‘Hunger Games’ Director Francis Lawrence to Helm Netflix ‘BioShock’ Feature – Film News in Brief

Wilson Chapman, Jazz Tangcay, EJ Panaligan, Michaela Zee and Carson Burton
·8 min read

Francis Lawrence is heading under the sea. The director, best known for his work on the “Hunger Games” film franchise, has signed on to direct the upcoming “BioShock” film for Netflix.

The film will be an adaptation of the Irrational Games and 2K video game franchise, which includes three games and an upcoming installment developed by Cloud Chamber. The original 2007 “BioShock” is set in 1960, and follows an ordinary man Jack after he survives a deadly plane crash and washes up in the underwater city of Rapture. Built by the insane billionaire Andrew Ryan, Rapture was intended to be an individualist paradise for the elite, but has collapsed into anarchy, pitting Jack against biologically altered humans as he attempts to escape. The game remains highly acclaimed, and has sold over 4 million copies to date.

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Lawrence will direct a script penned by Michael Green, who previously wrote sci-fi films like “Blade Runner 2049” and “Logan.” He will additionally produce for About: Blank, along with Roy Lee for Vertigo Entertainment and 2K, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. The film will be Lawrence’s second movie for Netflix, after this year’s “Little Nemo in Slumberland” adaptation “Slumberland.” The director is also currently filming the upcoming “Hunger Games” prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”

Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali Join Voice Cast for Laika’s “Wildwood.”

Laika Animation Studios has unveiled the voice cast for its upcoming animated film “Wildwood.” The news was announced Thursday by Laika president and CEO Travis Knight.

Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant will voice characters in Laika’s new animated feature.

Based on Colin Meloy’s novel series of the same name, “Wildwood” follows Prue McKeel as she journeys into an enchanted but forbidden forest in order to rescue her little brother Mac. With the help of her classmate Curtis, the two find themselves in an unlikely fairytale filled with talking animals, bandits and evil figures.

The film is directed by Knight, who previously served as director on Laika’s “Kubo and the Two Strings.” Laika’s head of production Arianne Sutner produces alongside Knight. “Wildwood” is currently in production at Laika Studios.

Edgar Wright Teams With BBC Maestro to Teach Online Filmmaking Course

Edgar Wright, the director behind “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz” and “Scott Pilgrim vs The World,” is teaming up with the BBC Maestro platform to deliver a series of lessons about filmmaking.

Wright’s BBC Maestro course on Filmmaking offers an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to benefit from advice on the realities and pitfalls that can occur throughout each step of the production process. Throughout the course, Edgar gives viewers tips and techniques to ensure each day of filming — and the ensuing weeks of editing — run as smoothly as possible. Spanning over 4 hours in total over 27 lessons, the British director’s course will cover everything from his signature editing style and soundtrack selections to how he approaches the first day on set.

“I’d assumed wrongly that all directors were born in Hollywood and that Steven Spielberg was dropped off by a stork at Universal Pictures,” Wright said. He continued: “That’s the amazing thing about filmmaking. Everyone who works in the craft is able to define the art form on their own terms.”

The BBC Maestro platform features a series of extended, in-depth lessons with a variety of prestigious experts, allowing participants to indulge in new areas of learning from the comfort of their home. “Filmmaking” is the latest addition to he platform’s selection of courses, and each lesson is accompanied by course notes filled with Wright’s own thoughts, viewing recommendations and practical exercises to help sharpen individual filmmaking skills.

The commercial online education platform offers individual courses which can be purchased for $90. Watch the first look clip for the new course below.

Visual Effects Society Names 2022 VES Hall of Fame Inductees

The Visual Effects Society announced Tuesday its 2022 inductees into the VES Hall of Fame, which will be celebrated this fall. The honorees include Mary Ellen Bute, Alice Guy-Blaché, Grace Hopper, Bill Kovacs and George Pal.

“Our VES honorees represent a group of exceptional artists, innovators and professionals who have had a profound impact on the field of visual effects,” said VES board chair Lisa Cooke in a statement. “We are proud to recognize those who helped shape our shared legacy and continue to inspire future generations of VFX practitioners.”

