Focus Features

Posted on October 5, 2014 by plimpanu

by Punika Limpanudom

[26] Focus Features Logo

HISTORY

Founded by David Linde and James Schamus in 2002, Focus Features is the art house branch of NBC Universal and a subsidiary company of Universal Pictures. The company is as a product of the divisional merger between USA Films and Good Machine. The company has produced cult classics like Wet Hot American Summer (2001) and Academy Award-winning films like Brokeback Mountain (2005), which grossed $83 million domestically [1].

[24] “Brokeback Mountain” is one of Focus Features’ most critically acclaimed films, winning Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score at the 2006 Academy Awards.

Focus Features produces independent films with a niche target audience, tackling genres that big-budget blockbusters may not produce, putting emphasis on dramatic cinematography and character insight over a commercially-driven plot lines. Examples of successful movies with niche markets produced by Focus Features are Sophia Coppola‘s Lost in Translation (2003) and Wes Anderson‘s Moonrise Kingdom (2012). The company also handles film production, film financing and worldwide distribution, which means they are vertically integrated to produce a film from start to finish; pre-production all the way through to distribution, domestically and internationally.

On October 2013, James Schamus stepped down from the position of CEO upon the merger between FilmDistrict and placed Peter Schlessel, the founder of FilmDistrict, to be the chief executive of Focus Features in January 2014 [2].

KEY EXECUTIVES

[2] Peter Schlessel, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Features

[3] Peter Schlessel, CEO of Focus Features

[4] Christine Birch, President of Marketing

[5] Adrian Alperovich, Chief Operating Officer

FINANCIALS

Focus Features ranks 12th in overall film distributor companies, owning 1.1% of the total market share as of November 23, 2014. The company’s total gross is $104.5 million with 11 movies released in 2014 so far [6]. Focus Features had improved in market share from the previous year, ranking 13th with 1.1% market share and grossing $101 million with its 6 films that were released in 2013 [20]. There is a 15% increase in gross revenue, 2014 being comparatively more successful than 2013 [7] despite the critical success that came with Dallas Buyers Club during the 2014 Academy Award.

IN THEATERS

“The Theory of Everything” (2014)

[13] ‘The Theory of Everything” is a biopic based on a biographical book by Jane Hawking called “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen”

The biographical drama starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones was a limited release in five theaters in North America on November 7, 2014. The biopic “played well across all demographics” and Jim Orr, the head of distribution at Focus Features, said that “the film itself and the director will be getting Academy attention”. The opening weekend grossed $207K, averaging a strong $41,400 per theater. [8] The film expanded to wide release on November 26, 2014 and has grossed approximately $9.6 million in total domestically. [9] Redmayne, who stars the young astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, has already won the Palm Springs International Film Festival‘s Desert Palm Achievement Award and Hollywood Film Awards‘ Hollywood Breakout Performance Actor Award in November 2014. Redmayne has been predicted to receive critical attention for the Best Actor award for the upcoming Academy Awards in 2015 [10][11][12]

FALL 2014 RELEASED MOVIES

“The Boxtrolls” (2014)

[15] “The Boxtrolls” is the product of collaboration between Portland-based animation studio, LAIKA, and Focus Features.

The fantasy stop-motion animation was released on September 26, 2014 grossed $49.6 million domestically and $56.2 million internationally. During its opening weekend, The Boxtrolls ranked 3rd, opening in 3,464 theaters and averaging $4,987 per theater, which became 34.9% of the total gross. Looking at the somewhat successful feedback of the partnership between LAIKA and Focus Features in producing and distributing The Boxtrolls, generating $49.6 million dollars domestically, the domestic revenue did not break-even with the high cost of producing animation, which was $60 million budget for production. Fortunately, the animation grossed over $56 million overseas, which in turn becomes over half of the lifetime gross of the film, bringing the total worldwide gross to $107.8 million, holding the film above water and breaking even with the $60 million production budget [14].

Produced by LAIKA, a Portland-based animation studio that has previously produced Oscar-nominated Coraline (2009) and ParaNorman (2012), both of which was distributed by Focus Features, the company signed an extension to their partnership, adding three more films to be made. Once again Focus Features will be distributing domestic releases, while international distribution will be under Universal Pictures International [16].

“Kill the Messenger” (2014)

A thriller directed by Homeland director Michael Cuesta was released on October 10, 2014 and received positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 77% rating from 97 reviews [17]. It grossed $2.4 million domestically [18] and was ranked 15th at the box office during the opening weekend, debuting with Buena Vista‘s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, which ranked 2nd. The Boxtrolls, distributed by Focus Features, ranked 9th on the film’s debuting weekend [19]. Though Kill The Messenger wasn’t a total flop for Focus Features but the movie flew under the radar, despite its lukewarm reviews. This might be because it debuted with bigger blockbuster movies on the same weekend as mentioned previously.

