Category: Latest News

AIDC (Australian International Documentary Conference) Reveals 2023 Theme & First Look At Program Line-Up

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Katia Krafft wearing aluminized suit standing near lava burst at Krafla Volcano, Iceland. (Credit: Image’Est)

 

The Southern Hemisphere’s premier industry forum and marketplace for documentary and factual content – the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) – today announces the first confirmed guests and theme for its 2023 conference. AIDC 2023 will take place in-person from 5-8 March 2023 at ACMI, Melbourne, followed by an online international marketplace, 9-11 March 2023.

American documentary filmmaker Sara Dosa, director of the award-winning feature doc Fire of Love (Nat Geo/Madman), about volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, is the first speaker to be announced for the 2023 line-up, and will lead AIDC’s Spotlight program with a very special In Conversation session. Fire of Love has recently been listed as a frontrunner in the 2023 Oscars race by Indiewire, Variety, and the Hollywood Reporter, and has recently been nominated for seven US Critics Choice Awards including Best Documentary Feature and Best Director.

Also confirmed is Delhi-based filmmaker and writer Shaunak Sen, whose feature documentary All That Breathes won the L’Oeil d’Or (Golden Eye) for the best documentary at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance International Film Festival, and the Grierson Award in Documentary Competition at the BFI – London Film Festival. All That Breathes was selected for AIDC’s FACTory international pitching showcase in 2021 under the title Airborne and AIDC is thrilled to have Shaunak now join the conference as a speaker.

On the industry expertise front, Fatima Salaria, Managing Director of UK Production Company Naked Television, will bring her extensive knowledge of successful specialist factual and factual entertainment to Australian producers, having worked across programs like Grand Designs, 60 Days on the Streets, The Day I Picked My Parents, and the recently announced Planet Sex fronted by Cara Delevingne.

Rounding out the first speaker announcement is Emmy Award-winning Moroccan-American filmmaker Rita Baghdadi, director of the acclaimed feature doc Sirens, about an all-female thrash metal band in Lebanon. The documentary has been an audience favourite at Sundance, Tribeca, Melbourne and Sydney film festivals, and won awards at Outfest, Sun Valley and Florida film festivals. Rita is also the co-founder of Lady & Bird Films (Subject, Tribeca 2022), a highly sought-after cinematographer, and the director of award-winning documentaries My Country No More and City Rising.

AIDC 2023: AGENTS OF CHANGE

AIDC is proud to announce Agents of Change as the central theme for 2023, celebrating the people and the practices working to elevate documentary and factual storytelling. Through this theme, AIDC 2023 will highlight the changemakers of nonfiction storytelling, and bring focus to the champions of the craft leading the way for the creation of bold stories with real world impact.

AIDC CEO / Creative Director Natash Gadd, said, “During this time of cultural, political and social unrest, documentary filmmakers continue to document and explore the ever changing forces of the world around us. Far from passive observers, they are also active drivers of change both in the way we craft stories and the impact these stories create. AIDC’s 2023 theme, Agents of Change, spotlights the people, ideas and practices challenging and evolving the ways we create, share and experience nonfiction stories – from the visionaries to the provocateurs, innovators and iconoclasts. In a world of continuous disruption – both in our sector and society at large – join us at AIDC 2023 as we explore the legacy of those who paved the way, the new voices leading the charge, and what potential futures lie ahead!”

Under the theme Agents of Change, AIDC 2023 will explore the following subthemes through keynotes, industry panels and initiatives: Upcoming (new voices, new audiences), Breaking Ground (truth-telling, investigation and impact), Shifting Perspectives (craft, storytelling and representation), In Focus (advocacy, reform, ethics and integrity), and Future Horizons (innovation, technology, sustainability and regeneration).

AIDC INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE

The 2023 AIDC Marketplace & Industry Program will once again provide the widest array of business and project development opportunities for documentary and factual practitioners.

