There’s no shortage of movies to stream on Netflix. Any subscriber that logs onto the platform these days will likely see a bunch of new releases, gruesome horror films, and sweet rom-coms. But with so many big, flashy studio films and Netflix originals to choose from, it can be difficult for the indie films that flood the streamer to stand out.
For sure, a place in Netflix’s library can be a great opportunity for independent cinema to find an audience it otherwise wouldn’t reach in theaters or on television. But for all the big starry auteur films that Netflix picks up and turns into major awards contenders (see “Marriage Story” or “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”), there’s an under-the-radar, overlooked pick that doesn’t have the names or prestige attached to it, and feels destined to serve as mere library filler as people look for the films they do know.
For sure, a place in Netflix’s library can be a great opportunity for independent cinema to find an audience it otherwise wouldn’t reach in theaters or on television. But for all the big starry auteur films that Netflix picks up and turns into major awards contenders (see “Marriage Story” or “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”), there’s an under-the-radar, overlooked pick that doesn’t have the names or prestige attached to it, and feels destined to serve as mere library filler as people look for the films they do know.
- 10/4/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Exclusive: After a long run at NBCUniversal, writer, producer and director Alan Yang has signed a big overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group. Under the multi-year pact, he will develop and produce new TV projects exclusively for the studio.
Yang had been at NBCU for his entire TV career to date, which spans more than two decades, starting with a job as a writer-producer on NBC’s Late Call With Carson Daly. He went on to work as a writer on NBC/Universal TV’s Parks and Recreation, rising to co-executive producer and making his directorial debut, and also wrote on NBC/Uni TV’s The Good Place.
At Universal TV, where Yang had been under overall deals for the past eight years, he co-created, executive produced and directed several series: Netflix’s Master Of None, for which he won an Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Emmy Award alongside fellow co-creator Aziz Ansari,...
Yang had been at NBCU for his entire TV career to date, which spans more than two decades, starting with a job as a writer-producer on NBC’s Late Call With Carson Daly. He went on to work as a writer on NBC/Universal TV’s Parks and Recreation, rising to co-executive producer and making his directorial debut, and also wrote on NBC/Uni TV’s The Good Place.
At Universal TV, where Yang had been under overall deals for the past eight years, he co-created, executive produced and directed several series: Netflix’s Master Of None, for which he won an Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Emmy Award alongside fellow co-creator Aziz Ansari,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Covid-19 has altered our lives this way or other, and some were given new opportunities to go places they haven't dared venture to before. When his acting career was put to a halt due to strict anti-pandemic measures and lockdown in 2020, Le Hong-Chi remembered his initial dream of becoming a director, and a desire to make something of his own resulted in the idea for “Love Is A Gun”, a neo-noir about a young man who tries to build a normal life after years spent in prison.
“Love Is A Gun” is screening in Venice International Film Festival
In his ambitious directorial debut that screens in Critics' Week section of Venice Film Festival, Lee slips in the role of his main character, a loner nicknamed “Sweet Potato” who fights for his right to an ordinary life on way too many fronts. Imagine anything that could possibly go wrong, multiply it...
“Love Is A Gun” is screening in Venice International Film Festival
In his ambitious directorial debut that screens in Critics' Week section of Venice Film Festival, Lee slips in the role of his main character, a loner nicknamed “Sweet Potato” who fights for his right to an ordinary life on way too many fronts. Imagine anything that could possibly go wrong, multiply it...
- 9/7/2023
- by Marina D. Richter
- AsianMoviePulse
"Don't cross the line. You can't just do anything for money." Screen Daily has debuted a promo trailer for a Taiwanese indie film titled Love Is a Gun, marking the feature directorial debut of Taiwanese actor Lee Hong-Chi. The film is premiering at the 2023 Venice Film Festival in a few weeks in the sidebar Critics' Week section (aka Sic) - they describe the film as "a dark, painful, fierce neo-noir, after Lee Chang-Dong, Diao Yinan, Wong Kar Wai." It follows a young man who is determined to start afresh after getting out of jail, but his turbulent past comes back to haunt him, including a gun of which he cannot get rid of. It's another crime thriller, but this trailer reveals a more colorful, vibrant side to it along with its switch between light & dark themes. The film also stars Lee Hong-chi, with Lin Ying Wei, Zheng Qing Yu, Lin Ke Ren,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Dave “Lil Dicky” Burd’s Dave is back with season 3. Naturally, many viewers are curious about the cast of the Fxx/Hulu series and where they might have seen the actors before. Find out what shows and movies Andrew Santino, Taylor Misiak, Christine Ko, Travis “Taco” Bennett, and GaTa have been in before, plus who the richest is out of the Dave cast.
Dave ‘Lil Dicky’ Burd and GaTa in season 3 of ‘Dave’ | Byron Cohen/FX Lil Dicky is the wealthiest ‘Dave’ cast member
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lil Dicky is worth an estimated $8 million in 2023. The rapper hasn’t released new music in some time, which means he hasn’t gone on tour and earned money from that revenue stream. Instead, he has been focused on writing new music and his Fxx series.
Burd’s co-star Santino, who plays his manager in the comedy series, ranks second when it comes to net worth.
Dave ‘Lil Dicky’ Burd and GaTa in season 3 of ‘Dave’ | Byron Cohen/FX Lil Dicky is the wealthiest ‘Dave’ cast member
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lil Dicky is worth an estimated $8 million in 2023. The rapper hasn’t released new music in some time, which means he hasn’t gone on tour and earned money from that revenue stream. Instead, he has been focused on writing new music and his Fxx series.
Burd’s co-star Santino, who plays his manager in the comedy series, ranks second when it comes to net worth.
- 4/5/2023
- by Lauren Anderson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Alan Yang's 2020 film "Tigertail" serves as a fictionalized version of the filmmaker's father's story. "Tigertail" follows a character name Pin-Jui as he grows up in -- and eventually moves away from -- Huwei, Taiwan. Pin-Jui finds himself choosing between the woman he loves, and the woman he must marry for the sake of convenience and financial stability, ultimately choosing the latter and moving to the United States. Pin-Jui grows into a strict, distant, rules-obsessed middle-aged dad, now estranged from his American daughter (Christine Ko) who can't stand his obsessions with status...
The post Cutting John Cho's Tigertail Role Was A Difficult Decision To Make appeared first on /Film.
The post Cutting John Cho's Tigertail Role Was A Difficult Decision To Make appeared first on /Film.
- 5/27/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Actor Tzi Ma is a person you've likely seen before. For decades, Ma carved out a career as a supporting player, often playing professors and doctors on TV and in film. He's appeared on nearly every high-ranked series that aired between 1988 and 2015 and recent movie fans may recognize Ma as General Shang in Denis Villeneuve's "Arrival" or the dad in Lulu Wang's "The Farewell."
Alan Yang's 2020 film "Tigertail" was a wonderful chance for Ma to star as the lead in a major studio production in the United States. Yang, in his directorial debut, wrote and directed a down-to-Earth story of a young man...
The post Tigertail's Production Was Skirting Disaster From Its Very First Scene appeared first on /Film.
Alan Yang's 2020 film "Tigertail" was a wonderful chance for Ma to star as the lead in a major studio production in the United States. Yang, in his directorial debut, wrote and directed a down-to-Earth story of a young man...
