Cre8tiveSHFT

Category: Film & TV

  • Violent Night 2 in the Works from Tommy Wirkola

    Violent Night 2 in the Works from Tommy Wirkola

    As the holiday season has ended, kind of. But that doesn’t mean the season of giving is done and one film that keeps on giving is Violent Night, the action-packed, Bad Santa meets Die Hard sensation that took the box office by storm. Directed by Tommy Wirkola and starring David Harbour as a Norse warrior-turned-Santa Claus; the film was a sleeper hit, grossing over $75 million globally on a budget of only $20 million, and earning even more from its PVOD release. What executive wouldn’t love those numbers in their stocking stuffer?

    And because of that, the success of Violent Night won’t end there – fans can expect to see more of Harbour’s Santa as Wirkola confirms that a sequel is in the works.

    “We’re talking about it and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order.

    Wirkola

    However, fans won’t have to hold their breath for the next installment as the team plans to take their time in developing the script.

    The second film will be written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller and will delve deeper into the traditional Santa Claus mythology with a Violent Night twist.

    There’s stuff we left on the floor like the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, the elves, But story-wise I think we have a really, really cool idea that expands on the world and scope, but still keeping that tone that we love from the first one.”

    Wirkola

    Referring to the setting of the first film in a Connecticut mansion.

    As the team continues to develop the script, fans can rest assured that they will be in for a treat as Violent Night 2 promises to be even more action-packed and thrilling than the first. But remember, Santa is always watching and he’s got a list, so be good boys and girls because Violent Night 2 will only happen if you are.

  • The Financial Success of Indie Filmmakers

    The Financial Success of Indie Filmmakers

    The rise of independent filmmakers and how they’re making a big impact in Hollywood. It covers the financial benefits of making indie films, how to get funding, and how to market and distribute your film.

    In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it’s easy to overlook the independent filmmakers who are quietly making a big impact in the industry. From Sundance darlings to micro-budget masterpieces, indie films are not only garnering critical acclaim, but also raking in big bucks at the box office. One of the biggest financial benefits of making indie films is the ability to retain creative control. Without the constraints of studio interference, indie filmmakers have the freedom to tell the stories they want to tell, and often at a fraction of the cost of a big-budget Hollywood production.

    But how do indie filmmakers secure funding for their projects? Many turn to crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo to raise money from individual investors. Some also secure funding through grants and film festivals, such as Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program. Marketing and distribution of indie films can also be a challenge, but with the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, it’s becoming easier for indie filmmakers to reach a wider audience. Streaming deals can provide a significant source of revenue for indie filmmakers, and in some cases, even rival the box office earnings of Hollywood productions.

    One of the most recent examples of indie films success is Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, a horror-thriller film that was made with a budget of $4.5 million and grossed over $255 million worldwide. Another example is Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, a drama film that was made with a budget of $1.5 million and grossed over $65 million worldwide. These examples show that indie films can be both financially and critically successful. As the film industry continues to evolve, it’s important to recognize the contributions of indie filmmakers and their ability to challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives to the big screen.

    While the road to success in Hollywood is never easy, indie filmmakers are proving that with hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck, it’s possible to make it big in the film industry on your own terms. These Hollywood’s Hidden Gems are shining brightly and it’s worth paying attention to.

  • A Major Transcendent Transformation

    A Major Transcendent Transformation

    The Intense Physical and Mental Journey Behind His Role in ‘Magazine Dreams’

    Jonathan Majors has been turning heads at Sundance with his portrayal of a toxic bodybuilding fanatic in Magazine Dreams. The actor has undergone an incredible transformation for the role of a toxic bodybuilding fanatic, with the camera often lingering on his impressive muscles throughout the film. Majors revealed the extraordinary dedication and incredible and sacrifices he made to become the character.

    I’m 6 feet tall. I’m 202 pounds.” “In order to sustain that and to grow that you have to eat as much protein that you weigh. I ate 6,100 calories a day for about four months. That included the pre-work and the post-work of ‘Creed III’.” “The normal bodybuilder works out two times a day,” he said. “I’m playing Killian Maddox… Playing him you don’t fuck around. What ended up happening is I would train two hours, two times a day for the movie and a third time after wrap. Meanwhile, you eat six times a day. Lots of chicken. Lots of elk. That’s just for me. I like it.”

    The actor went on to explain that his intense training regimen was a reflection of the character he was playing.

    The normal bodybuilder works out two times a day,” he said. “I’m playing Killian Maddox… Playing him you don’t fuck around. What ended up happening is I would train two hours, two times a day for the movie and a third time after wrap. Meanwhile, you eat six times a day. Lots of chicken. Lots of elk. That’s just for me. I like it.”

    Despite the intense physical demands of the role, Majors has no plans to slow down.

