{"id":13364,"date":"2013-11-04T10:35:02","date_gmt":"2013-11-04T15:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/?p=13364"},"modified":"2013-11-20T00:35:13","modified_gmt":"2013-11-20T05:35:13","slug":"filmdistrict-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/2013\/11\/04\/filmdistrict-2\/","title":{"rendered":"FilmDistrict"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Asher Lethbridge-Simon<\/pre>\n
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[1]<\/p><\/div>Company Information\u00a0<\/strong>[2]<\/p>\n
1540 2nd\u00a0Street,\u00a0Suite 200,<\/p>\n
Santa Monica, CA 90401 United States<\/p>\n
Phone Number –\u00a0310-315-1722<\/p>\n
Website –\u00a0http:\/\/www.filmdistrict.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Email – Contact@filmdistrict.com<\/p>\n
Twitter –\u00a0https:\/\/twitter.com\/FilmDistrict\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Facebook –\u00a0http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FDFilms<\/a><\/p>\n
Overview\u00a0<\/strong>[3]<\/p>\n
FilmDistrict is an independent private media company that focuses in film production, distribution, and acquisition. Originally founded by current CEO Peter Schlessel\u00a0in September of 2010, FilmDistrict has released 16 films since its inception. The company releases an average of 6-8 films per year across a wide breadth of genres. Although they cover a variety of genres, all of FilmDistrict’s films feature well-known filmmakers with a renowned cast.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Company Executives\u00a0<\/strong>[4]<\/p>\n
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CEO – Peter Schlessel [26]<\/p><\/div>
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COO – Adrian Alperovich [27]<\/p><\/div>
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President of Marketing – Christine Birch [28]<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n
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History<\/strong><\/p>\n
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[25]<\/p><\/div>After being founded in 2010, FilmDistrict quickly struck a deal with Netflix to host their films on the streaming service. [5]\u00a0Under this arrangement films released by FilmDistrict would be available to stream on Netflix just a few months after DVD release. This deal was followed by the release of FilmDistrict’s first film,\u00a0I<\/em><\/a>nsidious<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>in April of 2011.\u00a0Insidious<\/em>\u00a0was hailed as a truly scary movie with warnings from The Wall Street Journal, “Just don’t go in alone.”[6] In addition to critical success,\u00a0Insidious<\/em> was the most profitable film of 2011, raking in over $100 million worldwide on a budget of just over $1 million. [7]<\/p>\n
FilmDistrict found success again with\u00a0Drive<\/em><\/a>, the modern crime drama starring Ryan Gosling. Adding to incredible critical success,\u00a0Drive\u00a0<\/em>was ranked in the top 10 movies of 2011 by Roger Ebert [8],\u00a0Drive\u00a0<\/em>grossed $77,560,689 worldwide on a budget of $13 million. [9] Other notable films released by FilmDistrict have been\u00a0indie comedy\u00a0Safety Not Guaranteed<\/em><\/a>, sci-fi thriller\u00a0Looper<\/em><\/a>, and the remake of horror classic\u00a0Evil Dead<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
In April of 2013, FilmDistrict launched subsidiary company High Top Releasing. High Top Releasing provides distribution assistance for indie producers. Through High Top Releasing producers can access help with “sales, in-theater marketing and print-control support, film-rental negotiation and collection capabilities.”\u00a0[10] Currently two films have been released through High Top Releasing,\u00a0I’m in Love with a Church Girl<\/em><\/a> and\u00a0The Ultimate Life<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
Financials<\/strong><\/p>\n
FilmDistrict is not a publicly traded company nor does it release financial information on their website, but below are the film budgets compared to worldwide gross of all of FilmDistrict’s 2012 and 2013 releases. [11] Films marked with an asterisk (*) did not receive a worldwide release.<\/p>\n
2012 Films<\/span><\/p>\n
Lockout<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>– $20 Million Budget \/\u00a0$32,204,030 Worldwide Gross \/ +$12,204,030<\/p>\n
Safety Not Guaranteed<\/em><\/a>* – Budget Unavailable \/\u00a0$4,010,957 Domestic Gross \/ N\/A<\/p>\n
Looper<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>– $30 Million Budget \/\u00a0$176,506,819 Worldwide Gross \/ +$146,504,819<\/p>\n
Red Dawn<\/em><\/a>* –\u00a0<\/em>$65 Million Budget \/\u00a0$44,806,783\u00a0Domestic Gross \/ -$20,193,217<\/p>\n
Playing for<\/em> Keeps<\/em><\/a>*\u00a0<\/em>– Budget Unavailable \/\u00a0$13,102,272 Domestic Gross \/ N\/A<\/p>\n
