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Johnny Depp has started filming his first major Hollywood project since his widely publicised legal battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard.Reuniting with director Marc Webb and co-star Penélope Cruz for the Lionsgate thriller ‘Day Drinker’, The 60-year-old actor will appear opposite 26-year-old ‘Outer Banks’ star Madelyn Cline in the film, which began production in Spain, Lionsgate confirmed. Filmmaker Marc said in a statement: “We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. “This is gonna be fun.”Marc, 49, known for ‘500 Days of Summer’ and ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ also has Penélope Cruz, 50, in the cast – in what will be her fourth collaboration with Johnny after ‘Blow’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.‘Day Drinker’ follows the story of a private-yacht bartender, played by Madelyn, who becomes entangled with a mysterious guest onboard, portrayed by Johnny.

Lionsgate has started production on “Day Drinker,” reteaming Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz for a fourth time, under the direction of Marc Webb (“Snow White”). Madelyn Cline also stars in the film.

The cast will be rounded out by Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto and Anika Boyle.

“Day Drinker” tells the story of a private yacht bartender (Cline) who encounters a mysterious guest (Depp). They soon find themselves entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz) and connected in ways no one saw coming.

Depp and Cruz previously co-starred in the features “Blow,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Murder on the Orient Express.”

“I’m excited to be starting production with Johnny, Madelyn, Penelope and this incredible cast,” Webb said in a statement. “We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is going to be fun.”

The film,...

Lionsgate has started production on “Day Drinker,” sharing a first-look image at Johnny Depp as he makes his return to Hollywood following high-profile legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard.

The film from “500 Days of Summer” and “Snow White” director Marc Webb re-teams Depp and Penélope Cruz for a fourth time after previous collaborations on “Blow,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Madelyn Cline also stars in the film. Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto and Anika Boyle round out the cast.

“Day Drinker” tells the story of a private-yacht bartender (Cline) who encounters a mysterious, onboard guest (Depp). They soon find themselves entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz) and connected in ways no one saw coming.

The film, which begins production in Spain, is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, who produce the “John Wick” franchise for Lionsgate; Adam Kolbrenner,...

Some could say it’s too early in the day for a drink, but it’s the right time somewhere. Today, Lionsgate is clinking glasses with Marc Webb’s upcoming crime thriller Day Drinker by introducing a first look at Johnny Depp’s character in the film. Production for Day Drinker is underway, with Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz reteaming for the fourth time.

Lionsgate’s image of Johnny Depp for Day Drinker presents the iconic actor in a way you might not expect. In the picture, a bearded Johnny Depp leans against a bartop while holding a chilled beverage. Depp’s character has piercing blue eyes, an undershirt to match, and a navy-colored vest that gives him a distinguished look. Depp’s beard and long hair appear gray with age, though he wears it exceptionally well.

According to Lionsgate’s official description, Day Drinker tells the story of a...

Lionsgate has started production on Day Drinker, reteaming Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz for a fourth time, under the direction of Marc Webb Days of Summer, Snow White).

The studio released an accompanying first-look photo of Johnny Depp in character. Madelyn Cline also stars in the film.

Photo Credit: Niete / Courtesy of Lionsgate

The film, which begins production in Spain, is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, who produce the John Wick franchise for Lionsgate; Adam Kolbrenner, producer of The Tomorrow War, Free Guy, and Prisoners; and Zach Dean, who also wrote the original screenplay. Apple TV+/Skydance recently released Kolbrenner and Dean’s film The Gorge.

Day Drinker is executive produced by 30West. Lionsgate will present Day Drinker in association with 30West. The film is a Thunder Road / In.2 production.

Day Drinker tells the story of a private-yacht bartender (Madelyn Cline) who encounters a mysterious,...

It may not be “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but Johnny Depp is back with a big studio feature thanks to Marc Webb’s Lionsgate action thriller “Day Drinker.” More than a decade after starring in “The Rum Diary” opposite his now ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp returns to a booze-soaked title that doubles as a reunion with his longtime collaborator Penélope Cruz. The duo famously co-starred in “Blow,” as well as “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Murder on the Orient Express.”