    I played football in Texas. I got an appetite,” he said. “I really like being physical. I like hiking and running. I’ve got dogs. I’m only 33… I got to do something to stay with it. I don’t work out three times a day anymore. Just once a day.”

    The actor’s dedication to the role was evident in the final product, with critics praising his performance as “transfixing” and “phenomenal”. Majors’ transformation was not just physical, but also mental, as he delved deep into the psyche of a character consumed by obsession and toxic masculinity. The film explores the destructive nature of such obsessions and the cost it can have on one’s mental and physical well-being.

  • Jonathan Majors Shines in Magazine Dreams

    Jonathan Majors Shines in Magazine Dreams

    A Raw and Unforgiving Exploration of Fury and Self-Destruction.

    When a filmmaker sets out to captivate an audience and make a powerful statement, one tried and true method is to craft a pulse-pounding climax that combines the grit of Pulp Fiction with the glitz of Boogie Nights. In Magazine Dreams, writer-director Elijah Bynum delivers just that, with a scene that will leave audiences breathless.

    The film follows the story of Killian Maddox, a bodybuilder portrayed by criminally talented Jonathan Majors, whose obsession with physical perfection and unbridled rage lead to a descent into self-destruction. Majors delivers a powerhouse performance as Killian, becoming a bodybuilder himself for the role, and imbuing the character with a vulnerability and intensity that is truly mesmerizing.

    As Killian’s obsession with achieving the perfect physique takes over his life, he becomes increasingly isolated and violent, turning to steroids and consuming 6,000 calories a day in pursuit of his goal. But despite his rough exterior, there is a gentleness and thoughtfulness to Killian that makes it impossible not to root for him.

    The film explores the destructive nature of obsession and the toxic masculinity that can accompany it, as Killian’s single-minded pursuit of the cover of a magazine like his idol Brad Vanderhorn (Michael O’Hearn) begins to unravel his life. It’s a raw and unflinching look at the dangers of fixating on an unattainable ideal, and the cost it can have on one’s mental and physical well-being.

    Backed by a soundtrack that includes Patti Smith‘s rendition of Because the Night, Magazine Dreams is a film that will leave a lasting impression. Majors delivers a standout performance, it’s a must-watch for fans of powerful and thought-provoking cinema.

  • Little Richard Doc Dares You to Look Away

    Little Richard Doc Dares You to Look Away

    It’s easy to ignore those who are perceived as different or invisible, especially nowadays as society loves to label people and cast them aside, but sometimes those very labels only serve to make certain individuals shine brighter. Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was one of those individuals. He was a force to be reckoned with, and no matter how society tried to mark him, he demanded to be seen.

    In her new documentary, Little Richard: I Am Everything, director Lisa Cortés shines a spotlight on the legendary musician whose complex legacy is woven into the fabric of American popular music. The film is a powerful reminder that even when society tries to bury certain individuals, their impact and influence can never truly be erased.

    The film begins with Little Richard in all his bedazzled glory, with his signature pancake makeup and conked hair, pounding away at the piano. But Cortés quickly takes the audience back to the beginning, to Little Richard’s childhood in Macon, Georgia. Born into a family of 12 siblings, Little Richard’s early life was a series of contradictions. His father was a strict minister who owned a nightclub and was also a bootlegger. Though Christianity was a constant in his life, Little Richard was exposed to different forms of worship through his mother’s quiet Baptist church and his father’s vibrant A.M.E. church.

    Cortés uses a wealth of archival footage, interviews, and anecdotes from family, friends, and scholars to take the audience on a journey through Little Richard’s life. It was a life full of twists and turns, but one that never stopped moving forward, even if the direction changed. The music and performances in the film are breathtaking, but Cortés also anchors the audience with history. As Little Richard was bringing Black and white teens together at concerts for the first time, Emmett Till was brutally murdered in Mississippi. Little Richard’s Blackness and queerness made him a symbol and a target, and the film explores the rampant appropriation and near-obliteration of his legacy by his imitators, like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.

    But despite the struggles he faced, Little Richard never stopped advocating to be seen for exactly who he was and for all of the brilliance he contributed.

    Little Richard: I Am Everything premiered on January 19, 2023 at the Sundance Film Festival, and it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of American music and the fight for visibility and representation.

  • Want to Break Into Cinema? Perform in An Indie Film!

    Want to Break Into Cinema? Perform in An Indie Film!

    Breaking into the Big Screen and The Power of Indie Films in Launching An Acting Career

    What does Jenna Ortega, Florence Pugh, and Alexandra Daddario in common? According to this IMDb list, they are all three top actresses in Hollywood. And playing a part in an indie film has been the turning point of many actors’ and actresses’ careers. But in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, breaking into the film industry can be a daunting task for aspiring actors. Yet, for those willing to take a risk and step outside of the mainstream, indie films can be the key to launching a successful career.