2013 Films<\/span><\/p>\n
Parker<\/em><\/a>* – $35 Million Budget\u00a0\/ $17,616,641 Domestic Gross \/ -$17,383,359<\/p>\n
Dead Man Down<\/a> –<\/em>\u00a0Budget Unavailable \/\u00a0$18,074,539\u00a0Worldwide Gross \/ N\/A<\/p>\n
Olympus Has Fallen<\/em><\/a> –\u00a0$70 Million Budget \/\u00a0$161,025,640 Worldwide Gross \/ +$91,025,640<\/p>\n
Evil Dead<\/em><\/a> – $17 Million Budget \/\u00a0$97,542,952 Worldwide Gross \/ +$80,542,952<\/p>\n
Insidious: Chapter 2\u00a0<\/em><\/a>– $5 Million Budget \/$148,869,949 Worldwide Gross \/ +$143,869,949<\/p>\n
Right Here, Right Now<\/strong><\/p>\n
Corporate\u00a0Restructuring<\/span><\/p>\n
While FilmDistrict still has one more film slated for 2013 release, there has been some corporate restructuring taking place. Recent layoffs at Focus Features and the removal of CEO James Schamus has sparked an absorption of FilmDistrict. [12] Current CEO of FilmDistrict\u00a0Peter Schlessel will be\u00a0succeeding Schamus as the new CEO of Focus Features. Joining Schlessel in moving to Focus Features are his fellow executives,\u00a0Adrian Alperovich as COO,\u00a0Christine Birch as Marketing Prexy,\u00a0Jim Orr as Head of Distribution, and\u00a0Lia Buman as Head of Acquisitions. [13]<\/p>\n
FilmDistrict will continue to release upcoming films\u00a0Oldboy<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0That Awkward Moment<\/em><\/a> under the FilmDistrict name, but films slated for release after January of 2014 (Pompeii<\/em><\/a> and\u00a0Walk of Shame<\/a><\/em>) are expected to be released by the newly structured Focus Features as FilmDistrict will be shutting down. [14]<\/p>\n
FilmDistrict Coming Attractions<\/span><\/p>\n
Oldboy<\/em><\/a> [15]<\/p>\n
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[16]<\/p><\/div>The Spike Lee remake of the classic Korean cult film is scheduled to be released on November 27th of 2013. Oldboy<\/em> is an action thriller with a darker tone than most. The film stars Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, and Samuel L. Jackson. Joe Ducett (Brolin) is held captive for 20 years in a hotel room and then mysteriously released. After his release he goes on a hunt to discover why he was imprisoned and by whom.<\/p>\n
While some fans worry about their favorite movie being altered, Samuel L. Jackson assured fans that while it is a remake, it is not the same film as its predecessor, “There are so many things that are different and so many things that are similar, in theme, yes, in execution, not so much.” [17] See Oldboy<\/em> in theaters November 17th, 2013.<\/p>\n
View the trailer here<\/a><\/p>\n
That Awkward Moment<\/em><\/a>\u00a0[18]<\/p>\n
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[19]<\/p><\/div>That Awkward Moment is a romantic comedy starring Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael B. Jordan. Directed by Tom Gormican, the film revolves around three single guys who pledge to remain out of relationships in an act of solitude for their recently broken up friend. As they each each find girlfriends they struggle to keep their relationships a secret from one another to avoid breaking their vow.<\/p>\n
While superstar Zac Efron is no stranger to the big screen (High School Musical 3: Senior Year<\/em><\/a>, 17 Again<\/em><\/a>) this is director Tom Gormican’s first feature film. He co-produced the raunchy hit Movie 43<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and will be bringing some of that originality to his first feature. See That Awkward Moment<\/em> in theaters\u00a0January 31st, 2014 .<\/p>\n
View the trailer here<\/a><\/p>\n
FilmDistrict News<\/span><\/p>\n
After record breaking openings, the Insidious <\/i>series has established itself as a franchise and now the third chapter has a confirmed release date. [20]\u00a0Insidious: Chapter 3<\/em>\u00a0is scheduled to be released on April 3rd of 2015.\u00a0Insidious<\/em> was the most profitable film of 2011 [21] and\u00a0Insidious: Chapter 2<\/em>\u00a0had the second biggest September debut of all time in 2013. [22] Expect big things from the third film in this trilogy.<\/p>\n
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Bibliography<\/strong><\/p>\n
[1]\u00a0http:\/\/www.filmdistrict.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[2] ibid<\/a><\/p>\n
[3]\u00a0ibid<\/a><\/p>\n
[4]\u00a0http:\/\/variety.com\/2013\/film\/news\/focus-features-brings-in-majority-of-filmdistrict-team-1200728289\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[5]\u00a0http:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/movies\/article\/netflix-adds-filmdistrict-its-streaming-service-22925<\/a><\/p>\n
[6]\u00a0http:\/\/online.wsj.com\/news\/articles\/SB10001424052748703806304576234622228157638<\/a><\/p>\n
[7]\u00a0http:\/\/www.worstpreviews.com\/headline.php?id=23974<\/a><\/p>\n
