UNIVERSAL TO DISTRIBUTE KRISTEN STEWART'S 'PERSONAL SHOPPER' IN VARIOUS MARKETS

Universal Pictures is set to distribute Kristen Stewart's Personal Shopper in international markets, according to Variety.

"Scandinavia, Latin America and Eastern Europe are among the regions where Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Content Group will distribute the film next year. It will be made available in movie theaters, on DVD, via digital download and TV." 
  
Stewart reunites with Clouds of Sils Maria director Oliver Assayas. Stewart became the first American actress to win the Cesar, the French equivalent to the Oscar, for the film.  

Personal Shopper received a nearly 5-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Cannes with the Best Director award going to Assayas.

Personal Shopper is about a young American Woman in Paris played by Stewart, "who makes her living as the personal shopper for a celebrity. In the backdrop, Maureen starts to suspect she may possess psychic powers like those of her recently deceased brother when she starts receiving messages from an ambiguous source."

No U.S. distributor or release date has been announced to date.

'THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR' STARS LIGHT UP THE BLACK CARPET AT THE LOS ANGELES PREMIERE

Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth & Emily Blunt who stars as 'Freya' at the Los Angeles premiere of
'Winter's War.' - (Zimbio)

Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain and Nick Frost walked the black carpet Monday evening at the Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles for the premiere of The Huntsman: Winter's War.  

Fans were treated to a remarkable display of costumes from the film created by Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood.

More after the break

CHARLIZE THERON TO JOIN UNIVERSAL'S 'FAST & FURIOUS' FRANCHISE AS NEXT VILLAIN??

Charlize Theron is reported to be in talks to join the successful Universal Pictures Fast and Furious franchise as a villain, according to Variety.

Universal reportedly made an offer and are "eager" to add her to the ensemble cast of 'Fast 8.'

Theron is known for her villanous rolls as the evil queen in Snow White and the Huntsman and reprised her role in the upcoming The Huntsman: Winter's War as well as in her Oscar-winning roll in Monster.

"This isn’t the first big star to join the “Fast and Furious” cast mid-series. Dwayne Johnson joined the cast in “Fast Five” — Universal likely hopes to mirror that move with Theron’s casting, adding a fresh face for not only “Fast 8,” but for the remaining installments."

Variety reports that Theron is currently filming The Coldest City which also stars SWATH's Eddie Marsan.

Fast & Furious 8 is set to go into production April 17, 2017, according to Variety.



Photo source: Google images

UNIVERSAL'S 2015 BOX OFFICE BOUNCES BACK AS 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY' BREAKS RECORDS - OPENS BIG OVERSEAS

There was a pure domination (excuse the pun) at the box office this holiday weekend by Universal Pictures 'Fifty Shades of Grey' grabbing a whopping estimated $266.4 million worldwide for a film marketed as a romance with some kink just in time for Valentine's Day.  

'Fifty Shades of Grey' is shining a better light on Universal's bottom line which was drowning in red ink since the beginning of 2015 with huge box office busts. More on that later. 

FSOG scored huge numbers domestically with a staggering $94.4 million over the four-day President's Day weekend.  Early projections were at $60 million which FSOG blew past with ease. The previous high was set in 2010 by 'Valentine's Day' at a mere $63.1 million.

'Fifty Shades of Grey' ruled the international box office in spite of protests, critical reviews and a moderate audience score (because they wanted more sex scenes) with it debuting at #1 in 58 foreign markets earning close to a "stunning" $160 million which is the best opening ever for an R-rated film in those markets, according Box Office Mojo.


"That's the second-biggest weekend ever for Universal Pictures International (behind Fast & Furious 6), and included their biggest single day ever (Valentine's Day at $55.1 million). The movie set opening weekend records in 11 markets, including Italy ($9.1 million), Argentina and Poland. It also set a record for Universal Pictures in the U.K. ($21.1 million), France ($12 million), Russia ($10.5 million) and Brazil ($8.9 million). Other key markets include Germany ($15.2 million), Australia ($8.6 million), Mexico ($8.1 million) and Spain ($7.9 million)."