The post Tigertail's Production Was Skirting Disaster From Its Very First Scene appeared first on /Film.
- 5/19/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Exclusive: John Cho will receive the Legacy Award, presented by Lexus, at the 19th annual Unforgettable Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 11.
The Cowboy Bebop and Searching star will receive the top honor at the annual gathering that seeks to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander artists and change-makers who represent the community through their creativity and excellence. Additional honorees for the upcoming ceremony are Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu, 88rising Collective founder Sean Miyashiro and Shohei Ohtani. Additional creatives receiving honors will be Sandra Oh, Justin Chon, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Adele Lim and Destin Daniel Cretton.
“Asian Americans have made tremendous strides in the arts, entertainment and culture, with more representation than ever before, which the Unforgettable Awards is proud to celebrate,” said James Ryu, publisher at Character Media and founder of the Unforgettable Gala. “At the same time, given...
The Cowboy Bebop and Searching star will receive the top honor at the annual gathering that seeks to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander artists and change-makers who represent the community through their creativity and excellence. Additional honorees for the upcoming ceremony are Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu, 88rising Collective founder Sean Miyashiro and Shohei Ohtani. Additional creatives receiving honors will be Sandra Oh, Justin Chon, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Adele Lim and Destin Daniel Cretton.
“Asian Americans have made tremendous strides in the arts, entertainment and culture, with more representation than ever before, which the Unforgettable Awards is proud to celebrate,” said James Ryu, publisher at Character Media and founder of the Unforgettable Gala. “At the same time, given...
- 12/3/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Christine Ko, who starred in Alan Yang’s Tigertail and currently plays Emma opposite Dave Burd on his FX comedy series Dave, has signed with WME to be represented in all areas.
The news comes after Ko starred in Yang’s directorial debut feature film Tigertail, which bowed on Netflix last year. In July, she signed on to co-star in Nicholas Ma’s indie drama Mabel alongside Judy Greer. Other film credits include Tyler Savage’s Stalker and Stephanie Turner’s Justine.
On the TV side, Ko’s credits include Netflix’s Master of None, Disney+’s Just Beyond, Amazon’s Upload and a season-long arc on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0. She also was a series regular on Joel McHale’s CBS’ sitcom The Great Indoors.
She continues to be repped by Circle of Confusion and Hansen Jacobson.
The news comes after Ko starred in Yang’s directorial debut feature film Tigertail, which bowed on Netflix last year. In July, she signed on to co-star in Nicholas Ma’s indie drama Mabel alongside Judy Greer. Other film credits include Tyler Savage’s Stalker and Stephanie Turner’s Justine.
On the TV side, Ko’s credits include Netflix’s Master of None, Disney+’s Just Beyond, Amazon’s Upload and a season-long arc on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0. She also was a series regular on Joel McHale’s CBS’ sitcom The Great Indoors.
She continues to be repped by Circle of Confusion and Hansen Jacobson.
- 9/23/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Award-winning actor John Cho (Searching, Star Trek) has signed on to Erick Oh’s animated short, Namoo, as an executive producer.
Pic is Oh’s follow-up to Opera, which landed him an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film earlier this year.
Namoo—which translates in Korean to “tree”—is a hand-painted narrative poem inspired by the passing of Oh’s grandfather. The short follows the beautiful and heartbreaking moments of a man’s life, from beginning to end, and is billed as the writer-director’s most personal work to date. It’s being produced by nine-time Emmy winner Baobab Studios.
“Though Erick’s film is based on his grandfather, it resonated for me in a very personal way. A valentine as well as a testament to the artistic process, this film is a little miracle in that it was animated during the pandemic by artists across the world,...
Pic is Oh’s follow-up to Opera, which landed him an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film earlier this year.
Namoo—which translates in Korean to “tree”—is a hand-painted narrative poem inspired by the passing of Oh’s grandfather. The short follows the beautiful and heartbreaking moments of a man’s life, from beginning to end, and is billed as the writer-director’s most personal work to date. It’s being produced by nine-time Emmy winner Baobab Studios.
“Though Erick’s film is based on his grandfather, it resonated for me in a very personal way. A valentine as well as a testament to the artistic process, this film is a little miracle in that it was animated during the pandemic by artists across the world,...
- 9/22/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Multi-platform media company Macro, which focuses on representing the voice and perspectives of Black people and people of color, has promoted two key executives.
CEO Charles D. King has named Poppy Hanks as EVP, film production and development, and Greta Talia Fuentes as VP, film production and development.
Hanks is widely known for her work with a range of writers and directors. She produced Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou, Esteban Arango’s Blast Beat and Alan Yang’s Tigertail, and will next produce Cleopatra Jones for Warner Bros. Pictures.
She executive produced the six-time Academy Award nominated Judas and The Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King, Ekwa Msangi’s Farewell Amor, Angel Kristi Williams’ Really Love, Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You, Dan Gilroy’s Roman J. Israel, Esq., Steven Caple Jr.’s The Land, and the multi-Oscar nominated Mudbound that was directed by Dee Rees and sold to...
CEO Charles D. King has named Poppy Hanks as EVP, film production and development, and Greta Talia Fuentes as VP, film production and development.
Hanks is widely known for her work with a range of writers and directors. She produced Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou, Esteban Arango’s Blast Beat and Alan Yang’s Tigertail, and will next produce Cleopatra Jones for Warner Bros. Pictures.
She executive produced the six-time Academy Award nominated Judas and The Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King, Ekwa Msangi’s Farewell Amor, Angel Kristi Williams’ Really Love, Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You, Dan Gilroy’s Roman J. Israel, Esq., Steven Caple Jr.’s The Land, and the multi-Oscar nominated Mudbound that was directed by Dee Rees and sold to...
- 9/2/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King announced promotions for film production and development executives Poppy Hanks and Greta Talia Fuentes.
Both longtime Macro employees, Hanks has been elevated to executive vice president of film production and development, while Fuentes has been upped to VP at the multi-platform media company.
“Poppy and Greta were members of the original team when I launched Macro six years ago, so there really aren’t enough words to describe my joy in announcing these promotions today,” King said, in a statement announcing the promotions.
“Poppy’s talent for story and her discerning eye have helped hone many of our award-winning films and she has been a trusted friend and colleague for two decades,” King continued. “Greta has grown into a true force in this business, with her strong relationships with artists and her keen ability to identify, package and develop projects all over town.
Both longtime Macro employees, Hanks has been elevated to executive vice president of film production and development, while Fuentes has been upped to VP at the multi-platform media company.
“Poppy and Greta were members of the original team when I launched Macro six years ago, so there really aren’t enough words to describe my joy in announcing these promotions today,” King said, in a statement announcing the promotions.
“Poppy’s talent for story and her discerning eye have helped hone many of our award-winning films and she has been a trusted friend and colleague for two decades,” King continued. “Greta has grown into a true force in this business, with her strong relationships with artists and her keen ability to identify, package and develop projects all over town.
- 9/2/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Priya Swaminathan is stepping down from her role as co-head of film and television at Higher Ground, the media company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.
At the same time, the former president and First Lady announced several new additions to the company’s executive team, most notably hiring Joe Paulsen, an old Obama hand, as head of business and strategy.
