Hollywood
Documentary on Francois Truffaut’s ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock’ to be produced
NEW DELHI: A feature documentary is set to be produced based on the recordings that led to fame of filmmaker Francois Truffaut’s internationally acclaimed 1966 book ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock.’
Cohen Media Group, Artline Films and Arte have partnered to produce Hitchcock/Truffaut, to be directed by Kent Jones (A Letter to Elia, Director of the New York Film Festival) and co-written by Jones and Serge Toubiana (Director of Cinematheque Francaise). An American-French co-production, it will be released in the spring of 2015. Cohen Media Group will handle world-wide sales.
The film will journey through the extensive series of conversations between master filmmaker of mystery and horror films Alfred Hitchcock and Truffaut, illustrating their love for filmmaking and demonstrating their impact on modern world cinema.
Legendary scenes from Hitchcock’s films intercut with comment and opinion from contemporary filmmakers will reinforce his iconic stature as one of the most influential directors of our time.
“For me, in many ways, cinema began with Francois Truffaut’s book about Alfred Hitchcock,” said Jones. “For me, and for many others, the book was more than formative – it was essential and direct. I was so excited when I was offered the chance to make this film, an inquiry into the adventure and excitement of directing films, of translating felt emotions into moving images.”
Since its publication, the book has been dubbed the “Bible of cinema” by many international filmmakers. The film will feature interviews and accounts from some of the most prominent and influential directors in the world of cinema including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, James Gray, Brian De Palma, Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Olivier Assayas, Arnaud Desplechin and David Fincher. These directors will share how “Hitchcock/Truffaut” shaped their careers, transformed cinema and introduced the French New Wave and “New Hollywood” to the world.
Segments from the 1962 original recordings between the two filmmakers will also feature, allowing audiences to hear candid discussions between Hitchcock and Truffaut and to witness, first- hand, this quintessential moment in cinematic history.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