Confirmed attendees include representatives from 40 high profile broadcasters, streamers, distributors, sales agents and funding bodies, like: A+E Networks (USA), ABC (Australia), American Documentary/POV (USA), ARTE G.E.I.E (France), Autlook Filmsales (Austria), BBC Storyville (UK), Blue Ice Docs (Canada), CAA Media Finance (USA), CAT&Docs (France), CBC (Canada), Cinetic Media (USA), Chicken & Egg Pictures (USA), Dhaka DocLab (Bangladesh), DocPlay (Australia), Doc Society (Australia), Docs by the Sea (Indonesia), Dogwoof (UK), EBS (South Korea), Fremantle Australia (Australia), Hot Docs (Canada), Java Films (France), Journeyman Pictures (UK), Lightdox (Switzerland), Madman Entertainment (Australia), NHK (Japan), NITV (Australia), Off the Fence (Netherlands), Paramount ANZ (Australia), Participant (USA), Prime Video (Australia), Reservoir Docs (France), Sandbox Films (USA), Seesaw Pictures (South Korea), Sheffield Doc/Fest (UK), Stan (Australia), Sunny Side of the Doc (France), The Whickers (UK), TRT World (Turkey), Words + Pictures (USA).

AIDC’s centrepiece international pitching showcase, The FACTory, presented by VicScreen, is currently accepting submissions, with projects sought across three strands; the Central Showcase (for projects in development with international potential); New Talent Showcase (for projects by early-career filmmakers); and Rough Cut Showcase (for projects seeking sales, distribution, and exhibition opportunities). Selected projects will pitch live to decision makers during AIDC 2023.

Meetings between industry guests and accredited producers will take place through Cut to the Chase, presented by Xe Money Transfer, AIDC’s curated meetings program for Business Pass and All Access Pass-holders. Cut to the Chase matches producers and their projects to the most relevant commissioning editors, acquisitions executives, distributors, sales agents, financiers and funders, with local meetings taking place during AIDC and international meetings arranged online.

Run during Cut to the Chase, the DocPlay Originals Pitch returns to give project teams the opportunity to pitch to Australasian streaming platform DocPlay with unique home-grown, docu-series projects seeking equity investment. Key genres sought include true crime, music, science, Indigenous stories, technology and sport, and projects with international appeal or international partners attached are encouraged to apply.

Also returning as part of Cut to the Chase is The Post Lounge Doc Pitch, designed to support a standout documentary or factual project with up to $30,000 worth of development investment through post-production, to be used for a sizzle, teaser or pilot. Producers are now invited to submit a feature, one-off or series in development across any genre from ob-doc to factual entertainment, archival or true crime.

AIDC AWARDS

Nominations are also sought for the 2023 AIDC Awards, recognising outstanding completed works of new Australian documentary and factual content across six categories: Best Feature Documentary, Best Documentary/Factual Series, Best Documentary/Factual Single, Best Short-Form Documentary, Best Audio Documentary ($3,000 cash prize presented by AFTRS), and Best Interactive/Immersive Documentary.

Capping it off is the Stanley Hawes Award, a $5,000 prize presented annually at AIDC for outstanding long-term contribution to the Australian documentary, factual or unscripted screen sector. The jury for the AIDC Awards will be announced next month, with 2023 AIDC Awards presentation taking place at ACMI on Wednesday 8 March 2023.

Building on a successful 2022 event, which saw over 640 Australian and international delegates take part, AIDC 2023 will continue to provide unparalleled networking, upskilling, and project development opportunities for a buoyant documentary and factual sector. Many more high-profile national and international speakers will be revealed soon.

“AN UNMISSABLE SCREEN EVENT”

Caroline Pitcher, CEO of VicScreen, said, “VicScreen has been a proud long-term partner of AIDC. The conference is an unmissable screen event – every year it uncovers striking ideas and inspires unforgettable filmmaking. VicScreen supported documentaries Clean and Franklin were previously pitched at the conference and have now both been nominated for Best Documentary at the 2022 AACTA Awards. We can’t wait to see the bold and meaningful stories come out of next year’s conference.”

Seb Chan, Director & CEO, ACMI, said: “Australia’s national museum of screen culture returns as a presenting partner of AIDC in 2023. The ACMI team takes enormous pride in supporting local and international documentary and factual practitioners to learn, network and be inspired via our state-of-the-art mutiplatform museum. Documentary and factual content creators are crucial to our understanding of a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world – supporting these practitioners to tell courageous stories has never been more important.”

Business Passes and All Access Passes for AIDC 2023 are now available, offering unlimited access to AIDC’s extensive marketplace and networking opportunities. AIDC has also released a Sessions Pass for those without marketplace needs, providing access only to the sessions program (to be revealed 25 January 2023).

Further announcements about AIDC initiatives and major new pitching opportunities will follow in the coming weeks, with the full session program to be revealed 25 January 2023. Registration for AIDC 2023 is now open via the website.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 AACTA Awards

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The 2022 AACTA Awards, presented by Foxtel Group, are Australia’s leading film and television awards, celebrating the best achievements on the Australian screen from the past year.