Swaminathan, a former executive at Annapurna, was the first hire the Obamas made when they launched Higher Ground. She has helped grow the company since joining it in 2019, overseeing the rollout of the Oscar-winning documentary “American Factory” and the Oscar-nominated “Crip Camp.” The decision to leave the company was Swaminathan’s own and she remains a favorite of the Obamas, as evidenced by a glowing statement they released.
“We are so grateful to Priya for her tremendous impact at Higher Ground these past few years,” the Obamas said in a statement.
At the same time, the former president and First Lady announced several new additions to the company’s executive team, most notably hiring Joe Paulsen, an old Obama hand, as head of business and strategy.
Swaminathan, a former executive at Annapurna, was the first hire the Obamas made when they launched Higher Ground. She has helped grow the company since joining it in 2019, overseeing the rollout of the Oscar-winning documentary “American Factory” and the Oscar-nominated “Crip Camp.” The decision to leave the company was Swaminathan’s own and she remains a favorite of the Obamas, as evidenced by a glowing statement they released.
“We are so grateful to Priya for her tremendous impact at Higher Ground these past few years,” the Obamas said in a statement.
- 7/29/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: HartBeat Productions, Kevin Hart’s production company, has made a round of promotions and new hires across its film and TV divisions.
Additionally, Hbp expands its corporate suite roster to bring on a COO, SVP of Finance & Operations and a co-ceo alongside Hart. As the company grows, the new leadership positions will help the company scale and produce content for mass global audiences.
Coming off the heels of Hart’s multi-picture feature film and first-look deal with Netflix, Hbp has hired two new executives to round out the film department and promoted two employees on the TV side to senior positions.
On the film side, Patricia Braga has joined the company as Hbp’s Senior Production Executive, while Wayne Horton joins as Senior Production & Development Executive. Both will report directly to HartBeat president Bryan Smiley.
HartBeat’s TV division has promoted Mike Stein to Head of Television, reporting directly to Smiley.
Additionally, Hbp expands its corporate suite roster to bring on a COO, SVP of Finance & Operations and a co-ceo alongside Hart. As the company grows, the new leadership positions will help the company scale and produce content for mass global audiences.
Coming off the heels of Hart’s multi-picture feature film and first-look deal with Netflix, Hbp has hired two new executives to round out the film department and promoted two employees on the TV side to senior positions.
On the film side, Patricia Braga has joined the company as Hbp’s Senior Production Executive, while Wayne Horton joins as Senior Production & Development Executive. Both will report directly to HartBeat president Bryan Smiley.
HartBeat’s TV division has promoted Mike Stein to Head of Television, reporting directly to Smiley.
- 7/26/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
A contemporary re-imaging of the 1973 action feature Cleopatra Jones is in the works at Warner Bros and Charles D. King’s Macro, with Lovecraft Country and Snowfall writer Ihuoma Ofordire penning the script.
The original movie directed by Jack Starrett starred Tamara Dobson as an undercover government agent who uses her day job of supermodel to go undercover, travel to exotic places and prove herself invaluable to the local cops in the war on drugs. The first movie played at a time when the Black Power Movement, Black Arts Movement and, second-wave feminism were widespread.
Ofordire, who also is an actress, co-wrote Episode 8 of Lovecraft Country, “Jig-a-Bobo,” which creator Misha Green directed. Ofordire currently is developing projects with a number producers including 20th Century Studios. She is a WGA and Nebula award nominee who is repped by CAA, Artists First and Del, Shaw, Moonves.
Producers of Cleopatra Jones are Macro...
The original movie directed by Jack Starrett starred Tamara Dobson as an undercover government agent who uses her day job of supermodel to go undercover, travel to exotic places and prove herself invaluable to the local cops in the war on drugs. The first movie played at a time when the Black Power Movement, Black Arts Movement and, second-wave feminism were widespread.
Ofordire, who also is an actress, co-wrote Episode 8 of Lovecraft Country, “Jig-a-Bobo,” which creator Misha Green directed. Ofordire currently is developing projects with a number producers including 20th Century Studios. She is a WGA and Nebula award nominee who is repped by CAA, Artists First and Del, Shaw, Moonves.
Producers of Cleopatra Jones are Macro...
- 4/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Romantic dramedy series returns from a four-year hiatus on May 23
Netflix has released the trailer for the third season of “Master of None,” sharing the first look at the new season starring Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie.
Waithe, who won an Emmy for writing a Season 2 episode of “Master of None” based on her own coming out experience, takes over as the star of the new season from series co-creator Aziz Ansari, who anchored the first two seasons. “The End of the F***ing World” star Naomi Ackie joins the series as Waithe’s on-screen partner.
Per Netflix, the new season is described as “a modern love story that intimately illustrates the ups and downs of marriage, struggles with fertility, and personal growth both together and apart. Fleeting romantic highs meet crushing personal losses while existential questions of love and living are raised.” It bears the subtitle “Moments in Love.”
Also...
Netflix has released the trailer for the third season of “Master of None,” sharing the first look at the new season starring Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie.
Waithe, who won an Emmy for writing a Season 2 episode of “Master of None” based on her own coming out experience, takes over as the star of the new season from series co-creator Aziz Ansari, who anchored the first two seasons. “The End of the F***ing World” star Naomi Ackie joins the series as Waithe’s on-screen partner.
Per Netflix, the new season is described as “a modern love story that intimately illustrates the ups and downs of marriage, struggles with fertility, and personal growth both together and apart. Fleeting romantic highs meet crushing personal losses while existential questions of love and living are raised.” It bears the subtitle “Moments in Love.”
Also...
- 4/26/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Kheng Hua Tan is thrilled to be playing nuanced roles and breaking stereotypes.
The veteran actress is best known for portraying Kerry Chu in “Crazy Rich Asians,” the mother of Rachel Chu (Constance Wu). In the film, it’s revealed Rachel was conceived from an extramarital affair (the scandal is used to drive a wedge between her and her beau Nick), and that Kerry fled China to America to give birth to Rachel. Kerry comes clean to Rachel in an emotional heart-to-heart and helps her daughter find happiness. It’s a far cry from the demanding and unfeeling tiger mom stereotype that’s only concerned with academic success.
In the reimagined “Kung Fu,” which debuts on TheCW, Tan once again plays a mom, this time to series lead Nicky (Olivia Liang).
When you first meet her character Mei-Li, she does possess some of those tiger mom qualities.
“I think that in the pilot,...
The veteran actress is best known for portraying Kerry Chu in “Crazy Rich Asians,” the mother of Rachel Chu (Constance Wu). In the film, it’s revealed Rachel was conceived from an extramarital affair (the scandal is used to drive a wedge between her and her beau Nick), and that Kerry fled China to America to give birth to Rachel. Kerry comes clean to Rachel in an emotional heart-to-heart and helps her daughter find happiness. It’s a far cry from the demanding and unfeeling tiger mom stereotype that’s only concerned with academic success.
In the reimagined “Kung Fu,” which debuts on TheCW, Tan once again plays a mom, this time to series lead Nicky (Olivia Liang).
When you first meet her character Mei-Li, she does possess some of those tiger mom qualities.
“I think that in the pilot,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
With a decades-long list of credits ranging from “Rush Hour” to Disney’s live-action “Mulan,” Tzi Ma has earned his reputation as Hollywood’s go-to Asian dad dozens of times over. But even with his latest role, the actor continues to break new ground as the patriarch of the first Asian American family to anchor a broadcast television drama on The CW’s “Kung Fu” reboot.
