Tag: GK Films

MGM And GK Films To Produce TOMB RAIDER Reboot

tomb raider

MGM has acquired the feature film rights to TOMB RAIDER and will develop the new action adventure franchise based on the Lara Croft video game franchise in partnership with GK Films, it was jointly announced today by Gary Barber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MGM and Graham King, Founder, GK Films.

GK Films had previously acquired the TOMB RAIDER film rights in 2011 from interactive entertainment company, Square Enix Ltd. King will serve as producer and development of the first film will begin immediately. No casting has been announced.

“Graham is one of the premier producers in this industry and I am delighted to be working with him on this exciting franchise. We look forward to developing more projects together in the future,” said Barber.

King said, “I am thrilled to partner with Gary and his MGM team on rebooting this successful TOMB RAIDER film franchise. The enthusiasm over the recent game release is very encouraging and we can’t wait to bring it to the big screen.”

The original TOMB RAIDER game was published in 1996 by the London-based video game company Eidos and went on to become one of the most successful video games of the time. Eidos (including Crystal Dynamics) is now part of an international interactive entertainment group, Square Enix. A pop culture phenomenon, the original TOMB RAIDER games have sold over 35 million game units worldwide making Lara Croft one of the most recognized names in the gaming industry. Most recently, Square Enix released the highly-anticipated reboot of the series, simply titled TOMB RAIDER, on March 5, 2013 to critical acclaim.

In 2001 and 2003, Paramount Pictures made two feature films starring Angelina Jolie and based on the daredevil archaeologist on a series of global missions. The films grossed a total of $432 million worldwide.

The newly reinvigorated MGM is currently in pre-production on the original film, HERCULES starring Dwayne Johnson, directed by Brett Ratner. The studio has several films slated for release this year including GI JOE: RETALIATION with Paramount debuting March 28, CARRIE with Sony’s Screen Gems due October 18 and THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG with New Line/Warner Bros. set for December 13. ROBOCOP, with Sony, is scheduled for release February 7, 2014.

Win Passes To THE RUM DIARY Screening In St. Louis

“One Part Justice. Three Parts Rum. Mix Well” All you need is a splash of Depp for the perfect Johnny cocktail!

GK Film’s highly anticipated THE RUM DIARY will be in theaters October 28th, but WAMG has passes to the advanced screening of Johnny Depp’s new movie on OCTOBER 25th at 7pm at Ronnie’s 20 Cine.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. FILL OUT YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS BELOW. REAL FIRST NAME REQUIRED.

3. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: What is your favorite Johnny Depp movie?

WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN THROUGH A RANDOM DRAWING OF QUALIFYING CONTESTANTS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PASSES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED. DUPLICATE TICKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Based on the debut novel by Hunter S. Thompson, THE RUM DIARY tells the increasingly unhinged story of itinerant journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp). Tiring of the noise and madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, Kemp travels to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to write for a local newspaper, The San Juan Star, run by downtrodden editor Lotterman (Richard Jenkins).

Adopting the rum-soaked life of the island, Paul soon becomes obsessed with Chenault (Amber Heard), the wildly attractive Connecticut-born fiancee of Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart). Sanderson, a businessman involved in shady property development deals, is one of a growing number of American entrepreneurs who are determined to convert Puerto Rico into a capitalist paradise in service of the wealthy. When Kemp is recruited by Sanderson to write favorably about his latest unsavory scheme, the journalist is presented with a choice: to use his words for the corrupt businessmen’s financial benefit, or use them to take the bastards down.

Wriiten for the  screen and directed by Bruce Robinson, THE RUM DIARY will be in theaters October 28th!

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.rumdiarythemovie.com/
“Like” the movie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RumDiaryMovie

HUGO – Behind The Scenes With Martin Scorsese Video

Go behind the scenes with director Martin Scorsese as he describes the magic of his new 3D film HUGO. Scorsese screened an unfinished version last night at the New York Film Festival.

“This is a work in progress,” he told the packed audience. “I hope that those of you who really do like it come and see the final film.”

Here’s another look at the delightful trailer that debuted earlier this summer.

John Logan’s HUGO screenplay is based on Brian Selznick’s New York Times bestseller “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” and is produced by Scorsese, Graham King, Tim Headington and Johnny Depp. The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Emily Mortimer, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

HUGO will be in theaters November 23rd.
Visit the film’s official site: www.HugoMovie.com
“Like” it on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HugoMovie

Filming Underway On Warner Bros. Pictures’ And GK Films’ ARGO

Ben Affleck directs and stars in the fact-based thriller.