“Day Drinker” centers on private-yacht bartender (Madelyn Cline) who encounters a mysterious, onboard guest (Depp). They soon find themselves entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz) and connected in ways no one saw coming. Netflix’s “Elite” breakouts Manu Ríos and Arón Piper also star, as well as Juan Diego Botto and Anika Boyle.

Lionsgate has started production on “Day Drinker” in Spain as of today, April 14. The...

Lionsgate has revealed the first photo of three-time Oscar nominee Johnny Depp in Day Drinker, his reteam feature with Penélope Cruz. Cameras are rolling in Spain on the Marc Webb-directed movie, which has added four news actors to the cast: Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto and Anika Boyle.

Day Drinker tells the story of a private-yacht bartender (Madelyn Cline) who encounters a mysterious, onboard guest (Depp). They soon find themselves entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz) and connected in ways no one saw coming. The project reps the fourth time Depp and Cruz have starred together in a movie after Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Murder on the Orient Express.

Day Drinker is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, who produce the John Wick franchise for Lionsgate; Adam Kolbrenner, producer of The Tomorrow War, Free Guy and Prisoners; and Zach Dean,...

Johnny Depp hasn’t taken a directorial credit on a feature film (his 50-minute music video “Unloveable” doesn’t count) since he presented The Brave in Cannes in 1997, and that did not go well. Given that unhappy experience, you have to wonder what it was about Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness — a portrait of Amedeo Modigliani, a painter and sculptor famous for his talent as well as his taste for drugs, debauchery and scandalizing the straights — might have lured the actor to pick up the virtual megaphone again.

Perhaps Depp saw in Modigliani a kindred spirit? After all, Depp too is famous for his talent but also his proclivity for indulgence, which was brought into an especially glaring, unflattering light over the course of his bitter courtroom battle with his ex, Amber Heard. Still, there are many other wild, druggy geniuses or genius-adjacent types he could have...

Johnny Depp has returned to the role of a director after 27 years in the upcoming film Modì – Three Days on the Wing of Madness. Al Pacino first approached Depp about the project in 1997 when they were filming Donnie Brasco together. When Pacino asked him to direct the film amidst his court battle with Amber Heard, he was quite surprised.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in a still from The Rum Diary | Credits: FilmDistrict

The Tourist actor couldn’t believe the film was happening until he landed in Hungary for the shoot. It happened around the time when public support turned in his favor after he filed a defamation case against Heard. Depp’s last film as a director was the 1997 film The Brave, starring him and Marlon Brando.

Johnny Depp Couldn’t Believe He Was Handed The Directorial Role Amidst Court Battle Al Pacino and Johnny Depp in a...

Johnny Depp’s “Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness” world premieres at the San Sebastian Film Festival this week, decades after Al Pacino, who brought the project to Depp, first saw a play that inspired the cinematic adaptation.

An official synopsis for “Modi” reads: “A seventy-two-hour whirlwind in the life of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani, known as Modi to his friends, follows a chaotic series of events through the streets of war-torn Paris in 1916. On the run from the police, his desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow artists Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine and Modi’s muse, Beatrice Hastings. Modi seeks advice from his art dealer and friend, Leopold Zborowski — however, after a night of hallucinations, the chaos in Modi’s mind reaches a crescendo when faced with an American collector, Maurice Gangnat, who has the power to change his life.”

Pacino...

Exclusive: Johnny Depp’s London-based film company In.2 is adding a new string to its bow with the release this Friday of French historical drama Jeanne du Barry.

Starring Depp as Louis Xv opposite French actress and director Maïwenn in the titular role, the picture opened the Cannes Film Festival last year.

As per Cannes’ stipulation for opening films, it released theatrically in France the same day, enjoying a successful run for distributor Le Pacte with the highest French gross for a Cannes opener since The Great Gatsby in 2013.

In.2 will release the movie on 70 screens on April 19 across the UK in a campaign spearheaded by Head of Production Stephen Malit.

The UK release will be followed by the U.S. launch by Vertical Entertainment on May 2, which has confirmed 600 theatres so far.

Deadline caught up with Malit as well as In.2 CEO Stephen Deuters and Development Coordinator Vivi Stone...

Johnny Depp’s UK production outfit In.2 Film is to distribute Maïwenn’s Cannes opening film Jeanne du Barry in the UK and Ireland from April 19.