“Saying that was totally in jest,” Ma said in an interview with TheWrap, downplaying his well-deserved boast. “I mean, it was just so many of them all at once that I was like, ‘Well, okay.'”
Ma is making the jump to TV for “Kung Fu,” a rare series regular role for the actor after having recently lent his fatherly presence to films like “The Farewell,” “Mulan” and Netflix’s “Tigertail.” Ma tends to shy away from the “bullet train” pace of TV but...
“Saying that was totally in jest,” Ma said in an interview with TheWrap, downplaying his well-deserved boast. “I mean, it was just so many of them all at once that I was like, ‘Well, okay.'”
Ma is making the jump to TV for “Kung Fu,” a rare series regular role for the actor after having recently lent his fatherly presence to films like “The Farewell,” “Mulan” and Netflix’s “Tigertail.” Ma tends to shy away from the “bullet train” pace of TV but...
- 4/7/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a study today examining the diversity of Netflix’s original content. If anything the study could be summarized by Dr. Stacy L. Smith who said in a video: “Inclusion happens when women are given the keys to the kingdom.”
“I rarely have anything positive to say,” said Dr. Smith said during a symposium for the unveiling of the Netflix study. “This report was a bit of a reprieve from my typical rollout of information.”
Dr. Smith was joined on the virtual panel by Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, Vice President, Global Series; Scott Stuber Vice President, Global Film; as well as Tigertail director Alan Yang and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom director George C. Wolfe.
The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative studies diversity in entertainment and has released numerous studies and reports when it comes to representation. Netflix commissioned Smith and initiative to study for its original,...
“I rarely have anything positive to say,” said Dr. Smith said during a symposium for the unveiling of the Netflix study. “This report was a bit of a reprieve from my typical rollout of information.”
Dr. Smith was joined on the virtual panel by Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, Vice President, Global Series; Scott Stuber Vice President, Global Film; as well as Tigertail director Alan Yang and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom director George C. Wolfe.
The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative studies diversity in entertainment and has released numerous studies and reports when it comes to representation. Netflix commissioned Smith and initiative to study for its original,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
BET Plus has ordered the original series “Birth of Cool” in its first-ever partnership with “Gentefied” producers Macro Television Studios and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and actor Lena Waithe’s production house Hillman Grad Productions.
The 10-episode half-hour dramedy marks Waithe’s third original production with the brand— her other two series with BET are “Twenties” and “Boomerang.”
“Birth of Cool” follows the adventures and misadventures of both students and teachers at Crispus Attucks High, a predominantly black high school in Compton, as they try to make it through the weird, hilarious, stressful, often sobering, and sometimes surreal academic year while hopefully growing a bit in the process on and off-campus.
The show was created by writer-director Juel Taylor and writer Tony Rettenmaier, who both previously worked on the upcoming sci-fi comedy “They Cloned Tyrone” starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris. Taylor and Rettenmaier are also attached to executive produce,...
The 10-episode half-hour dramedy marks Waithe’s third original production with the brand— her other two series with BET are “Twenties” and “Boomerang.”
“Birth of Cool” follows the adventures and misadventures of both students and teachers at Crispus Attucks High, a predominantly black high school in Compton, as they try to make it through the weird, hilarious, stressful, often sobering, and sometimes surreal academic year while hopefully growing a bit in the process on and off-campus.
The show was created by writer-director Juel Taylor and writer Tony Rettenmaier, who both previously worked on the upcoming sci-fi comedy “They Cloned Tyrone” starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris. Taylor and Rettenmaier are also attached to executive produce,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
On the heels of the popularity of “Bridgerton” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” Netflix is developing another period piece, albeit one set in 1990s Manhattan.
“Tigertail” filmmaker and “Master of None” co-creator Alan Yang is teaming up with author Min Jin Lee to adapt her critically acclaimed 2007 novel “Free Food for Millionaires” as a television series, Variety has learned exclusively. Lee is penning the screen adaptation, with Yang serving as non-writing executive producer.
Lee’s novel centers on Casey Han, a “strong-willed, Queens-bred daughter of Korean immigrants who is addicted to a glamorous Manhattan lifestyle she cannot afford.” The series will explore the world of haves and have-nots in ’90s New York City through a distinctly Asian American lens, with Casey “determined to carve a space for herself in the glittering world she craves while desperately trying to make her parents proud, but at what cost?”
“It’s a premium Asian...
“Tigertail” filmmaker and “Master of None” co-creator Alan Yang is teaming up with author Min Jin Lee to adapt her critically acclaimed 2007 novel “Free Food for Millionaires” as a television series, Variety has learned exclusively. Lee is penning the screen adaptation, with Yang serving as non-writing executive producer.
Lee’s novel centers on Casey Han, a “strong-willed, Queens-bred daughter of Korean immigrants who is addicted to a glamorous Manhattan lifestyle she cannot afford.” The series will explore the world of haves and have-nots in ’90s New York City through a distinctly Asian American lens, with Casey “determined to carve a space for herself in the glittering world she craves while desperately trying to make her parents proud, but at what cost?”
“It’s a premium Asian...
- 1/27/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Whatever the future holds both for theatrical distribution and for at-home streaming, 2020 will no doubt mark the pivot point in which the destinies of both would forever change. But where and how one sees films will inevitably be less important than the films themselves, and even in this year of turmoil, there was always something to recommend, wherever it was available to be seen.
Notable Runners-Up: “The 40-Year-Old Version,” “Ammonite,” “Another Round,” “And Then We Danced,” “The August Virgin,” “Birds of Prey,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “Emma.,” “The Half of It,” “Happiest Season,” “House of Hummingbird,” “I’m No Longer Here,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The Invisible Man,” “Kajillionaire,” “Let Them All Talk,” “Lingua Franca,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Madre,” “Miss Juneteenth,” “The Nest,” “Nomadland,” “One Night in Miami,” “The Photograph,” “The Secret Garden,” “She Dies Tomorrow,” “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” “Shirley,” “Sorry We Missed You,” “Tigertail,” “The Truth,...
Notable Runners-Up: “The 40-Year-Old Version,” “Ammonite,” “Another Round,” “And Then We Danced,” “The August Virgin,” “Birds of Prey,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “Emma.,” “The Half of It,” “Happiest Season,” “House of Hummingbird,” “I’m No Longer Here,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The Invisible Man,” “Kajillionaire,” “Let Them All Talk,” “Lingua Franca,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Madre,” “Miss Juneteenth,” “The Nest,” “Nomadland,” “One Night in Miami,” “The Photograph,” “The Secret Garden,” “She Dies Tomorrow,” “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” “Shirley,” “Sorry We Missed You,” “Tigertail,” “The Truth,...
- 12/28/2020
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
With the beginning of the pandemic taking place in the Sinophone world, the already tumultuous circumstances of the area reached a level pretty close to eruption. However, as it usual the case with sociopolitical instability, the creative forces of the artists emerged once more triumphant, ending up in a number of films that could easily be described as great. Taiwan cemented its place as one of the countries with the most intriguing cinema, China continued with its festival-appealing, European style movies along with a number of blockbusters, while Hong Kong took a definite step back, with the political situation in combination with the pandemic leaving an already declining industry in a rather bad situation, with very few, but occasionally notable, productions overall.
