A-Story Entertainment Launches as Non-Profit Production Company (EXCLUSIVE) — Film News in Brief

A-Story Entertainment, a non-profit production company, is officially launching with an impact film fund designed to support independent and emerging creators, Variety has exclusively learned.

The company is collaborating with the Trilith Institute to feed emerging creators into A-Story Entertainment’s production pipeline. Trilith Institute CEO Jeffrey Stepakoff, known for producing “Dawson’s Creek,” is leading the group to focus on developing intellectual property and providing resources and access to diverse projects and talent.

“Independent creators have long sought alternatives to the studio system, and that’s exactly what we’re building,” Stepakoff said. “We are offering opportunities that simply don’t exist elsewhere, reshaping the future of our industry by ensuring productions aren’t just shot in this region—they’re born and developed here. This impact fund guarantees that storytellers have the resources to create and thrive in a dynamic local ecosystem, while also generating significant and enduring economic activity throughout the region.”

Erik Hyman, partner and co-chair of the Paul Hastings Global Entertainment and Media practice, represents A-Story Entertainment.

Entertainment
Tuesday, Feb. 4

Charles Burnett’s Long Lost Comedy ‘The Annihilation of Fish’ Opening in N.Y. and L.A.

Charles Burnett’s long lost comedy “The Annihilation of Fish” is officially opening in New York on Feb. 14 and Los Angeles on Feb. 20.

The screenings will showcase the new 4k version of the film, which was restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and The Film Foundation in collaboration with Milestone Films. In a statement, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese said that: “Charles Burnett is one of the finest filmmakers in this country. His pictures speak in a cinematic voice that is uniquely and completely his own. For much too long, ‘The Annihilation of Fish’ has been in limbo. It took many years and endless persistence to rescue this beautiful, delicate picture…”

“The Annihilation of Fish” follows a former housewife (Lynn Redgrave) who moves into a Los Angeles boarding house with a landlady (Margot Kidder) and meets a widower recently released from a mental institution (James Earl Jones). The film was previously unavailable to watch in any form and will be seen by audiences for the first time with this limited release.

Abramorama Picks Up U.S. Distribution Rights to Documentary ‘Meanwhile’

Abramorama has acquired the U.S. theatrical distribution rights to “Meanwhile,” a documentary poem in six verses that explores topics of race and creative resistance.

The documentary is in collaboration with novelist and poet Jacqueline Woodson, composer Meshell Ndegeocello, producer Erika Dilday, editor M. Trevino and director Catherine Gund.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the passionate storyteller Catherine Gund, and the team at Aubin Pictures,” Abramorama CEO Karol Martesko-Fenster said. “Catherine has crafted a museum worthy film that captures a unique pulse of our times in tandem with the complexity of life, made even more powerful when experienced on the big screen.”

“Meanwhile” is set to kick off its New York theatrical run starting Friday, March 14 at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema before expanding across the United States.

Richard Zelinker’s ‘The Vortex’ Sets Limited Theatrical Release Dates

Richard Zelniker’s indie drama “The Vortex” has set a limited theatrical release for February and March. Starring Billy Gardell, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jamie McShane and Christopher Titus, the film follows a Paiute cleaning lady who unknowingly sets off a chain of strange events when she enters a slots room at the MGM Grand Casino.

According to the film’s synopsis, Gardell plays Pete, the casino’s in-house comic who “Plays shrink to a host of colorful misfits while dodging mobsters and ‘collectors.’ Struggling with a gambling addiction, he faces a life-altering decision that may determine his fate.”

The film also stars Emily Alabi, Nick Gomez and Jeremy Luke. “The Vortex” is produced by Zelniker and co-written by Zelniker and Steven Barr, with Adriana Rotaru, Justin Richards, and Lucid Pictures’ Callie Nguyen Zelniker producing. Brodrick Haygood executive produces for Moon Howler, while Olliecorp Productions’ Steven Barr and Synkronized (SKD)’s Alex Cohen will distribute worldwide.

Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson to Host 12th Annual MUAHS Awards

“Dancing with the Stars” duo Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson will host the 12th Annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706). The MUAHS Awards will take place on Feb. 15 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Julie Socash, President, MUAHS, IATSE Local 706 said, “Val and Jenna are ‘Dancing with the Stars’ superstars and DWTS mirror ball trophy winners. Their impeccable performances not only showcase an immense talent and creativity, but also an undeniable charisma to match. Both are always an absolute pleasure to work with when collaborating with the hair and make-up teams to create weekly characters for the show, sometimes with multiple live changes in one episode. We are honored and thrilled to have Val and Jenna bring their magic and talent to our MUAHS show as this year’s hosts.