Jeanne du Barry, in which Depp is a producer and stars, follows Jeanne Vaubernier (Maïwenn), a woman born into poverty who uses her intellect and charms to climb the social ladder, rising to the opulent court of King Louis Xv of France (Depp).

It is a first foray into UK-Ireland distribution for In.2 Film, which launched in 2021 at San Sebastian film festival. The company was born out of Depp’s Los Angeles outfit Infinitum Nihil,...

If you thought you knew everything about last year’s biggest celebrity trial, think again.

This week, Netflix debuted the new documentary “Depp V Heard”, a three-part series delving into the thorny ins and outs of the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

And while many tuned in to the trial as it was broadcast live during the summer of 2022, the docuseries pieces together the information and includes facts and evidence excluded from the trial that may be new to many.

Read More: ‘Depp v. Heard’ Trailer: Netflix Docuseries Covers Social Media’s Impact On One Of Hollywood’s Biggest Lawsuits

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from “Depp V Heard”:

1. The Makeup Palette Defence Was Misrepresented

One of the seemingly big moments in the trial involved a makeup palette Heard’s defence used while bringing up the claim that the actress regularly carried makeup around...

In episode 3 of the Netflix docu-series Depp V Heard, the trial concluded with the jury’s decision. Given the evidence gathered by Depp and the inconsistency in Amber’s statements, people easily predicted the trial’s result. However, the documentary series maintained a neutral stance and revealed significant legal loopholes that mirrored the trial’s conflicting aspects. Even as the trial ended, the public remained perplexed about the truth, struggling to decide whom to trust.

However, the audacity that Amber and Depp both displayed by openly portraying their conflicting and vulnerable accounts to the media deserved applause. Unlike many celebrities who avoid such bold steps and opt for out-of-court settlements to avoid airing their dirty laundry in front of fans, this renowned rivalry between Depp and Heard lets each of them uncover the other’s flaws and present them to the world.

Who Was The Eyewitness In Amber Getting Assaulted By Depp?...

On August 16th, Netflix will debut Depp v. Heard, a three-part docuseries about the infamous Virginia defamation trial between actor-exes Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Though the seven-week trial wrapped on June 1, 2022, with the court finding Heard liable on three counts of defamation (awarding Depp $10.35 million in damages) and Depp liable on one count of defamation (awarding Heard $2 million in damages), its reverberations continue to this day — including how Team Depp managed to rally a number of opportunistic online content creators to the Pirates of the Caribbean actor’s defense...

A lot of things helped make this past Oscars ceremony an infamous affair—the most innocuous being the addition of two online popularity contests seemingly devoid of any real checks and balances to prevent them from becoming a ballot-stuffing battle royale between fandoms. The Zack Snyder contingent (unsurprisingly) proved victorious with both, but there was an intriguing dark horse by way of the Johnny Depp-starring and -produced Minamata. Was it genuine? Who knows? Its third-place finish could have been as much about Depp stans seeking redemption for their beloved yet problematic celebrity post-Grindelwald firing as trolls looking to force the Academy into putting his name back onto their lips despite the film having an almost non-existent release. Either way, it’s become a circus attraction.

Director Andrew Levitas’ biopic had its festival premiere at Berlinale 2020 just as Covid was ramping up to shut down the world. From there came theatrical delays,...

The greatest power of the photographic image is its function in affecting social change, a phenomenon that only persists and grows with the proliferation of cameras in every hand at all times. But with great power comes great responsibility, they say, a conundrum explored in Andrew Levitas’ “Minamata,” the story of legendary photojournalist W. Eugene Smith and his experiences photographing the effect of toxic mercury poisoning in Japan.

Writers Levitas, David Kessler, Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman fudge the facts just a bit to craft this biopic of Smith, played here by a grizzled Johnny Depp, and the result is something akin to “Erin Brockovich” by way of “A Private War,” with a dash of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” for flavor. (Depp’s Smith has the same fondness for accessories and methamphetamine that his Hunter S. Thompson did.)

We pick up with Smith in 1971; he’s feuding with...

Minamata Trailer — Andrew Levitas‘ Minamata (2020) movie trailer has been released by Samuel Goldwyn Films. The Minamata trailer stars Johnny Depp, Bill Nighy, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Minami, Tadanobu Asano, Katherine Jenkins, and Akiko Iwase. Crew David Kessler, Stephen Deuters, Andrew Levitas, and Jason Forman wrote the screenplay for Minamata. Ryuichi Sakamoto [...]