Without further ado, here are the best Sinophone films of 2020, in reverse order. Some films may have premiered in 2019, but since they mostly circulated in 2020, we decided to include them.
Without further ado, here are the best Sinophone films of 2020, in reverse order. Some films may have premiered in 2019, but since they mostly circulated in 2020, we decided to include them.
- 12/20/2020
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
Charles D. King’s Macro announced three promotions at the multi-platform media company. Greta Talia Fuentes and Mark R. Wright have been upped to directors of development in the film division, tasked with shepherding a slate of film projects from development through production, while Caryn Lawson has been named chief of staff, focusing on strategic business initiatives for the company.
“Greta, Mark and Caryn have been such star members of the Macro team since they joined the company, and I’m excited to see them develop into the outstanding executives that they are,” King said. “I look forward to continuing to build and grow with them.”
Since its launch in 2015, Macro — which features a film division, television studio, talent and influence management divisions, a representation firm, a branding and creative agency and a venture firm — has focused on promoting and representing the voices of Black, Indigenous and people of color...
“Greta, Mark and Caryn have been such star members of the Macro team since they joined the company, and I’m excited to see them develop into the outstanding executives that they are,” King said. “I look forward to continuing to build and grow with them.”
Since its launch in 2015, Macro — which features a film division, television studio, talent and influence management divisions, a representation firm, a branding and creative agency and a venture firm — has focused on promoting and representing the voices of Black, Indigenous and people of color...
- 11/23/2020
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
While The Emmys hazmat suits are tucked away for now, the next, and first film award show of the season to look forward to is the Gotham Awards. These honors celebrate independent cinema and many deserving films that are overlooked by the larger award ceremonies. Yet, it is possible for an early Gotham win to trigger a stronger awards campaign and greater potential for a later award season win.
Only a few nominees crossover with the Golden Globes or Oscars each year, but in 2016, four Gotham winners also won the corresponding Academy Award: “Moonlight” for Picture and Screenplay, Casey Affleck for Actor, and “O.J.: Made in America” for Documentary. Unique criteria and categories such as Audience Award and Breakthrough Actor, Series, and Director allow for a wider range of independent films and performances to be recognized. Eligible feature films, with a budget under $35 million, must be American-made (except for Best...
Only a few nominees crossover with the Golden Globes or Oscars each year, but in 2016, four Gotham winners also won the corresponding Academy Award: “Moonlight” for Picture and Screenplay, Casey Affleck for Actor, and “O.J.: Made in America” for Documentary. Unique criteria and categories such as Audience Award and Breakthrough Actor, Series, and Director allow for a wider range of independent films and performances to be recognized. Eligible feature films, with a budget under $35 million, must be American-made (except for Best...
- 9/29/2020
- by Nick Ruhrkraut
- Gold Derby
Tzi Ma has become the go-to dad in countless Asian-led movies. From The Farewell to Tigertail, culminating in this year’s highly anticipated Disney remake of Mulan, there’s a warmth and world-weariness that the Hong Kong-born actor brings to films that are beginning to evolve audiences’ understanding and exposure to Asian-American culture. But despite that, Ma is not a dad […]
The post Tzi Ma on Being the Go-To Onscreen Asian Father, What ‘Mulan’ Means for the Asian-American Community [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post Tzi Ma on Being the Go-To Onscreen Asian Father, What ‘Mulan’ Means for the Asian-American Community [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 9/4/2020
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Michael B. Jordan will be Sun’s first client to join.
WME partner Phillip Sun, whose clients include Idris Elba, Michael Jordan, and Lena Waithe, has left the agency to launch full representation joint venture M88 with Macro founder Charles D. King.
Macro is majority owner of the new company, established to raise the profile of traditionally under-represented talent, and folds its recently launched MacRo Management into the new entity.
Sun is named president and managing partner, and he and King are joined by MacRo Management partners Gaby Mena and Jelani Johnson.
Jordan will be Sun’s first client to...
WME partner Phillip Sun, whose clients include Idris Elba, Michael Jordan, and Lena Waithe, has left the agency to launch full representation joint venture M88 with Macro founder Charles D. King.
Macro is majority owner of the new company, established to raise the profile of traditionally under-represented talent, and folds its recently launched MacRo Management into the new entity.
Sun is named president and managing partner, and he and King are joined by MacRo Management partners Gaby Mena and Jelani Johnson.
Jordan will be Sun’s first client to...
- 8/25/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Daniel Dae Kim and Randall Park are going from polar opposite love interests to Ali Wong in Always Be My Maybe to teaming up for the ultimate plan to snatch some loot. The duo is partnering for an untitled Asian American-led heist film that will be penned by screenwriter Young Il Kim, who has worked on Showtime’s Billions wrote the Black List script Rodham. Several studios and streamers were thirsty for the pitch, but after a heated bidding war, Amazon Studios came out on top to acquire it.
The logline is being kept under wraps but what we do know is that it will be loosely focused on a reunion of high school friends who come together in a nod to the classic, fun ensemble heist films.
“I think it has nods to Ocean’s 11, The Full Monty as well as Better Luck Tomorrow,” Kim tells Deadline. The...
The logline is being kept under wraps but what we do know is that it will be loosely focused on a reunion of high school friends who come together in a nod to the classic, fun ensemble heist films.
“I think it has nods to Ocean’s 11, The Full Monty as well as Better Luck Tomorrow,” Kim tells Deadline. The...
- 8/18/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: She’s Gotta Have It Netflix series actress Margot Bingham has joined season 11 of AMC’s The Walking Dead.
While the network nor sources won’t comment on who Bingham will play, odds are that we’ll finally see Bingham as Stephanie, a character she’s done the voiceover for in the season 10 episodes “Bonds” and “Morning Star”. Stephanie is an enigmatic survivor of the zombie outbreak in Charleston, West Virginia, who connects via radio with Josh McDermitt’s Eugene Porter.
When Deadline’s Dominic Patten spoke with Walking Dead showrunner Angela Kang for the last episode that aired on April 5, she indicated that the series will go from being set in its usual rural backdrop to more urban environments. The series was unable to air the season 10 finale due to complications of Covid-19, but managed to finish post-production with an air date during Q4.
Bingham plays the series...
While the network nor sources won’t comment on who Bingham will play, odds are that we’ll finally see Bingham as Stephanie, a character she’s done the voiceover for in the season 10 episodes “Bonds” and “Morning Star”. Stephanie is an enigmatic survivor of the zombie outbreak in Charleston, West Virginia, who connects via radio with Josh McDermitt’s Eugene Porter.
When Deadline’s Dominic Patten spoke with Walking Dead showrunner Angela Kang for the last episode that aired on April 5, she indicated that the series will go from being set in its usual rural backdrop to more urban environments. The series was unable to air the season 10 finale due to complications of Covid-19, but managed to finish post-production with an air date during Q4.
Bingham plays the series...
- 7/20/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Blue Bayou,” the latest project from acclaimed independent filmmaker Justin Chon, has been acquired by Focus Features, Variety can report exclusively.
The studio brokered a worldwide deal for the film’s distribution rights out of the Cannes 2020 virtual market, which was financed by MacRo and Entertainment One. Focus will handle domestic rollout, while its parent company Universal will distribute internationally.