BURBANK, CA, August 31, 2011 – Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and GK Films’ dramatic thriller ARGO, directed by and starring Academy Award® winner Ben Affleck (“The Town,” “Good Will Hunting”). The film is being produced by Academy Award® winner George Clooney (“Syriana”), Oscar® nominee Grant Heslov (“Good Night, and Good Luck.”) and Affleck.

Based on true events, ARGO chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis—the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades.

On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

ARGO also stars Oscar® winner Alan Arkin (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Bryan Cranston (TV’s “Breaking Bad”) and John Goodman (“You Don’t Know Jack”). The main cast also includes Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Victor Garber, Zeljko Ivanek, Richard Kind, Scoot McNairy, Chris Messina, Michael Parks, and Taylor Schilling.

Affleck is directing the film from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a selection from Master in Disguise by Antonio Mendez. David Klawans, Chris Brigham, Graham King, Tim Headington, Chay Carter and Nina Wolarsky are serving as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar®-nominated director of photography Rodrigo Prieto (“Brokeback Mountain”), production designer Sharon Seymour (“The Town”); Oscar®-nominated editor William Goldenberg (“Seabiscuit,” “The Insider”); and Oscar®-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West (“The Social Network,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”).

Filming on ARGO began in Los Angeles. Future locations include Washington D.C. and Istanbul.

Slated for release in 2012, ARGO is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with GK Films, a Smoke House Pictures production, to be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

Watch Johnny Depp in THE RUM DIARY Trailer

Check out the new trailer for Johnny Depp’s THE RUM DIARY, due in theaters October 28.

Johnny Depp is a machine, an unnaturally youthful and nearly infallible creative machine. THE RUM DIARY is his newest starring vehicle, a long time gestated, adapted from Hunter S. Thompson’s book of the same name. From the trailer, the film looks fun and features a respectable cast including Amber Heard, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi and Richard Jenkins.

As if the cast wasn’t enough to justify seeing THE RUM DIARY, the film was written and directed by Bruce Robinson… wait, what? Ok, I didn’t just hear you say “the guy who made JENNIFER 8,” because (while that’s a modestly decent film) the man was a cultural filmmaking icon of the ’80s! For those of you unfamiliar with his early work, go out this weekend and track down WITHNAIL & I (1987) and HOW TO GET AHEAD IN ADVERTISING (1989) and redeem yourselves. You’re welcome.

First Trailer For Martin Scorsese’s HUGO

Watch the first trailer for Academy Award®-winner Martin Scorsese’s HUGO starring Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, and Jude Law. (via Apple Trailers)

A nice little tale for the Thanksgiving holiday!

HUGO tells the tale of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. When Hugo encounters a broken machine, an eccentric girl, and the cold, reserved man who runs the toy shop, he is caught up in a magical, mysterious adventure that could put all of his secrets in jeopardy.

HUGO, directed by Martin Scorsese, is based on Brian Selznick’s captivating and imaginative New York Times bestseller “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.” The screenplay for the film is by John Logan and produced by Scorsese, Graham King, Tim Headington and Johnny Depp. This magical tale is Scorsese’s first film shot in 3D

HUGO will be in theaters November 23, 2011.

FilmDistrict Acquires Angelina Jolie Directing Debut IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY

Variety reports that GK Films has announced in Cannes that FilmDistrict will release Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY. Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War in the 90s, the film will be released in the U.S. on December 23, 2011.

“The film is specific to the Bosnian War, but it’s also universal,” Jolie said in a statement. “I wanted to tell a story of how human relationships and behavior are deeply affected by living inside a war.” 

“The former Yugoslavia has a rich history of dramatic arts. The cast was extraordinary. I was privileged and honored to work with them and I am very excited for everyone to see their immense talent,” adds Jolie, who also wrote the script.

Shot last year in Bosnia, Graham King and his business partner Tim Headington financed the film.

“Working with Angelina on this film and story has been a great collaboration and I am extremely proud of this film,” said King.

Starring Zana Marjanovic, Goran Kostic and Rade Serbedzija, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY was shot simultaneously in both English and BHS, formerly known as Serbo-Croatian.

Jolie is presently in Cannes to promote DreamWorks Animation’s KUNG FU PANDA 2 and to be with partner Brad Pitt as his drama, TREE OF LIFE, premieres Monday.

About FilmDistrict

FilmDistrict is a multi-faceted acquisitions, distribution, production and financing company focusing on wide release, commercial pictures. Founded in September by Graham King and Tim Headington’s GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, the company’ films include INSIDIOUS, April 1; SOUL SURFER, April 8; DRIVE, Sept. 16; and LOCKOUT, February 24, 2012. For more information, visit filmdistrict.com.