UPCOMING

“Black Sea” (2015)

A suspense thriller starring Academy Award nominee, Jude Law, will be released in January 2015. Directed by Kevin MacDonald, Black Sea follows a cryptic submarine captain and his band of misfit crew in search of a hidden treasure. The critically acclaimed director has been known for his award-winning works such as The Last King of Scotland. The film is scheduled to release in Europe and the United Kingdoms in December 2014 [21][22].

[25] Focus Feature picked up the development of the adaptation of best-selling young adult novel “The Scorpio Races” after a turnaround with Warner Bros.

“The Scorpio Races”

Focus Features has signed to develop adaptation of the popular young adult series The Scorpio Races written by Maggie Stiefvater. After falling through with Warner Bros., the adaptation was then taken to Focus Features to develop. The screenplay will be adapted by Jack Thorne, produced by KatzSmith Productions and Jay Ireland is placed to be the Executive Producer [23]. This is a promising project for Focus Features, since the company’s adaptation productions has always been a success, such as Brokeback Mountain and Dallas Buyers Club.

PROJECTIONS FOR FOCUS FEATURES

With The Theory of Everything receiving a robust amount of Oscar buzz, Focus Feature is looking at a great Award Season in the upcoming year. The film is one of the frontrunner for Best Picture award and Best Actor by Redmayne‘s stellar performance in portraying the disease-ridden Stephen Hawking. The upcoming year is projected to be another improvement from the last, which peaked with Dallas Buyers Club‘s performance at the 2014 Academy Award. The extended partnership with LAIKA animation for another three movies is promising, judging by their previous successful collaborations with Coraline and ParaNorman. Next year will be another relatively successful year for Focus Features since the highly anticipated adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey” will be released on Valentine’s Day 2015.

SOURCES

[1] Box Office by Studio: Focus Features. Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[2] Miller, Daniel (October 2 2013). FlimDistrict’s Schlessel to head Focus Features as Schamus departs. LA Times. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[3] Peter Schlessel. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 1 2014

[4] Christine Birch. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 1 2014

[5] Adrian Alperovich. NBCUniversal. Retrieved December 1 2014

[6] Studio Market Share 2014. Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[7] Studio Market Share: Yearly Comparison. Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[8] Brooks, Brian (November 9 2014). ‘The Theory of Everything’ Hawking Relatively Strong Box Office Debut. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[9] The Theory of Everything (2014). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[10] Feinberg, Scott (September 7 2014). Toronto: Eddie Redmayne Leaps to Head of Oscar Pack for ‘Theory of Everything’. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[11] Feinberg, Scott (September 7 2014). Palm Springs Film Fest: Eddie Redmayne Lands top Actor Honor for ‘Theory of Everything’. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[12] Gray, Tim (September 7 2014). Toronto: ‘Theory of Everything’ Has the Right Formula for Oscars. Variety. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[13] The Theory of Everything Movie Poster. teaser-trailer.com. Retrieved December 1 2014

[14] The Boxtrolls (2014). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[15] The Boxtrolls Movie Poster. impawards.com. Retrieved December 1 2014

[16] Yamato, Jen (October 3 2014). Post-‘Boxtrolls’, focus Features & LAIKA Pact On Three More Films. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[17] Kill The Messenger (2014). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[18] Kill the Messenger (2014). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[19] Weekend Box Office: October 10-12, 2014. Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[20] Studio Market Share 2013. Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[21] Tartaglione, Nancy (November 30 2014). ‘Mockingjay’, ‘Interstellar’, ‘Penguins’ Lead Frame; ‘Paddington’ Charms UK: Int’l B.O.. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[22] D’Alessandro, Anthony (July 2 2014). Focus Features To Bow ‘Black Sea’ In January; ‘Selfless’ & ‘Insidious 3’ Make Sked Changes. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved: november 30 2014

[23] Ford, Rebecca (November 5 2014). Focus to Develop YA Adaptation ‘Scorpio Races’ (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: November 30 2014

[24] Brokeback Mountain Movie Poster. impawards.com. Retrieved December 1 2014

[25] The Scorpio Races Book Cover. goodreads.com. Retrieved December 1 2014

[26] Focus Features Logo. NBCUniversal. Retrieved December 1 2014

Focus Features

Link

by Lizzie Kelleher

History

David Linde and James Schamus formed Focus Features in 2002, after the divisional merger of USA Films and Good Machine. Focus Features was created as the art cinema division of NBC Universal, typically producing, and distributing, their own independent films. With cult classics like Wet Hot American Summer and other successful films such as Brokeback Mountain, Focus Features gains a steady profit from it’s US and international branches. [1]

In 2013, Focus Features went through a merger with FilmDistrcit, and the company’s executive team was completely changed. Peter Schlessel replaced James Schamus as CEO, and Andrew Karpen, former co-CEO, decided not to return to the company.