Chon, who wrote and directed the film, also stars alongside Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien (“Arrival”), Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen (“Brooklyn”).
The film tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
Chon got his early acting start in the “Twilight” Saga, and went on to create indie darlings like “Ms. Purple” and “Gook.”
“Justin...
The studio brokered a worldwide deal for the film’s distribution rights out of the Cannes 2020 virtual market, which was financed by MacRo and Entertainment One. Focus will handle domestic rollout, while its parent company Universal will distribute internationally.
Chon, who wrote and directed the film, also stars alongside Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien (“Arrival”), Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen (“Brooklyn”).
The film tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
Chon got his early acting start in the “Twilight” Saga, and went on to create indie darlings like “Ms. Purple” and “Gook.”
“Justin...
- 7/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
China’s Cmc Pictures will bring a line-up of five titles to the Cannes virtual market this year, including “Assassin in Red,” a major blockbuster set to hit next Chinese New Year.
The firm will be selling global rights outside of China and Southeast Asia to the fantasy drama directed by Lu Yang and executive produced by Ning Hao (“Crazy Alien”).
The film, whose Mandarin title translates to “Assassinate the Novelist,” tells the story of a man who, in order to save his missing daughter, is tasked with killing a writer whose writing creates a parallel world that begins to interact with the real one.
The title reunites “Brotherhood of Blades II” stars Yang Mi (“Tiny Times”) and Lei Jiayin (“The Longest Day in Chang’an”), alongside Golden Horse Award winner Dong Zijiang (of Jia Zhangke’s “Mountains May Depart” and “Ash is Purest White”).
Cmc also brings two of its...
The firm will be selling global rights outside of China and Southeast Asia to the fantasy drama directed by Lu Yang and executive produced by Ning Hao (“Crazy Alien”).
The film, whose Mandarin title translates to “Assassinate the Novelist,” tells the story of a man who, in order to save his missing daughter, is tasked with killing a writer whose writing creates a parallel world that begins to interact with the real one.
The title reunites “Brotherhood of Blades II” stars Yang Mi (“Tiny Times”) and Lei Jiayin (“The Longest Day in Chang’an”), alongside Golden Horse Award winner Dong Zijiang (of Jia Zhangke’s “Mountains May Depart” and “Ash is Purest White”).
Cmc also brings two of its...
- 6/19/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Bill Pohlad’s River Road Entertainment on Monday named veteran producer Kim Roth as co-president and chief financial officer of the company.
The move came as part of a major reorganization at the production company, which also promoted Christa Zofcin Workman to co-president and chief operating officer.
“I am incredibly excited to re-energize River Road and its mission as a filmmaker-friendly home to extraordinary creative projects as well as a developer and producer of its own home-grown material,” Pohlad said in a statement. “So much is changing in the industry and in the world, but we remain optimistic and excited to have Kim and Christa leading River Road into the future.”
Also Read: 'Jurassic World: Dominion' to Resume Production at UK Pinewood Studios by Early July
Roth, who spent 16 years at Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment, joins River Road from Macro, a multi-platform media...
The move came as part of a major reorganization at the production company, which also promoted Christa Zofcin Workman to co-president and chief operating officer.
“I am incredibly excited to re-energize River Road and its mission as a filmmaker-friendly home to extraordinary creative projects as well as a developer and producer of its own home-grown material,” Pohlad said in a statement. “So much is changing in the industry and in the world, but we remain optimistic and excited to have Kim and Christa leading River Road into the future.”
Also Read: 'Jurassic World: Dominion' to Resume Production at UK Pinewood Studios by Early July
Roth, who spent 16 years at Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment, joins River Road from Macro, a multi-platform media...
- 6/15/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Bill Pohlad’s River Road Entertainment has hired veteran producer Kim Roth as Co-President and Chief Creative Officer and promoted Christa Zofcin Workman to Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, Deadline has learned.
Roth and Workman will work alongside each other to implement the vision and drive the overall strategy for the Oscar-lauded 12 Years a Slave and The Tree of Life studio, including developing and nurturing strategic partnerships within the industry. Roth will oversee the development and production of projects, while providing management and direction to the creative team. Workman will continue to oversee business operations, legal affairs and management of the company’s intellectual property.
“I am incredibly excited to re-energize River Road and its mission as a filmmaker-friendly home to extraordinary creative projects as well as a developer and producer of its own home-grown material,” said Pohlad. “So much is changing in the industry and in the world,...
Roth and Workman will work alongside each other to implement the vision and drive the overall strategy for the Oscar-lauded 12 Years a Slave and The Tree of Life studio, including developing and nurturing strategic partnerships within the industry. Roth will oversee the development and production of projects, while providing management and direction to the creative team. Workman will continue to oversee business operations, legal affairs and management of the company’s intellectual property.
“I am incredibly excited to re-energize River Road and its mission as a filmmaker-friendly home to extraordinary creative projects as well as a developer and producer of its own home-grown material,” said Pohlad. “So much is changing in the industry and in the world,...
- 6/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
During a time when film festivals are being canceled and postponed, Tribeca Enterprises is looking to lift up the film community by teaming with YouTube for We Are One: A Global Film Festival. The fest will stream exclusively on YouTube for free and feature over 100 films co-curated by 21 of the most renowned festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance, Toronto and, of course, Tribeca. The 10-day fest will kick off on May 29 and will not only provide entertainment but also offer relief to the Covid-19 pandemic via supporting organizations.
When they say this is a “global” festival, they really mean it. The programming will provide a lens to different cultures from all over the world, with films representing over 35 countries and include 23 narrative and 8 documentary features, 57 narrative and 15 documentary short films, 15 archived talks along with 4 festival exclusives and 5 Vr programming pieces. The fest will include 13 world premieres, 31 online premieres and 5 international online premieres.
When they say this is a “global” festival, they really mean it. The programming will provide a lens to different cultures from all over the world, with films representing over 35 countries and include 23 narrative and 8 documentary features, 57 narrative and 15 documentary short films, 15 archived talks along with 4 festival exclusives and 5 Vr programming pieces. The fest will include 13 world premieres, 31 online premieres and 5 international online premieres.
- 5/26/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Amy Williams is an Us-based production designer. She has left her creative fingerprint on several TV series such as „Master of None“ (2015) or lately „Little America“. Among the feature dramas she worked on is „Love Is Strange“ (2014) by Ira Sachs and now the actual new release on Netflix “Tigertail” by Alan Yang.
On this occasion we speak with Amy Williams, who told us more about the challenges of the production and her experiences with the Taiwanese culture.
It’s not the first time you work with director Alan Yang. Could you tell us more about your collaboration and how the work on “Tigertail” began?
I met Alan Yang in 2014 when I interviewed for the Netflix series, “Master Of None”, that he and Aziz Ansari created. “Master of None” was a beautiful experience for all of us working on the show. Alan and I share a love of basketball and dining,...
On this occasion we speak with Amy Williams, who told us more about the challenges of the production and her experiences with the Taiwanese culture.
It’s not the first time you work with director Alan Yang. Could you tell us more about your collaboration and how the work on “Tigertail” began?
I met Alan Yang in 2014 when I interviewed for the Netflix series, “Master Of None”, that he and Aziz Ansari created. “Master of None” was a beautiful experience for all of us working on the show. Alan and I share a love of basketball and dining,...
