JJ Abrams: STAR WARS Script Is Done!

Here's an update that director J.J. Abrams gave on STAR WARS EPISODE VII recently to media during the TCA Press Tour for his TV series BELIEVE.

The biggest news out of the session is that the script is in hand for the movie which opens the door to the next phases of pre-production including casting. Further is Abrams insistence on using film for the movie. Meanwhile, Paramount has totally thrown film out the window and distributed THE WOLF OF WALL STREET completely by digital distribution. Only 8% of all theaters remain film only projection. Fox is also due to stop film distribution as is Disney and Lionsgate.

Disney is investing a TON of money into first of all buying Lucasfilm, but secondly in the new franchise movie budgets. Why would you invest top dollar into a dying, and in fact dead (in some studios) medium? The Abrams and Nolans in the world do carry significant sway obviously but we are talking hundreds of millions of dollars here.

What are your thoughts on film vs. digital distribution? You know where I stand...

Here's the Q and A:

Are you close to finding a director for Star Trek 3?

Abrams: I’m just focusing on Episode VII, right now. That’s the focus.

Where are you on Star Wars? Is the script done?

Abrams: Yeah. We’re working really hard. We’ve got our script and we’re in deep prep. We’re full steam ahead.

Since you’re going to have to start production soon, when might we hear announcements about cast?

Abrams: When the announcements happen. But, we’re working really hard on it and it’s quite a thrill.

What are the craziest rumors you heard?

Abrams: God, there have been so many of them, honestly. I don’t know. But, it’s amazing to see how many there are. It’s really remarkable. But, it’s sweet because it shows that there’s an interest in this movie that we all obviously know is there. It is an incredible thing to see how many crazy things get thrown out that people then often write commentaries about how happy they are or how disappointed they are about something that’s completely false. But, it’s a lot of noise, frankly.

Was the Jesse Plemons report accurate?

Abrams: He is one of the actors that we’ve talked to, yeah. It’s not often that I read about actors that I’m going to be meeting. I get to read articles about actors who were going to come in, so I get to see someone and say, “Oh, I read that I was going to see you. It’s very nice to see you.” It’s usually agents talking to people about what’s happening. It’s just a lot of noise.

Would you like to shoot it in IMAX, at all?

Abrams: In the right situation, I’d like to use IMAX again. The problem with IMAX is that it’s a very loud camera. It’s a very unreliable camera. Only so much film can be in the camera. You can’t really do intimate scenes with it. It’s slow. They break down often. Having said that, they’re working on digital versions of that, so there may be a version one day. But, we’re going to be shooting this next movie on film.

More STAR WARS news when we get it...

STALINGRAD 3D Gets North American IMAX Release!

Yes! Definitely excited to see this epic in IMAX 3D!! Columbia Pictures has announced that it will release Fedor Bondarchuk's STALINGRAD in IMAX for North American audiences after wowing audiences in Russia, China, Ukraine and Poland.

IMAX will be hosting the movie for a one week engagement starting February 28 which will nicely segue into the 86th Annual Academy Awards which will be airing March 2. STALINGRAD is Russia's official selection for Best Foreign Language Film.

At last count, the movie has taken in over $67 million thanks in part to the remarkable 3D screenings. Sony's head of worldwide distribution, Rory Bruer says the movie is an ideal fit for IMAX.

STALINGRAD was shot in native 3D using 3ality Technica's gold standard 3D rigs with Steve Schklair as 3D Producer. I saw clips of the movie at 3ality's headquarters in Burbank, CA and my jaw was on the floor. Can't say enough about what I think this movie delivers - the anticipation is palpable for this - trust me!

For all of our STALINGRAD 3D coverage, including a trailer, VFX reel, Schklair interview, photos and more - click here.

STALINGRAD will be released in IMAX on February 28.

Source: Variety

Exclusive: Joe Dante's THE HOLE Will Indeed Be Screened In 3D...

Yes, Joe Dante's THE HOLE will be theatrically screened in 3D. But here's the bad news, it's only going to be screened in 3D in four theaters in Atlanta, premiering on September 28.

I got in contact with Joe personally and he told me the disappointing news.

So while many of us have waited a long time to see this thing on the big screen in 3D, it looks like that won't happen with this distribution deal.

Alternatives? Fly to Atlanta. Or buy the 3D blu-ray when it becomes available. Not too many I'm afraid. If anything changes with the 3D locations, I'll be sure to let you know.

Disney Acquires IRON MAN 3 And AVENGERS Distribution From Paramount; Sets Release Date For IRON MAN 3!!

In a huge deal that now has most of Marvel back to its new owners, Disney has bought the distribution rights to the sure-fire blockbusters IRON MAN 3 as well as THE AVENGERS from Paramount for $115 million.

The only remaining properties that are not until the tail of the mouse-house are THOR (May 6, 2011) and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER (July 22, 2011). As you may know, Disney acquired Marvel back in 2009.

I'm excited by this news because Disney is serious about representing its own property here. The deal clearly makes sense.

Here is the official release:
BURBANK, Calif. – October 18, 2010 – The Walt Disney Studios, Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios announced they have reached an agreement under which Paramount will transfer its worldwide marketing and distribution rights to Disney for Marvel Studios’ The Avengers and Iron Man 3. Paramount will remain the worldwide distributor of the upcoming films, Thor and Captain America, as well as the previously released Iron Man and Iron Man 2.

Under terms of the new deal, Disney will pay Paramount $115 million for the transfer of the distribution rights to Iron Man 3 and The Avengers to be paid on the theatrical release dates. These monies will serve as a minimum guarantee against the distribution fees.

“In completing this agreement, Disney will now assume worldwide marketing and distribution of The Avengers and Iron Man 3 and leverage these two highly-anticipated films across the multiple global platforms of The Walt Disney Company,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “We appreciate the tremendous momentum that Paramount established with these iconic Marvel characters and look forward to propelling the brand even further in the coming years.”

“Five years ago, when Paramount and Marvel made our initial deal, both our businesses were in very different places,” said Brad Grey, Chairman & CEO of Paramount Pictures. “We are grateful for the partnership we have had with the terrific Marvel team over these years and proud of the work we have done together. Today, this new agreement is the right deal for Paramount, for Marvel and for Disney. We look forward to working together on Thor and Captain America, and we wish Disney and Marvel the utmost success, in what we know will be a very productive and wide-ranging partnership.”

“Paramount has been a wonderful partner in helping Marvel Studios bring our characters to the big screen,” said Alan Fine, Office of the President, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “This agreement makes sense now that Marvel is part of The Walt Disney Company.”

Paramount will release Marvel Entertainment’s Thor and Captain America worldwide beginning on May 6 and July 22 of 2011, respectively. The Avengers will be licensed to Epix under Paramount’s existing pay television arrangement.

In yet another announcement, Disney has announced the anticipated release date for IRON MAN 3 as May 3, 2013. This date follows the pedigree of the earlier IRON MAN franchise movies in being set for early May openings.

Congratulations Disney on a FINE acquisition!