Variety profiles British actor and screenwriter Simon Farnaby, exploring his work on hits like Paddington and Wonka and his upcoming adaptation of The Magic Faraway Tree. The piece examines his distinctive blend of silliness and surrealism that has made him a key creative force in family entertainment. His success shows how offbeat humor can anchor commercially successful films.
Campaigners are calling for Jared Leto's upcoming concerts to be cancelled following allegations of criminal sexual conduct against the actor and musician. The claims have sparked public pressure on promoters and venues to drop the events. This reflects growing accountability in the entertainment industry over sexual misconduct accusations.
William Orbit, the influential British producer and musician, has died at age 69. Known for his work on Madonna's "Ray of Light" and albums for Blur, All Saints, and others, he won multiple Grammy Awards and helped shape the sound of pop and electronic music in the 1990s and 2000s. His death marks a significant loss to the music industry.
Take-Two Interactive reported that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 reached an "unprecedented and astonishing" level during the June quarter, according to CEO Strauss Zelnick. The strong demand signals massive anticipation for the game's release, which is expected to be a major financial event for the company and the gaming industry.
Gabriel Mascaro, director of "The Blue Trail," and top Brazilian producer Paula Cosenza have launched a new production company called Trema, unveiling its first slate of projects. The move signals a new creative partnership in Brazilian cinema and expands their production footprint internationally.
Starz reported a 4% decline in second-quarter revenue as its streaming subscriber losses began to stabilize. The company also took a $147 million charge tied to terminating its output deal with Universal, reflecting a strategic pivot away from exclusive theatrical releases. This move signals Starz's focus on proprietary content to compete in a crowded streaming market.
A sequel to the cult indie game Pony Island has been announced, titled Pony Island 2 Panda Circus. The game promises a phantasmagorical, hellish adventure, continuing the surreal style of the original. It matters as a notable follow-up to a beloved indie title.
Locarno's Match Me! project market is championing emerging filmmakers, with a focus on timely themes and authentic storytelling. A younger generation of creators is taking center stage, reflecting a shift toward fresh voices in international co-productions.
Variety reports exclusively that Locarno’s Open Doors program has expanded its lineup, adding the project ‘Luminalia’ and films from Mo Harare and Mostafa El Kasha. They join ‘Chapa 100’ by director Ique Langa, which has been drawing buzz at the workshop. This underscores Open Doors’ role as a key launchpad for international independent cinema and co-productions.