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STANLEY EXITS AS WARNER REORGANISES…
…MAJOR SPLIT INTO SIX TEAMS…
…AS STUDIO PAYS TRIBUTE TO HOME ENT STALWART
PEARCEY SET TO LEAVE LIONSGATE…
BASE PAYS TRIBUTE TO HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY
HMV FEELING “POSITIVE” ABOUT MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD
NETWORK’S SUMMER TREAT
ACORN’S READY FOR GIFTING
A GREAT RELEASE…
STANDING UPRIGHT
BLUE FINCH GRAPPLES WITH ARQUETTE
PARASITE’S STICKING AROUND
PICTUREHOUSE READY FOR LAUNCH
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
STUDIOCANAL APPLIES ROUGE
SEAMAN LEAVES VDC…
…AS COMPANY SAYS GOOD THINGS COME IN SPECIAL PACKAGES
AMAZON BAGS MURPHY SEQUEL
NEW RESOURCE LAUNCHED FOR SCHOOLSAT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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Change has long been coming to the industry, with all sorts of refocusing and repurposing in the works even before the pandemic came along and changed the film and home entertainment business even further. And the past week or two has seen a raft of announcements and further moves in what is certain to be an ongoing reorganisation of the business and the way things are done throughout the life cycle of product. And there’s definitely more to come too, we’re hearing about further changes on the way. Chief among this week’s announcements was the news that John Stanley is to leave Warner, where he has been heading up the home entertainment arm for some 14 years or so, in the UK and other territories. Stanley is stepping down at the end of month from day to day duties, although he will remain at Warner looking after a series of “transition projects” until the middle of 2021. The new leadership team will handle WarnerMedia UK and Ireland’s business under country manager Polly Cochrane and coincides with Warner’s taking over sales and distribution for Universal’s home entertainment product in the UK and Ireland as part of the worldwide pact between the two entertainment giants.
The new look Warner sees a team of six executives under Cochrane, each overseeing one arm of the business. The six include Alison Morris, who previously looked after distribution of Warner, Turner, HBO and HBO Max content, who is now heading up a newly-formed TV and digital distribution group. Neil Marshall will head up theatrical film distribution, with local film production added to the portfolio. Rachel Wakley, currently overseeing consumer products and experiences, will expand her role to take in physical video and physical and digital games sales. This will, Warner said, bring “the company’s entire physical business across all retail and e-commerce channels under her purview”. Alex Lewis will lead film and games marketing, with her remit now including digital and data strategy and media and brand partnerships as well as games and film catalogue, which is joining the existing new release film marketing. Allan Stenhouse will lead TV marketing, which now encompasses Turner and HBO Home Video marketing and distribution. Lewis and Stenhouse will also jointly oversee creative services and franchise management. Lastly, Charlie Cubbon will lead commercial development, including a new commercial planning team, as well as looking at long-term games planning and supply chain. Commenting on the new team, WarnerMedia country manager Polly Cochrane said: “I am excited to bring together such an outstanding group of executives each of whom is testament to the great talent we have within the company. As we integrate the commercial and group marketing activities of our Warner Bros. businesses and our entertainment networks, we will benefit from their passion for our product, astute thinking and proven desire to push new boundaries.”
Warner’s country manager Polly Cochrane also paid tribute to John Stanley’s time at Warner, saying: “We are sad to see John leave WarnerMedia after so many years of exceptional service but are pleased and grateful he has agreed to stay on until the end of June next year to help us transition our home video integration efforts.” Stanley himself told The Raygun after the news was announced: “I’ve had a brilliant time at Warner Bros. and in fact throughout my entire 25-year career in the Home Entertainment business. I have no idea what I’ll be doing in the future, but I do know, I’ll take with me some fantastic memories of fun things I’ve done and great people I got to meet and work with.” We’re sure Raygun readers will join us in wishing John Stanley, a strong advocate for the business and someone who fervently believes in home entertainment and our business, all the best for the future.