Educator and industry leader Pam Hogarth was previously named the recipient of the 2022 VES Founders Award. Jeff Barnes, Patricia “Rose” Duignan, Hogarth, Toni Pace Carstensen and David Tanaka received Lifetime VES memberships while Pete Doctor received Honorary VES memberships.

David Bowie ‘Moonage Daydream’ Film Gets Exclusive IMAX Release

Brett Morgen’s David Bowie film “Moonage Daydream” will be released exclusively in IMAX theaters across North America for a week-long event beginning Sept. 16, Neon and IMAX Corporation announced Tuesday.

Moviegoers will also have access to early sneak IMAX screenings on Sept. 12, corresponding with the film’s screening at the Toronto Film Festival.

Narrated by Bowie, the experiential documentary follows the life and creative journey of the prolific singer-songwriter. In addition to music and film, Bowie also explored dance, painting, sculpture, video and audio collage, screenwriting, acting and live theater. “Moonage Daydream” includes 48 musical tracks, mixed from their original stems.

“Moonage Daydream” is directed, written and edited by Morgen, as well as produced by Morgen and his production company, Public Road Productions.

Brendan Fraser to Receive Toronto Tribute Award for Performance

Brendan Fraser will receive the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance for his role in A24’s upcoming film “The Whale.”

TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey announced the news.  “Brendan Fraser gives a performance of staggering depth, power and nuance in ‘The Whale,’” Bailey said. “This former Torontonian has been an action star, a screen comic and a romantic lead. We’re thrilled to welcome him home as the actor behind one of the finest performances of the year.”

Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” tells the story of a reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption. The A24 film is based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter and also stars Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins and Samantha Morton. It is being distributed in Canada by Elevation Pictures.

TIFF previously announced that Sam Mendes would receive the Ebert Director honor in conjunction with his latest film “Empire of Light,” which he wrote, directed and produced.

The TIFF Tribute Awards will return to an in-person gala fundraiser during the 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 11 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

‘Coraline’s’ One-Day Return to Cinema Grosses Over $800k

LAIKA’s “Coraline” returned to the big screen last week and raked in over $800k at the box office.

The film was released via Fathom Events and played on 800 screens. During the screening, fans got to see a behind-the-scenes featurette, giving audiences a glimpse into the unique creative process behind the film.

Originally released in 2009, “Coraline” is based on a novella of the same name. Dakota Fanning and Ian McShane provide the voices.

“We’re very excited to see fans come back to the theater to see ‘Coraline,’” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “We’re proud to continue to work with such great partners and to see how much moviegoers love to see this film on the big screen.”

“Fathom’s platforming of ‘Coraline’ as summer destination theatrical viewing is proving to be an evergreen delight for our fans’ said LAIKA Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Operations David  Burke. ‘We’re delighted with the continued success of LAIKA’S maiden voyage into filmmaking. The same fans who are making the ‘Coraline’ bring-back screenings such a success can look forward to another original female protagonist in an Oregon setting in our next film ‘Wildwood,’ which takes place in LAIKA’s home town of Portland.”

Watch the featurette below.

Netflix Reveals Trailer for Allison Janney-led “LOU”

Netflix shared a first look trailer for their upcoming action-thriller “LOU,” starring Academy Award winner Allison Janney and Emmy Award nominee Jurnee Smollett. The film will arrive on the streamer on September 23rd.

In a stunt-heavy role, Janney plays Lou, a woman who has put her dangerous past behind her, but finds her quiet life interrupted when a desperate mother, played by Smollett, begs her to help save her kidnapped daughter. The two women embark on a rescue mission in the middle of a massive storm, which tests their physical and mental limits. The film also stars Logan Marshall-Green and Ridley Asha Bateman. 

The film is directed by Anna Foerster from a screenplay by Maggie Cohn and Jack Stanley, with Bad Robot’s JJ Abrams, Hannah Minghella, and Jon Cohen producing. Janney and Smollett also executive produced the film.

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