Also among this morning news briefs: James Bond gets a complete retrospective in Los Angeles, a film journalist jumps to the production side, Men in Black 3 melts at the British box office, and more...
Sony Pictures Classics Sets U.S. Release for Palme d'Or Winner Amour
Michael Haneke's Amour will open Dec. 19 in New York and Los Angeles, the distributor announced on Tuesday. Amour is the director's third Cannes prize-winner released domestically via Sony Classics, including his Best Director-nabbing Caché in 2005 and his Palme d'Or triumph The White Ribbon in 2009.
Screen International's Mike Goodridge Heads to Protagonist
The longtime Screen journalist, who spent time with the publication in the U.S. before his appointment as editor in London in 2009, has been named CEO of the international sales and financing company Protagonist Pictures. He replaces outgoing CEO Ben Roberts, who was appointed as head of the Film Fund at the BFI in April. Protagonist titles include Tyrannosaur, Kill List, The Deep Blue Sea and Submarine; its current slate includes Nick Love’s action thriller The Sweeney and Sightseers from Ben Wheatley.
BAFTA to Mark James Bond's 50th with Retrospective
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles will team with the American Cinematheque to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 007 and the 25th anniversary of BAFTA LA with a complete retrospective of the James Bond series at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. The series commences June 8; find the complete schedule and more details here.
Ethiopian Filmmakers Feted by Monaco and Cannes
Filmmakers Henok Mebratu, Olisarali Olibui and Yidnekachew Shumete are participants of an educational program sponsored by The International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA). The trio traveled to France/Monaco for the full works including premieres, meetings, workshops, seminars and parties presenting their work. Actor Billy Zane flew in to mentor the group, which also attended a benefit dinner hosted by IEFTA head Marco Orsini. IEFTA has supported emerging talent from the African country since 2008.
Around the 'net…
Controversy Continues to Plague G.I. Joe 2
Officially adding 3-D was the excuse for a nine-month delay in the roll out of the previously planned summer blockbuster, but everything from Battleship's failure to Channing Tatum's diminished presence and more is now cited among the real reasons Paramount suddenly, shockingly delayed its summer tentpole. Deadline and THR report.
Men in Black 3 Can't Take Heat in U.K.
The film opened on one of the warmest days of the year in Britain, and its £2.94 million ($4.58 million) opening weekend compares much more modestly to other recent debuts including The Dictator, American Reunion, The Avengers and The Hunger Games. The Guardian reports.