Louisiana
New Orleans
- The all-too-fleeting rules of 'baseball lite'
- Go green(ery) with these tips on how to incorporate plants into your home
- '100 Catholic Things' is a bucket list for New Orleanians, religious and otherwise
- Louis Prima's Sicilian-New Orleans roots on display at Jazz Museum exhibit
- Remembering Dr. John: His greatness came -- but only after this important turning point
Baton Rouge
- Louisiana's libraries hope you'll 'take a dip' into books this summer
- When things are down, remember your favorite things to cheer you up
- It's a poetry reading and an open mic, and the public is invited
- 'National Treasure': Jobs as extras still available; tell us about your star sightings
- Calamari, sushi and more red beans and rice — best things we ate this week
Acadiana
- Louisiana's libraries hope you'll 'take a dip' into books this summer
- When things are down, remember your favorite things to cheer you up
- It's a poetry reading and an open mic, and the public is invited
- Retreat in Cajun country: How a Canadian band found inspiration in rural Louisiana
- 'National Treasure': Jobs as extras still available; tell us about your star sightings
Stanley B. Gill | Founder & Editor-in-Chief
- How To Post Your Screenplay on Facebook for Valuable Constructive Criticismby Stanley B. Gill
In the Facebook universe there are numerous screenwriting groups, which seem to replicate on a weekly and daily basis. Screenwriters who want feedback from their fellow members sometimes post screenplay pages for others to critique. Posting those pages where they are properly displayed using the available Facebook posting tools receives the best feedback and can be a little tricky without a good digital workflow. The post How To Post Your Screenplay on Facebook for Valuable Constructive Criticism appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- Indie Filmmakers Look for Lifeline from Piracy with CASE Actby Stanley B. Gill
This is a typical indie-filmmaker piracy story. Independent filmmakers make a low-budget movie only to be raped by pirates. The post Indie Filmmakers Look for Lifeline from Piracy with CASE Act appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- How To Register Your Screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Officeby Stanley B. Gill
A professional screenwriter, or even a novice trying their hand at creating a first screenplay, will want to register the copyright created in their work (a screenplay) with the United States Copyright Office (USCO). The post How To Register Your Screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Office appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- How To Not Get Hired In Hollywoodby Stanley B. Gill
You have seen the postings all over social media, local municipal websites, newsletters, film websites, etc. etc. etc. Help Wanted ads for crew talent for feature film and series projects. Now you want to get that job. The post How To Not Get Hired In Hollywood appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- I’m better! No I’m better! No you’re not! Yes I am!by Stanley B. Gill
Some years ago, I recall a conversation I had with some fellow producers, mainly indie producers, about this new business model Netflix was creating. The post I’m better! No I’m better! No you’re not! Yes I am! appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- A Screenwriter’s Tool: OmmWriter For Writing Storyby Stanley B. Gill
If you were ever looking for something other than Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, for your screenwriting development, you should give OmmWriter a workout. #indieproducerlife The post A Screenwriter’s Tool: OmmWriter For Writing Story appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- How To Walk Out on Hollywood Execsby Stanley B. Gill
If you are important enough to sit at the table, then everyone is important enough at the table to respect each other's position. #indieproducerlife The post How To Walk Out on Hollywood Execs appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- Your Crowdsourcing Video Sucksby Stanley B. Gill
Wes Anderson promotes his latest stop-motion animated project Isle of Dogs via a very crafty crowdsourcing video aimed at marketing and donations. The post Your Crowdsourcing Video Sucks appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- Hollywood Ideas Are Not Sacredby Stanley B. Gill
Though some will opine 'ideas in Hollywood are like butts, everybody has one,' sometimes two, most will not admit to being open to ideas. The post Hollywood Ideas Are Not Sacred appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
- Indie Filmmaking Sound and Picture Problemby Stanley B. Gill
It is not surprising most of The Filmsupply Challenge indie filmmaking winners had poor sound. This contest was all about using stock footage – visuals. The post Indie Filmmaking Sound and Picture Problem appeared first on Stanley B. Gill.