Key Executives

Peter Schlessel- Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Peter Schlessel started at Sony, then became president of Columbia Pictures in 2000. He then moved on to run the independent film distribution company FilmDistrict. Schlessel joined from FilmDistrict, which was absorbed by Focus Features in 2013. He now acts as CEO, and has created a new management team. [2]

Adrian Aplerovich- Photo courtesy of Home Media Magazine

Adrian Alperovich was named Focus Features’ new Chief Operating Officer in 2013, also joining from FilmDistrict. [3]

Financials

As of Apirl 2014, Focus Features has a total gross of $44.9 million with only four movies. Acting as a private company, in 2013 Focus Features finished with annual gross of $37.3 million, up from $21.8 million is 2012. Two of Focus Features’ films did appear on the top 100 List for all movie grosses in 2013, with Dallas Buyers Club and The World’s End. Dallas Buyers Club’s critical acclaim helped the studio climb the list thanks to its high gross. However, there is speculation that Focus failed to turn an overall profit last year, which possibly led to the remolding of the company. Top competitors include DreamWorks, Lions Gate, and IFC Films. [4] [5] [6]

Recent Film Releases

Photo courtesy of IMDb

Jean-Marc Vallée’s Dallas Buyers Club, is the story inspired by true events of Ron Woodroof’s refusal to accept his death. After being diagnosed as H.I.V positive, Ron is given 30 days to live. In search of better medication than the U.S can offer, Ron goes to Mexico and begins smuggling in different treatments. After befriending Rayon, who also is suffering from AIDS, the two form an underground “buyers club” to defy the scientific community, by providing H.I.V –positive people with non-approved medicine, and most importantly, hope. [7]

Dallas Buyers Club began its theatrical run in a limited release in only 9 theaters, but would eventually spread across the country to play in more than 1,100 theaters in its thirteenth week. The film has made a total domestic gross of more than $27 million, on a production budget of only $5 million. [8]

After its premiere at the 2013 Toronto Film Festival, Dallas Buyers Club received high critical acclaim, and the film went on to receive six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won lead actor Matthew McConaughey Best Actor. [7] [8] [9]

Current Film Releases

Photo courtesy of IMDb

Bad Words is a dark comedy staring, and directed by, Jason Bateman. Guy Trilby is a 40-year old spelling bee loser, who fights his way back into the National Quill Spelling Bee to win as an adult. Outraging parents and their 8^th grade children alike, Guy befriends a 10-year old named Chaitanya, whom he shows the crazier side of living, while also changing his own life. [10]

Bad Words opened with limited release on March 14^th, than expanded wide on March 28^th, eventually to 1,074 theaters. On the weekend domestic chart for April 4^th, Bad Words ranked overall 11^th, with a weekend gross of almost $2 million. The comedy now has a cumulative box office of over $7 million (as of April 21, 2014). [11]

The R-rated comedy received a 7 out of 10 on IMDb, but a weaker 56% positive review on Metacritic. However, overall reviews for the film are positive, Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly praised Bad Words as “Grade A-Hilarious.” [12] [13] [10] [11]

Upcoming Projects

In the process of production-

Courtesy of Indiewire

Focus Features is looking to take the place of The Weinstein Company to handle the domestic distribution of Passengers, a 2007 Black-List approved project staring Keanu Reeves. On his way to a distant planet, Reeves is a passenger, who wakes up from his sleep chamber years before anyone else. He decides to wake up a fellow female traveler for company, and the two fall in love, making Passengers a sci-fi romance. Game of Thrones director Brian Kirk is set to direct the film.

Reeves hired Jon Spaihts to write Passengers, and afterwards Reeves agreed to produce and star in the film. Spaihts is best known for co-writing Prometheus, another futuristic thriller that jump-started his career. While The Weinstein Company withdrew from the project after female lead Rachel McAdams left, Focus Features must see commercial potential in this high-value screenplay. [14] [15]

Courtesy of Focus Features

Focus Features has acquired rights to the 2014 Sundance Film Festival premiere Under the Electric Sky. The 3D film follows the Electric Daisy Carnival, and explores the phenomenon of electronic and dance music today.

The movie is interactive, with Focus Features encouraging audiences to use social media to spread word about the movie. Fans will also be able to create their own movie screening events. Under the Electric Sky is directed by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz. [16]

Coming Soon

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

The Signal, set to release this June, is a sci-fi thriller directed by up-and-comer William Eubank. The film premiered at the Sun-Dance Film Festival. [17]

Courtesy of IMDb

The Boxtrolls is a 3D animated adventure coming alive next October. Based on the children’s novel Here Be Monsters by Alan Snow, is the story of a orphan boy, Eggs, who is raised underground by a group of ‘boxtrolls.’ The family film is created along with animation studio Laika.