- 5/17/2020
- by Teresa Vena
- AsianMoviePulse
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has, at least temporarily, disrupted the film distribution channels and shifted the focus from the usual ways directly to internet. It works for now for the world-wide audiences, since there is a list of films that already had their festival premieres earlier this year (or in the later stages of the last year) and the completed films to be released. For filmmakers, producers and production companies, the glass could be half-full or half-empty (taking some not so good deals with streaming giants). How it looks like in the case of Alan Yang’s directorial debut “Tigertail” that premiered earlier this month on Netflix?
As a writer and a producer, Yang comes from television background, best known for his credits on the series like “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None”, so, theoretically, he should not be bothered too much with the fact that his...
As a writer and a producer, Yang comes from television background, best known for his credits on the series like “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None”, so, theoretically, he should not be bothered too much with the fact that his...
- 4/28/2020
- by Marko Stojiljković
- AsianMoviePulse
On this episode, special guest Alan Yang, director of the new Netflix film Tigertail, stops by to review 1993’s Demolition Man. Tune in to hear the cast discuss Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes’s memorable performances. Stay after the show for a in-depth review of Devs, the sci-fi limited series written and directed by Alex Garland. Read about the predictive […]
The post /Filmcast Ep. 564 – Demolition Man and Devs appeared first on /Film.
The post /Filmcast Ep. 564 – Demolition Man and Devs appeared first on /Film.
- 4/22/2020
- by Slashfilmcast
- Slash Film
For his feature directorial debut, Alan Yang chose to look close to home. Based on Yang’s own family’s experiences, “Tigertail” is set in both the past and the present and explores the life of retired Taiwanese immigrant Pin-Jui (Tzi Ma). We meet him as a child and watch him become a young man (played by Hong-Chi Lee) who falls in love with a childhood friend, Yuan (Kunjue Li). He ultimately leaves her and Taiwan behind, starting a new life in America with a wife he barely knows.
In breaking down two of the film’s scenes for Variety, Yang chose to focus on an early moment when the young Pin-Jui is on a date with his true love, dancing in a bar. The later scene shows Pin-Jui as an older man, struggling to connect with his grown daughter, Angela (Christine Ko).
The Dance Scene (Past)
This is the...
In breaking down two of the film’s scenes for Variety, Yang chose to focus on an early moment when the young Pin-Jui is on a date with his true love, dancing in a bar. The later scene shows Pin-Jui as an older man, struggling to connect with his grown daughter, Angela (Christine Ko).
The Dance Scene (Past)
This is the...
- 4/15/2020
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Alan Yang’s film about the lack of understanding between generations strikes a chord, and is so relevant as coronavirus racism spreads
Read all the Lockdown watch films hereThe best arts and entertainment during self-isolation
Inflamed by President Trump’s casual phrase “Chinese virus”, anti-Asian sentiment is erupting all over the world. As a British-Vietnamese person who has been spat on because of the colour of her skin, the film Tigertail is a glimmer of hope – a way of showing the truth, and connecting Asian communities at a time when panic and misinformation serve to break us apart. Alan Yang’s multi-generational love story Tigertail weaves in Yang’s cultural self-discovery and features memories of Taiwan, as experienced by the protagonist Pin-Jui. Weighted against the present tide of anti-Asian bigotry, this tender story about honesty and lost love is more relevant than ever.
“American culture has been negligent in portraying...
Read all the Lockdown watch films hereThe best arts and entertainment during self-isolation
Inflamed by President Trump’s casual phrase “Chinese virus”, anti-Asian sentiment is erupting all over the world. As a British-Vietnamese person who has been spat on because of the colour of her skin, the film Tigertail is a glimmer of hope – a way of showing the truth, and connecting Asian communities at a time when panic and misinformation serve to break us apart. Alan Yang’s multi-generational love story Tigertail weaves in Yang’s cultural self-discovery and features memories of Taiwan, as experienced by the protagonist Pin-Jui. Weighted against the present tide of anti-Asian bigotry, this tender story about honesty and lost love is more relevant than ever.
“American culture has been negligent in portraying...
- 4/15/2020
- by Georgina Quach
- The Guardian - Film News
Yes it’s true. Universal’s $19.99 48-hour rentals of “Trolls World Tour” exceeded the studio’s highest expectations. The premium Video on Demand market (which also allows for some downloads) is not yet the new normal for top releases. But these results will encourage other companies to make pricing experiments with their backlog of unreleased films.
With Pixar’s “Soul” (Disney) the latest top pre-July release rescheduled for November, we have it at least three more months before theaters might reopen. Even Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden cites theaters and events as opening much later than stores and offices. “It’s fluid,” said Jeanne Berney, COO of Picturehouse, which moved religious drama “Fatima,” starring Harvey Keitel and Sonia Braga, from April 24 to August 14 opposite “Wonder Woman 1984.” Now the indie distributor has more time to reach out to church groups and promote the film’s Andrea Bocelli single.
More from...
With Pixar’s “Soul” (Disney) the latest top pre-July release rescheduled for November, we have it at least three more months before theaters might reopen. Even Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden cites theaters and events as opening much later than stores and offices. “It’s fluid,” said Jeanne Berney, COO of Picturehouse, which moved religious drama “Fatima,” starring Harvey Keitel and Sonia Braga, from April 24 to August 14 opposite “Wonder Woman 1984.” Now the indie distributor has more time to reach out to church groups and promote the film’s Andrea Bocelli single.
More from...
- 4/14/2020
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
The director of the new Netflix movie Tigertail, Alan Yang, sat down for a video chat with uInterview to talk about the struggles of directing a movie in three languages and three time periods. “Tigertail is inspired by my family story, specifically my dad’s story,” Yang said. “So, it’s about a Taiwanese immigrant who has […]
The post Video Exclusive: Director Alan Yang Reveals How He Found The ‘Asian James Dean’ For Netflix Film ‘Tigertail’ appeared first on uInterview.
The post Video Exclusive: Director Alan Yang Reveals How He Found The ‘Asian James Dean’ For Netflix Film ‘Tigertail’ appeared first on uInterview.
- 4/13/2020
- by Marie Fiero
- Uinterview
“There are many things I never told you,” Tzi Ma‘s Pin-Jui tremulously tells his daughter (Christine Ko) in Alan Yang‘s moving immigrant drama Tigertail, the Emmy-winning Master of None writer’s feature directorial debut. It’s the emotional catharsis, the eye-opening reveal of an aging father’s untold life and memories, in Yang’s generations-spanning immigrant tale. And it’s […]
The post ‘Tigertail’ Review: In the Mood for a Moving Immigrant Drama, But a Muddied Father-Daughter Story appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Tigertail’ Review: In the Mood for a Moving Immigrant Drama, But a Muddied Father-Daughter Story appeared first on /Film.
- 4/13/2020
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Staying home? Good. Looking for something new to watch while you do it? Even better! As the world shifts to accommodate a wide range of in-home viewing options for movie lovers, it’s not just platforms that are expanding, it’s the very type of films they host. There’s more than ever to sift through, and IndieWire is here to help you do just that.
This week’s new releases include Netflix Originals, fresh VOD offerings, and new studio releases now available in the comfort of your own home. Browse your options below. “The Lost Husband” (directed by Vicky Wight)
Distributor: Quiver Distribution
Where to Find It: Rent or buy on Redbox
There’s plenty of drama to be found in “The Lost Husband,” Vicky Wight...
