Syndicado Film Sales Picks Up Zara Zerny’s ‘Echo of You’ Ahead of IDFA World Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

After one Japanese title delivered at the sleepy December box office last weekend, that being Godzilla Minus One, here’s another that’s set to dominate: Studio Ghibli and GKIDS’ Hayao Miyazaki‘s The Boy and the Heron which is looking at a No. 1 lead with $10M+ after $2.39M Thursday and early access previews.

U.S. employment rose in November as the jobless rate dipped. Labor settlements in both Hollywood and Detroit helped boost total non-farm payroll jobs by 199,000 last month.

Oasis’ classic track ‘Wonderwall’.Originally uploaded back in October, the clip has been gathering momentum online over the past month and has now gone viral across Instagram.In the footage, the iconic character – who first appeared on screens as part of the Saturday night variety show Noel’s House Party – is seen with a personally customised acoustic guitar, playing along to the 1995 Britpop hit.Filmed for BBC, he is seen sat backstage at the Radio 2 studios and the lyrics originally sung by Liam Gallagher have been replaced with “blobby”. Check out the clip below.In the caption, it is revealed that the Britpop icons are his favourite band, and his rendition of the legendary single has been dubbed ‘Wonderblob’.The clip was also recorded in aid of this year’s instalment of National Album Day.

Giant inflatable multi-coloured bubbles have invaded Victoria Square as week two of Bolton’s Put Big Light On Festival gets underway. After the success of last weekend’s centrepiece installation Borealis, a northern lights recreation above the town hall which attracted thousands of visitors, the main attraction currently is Evanescent.

Charley Webb appeared to be getting in the Christmas spirit as she brought the sparkles to her latest jaw-dropping look. The former Emmerdale star looked sensational in a tiny skirt as she enjoyed a night out with one of her former ITV soap co-stars.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has been released on Xbox Series X|S. The hit fantasy game was surprise dropped last night (December 7) during The Game Awards 2023.Baldur’s Gate 3, which is based on the long-running tabletop role-playing game (RPG) Dungeons & Dragons, was released on PC back in August, with a PlayStation version following in September.

Squid Game: The Challenge season one came to a dramatic conclusion on Wednesday (6 December), with the show crowning its first-ever winner.Spoilers aheadAdapted from the hit Netflix K-drama Squid Game, the new game show saw 456 contestants whittled down to a final three: Phillip Cain, Mai Whelan and Samuel Wells, who were competing for the jackpot sum of $4.56m (£3.57m) – the biggest cash prize in TV history.Just like the K-drama, The Challenge saw the contestants compete in a number of simple children’s games, with multiple players being eliminted in each round.After Sam was eliminated, Mai and Phillip progressed to the final round. The last challenge saw them play Rock, Paper, Scissors for a chance to win the keys to the safe containing the massive jackpot.Furious viewers soon took to X (formely Twitter) to mock the show’s final challenge, with many in utter disbelief that such a simple game was about to determine the winner of the biggest jackpot in TV history.“I don’t know what i was expecting but rock paper scissors for 4.5 million dollars was… a choice,” wrote one person.“Y’all made us wait a week just for the winner of $4.5 MILLION to be determined by a random button push and a game of rock paper scissors?!?! GAGGED,” said another.A third added: “Playing rock paper scissors to win 4 million dollars.

Shane MacGowan’s funeral today (December 8).The Irish singer-songwriter and former Pogues frontman died from pneumonia in hospital, aged 65, on November 30. It came after he had been diagnosed with encephalitis and had been in ill health.As reported by BBC, the procession took place between 11am and 11:45am GMT around the south inner city, close to where MacGowan lived in Ballsbridge.