Podcasts
- 550 - Entrances and Exitsby John August and Craig Mazin on May 17, 2022
John and Craig discuss the mechanics of getting characters in and out of scenes. They cover why writers might show a […]
- Cannes Film Festival, Day 1 (Episode 382)by Indiewire: Screen Talk on May 19, 2022
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Walker Q&A - Alex Coxby [email protected] (Jeff Goldsmith) on May 16, 2022
Host Jeff Goldsmith interviews director Alex Cox about his 1987 film Walker - which has just been remastered for The […]
- Will This Be James Cameron's WATERloo?by No Film School on May 19, 2022
Avatar is back after a long layoff since it changed the game. What can it offer filmmaking and audiences now? In this […]
- Alison Pillby Alison Pill on May 17, 2022
I was lucky to catch Alison Pill on Broadway, 16 years ago, in “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” and then became enamored […]
- Emmys Comedy: Hacks Makes Its Case to Beat Ted Lassoby Gold Derby on May 18, 2022
On this episode of the Gold Derby Show, editors Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen get their lolz on to talk about the comedy […]
- BPS 199: From Adult Films to Showrunning with Barry Sonnenfeldby Alex Ferrari on May 20, 2022
I can't tell you how excited I am for today's episode. I had the pleasure to speak to the legendary director Barry […]
- IFH 582: How to Cast, Finance and Package an Indie Film with Courtney Lauren Pennby Alex Ferrari on May 19, 2022
Courtney Lauren Penn co-founded and runs the multi-faceted production company Renegade Entertainment with her […]
Indie Film
Film Independent
- ICYMI: Andrew Garfield’s Favorite Andrew Garfield Performances
Note: the blow blog piece originally ran in March of this year. To see what other events we have coming up at Film Independent—both in-person... The post ICYMI: Andrew Garfield’s Favorite Andrew Garfield Performances appeared first on […]
IndieWire
- Laura Dern Questions Whether ‘Jurassic Park’ Age Gap Romance Was ‘Completely Appropriate’
Sam Neill started to question their onscreen romance when he saw it featured in a magazine article titled "Old Geezers and Gals."
- ‘Emergency’ Hotline: Carey Williams and KD Dávila Bring Their Sundance Hit Back Home
Like all of the programs housed under our greater umbrella of Film Independent Artist Development offerings, Project Involve is designed to help talented emerging filmmakers... The post ‘Emergency’ Hotline: Carey Williams and KD […]
- ‘Saturday Night Live’ Review: The Best and Worst of Natasha Lyonne’s Hosting Debut
"Russian Doll" star Natasha Lyonne dropped by Studio 8H to host the season finale of "Saturday Night Live."
- Member Lens: Producer Diego Nájera on Wrangling Big Ideas and Staying Creative
Diego Nájera knew one thing growing up: he did not want to be in front of the camera. Instead, when visiting his TV-producer father at... The post Member Lens: Producer Diego Nájera on Wrangling Big Ideas and Staying Creative appeared […]
- ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ Scores $16 Million as Older Audiences Wait for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
The box office needs Tom Cruise to save May.
- ICYMI: 10 Film Independent Fast Track Success Stories – Apply Now!
Applications for Film Independent’s Fast Track film financing market are now open. The non-Member deadline to apply is June 7, while the Film Independent Member Extended... The post ICYMI: 10 Film Independent Fast Track Success Stories […]
- ‘Close’ First Look: Lukas Dhont Returns to Cannes with Intimate Boyhood Drama
Exclusive: The film marks Dhont's second Cannes appearance after his 2018 debut "Girl."
- The Must-List: Three Comedies and Two Dramas About Unplanned Pregnancy
Over the past week or so our already polarized national discourse has been further electrified, thanks an uncharacteristically leaky Supreme Court, which let slip recently... The post The Must-List: Three Comedies and Two Dramas About […]
- Ethan Coen Open to Making Another Movie with Joel Coen: ‘None of These Decisions Are Definitive’
Ethan Coen isn't sure if the world has seen the last of the Coen Brothers.
- Member Lens: Melissa Haizlip’s ‘SOUL!’-ful Approach to Creative Team-Building
Melissa Haizlip isn’t someone who had to go searching for culture. The New York-based director, producer and actor grew up immersed in a world of... The post Member Lens: Melissa Haizlip’s ‘SOUL!’-ful Approach to Creative […]
- ‘Holy Spider’ Review: Ali Abbasi’s Venomous Serial Killer Drama Bites Back at Misogyny in Iran
Cannes: The "Border" director tangles with the prolific serial killer who murdered sex workers in the name of "cleansing" Iran.