Laika is known for their successful films like Coraline and ParaNorman, leaving The Boxtrolls set to have high expectations. [18]

Sources

[1] About Focus Features

[2] About Peter Schlessel

[3] About Adrian Alperovich

[4] Focus Features Yearly Comparisons- Box Office Mojo

[5] Focus Features “Failed Profit”- The Wrap

[6] Focus Features Competition- Hoovers

[7] About Dallas Buyers Club- Focus Features

[8] Dallas Buyers Club- Box Office Mojo

[9] Oscar Winners and Nominees

[10] About Bad Words- Focus Features

[11] Bad Words Box Office- The Numbers

[12] Bad Words Rating- IMDb

[13] Bad Words Rating- Metacritic

[14] Passengers heads to Focus Features- The Wrap

[15] Jon Spaihts Passengers on The Black List- The New York Times

[16] Under The Electric Sky– Focus Features

[17] The Signal- The Hollywood Reporter

[18] The Boxtrolls- Deadline

Focus Features

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Daniel Fabi

By Dan Fabi

Focus Features Logo courtesy of FocusFeatures.com

Locations

LOS ANGELES OFFICE

100 Universal City Plaza

Universal City, CA 91608

NEW YORK OFFICE

65 Bleecker Street – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10012

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

26 Aybrook Street

London W1U 4AN

United Kingdom

History

Focus Features is a subdivision of NBCUniversal, which primarily specializes in art films aimed at niche markets rather than mass market audiences [1]. Focus Features allows the directors of the films they produce to have a final say in the editing room to produce the film that they had initially envisioned, creating a successful brand of art house films [2]. Last year, the company celebrated its ten-year anniversary after being established in May 2002 through the merger of USA Films and Good Machine. Focus’s first widely released film was The Pianist, which received three Academy Awards for best actor, best director, and best adapted screenplay [3].

Adrien Brody wins the Oscar for best Actor in "The Pianist" (2002)

Photo Courtesy of the Associatedv Press

Key Executives

James Schamus
Photo Courtesy of news.uchicago.edu

James Schamus, Founder and Outgoing CEO

Prior to forming Focus Features, James Schamus was the co-president of production company Good Machine, which he founded in 1991. Eleven years later, Schamus merged with USA Films to create Focus Features. Schamus is also an Academy Award nominee, receiving screenwriting and original score nominations for his work on Good Machine’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon [4].

Peter Schlessel
Photo Courtesy of Deadline.com

Peter Schlessel, Incoming CEO

Formerly, Schlessel had founded FilmDistrict and was President for GK Films. GK has produced films such as Argo, Hugo, and World War Z. In January 2014, Schlessel’s term as Focus Features’ CEO will commence [5].

Andrew Karpen
Photo Courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Andrew Karpen, Outgoing Co-CEO

Karpen joined the Focus Features executive team over a year after it formed as the company’s COO. In May 2013, he was promoted to co-CEO. As Co-CEO, Karpen controlled Focus’s domestic and international activities. Before joining Focus Features, Karpen was Senior Vice President, finance of Oxygen Media, another subsidiary of NBCUniversal [6].

Adrian Alperovich
Photo Courtesy of homemediamagazine.com

Adrian Alperovich, Incoming COO

In May 2012, Alperovich was appointed Chief Operating Officer of FilmDistrict. Alperovich has been appointed to retain the title as his production company is absorbed by Focus. In January 2014, Alperovich’s term as Focus Features’ COO will commence [7].

Robert T. Gibson
Photo Courtesy of stage.nbcuni.com

Robert T. Gibson, CFO and Senior VP, Finance

In Mid-2004, Gibson joined Focus Features as Director, Finance and Strategic Planning. In 2009, he was appointed the company’s CFO. Gibson will follow the relocating of Focus Features headquarters to Los Angeles after previously being based in the company’s east coast offices [8].

Financials

In 2005, Focus Features released its highest grossing film, Brokeback Mountain. The film grossed over $83 million and received Oscars for best director, best adapted screenplay, and best original score [9]. In 2013 thus far, Focus has released six films, gaining a gross profit of $86.4 million. In 2012, the company received a gross profit of $131.2 million from eight films. By November of 2012, the company’s total gross from the six films they released was $109.1 million, most of which came from animated blockbuster film, Paranorman, with a total gross of over $56 million. From November 2012 to November 2013, Focus Features has seen a 21% drop in total gross [10].

Restructure

On October 1^st, 2013, Universal Pictures announced a restructuring of Focus Features caused by the production company’s owner, Comcast. Focus absorbed FilmDistrict and appointed many of the members of FilmDistrict’s production team. Peter Schlessel will replace James Schamus as the new CEO. Other transferring executives include Adrian Alperovich, former COO of FilmDistrict and incoming COO for Focus. After given the opportunity to relocate to Focus Features’ new headquarters in Los Angeles, former co-CEO of Focus, Andrew Karpen, chose to remain in New York City with his family [11].

Photo Courtesy of FilmDistrict

The reconstruction of Focus Features was meant to strengthen the company’s commercial competition with their rivals, some of which include DreamWorks Studios, Lions Gate Entertainment, and The Independent Film Channel LLC. By restructuring the company, Focus Features will begin producing films with more commercial potential [12].

Alison Thompson, head of Focus Features International

Alison Thompson
Photo Courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Along with the reconstruction of the executive team, the New York offices of Focus Features will be closed at an unspecified date and business will continue on the west coast [13]. On December 31^st, 2013, Focus Features International is set to close its headquarters. Alison Thompson, co-president of Focus International, will continue to run the department of Focus Features from outside of its London headquarters. The announcement has jolted the American Film Market, a major buyer of Focus International [14] [15].

