Biz Break: 1st Oscar Winner Re-Released, Tyler Perry Fire, Gene Kelly Honored, and More

Wednesday morning's news roundup includes a fire at Tyler Perry's studios in Atlanta, an AMPAS celebration for Gene Kelly's centennial and a rare screening of the first Oscar-winner, Wings. The Hunger Games partners form a new label, Fandor plans a new indie news site and Justin Bieber's manager joins a doc spotlighting America's school dropout crisis.

First Oscar Winner Wings Set for Screenings
A restored version of the 1927 World War I drama Wings, the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, is set to hit screens for a rare presentation, exhibitor Cinemark Holdings said. Produced by Paramount for an whopping $2 million, the film explores the devastating effects of war through the story of two men who go off to battle and the woman they both leave behind. This historic piece of cinema stars Clara Bow, Charles “Buddy” Rogers and Richard Arlen, and also features Gary Cooper in one of his first feature film roles. A fully restored version of the feature will be presented May 2 and 16 at select Cinemark locations.

Academy to Fete Gene Kelly
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a two-night celebration of the life and career of dancer, director and choreographer Gene Kelly on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Film clips, personal remembrances and an exploration of the technology Kelly used to change the look of dance on film will be featured May 17 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, and Friday, May 18 at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Both programs will be hosted by Kelly’s widow, film historian Patricia Ward Kelly.

Around the 'net…

Tyler Perry's Atlanta Studios Catch Fire
A 4-alarm fire broke out at 9pm last night at Tyler Perry Studios, AP reported Tuesday night. The complex includes a 200,000 square-foot studio and other buildings. No injuries were reported.

Justin Bieber's Manager Boards Doc About Public School Dropout Crisis
Scott 'Scooter' Braun, who manages an array of musical acts including Justin Bieber, will produce director Adam McKay's look at the scourge of American school dropouts, Deadline reports.

Hunger Games' Joe Drake Partners on New Film Label
Longtime partners Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane have launched a new full-service motion picture financing, production and global sales company, Good Universe. It will kick off its upcoming slate with films in Cannes, Deadline reports.

Mad Men Actress Climbs Kilimanjaro
Actress Abigail Spencer will star opposite actor Brian Geraghty (Hurt Locker) in indie drama Kilimanjaro, which will be directed by Walter Strafford. The story revolves around Geraghty's character who dreams of climbing the mountain, Africa's highest. THR reports.

Fandor Launches Digital Film Magazine Keyframe
Online film service Fandor is backing a new site dubbed Keyframe, which will "provide in-depth coverage of the art, craft and business of the film world." San Francisco-based Susie Gerhard will serve as editor-in-chief. She formally headed website SF360, initiated by Indiewire and the San Francisco Film Society, Market Watch reports.