Over the years, the video industry, aka the home entertainment business, has churned out a production line of senior executives who have gone on to move beyond the confines of our business and into wider, more senior roles in entertainment; a fact that highlights just how good some of the people in our industry are. Nicola Pearcey is one of those, moving from home entertainment in the nascent DVD era at the likes of Disney and MGM before helping Lionsgate become a force to be reckoned with across theatrical and home entertainment in the UK, ending up as president of the company’s film and TV operations. Now, after 14 years working across all areas of the company’s business, she is leaving to pursue new opportunities. In a statement, Pearcey said: “My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding but the time has come for me to pursue an expanding range of new opportunities. It has been a privilege to help grow this company and to help build an immensely talented family internally and externally, and I’m proud of the great content and partnerships we have created over the years. I am extremely grateful to Lionsgate’s leadership team for all that we have accomplished together, and I want to salute our employees in the UK for working with passion, creativity and entrepreneurial energy on everything they do. I wish the company all the very best for continued success.” Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer added: “I want to thank Nicola for 14 years of valuable contributions to the growth of our business in the UK. She has been an inspiring and ambitious leader in growing Lionsgate UK into a strong film and television brand, and she has helped to create a vibrant and close knit culture among our employees. It has been a real pleasure working with her, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”
Nicola Pearcey was noted not just for her work at Lionsgate and other distributors, but for her efforts across the industry, working with trade organisations such as DEGI and BASE to further the cause for the wider category. Paying tribute to her work at BASE, BASE chief executive Liz Bales said: “Nicola has long been a powerhouse behind the DEGI, instigating the expansion from European to International in its evolution. Her creativity and the passion with which she challenges personal development in others has been inspirational and rewarding. Though she'll be greatly missed, her presence will leave a lasting legacy and its with huge thanks that I and the DEGI/BASE team wish her the very best for the future.” We’re sure Raygun readers will join us in wishing her all the best for the future and we hope to see her soon…
Interesting to see a strong, positive story on HMV and its current fortunes in last week’s Sunday Telegraph that may have slipped under the radar, but it’s well worth noting what the business pages of the broadsheet had to say about the business. Reporting on the retailer’s most recent set of accounts now lodged, it said HMV “entertains high hopes that that chain is back on song”, noting it had made only a “marginal loss” over the 18 months to the end of May 2020, even though the figures included three months where all its 108 stores were closed. It also confirmed that the retailer had looked at Covid-19 trading scenarios going and concluded that it could weather further storms. HMV noted its work on the website and with exclusives and special areas, such as vinyl, as well as its thriving exclusive Blu-ray and Steelbook business, would help it through any further lockdowns. Putman told the newspaper: "The results show how robust HMV really is. Despite the challenges from the first lockdown, the team is turning the business around. With a focus on our fan communities, the introduction of new ranges a move into must-have popular culture merchandise got Christmas 2020 were feeling really positive about the months and years to come.” More from the retailer next week…
Network heralded its restoration of classic Channel 4 TV programme One Summer – available via its vod service and Blu-ray through its webstore – with a YouTube Q&A with some of the talent involved in the seminal programme. One Summer, penned by Willy Russell, first aired on the station in 1983 and made a lasting impression, its soundtrack is also revered and was finally issued four years ago. The Q&A, held on Thursday November 19, hosted by culture writer William Sweet, saw stars David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh answering a host of questions about the much-loved programme (Network had released it on DVD some 10 years ago). Commenting on the event, Network’s Tim Beddows said: “David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh brought tears to the eyes of those watching them reminisce about Willy Russell’s One Summer on our live YouTube Q&A last night. For an hour they answered questions from Matthew Sweet and an online audience from all over the world and clearly the show is as loved as much, if not more, today as it was in 1983. A hugely entertaining evening.” What’s more, Network has also worked with the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres raising cash for the Young Everyman Playhouse, both by encouraging donations and also giving a slice of the proceeds to the organisation where One Summer’s stars started their careers. We’re really grateful to be a part of this Q&A with Everyman Youth Theatre alumni David and Spencer, and would like to thank Network Distributing for choosing to support Young Everyman Playhouse. The money raised will help nurture the creative talents of the next generation of young theatre makers coming out of Liverpool.” said Young Everyman Playhouse director Matt Rutter.