FSOG began its record breaking odyssey with Fandango reporting it to be the fastest selling R-rated film in its history.  Record sales continued through the weekend when it beat out 2012's The Hunger Games after "it sold 29% of the opening weekend tickets for “Fifty Shades of Grey,” marking the largest share of receipts for any movie released in its 15-year history. That number does not take into account the Monday holiday," according to Variety.

Universal's year started with the highly anticipated Chris Hemsworth-Michael Mann computer hacker action thriller 'Blackhat' which crashed hard bringing in almost $17 million worldwide on a $70 million production budget, according to Box Office Mojo. It barely made $2 million on its opening day.  

'Blackhat' was followed up with another weak showing with the Jeff Bridges film, 'Seventh Son' making $97 million worldwide with a budget of $95 million. 

Universal did see black with the modest Jennifer Lopez hit thriller 'The Boy Next Door' which made $36 million on a $4 million budget.

Regardless what the critics say, FSOG outdid all expectations. The film is clearly critic proof.  Although the naysayers were projecting a huge box office drop off for next weekend before before Saturday, it doesn't matter because Universal already won big. 

Fans are looking forward to the second installment named Fifty Shades Darker which its theatrical title will most likely take on a different variation when released. 

Universal has two more potential blockbusters and a hit film with the upcoming releases of Ted 2, Jurassic World and Pitch Perfect 2. 

FSOG is in theaters now. 

UNIVERSAL'S 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY' HITS HISTORIC MILESTONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH 100 MILLION VIEWS

Screen shot (Universal)

No matter how hard the studios and entertainment media try to brush off the female audience and treat them as "trendy second-class citizens" especially up against those pesky fanboys with their almighty superheros and going as far as dropping actresses from sequels replacing them with actors then renaming them prequels, this audience will come if you give it something it wants to see (no pun intended).

More after the break

UNIVERSAL STUNS FIFTY SHADES OF GREY FANS WITH FIRST FILM BILLBOARD - KICKS OFF AD CAMPAIGN

Universal clearly is taking no prisoners with the release of its new billboard poster because the ad seriously hits it out of the park.

Universal released the first poster for their [soon-to-be hit] film Fifty Shades of Grey. If you have read the book, you know this is the moment before Anastasia Steele (played by Dakota Johnson) enters Christian Grey's world where her life will never be the same.

The billboard poster, which Universal has unleashed, sent FSOG fans hyperventilating on Twitter:

 "@GeekChic12FF 33m Stoppit RT @LeJadalulu: Ok this is kind of amazing!! “@KrisbianDiary: wooah, cool :) RT @DornanFans: MY GOOOOOOD!!!"

Well, you get the point.

"On Jan. 25, the studio will begin to debut these extra large billboards, featuring Irish actor Jamie Dornan as the kinky, domineering billionaire, in five locations around the country. The campaign kicks off the countdown to the film’s opening on Valentine’s Day weekend 2015," writes Entertainment Weekly.

The locations are: 

New York (Grand St. & 6th Ave)
Los Angeles (Wilshire Blvd. & Gayley)
Chicago (LaSalle & Hubbard)
San Francisco (Mission St. & 6th)
Grey’s own hometown of Seattle (1st St. & Wall St.)

We're pretty sure FSOG fans will be flocking to these locations starting tomorrow. So look for plenty of Instagrams in front of Mr. Grey himself. 

FSOG opens Feburary 14, 2015.

FSOG'S JAMIE DORNAN SAYS HIS HUNTSMAN LOOKED LIKE A "WOMAN IN DRAG" - HEMSWORTH WAS A "PROPER MAN"

Universal/ABC

Now Daily takes a fun look at Five Lessons Jamie Dornan could teach the boyfriends of Fifty Shades of Grey fans.