Recent Film Releases

Dallas Buyers Club

Photo courtesy of critic.de

On November 1^st, Focus Features released the film Dallas Buyers Club to several select cities. The film tells the true story of a severely homophobic man, Ron Woodroof whom in 1985 is diagnosed with HIV, a disease he believed only homosexuals could catch. He then teams up with a group to form a “buyers club;” a group dedicated to purchasing medicines that they could not obtain in the United States. The film is rated R for profanity, violence, and nudity [17].

Photo Courtesy of UPI/Christine Chew

Due to it’s limited release, the film opened in nine theaters and gained $350,000 in its first week. As of November 17^th, the film has made about $3 million domestically. The film is directed by Jean-Marc Vallee and is starring Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner [18]. The film has gained much attention for its informational portrayal of the HIV virus as well as its groundbreaking performances by the lead actors. Lead actors McConaughey and Leto have been predicted for Oscar nominations by some of the industry’s top critics.[19].

The World’s End

Photo Courtesy of reggiestake.com

On August 23^rd, 2013, Focus released one of its highest grossing films of the 2013 fiscal year thus far called The World’s End. In it, a team of friends retries their “pub crawl” attempt, which they had failed 20 years earlier. The crawl involves twelve pubs in which each member must complete a pint of beer before they can move onto the next. The final pub, “The World’s End,” is the ultimate destination and one that the group failed to reach 20 years ago. Gary King, played by Simon Pegg, leads his team to the ultimate goal until they find that humankind is at stake [20].

Blu-Ray package Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy box set

Photo Courtesy of edgarwrighthere.com

The film was largely anticipated largely due to the reunion of the famed team of Director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The three have worked together on two previous films, Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007) [21]. The World’s End is the final installment of what’s known as the “Cornetto trilogy” due to the films’ ever-present color schemes that relate to some of the company’s ice cream flavors.

Upcoming Film Releases

Fifty Shades of Grey

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

In May 2011, the novel Fifty Shades of Grey was released and immediately became a widespread smash. Focus Features subsequently picked up the movie rights to the series for $5 million. The film has an estimated budget of around $40 million [22].

The film (and book) is about literature student Anastasia Steele who through a business interview meets billionaire entrepreneur Christian Grey. The man, who is tormented by his inner demons, explores an intimate relationship with Steele. The two launch into graphic and descriptive bouts of sexual fantasy [23].

Entertainment Weekly cover for the stars of "Fifty Shades of Grey," Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

Fifty Shades of Grey has been a large topic of conversation in the media and one whose details have been kept hidden. There have been numerous rumors of casting and some announcements of cast dropouts. Pacific Rim actor Charlie Hunnam announced that he was dropping out from being the title character, Christian Grey. Since then, Jamie Dornan has been hired, an actor who has appeared in Marie Antoinette and the ABC show Once Upon a Time [24].

Sources

[1] Focus Features Description

[2] Ten Years of Focus Features Anniversary Video

[3] The Pianist Film Awards

[4] James Schamus Bio

[5] Focus Features to Absorb FilmDistrict

[6] Andrew Karpen Bio

[7] FilmDistrict Names Three New Marketing Executives

[8] Robert T. Gibson Bio

[9] Brokeback Mountain Film Awards

[10] Box Office Mojo – Focus Features All Time

[11] Focus Features Brings in Majority of FilmDistrict Team Post Shake-Up

[12] Focus Features Hoovers Profile

[13] Focus Features New York Office to Close

[14] Focus Features International Will Close Doors Dec. 31

[15] AFM Adjusts to Life After Focus Features Int’l

[16] Box Office Mojo – Focus Features Future Releases

[17] IMDb – Dallas Buyers Club

[18] Box Office Mojo – Dallas Buyers Club

[19] Rotten Tomatoes – Dallas Buyers Club

[20] IMDb – The World’s End Plot Summary

[21] IMDb – Edgar Wright

[22] Fifty Shades of Grey Film Facts

[23] Fifty Shades of Grey Plot Summary

[24] Fifty Shades of Grey Casting

Focus Features

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Iara Rogers Benchoam

By Iara Rogers Benchoam

LOS ANGELES OFFICE

100 Universal City Plaza

Universal City, CA 91608

NEW YORK OFFICE

65 Bleecker Street – 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10012

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

26 Aybrook Street

London W1U 4AN

United Kingdom

HISTORY

Focus Features is the sister company of NBCUniversal. The art-house unit of Universal Pictures, Focus produces and distributes specialty films in the U.S. and distributes films globally through Focus Features International. Focus aspires to challenge its viewers with controversial issues and deep concepts. Focus formed in 2002 with the merge of USA Films, Universal Focus, and Good Machine In February 2011, Focus Features partnered with Screen Media and launched Focus World, a VOD (video on demand) label aimed to bringing global and indie films to audiences across multiple platforms. Focus World films released to date include Resurrect Dead, C.O.G., and Underground: The Julian Assange Story. [1] Currently, Focus is undergoing changes in key executives and domestic headquarters with the merge of FilmDistrict. [2]

Focus’ competitors are DreamWorks Studios, Lionsgate Entertainment Corp, and The Independent Film Channel LLC. These companies share values of specialty and high-quality produced films.