Continue reading: Minamata (2020) U.S. Movie Trailer: War Photographer Johnny Depp documents the Mercury Poisoning of a Japanese Town...

Exclusive: Johnny Depp movie Minamata is finally getting a U.S. release, we can reveal, but not from MGM which had previously acquired the film.

Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment (Ilbe) are now teaming up with Samuel Goldwyn Films to give the movie a North American release in theaters beginning December 15. The platformed release is due to extend across U.S. and Canada into 2022 and the team are looking to position it for awards consideration.

This update comes after the film’s director, Andrew Levitas, complained earlier this year that MGM was “burying” Minamata due to Depp’s well publicized off-screen issues. You can read the filmmaker’s impassioned letter to the studio here. Depp also decried the non-release in an interview in August in which he said the film deserved to be seen but was shelved because he was being “boycotted” by Hollywood.

Minamata charts the true story of...

In San Sebastian to receive the festival’s highest honor, the Donostia career achievement award, American actor, producer and director Johnny Depp has announced his involvement in a new development fund for film and TV projects, headed by his own upstart London-based In.2 Films and Adolfo Blanco’s Contracorriente in Spain.

In.2 is Depp’s newly-launched U.K.-based production house, born from his L.A.-based Infinitum Nihil, which is courting scripts for films, stage productions and plays “focusing on European sensibility combined with American accessibility,” explained a release handed out during a San Sebastian press conference.

Producers Stephen Deuters (“Minamata”) and Stephen Malit (“Hector”) are also joining In.2 as co-heads alongside Depp, and were in person in San Sebastian to jointly announced the new development deal with A Contracorriente.

In the release, Depp explained: “From the student to the maestro, from the aspiring artists to the yet-knowns, to...

Despite an apparent last-minute sense of concern by Karlovy Vary fest organizers over international press coverage of Johnny Depp and his ongoing legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard over domestic abuse allegations, the rocker/actor/producer made his appearances without much fuss and introduced the docu he co-produced, “Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan” to welcoming crowds on Friday.

Depp’s other project at the Czech fest, the Japan-set thriller “Minamata,” filmed largely in Serbia in 2020, directed by Andrew Levitas and starring Depp as an alcoholic photojournalist, screens at Karlovy Vary’s Municipal Theater on Saturday, a historic 18th-century venue midway along the spa town’s ornate Promenade.

Taking the stage with Karlovy Vary artistic director Karel Och, the “Crock of Gold” director Julien Temple, producer Stephen Deuters and MacGowan’s wife Victoria Clarke, Depp described the filming of the 2020 rockumentary as something akin to catching and...

MGM has bought the Johnny Depp drama “Minamata” and has set an awards-season release of Feb. 5, 2021, through its revived American International Pictures label.

MGM also acquired all rights to “Minamata” in Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February.

Set in 1971, Depp portrays photojournalist Eugene Smith, who’s become a recluse and disconnected from the world he once shot. After receiving one final assignment from Life Magazine editor Robert Hayes (played by Bill Nighy), he must travel to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning. Assisted by an impassioned Japanese translator and encouraged by local villagers, his powerful images expose decades of gross negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation.

“Minamata” also stars Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Tadanobu Asano and Akiko Iwase. Andrew Levitas directed the film from a screenplay by Levitas, David K. Kessler, Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman.

MGM has acquired “Minamata” starring Johnny Depp that will be released by MGM’s American International Pictures (Aip) label on Feb. 5, 2021, according to an individual with knowledge of the project. Additionally, MGM also acquired all rights to “Minamata” in Canada, Germany and Switzerland

The film received its World Premiere as a Berlinale Special Gala as part of the Berlin International Film Festival 2020. Depp received some of the best reviews of his career for portraying photojournalist Eugene Smith.

Per the film’s description, inspired by a true story, Depp plays W. Eugene Smith, a war photographer from World War II, who in 1971, goes up against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor Ralph Graves...