We’ve been talking about catalogue titles and the impact they are likely to make in the Q4 season, as consumers turn to old favourites for gifting. It’s a belief shared by TV specialist Acorn, which is looking forward to its key catalogue titles finding their way under the Christmas tree this year, as the company’s Helen Squire told us this week: “Among all the uncertainty this year it’s reassuring to see that DVD boxsets are still finding their way to the top of peoples’ Christmas lists. Our female led highlights are sure to keep people company over the holidays – who wouldn’t want to share their festivities with Agatha Raisin, Miss Fisher or Keeping Faith to name but three?”
Sticking with Acorn, and Monday November 23 is a busy day for releases across the board, and, for Acorn in particular, there’s plenty going on too. It has a trio of releases and is also working hard at pushing its impressive catalogue as gifting options for consumers. First up is the new take on the classic tales of a vet’s experiences in rural Yorkshire in the shape of All Creatures Great And Small. Commenting on the release, Acorn’s Helen Squire said: "The highly anticipated All Creatures Great And Small reboot launched on Channel 5 this autumn to rave reviews; it was even described by The Times as ‘a charming antidote to the doom and gloom’ of pandemic ridden 2020. We couldn’t agree more. Make an appointment to buy the DVD or stream the series on Acorn TV on Monday. Nicholas Ralph who plays James Herriot is strongly supporting our launch with press interviews and more thanks to Debbie Murray at Aim Publicity."
There’s more too, with a brace of further titles, one brand new – in the shape of a new project from comic and songwriter Tim Minchin, while there’s also more Italian crime in Inspector Montalbano. Commenting on the releases, Acorn’s Helen Squire said: “Let Sky One’s hit comedy Upright knock you off your feet on DVD and digital – it’s funny and poignant and sweary in equal measure, starring and penned by the multi-talented Tim Minchin who will be supporting the release even as he launches his first solo music album. Travel to sunny Sicily with Inspector Montalbano for a serving of murder with your red wine. Another two feature length episodes arrive on DVD and EST. These could be the last ever episodes of this beloved drama so be sure savour them.”
Arriving as a digital release on Monday is one of the most entertaining titles for a film you’ll see this year or any, You Cannot Kill David Arquette. The film follows the actor as he returns to the wrestling ring and is as intriguing as it sounds. The film was due for a theatrical until the second lockdown struck, with Blue Finch Film Releasing moving to digital instead. The company’s Mike Chapman said: “We are thrilled to be bringing one of the most entertaining and honest documentaries of the year to UK audiences. Obviously we are tapping into a large Wrestling fanbase, but this larger than life story has much broader appeal and is a much needed antidote to the current times. David Arquette has been fantastic to work with and we have lined up a lot of great press ahead of the release.”
One of the biggest film-related stories of 2020, apart from the obvious, has been the inexorable rise of Bong Joon Ho and the irresistible Best Film Oscar winner Parasite. The film, one of the most successful foreign language titles ever in the UK and beyond, has flown the flag for subtitled films this year, both in cinemas and, latterly, as a home entertainment option, not least in the video on demand world. The film gets another boost on Monday with the release of a double helping containing two of the director’s earlier works, Memories Of Murder (fresh off the back of a theatrical reissue when cinemas were still open) and Barking Dogs Never Bite, and there’s also a new Parasite Steelbook SKU containing a 4K Ultra HD version of the film, as well as standard Blu-ray AND a Blu-ray of the black and white version of the film. Both titles are released by Curzon Artificial Eye, whose director of programmes and distribution sales Damian Spandley said: “Working on director Bong's films this year has been pure joy at a difficult time for the industry and for international arthouse film in the UK. Combined with success in on demand markets, the appetite for collector editions of Parasite and Bong's earlier films proves that audiences in the home are still inquisitive and will look beyond the mainstream for a filmmaker of Bong's ability."
