BRAD PITT & ANTHONY MICHAEL HALL: to star in 'WAR MACHINE', a NETFLIX original film, slated for 2016 worldwide theatrical release.

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Variety magazine - August 19,2015

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The film is based on 'The Operators: the wild and terrifying inside story of America's war in Afghanistan"  by Michael Hastings (below)

The film is based on 'The Operators: the wild and terrifying inside story of America's war in Afghanistan"  by Michael Hastings (below)

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'The Operators' was optioned by Mr. Pitts' comapny, Plan B (' 12 years a slave' and 'Selma' ). The films producers are Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. The book was adapted for the screen and directed by David Michod. 'WAR MACHINE' direct…

'The Operators' was optioned by Mr. Pitts' comapny, Plan B (' 12 years a slave' and 'Selma' ). The films producers are Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner.

The book was adapted for the screen and directed by David Michod.

'WAR MACHINE' directed by David Michod,    a NETFLIX original film. 

RandomThoughtsby AMH....

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'Batman, Freddy, and an unlucky dude in North Carolina.' by AMH.

A brief tale of two different movie heroes and one unlucky dude in North Carolina:

I often find myself reading about the industry online in the morning, on my trusted IPhone 6s.  Like many, I'm usually reading peacefully while I commune with nature.  So, I think it's a fitting location, to read about the crazy cool business of Hollywood.  Like all businesses- it can be great -  or shitty. Forgive me for that one. 

Two stories lept from my bright screen early this morning. The first story - is 'all good' news.  To the great joy of the current.   Warner Brothers studios executives and fans everywhere around the world- the new franchise/tentpole/ colossus of comic book films, "Batman vs Superman" - has fast become an enormous success, with the film already earning an astounding  $420 mil plus globally, this last weekend.                             My congratulations; to Ben Affleck and Warner Brothers studios.  Go Batman. 

This is really good industry news - and I'm happy about it for two (somewhat selfish) good reasons:  # 1. I'm a big Batman fan.         I was proud to have a nice role in 'The Dark Knight' back in 2007.  And I really did enjoy meeting / and working with Christopher and Emma Nolan, Gary Oldman, Christian Bale and the entire team, when we shot in London and Chicago.  Great experience it was.

The kid in me, has always loved Batman. Since I was 5 or 6 years old, I dug Batman.  From the old tv show in the 70's, all of the films since Tim Burtons' in 1983, even the less than great ones that will go nameless) -  the whole legacy.  

The second reason -  is more personal.               I recently wrapped on a film with Mr. Ben Affleck this past December.  The film, 'Live by Night', is a classic, 1920's prohibition-era gangster flick. It was written By Dennis LeHane who also wrote 'Mystic River' for Clint Eastwood, and 'Shutter Island' for Martin Scorsese (okay, cue: the 'gratuitous plug').  LBN' is also a Warner Brothers film).  

Anyway, shooting the film with Ben and Chris Messina, was a real pleasure. The great Robert Richardson( the 3 time Oscar nominated cinematographer) shot it.  

He's reallg a great one.  All in all, I have high hopes for the film. It will be released in Oct. 2017.

Thag said, I am glad to say Ben is a good dude.  Down to earth,  smart and very talented, as many would attest.  Ben works hard, and since winning the Oscar for 'Best director' for 'Argo' - he has certainly become a filmmaker to watch in Hollywood.  

Keep rockin' in the free world, Ben. 

Now the second story, the zinger... 

'Arrested for late fees': 

The second story,  also relates to the film business.  Well, kinda.  This story is hilarious;  and it involves a film that I made 14 years ago in Vancouver, called 'Freddy Got Fingered'.   A crazy comedy that was written, directed by, and starring Tom Green.           I've always liked Tom Greens' 'in your face' style of humor. And there are definitely some wild and crazy and shocking scenes in this film. 

According to the article and police report which I read this morning (see below- article/post), a North Carolina man was pulled over in his vehicle for a broken tail light. At which point,  the cops found a 14 year old copy of  'Freddy Got Fingered' on VHS in the man's vehicle.   The man was promptly arrested and fined $200 dollars, for failing to return his VHS rental,  nearly 15years after its return date.  There was no jail time involved.  Poor bastard. 

