The World Bends Over For "Kick-Ass"- April 16

Sneak Peek the newest character posters for director Matthew Vaughn's upcoming comic book movie "Kick-Ass"', based on the graphic novels by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

January 2010, an international trailer of the film was slammed by family groups for its display of violence and use of the line "OK you cunts, let's see what you can do now" by actress Chloe Moretz, who was 12 at the time of filming.


Australian Family Association spokesman John Morrissey claimed "the language offensive and the values inappropriate - without the saving grace of the bloodless victory of traditional superheroes".

"Kick-Ass" is based on the 8-issue "Kick-Ass" comic book mini-series following a superhero fan who decides to become a costumed crime-fighting vigilante, meeting up with other vigilantes including 'Red Mist' and the father-daughter team of 'Big Daddy' and 'Hit Girl'.

Visually, Vaughn wanted to make a bright and glossy film', "...so what happens in the film is shocking, not the style...", he said. "I just let the characters do the dark stuff and let the lighting be... I just thought it would be interesting to juxtapose the look and the action... "

Vaughn acquired film rights to "Kick-Ass" for his Marv Films, when the KA comic book debuted February 2008. He then financed the film independently after "every studio turned it down".

"Kick-Ass" is co-produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B. Shooting locations included the UK and Toronto.

Premise of the "Kick-Ass" comics follows 'Dave Lizewski', a New York City high school student, who takes an interest in comic books as his cue to become a vigilante hero, assembling a suit and mask, worn under his normal clothing.

His first attempt at fighting crime results in Dave being overpowered, then hit by a car. But determined to retain his secret identity, he hides his costume before paramedics arrive.

Dave tells his father he was mugged, before undergoing four operations followed by intense physical rehabilitation. Weeks later, bruised but undaunted, Dave tosses his crutches, dons his costume and takes off again for 'patrol'.

After saving a man in need of assistance, an onlooker films the scene on a cellphone camera and uploads it to YouTube, turning Dave Lizewski into an instant media sensation called 'Kick-Ass'.


The $70 million comic book adaptation will be released by Lionsgate April 16, 2010.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Kick-Ass"...

"Flashpoint" Season 2, Volume 1 - March 23

Phase 4 Films will release the award-winning, Toronto-lensed cop TV series "Flashpoint" Season 2, Volume 1 on DVD March 23, 2010.

"...'The Strategic Response Unit' is a team of cops like no other - they're the elite, the blueblood of the force. High risk is their business, and life-and-death stakes are their world. The SRU team is also unique; they rescue hostages, bust gangs, defuse bombs, climb buildings, see through walls and talk down suicidal teens. It takes years on the street, intense physical conditioning and elite marksmanship to qualify for the SRU. They have to prove that they're at the top of their game on a daily basis - because if they're not, there are hundreds of others willing to step in and take their place. The team uses state-of-the-art equipment - sniper rifles, snake-cameras, robots, flash-bangs, night-vision and Tasers. But beyond all of the cool gadgetry, the most important weapons in their arsenal are human intuition, a gift for words and their ability to read emotion. Each team member is uniquely trained in negotiating, profiling and getting inside a subject's head. They stand out because of the rare balance between lethal hardware and people skills: pure muscle and pure intuition. They're the envy of law enforcement everywhere.The stakes are always high in Flashpoint -- only here, the lives of the men and women on the team are also always on the line. That's the nature of the job. The SRU may be heroes, but they are also human. At the end of the day, they each go home haunted by what they've seen, by what they've had to do - pursued by new demons which they cram into already bulging closets. They lock down emotion and they second-guess decisions made in the heat of the moment. These individuals are constant witnesses to the extremes of human distress. Not everyone is cut out for this.

"...If you're a cop, you're three times more likely to kill yourself than to be killed by a bad guy..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Flashpoint"...

"Max Manus": Toronto Screening Ticket Give-Aaway- March 15

TorontoFilm.Net is giving away double ticket passes to a special screening of "Max Manus" in Toronto, Monday March 15 at 7PM @ AMC Yonge & Dundas.

"Max Manus" opens in Toronto April 2.

"...Based on a true story, 'Max Manus', follows 'Manus' (Aksel Hennie) from the outbreak of World War II until the summer of 1945. After fighting against the Russians during the Winter War in Finland, Manus returns to a German-occupied Norway. He joins the resistance movement and becomes one of the most important members of the so-called 'Oslo Gang', soon confirming his reputation for audacity by making two daring escapes from German captivity. One of the film’s most thrilling sequences is a detailed account of the sabotage techniques used to sink a heavily guarded German supply ship in Oslo harbour, an act that leads to severe retaliation from the local Gestapo leader, 'Siegfred Fehmer' (Ken Dunkun)..."