One of the post-lockdown theatrical hits, Picturehouse Entertainment’s Proxima, arrives on Monday, along with a host of great reviews for the title, which sets Eva Green preparing to launch into space. As Empire noted: “Ot’s an emotional but refreshingly matter-of-fact drama; where other films might deal with the galactic razzle-dazzle of space, Proxima gets into the nuts and bolts of actually getting there in the first place. Commenting on the launch, Martin Hearn from Pictuerhouse Entertainment said "We're incredibly excited to be releasing Alice Winocour's acclaimed new film on Monday. Eva Green delivers a career best performance in the lead role and the rest of the cast are universally outstanding. It's a stunning piece of work and notable also for the amazing score by Ryuichi Sakamoto.”
Also due out on Monday, is sci-fi blockbuster Total Recall, which has been turned into the latest catalogue revival from Studiocanal, with the complete package offering the definitive version o the Scwarzenegger classic. Commenting on the release, Studiocanal's Nicola Browning said: “For a memory of a lifetime, get ready for the release of Total Recall on Monday! We've given this film the full Studiocanal Catalogue treatment, releasing it as a Collector's Edition, Steelbook, Blu-ray, DVD and on Digital. We've invested in a targeted and entertaining campaign which includes a first-ever partnership with Claire Lim on Twitch. Claire will be talking all things Arnie, unboxing the product and doing a giveaway on her 'twitchversary' on Friday November 27. Total Recall is a fantastic addition to the 4K UHD catalogue just before Christmas, giving us the opportunity to push the format for gifting and self-purchase as part of our Q4 Gifting campaign.”
There's more from Studiocanal too, as the company also dips into its archive for some more world cinema and arthouse releases. Commenting again, Nicola Browning said: “Also out on Monday are three more releases under the ever expanding Vintage World Cinema brand. First up is the incredible gangster heist classic, Le Cercle Rouge, available on 4K for the first time! This stylish film looks incredible in 4K UHD and has been supported with PR and a fun social campaign on the Vintage Classics facebook page. And two films from the Italian auteur Nanni Moretti; APRILE and THE SON’S ROOM. Both films have been stunningly restored and with striking new companion artwork, it's the first time either film has been available on Blu-ray in the UK.
It’s time to say farewell to an old video industry stalwart and part of the trade’s Spurs mafia, as Mike Seaman has announced he is leaving VDC and is planning to take life a little easier on the coming months. Seaman has been at the company for almost 15 years, we first met him and his caustic wit (he’s never failed to not take the Mickey out of us on every occasion) during his lengthy time at VPD and Imperial, the bastions of martial arts cinema in the VHS era. In a statement, Seaman said: “I have worked with Ashwin Bedi and the team for the best part of 15 years. We have been through some challenging times but as I look back, I can honestly say this has been without question the most amazing and happy experience. Ashwin and I are not just colleagues but firm friends and I know that this relationship will continue. I have also thoroughly enjoyed working with you throughout the years and I thank you for your support and friendship. I will no doubt be keeping in touch with many of you.” VDC’s Ashwin Bedi also paid tribute to Mike Seaman’s time at the company, saying: “We say farewell to a good friend and colleague after many years of working together which has been a great pleasure. We are sorry to see Mike go, we will miss him but I think he has enjoyed his time at home over this period and he has many home projects to keep him busy. We wish him and his family all the best.”
Meanwhile, as the business continues to adjust to life under Covid-19, we thought we’d get an update from VDC on how its business is progressing on the packaging and replication side, so here’s Ashwin Bedi again on where the company sees things progressing for the rest of the year and into 2021. Promising further innovation, he said: “I’m glad we are now well into Q4, with everyone nice and busy – it’s great to see the DVD business holding up especially with special packaging box sets and more. Vinyl is also booming again this year whereas CD seems to have fallen a little short. We are looking at doing some very interesting projects next year which will involve special packaging and merchandise. This would be ideal for fan/collector editions and back catalogue product where this can be offered direct to consumer using fan clubs and social media. We are also able to create the web shop and distribution/fulfilment and payment gateway, making a one stop solution for content owners.”
