Summit Sees "Red" In Toronto

Principal photography has started in Toronto on Summit Entertainment's spy-thriller "Red", based on the DC Comics graphic novel of the same name by author Warren Ellis.

Joining previously announced actors Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker and Academy Award-winners Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, are two-time Oscar-nominee John Malkovich, Karl Urban, Brian Cox, Academy Award winners Richard Dreyfuss and Ernest Borgnine, Julian McMahon, James Remar and Rebecca Pidgeon.

"...Red is the story of 'Frank Moses' (Willis), a former black-ops CIA agent, who is now living a quiet life. That is, until the day a hi-tech assassin shows up intent on killing him. With his identity compromised and the life of the woman he cares for, Sarah (Parker), endangered, Frank reassembles his old team (Freeman, Malkovich and Mirren) in a last ditch effort to survive..."

Directed by Robert Schwentke ("The Time Traveler's Wife") from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber ("Whiteout"), the film is produced by di Bonaventura Pictures' Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Vahradian ("Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"). Executive producers are Jake Myers ("Hollywoodland"") and Gregory Noveck ("Jonah Hex"). Di Bonaventura Pictures' production exec David Ready is co-producer.

Red reunites Schwentke with DP Florian Ballhaus ("Marley & Me") and Oscar-winning film editor Thom Noble ("Thelma & Louise") .

"Red" will shoot in and around the metro Toronto area for nine weeks before moving to New Orleans, late March for the final two weeks of principal photography.

The film is scheduled for worldwide release on October 22, 2010....

"The Thing" Prequel Casting Call

Thanks to TorontoFilm.Net, take a look at a lead and supporting actor casting call, for Universal's upcoming, "The Thing", prequel, starting March 15 in Toronto @ Pinewood Toronto Studios.

Producers are Eric Newman, Marc Abraham, Brie Niemand and Miles Dale for director Matthijs Van Heijningen, from a screenplay by Eric Heisserer.

STORY LINE

"...In a remote Antarctica outpost, an alien spaceship is discovered far beneath the ice. When a group of ambitious scientists decide to thaw out one of the creatures inside, they're in for the terrifying fight of their lives..."

[KATE LLOYD] In her late 20s to early 30s, pretty, bright-eyed, intelligent, she's a graduate of Columbia and a Ph.D. candidate in paleontology (the study of prehistoric life). On the recommendation of her friend Adam Goodman, Kate is tapped for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by Dr. Sander Halvorson to join his research team in Antarctica, where an extraordinary discovery has been made. Upon arrival, Kate soon finds herself at odds with Halvorson about how best to proceed with the discovery -- an alien spaceship with a mysterious and sinister frozen THING found nearby -- specifically whether to transfer the specimen undisturbed to a more appropriate facility for analysis, or, per Halvorson's wishes, to drill into the specimen's ice encasement for a definitive tissue sample. Kate's misgivings about her involvement grow when Halvorson ignores her advice and collects his tissue sample -- a critical error in judgment that ultimately frees the trapped organism and triggers a series of horrific incidents and attacks. Furthering her sense of isolation, most of the scientists at the site speak Norwegian, a language she doesn't understand. Kate looks to her friend, Adam, for help stopping Sander's obsession from getting them all killed, but eventually must take matters of life and death into her own hands. In the end, her only hope of survival is to join forces with Sam Carter, the chopper pilot who flew her team to the remote Norwegian base...LEAD (2)

[DR. SANDER HALVORSON] In his late 30s to early 50s, austere, scholarly and imperious, he's a microbiologist from NYU who leads a science research team to Antarctica to help his old friend Edvard interpret and analyze an extraordinary discovery made beneath the ice. Sander, a brilliant scientist and a master of self-promotion, knows that his involvement in such an historic discovery will bring him fame and fortune. Blinded by ambition, he refuses to abandon the "project" even as the bodies pile up around him. He is annoyed when Kate, whom he considers more of an apprentice than an equal, disagrees with him and openly questions his decisions in front of the others...LEAD. Actor must be able to speak some Norwegian. (2)

[SAM CARTER] In his early 30s, rugged, handsome, blue-collar, he's a helicopter pilot with a private charter service that transports personnel and supplies from McMurdo Station to remote research sites across Antarctica. Carter is a mercenary. He flies when he wants, where he wants, and he flies for one reason: money. But his resourcefulness, experience and get-it-done mentality make him indispensable. Arriving at Thule Station, he is the first to suspect something strange and dangerous is going on. Trapped there by faulty equipment, he becomes an unlikely ally of Kate's -- he reminds her (in temperament) of her father, now deceased, also a pilot. He and his co-pilot Jameson are nearly killed in a helicopter crash as they attempt to leave under less than ideal conditions. Carter must ultimately join forces with Kate to stop the THING's rampage...LEAD (3)

[EDVARD WOLNER] In his mid 40s, gentle, erudite, loyal to a fault, this Norwegian geoscientist and his crew discovered an alien spaceship and a mysterious frozen THING buried in a deep crevasse in Antarctica. Edvard requested the assistance of his colleague Dr. Sander Halvorson and he's pleased to see his old friend arrive at the site. Both men have stars in their eyes, knowing that their combined findings will bring them fame in the scientific community, but after Edvard loses two of his men to the terrifying THING, he's ready to call it quits rather than risk more lives.sptv050769..SUPPORTING. Actor must speak Norwegian. (16)