In the adorably humble category,  Dornan compares his role as huntsman Sheriff Graham (which he played in the successful ABC fantasy series Once Upon a Time) to Chris Hemsworth's SWATH version of the huntsman. 

Dornan believes his huntsman wasn't even close to being as manly as Hemworth's.  Now Daily writes:

"To be adorably humble: He played The Huntsman in Channel Five's Once Upon A Time and looked OMG gorgeous. But when he discovered Chris Hemsworth was paying the same role in Snow White and The Huntsman he got all shy, saying: ‘[the Huntsman] is a cool role to play...My only thing is that Chris Hemsworth is playing the Huntsman and he looks like a proper man. I look like, you know, a woman in drag."


Dornan does not give himself enough credit.  It could be safely said that it would be hard to find any woman who believes he is anything but all man. 

However, Dornan will get to prove his manliness when he takes on the role of the erotic billionaire Christian Grey.   Dornan was hired in the lead role to replace Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) after his abrupt departure.

Read the rest of the lessons here. 



Source

UNIVERSAL GETS ANOTHER CHRISTIAN GREY - IRISHMAN JAMIE DORNAN BECOMES A BILLIONAIRE WITH ISSUES

After the sudden departure of Charlie Hunnam from Fifty Shades of Grey, Universal and Focus Features have been on the hunt for a new billionaire with a sex fetish.  Seems like they came up with a really good one because all's quiet on the petition front.  

Author E.L. James tweeted confirmation a few hours ago after a day of non-confirmation speculation that Irish actor, model. musician Jamie Dornan (31) will fill the role of Christian Grey alongside Dakota Johnson's Anastasia Steele. 

"@E_L_James Stow your twitchy palms ladies... our man is here. Welcome to #TeamFifty @JamieDornan1 x" 

Dornan has starred both in films and television.  He had a brief but popular role as Sheriff Graham in the ABC series Once Upon a Time and has recently starred in the UK TV series The Fall.  

Production is to scheduled begin on Fifty Shades of Grey by November 5th in Canada.  FSOG is set to open November 1, 2014.

Check out a few photos of Dornan modeling below.

Photos: Source & Google Images

50 SHADES OF DRAMA: UNIVERSAL LOSES ITS CHRISTIAN GREY - HUNNAM OUT

No petition, girlfriend or lingerie left on his door step took him out.  However, being the head of a motorcycle gang ruled over becoming a billionaire with unique sexual tastes.

Although there were rumors floating earlier on the web that Charlie Hunnam dropped out of Universal Pictures and Focus Features Fifty Shades of Grey, now it is official. 

More after the break. 

UNIVERSAL CHAIRMAN ADAM FOLGELSON IS OUT - SHELL IN

Source: Variety - Jeff Shell

Variety is reporting that brief-tenured Universal Pictures chairman Adam Fogelson has been "forced out" and replaced by NBC International president Jeff Shell.

Fogelson had been Universal's chairman since 2009. Variety writes that although Universal has had box office successes under his chairmanship, there have been "huge failures" as well (Battleship, R.I.P.D) which have lost millions.

"Comcast sent Shell to London to spur expansion of its international networks and production operations. Industry insiders say he has expressed a desire to return to L.A. Los Angeles."

Will be interesting to see how Shell proceeds with developing future projects. 

Read more at Variety. 

CHRISTIAN GREY CASTING ANNOUNCED...CHARLIE HUNNAM GETS IT

Zimbio

Universal now has its Christian Grey. Therefore the couple is complete.  

E.L. James tweeted both actors names who will be playing Christian Grey and Ana Steele today.  Earlier she announced that Anastasia Steele would be played by Dakota Johnson (Read more here and here).  

Now we have our billionaire who is into the world of S & M and his name is Charlie Hunnam.  

