Directing duo the Docter Twins–consisting of Jason and Matt Docter–has secured its first representation in Canada, signing with Toronto-based commercial studio Westside. Based in L.A., Jason and Matt Docter continue to direct in the U.S. via their production company Thinking Machine. The identical twin brothers are known for their subtle, authentic sensibilities that balance smart performance and a cinematic style with a witty, comedic storytelling flair. The full range of the twins’ style can be seen in their multi-award-winning Xfinity Mobile “Data in Dollars” campaign from Goodby Silverstein & Partners. A series of 6-second contextual pre-roll ads, the campaign quantifies just how much everything from how-to tutorials to music videos and action flicks costs in data charges when not using Xfinity. The campaign was recognized at Cannes Lions, The Clios, The Addys, AICP’s Next Awards and The Webbys, among others. The twins are currently developing an indie feature film inspired by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. The Docter Twins made their first directorial splash back in 2008 when they earned inclusion into SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase….
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” Tops Weekend Box Office
In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures' "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" sped past the Walt Disney Co.'s "Mufasa: The Lion King" to take the top spot at the box office ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates. With strong reviews (86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and a high score from audiences (an "A" on CinemaScore), "Sonic 3" is well positioned to be the top choice in cinemas during the busiest moviegoing period of the year.
It was telling of some wider trends that "Sonic 3" — made for $122 million — bested one of Disney's top properties. Videogame adaptations, once among the most derided movie genres, have emerged as one of the most dependable box office forces in recent years. The two previous "Sonic" movies together grossed more $700 million worldwide and the third installment appears likely to do better than both of them. A fourth "Sonic" movie is already in development.
"Mufasa," however, was humbled in its opening weekend, with its $35 million in domestic ticket sales coming in notably shy of expectations . The photorealistic "Lion King" prequel even opened wider than "Sonic 3," launching on 4,100 theaters and gobbling up most IMAX screens, compared with 3,761 locations for "Sonic 3."
Though "Mufasa's" reviews were poor (56% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences gave it an "A-" CinemaScore.
"Sonic 3" nearly doubled the haul for "Mufasa," which cost more than $200 million to make. Disney could look to $87.2 million in international sales to help make up the difference. The third "Sonic" will rollout in most overseas markets in the coming weeks.
In director Jeff... Read More