[ADAM GOODMAN] In his early 30s, clever, brash, unapologetically ambitious, Adam comes to Antarctica as Halvorson's research assistant. A friend of Kate's since they were undergrads at Columbia, it is Adam who recommended her to Dr. Halvorson. Though his respect for Kate is genuine, ultimately, he is a likeable opportunist who believes his professional association with the esteemed Dr. Halvorson will advance his career. The trip to Antarctica appears, at first, to prove this theory correct. Unlike Kate, an idealist who makes decisions based on intuition and conscience, Adam is more of a pragmatist and a capitalist -- in scientist's clothing. As the circumstances turn more and more dire, Adam is forced to choose between ambition (Halvorson) or friendship (Kate). His survival hangs in the balance...SUPPORTING (2)

[DEREK JAMESON] In his early 30s, African American, well-built, he is Carter's friend and co-pilot. This is Jameson's last season in Antarctica. He's moving to Florida and starting a jetboat business with his brother, a former big league prospect. The trip to Thule Station is just another flight for him, another day in the countdown before he leaves the South Pole. Trapped at the site with Carter when the helicopter malfunctions, Jameson eventually falls prey to the THING...SUPPORTING (3)

[JONAS] This Norwegian man in his early 40s, who speaks with a thick accent is part of Edvard's crew. He's the team documentarian who takes flash photographs of the alien spaceship and plays poker with Colin to blow off steam. When the Thing begins wreaking havoc, Jonas decides to get the hell out of there, but the rest of the group stymies that plan...SUPPORTING (18) Submit Scandinavian actors only.

[JULIETTE] In her early 30s, French, fluent in Norwegian, she was educated at the Oslo Geosciences Academy, and is one of the geologists who discovered the alien site in Antarctica. Sensing Kate's frustration with the language barrier, Juliette befriends her, providing helpful translations and a kind smile among strangers. As the story escalates toward crisis, Juliette convinces Kate that her colleague Lars has succumbed to the THING -- as a trick to conceal her own identity as the alien shape-shifter...SUPPORTING (17)

[COLIN] Around 40 years old, quirky and a bit cynical, he sews some seeds of doubt and suspicion among his new colleagues, Kate and Adam, and he plays poker with Jonas to blow off steam. Colin would rather commit suicide than be consumed by the THING...SUPPORTING (27) Submit British, East Indian, Spanish, Asian, etc, scientist types...

To see more of Dark Horse Comics, 1990's graphic novel run of "The Thing (From Another World)" click here.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Thing...

Canadians Pay Big Money @ The Movies

According to reports from The Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada, Canadian film audiences paid out a record amount for theatre admissions in 2009.

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" earned $34.4 million in box office, followed by "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" at $31.5 million and the Vancouver-lensed "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" at $28 million .

James Cameron's "Avatar" brought in $27 million over the Christmas break.

Canadian films, including Emile Gaudreault's "De pere en flic," Mike Clattenburg's "Trailer Park Boys 2" and Michael McGowan's "One Week", earned $26 million total ...

Malkovich Targets "Red"

Actor John Malkovich will star opposite Bruce Willis in "Red," a Summit Entertainment feature production, starting in Toronto January 11, shooting through to March.

The film is based on the 3-issue DC/WildStorm/Homage comic book series written by Warren Ellis, illustrated by Cully Hamner, following a former 'black-ops' CIA agent called out of retirement to pursue a hi-tech assassin.

The film will be directed by Robert "The Time Traveler's Wife" Schwentke from a screenplay by Erich and Jon "Whiteout" Hoeber.

Malkovich will play a retired CIA agent and contemporary of Willis' character.

Also cast in "Red" is Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Mary-Louise Parker, Julian McMahon, Richard Dreyfuss, Ernest Borgnine and Brian Cox...

Toronto Turns Up The Heat For "The Real Housewives"

The "SLICE" network offered some 'heat' to chilly downtown Toronto January 8 with two bikini-clad 'housewives' and their pool boy lounging @ the concourse level of First Canadian Place, handing out 'Fuzzy Peach' candies to pedestrians on their lunch break.

The stunt launches the Canadian premiere of Season 2 of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and Season 5 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County", airing exclusively in Canada on SLICE.

"'The Real Housewives' franchise is extremely popular on SLICE and we wanted to raise awareness of the new seasons of 'Atlanta' and 'Orange County' in a playful, memorable way," said Solange Bernard, Director, Marketing Strategy, Lifestyle Channels, Canwest Broadcasting.

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" premiers Saturday at 8pm ET/10pm PT and "The Real Housewives of Orange County", premiers Saturday at 9pm ET/11pm PT....

Toronto's IMAX Looks Into New 3D Digital Camera

Toronto-based IMAX, the 'giant-screen' pioneer, has revealed plans to build a new 3D digital camera, prepping for a 2011 rollout, following news that IMAX will partner with Discovery Communications and Sony Corp. to launch a cable TV network dedicated to 3D content.