This week’s new releases include Netflix Originals, fresh VOD offerings, and new studio releases now available in the comfort of your own home. Browse your options below. “The Lost Husband” (directed by Vicky Wight)
Distributor: Quiver Distribution
Where to Find It: Rent or buy on Redbox
There’s plenty of drama to be found in “The Lost Husband,” Vicky Wight...
- 4/10/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
With just about everyone now being advised to remain at home due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Netflix seems to be more popular than ever. Ditto for the other major streaming services, too.
When it comes to Netflix, in particular, though, it’s become so popular in some regions that they’ve even had to decrease their video quality or else they’d risk slowing down the entire internet. It makes sense, too, as with theaters now closed, people need another way to consume entertainment and they’ve mostly turned towards streaming.
Thankfully, all the major platforms have been pumping out a ton of content to keep up with consumer demand and Netflix continues to deliver. In fact, they’ve added five brand new movies to their site as of today, and all of them happen to be Netflix Originals.
Here’s the full list:
La Originals (2020) Netflix Original Love Wedding...
When it comes to Netflix, in particular, though, it’s become so popular in some regions that they’ve even had to decrease their video quality or else they’d risk slowing down the entire internet. It makes sense, too, as with theaters now closed, people need another way to consume entertainment and they’ve mostly turned towards streaming.
Thankfully, all the major platforms have been pumping out a ton of content to keep up with consumer demand and Netflix continues to deliver. In fact, they’ve added five brand new movies to their site as of today, and all of them happen to be Netflix Originals.
Here’s the full list:
La Originals (2020) Netflix Original Love Wedding...
- 4/10/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Stuck at home and looking for something fresh? Just because theaters are closed due to the coronavirus doesn’t mean there aren’t new movies to be seen. Many distributors are getting creative and releasing their films directly to home platforms — including the first major studio release do so in “Trolls World Tour,” Still, it can be tough to find where they’re all hiding.
Variety presents a roundup of all the new releases, with excerpts from our reviews and links to where you can watch them.
Studio movies, straight to streaming:
Trolls World Tour
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Where to Find It: Lots of options on Universal’s website
“Trolls World Tour” … has the same delectably tactile and distinctive eye-candy look as “Trolls”; it’s set in a storybook kingdom that’s all sweetness and light and glitter and fuzz and bursting psychedelic pastels. And since a key element of...
Variety presents a roundup of all the new releases, with excerpts from our reviews and links to where you can watch them.
Studio movies, straight to streaming:
Trolls World Tour
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Where to Find It: Lots of options on Universal’s website
“Trolls World Tour” … has the same delectably tactile and distinctive eye-candy look as “Trolls”; it’s set in a storybook kingdom that’s all sweetness and light and glitter and fuzz and bursting psychedelic pastels. And since a key element of...
- 4/10/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Acclaimed TV writer-director, Alan Yang (“Parks and Recreation“), won an Emmy Award in 2016 for co-penning the heartfelt episode of “Master of None,” “Parents,” an episode that opened with a hilarious two-pronged comedy bit touching upon issues of generational guilt within many Asian American families. “Tigertail,” Yang’s feature debut, continues exploring these themes through an approach that’s caught somewhere in between an intimate art-house project and a classic literary novel.
Continue reading Alan Yang’s Poignant & Personal ‘Tigertail’ Is A Thoughtful Immigration Story [Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading Alan Yang’s Poignant & Personal ‘Tigertail’ Is A Thoughtful Immigration Story [Review] at The Playlist.
- 4/10/2020
- by Andrew Bundy
- The Playlist
Alan Yang had only been to Taiwan once in 25 years, traveling at age 7 to his grandfather's funeral. The subsequent quarter century was spent fairly assimilated into "all-American" culture: playing sports in his hometown of Riverside, California, writing for The Harvard Lampoon, getting staffed on Parks and Recreation.
Young Yang probably couldn't have imagined that for his feature directorial debut, he'd be location scouting rice fields in his parents' native country, taking the train back to Taipei at the end of long shoot days to crack a few Taiwan Beers with his crew. Tigertail, which premieres on Netflix ...
Young Yang probably couldn't have imagined that for his feature directorial debut, he'd be location scouting rice fields in his parents' native country, taking the train back to Taipei at the end of long shoot days to crack a few Taiwan Beers with his crew. Tigertail, which premieres on Netflix ...
- 4/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Alan Yang had only been to Taiwan once in 25 years, traveling at age 7 to his grandfather's funeral. The subsequent quarter century was spent fairly assimilated into "all-American" culture: playing sports in his hometown of Riverside, California, writing for The Harvard Lampoon, getting staffed on Parks and Recreation.
Young Yang probably couldn't have imagined that for his feature directorial debut, he'd be location scouting rice fields in his parents' native country, taking the train back to Taipei at the end of long shoot days to crack a few Taiwan Beers with his crew. Tigertail, which premieres on Netflix ...
Young Yang probably couldn't have imagined that for his feature directorial debut, he'd be location scouting rice fields in his parents' native country, taking the train back to Taipei at the end of long shoot days to crack a few Taiwan Beers with his crew. Tigertail, which premieres on Netflix ...
- 4/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here’s the beautiful but frustrating thing about a movie as personal as Taiwanese American director Alan Yang’s “Tigertail,” which debuts on Netflix today: By drawing on specifics from his family story, Yang offers audiences — especially those with parents who were born abroad, as his were — a chance to see reflections of their own experience in a film determined to reconcile the gap between an immigrant father and his American-born child. At the same time, Yang overestimates just how relatable such a portrait might be, to the extent that “Tigertail” remains somewhat too obtuse in the telling.
Named for the Taiwanese village Yang’s father left behind when he moved to the U.S., the film endeavors to re-create the circumstances that sent him looking for opportunities abroad, the compromises he made to get there and the secrets this stoic man kept hidden from his children for decades, including...
Named for the Taiwanese village Yang’s father left behind when he moved to the U.S., the film endeavors to re-create the circumstances that sent him looking for opportunities abroad, the compromises he made to get there and the secrets this stoic man kept hidden from his children for decades, including...
- 4/10/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Anyone watching “Tigertail” because of writer-director Alan Yang’s role in creating “Master of None” may be surprised to find that there’s nothing funny about it. With time, however, “Tigertail” develops a case for its modest aims. A slow-burn immigrant drama with visual polish to spare, the movie molds the leisurely plot into a lush, moving portrait of American dreams undercut by harsh reality checks. Yang infuses his earnest, semi-fictionalized story (inspired by his own father’s experiences) with the evocative narrative traditions of modern Asian cinema, from Wong Kar Wai to Edward Yang, resulting in a rich and intimate atmosphere at every turn. While the movie doesn’t achieve the narrative mastery of its influences,
At its center is a familiar journey. Growing up in ‘60s-era Taiwan, young factory worker Ping-Juri endures the frustrations of an arranged marriage, his demanding mother, and his mounting desire to find success in America.
At its center is a familiar journey. Growing up in ‘60s-era Taiwan, young factory worker Ping-Juri endures the frustrations of an arranged marriage, his demanding mother, and his mounting desire to find success in America.
- 4/10/2020
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
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