To get your free double-pass to see "Max Manus", go to Toronto's Filmfest DVD Rentals @ 405 Duplex Avenue, Toronto and tell them TorontoFilm.Net sent you.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Max Manus"...

Hamilton's Jones Leads ABC Primetime PIlot

Hamilton, Ontario-born actor, comedian Jason Jones, currently a "Daily Show" TV 'correspondent' will play the lead in the ABC TV pilot "How to Be a Better American."

Jones will portray a father "...on a journey to be a better person..."

Jones has worked on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" since 2005.

Other "Daily Show" correspondents who have gone onto US primetime include Steve Carell and Ed Helms ("The Office"), Rob Corddry, ("The Winner") and Rob Riggle ("Team Spitz")...

York Sees A Future In "3D Flic"

Toronto's York University reports they have raised over $1.4
million in funding, including $436,000 from the Ontario Media Development Corporation, for "3D FLIC", a 2-year project in association with major film partners to explore 3D film production.

Prof. Ali Kazimi will lead a team working with Cinespace Film Studios, 3D Camera Company, Starz Animation, Toronto and Saw VII Production Canada, in association with the Canadian Film Centre, to develop 3D film projects in conjunction with psychologists @ York's Centre for Vision Research.

Purpose of the study is to create superior post-production technologies for 3D films, lensed in Ontario...

The World Bends Over For "Kick-Ass"

Sneak Peek the new character posters for director Matthew Vaughn's upcoming comic book adaptation "Kick-Ass", opening April 16.

January 2010, an international trailer of the film was slammed by family groups for its display of violence and use of the line "OK you cunts, let's see what you can do now" delivered by actress Chloe Moretz, who was 12 at the time of filming.



Australian Family Association spokesman John Morrissey claimed "the language offensive and the values inappropriate - without the saving grace of the bloodless victory of traditional superheroes".

In response to the controversy, Ms. Moretz stated in an interview with MTV, "If I ever uttered one word that I said in 'Kick-Ass', I would be grounded for years! I'd be stuck in my room until I was 20! I would never in a million years say that. I'm an average, everyday girl."

"Kick-Ass" is based on the 8-issue "Kick-Ass" comic book mini-series created by Mark "Wanted" Millar and John Romita Jr. following a superhero fan who decides to become a costumed crime-fighting vigilante. Along the way, he meets up with other vigilantes including 'Red Mist' and father-daughter team 'Big Daddy' and 'Hit Girl'.

Visually, Vaughn wanted to make a bright and glossy film', "...so what happens in the film is shocking, not the style...", he said. "I just let the characters do the dark stuff and let the lighting be... I just thought it would be interesting to juxtapose the look and the action... "

Vaughn acquired film rights to "Kick-Ass" for his Marv Films, when the KA comic book debuted February 2008. He then financed the film independently after "every studio turned it down".

"Kick-Ass" is co-produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B.

Premise of "Kick-Ass" follows 'Dave Lizewski', a New York City high school student, who takes an interest in comic books as his cue to become a vigilante hero, assembling a suit and mask, worn under his normal clothing.

His first attempt at fighting crime results in Dave being overpowered, then hit by a car. But determined to retain his secret identity, he hides his costume before paramedics arrive.

Dave tells his father he was mugged, before undergoing four operations followed by intense physical rehabilitation. Weeks later, bruised but undaunted, Dave tosses his crutches, dons his costume and takes off again for 'patrol'.

After saving a man in need of assistance, an onlooker films the scene on a cellphone camera and uploads it to YouTube, turning Dave Lizewski into an instant media sensation called 'Kick-Ass'.


The $70 million comic book adaptation will be released by Lionsgate April 16, 2010.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Kick-Ass"...

"Family Guy" : Going Mobile

Canwest reports that 100 'specialized' video clips of Global’s "Family Guy" have been optimized for mobile phones for the first time in Canada . Available to consumers, courtesy SUBWAY restaurants, the clips feature the 'Griffin' clan and can be accessed by texting “Stewie” to 456225.

The one to two minute video clips are available now through April 28, 2010. Global has presented the best of clips, organized into 11 categories including “Stewie World Domination” and “Everyone Hates Meg”.

"Canadians are loyal 'Family Guy' fans, and this was an opportunity to partner with SUBWAY to deliver exclusive show content right in the palm of their hands,” said Paul Burns, VP, Digital Medial, Canwest Broadcasting.

"With this initiative we are able to engage and entertain in a format that’s easily accessible..."