Exclusive: MGM has acquired the Johnny Depp-starrer Minamata, through its American International Pictures label. The Andrew Levitas-directed drama has been set for a February 5 release, dropping into the extended awards season as a theatrical and day and date PVOD release. The film made its world premiere during the Berlin International Film Festival last February. In addition to U.S. rights, MGM acquired Canada, Germany and Switzerland.

While the recent focus on Depp has come for all the wrong reasons in a libel case he pressed against the Rupert Murdoch British tabloid The Sun for calling him a “wife beater” (a court ruling is expected Monday), this is a chance for the focus to swing back to his chameleonic screen work.

In a drama inspired by a true story, Depp plays Eugene Smith, a famed photojournalist who has disconnected from the world but takes a final assignment from his...

In today’s Global Bulletin, Johnny Depp’s “Minamata and “Crock of Gold” get U.K., Ireland release; a brace of Princess Diana TV documentaries in the works; and MTV debuts short form series.

Vertigo Releasing has acquired U.K. and Ireland distribution rights from HanWay Films for Berlin Film Festival title Andrew Levitas’ “Minamata,” starring Johnny Depp, Hiroyuki Sanada, Minami and Tadanobu Asano, and will release the film Feb. 12, 2021.

Depp plays war photographer W. Eugene Smith who travels to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.

The film was developed by Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and produced through Metalwork Pictures. Producers are Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson, Gabrielle Tana, Kevan Van Thompson, David K. Kessler, Zach Avery, Levitas and Depp.

HanWay Films, which is overseeing international sales and distribution, has also closed deals with Eagle Pictures (Italy), Swift Distribution (France), Odeon S.A. (Greece), Films...

Stephen Deuters alleged actor’s ex-wife subjected him to ‘years of abuse’ in Sun libel trial

Amber Heard was “sociopathic”, a “Machiavellian overlord” and the “abuser” in the relationship between her and Johnny Depp, the actor’s former personal assistant has claimed in the high court.

Stephen Deuters was giving evidence on the fifth day of Depp’s libel action against the Sun over an article that labelled him a “wife beater” and referred to “overwhelming evidence” that he attacked Heard, 34, during their relationship, which he denies.

Johnny Depp claims he discovered at a meeting with his accountant in 2016 that he had lost $650 million in movie earnings, immediately prior to an incident when he is alleged to have been violent toward his then wife Amber Heard, a court heard on Monday, the fifth day of his libel trial in London against the publisher of The Sun newspaper.

Depp is suing News Group Newspapers and journalist Dan Wootton for an article on The Sun website that described him as a “wife beater.” Depp denies that he was violent toward Heard, to whom he was married from 2015 to 2017.

At London’s Royal Courts of Justice, Depp was asked about events that occurred on the day of Heard’s 30th birthday celebration on April 21, 2016. Depp arrived at the party, at Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles, where the couple lived, two hours late.

His late arrival was due to the...

The Cannes Marché du Film, along with a sales initiative led by Hollywood agencies, is hosting the first major virtual market since the start of pandemic, starting on June 23. Distributors and sales agents are looking forward to it: the turn-up for the online Cannes Marché du Film is significant with more than 7,000 accredited participants as of mid-June.

“As nobody can leave their house, a virtual market is the next best thing. It’s a valid and worthwhile effort … people need something to initiate interactions. If this virtual market can help in some way to stimulate business that’s a great thing,” says Dylan Leiner at Sony Pictures Classics.

Here’s a look at some key titles for sale:

“Balestra”

Director: Nicole Dorsey

Producers: Pierre Even

A disgraced competitive fencer (Tessa Thompson) is aiming for her Olympic comeback. She receives a prototype device allowing her to extend her training into her...

Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from HanWay Films to Julien Temple’s documentary about Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.

Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from HanWay Films to Julien Temple’s documentary about Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.

Crock Of Gold – A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan is still in production and chronicles the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter leading up to his 60th birthday celebration.

The film combines unseen archival footage from the Irish band and MacGowan’s family with animation by Ralph Steadman.

Magnolia plans a release later in the year. HanWay...

Exclusive: “I’ve got a feeling,” goes the Pogues’ classic song “Fairytale of New York,” “this year’s for me and you.”

It might well be a good year indeed for the former frontman of the Celtic punk band as Magnolia Pictures have picked up the North American rights to the Johnny Depp-produced documentary Crock of Gold – A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan.

