RSA Films has launched a Latin commercial division headed by industry veteran Ed Rivero. The new venture, called La Division, opens with a directorial roster that includes Angel Gracia, Arturo Pereyra, Augusto Gimenez Zapiola, Felix Fernandez de Castro, Jesus M. Rodriguez, Karina Taira, Magaby Garcia, Simon Bross and Doble Nelson….Director Matt Ogens, formerly with the recently shuttered Headquarters, has joined bicoastal HKM Productions. He has already wrapped a five-spot ESPN package at his new roost for Ground Zero, Marina del Rey, Calif…..Executive producer Valerie Petrusson is launching Beast, a bicoastal editorial house. The new venture will open with a roster of editors that includes Adam Schwartz, Paul Kelly, Igor Kovalik and Kevin Garcia. Petrusson’s exec producer counterpart in New York is Amy Saunders….Animation studio Wild Brain, San Francisco–which is active in commercials–has acquired a majority stake in New York-based limited edition art toy creator Kid Robot. The two companies plan to develop animated TV, feature film, direct-to-video and other entertainment properties, leveraging the equity of Kidrobot characters….Beaucoup Chapeaux, the independent and outsourced in-house production department started by Lisa Dee 11 years ago, has formed Beaucoup Entertainment, a New York-based content development, production and talent management company. The new venture has entered into an exclusive development and representation deal with Andrea Eisen and Beth Fraikorn. Eisen is a programming, distribution, co-production and development executive who heads Hollywood, Fla.-based Hibiscus Media. Fraikorn is an executive producer/sales agent specializing in packaging, development and placement of entertainment properties. Beaucoup Entertainment will launch a slate of programs at the upcoming MIP TV conference; the company’s content includes dramatic series The Floor and reality series Wine Country USA….Adidas will be awarded the Advertiser of the Year honor at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in June….
A “Wicked” Welcome From The National Board of Review
Days after "Wicked" went home from the Golden Globes with a single award for box office achievement, the National Board of Review Awards held space for the smash hit musical, celebrating its cast and director in the New York group's annual gala Tuesday. The untelevised but starry NBR Awards were a chance for many of the nominees who didn't win Sunday to trot out their would-be acceptance speeches, including Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. Accepting the award for best actress for her performance in the erotic thriller "Babygirl," Kidman celebrated by chugging a glass of milk, a nod to some of the film's kinky sex games. After finishing, Kidman triumphantly announced "Good girl!" and left the stage. It also was an opportunity for some jabs at the Globes. "Isn't this room just a little bit classier than the Beverly Hilton?" quipped presenter Christine Baranski, looking around the elegant marble-columned midtown venue, Cipriani's. Others were less impressed by the old-school New York vibe. "The bathroom attendant, that shouldn't exist anymore," Kieran Culkin said during a typically free-form acceptance speech for best supporting actor for his role in "A Real Pain." The night belonged to Jon M. Chu's "Wicked." The musical was the board's pick for best film, best director for Chu and a special award for the creative collaboration of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two, in back-and-forth remarks, continued their mutual praise of each other. "Also you're welcome," added Grande. "I truly think you would have murdered anyone else." "Probably true," responded Erivo. Chu, who was introduced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, used the moment to reflect on his yearslong journey with "Wicked," which will be followed by an already-shot part two due out this... Read More