Issue 2 November 11th 2020

Creative Economist

Things Are Moving

The industry feels like it's on an upswing.

Even though there's still a cloud of doubt and uncertainty surrounding how we will watch movies from now on, productions are ramping up with extra safety protocols and there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Trevor and I have been taking this time to focus on writing, and we both recently finished scripts for horror ideas that have been floating around in our heads for some time.

Now, it's time to polish and keep moving forward with them so we can get them out into the world and let them be free like butterflies!

What's the latest with your projects? Let us know in the Fearless Filmmakers community.

The Latest

Lucasfilm exec defends Baby Yoda in Mandalorian egg controversy

The unthinkable has happened: People are mad at Baby Yoda.

Ammonite Release Date Set for November and December – /Film

Ammonite, the romantic period piece starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, now has a release date. In fact, it has two release dates. The film will hit theaters (assuming any are still open) this Friday. However, if you can’t or won’t return to a theater, never fear – the flick will find its way to premium on-demand in December.

Retribution: Liam Neeson to Star in a New Riff on Speed – /Film

Liam Neeson‘s late-stage career as an action star is set to continue in Retribution, the latest film from Predators director Nimród Antal.

The Hardy Boys Trailer: The Teen Mystery Series Heads to Hulu – /Film

The Hardy Boys are back, in Hulu form.

Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson Talk Renewed The Office Popularity | Collider

While fans of The Office are still clamoring for some sort of official reunion for the beloved show’s cast, the actors continue to get together in groups on various Zoom calls and mini-YouTube reunions.

Chris Pratt to Star in Russo-Produced Saigon Bodyguards Remake – /Film

Love me some Chris Pratt, since Parks and Recs days.

'Emily in Paris' Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix - Variety

Emily Cooper is staying in Paris for a little while longer and maybe, just maybe, she might learn a few actual French words this time.

Millie Bobby Brown to Fight a Dragon in Netflix Fantasy Film Damsel | Collider

Hot off the success of the Netflix movie Enola Holmes, Millie Bobby Brown has signed on to executive produce and star in a new fantasy film titled Damsel for the streamer, Collider has learned.

Dreamland review: Margot Robbie makes a captivating outlaw

“What if John Steinbeck wrote about gangsters?”

'Unapologetic' Trailer: First Look at Ashley O'Shays' Documentary - Variety

Cinematographer Ashley O’Shay makes her feature directorial debut with “Unapologetic,” screening as part of the DOC NYC series.

Producer Says 'Mortal Kombat' Movie Currently Has No Release Date; Don't Expect Trailer Soon - Bloody Disgusting

The most recent release date we were provided with for the new Mortal Kombat movie from Warner Bros/New Line was January 15, 2021, but as you probably figured by now, that’s no longer the plan thanks to the ongoing pandemic upending the film industry.

James Wan Producing Untitled Original Horror Movie for New Line and Director Bishal Dutta - Bloody Disgusting

We’ve got no plot details or even a title at this time but we’ve learned via Deadline today that James Wan‘s Atomic Monster is producing a new “original horror movie” for New Line.

Mank: Filming 100 Takes Left Gary Oldman Cursing at David Fincher | IndieWire

In a new cover story on “Mank” for Total Film magazine, Dance reveals the “Mank” team performed over 100 takes of the dinner party scene.

The Scorpion King Reboot in the Works at Universal – /Film

The Scorpion King will rise again, though not with Dwayne Johnson sporting the leather armor.

The Industry

Cinematography Creativity Goes Remote - Variety

While the field has always changed rapidly even in normal times, the pace of change and adaptation has accelerated over the past six months.

'Jurassic World: Dominion’ Used 40,000 COVID Tests During Shooting

Jurassic World: Dominion began pre-production before COVID-19 and now has wrapped in a very different world.

The Mind-Bending and Emotive Cinematography of Ellen Kuras

A look into how cinematographer Ellen Kuras broke into the industry with her innovative techniques, then reshaped it with her storytelling.

After Trump, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC Face Viewership, Revenue Hurdles - Variety

Cable news outlets focused on nothing last week but the presidential election. On Fox News Channel, however, Bill Hemmer found a few seconds to peer into the future.

What is a Western, Anyway? An Exploration of the Classic Film Genre

One of the great things about genres is that they work on a framework of expectations—a web of images, plot devices, stock characters, and themes—that create a promise with the audience. Whether that promise will hold over several decades and cultural shifts is another matter.

Electronic Arts Produces TV Shows to Broaden Video Game Market - Variety

Electronic Arts is world-renowned for huge video game franchises like “Madden NFL” and “Apex Legends,” but a division within the company is devoted to making something it’s not as well known for: TV shows.

Despite Streaming, Nothing Can Take the Place of a Night at the Movies - Variety

Boy, do I miss going out to the movies — “out” being the operative word here.

With 40% Cash Rebate, Greek Industry Hopes for Post-Pandemic Rebound - Variety

With a second lockdown looming amid a spike in coronavirus cases across Greece, Giorgos Karnavas, of production outfit Heretic, knew it was a race against time to wrap shooting on “Triangle of Sadness,” a satire directed by Oscar nominee and Palme d’Or winner Ruben Östlund.

TALES FROM THE LOOP - Robots: VFX Breakdown by Rodeo FX - The Art of VFXThe Art of VFX

If you like robots and the the beautiful paintings of Simon Stålenhag, then don’t miss this new breakdown video by Rodeo FX about their work on TALES FROM THE LOOP:

'Bob's Burgers' Boss on Building a Retail Empire - Variety

A central premise of “Bob’s Burgers” is that the Belcher family always needs money. The irony is that the show itself has become the center of its own merchandise empire.

FuboTV Stock Jumps 20% On Q3 Streaming Subscriber Gains – Deadline

Shares in FuboTV, which recently went public, jumped more than 20% in early trading Wednesday after the company reported better-than-expected subscriber numbers for its streaming TV packages.

The Tech

Apple M1 promises full-quality 8K ProRes playback in DaVinci Resolve 17 "without dropping a single frame" - EOSHD.com - Filmmaking Gear and Camera Reviews

Editing 8K ProRes in DaVinci Resolve on a 13″ Macbook? There are some big claims Apple is making for their new silicon.

What To Watch

Freaky Review: The Best Slasher Movie Since Scream – /Film

Filled with inventive kills, genuinely funny jokes, and a surprisingly warm heart, Freaky is one of the year’s most enjoyable films.