Harvey Weinstein to MC Toronto Asian Film Summit
The Weinstein Company chief will act as the master of ceremonies for the closing banquet of the event, hosted by the Toronto International Film Festival that will spotlight the relationship between East and West. Previously announced guests include Jackie Chan who will attend as Guest of Honor and MPAA Chairman Senator Chris Dodd. "We’ve received tremendous support and interest from the industry and we’re confident this event will help foster deeper relationships and generate new business opportunities between key film players in the East and West," said TIFF CEO Piers Handling.
Sassy Pants Heads to Theaters
North American rights to the coming-of-age comedy/drama have been picked up by Phase 4 Films. Haley Joel Osment, Ashely Rickards (MTV's Awkward) and Anna Gunn (AMC's Breaking Bad) star in the film about teen Bethany who flees her over-protective mother and goest to live with her dad where she forms a bond with his much younger boyfriend. The film, which made its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, will release the title in theaters and VOD this fall.
Around the 'net…
Cosmopolitan Editor Helen Gurley Brown Dead at 90
The former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief died at 90 in New York shortly after being admitted to a hospital. She edited the magazine for 32 years and was the author of the groundbreaking Sex and the Single Girl. During her tenure at Cosmopolitan she became known for encouraging women to have sex regardless of marital status. She said her goal was to let tell readers "how to get everything out of life - the money, recognition, success, men, prestige, authority, dignity - whatever she is looking at through the glass her nose is pressed against," BBC reports.
Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master to Head to Toronto
The Toronto International Film Festival's Artistic Director Cameron Bailey tweeted that The Master will join the lineup at the event, which opens September 6th. The film, which debuts in Venice, stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams in a story said to be inspired by the early days of Scientology, THR reports.
Billy Ray to Write Sinatra for Martin Scorsese
Universal Pictures has tapped Billy Ray to write the script for the Frank Sinatra biopic that Martin Scorsese will direct. Scorsese is currently filming Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf Of Wall Street, Deadline reports.
Jodie Foster to Direct & Produce Mob Drama
This is her first move behind-the-camera for television. She'll direct and executive produce Angie's Body for Showtime. The concept centers on a shrew, sexy and sometimes lethal woman who runs a family-based crime syndicate, Deadline reports.