Brokeback Mountain, The Kids are All Right, Anna Karenina, Atonement, and Milk, are a handful of Focus’ Oscar wins and nominations. [3] Focus Features releases approximately 5 feature films annually. There is an expected bump up in yearly releases with the evaporation of FilmDistrict into Focus Features.

KEY EXECUTIVES

James Schamus and Peter Schlessel

Among being the co-founder and CEO to Focus, James Schamus is a screenwriter, producer, and a fervid pursuer of the art-house genre. Schamus’ notable filmography includes Hulk and Brokeback Mountain. With the merge of Focus’ and FilmDistrict, Peter Schlessel, a professional of the studio and specialty films, will take over as Focus Features’ CEO starting January 2014. [4]

Andrew Karpen and Adrian Alperovi

Adrian Alperovich will run as chief operating officer with the changes in January 2014, taking the place of Andrew Karpen who declined the offer to move to LA with the new Focus Features headquarters. [5] As co-chief executive officer, Karpen managed Focus’ international and domestic activities.

FINANCIALS

Focus Features’ annual and quarter financials are private. Since its launch in 2002, Focus Features has undergone a plummet in the box offices. In an effort to change the company’s unprofitability, Universal Pictures pushed for the merge between Focus and FilmDistrict, a change in headquarters and executives, more commercialized productions, and an increase of 10 films produced and distributed annually by the improved Focus Features. [6]

2013 marks Focus’ first year with 10 releases. An overall gross profit of $86.4 million is perceived as low in comparison to the $131.2 million in 2012 with only 7 releases. There was a -34.1% decrease in annual gross between 2012 and 2013 and a -29.9% decrease when comparing 2011 and 2013 box offices. [7]

FILMDISTRICT MERGE

October 2013, Universal Pictures, the parent company to Focus Features, announced the absorption of FilmDistrict into Focus Features with new CEO, Peter Schessel. Schessel officially begins as head of Focus Features January 2014 in the new Los Angeles headquarters. The revamped Focus Features company plans to bring in most of the FilmDistrict team alongside Peter Schessel and Adrian Alperovich. [8]

“The breadth and depth of Peter’s experience in the film business including production, acquisitions, distribution and most recently running FilmDistrict, will be a tremendous asset to Focus Features as the company broadens its portfolio beyond the production and distribution of specialty product,” said Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley. “Peter is one of the most talented executives in the industry and I’m confident that under his leadership, Focus will become even more of a force as the specialty film business continues to evolve.” [9] Under Schessel’s administration starting January 2014, the remaining FilmDictrict productions will be released as a part of Focus Features films.

The merge serves to build Focus’ global footprint by increasing commercial films, broadening film styles, and raising annually released films to 10. These goals will further structure and change the art-house film unit and expand the company’s range of audiences. The absorption of FilmDistrict and part of its professional team will escalate Focus Features to a status above its specialty competitors.

THE WORLD’S END

Released: August 23, 2013

Following the success of Hot Fuzz (2007) and Shaun of the Dead (2004), director Edgar Wright takes on a new, explosive production with The World’s End. Director Edgar Wright’s The World’s End, tells a story about the reunion of five lifelong friends who rekindle over a drinking game but face obstacles of the apocalyptic degree. The reunited team, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, fight for the future humankind in The World’s End. [10]

Opening weekend The World’s End ranked fourth with $8,811,790 in 1,551 theaters. Currently in its 13th week, The World’s End grossed about two times as much as its budget with $46,074,336 worldwide. [11] The third in Wright’s Cornetto trilogy, The World’s End expected to soar inside and outside target audiences. With continual decrease in weekend gross, the theater count dropped dramatically every weekend, adding to the overall decrease in The World’s End profitability for Focus Features.

FUTURE

The future for Focus Features revolves around the changes in the company, innovation in a multi-platform world, oscar buzz, and additional films set for release from both FilmDistrict and Focus’ slate.

Among Focus’ four theatrical releases of 2013, Dallas Buyers Club holds the most praise and interest. Based on true events, Dallas Buyers Club tells the story of a life-enthusiast, Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), diagnosed with H.I.V.. Woodroof refuses to believe his scheduled demise in 30 days and challenges the scientific and medical community by smuggling unapproved treatments and medicines to the U.S. from Mexico. On his journey, he befriends a fellow AIDS struggler and transsexual, Rayon (Jared Leto). Together they form a buyers club to sell and distribute new HIV medicines. A story on the education, acceptance, and struggle of the AIDS epidemic, Dallas Buyers Club takes on a topic still toxic and hidden in todays world. [12]

With its initial release, Dallas Buyers Club is receiving Oscar buzz for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto’s work. The film gained initial recognition and buzz in the Toronto International Film Festival alongside Jason Bateman‘s Bad Words. Focus Features bought the rights to distribute the two films at TIFF and expect high successes. [13]

Focus Features is currently producing Bad Words to be released March 2014, Boxtrolls to be released September 2014, and 50 Shades of Grey to be released February 2015. With the new merge, the company plans on releasing the slate that FilmDistrict carries, alongside their own slate. Universal Pictures took an educated leap with this merge; only the future will tell if Focus will prosper as a production company or flop as an amateur partnership.