First put out to market earlier this year at the European Film Market, the Julien Temple-directed look at the hard-living English-born poet was acquired by Magnolia after a bit of bidding war, I hear. From Temple’s Nitrate Film, Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and Stephen Malit, the deal was closed by Magnolia EVP Dori Begley and Svp Acquisitions John Von Thaden, and by HanWay Films on behalf of the filmmakers.

HanWay Films has worldwide sales rights on the project. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the UK and Ireland,...

Johnny Depp has signed on as a producer for a feature documentary called “Shane” about the lead singer of punk band The Pogues, Shane MacGowan. The news was announced Wednesday by HanWay Films, which acquired the worldwide sales rights.

Julien Temple, director of “Glastonbury,” “The Filth and the Fury” and “London: The Modern Babylon,” is directing the documentary that examines MacGowan and his ability to write lyrics to hits like “Fairytale of New York” that captured Ireland’s spirit while he was on his very own personal voyage into the heart of darkness.

Temple will produce through Nitrate Film together with Depp and Stephen Deuters (“Minamata”) through Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil and Stephen Malit. HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market, where the company will screen footage for the first time. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the U.

Johnny Depp has come on board as a producer of Julien Temple’s documentary about musician and poet Shane MacGowan, “Shane.”

HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights, and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market, where the company will screen footage for the first time. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the U.K. and Ireland, and it will be broadcast on BBC Four at a later date.

Temple will produce through Nitrate Film with Johnny Depp and Stephen Deuters through Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, and Stephen Malit.

Depp said: “Knowing Shane for 30 years, I am honored to be producing the definitive film on both my friend and one of the most important artists and beloved poets of the 20th century.”

Using animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives, and contributions from collaborators, artists and his own family, the film will “reveal...

Altitude to distribute documentary in the UK and Ireland.

Julien Temple is to direct a documentary about Irish musician Shane MacGowan, produced by Johnny Depp, which the UK’s HanWay Films has acquired to sell worldwide.

Shane will feature animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators, artists and MacGowan’s family to tell the story of his life. The film will culminate with his 60th birthday celebration, populated by musicians and film stars.

HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market (February 20-28), where the...

Johnny Depp is teaming up with documentary director Julien Temple on doc-biopic Shane about legendary Irish singer Shane MacGowan. HanWay is launching world sales at the Efm and will screen first footage.

The film will deep dive on the tortured Irish vocalist, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of Celtic punk band the Pogues and for songs “Fairytale Of New York” and “Dirty Old Town.” It will combine animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators and his own family. The film will culminate in MacGowan’s 50th birthday celebration where singers, movie stars and rock ’n’ roll outlaws gathered for a knees-up.

Welsh illustrator Ralph Steadman, well known for his collaborations with American writer Hunter S. Thompson, is providing artworks for animator Jonny Halifax (All Tomorrow’s Parties) to bring to life.

Temple will produce through Nitrate Film together with Depp and Stephen Deuters...

The sleepy Japanese town of Minamata was the scene of one of the world’s greatest environmental disasters when it was poisoned by mercury in the 1970s. It was also the setting for a groundbreaking international treaty designed to control use of the deadly metal.

U.K. sales agent HanWay Films will use its platform at FilMart to unveil updates on “Minamata,” its drama-thriller about the celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith. His images from the toxic town gave the eco-disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and put reckless big business on front pages around the world.

Johnny Depp stars as Smith, a colorful character who was a celebrated WWII photographer and later became close to jazz great Thelonious Monk. Smith ventured to Minamata near the end of his life, accompanied by his Japanese wife Aileen Mioko Smith.

“At that point, Gene [Smith] was about to give up. He wasn’t sure it was worth it,...

Principal Photography has begun on Minamata, directed by filmmaker, writer, and acclaimed artist Andrew Levitas and starring three-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe winner Johnny Depp as celebrated war photographer W. Eugene Smith.

Bill Nighy has joined the cast of Minamata which will co-star Minami (Vision), acclaimed actor Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase, and Jun Kunimura. The famed Yôko Narahashi is the casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp will also produce along with Infinitum Nihil’s Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Academy Award® nominee Gabrielle Tana. Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry and Peter Hampden will executive produce. Heads of department include César Award nominated cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, production designer Tom Foden and...