Amazon has confirmed that it has acquired the worldwide rights to Eddie Murphy sequel Coming 2 America and will debut the film on its service globally in the spring. The deal will see the long-awaited sequel – it’s more than 30 years in the making – air across 240 territories on Amazon Prime from March 5. “Coming to America was a cultural phenomenon that is one of the most loved and celebrated comedies of all time,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “Thanks to Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius along with the brilliant filmmakers, writers and fabulous cast, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this new adventure. We know audiences around the world will fall in love with this hilarious, joyful movie that will surely become a timeless favourite.” “What could be better than a return to Zamunda? We are so excited for Amazon Studios to bring Eddie Murphy and Coming 2 America to a worldwide audience where they can laugh again with characters they have loved for 30 years, and meet new ones that they will love for years to come,” said producer Kevin Misher.
AT THE MOVIES
We won’t imitate the famous Henry Mancini-penned theme, but, suffice to say, the Pink Panther is back. Not the films featuring failing flic Inspector Clouseau, as successfully played by Peter Sellers and, less successfully, Steve Martin, rather the actual Pink Panther character as featured in the animated opening credits to the films and the TV cartoon of the same name. The film will be directed by Jeff Fowler, who was involved with Sonic the Hedgehog; MGM, the studio behind it, will be hoping the film mirrors how Sonic ended up, rather than the laughable reaction to the original trailer. Chris Bremner, whose most recent credit was for Bad Boys For Life, will pen the script…
Most talked about news of the week surrounds the forthcoming revival of the Scream franchise, with the team getting back together again for a fifth instalment. And after finishing shooting, franchise creator Kevin Williamson revealed the title for the film… and it will be, er, Scream. Not Scream 5, or 5cream, or any of the other myriad suggestions. Williamson said: "That’s a wrap on Scream, which I’m excited to announce is the official title of the next film! Nearly 25 years ago, when I wrote Scream and Wes Craven brought it to life, I could not have imagined the lasting impact it would have on you, the fans. I’m excited for you to return to Woodsboro and get really scared again. I believe Wes would’ve been so proud of the film that [directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett] are making. I’m thrilled to be reunited with Neve [Campbell], Courteney [Cox], David [Arquette] and Marley [Shelton], and to be working alongside a new filmmaking team and incredible cast of newcomers that have come together to continue Wes’s legacy with the upcoming relaunch of the franchise that I hold so dear to my heart.” The film will arrive at the start of 2022
Meanwhile, weirdest news of the week, and there's no easy way to say this, is that Spike Lee is working on a musical about the discovery of Viagra. Yup, you read that right. He’s planning a musical about the discovery of Viagra. He’s developing it with playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, with Broadway hit musical tunesmiths Stew Stewart and Heidi Ridewald handling the songs. In a statement, annoyingly with every word starting in upper case, Lee said: “"First And Foremost, I Thank Ms. Jacquelyn Shelton Lee. I Thank My Late Mother For As She Would Say Taking “My Narrow,Rusty Behind” Dragging, Kickin’ And Screamin’ To The Movies When I Wuz A Nappy Headed Kid Growing Up In Da Streets Of Da People’s Republic Of Brooklyn. I Did Not Want To See Corny People Singin’ And Dancin’. I Instead Wanted To Play With My Friends On Da Block, Stoop Ball, Stick Ball, Punch Ball, Soft Ball, Basketball, 2 Hand Touch, Tackle Football, Coco Leevio, Johnny On Da Pony, Hot Peas And Butter, Crack Top, Down Da Sewer And Of Course-Booty’s Up. All The Great New York City Street Games That Might Be Sadly Lost Forever. My Father, Bill Lee, Jazz/Folk Bassist,Composer HATED HollyWeird Movies, Henceforth And What Not, Me Being The Eldest Of 5 Children I Became Mommy’s Movie Date. She Was A Cinefile. Thank You Lawdy She Didn’t Listen To My Ongoing Complaints About Musicals. So Finally Going Into My 4th Decade As A Filmmaker I Will Be Directing A DANCIN’,ALL SINGIN’ MUSICAL Spike Lee Joint And I Can’t Wait. My Moms Has Been Waiting TOO!!! And Dats Da Rodgers And Hammerstein Truth, Ruth."
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Is this a tragedy?
Rodriguez returns to family fare…
That Arquette wrestling film…
THE OBLIGATORY GDPR BIT
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