Targeted to the series fan base, the multiplatform promotional campaign started January 28 on TVTropolis, continuing on Global Television and online @ GlobalTV.com.

"SUBWAY restaurants and all of our franchisees are excited to be teaming up with Canwest Broadcasting to bring this innovative offering to Canada," said Chuck Roy, Chairman, SUBWAY Canadian Operators Marketing Board.

"We are always looking for new and unique ways to engage with our customers..."

Telefilm Wants US Stars For Canadian Films

According to reports, Michel Roy, head of Canada's federal film agency Telefilm, is urging the Conservative government to ease restrictions allowing foreign film actors to appear in publicly-funded movies.

Current tax rules require the lead actor or second lead to be Canadian.

Roy said he believes more US movie stars would help Canadian movies at the box office, especially English Canadian features, which accounted for only one per cent of Canadian box office receipts in 2009.

"We need to make changes," Roy said. "In order to make those changes we will have to dare to do new things that at times might shock some people."

Roy says Telefilm, which has invested nearly a billion dollars into the domestic industry since 2000, has been holding discussions with officials at Heritage Canada.

Meanwhile Canadian leading actors, including Ryan Reynolds ("The Green Lantern") and Seth Rogen ("The Green Hornet"), continue to dominate in US films, which leads to speculation that it may not be the 'stars' of films that attract audiences, but rather universal themes and stories.

Expect ACTRA, the Canadian film actors union, that has been lobbying the industry for more 'Canadian' stories, to go ape over Roy's new recommendations...

Shaw Moves On Canwest Global

An Ontario provincial court overseeing restructuring of Canwest Global has confirmed its approval of a takeover bid for the company by Shaw Communications. The investment still requires approval by several groups including Canwest creditors, the CRTC and US investment bank Goldman Sachs, a partner with Canwest on special channel assets.

Shaw plans to own 20 per cent of Canwest's equity and 80 per cent of its voting stock, with Canwest remaining a standalone company. Shaw would acquire 11 local TV stations across Canada, as well as ownership of specialty channels Showcase, MovieTime and HGTV.

Winnipeg-based Canwest owes billions of dollars to creditors, operating under court supervision since 2009...

"The Red Baron" Flys Into Toronto March 12

Monterey Media and Video Service Corp., present "The Red Baron", written/directed by Nikolai Muellerschoen, opening theatrically in Toronto, March 12.

The action adventure, filmed in English, stars Matthias Schweighöfer as WWI German flying ace 'Manfred von Richthofen', aka 'The Red Baron", Til Schweiger as 'Lieutenant Voss', Lena Headey as 'Käte', Joseph Fiennes as Allied Forces’ Canadian pilot 'Captain Roy Brown'.

"The Red Baron" is produced by Dan Maag, Thomas Reisser and Nikolai Muellerschoen.

"...'Baron Manfred von Richthofen' is, at the age of 24, the crack pilot of the German aerial combat forces – a legend in his own time, a hero at home and a man both feared and respected by the enemy. Von Richthofen and his fellow officers see their duels in the sky as tactical, almost sportsmanlike, challenges that, at least at first, obscure their view of the horrors of the battlefields below. For millions of his countrymen, he becomes an idol, a symbol of hope and pride. But the German high command increasingly misuses him for propaganda purposes – until the young pilot falls in love with a beautiful and resolute nurse who opens his eyes and von Richthofen finally becomes aware of his role in a senseless and barbarous war.

"Despite heavy losses in his squadron while torn between his disgust for the war and his responsibility to his fighter wing, von Richthofen cannot stop flying. Even for this living legend, each new combat mission could be his last… "

"The Red Baron" on DVD, through VSC on June 1st.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Red Baron"...

OMDC Says Ontario Filming On The Rise

According to the Ontario Media Development Corp. (OMDC),Ontario film and TV production activity rose 41% from 2008 to 2009, contributing C$946.4 million ($904 million) to the Canadian province's economy.

The Ontario Liberal's 25% tax credit took effect June 2009 and expanded to cover eligible costs beyond labour, contributing to a 114% increase in total foreign spending ($139 million). Foreign feature spending increased from $75.5 million to $154.5 million, with foreign TV series rising from $15.3 million in 2008 to $55.4 million in 2009.

"Despite economic challenges and a strong Canadian dollar, Ontario has consistently demonstrated it has the right mix of government support, financial incentives, world-class infrastructure, superb talent and skills and diverse locations to attract outstanding foreign and domestic productions," said OMDC president/CEO Karen Thorne-Stone said.

"Early indications point to 2010 being another strong year..."