"Given the significant amount of 3D content being developed over the past 12-18 months, requests from filmmakers for an Imax 3D digital camera, consumer appetite for the Imax experience and this week's joint venture announcement for the 3D television network, we believe the timing of this initiative could not be better," said Greg Foster, chairman, president IMAX filmed entertainment.

Since the 1980s, Imax has developed a series of analog 3D cameras that use two lenses to record images simultaneously on two film strips. The film is later projected in stereo on IMAX screens as part of the company's proprietary 3D system.

IMAX said a new digital 3D camera will provide premium content for its theatre network, content for its joint venture 3D TV network with Discovery/Sony and lower overall production costs for 3D filmmaking, doing away with 'pricey' film stock...

First Look @ Universal's "Scott Pilgrim"

Take a look at some new images from Universal's upcoming Toronto-shot comic book adaptation "Scott Pilgrim".

"Scott Pilgrim" lensed numerous sequences at Pinewood Toronto Studios (formerly Filmport), noted as the largest indoor, sound stage studio in North America.

Premise of the original comic book series, created by Bryan Lee O'Malley, first published by Portland indie Oni Press in 2004, follows the romantic (mis) adventures of teenager 'Scott Pilgrim' , a slacker and wanna-be rock star, who lives in Toronto .

Pilgrim plays with the band "Sex Bob-Omb", falling in love with American beauty 'Ramona V. Flowers'. But Flowers insists that Pilgrim defeat her 7 'evil' ex-boyfriends in order to receive her mutual affections.

Universal optioned the property in 2005 for Edgar "Shaun Of The Dead" Wright to direct from a screenplay by Michael Bacall, starring Canadian actor Michael "Juno" Cera and Mary Elizabeth "Grindhouse" Winstead.

"Scott Pilgrim Vs The World" is produced by Eric Gitter, Nira Park, Marc E. Platt and Wright.

Sneak Peek "Scott Pilgrim"...

Willis Sees "Red" In Toronto

The comic book adaptation "Red", starring Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman has been scheduled to shoot at Toronto's Showline Studios, January 11 to March 8.

The film is based on the 3-issue DC/WildStorm comic book series written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Cully Hamner, following a former 'black-ops' CIA agent called out of retirement to pursue a hi-tech assassin.

The film will be directed by Robert "The Time Traveler's Wife" Schwentke from a screenplay by Erich and Jon "Whiteout" Hoeber...

IMAX Reaches $100 Million Milestone

Toronto/Los Angeles-based IMAX Corporation reports that in the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2009, gross box office worldwide reached the $100 million milestone, a first for the Company.

Results include the approximate $54 million generated from Twentieth Century Fox's "Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience".

"Our strong 2009 box office results reflect the compelling film slate put together, our aggressive network expansion and increased productivity in many of our existing theatres," said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX Corporation.

"We consistently delivered approximately 10% of the box office, on average, of any major title in our network this year on less than 3 percent of the screens. We look forward to our 2010 film slate with great anticipation and pleased to kick off the year with the juggernaut, 'Avatar", which opens in China this week."

"The combination of many of the best titles Hollywood has to offer and audience enthusiasm for the IMAX brand is a great one-two punch that has driven ticket sales at existing and new IMAX locations," said Greg Foster, Chairman, President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.

"We appreciate those that have contributed to our significant growth, look forward to announcing more titles for 2010 and beyond in the weeks and months ahead and working closely with both new and long time partners as we bring 'The IMAX Experience' to more moviegoers around the globe."

The Company's announced 2010 film slate includes "Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Twentieth Century Fox), "Alice in Wonderland: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Walt Disney Studios), "Hubble 3D" (IMAX Corp.\Warner Bros.), "How to Train Your Dragon: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Dreamworks Animation), "Shrek Forever After: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Dreamworks Animation), "Toy Story 3: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Walt Disney Studios) , "Twilight Saga: Eclipse: The IMAX Experience" (Summit Entertainment), "Inception: The IMAX Experience" (Warner Bros.), and "Tron Legacy: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Walt Disney Studios )...

Toronto Preps For The Next Big Thing

A prequel to director John Carpenter's 1981 horror feature "The Thing" is prepping for a production start in Toronto.

Shooting on the Universal monster feature begins in March through to June, set on the Norweigan Antarctic base that first encounters a shape-shifting 'thing' from another world.

Director is Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., from a screenplay by Eric "A Nightmare On Elm Street" Heisserer and Ronald D. "Battlestar Galactica" Moore.

Carpenter's "The Thing" adapted the 1938 "Astounding Magazine" 'novella' "Who Goes There", by author John W. Campbell Jr.

The short story was also the basis of the 1951 film "The Thing From Another World" from producer Howard Hawks.

Premise of the original story follows a group of scientific researchers, isolated in Antarctica, that discover an alien spaceship buried in the ice. The men unwittingly recover the alien pilot that can assume the shape, memories and personality of any living creature.

Strike Entertainment's Eric Newman and Marc Abraham will produce "The Thing" prequel, with David Foster executive producing.

Sneak Peek "The Thing...