The other notable piece of the story is this - after questioning, it was learned that the man was completely unaware that video stores were no longer in existence.  

You can't make this shit up.                        Truth IS - stranger than fiction.

  - AMH

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How do huge franchise comic book films make 420million dollars in 4 days ?            THIS is how...'BvS'. 

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Batman strikes again in 'Batman vs Superman' . Warner Brothers studios. 

WATCH: "DO"; a new Windows campaign for MICROSOFT, featuring AMH, Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper and others

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Check out this clip: This is the "DO" MICROSOFT campaign spot, which was released online recently.  I had the pleasure to be a part of this campaign.  Great image from the classic Dennis Hopper film,  'Easy Rider' starts it off.  And there is a quick clip from 'The Breakfast Club' with yours truly in the spot too.  It's a really fun - and well shot clip.  Nice editing work, too.  

Thank you, Mr. Bill Gates. 

 


AMH as Bill Gates and Noah Wyle as STEVE Jobs.  

AMH as Bill Gates and Noah Wyle as STEVE Jobs.  

From the TNT original film                      ' Pirates of Silicon Valley'.  The TNT tele-film earned 5 EMMY award nominations for the film.

Noah Wyle and Anthony Michael Hall            as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. 

Noah Wyle and Anthony Michael Hall            as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. 

AMH as Bill Gates in TNT films 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' . 1999, TNT network. 

AMH as Bill Gates in TNT films 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' . 1999, TNT network. 

TNT films presents 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' 

TNT films presents 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' 

How Music Guided Everything John Hughes Did In His Movies

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How Music Guided Everything John Hughes Did In His Movies

In the cinematic world, John Hughes will be remembered for a lot of things . from his incredibly accurate portrayal of teen angst to his utilization of the ensemble that would end up being labeled The Brat Pack. His use of music is certainly a candidate for this list as well, as the filmmaker managed to make some brilliant songs remembered for the movies in which the writer/director featured them. but what you may not know is that Hughes. soundtrack choices had a much deeper impact on his style as a whole - more than just atmospheric additions during post-production. Pretty In Pink is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016, and in coordination with a special Digital HD release of the film earlier this year, I recently had the chance to hop on the phone with Oscar-nominated costume designer Marilyn Vance. Given that she had the chance to work with John...

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Brad Pitt’s Netflix Pic ‘War Machine’ Wraps United Arab Emirates Shoot→

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Brad Pitt’s Netflix Pic ‘War Machine’ Wraps United Arab Emirates Shoot

Dubai – Brad Pitt’s satirical comedy “War Machine” has wrapped a 22-day shoot in the United Arab Emirates.

Pic is produced by Netflix and Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, and inspired by the bestselling book “he Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan” by late American journalistMichael Hastings. The book is based on Hasting’s interviews with generalStanley McChrystal who was appointed to command the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in 2009.

Pitt toplines as a four-star U.S. military general, patterned after McChrystal, who is determined to win the “impossible” war in Afghanistan. Anthony Michael Hall, Will Poulter and Topher Grace also star.

The team behind “War Machine”. arrived in Abu Dhabi in August to set up the production office before the UAE shoot which began in Abu Dhabi in October.

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War Machine update

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Dear Friends:

Here's a little update from the 

'War Machine' shoot, here in London...

The shoot has been a blast -and the work is really going great. 

Mr Pitt and I (as the US Army Generals) are working very well together. He's a good man.

Angelina came to the set on this day as well.

These two newcomers :) are regal themselves- as we all know. 

Down to earth, family oriented, and very good people. It's been a true honor working with Brad and our director, David Michôd. Anyway, we shot a Gala scene (set in Paris in the film) @ Buckingham Palace, last saturday.

Here are some great pics that Lucia took in the gardens of Buckingham palace, at Lancaster House that day. 

Great shots to enjoy-- 

Now we know where the Brits' tax monies have been going for the last 11 centuries. :)/ 

Love to all,

Mike and Lucia