Hunnam is a British actor who currently stars in the FX television series Sons of Anarchy.  Other films he appeared are Pacific Rim, Cold Mountain and Nicholas Nickelby.

There you have it. Now fans can go on to debate if these two will make the film as steamy as the books.  Huge expectations to be fulfilled on August 1, 2014.

The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013

IS DAKOTA JOHNSON'S CASTING DUE TO HER HOLLYWOOD PEDIGREE? FSOG COULD BE HER BREAK-OUT ROLL

Source: Dakota Johnson with her mother Melanie Griffith

 
Was it her acting chops or her Hollywood pedigree that landed the daughter of Hollywood royalty the most recent coveted role?  Today, E.L. James announced on Twitter that  Dakota Johnson landed the role of Anastasia Steele in Universal Pictures highly anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey. 

Most of the entertainment pros speculated that the roles of Christian Grey and Ana Steele would be filled with huge Hollywood names in order to sell the film. Evidently this was not the focus of E.L. James and her fellow producers when it came to filling the role of the protagonist Ana Steele.

Universal found its Christian Grey 

Yes, Johnson is the daughter of Hollywood royalty but a major name she is not.  

She's the daughter of Academy-award nominee Melanie Griffith who is known for her role as Tess McGill in the Oscar nominated Working Girl and Golden Globe winner Don Johnson who is known for his role as James "Sonny" Crocket in the award-winning TV series Miami Vice and recently appeared in the Oscar nominated film Django Unchained.

But that's not all. 

Griffith's mother and Johnson's grandmother is the famed TIppi Hedren who starred in one of Alfred Hitchcock's classics The Birds. Hedren recently had a biopic released by HBO starring SWATH's Emmy nominated Toby Jones for his role as Hitchcock in The Girl. 

Oh and one more connection...Griffith is currently married to one of Hollywood's sexy hunks by the name of Antonio Banderas who starred in the blockbuster Zorro which had Stephen Spielberg as an executive producer.  Banderas is known to kids today as the swashbuckling Puss in Boots in the successful Shrek franchise. 

Is that enough to get her the role?  Maybe.

Let's hope that her Hollywood pedigree translates into talent because her resume is light for any major roles as an actress.  Johnson has appeared in films such as The Five Year Engagement and 21 Jump Street. However, being only 23-years old, this may just be the stepping stone that she needs. 

However to get a glimpse into what her Ana could be, check her out in The Social Network where she plays a somewhat naive college student. Johnson was Ana in the making.

Considering that her mother Melanie Griffith is known to be a little risque with what she is willing to do, this is not surprising to see the daughter fulfilling the shoes.  

Johnson's pedigree goes far beyond just having Hollywood DNA.  Johnson has grown up around a few strong-willed and tough actors.  Her father is known for his toughness and her grandmother isn't any pushover (see The Girl).  

Even her step-father, Bandaras, has been known for being a little risque in roles such as Original Sin starring with Angelina Jolie and taking chances in roles like Philadelphia as Tom Hanks's gay boyfriend, singing and dancing in Evita  starring Madonna and as Poncho Villa in And Starring Ponch Villa as Himself.

Johnson may just be the right selection for Ana Steele and would be able to handle such a challenging role for her age. 

It will be exciting to see how she will translate Steele on screen.  So stay tuned to see who will be cast as Christian Grey. 

Antonio Bandara, Don Johson and Tippi Hedren

Movie source: IMDb
Photos: Zimbio

DAKOTA JOHNSON IS ANA STEELE IN UNIVERSAL'S 50 SHADES OF GREY

Source

It was rumored that there would be cast announcements this Labor Day weekend and author/producer E.L. James came through with a biggie.

James announced via Twitter that 23-year old Dakota Johnson will fill one of the biggest roles since Bella Swan and Katniss Aberdeen as Anatasia Steele in Universal Studios highly anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey.

Johnson, recently seen in The Five Year Engagement and 21 Jump Street,has taken on the roll which fans have had everyone from Vampire Diaries Nina Dobrev to Twilight's Ashley Greene cast. 