For the first time in two years, you will be able to purchase tickets to attend the Awards Ceremony at The Hordern in Sydney’s iconic Entertainment Quarter, home of Fox Studios. Tickets include the opportunity to walk the Red Carpet and be immersed in the glamour and spectacle at one of the biggest events in Australian entertainment.

 EVENT DETAILS 

Date: Wednesday, 7th December 2022Location: Hordern, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021Dress code: Red Carpet glam

To get tickets: AACTA 2022

AIDC 2023 early bird passes & FACTory submissions open

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Discount early bird passes are now on sale for AIDC 2023, Australia’s premier conference and marketplace for documentary and factual film, television, streaming and digital media.Happening 5-8 March 2023 at ACMI, Melbourne, with an additional online market taking place 9-11 March 2023, AIDC 2023 will feature another world-class line-up of keynotes, panels and masterclasses by leading talents in documentary and factual, alongside a thriving industry program attended by top-tier local and global commissioners, funders and sales agents. The first look at the 2023 program drops 3 November 2022.Applications are also now open for AIDC 2023’s centrepiece live pitch for new documentary and factual projects, the FACTory International Pitching Forum, presented by VicScreen. The FACTory is a platform for the most exciting new feature documentary and series projects from around Australia and the world, with up to 15 teams selected to present their work in a live pitch to Australian and international funders and decision makers. Learn more at www.aidc.com.auEarly Bird Short CopyDiscount early bird passes are now on sale for #AIDC2023, Australia’s premier conference and market for documentary and factual media, happening 5-8 March 2023 at #ACMI, Melbourne: https://www.aidc.com.au/register/passes/FACTory Short CopyApplications are now open for AIDC’s #FACTory forum pitch for new feature documentary & factual series projects, happening during #AIDC2023 (5-8 Mar 2023, ACMI, Melb) & presented by VicScreen: https://www.aidc.com.au/pitches-marketplace/the-factory-2/

The ‘Babylon’ Trailer Starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie Has Just Dropped

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Margot Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy in BABYLON from Paramount Pictures. PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

From Damien Chazelle, BABYLON is an original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li and Jean Smart.

A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY

Damien Chazelle 

PRODUCED BY

Marc Platt, p.g.a., Matthew Plouffe, p.g.a., Olivia Hamilton, p.g.a.   

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Michael Beugg, Tobey Maguire, Wyck Godfrey, Helen Estabrook, Adam Siegel  

STARRING

Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, P.J. Byrne, Lukas Haas, Olivia Hamilton, Tobey Maguire, Max Minghella, Rory Scovel, Katherine Waterston, Flea, Jeff Garlin, Eric Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Samara Weaving, and Olivia Wilde.

Check out the trailer below:

Disney+ Introduces a New Adventure in Season Two of “The Mysterious Benedict Society”

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Today, Disney+ unveiled the key art and trailer for the sophomore season of the Original series, “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” from Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, which will return with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, October 26 on Disney+. This season, Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance, the four gifted orphans who were recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict (Tony Hale), embark on another mission to save the world from the nefarious plans of his twin brother Dr. L.D. Curtain (also Hale). The Original series, based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Trenton Lee Stewart, will debut new episodes weekly on Wednesdays, streaming on Disney+. When the kids discover that Mr. Benedict and Number Two have been kidnapped, they must piece together the riddles and clues within a perilous scavenger hunt set by Mr. Benedict to foil Curtain’s latest scheme. Relying on only their wits, intellect, and empathy, the charming group of misfits embark on a globe-trotting adventure by air, land, sea and pie truck, calling upon their special skills to solve the mysteries and rescue their lost comrades. Along the way, the kids experience the growing pains that come along with being part of their new “found family”, while remaining true to their unique selves. In the process, they discover what true happiness really means.  In addition to Hale, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Kristen Schaal as Number Two; MaameYaa Boafo as Rhonda Kazembe; Ryan Hurst as Milligan; Gia Sandhu as Ms. Perumal; Seth B. Carr as George “Sticky” Washington; Emmy DeOliveira as Kate Wetherall; Mystic Inscho as Reynie Muldoon; and Marta Kessler as Constance Contraire. The Disney Branded Television series is executive produced by Halcyon Studio a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Company and 20th Television. Jamie Tarses, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Deepak Nayar, James Bobin, Matt Manfredi (writer/creator) and Phil Hay (writer/creator) serve as executive producers. Showrunners for the series are Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin.

