Liza Burnett Fefferman and Heath Shapiro Join Radius
Fefferman was named EVP of Publicity, while Shaprio will serve as VP of Marketing and Distribution. Their new roles are effective immediately at RADiUS-TWC. The distributor's co-presidents announced the hires and they will report to them directly. Previously Shapiro served as the VP of national sales for Independent Distribution Partners, while Fefferman spent five years as Senior Vice President, Publicity at Samuel Goldwyn Films and ATO Pictures via their partnership in IDP Independent Distribution Partners.
Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund Names 2012 Grantees
Now in its fifth year, provides finishing funds, year-round support and guidance to domestic and international documentary filmmakers with feature-length films highlighting and humanizing issues of social importance from around the world. Projects that will collectively receive $100K are: E-Team (Directors Katy Chevigny & Ross Kauffman), God Loves Uganda (Director Roger Ross Williams), First to Fall (Director Rachel Anderson), Mercy Mercy (Director Katrine W Kjaer), Two Children of the Red Mosque (Director Hemal Trivedi). Projects receiving $50K in funding for the 2012 Spotlighting Women Documentary Award are: Alias Ruby Blade (Director Alex Meillier), Stargazing - working title (Director Berit Madsen), The Supreme Price (Director Joanna Lipper).
Wally Pfister to Spearhead Kodak Focus at LA Film Festival
Director-cinematographer Wally Pfister will headline the annual Kodak Focus program at this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival. The conversation will spotlight Pfister’s artistic and technical accomplishments by screening scenes from three of his films – Insomnia, Laurel Canyon and Inception. Kodak Focus takes place on June 23 at 1 p.m. at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live. The seminar is free with a festival ticket.
Around the 'net...
Marilyn Monroe Estate Threatens to Sue over Hologram
A concert featuring a holographic of the late screen legend is the focus of possible legal action by her estate. Digicon Media has rights to a "virtual Marilyn" and plans to feature the star in "concerts," but it received a cease and desist order from the estate, THR reports.
Universal Vice Chairman & COO Begins Move to Retirement
Rick Finklestein will transition out of his roles at the studio as he heads to retirement in two years. He'll continue to work with head Ron Meyer on special projects before calling it quits, Deadline reports.
Sony to Make Tonka Toys Animated Movie
Sony Pictures is developing an animated film based on the 65 year-old toy truck brand. Sony Pictures Animation and Happy Madison Productions will produce with Hasbro, Deadline reports.
Warner Bros. Turning to Guinness Book of World Records
The studio is looking to turn some record-breaking into movies. The Office writer Danny Chun will write a script but details are under wraps, Complex reports.