About GK Films

Graham King launched GK Films in May 2007 with business partner Tim Headington. Most recently, GK Films produced the animated tale RANGO, directed by Gore Verbinski and produced with his Blind Wink Productions for Paramount Pictures, THE TOWN, written and directed by Ben Affleck for Warner Bros., and THE TOURIST, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

The company is currently in post-production on the 3-D adventure film HUGO Cabret, directed by Martin Scorsese set for release through Paramount Pictures on November 23rd 2011, the crime drama LONDON BOULEVARD, starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley and written and directed by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter William Monahan and THE RUM DIARY starring Johnny Depp and produced with Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil.

GK Films has announced several projects in development including the screen adaptation of JERSEY BOYS, the untitled Freddie Mercury story starring Sacha Baron Cohen and written by Peter Morgan and a reboot of the successful action franchise, TOMB RAIDER. Previous GK Films releases include EDGE OF DARKNESS, and the three-time Academy Award® nominated THE YOUNG VICTORIA.

GK Films can be found at http://gk-films.com.

Johnny Depp To Star In FilmDistrict’s THE RUM DIARY On October 28, 2011

It was announced today at CinemaCon, by Bob Berney, President, Theatrical Distribution that FilmDistrict will release THE RUM DIARY, based on the early Hunter S. Thompson novel that was ultimately published in 1998. It stars Johnny Depp and will be released on October 28, 2011. The film is directed by Bruce Robinson (“Withnail and I”) from his own screenplay and also stars Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli, Richard Jenkins and Giovanni Ribisi. “The Rum Diary” is produced by Infinitum Nihil, the production company headed by Depp and Christi Dembrowski, along with Graham King and Tim Headington. Anthony Rhulen and Robert Kravis also produce.

“The Rum Diary” tells the increasingly unhinged story of itinerant journalist Paul Kemp (Depp). Tired of the noise and madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, Kemp travels to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to write for a local San Juan newspaper run by the downtrodden editor Lotterman (Jenkins). Adopting the rum-soaked lifestyle of the late ‘50s version of Hemingway’s “The Lost Generation,” Paul soon becomes entangled with a very attractive American woman, Chenault (Heard) and her fiancée Sanderson (Eckhart), a businessman involved in shady property development deals.  It is within this world that Kemp ultimately discovers his true voice as a writer and integrity as a man.

“Hunter S. Thompson became close with Johnny Depp during the filming of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and showed Depp the unpublished manuscript for The Rum Diary,” says producer and FilmDistrict co-founder Graham King. “I am extremely proud to bring this novel to film and to honor Hunter’s legacy.”

Peter Schlessel, CEO of FilmDistrict and President of GK Films, says, “The Rum Diary” is a special project for all of us here, as it is a true collaboration between both of our entities. Depp gives an extraordinary performance in this remarkable adaptation.”

“Robinson directed one of my favorite films, “Withnail and I” – combine that with Hunter S. Thompson and it’s a match made in celluloid heaven,” says Bob Berney, President of Distribution, FilmDistrict.

“The Rum Diary” is a GK Films, Infinitum Nihil and Film Engine production produced by Johnny Depp, Christi Dembrowski, Anthony Rhulen, Robert Kravis, Tim Headington and Graham King.

About FilmDistrict

FilmDistrict is a multi-faceted acquisitions, distribution, production and financing company focusing on wide release, commercial pictures.  Founded in September by Graham King and Tim Headington’s GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, the company’s films include INSIDIOUS, April 1; SOUL SURFER, April 8; DRIVE, Sept. 16; and LOCKOUT, February 24, 2012.  For more information, visit filmdistrict.com.

About GK Films

Graham King launched GK Films in May 2007 with business partner Tim Headington. Most recently, GK Films produced the animated tale “Rango,” directed by Gore Verbinski and produced with his Blind Wink Productions for Paramount Pictures, “The Town,” written and directed by Ben Affleck for Warner Bros., and “The Tourist,” directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

The company is currently in post-production on the 3-D adventure film “Hugo Cabret,” directed by Martin Scorsese set for release through Paramount Pictures on November 23rd 2011, an untitled love story, written and directed by Angelina Jolie, the crime drama “London Boulevard,” starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley and written and directed by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter William Monahan and “The Rum Diary” starring Johnny Depp and produced with Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil.

GK Films has announced several projects in development including the screen adaptation of “Jersey Boys,” the untitled Freddie Mercury story starring Sacha Baron Cohen and written by Peter Morgan and a reboot of the successful action franchise,“Tomb Raider.”

Previous GK Films releases include “Edge of Darkness,” and the three-time Academy Award® nominated “The Young Victoria.”

In 2010, Graham King and Tim Headington launched a new division, GK-TV.  Run by President Craig Cegielski, GK-TV is dedicated to the development, production and worldwide distribution of television programming.  GK-TV’s miniseries “Camelot,” set to premiere on Starz on April 1, 2011, stars Joseph Fiennes and Eva Green.

GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, formed FilmDistrict, a multi-faceted studio that encompasses acquisitions, distribution, production and financing on wide release commercial pictures.  The company will theatrically distribute several films per year. GK Films can be found at http://gk-films.com.

About Infinitum Nihil

Infinitum Nihil was formed in 2004 and enjoys a production deal with GK Films. The two companies have produced the forthcoming film The Rum Diary starring Johnny Depp and written and produced by Bruce Robinson, as well as Hugo Cabret directed by Martin Scorsese and set for release on November 23rd through Paramount Pictures.  Additionally, Infinitum Nihil and Graham King are in pre-production on Dark Shadows for Warner Brothers with Johnny Depp set to star with Tim Burton directing.

Infinitum Nihil and GK Films share a number of films in development for Warner Brothers, including Shantaram, based on the book by Gregory David Roberts and adapted by Eric Roth; Attica adapted by Linda Woolverton and to be directed by Sam Fell; Gordon Dahlquist’s The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters and the Tom Robbins classic Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates adapted by Eric Aronson.

Infinitum Nihil is also developing the Nick Tosches book In The Hand of Dante as well as journalist-author James Meek’s The People’s Act of Love.

GK Films Reboots TOMB RAIDER Film Franchise

In a pre-emptive strike, GK Films has come on board to acquire the feature film rights to TOMB RAIDER and will reboot the successful action-adventure franchise aiming for a 2013 release for the first film.

Produced by Graham King, the films will create daring new adventures for the young and dynamic Lara Croft.

GK Films acquired the film rights from interactive entertainment company, Square Enix Ltd. In Dec 2010, Square Enix subsidiary, Crystal Dynamics, revealed a new game for TOMB RAIDER based around the origins of the Lara Croft story.

“We are very excited to be rebooting what is already a hugely successful film franchise and continuing the TOMB RAIDER phenomenon,” said King.

The original game was published in 1996 by the London based video game company Eidos and became one of the most successful video games of the time. Today Eidos (including Crystal Dynamics), is part of an international interactive entertainment group, Square Enix and the stage is set for this new chapter in TOMB RAIDER history.

A pop culture phenomenon, the original TOMB RAIDER games have sold over 35million game units worldwide and Lara Croft, along with Mario Brothers is the most recognized name in gaming history.

Starring Angelina Jolie, Paramount Pictures made two movies based on the daredevil archaeologist on a series of global missions in 2001 and 2003. They grossed a total of $432m at the worldwide box office.

Senior Vice President, Grey Rembert will oversee the project for GK Films.

GK Films
Graham King launched GK Films in May 2007 with business partner Tim Headington. The company’ features “The Town,” written and directed by Ben Affleck, was recently released by Warner Bros. on September 17. GK Films also produced “The Tourist,” directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, which was released by Columbia Pictures on December 10 and has garnered $250m at the worldwide box office to date. Most recently, GK Films produced the animated tale “Rango,” directed by Gore Verbinski and produced with his Blind Wink Productions for Paramount Pictures, which was released on March 4. The company is currently in post-production on the 3-D family film “Hugo Cabret,” directed by martin Scorsese set for release through Paramount Pictures on November 23rd 2011, and an untitled love story, written and directed by Angelina Jolie.

GK Films recently announced several new projects including the screen adaptation of “Jersey Boys” and the untitled Freddie mercury story starring Sacha Baron Cohen and written by Peter Morgan. Upcoming releases produced by GK Films include the crime drama London Boulevard, starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley and written and directed by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter William Monahan.

Recent GK Films releases include “Edge of Darkness,” and the three-time Academy Award® nominated “The Young Victoria.”

In 2010, Graham King and Tim Headington launched a new division, GK-TV. Run by President Craig Cegielski, GK-TV is dedicated to the development, production and worldwide distribution of television programming. GK-TV’s miniseries “Camelot,” set to premiere on Starz on April 1, 2011, stars Joseph Fiennes and Eva Green.

GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, recently formed FilmDistrict, a multi-faceted studio that encompasses acquisitions, distribution, production and financing on wide release commercial pictures. The company will theatrically distribute several films per year.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 54 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/

TOMB RAIDER, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

New Video Of THE TOURIST

Check out Angelina Jolie & Johnny Depp in a brand new video from THE TOURIST.

Johnny Depp also stars as an American tourist whose flirtatious encounter with a stranger (Jolie) leads to a web of intrigue, romance and danger against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice.

THE TOURIST will hit theaters on December 10th, 2010. Visit the film’s official site here and on Facebook here.

Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck with star Angelina Jolie on the set of GK Films’ THE TOURIST.