Check out the trailer below:

The Magical teaser trailer and key art for Disney’s all-new, live-action, musical comedy ‘Disenchanted’ has just dropped

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The magical teaser trailer for the all-new live-action musical comedy “Disenchanted,” which premiered at the D23 Expo 2022 in the Anaheim Convention Center over the weekend, is here! The eagerly-anticipated sequel to “Enchanted,” which reunites original cast members Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, and James Marsden and also stars Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jayma Mays, is directed by Adam Shankman and features new songs from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. “Disenchanted” begins streaming November 24, exclusively on Disney+. It has been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family. “Disenchanted stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, Gabriella Baldacchino, with Idina Menzel and James Marsden. Directed by Adam Shankman from a screenplay by Brigitte Hales and a story by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss and Richard LaGravenese, “Disenchanted” is produced by Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Amy Adams, with Jo Burn, Sunil Perkash, and Adam Shankman serving as executive producers. The movie features songs with music by 8-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Oscar-winning lyricist Stephen Schwartz, whose work on “Enchanted” garnered three Academy Award® nominations and a score by Alan Menken. Disney’s “Disenchanted” begins streaming November 24, 2022, only on Disney+. 

Check out the trailer below:

Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing Corinne Furman

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Corinne Furman’s first ever film has just been released in over 600 cinemas across the UK and Ireland. She plays the part of ‘Paige’ in ‘Fisherman’s Friends: One and All’; a ditsy reality star who has just been signed to a record deal. She got to work alongside amazing actors, such as James Purefoy, Maggie Steed, David Hayman, and Imelda May. Following that, she played the leading role of ‘Hope’ in ‘The Hunting of the Snark,’ a feature film directed by Simon Da Vison, alongside Ramon Tikaram. This will be released in the next few months. She also played ‘Maya’ in ‘Rebel Cheer Squad – A Get Even Series’ (Get Even 2), the BBC/Netflix series directed by Nigel Douglas, which is available on Netflix worldwide.

FilmCentral magazine recently caught up with Corinne to discuss her journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself? 

My name is Corinne Furman, and I am an actress. I trained from a very young age in dance but fell in love with acting as soon as I started to take acting classes. I was raised in a very animal-orientated family and have travelled worldwide to see incredible wildlife. I absolutely love animals, so I have always been vegetarian (never ever eaten meat), and I am now vegan. My family and friends are very important to me, but my two dogs insist they are the most important!

How did you get started in the entertainment industry? 

I started to dance at three years old, and it was always what I enjoyed most. When I was older, I was at dance class nearly every day of the week after school. I then joined a performing arts school when I was nine, and they started showing me the other avenues of the industry (acting/singing). I started taking acting classes every week and absolutely fell in love with it. I realised quickly that I much preferred acting to dancing. The school also had an agency attached, and I started to audition for a few little acting roles. My first ever acting job was a ‘New York Bagels’ advert when I was ten years old, and I remember saying to my mum after that day that acting is what I wanted to do forever.

What do you like most about acting? 

It’s not solely the acting I enjoy. The most exciting part for me is being on set – I love doing something different every day, meeting new people, seeing how everything comes together -knowing the months of hard work and preparation prior to filming. In terms of actual acting, I love being able to tell important stories. I think the art of acting is so freeing; you are taken into a place where you can express your emotions and life experiences, good or bad, and channel them into something beautiful. I think acting is so special, in the sense that even if you were doing the same scene, working with different actors would produce different work, as every actor will bring something different to the table.

What are your weak points when it comes to acting? How do you try to improve them? 

My main weakness as an actor has been my dyslexia, which may mean I have more trouble initially understanding a script. However, I do believe it means I am a more creative person. I have a very photographic mind; I can see things being played out and the scene as a sort of choreography. I think dyslexia is something that should never hinder an actor but can be used to one’s advantage.

What are your strong points as an actor? 

My strong point as an actor is my determination and hard work. I am determined to create the life I want for myself and to be able to do what I love every day. I also believe I am very sociable and find it very easy to get on with most people. This means that I am comfortable working with a whole variety of people.

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career? 

Even from a very young age, the directors I’ve worked with were so supportive and inspiring that they’ve reaffirmed to me time and time again that acting is what I want to do forever. I’ve always had the best time on set, and without such amazing directors, it may not have been clear that I wanted to continue on this path. They’ve each taught me different things, but as a collective, they’ve helped me learn always to trust my choices and decisions as an actor and believe in myself.