    Indie films are typically produced outside of the studio system and have a lower budget compared to Hollywood films. They offer actors the opportunity to take on more challenging and diverse roles, as well as the chance to work with up-and-coming directors and writers.

    One of the most famous examples of an actor breaking into the mainstream through indie films is Jennifer Lawrence. She got her start in the indie film Winter’s Bone in 2010 and later went on to win an Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and played the lead in The Hunger Games franchise.

    These type of films also offer actors the opportunity to showcase their range and versatility, something that can be difficult to do in mainstream films. By taking on challenging and complex roles in indie films, actors can demonstrate their talent and versatility to casting directors and industry professionals.

    But how can independent films benefit upcoming and talent? Mainly for the following 5 Reasons : 

    • The chance to grow as an actor.
    • It keeps your acting skills sharp for future projects.
    • Gain footage for your showreel
    • Network by working with professionals  
    • It could launch your career

    Indie films also have a reputation for being more experimental and innovative, and as such are often able to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and filmmaking. This can be a draw for actors looking to push their own boundaries and take on more challenging and meaningful roles.

    But it’s not just the acting opportunities that make indie films a valuable platform for aspiring actors. Indie films also offer the chance to network and build relationships with industry professionals, which can be crucial in advancing one’s career.

    Despite the challenges and risks involved in working on indie films, they can provide a powerful launchpad for actors looking to make a name for themselves in the film industry. By taking the leap and getting involved in indie films, actors can gain the recognition and exposure they need to break into the mainstream and achieve success on the big screen.

    As the industry continues to evolve, indie films will continue to play an important role in discovering new talent and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. For actors looking to make a name for themselves in the film industry, indie films are a powerful tool that should not be overlooked.

  • Watch the Official Trailer for Scream VI

    Watch the Official Trailer for Scream VI

    Ghostface w/ a Glock???

    The latest trailer for the highly-anticipated horror flick, Scream VI, has been released by Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group, and it promises to be a blood-soaked nightmare. The film, which stars Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Mason Gooding, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Jenna Ortega, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra and Samara Weaving, along with Hayden Panettiere and Courteney Cox, is set to hit theaters on March 10, 2023.

    The logline for the film reads:

    Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter.

    Barrera, Ortega, Brown, and Gooding reprise their roles from the last film, as does original star Cox. Legacy franchise cast member Panetierre is also back for this one. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, the film is produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein, and is executive produced by Kevin Williamson, Gary Barber, Peter Oillataguerre, Chad Villella, Courteney Cox, Ron Lynch, Cathy Konrad, and Marianne Maddalena.

    Barrera, who plays Sam Carpenter in the film, promises that upcoming sequel will be “100 times gorier.”

    It’s like 20 times more mortifying.” “It’s awful. Because you also see how, in a city like New York City, everyone is kind of doing their own thing and someone is screaming for help, and no one will come to their help.”

    Melissa Barrera

    Ortega also commented on this film’s new “ghostface” saying:

    I just read part of the script, and it just gets more and more gory,” “I think that this is probably the most aggressive and violent version of Ghostface we’ve ever seen, which I think will really be fun to shoot.”

    JENNA ORTEGA

    As the release date approaches, fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this latest installment, which promises to be a blood-drenched spectacle of horror. With a talented cast and a script that promises to push the boundaries of gore and violence, Scream VI is shaping up to be a must-see film for fans of the horror genre.

  • David Harbour’s Santa Is Out For Blood

    David Harbour’s Santa Is Out For Blood

    The holiday season is rapidly approaching, which means it’s time to start pulling out those pumpkins, turkeys, and Christmas lights. As you compile those movie watch lists, Universal Pictures is bringing another Christmas flick to add to the list. But while you bask in holiday cheer, Violent Night brings the holiday fear. In just a couple of months, the David Harbour-led movie will bring audiences a different kind of Christmas movie, and the official trailer has arrived.

    The trailer begins with Harbour’s Santa indulging in alcohol before heading out to distribute gifts. One family is especially excited for the year’s Christmas, giving the daughter a direct line to Santa. Surely nothing could go wrong for this picture-perfect trio. But almost everything does as the trailer showcases the tense, action-filled story that follows. It turns Santa into an unwitting action hero as he’s roped into the drama of the evening, because nothing screams Christmas quite like brute force and a little magic.

    The trailer also showcases that while the movie will be rather bloody, it also includes moments of comedy throughout as Harbour helps protect the central family from bad guys. It shows off the darker side of Christmas while including all the staples of a holiday movie (it’s not Christmas without some festive elements). The trailer also reveals just exactly how Santa punishes those on his naughty list; coal is just the beginning.

