James Schamus News

Written by James Schamus and based on the book by Elliot Tiber with Tom Monte, Taking Woodstock also stars Tony Award winner Dan Fogler; two-time Olivier Award winner Henry Goodman; two-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton; Tony Award winner Liev Schreiber; Skylar Astin (Spring Awakening); two-time Tony Award nominee Kevin Chamberlin; Paul Dano (Things We Want); Kelli Garner (Dog Sees God); Mamie Gummer (Dangerous Liaisons); and Richard Thomas (A Naked Girl on the Appian Way).

The Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble (1972 Broadway at 66th St) has announced its schedule of upcoming events. Among those scheduled to appear are Ang Lee and James Schamus to discuss their new film, 'Taking Woodstock', a CD signing from the Broadway cast of HAIR, popular singer Kate Pazakis, and more.

Taking Woodstock is coming to select cities on August 14th from Focus Features. The film had a New York City premiere on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at Landmark's Sunshine Cinema on 143 East Houston Street (between Chrystie and Allen Streets). BroadwayWorld.com cameras were there as the stars arrived!

Following the success of last year's inaugural program, Focus Features is accepting entries for a second year of its Africa First Program through Monday, August 17th (please note newly extended deadline).

Variety is reporting that Director Sam Mendes ('American Beauty', Donmar Warehouse's CABARET Revival) has signed a two-year first-look deal with Focus Films. The arrangement between Neal Street Prods - which Mendes helms with Pippa Harris and Caro Newling - and Focus Films will include the acquisition of two projects that could be potential directing projects for Academy Award winner Mendes.

Following the success of last year?s inaugural program, Focus Features will on Monday, June 1st, begin accepting entries for a second year of its Africa First Program. The uniquely conceived initiative, with funds earmarked specifically for emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence, offers eligible and participating filmmakers the chance to be awarded $10,000 in financing for pre-production, production, and/or post-production on their narrative short film made in continental Africa and tapping into the resources of the film industry there. Complete details on Africa First ? including application information ? can be accessed through www.filminfocus.com/africafirst. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Zac Efron has been cast in the title role of Jonny Quest in the upcoming action film based on the famed comic character.

Young actor Zac Efron revealed to EW.com why he pulled out of the Footloose remake: He didn't want to be type-cast as the musical guy.

Production began last week in Los Angeles on the untitled film starring Ben Stiller for writer/director Noah Baumbach, an Academy Award nominee for his original screenplay of The Squid and the Whale (which he also directed). Scott Rudin, an Academy Award winner as producer of No Country for Old Men, and Jennifer Jason Leigh are producing the movie, to which Focus Features holds worldwide rights. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.

Written by James Schamus and based on the book by Elliot Tiber with Tom Monte, Taking Woodstock also stars Tony Award winner Dan Fogler; two-time Olivier Award winner Henry Goodman; two-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton; Tony Award winner Liev Schreiber; Skylar Astin (Spring Awakening); two-time Tony Award nominee Kevin Chamberlin; Paul Dano (Things We Want); Kelli Garner (Dog Sees God); Mamie Gummer (Dangerous Liaisons); and Richard Thomas (A Naked Girl on the Appian Way).

Variety is reporting that Zac Efron is in negotiations to re-team with 17 Again director Burr Steers on an adaptation of the novel 'The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud.' The film will likely be the next for Efron, who just bailed out of Paramount's Footloose remake.

With a winning bid by activist Tom Gregory of $12,500, one of the shirt/suit/tie ensembles worn by Sean Penn in his Academy Award-winning portrayal of real-life hero Harvey Milk in Focus Features' Milk was successfully auctioned off over the weekend to benefit both Variety - The Children's Charity of Southern California and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, in New York City. The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation hosted the online auction of Academy Award-nominated costume designer Danny Glicker's specially created ensemble as seen in Milk. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.

Commemorating both a memorable movie moment and an inspiring real-life triumph, one of the shirt/suit/tie ensembles worn by Sean Penn as Harvey Milk in Focus Features' Milk will be auctioned off to benefit both Variety - The Children's Charity of Southern California and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, in New York City. The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation will host the online auction of costume designer Danny Glicker's specially created ensemble as seen in Gus Van Sant's Milk, which is nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Costume Design. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.

Commemorating both a memorable movie moment and an inspiring real-life triumph, one of the shirt/suit/tie ensembles worn by Sean Penn as Harvey Milk in Focus Features' Milk will be auctioned off to benefit both Variety - The Children's Charity of Southern California and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, in New York City. The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation will host the online auction of costume designer Danny Glicker's specially created ensemble as seen in Gus Van Sant's Milk, which is nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Costume Design. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.

Academy Award-nominated director Gus Van Sant's Milk, starring Academy Award winner Sean Penn as gay rights icon Harvey Milk, had its world premiere at San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre (at 429 Castro Street) tonight. The evening benefited multiple charities supporting LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) youth. Dinner and dancing followed at City Hall.

Tall Story Productions presents the World Premiere of Peter Barr Nickowitz' new play 'THE ALICE COMPLEX' at The Cherry Lane Theatre beginning August 8th as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival - FringeNYC.

Ang Lee set to direct adaptation of Tiber's 'Taking Woodstock' about the creation of Woodstock.