Kristen Stewart has recalled her love of Manchester bands such as Oasis and Joy Division during an appearance at a Chanel show.The moment took place when the actress – most famous for her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise – arrived at the Chanel fashion show taking place in Manchester last night (December 7).The event is the annual Métiers d’Art show, which was brought to the UK city for the first time for the 2023 instalment. The new location was chosen as the region is widely known for its rich music history – the origins of acts including The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Buzzcocks and Oasis.Now, as part of an interview with I-D magazine, actor Kristen Stewart has recalled her love of the city and excitement that the location is “the birthplace of Oasis”.“I would have been so sad if I wasn’t allowed to come to this particular show because I feel like… I feel like this is my juice,” she told the outlet when asked about which part of the show she enjoyed.

NME recently caught up with Loren Allred, the vocalist behind Square Enix‘s newly-revealed Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth theme song ‘No Promises To Keep’, to learn about the process behind singing as fan-favourite Final Fantasy character Aerith.In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the song is performed by Aerith during a performance of the stage play Loveless. But in the real world – including its live debut at The Game Awards 2023 – ‘No Promises To Keep’ is performed by Allred, who is best known for singing ‘Never Enough’ in 2017 musical The Greatest Showman.Speaking to NME, Allred shared that although she didn’t play Final Fantasy growing up, she became a fan of composer Nobuo Uematsu through watching her friends play.

Johnny Marr has performed a collection of solo and Smiths classics with a 30 piece orchestra during a Manchester homecoming show last night (December 7) – check it out below.Marr is marking his first 10 years as a solo artist with a two-night residency at the Factory International’s new venue Aviva Studios this week and will play a second show tonight (December 8).

While fans wait for “Gangs Of London” Season 3, how about a film directed by one of the TV show’s directors? “Mayhem!” doesn’t star anyone from the British crime series, but it operates in a similar vein: a crime-ridden tale about violence, vengeance, and the value of family. READ MORE: The Most Anticipated Films Of 2024 “Mayhem!” follows a French ex-pro boxer released from prison who escapes to Thailand after his past catches up with him.

Jon Favreau‘s 2008 film “Iron Man” is usually referred to as the blockbuster that first kicked off Hollywood’s superhero movie craze (well, that one and “The Dark Knight“). But according to Pepper Potts herself, Gwyneth Paltrow, “Iron Man” wasn’t pitched to her as a sure-fire success.

John Waters has named Ari Aster’s dark comedy Beau Is Afraid as the best film of 2023.The Pink Flamingos director shared his annual list of favorite movies of the year with Vulture, placing the A24 film at the very top.“A superlong, super-crazy, super-funny movie about one man’s mental breakdown with a cast better than Around the World in 80 Days: Joaquin Phoenix, Patti LuPone, Parker Posey, Nathan Lane, and Amy Ryan,” Waters wrote. “It’s a laugh riot from hell you’ll never forget, even if you want to.”Also making Waters’ top 10 were Pierre Croton’s A Prince, Paul Schrader’s Master Gardener, Fallen Leaves, Do Not Expect Too Much of the End of the World, Last Summer, and the short film Strange Way of Life.The director also included Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which Waters argued “deserves the Oscar for being a big-budget, star-studded, intelligent action movie about talking.”You can find Waters’ top 10 films of the year below:Recently, Beau Is Afraid writer-director Aster told Vanity Fair that he was “disappointed” by the film’s reception, describing the movie as a social “experiment” for audiences.“I always knew the film was going to be polarizing and it’s designed to be divisive.

Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet has finally arrived in cinemas and now fans can listen to the film’s entire soundtrack – find the full list of songs below.Directed by Paul King, the filmmaker behind Paddington and Paddington 2, Wonka sees Chalamet cast as a younger version of the world-famous chocolatier and follows him as he tries to open his first shop.The musical prequel has been well-received in its first reviews, with critics describing it as “infinitely charming” and “intoxicating”. The film’s score, which features original songs from Chalamet and Hugh Grant, has also received praise.1. ‘Pure Imagination’ (Opening Titles Version) – Joby Talbot 2. ‘A Hatful of Dreams’ – Timothée Chalamet & The Cast of Wonka 3. ‘Welcome to Scrubbit’s’ – Joby Talbot 4. ‘You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This’ (Hoverchocs) – Timothée Chalamet 5. ‘Flying Chocolatiers’ – Joby Talbot 6. ‘Scrub Scrub’ – The Cast of Wonka 7. ‘Wonka’s Case’ – Joby Talbot 8. ‘Sweet Tooth’ – Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton & Keegan-Michael Key 9. ‘Willy and Noodle at the Zoo’ – Joby Talbot 10. ‘For a Moment’ – Calah Lane & Timothée Chalamet 11. ‘The Letter ‘A” – Joby Talbot 12. ‘Clock Tower’ – Joby Talbot 13. ‘You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This’ – Timothée Chalamet & The Cast of Wonka 14. ‘Oompa Loompa’ – Hugh Grant & Timothée Chalamet 15. ‘A World of Your Own’ – Timothée Chalamet & The Cast of Wonka 16. ‘Sorry, Noodle’ – Timothée Chalamet 17. ‘Mamma’s Secret’ – Joby Talbot 18. ‘Pure Imagination’ (from Wonka) – Timothée Chalamet 19. ‘Oompa Loompa’ (Reprise) – Hugh Grant 20. ‘500 Monks, One Giraffe’ – Joby Talbot 21. ‘Death by Chocolate’ – Joby Talbot 22. ‘The Oompa Loompa to the Rescue’ – Joby Talbot 23. Noodle Gives Affable the Ledger – Joby

Brandon Flowers of The Killers has teased the idea of intimate shows for the 20th anniversary of ‘Hot Fuss‘.The band’s debut LP ‘Hot Fuss’ was released on June 7, 2004 and featured iconic tracks such as ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, ‘Somebody Told Me’, ‘All These Things That I Have Done’ and fan favourite ‘Mr. Brightside’.Speaking to Zane Lowe on his Apple Music Radio show, Lowe mentions “20 years, isn’t it crazy?” to which Flowers responded with “It is crazy.

Adele has recalled feeling “really, really nervous” after finding out Lady Gaga was in the audience at one of her shows.The British singer recalled the experience during a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining how she became anxious knowing that the pop icon was in the audience.The moment occurred at one of her ‘Weekends With Adele’ residency shows at the Caesar’s Palace venue in Las Vegas, when she knew that the ‘Shallow’ singer would be in attendance for the night.“There’s been one [celebrity] there that I shit myself the whole show: Gaga,” she recalled to the outlet. “And I’ve spent a bit of time with her, but I rate her so hard.”“I was like, ‘The show’s terrible. It’s rubbish.

Kurt Cobain has explained how the Nirvana frontman “made a huge difference to the LGBTQ+ community”, and how her work is a reflection on “depression, alienation and detachment”.Aberdeen opened at London’s Soho Theatre this week, receiving its press night last night (Thursday December 7) after receiving critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe. Penned and acted out by writer and comedian Cassie Workman, the one-woman poetry play is a homage to Cobain as she “traverses time and space in a bid to save the life of her hero, in his US hometown of Aberdeen, Washington”.“I’m transgender, and transgender people go through a second puberty,” Workman told NME.

Doja Cat has announced a series of UK and European tour dates, set to kick off next summer. Find ticket details below.The new dates come as part of her ongoing ‘Scarlet Tour’, which is currently underway in North America and celebrates the release of her critically acclaimed fourth studio album earlier this year.Consisting of eight dates throughout June and July, the European leg of the tour marks the first time that the hit singer will embark on a headline arena tour on the continent.

Deathloop developer Arkane Lyon is making a new Blade game based on the popular Marvel character.Blade is a half-vampire half-human hunter first appearing in Marvel Comics in 1973. In the early 2000s, Wesley Snipes played the character in a trilogy of successful movies.

EXCLUSIVE: USA Network‘s “blue sky” series of the 2000s and early 2010s are having a moment this year between Suits‘ blockbuster run on Netflix, which broke streaming records and led to a potential offshoot series at NBC, and the Monk reunion movie, which premieres today on Peacock and already is getting awards recognition.

Looks like Kevin Costner HAS moved on — just not with Reese Witherspoon!

Awww!

