Jasbinder Singh Mann.