SOURCES

[1] IndieWire- Focus World Launch

[2] Google Finance- Focus Features

[3] Yahoo- Focus Features Summary

[4] Hollywood Reporter- Focus 2014 CEO Changes

[5] Variety- Focus 2014 Co-CEO Changes

[6] WSJ- Focus Profit Strategy

[7] BoxOfficeMojo- Yearly Comparisons

[8] Variety- FilmDistrict Team to Focus

[9] IndieWire Focus Executives Change

[10] The World’s End Official Page

[11] BoxOfficeMojo- The World’s End Review

[12] Dallas Buyers Club Official Page

[13] Deadline- Dallas Buyers Club Oscar Buzz

IMAGE SOURCES

From top

1. WordPress- Focus Features Logo

2. Hollywood Reporter- CEO, Old and New

3a. NBCUMV- CoCEO Karpen

3b. Homemedia Magazine- FilmDistrict Alperovich

4. Firstshowing.net- FilmDistrict Merge into Focus Features

5. DraftHouse- The World’s End Poster

6. BoxOfficeMojo- The World’s End

7. BlackSheepReviews- Dallas Buyers Club Poster

8. BoxOfficeMojo- Dallas Buyers Club

Universal Pictures

Aside

by [Bobby O'Brien]

Universal Pictures Logo [1]

Overview & History

Universal Pictures, a subsidiary of NBC Universal, is considered one of the planet’s most renowned film studios. For nearly a century the company has produced academy award winning films and culture shaping content. Over the past 6 months, Universal Picture’s tradition of excellence has continued. Since June 29th 2012, Universal Pictures has released 5 major motion pictures. Of these films, 4 have placed within the top 70 grossing films of 2012, and 3 have placed within the top 50. These five films have accumulated a combined gross product of $442, 317, 963. [2]

Carl Laemmle [4]

In 1915, German-American Film pioneer, Carl Laemmle, founded Universal Studios with the help of Abe and Julius Stern. The trio constructed two movie sets on a former chicken farm in Los Angeles California. Ninety-eight years later, 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Los Angeles California remains the home of Universal Studios. [3] Today Universal Pictures is spearheaded by several accomplished and capable leaders, including James Schamus, Jimmy Horowitz, Cindy Gardner, Adam Fogelson, and Rick Finkelstein.

Executives

James Schamus [6]

James Schamus is the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Pictures. He has held the position since May of 2006. Schamus also serves as the Co-President of Focus Features, a sister company of Universal Pictures. [5]

In May of 2010, Jimmy Horowitz was named president of Universal Pictures. Horowitz manages day to day business operations for the studio and serves as a key member for Universal’s senior management team. He has worked for Universal for more than 18 years. [7]

Cindy Gardner has served as Universal Studio’s Senior Vice President since September 2005. Gardner is responsible for the company’s media relations, issues management, philanthropy, and special events. [8]

Adam Fogelson has held the title of Chairman of Universal Pictures since October of 2009. He oversees worldwide operations for the motion pictures group. Projects that Fogelson has worked on include American Pie, Knocked Up, and Erin Brockovich. [9]

Rick Finkelstein serves as Universal Pictures Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. This Jerry Seinfeld-look-alike oversees Universal Picture’s worldwide home entertainment and television distribution. [10]

Recent News

September:

September 7th, 2012

The Street has recently informed the public of Universal Pictures plans to release Pitch Perfect, a musical comedy staring Anna Kendrick, on Friday September 28th, one week earlier than its scheduled premiere on October 5th. The film’s wide release is set to remain on its prior date, however select theaters in North America will have an opportunity to see it ahead of time. The limited release was constructed following positive feedback from early screening moviegoers. Universal Pictures feels that Pitch Perfect has a reliable and sturdy target audience that is eager for the film’s release. To some surprise, Universal Pictures has promoted Pitch Perfect with “the most extensive screening campaign in the studios history.” [11]

September 25th, 2012

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Universal Pictures has set a record for the “highest grossing-year domestically in the studio’s 100 year history”. On Monday September 24th, the studio surpassed the previous record of $1.27 billion set in 2008. More than a third of the studio’s gross product came from The Lorax and Ted, acquiring a combined $432 million. This ground-breaking news comes before the release of four major Universal Pictures’ films, including Pitch Perfect, The Man WIth the Iron Fists, This is 40, and Les Miserables. Universal Pictures is on track to shatter its 2008 record. Perhaps it will be far more than four years before the record of 2012 will be broken. [12]

October:

October 29th, 2012

According to Variety, Universal Pictures has alas acquired the rights to Subdivision. The sci-fi comedy written by Morgan Jugerson and Alex Ankeles will be produced by Justin Lin and Elaine Chin. All involved in the deal have been sure to keep the