Principal photography has begun on Andrew Levitas-directed feature Minamata starring Johnny Depp as celebrated U.S. photographer W. Eugene Smith. The production has released a first look at Depp.

Bill Nighy (Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) has joined cast alongside Minami (Vision), Hiroyuki Sanada (Avengers: Endgame), Tadanobu Asano (Silence), Ryo Kase (Letters From Iwo Jima), and Jun Kunimura (Kill Bill: Vol 1 and 2). Yôko Narahashi is casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Based on the book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler (A Hard Day’s Day), the true-story thriller pits Smith against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people in Minamata, Japan in 1971.

Developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp is producing with Infinitum Nihil’s Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and...

Principal Photography has begun on Minamata, directed by filmmaker, writer, and acclaimed artist Andrew Levitas and starring three-time Academy Award&#174 nominee and Golden Globe winner Johnny Depp as celebrated war photographer W. Eugene Smith.

Bill Nighy has joined the cast of Minamata which will co-star Minami (Vision), acclaimed actor Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase, and Jun Kunimura. The famed Y&#244ko Narahashi is the casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Developed by the Johnny Depp production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp will also produce along with Infinitum Nihil's Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Academy Award nominee Gabrielle Tana. Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry and Peter Hampden will executive produce. Heads of department include C&#233sar Award nominated cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, production designer Tom Foden...

Johnny Depp has signed on the dotted line to play war photographer W. Eugene Smith in the independent drama ‘Minamata’.

Based on the book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith, the film will centre on Smith’s work as a photographer for Life magazine in exposing the poisoning of the people of Minamata, Japan. It will focus on Smith’s life after World War II when an old friend and a commission from Life Magazine editor Ralph Graves convinces him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community through mercury poisoning.

Andrew Levitas will direct. The movie has been developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil and is produced by Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson and Andrew Levitas. Jason Forman and Stephen Deuters will executive produce.

Also in the news – Hans Zimmer joins original Top Gun composer, Harold Faltermeyer...

HanWay Films to handle international sales.

Johnny Depp will play war photographer W. Eugene Smith in real-life story Minamata, directed by Lullaby director Andrew Levitas.

The film will be based on the book of the same name by Smith and his wife Aileen, which was first published in 1975, and adapted for screen by David K. Kessler (A Hard Day’s Day). The true story follows Smith’s return to Japan in 1971 to expose the poisoning and annihilation of the Minamata coastal community via corporate greed and complicit local police and government.

Principal production will start in Japan followed by Serbia...

Johnny Depp has come on board to star as war photographer W. Eugene Smith in the independent drama “Minamata.”

The film will center on Smith’s work as a photographer for Life magazine in exposing the poisoning of the people of Minamata, Japan. Andrew Levitas will direct the film, which is based on the book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler.

The story will start with Smith as a recluse, with the glory days of World War II far behind him. But an old friend and a commission from Life Magazine editor Ralph Graves convince him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community through mercury poisoning. “Minamata” will start principal production in Japan followed by Serbia in January.

HanWay Films will handle international sales and distribution and will commence sales at the American Film Market,...

Johnny Depp has been set to star as celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith in movie Minamata, which HanWay Films will launch at the upcoming Afm.

Andrew Levitas (Lullaby) will direct Minamata based on the book of the same name by Aileen Mioko Smith and Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler (A Hard Day’s Day). Shoot is due to begin in Japan followed by Serbia in January 2019.

The film will follow the reclusive Smith after his celebrated exploits during the Second World War as he travels to Japan in the 1970s to fulfill a commission from Life editor Ralph Graves. Armed with only his trusted Nikon camera he goes there to document the Minamata disease scandal: an annihilation of a coastal community by the Chisso Corporation’s negligent mercury poisoning and local police and government cover-ups. The victims’ case against the corporation responsible for the environmental disaster represents one...

Johnny Depp will star as a real-life war photographer W. Eugene Smith in “Minamata,” which takes place in Japan in 1971.

Andrew Levitas will direct the film based on the book of the same name by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler.

“Minamata” will start principal production in Japan and then in Serbia in January 2019.

Also Read: Johnny Depp to Produce and Star in 'Waiting for the Barbarians' in Production Partnership with Andrea Iervolino

Per the film’s description, Depp plays W. Eugene Smith, a war photographer from World War II, who in 1971, goes up against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor Ralph Graves...