The Wrap reports that "Johnson is the 23-year old daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith and the granddaughter of "The Birds" star Tippi Hedren. She has had supporting roles in films like "The Five-Year Engagement" and "21 Jump Street," but this is far and away her biggest performance and acting challenge." 

Mostly seen as a blonde (seen above as a brunette), does Johnson fulfill the dark-haired beauty fans have imagined? Only time will tell.  However, chemistry is important for this film which has some of the most adult sex scenes to be put on film without it holding an X-rating. 

Christian Grey is the next big name to be announced. Were you let down with this casting? Let us know below. 

FSOF opens August 1, 2014.

I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013

Source

UNIVERSAL UNVEILS EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

If you are out there striving to become the next Hollywood hit-maker as a screenwriter, Universal wants to give you a chance.

Universal Studios has initiated a screenwriting fellowship called the Emerging Writers Fellowship where they are searching for talented writers who do not have the access to break into the industry.  

"[The fellowship] is designed to identify and cultivate new and unique voices with a passion for storytelling. 

"During this program, fellows will be given the opportunity to work on current Universal projects as well as pitch original story ideas. Fellows will also attend workshops, receive mentoring, interact with top literary agents and sit in on Universal’s executive meetings. Fellows admitted into the program will be hired under a writing service agreement and must be committed to working full-time for one year." 

To read about the qualifications and how to apply see below.  Visit here for more links and additional information. 

********************************** 

How to Apply:

The Emerging Writers Fellowship Application and Legal Release Forms will be available here beginning at midnight on Sept. 3.

Applicants must submit all of the following materials in order to be considered. Only online submissions will be accepted. The submission window will only be open for 30 days or until we receive 500 applications (whichever comes first). Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible as only a limited number of submissions will be accepted. Universal Pictures reserves the right to close the application window at any time. 

 1. Original Feature Length Script – Applicants are eligible to submit one original feature length screenplay through the online process. Applicants who submit more than one original screenplay will be disqualified. Submissions must meet the following requirements: 

*Genre – Comedy/Romantic Comedy or Action/Adventure/Thriller (other genres not accepted) 

*Length of screenplay – Must be between 85 – 125 pages 

*Must be sole owner of any original material submitted 

*Screenplay submission must adhere to industry standards (i.e. font, spacing, format) 

*Scripts must not have previously been sold, optioned, or otherwise exploited 

*Scripts must have been registered at the WGA prior to submission (date to be determined upon opening of application cycle) and applicants will be required to acknowledge that any written materials submitted is the sole work of the applicant. Candidates who advance to the semi-final round will be required to submit a second script within a specified period.



Application Requirements: 

The Emerging Writers Fellowship Application and Legal Release Forms will be available here beginning at midnight on Sept. 3. Emerging Writers Fellowship Application

Legal Release Form – applicants must complete and sign a release form in order for their submitted scripts to be considered Resume



*Two letters of recommendation from industry professionals. Each letter must be no longer than two pages and address the following:

      1.) Comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant and your relationship to the applicant

     2.) Explain why you feel this candidate will be a good fit for the Universal Pictures Emerging Writers Program and his/her potential to become a successful screenwriter 


*Statement of Purpose – applicants must answer the following questions

     1.) How will you contribute a diverse voice that is unique to the screenwriting industry? (300 words) 

     2.) Why are you interested in this program and how will this program help you succeed as a Hollywood screenwriter? (250 words) 

 If you have questions about this program, please email emerging.writers@nbcuni.com. Please do not submit applications to this email.




Source: Universal

UNIVERSAL'S 50 SHADES OF GREY NABS A RELEASE DATE

Fifty Shades of Grey has a North American release date of August 14,2014, according to Deadline. There are no international dates set as of yet.