    Violent Night focuses on a wealthy family whose Christmas is uprooted when a group of mercenaries breaks into their compound. As the mercenaries hold the family hostage, they’re also in for their own surprise: Santa Claus. After learning about the situation at hand, Santa drops his plans for the evening to help save the family, “and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.”

    The movie hails from 87North, the studio responsible for movies such as Bullet Train, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and more. Sonic the Hedgehog scribes Pat Casey and Josh Miller wrote the screenplay, with Tommy Wirkola (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters) as director. It is executive produced by Marc S. Fischer, and produced by 87North’s Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella. Universal Pictures will distribute in all territories. Additional cast includes John Leguizamo, Cam Gigandet, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, Edi Patterson, and Beverly D’Angelo.

    Violent Night premieres only in theaters on December 2. If you’re attending to New York Comic Con, be sure to head to the screening on Friday, October 7. In the meantime, check out the trailer below:

  • Keanu Reeves May Direct Film Adaptation Of His Comic “BRZRKR”

    Keanu Reeves May Direct Film Adaptation Of His Comic “BRZRKR”

    Hollywood legend Keanu Reeves is thinking about directing Netflix’s film adaptation of BRZRKR, a comic book about an immortal warrior fighting through the ages. Reeves confessed that he hasn’t read Mattson Tomlin’s script yet, but he is considering directing the adaption of his best-selling comic himself.

    First published in 2021 after a successful Kickstarter campaign, BRZRKR is an epic tale that impressed critics and readers alike. The highly cinematic and action-filled story features a warrior that looks just like Reeves beating people to a pulp in different moments in history. The comic book was bound to get a film adaptation and last year Netflix announced that it would transform BRZRKR into a live-action movie and an animated series with two seasons. Surprising no one, the live-action film will star Reeves in the leading role.

    While the animated series is being kept under wraps, the movie got some recent developments after screenwriter Tomlin announced on Twitter last week that he had finished his draft of the BRZRKR movie. Given the short window between that announcement and our interview, it was unlikely that the comic book team had the opportunity to read the script. We had to ask anyway, and Reeves confirmed that he didn’t have the time to go through it. As he told us, “I got it yesterday or two days ago. I haven’t read it yet.” Reeves also told us that it’s still “early days” to consider a director, as they don’t know yet if everyone will sign off on Tomlin’s script. However, Reeves revealed that he has been thinking about directing the movie himself. In fact, Reeves says there’s a “33%” chance of him becoming the director. Not bad odds.

    If Reeves takes the director chair for the BRZRKR live-action film, he could help the adaptation to be faithful to the comic books. On that note, the only director credit in Reeves’ career was for 2013’s Man of Tai Chi, a movie he took over because he was part of the writing process and felt really attached to it. So, according to Reeves, the same could happen if he likes Tomlin’s script. As he puts it:

    “I know how it’s a lot of work, but the film that I directed, Man of Tai Chi, was born, I became the director because I was part of the writing process, and I didn’t want to hand it over. I was like, oh, okay. I have to direct this. I’m not quite there yet on ‘BRZRKR’. I have to read the script, but I’m also interested in having a collaborator and what they could bring to it.”

    After learning of this extraordinary possibility, all we can do is agree with Garney who said to Reeves during the interview, “Get that percentage up, man. I mean, I think it’s all you. You should be doing it. Clint Eastwood does it. I mean, you can do it, I think you, it’s your thing.”

    There’s no release date for the BRZRKR movie or the animated series. Stay tuned for our full interview with Reeves, Kindt, and Garney. Until then, here’s Keanu Reeves, director Francis Lawrence, and producer Akiva Goldsman reflecting on the making of the 2005 DC Comics adaptation Constantine for its 15th anniversary.

  • The Next Batch: Black Male Leads and the Roles They Should Portray

    The Next Batch: Black Male Leads and the Roles They Should Portray

    Electram corrumpit sed ne. Sint sadipscing te pro, his vidisse habemus salutandi id. Audire consect conclus nam ne. Etiam malorum te his. No eum alia melius aliquam, ut consul assentior mei. Eum no error graecis delicatissimi. Pri utamur prodesset no, ad sum erat facete prodesset, esse labitur singulis ex per

    JONATHAN MAJORS

    Jonathan

    LAKEITH STANFIELD

    Lakeith

    DANIEL KALUUYA

    Nec ea dicam ridens. Noster voluptaria intellegebat mel et, duis vocibus quaerendum pro an, pertinax imperdiet definitionem vel ea. Scribentur omittantur ne vim, no qui rebum efficiantur, doctus fabulas ut pri. Ex pertinax periculis mnesarchum quo, usu vero essent ut.

    MICHAEL B. JORDAN

    Michael B. Jordan

    DAMSON IDRIS

    Damson Idris

    JOHN BOYEGA

    John Boyega