Toronto-based Sparks Productions has brought director Tim Abshire aboard its roster for representation in Canada. Known for crafting comedic stories with engaging characters and genuine dialogue exchanges, Abshire has a body of work spanning more than 100 global brands including Google, Walmart, Jeep, Coca-Cola and ESPN….
Oscar-winning (Martin Scorsese’s Hugo) visual effects company Pixomondo (PXO) announced that construction on one of Canada’s first virtual production studios is well underway in Toronto. Scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020, the facility will be overseen by PXO Toronto/Montreal head of studio, Mahmoud Rahnama. The stages will be available for shoots, and equipped with on-set PXO personnel for productions using the company’s 3D environment creation services. Mayfair Equity Partners, which acquired a majority stake in PXO in 2018, is backing the new venture with a significant new financial commitment intended to support the company and accelerate growth in 2021 and beyond. PXO CEO Jonny Slow said the new virtual studio marks “a major milestone” for PXO….
Angelina Jolie To Receive Gothams Performer Tribute For “Marie”
The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced that Academy Award®-winner Angelina Jolie will receive the Performer Tribute for her performance as Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s upcoming film Maria, at the 34th edition of The Gothams, taking place on Monday, December 2, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The tribute will honor Jolie’s rendition of legendary opera singer Callas.
“Like the legendary figure she portrays, Angelina Jolie transcends mere performance to craft something extraordinary. Her interpretation captures both Maria Callas’ complexity as an artist and the cultural resonance that defines an icon,” said Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of The Gotham. “We are thrilled to celebrate what is truly one of Ms. Jolie’s career-defining performances in the final installment of Pablo Larrain’s magnificent trilogy.”
Maria follows Callas, one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century, as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. The film reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life. Written by Steven Knight, with cinematography by Ed Lachman and costumes by Massimo Cantini Parrini, Maria has Jolie joined by a star-studded cast including Alba Rohrwacher (Hungry Hearts, Happy As Lazzaro), Pierfrancesco Favino (Padrenostro, Adagio), Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog, Dolemite Is My Name), and Valeria Golino (For Your Love, The Beautiful Game). Marie premiered to critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival and Jolie’s performance continues to stun audiences at the New York Film Festival, London Film Festival and the AFI Fest. Maria will be in... Read More