Universal Pictures along with Focus Features won the rights to make the erotic trilogy written by E.L. James in a heated bidding war.  Sam Taylor-Johnson will direct the film.

"Fifty Shades of Grey has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in over 50 languages worldwide since its release. To date, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 70 million copies worldwide in e-book and print, making it one of the fastest-selling book series ever."  

UNIVERSAL'S 50 SHADES OF GREY HAS A DIRECTOR

Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James tweeted that the Universal film has found its director -  Sam Taylor-Johnson.

I'm delighted & thrilled to let you guys know that Sam Taylor-Johnson has agreed to direct the film of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James (@E_L_James) June 19, 2013

Deadline reports the Nowhere Boy director may be a perfect fit for the sexually charged material. 

FSOG is a fictional book written by E.L. James which is loosely based on her Twilight fan fiction story called Master of the Universe ("MOTU").  FSOG is a sexually explicit trilogy about the BDSM relationship between college student Anastasia Steele and billionaire businessman Christian Grey. The book is known to be read and liked by both women and men.  

Producer Michael DeLuca comments on Taylor-Johnson:

“Sam’s unique ability to gracefully showcase complex relationships dealing with love, emotion and sexual chemistry make her the ideal director to bring Christian and Anastasia’s relationship to life,” said De Luca. 

“EL James’ characters and vivid storytelling require a director who is willing to take risks and push the envelope where needed, and Sam is a natural fit.”  


Next up should be the highly anticipated casting of Ana and Christian.  Everyone will have an opinion about who should fill the roles.  Whatever the case, chemistry is the key and whomever is cast must have it in order for the story to work. 

Read more about the director hiring at Deadline.

A THANK YOU TO LOYAL SWATH FANS: WATCH OUT FOR GIVEAWAYS

Universal Studios was wonderful enough to provide Snow White and the Huntsman souvenirs to given away to loyal SWATH fans.

Some of them include Huntsman canvass satchel bags, tee shirts, small posters (like the one featured above), theater sized movie posters which include Kristen Stewart as Snow White with all the dwarfs (see below), Charlize Theron as Queen Ravenna, Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman and then with all three characters together and more.

Therefore, to celebrate the production of the next film, we will be randomly giving away these cool items to loyal SWATH fans around the world. 

The giveaways will be throughout the year.  All you have to do is follow us on this site, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest (all links are on the site).  


The giveaways will be announced at random, at anytime at either one or more of the locations mentioned. Some giveaways will be exclusive to that location only and will not be announced anywhere else so you have to look out for the announcements. 

Fans can win items through trivia, drawings, email contests etc... or as a general giveaway. 

So thanks to all loyal SWATH fans and stay tuned for SWATH 2 production information in the future. 

*Note*:  Tee shirt giveaways will be handed out according to the size and type that is available.

Thanks to Universal Studios for all of the souvenirs.

UNIVERSAL RELEASES 

CHRIS HEMSWORTH'S AMAZING 'RUSH' POSTER

A poster made for a wall. 

Universal released the first poster featuring Chris Hemsworth as Formula 1 driver James Hunt in his upcoming film Rush.  Directed by Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, Rush is set in the 1970's and tells the tale about the heated rivalry between drivers Hunt  and Niki Lauda.

Rush will be released September 27th in the US.  





Source

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN SEQUEL SET FOR 2015 RELEASE

Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson breaks a little news at CinemaCon Tuesday stating that the SWATH sequel is set to be released in 2015, according to Deadline.  The script is currently under development.

Kristen Stewart confirmed her return.  Look out in the future for more announcements regarding the cast and crew. 

SWATH AT THE OSCARS 2013: CHARLIZE DANCES, KRISTEN LIMPS WITH A SMILE, COLLEEN ATTENDS (VIDEO & PHOTOS)

Source: Zimbio

SWATH was well represented at the 85th Academy Awards (now known as the "Oscars") ceremony last night at the Dolby theater (formerly known as Kodak) in Los Angeles.  

More after the jump