- Don’t-Miss Indies: What to Watch in May
As the year lurches onward toward summer vacation season, it’s only appropriate that this month’s May Don’t-Miss Indies are unified by themes of movement, exploration and... The post Don’t-Miss Indies: What to Watch in May […]
- Enough Pins and Ribbons: How Cannes and Ukraine Provide a Model for Industry Support in Crisis (Column)
Ukraine has been present at this year's festival in ways that should inspire the global film industry — for business and humanitarian reasons alike.
- From the Archives: ‘Unpregnant’ and the Ultimate Reproductive-Rights Road Trip
Editor’s note: this piece originally ran in 2020. We’re re-posting here with minor edits. Unpregnant is currently available to stream on HBO Max. *** As longtime... The post From the Archives: ‘Unpregnant’ and the Ultimate […]
- ‘Crimes of the Future’ Could Cause Walkouts? Wait Till This Human Body Doc Debuts — Watch the Teaser
The fascinatingly grotesque new film “De Humani Corporis Fabrica" from the directors of "Leviathan" is set to premiere at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight.
Box Office
BoxOffice Pro
- Weekend Box Office: Downton Abbey: A New Era Opens w/ $16M, Doctor Strange Sequel Threepeats at No. 1
Abbey Road Focus Features’ historical drama sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era opened in second place with $16.0M, on the lower end of pre-release projections. That’s -48% behind 2019’s original Downton Abbey ($31.0M). The sequel is one of the few wide release films of the pandemic era aimed primarily at the over-40 audience. The estimated The post Weekend Box Office: <em>Downton Abbey: A New Era</em> Opens w/ $16M, <em>Doctor Strange</em> Sequel Threepeats at No. 1 appeared first on Boxoffice.
- Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies Re-Releasing Smokey and the Bandit in Cinemas May 29, June 1, June 2
The 1977 action comedy classic Smokey and the Bandit will play in cinemas on Sunday, May 29, Wednesday, June 1, and Thursday, June 2 for its 45th anniversary. Fathom Events will re-release the film as part of its TCM Big Screen Classics series. Showtimes and ticket information can be found here. Starring Jackie Gleason as the sheriff The post Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies Re-Releasing <em>Smokey and the Bandit</em> in Cinemas May 29, June 1, June 2 appeared first on Boxoffice.
- Twenty One Pilots Cinema Experience #2 at North American Box Office Thursday, Earns Day’s Best Per-Screen Average Among Wide Releases
Trafalgar Releasing’s event cinema release and concert film Twenty One Pilots Cinema Experience debuted Thursday with an $875K+ domestic gross, good for runner-up of the day behind only Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Playing in 763 theaters, Pilots earned a $1,149 per-screen average, the best of any wide release currently playing in theaters. The The post <em>Twenty One Pilots Cinema Experience</em> #2 at North American Box Office Thursday, Earns Day’s Best Per-Screen Average Among Wide Releases appeared first on Boxoffice.
- Long Range Box Office Forecast: Pixar’s Lightyear, Plus Top Gun: Maverick and Jurassic World Dominion Updates
After three years, Pixar is set for its return to the summer movie season with the anticipated launch of Lightyear this June. The post Long Range Box Office Forecast: Pixar’s <em>Lightyear</em>, Plus <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em> and <em>Jurassic World Dominion</em> Updates appeared first on Boxoffice.
- Variance Films and Potentate Films Team Up for Re-release of RRR
Variance Films and Potentate Films have announced they will team up with distributor Sarigama Cinemas for a last chance theatrical re-release of filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli’s epic action adventure, RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt). On Wednesday, June 1st, RRR will return to select theaters across the US for one night only. Titled #EncoRRRe, the event will give The post Variance Films and Potentate Films Team Up for Re-release of <em>RRR</em> appeared first on Boxoffice.
- Cinionic to Open First Cinionic Giant Screen in Germany
Cinionic has announced the debut of a new premium experience at Cineplex Muenster with the debut of ‘Ultimate.’, the first powered by Cinionic Giant Screen (CGS) site in Germany. The Cineplex Muenster premium large format features dual-laser projection by Cinionic and an entryway that connects to the theater’s light show, pulling audiences in from the The post Cinionic to Open First Cinionic Giant Screen in Germany appeared first on Boxoffice.