Fast Five [16]

premise under wraps. Lin may be remembered for his recent success associated with Fast Five, a film he produced that was released in April of 2011. Universal’s VP of production, Kristin Lowe, will oversee the project. Unfortunately, a feasible release date for the film has yet to be determined. [13]

October 31st, 2012

PR Newswire has reported that Universal Pictures will release its Despicable Me 2, trailer on iTunes today. The occurrence marks the first time that the studio has released a trailer on iTunes with international versions available within the same 24 hour period. This development perhaps illustrates the studio’s continued technological and global advancements. Despicable Me 2 hits theaters on July 3rd 2013. [14] Universal will attempt to play off of the success of Despicable Me, which raked in a total domestic gross of $251,513,985 in the summer of 2010. [15] Look for Despicable Me 2 to make a big splash this summer.

November:

November 12th, 2012

The Hartford Courant has recently reminded us that, November 15th, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking premiere of To Kill a Mocking Bird. Universal

To Kill A Mockingbird [18]

Pictures’ adaptation of Harper Lee‘s novel will be re-released on Thursday, November 15th in select theaters. The 1962 film won Gregory Peck an Oscar for his portrayal of Atticus Finch. It will forever be remembered as an American classic. [17]

November 13th, 2012

At 9 a.m. pacific standard time, the Los Angeles Times reported a story that is sure to shake up the film industry. According to the newspaper, Michael Eisner‘s Tornante Co. has finalized a distribution deal with Universal Pictures. The multiyear deal will lead Universal Pictures to market and distribute movies financed by Tornante. Eisner is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company. In an attempt to “return to his roots” of moviemaking Eisner looks to take advantage of the industry’s lack of original stories. He hopes that the first of Tornante’s feature films will be released no later than early 2014. In a time when the film industry is cluttered with sequels and remakes, it is encouraging to hear of an opportunity for new and original content. With the money and support of Universal Pictures, Tornante Co., is likely to become a household name in Hollywood. [19]

November 29th 2012

In March of 2012 Universal Pictures Spent $5 million to acquire the movie rights of Fifty Shades of Grey, the best selling novel written by E.L. James. The Hollywood Reporter has released a story stating that Universal pictures has recently filed a lawsuit against Smash Pictures and director James Lane, who have recently finished producing Fifty Shades of Grey: A XXX Adaptation. Luv Moves a distribution company that packaged and allocated DVD’s of the porn parody has also been targeted in the lawsuit. Universal Picture’s and Fifty Shades Ltd. are requesting an injunction and further monetary damage. [20]

December

December 4th 2012

Universal Picture’s Les Miserables, is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2012. Set to be released on Christmas day, the musical starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathawayis due for a strong opening weekend and perhaps some

Les Miserables [21]

recognition from the academy. The Sacramento Bee has reported an announcement from Universal Pictures, stating that the film will be “digitally remastered into the immersive IMAX format” and released in IMAX theaters worldwide. The film will be released in IMAX theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Montreal on December 25th. Those abroad will have to wait until January 10th for the film’s IMAX release. Greg Foster, the President of IMAX entertainment, stated that Les Miserables “lends itself perfectly to the IMAX Experience”. The IMAX release of Les Miserables is sure to amplify the buzz surrounding the movie and its premiere. The second format option and increase in screens may lead to a tremendous financial success. [22]

Future

The upcoming winter and remainder of 2012 appears to be promising for Universal Pictures. On December 21st 2012, This is 40, a film written and directed by Judd Apatow, will be widely released in North America. The highly anticipated Les Miserables, will premiere on Christmas day and the Osama Bin Laden murder thriller, Zero Dark Thirty, will be released two and a half weeks later. A fitting end to a record-setting year seems to be in store for Universal Pictures.

Sources:

[1] Universal Pictures’ Twitter Account; https://twitter.com/UniversalEnt

[2] Box Office Mojo; 2012; http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2012&p=.htm

[3] U.S. History: Universal Studios; http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3086.html

[4] Silent Hollywood; http://silenthollywood.com/carllaemmle.html

[5] Bloomberg Business Week; http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=2144227&privcapId=2092219&previousCapId=804881&previousTitle=Universal%20Studios,%20Inc.

[6] IMBD; James Schamus; http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0770005/

[7] NBC Universal Website; Executives; Jimmy Horowitz; http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/executive/universal-pictures/jimmy-horowitz/

[8] NBC Universal Website; Executives; Cindy Gardner http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/communication-lead/universal-pictures/cindy-gardner/

[9] NBC Universal Website; Executives; Adam Fogelson http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/senior-corporate-executives/universal-pictures/adam-fogelson/

[10] NBC Universal Website; Executives; Rick Finkelstein http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/executive/universal-pictures/rick-finkelstein/

[11] PR Newswire; The Street; http://www.thestreet.com/story/11689878/1/universal-pictures-to-release-pitch-perfect-in-select-theaters-on-friday-september-28-2012.html