Some I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! fans expected Danielle Harold to leave the show ahead of her elimination - because of a four-year curse. The former EastEnders actress, 31, became the fifth contestant to be voted out of the jungle on Thursday night.

Layton Williams has said he's 'hanging on' as he gave a glimpse at his moment of calm before the Strictly Come Dancing storm this weekend. The Bury-born actor and West End star will compete in the semi-finals of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 9).

Steph McGovern has made an emotional speech to mark her last ever episode of Steph's Packed Lunch as the show has been axed by Channel 4. Former BBC business reporter Steph, 41, has hosted the lunchtime chat show for three years, but earlier this year it was announced that the programme was being cancelled and would air its last episode in December. As Steph was joined by some of the show's regular guests, including Kate Bottley, Chris Kamara, Simon Rimmer, Russell Kane and Marcus Brigstocke, the Middlesbrough-born journalist paid tribute to the show as a "Northern power house".

American indie singer Noah Kahan has announced a huge gig in Manchester next year, which will take place at the city’s newest venue Co-Op Live.

Rylan Clark revealed something unusual that he's able to do with a body part during Friday's episode of This Morning. The presenter, 35, shocked viewers and left co-star Emma Willis cringing when he demonstrated how he is able to click his nose in and out of place.

Rochelle Humes has said she's made a realisation about the dynamics of her marriage to Marvin Humes as they remaining apart during his I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here stint. The JLS star was one of the 12 campmates to head Down Under for this year's edition of the ITV reality show.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor More than 800 film industry professionals in Germany and Austria have signed an open letter opposing antisemitism, with the number of signatories continuing to grow. The signatories include a wide range of directors, writers, producers and other film industry professionals.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Beta Cinema has sold the North American rights for “Adios Buenos Aires” to Outsider Pictures, which plans to release the charming comedy drama in spring 2024 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has closed a deal with Reverso Films for the Spanish distribution of Lillah Halla’s “Power Alley.” Reverso Films, which specializes in distributing emerging talents from Europe and Latin America, will launch the film this week at the Huelva Ibero-American Film Festival. After a festival run in generalist, social issue and LGBTQ+ festivals in Spain, the film will be released in 15-25 cinemas across the country, alongside special events and screening-debates with invited panellists. “We are thrilled to bring this dynamic, female-driven film to cinemas across Spain.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Paris-based Reservoir Docs has acquired worldwide sales rights excluding Italy to “A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things,” a theatrical documentary by Scottish-Irish director Mark Cousins, featuring the voice of Tilda Swinton. The film, described by the producers as “visually ravishing,” explores the art of the 20th century Scottish painter Wilhelmina Barns-Graham. Swinton will voice the artist’s innermost thoughts, reading from her private diaries and notebooks, which have never before been made public.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Deckert Distribution CEO Liselot Verbrugge is to launch a new company as the German sales agency prepares to wind down its operations in 2024, with founder Heino Deckert moving fully to production. Verbrugge is attending IDFA documentary festival this week, where the Sundance awarded film “Against the Tide,” one of the agency’s bestsellers this year, is playing in the Best of Fest section. Amsterdam-based Verbrugge joined Deckert at the start of 2019 as head of sales and acquisition, starting with the roll out of double Academy Award nominated “Honeyland.” She took over the reins of the company as CEO two years ago.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” and Aki Kaurismäki’s “Fallen Leaves” led the European Film Awards race after nominations for the major categories were revealed Tuesday. The films were nominated in all five major categories – European film, director, screenwriter, actor and actress. Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” was close behind with four nominations – film, director, screenwriter and actress.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor In “Familiar,” Berlinale Golden Bear-winning director Călin Peter Netzer follows Dragoş Binder, a film director, as he delves into the murky secrets of his family, and tries to exorcise the trauma of his childhood by making a film about it. Beta Cinema is handling world sales for the film, which has its world premiere this month at Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia. In the film, Dragoş is trying to understand how his family were able to leave Romania in the early 80s, during the most oppressive period of Nicolae Ceausescu’s rule.