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business? 

The main difficulty is rejection. Also, the determination it takes to get where you want to be. What they say about it not being an easy industry is true, but I guess that’s why so many people give up. I refuse to do anything else; it’s all I think about pretty much every hour of every day – but it is hard sometimes to keep your spirits high, to keep motivated, and keep pushing for it when sometimes it may feel like you’re not getting anywhere with it. I think the times when you’re not working are also super difficult. It’s all I want to be doing.

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life? 

I think the most challenging part about bringing a script to life starts with the audition process. Each part within a script can be interpreted in so many ways that it is hard to know what the director/writer/producer has/had in mind. Due to covid, many first-round auditions start with a self-tape (a read-through of a certain scene, by video, done at home), which is then sent directly to the casting directors. Without being in the room with the option of someone asking you to play a part differently, it leaves only your interpretation which you hope hits the mark. I wish we could be given a few directions (play it more subtly, play it more over the top, etc.) which may make the process easier for an actor but obviously a lot longer for casting directors etc.!

What do you do when you’re not filming? 

I volunteer for a dog rescue charity in my spare time. They’re called ‘Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue’. We aim to find loving homes for abandoned and neglected dogs on death row in Hungary. We save the dogs from killing stations/the streets in Hungary and bring them to the UK to be homed. It can be heartbreaking at times to see the states that some of the dogs are found in, but it is so rewarding to see them go into their new homes and begin their new lives filled with love. I’ve met such great people along the way, and it’s such a beautiful thing to do. I have two lovely rescue dogs myself who take up a lot of my time, but I love every second I spend with them. They’re the best two little beings that ever came into my life.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far? 

Hands down, the most memorable and most special experience of my career so far has been attending the ‘Fisherman’s Friends: One and All’ premiere. Seeing myself on the big screen for the first time was so exciting – this was my first ever job after graduating from University, so it was always going to be a really special moment. Hopefully, the first of many more to come! It was great seeing all my fellow cast members again after so long, walking my first ever (little) red carpet, getting my pictures taken, etc. But also, to see the film in its entirety was so special. I felt the pure joy from everyone involved in creating the film throughout the whole cinema, and it made me feel so proud to be part of such an amazing production.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far? 

The person I’ve really connected with the most has been Ramon Tikaram, who is most known for his roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Eastenders’. Ramon plays ‘Jez’ in ‘Fisherman’s Friends: One and All’. After ‘Fisherman’s Friends’, we worked on another film called ‘The Hunting of the Snark’. ‘The Hunting of the Snark’ is a Lewis Carroll poem and has been adapted into a film by the amazing director Simon Da Vison. It is to be released in the next few months. Ramon has such an incredible energy and talent. As it was my first job, he knew I’d feel a bit nervous, making me feel super comfortable and welcome. He clearly cares a lot about his fellow cast members and has a really big heart.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you? 

I would play me! The more acting jobs I can do, the happier I’ll be!

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

My full focus is on my acting; it’s what I want more than anything in life. I do have a couple of film roles in the pipeline. I want to continue learning, attend acting classes, and do anything I can to grow my craft and become the best actor I can be. I’d also love the opportunity to travel with work. Outside of my career, I want to continue to help to save as many dogs as possible.

If there is anything else or interesting you can tell us

During my time at University, I worked at a day centre for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed. I helped run various activities with their clients, including acting workshops. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I hope in the future, I can use my platform as an actress to help disadvantaged people. I want to help make a difference.

“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers” Season 2 Trailer Has Just Dropped

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Just recently, Disney+ released a new trailer for season two of “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.” The Disney Branded Television series, produced by ABC Signature, will premiere Wednesday, September 28, with new episodes dropping weekly on the streaming service. After winning back the Mighty Ducks team name last year, our squad-with-heart and their coach Alex Morrow (Lauren Graham) take to the road to attend an intense summer hockey institute in California run by charming yet hardcore former NHL player, Colin Cole (Josh Duhamel). It’s a place for kids to get excellent at hockey — without school to get in the way. As our Ducks try to survive in this super-competitive environment, they’re faced with the question: Can you win summer?  “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers” season two stars Lauren Graham and Josh Duhamel with returning cast members Brady Noon, Maxwell Simkins, Swayam Bhatia, Luke Islam, Taegen Burns, and DJ Watts. Naveen Paddock joins the cast as a series regular. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by ABC Signature. Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa serve as showrunners and executive producers. Additional executive producers include Lauren Graham, George Heller, Brad Petrigala, Jordan Kerner, Jon Avnet and Steve Brill.  