Johnny Depp’s production company Infinitum Nihil has signed a first-look deal with Im Global for international distribution. Depp and executives Christi Dembrowski, Sam Sarkar and Stephen Deuters will oversee the operation, which kicks off with the film “Richard Says Goodbye” that Im Global scooped up in Cannes. That film follows a mild professor (Depp) who receives grim medical diagnosis and begins living with abandon. Also Read: Johnny Depp Catches a Break in Lawsuit Against Ex-Managers “Johnny is of course a globally recognized superstar but, as importantly, we at Im Global love Infinitum Nihil’s idiosyncratic and taste-driven view of...

Johnny Depp's Infinitum Nihil has signed a first-look deal with Stuart Ford's Im Global.

The company will be run by Depp and his longtime producing partner Christi Dembrowski as well as Sam Sarkar and Stephen Deuters.

Im Global, whose most recent credits include Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge and Martin Scorsese's Silence, is financing and co-producing Depp’s next film, Richard Says Goodbye, one of the hottest sales titles on the market at Cannes. Written and directed by Wayne Roberts, the film is set begin production this summer.

Infinitum Nihil previously had first-look deals at Disney and, before that, Warner Bros.

“Johnny...

Arrangement builds on partnership on upcoming comedy Richard Says Goodbye.

Im Global has announced a first-look deal with Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil as the star’s Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales crossed $600m at the global box office.

The parties negotiated the arrangement shortly before Cannes where Im Global launched pre-sales on Richard Says Goodbye, which will star Depp as a university professor who indulges in every vice imaginable after he receives a life-changing diagnosis.

Im Global is fully financing and co-producing the feature, which Wayne Roberts, who earned plaudits with Katie Says Goodbye, is set to direct this summer. Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik produces alongside Im Global president of production Greg Shapiro, with Im Global founder and CEO Stuart Ford and Depp serving as executive producers. CAA represents Us rights.

Im Global’s relationship with Infinitum Nihil began last year when Im Global Television announced it was developing a music-driven series...

Amber Heard is standing by her alleged text exchange with Johnny Depp's assistant that claims to show a history of abuse - as more alleged messages surface detailing Depp's supposed remorse. People has exclusively obtained a signed statement by a computer forensic consultant who says he authenticated the May 25, 2014, time stamp on the text exchange, and asserts that none of its contents had been altered. "On Sunday, June 5, 2016, I was asked to examine iPhone backups of Amber Heard. It was her normal routine to sync her iPhone on the computer," Kevin Cohen, the tech specialist, says in the signed document.

Johnny Depp's allegedly abusive behaviour is said to have begun even before he married Amber Heard.

The 52-year-old actor has been at the centre of claims that he was violent to wife Amber during their 15 month marriage, with the actress obtaining a domestic violence restraining order against her spouse after claiming he threw a phone at her during a fight two days before she decided to end their union.

Heard, 30, has since claimed that this was one of a number of incidents throughout their marriage that Depp was abusive towards her, with reports suggesting she has documented these exchanges in a journal.

But on Wednesday (01Jun16), text messages reportedly sent between Heard and Depp's assistant Stephen Deuters back in May 2014 emerged, suggesting that the actor's allegedly abusive behaviour had already started - prior to the pair marrying in February 2015.

Entertainment Tonight obtained screenshots of the alleged messages, and indicated...

Johnny Depp's assistant, Stephen Deuters, tells TMZ, the texts that were posted in which he allegedly apologized to Amber Heard for Johnny's violent behavior are heavily doctored ... and he never said Johnny attacked her. Deuters says he knows of no acts of abuse toward Amber at the hands of Johnny and has never made such a claim to anyone. He adds, Johnny has never been violent toward anyone he knows. Deuters says the texts...

Johnny Depp kicked Amber Heard and repeatedly attacked her as far back as 2014, and his assistant begged Amber to forgive him ... according to text messages sent between them and posted by Et. Depp's assistant, Stephen Deuters, purportedly texted Amber in 2014 to say, "He was appalled. When I told him he kicked you, he cried. It was disgusting. And he knows it." Et's report says Amber responded, "He's done this many times before ... And I always stay.