- CJ 4DPLEX America Appoints Samuel Real Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations, Latin America
CJ 4DPLEX has announced that Samuel Real has joined CJ 4DPLEX America as the new Senior Vice President Sales and Operations, Latin America. Real, an international entertainment veteran, will head the strategic development plans in the region. Real will be promoting and expanding the footprint of CJ’s proprietary technologies, including 270-degree panoramic ScreenX format and multi-sensory 4DX theaters, as The post CJ 4DPLEX America Appoints Samuel Real Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations, Latin America appeared first on Boxoffice.
- North America’s Largest Cinema Chains Continue to Invest in Diversification
With quarterly earnings call season underway, the leadership or North America’s top five theater chains—AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, and Marcus—are elaborating on their plans to strengthen their respective companies as the industry looks forward to summer 2022 and beyond. With strategies aimed at diversification and experimentation outside the “traditional” theatrical model, these chains hope to The post North America’s Largest Cinema Chains Continue to Invest in Diversification appeared first on Boxoffice.
The Numbers
- Weekend predictions: Downton headed for the mid to high teens
The long wait is finally over for followers of the Grantham family, as Downton Abbey: A New Era arrives in movie theaters in North America this weekend. The film was originally scheduled for global release in December of last year before moving to its current berth, and that should have helped its box office prospects, even if it was never expected to match the $31-million debut of the first movie in the franchise. Based on the current market conditions, and its performance from Thursday-evening previews, a weekend in the mid to high teens looks likely.
- 2022 market prediction: multiverse movie movements reduce annual prediction to $6.5 billion
This month’s market prediction is a tale of three multiverses. In the positive multiverses, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness handily outperformed our model’s prediction at the beginning of May; and Everything Everywhere All At Once has clocked up nearly $50 million since its limited debut at the end of March, and is showing remarkable staying power in its eighth week in release. These pieces of good news are offset by Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse being pushed back to June 2, 2023. That puts a big hole in the market in October that looks unlikely to be filled at this point, and brings the overall prediction down by $200 million from last month.
- Theater counts: Downton Abbey and Men arrive in North America, but Doctor Strange remains widest release
For the third consecutive week, Doctor-Strange in the Multiverse of Madness stands perched atop our theater count chart. After compiling over $715 million worldwide since its release in early May, the film keeps its opening location count of 4,534 heading into week three, while two new wide releases appear this week: Focus Features’ Downton Abbey: A New Era and A24’s Men.
- The Bob’s Burgers Movie trailer
Comedy based on the beloved TV show arrives in theaters on Friday, May 27 ... Full Movie Details.
- Downton Abbey: A New Era trailer
Historical drama based on the beloved TV show arrives in theaters stateside on Friday, May 20 ... Full Movie Details. The Downton family and staff go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
- Weekend projections: Doctor Strange falls just shy of its target as openers falter
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will fall 67% in its second weekend to $61 million, according to Disney’s Sunday-morning projection. That will take it to about $292 million domestically by the end of the day, and, with $396 million internationally, it will come out of the weekend with $688 million worldwide. While it’s falling rapidly, its second-weekend decline is very close to our model’s prediction, which was $62.6 million.
- Weekend predictions: Doctor Strange set for easy second-week win, $62.6 million the target
There’s really no competition at the box office this weekend for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which will cruise to a comfortable win in its second outing. Our model is predicting a steep decline from its $187-million debut, with a fall in ticket sales of around two thirds, and a $62.6-million weekend on the cards. The two new wide releases won’t come anywhere close to that, although they both come from production houses with excellent records in their particular niches.
- Theater counts: Doctor Strange repeats as Firestarter and Family Camp open wide
After an impressive opening week at the box office, Doctor-Strange in the Multiverse of Madness holds steady with its opening theater count of 4,534 theaters. The latest Marvel feature snagged an eye-opening $187.4 million in its opening weekend and currently enjoys a domestic cume of just shy of $223 million, with a worldwide total of $532 million. The film’s opening weekend places it comfortably in 11th on the record opening weekends chart, just ahead of Incredibles 2’s $182.4 million and just behind Avengers: Age of Ultron’s $191 million.