[8]\u00a0http:\/\/www.rogerebert.com\/rogers-journal\/the-best-films-of-2011<\/a><\/p>\n
[9]\u00a0http:\/\/www.boxoffice.com\/statistics\/movies\/drive-2011-2011<\/a><\/p>\n
[10]\u00a0http:\/\/variety.com\/2013\/film\/news\/filmdistrict-launching-high-top-releasing-for-indies-1200370144\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[11]\u00a0http:\/\/www.boxofficemojo.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[12]\u00a0http:\/\/variety.com\/2013\/film\/news\/breaking-focus-features-ceo-james-schamus-out-peter-schlessel-to-take-over-1200688551\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[13]\u00a0http:\/\/variety.com\/2013\/film\/news\/focus-features-brings-in-majority-of-filmdistrict-team-1200728289\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[14]\u00a0http:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/focus-features-will-expand-under-new-ceo-peter-schlessel\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[15]\u00a0http:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt1321511\/?ref_=nv_sr_1<\/a><\/p>\n
[16]\u00a0http:\/\/www.everymancinema.com\/images\/content\/films\/5740k95m7kfc35d878rf53p2o7_2.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
[17]\u00a0http:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/news\/oldboy-stars-talk-differences-between-655529<\/a><\/p>\n
[18]\u00a0http:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt1800246\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[19]\u00a0http:\/\/cdn03.cdn.justjared.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/headlines\/2013\/10\/zac-efron-that-awkward-moment-poster-premiere-exclusive-1.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
[20]\u00a0http:\/\/www.deadline.com\/2013\/11\/insidious-chapter-3-gets-spring-2015-release-from-focus-features<\/a><\/p>\n
[21]\u00a0http:\/\/www.worstpreviews.com\/headline.php?id=23974<\/a><\/p>\n
[22]\u00a0http:\/\/www.deadline.com\/2013\/09\/insidious-2-scares-up-solid-1-5m-late-shows-years-top-horror-pre-seller\/<\/a><\/p>\n
[23]\u00a0http:\/\/assets2.ignimgs.com\/2013\/11\/12\/oldboywebseriescovertc006jpg-e96546_960w.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
[24]\u00a0http:\/\/www.indiewire.com\/article\/oldboy-inspired-graphic-novel-the-devils-eyes-provides-origins-story<\/a><\/p>\n
[25]\u00a0http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LportKVkUrQ\/TcWRUFD5oeI\/AAAAAAAAAEQ\/ksGmiMP_CVk\/s1600\/insidious-movie-poster.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
[26]\u00a0http:\/\/www-deadline-com.vimg.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Peter_Schlessel__131002221207.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
[27]\u00a0http:\/\/www.homemediamagazine.com\/files\/homemediamagazine\/nodes\/2010\/21023\/adrianWEB.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
[28]\u00a0http:\/\/www-deadline-com.vimg.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/schless__120323234743-200×300.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Asher Lethbridge-Simon Company Information\u00a0[2] 1540 2nd\u00a0Street,\u00a0Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA 90401 United States Phone Number –\u00a0310-315-1722 Website –\u00a0http:\/\/www.filmdistrict.com\/ Email – Contact@filmdistrict.com Twitter –\u00a0https:\/\/twitter.com\/FilmDistrict\/ Facebook –\u00a0http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FDFilms Overview\u00a0[3] FilmDistrict is an independent private media company that focuses in film production, distribution, … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":282,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[28,1479],"tags":[1480,662,1896,1895,1893,1774,1894,1897],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13364"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/282"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13364"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16288,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13364\/revisions\/16288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf235\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
[23]<\/p><\/div>While fans still have to wait until November 17th to see\u00a0Oldboy<\/em>, FilmDistrict has published part 1 of a graphic novel called\u00a0The Devil’s Eyes<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>that functions as a prequel to\u00a0Oldboy<\/em>. [24] The graphic novel will come in 3 parts that detail the backstory to Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the film.\u00a0The Devil’s Eyes<\/em>\u00a0part 1 is currently available for free on\u00a0Oldboy’s<\/em><\/a> Tumblr site<\/a>\u00a0with the next two installments coming soon. This is fitting as the original\u00a0Korean\u00a0Oldboy<\/em> was based on a 1996 Japanese manga.<\/p>\n