Check out the trailer below: 

The Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank Featurette Has Just Dropped

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Michelle Yeoh as “Yuki” in Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, Align, and Aniventure.

Michael Cera and Samuel L. Jackson are the hilarious Hank and Jimbo.

See them light up the big screen when PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK hits cinemas these September school holidays.

SYNOPSIS:

A hard-on-his-luck hound Hank (Michael Cera) finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain’s (Ricky Gervais) evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant teacher (Samuel L. Jackson) to train him, our underdog must assume the role of town samurai and team up with the villagers to save the day. The only problem… cats hate dogs! Also starring Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Kylie Kuioka, and Cathy Shim.

CAST:

Michael Cera, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias,

Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Kylie Kuioka, Cathy Shim and Samuel L. Jackson

View the featurette below:

Powerful New Feature Documentary The Cancer Conflict To Be Released This Month

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Renowned for creating ground-breaking documentaries centred around important social issues, critically acclaimed Australian filmmaker, Thomas Meadmore, (After The Night [The Night Caller], The Spy Who Fell To Earth) is now putting the spotlight on one of the most impactful diseases of our time with his new documentary The Cancer Conflict.

An incredibly powerful feature film, The Cancer Conflict will be released worldwide on 21 September and raises the ultimate question: What would you trust when your life is on the line?

The latest figures from the American Medical Association state that up to up to 90% of cancer patients look for treatment outside of their healthcare system at some point, a decision that doubles the risk of death.

The Cancer Conflict follows both 53 year-old Grant who has been diagnosed with Stage 2 bowel cancer and chooses conventional medical treatment; and 51 year-old Surinder, who has Type 2 breast cancer and opts for a completely natural and alternative route.

Emotional and compelling, the intimate documentary raises questions around how to make informed choices in an online world of misinformation, which couldn’t be more needed or relevant than right now. Impartial at all times, the film also explores the challenges that arise for those looking for miracles, while giving people an informed vicarious experience that can help them on their own journey or allow them to feel seen and understood.

Thomas Meadmore, Creator and Director says: “Almost everyone will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives, either directly or via a loved one. It’s tragic and yet we live in an age where there is so much misinformation online and people don’t know what or who to trust in their plight to survive. The doctor-patient relationship also often lacks compassion, which is something that needs to be addressed in order to build and sustain trust in the evidence-based system. With The Cancer Conflict I wanted to explore the reality of the cancer treatment decision making process with empathy and without judgement, whilst also presenting cold hard facts, and I’m so honoured that Grant and Surinder allowed me to tell their stories.”

Dr Toral Gathani, Oxford University Senior Cancer Research Fellow and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, says: “The Cancer Conflict is a beautifully made and incredibly powerful film which tells the story of two cancer patients struggling for different reasons with their diagnoses, and who choose to seek treatment outside of the publicly funded system. For me, the film emphasised how important mutual respect and trust are between healthcare professional and patient when delivering cancer care. In my view, a must see for all those who work with cancer patients.”

The Cancer Conflict is written, directed and produced by Thomas Meadmore through Go Fish Films, with Nic Guttridge on board as Executive Producer and writer.

World Cancer Research Day takes place on 24 September.

The Cancer Conflict will be released globally on 21 September, 2022, available to download on Amazon, iTunes, Google, Xbox and Vimeo.

About Thomas Meadmore

Originally from Perth, Australia, Thomas lives and works in the UK as a director, editor, writer and producer. His 2020 AACTA-nominated Stan Original True Crime Series After The Night [The Night Caller] was a worldwide hit, while his 2019 Netflix documentary feature film The Spy Who Fell to Earth has become a cult favourite in the Middle East. Other past projects include documentaries Fred, Breaking Habits, How to Lose Jobs & Alienate Girlfriends and The Outsider, about the collapse of a multi-billion dollar shipping empire which enjoyed a Bertha Dochouse cinema release and four stars from Total Film magazine.

Alongside directing Thomas is an acclaimed editor who shared an Emmy award (2012) for The Amazing Race Australia and lists National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Channel4 and the BBC among his credits. He was also editor on Salon Pictures’ The Guv’nor, an intimate and revealing portrait of the toughest man in Britain, Lenny McClean. In addition to The Cancer Conflict, next up is a documentary for ITV on missing fraudster Melissa Caddick, and his first fiction feature Ball & Chain which is currently in development.