Category: media

A group of retired federal drug enforcement agents sued NBC Universal on Wednesday, saying the movie “American Gangster” falsely portrayed them as villains in the story of a Harlem heroin trafficker.

“An unusually large number of available films, an abundance of potential buyers and Hollywood’s labor unrest is fueling talk of the most robust Sundance market in years.”

So much was made of the January return of several late-night talk hosts in the midst of the writers’ strike that it seems fair to ask who’s actually winning this strange TV battle? David Letterman doesn’t appear to be benefiting much from having a writing staff, Jay Leno still can’t see more than one way to do a late night show, and Jon Stewart just looks like he’s having no fun at all…

The UK’s Bafta Film Award nominees were unveiled today, with Golden Globe winner Atonement leading the field. “Amid fears that a writers’ strike could jeopardize this year’s Oscars ceremony, the red carpet BAFTA show at London’s Royal Opera House on Feb. 10 could attract plenty of Hollywood glamour.”

Hollywood continues to insist that the Oscars will not be canceled, regardless of whether the writers’ strike is still ongoing. But there is a very real risk that the ceremony could be severely scaled back, and even pulled off television entirely.

“The Sundance Film Festival is always the most paradoxical of events, and this year’s edition is shaping up as no exception… [It] celebrates independence, but it has become known as a site for celebrity swag.” And for a fest that is known for launching unknown films and filmmakers, it sports an unusual number of high-profile movies with famous names attached.

“On Monday, the striking Writers Guild of America announced interim deals with Spyglass Entertainment and Media Rights Capital that allow its members to write on those companies’ projects… It’s a development that has many writers hopeful,” and has the few studios that have agreed to deals in the unique position of suddenly being the only game in town.

“Sundance, the specialty world’s blend of trade show and high school reunion, always brings together an unlikely mix. Partying college students, European directors, swag culture and specialty execs all bump up against one another.”

Some acclaimed international movies didn’t make the cut…

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood were nominated Monday for the Producers Guild of America’s top honors. Notably missing from the list [was] Atonement, which won the Golden Globe Award on Sunday as best dramatic picture of 2007.”