Eddie Alcazar Partnering with Paul Wedgwood to Launch LA and London-Based Production Company Entropy Pictures

Eddie Alcazar is expanding his empire…

The Bolivian American writer-director is teaming up with British gaming mogul Paul Wedgwood to launch the Los Angeles and London-based production company Entropy Pictures.

Eddie Alcazar,Alcazar’s most recent project is the Sundance Film Festival thriller Divinity, starring Stephen Dorff, Bella Thorne and Scott Bakula.

Wedgwood, who most recently executive-produced thriller The Kill Room starring Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman, was a co-founder of successful video game developer Splash Damage.

The duo’s new film, TV and transmedia firm Entropy will look to “seed and develop IP which is character-driven, high-concept and has commercial appeal”. The company will look to make three to five films a year with financial backing from Wedgwood’s investment firm Supernova Capital.

Veteran games and studio executive Nick Bridger will serve as Head of Development and Production, while line producer James Allen — who has worked on all of Alcazar’s productions — is also aboard.

The first film on the slate is a hybrid live action-animated thriller called Absolute, which Alcazar wrote and will direct as his next feature, producing alongside Wedgwood.

The film follows a pair of college friends who are working on a device that will change humanity’s relationship with the universe. The device can transport a person into a neighboring dimension using one’s mind to complete a roadmap. When one of the friends experiences a devastating relationship breakup, he makes a choice to enter the portal they have created in search of a better version of his girlfriend.

According to the partners, financing is in place and the film is due to shoot this summer.

Alacazar wrote, directed and produced Divinity with a guiding hand from Steven Soderbergh, who served as executive producer. The black and white Sundance NEXT project is set in an otherworldly human existence where a serum named “Divinity” is all powerful.

“Creating a foundation for this type of film is very motivating as there are so many opportunities to explore different worlds and each can lend itself to many formats such as film, digital and animation to truly immerse the audience in a specific style of emotion,” said Alcazar. “Ultimately this is a story about young adults striving to be recognized and significant in an imperfect world. They follow grandiose ideas in order to give their lives meaning and end up realizing peace of mind and love are found in simplicity, not absolute perfection.”

Wedgwood added: “I want to work with the most talented storytellers in the business – and Eddie is of course in that upper echelon of multitalented next generation writer/directors who really challenge audiences. In Absolute, he has created a gripping and evocative story that is a distinctly original cinematic experience. This is the type of bold film that will define Entropy.”

Wedgwood commented about Entropy: “As a company, we see ourselves as hyper-creative, nimble and collaborative. Eddie, Nick and myself are creators at heart and have complex projects we’ll develop and nurture very carefully. With the film landscape continuing to shift and evolve, our approach to championing distinctive material and bringing our creative visions to life is what drives us. I’m thrilled to start this exciting new endeavor with Eddie and Nick and work creatively and collaboratively to build a specialized brand.”

Added Alcazar: “With Entropy, we have an exciting new model for making films –  one that empowers creators and their vision. Paul and I share a unique creative vision and underlying business philosophies that will fuel us as we grow the company and our output.”

Jan Luis Castellanos Starring in Bella Thorne’s Thriller “Saint Clare”

Jan Luis Castellanos is a saint

The 26-year-old Dominican actor, who starred in Bridge & Tunnel and 13 Reasons Why has joined the supporting cast of the thriller Saint Clare.

Jan Luis CastellanosThe film stars Bella Thorne, Ryan Phillippe, Rebecca De Mornay, Frank Whaley, Bart Johnson and Dylan Flashner.

Currently in post-production, Saint Clare follows Clare Bleecker (Thorne), a quiet catholic college student with a divine vocation for killing. Phillippe will play the role of Timmons, a police officer investigating the latest murder in the small town, with Clare as his prime suspect. Whaley will portray Mailman Bob, a ghost from Clare’s past, with Johnson pulling double duty as twin brothers Joe and Randall, and Flashner set for the supporting role of Wade.

Castellanos will portray the role of Truman, a mysterious college student who becomes one of Clare’s friends and then a love interest.

Also among cast are Myrom Kingery, Erica Dasher and Joy Rovaris.

Mitzi Peirone directed the film, based on Don Roff’s novel. Peirone has also scripted the indie movie with American Psycho‘s Guinevere Turner. David Chackler, Arielle Elwes and Joel Michaely are producers.

Foresight Unlimited is handling foreign sales. Screen Media has slated the film for release in North American theaters in 2023.

Lauren Sanchez Starring in the Vito Schnabel-Led Dark Comedy “The Trainer”

It’s training day for Lauren Sanchez.

The 52-year-old Mexican-American media personality, Emmy-winning journalist and actress, is starring in Vito Schnabel-led dark comedy The Trainer, which has wrapped filming in Los Angeles, New York and the Bahamas.

Lauren SánchezSanchez, who gained fame as an entertainment reporter and news anchor, is part of a cast that includes Paris Hilton, Finneas O’ConnellSandra Seacat and journalist Gayle King.

Written by Schnabel and Jeff Solomon, the film is based on the former’s original story. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.

Tony Kaye directed the film boasting one of the most eclectic ensembles in recent memory, which also includes Julia FoxSteven Van ZandtTaylour PaigeStephen Dorff, John McEnroeGina GershonLuka SabbatGus Van SantLenny KravitzBeverly D’AngeloColleen CampGavin RossdaleSoo Joo ParkBrock O’HurnBella ThorneLaird Hamilton and Duke Nicholson.

Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing The Trainer, with George Paaswell serving as executive producer.

Sanchez has been seen on programs like The View, KTTV Fox 11’s Good Day LA, the Fox 11 Ten O’clock NewsExtra, Larry King Live, The Joy Behar Show and Showbiz Tonight. Past film credits include Ted 2White House DownCeleste & Jesse ForeverWe Bought a ZooFantastic Four and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver SurferAkeelah and the BeeThe Longest YardThe Day After Tomorrow and Fight Club. She’s also been seen on series like RakeDirt and Girlfriends, among others.

Sanchez also notably founded aerial production company Black Ops Aviation and serves as Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund.

Bella Thorne to Star in the Thriller “Saint Clare”

Bella Thorne has landed a killer role…

The 24-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer will star in the thriller Saint Clare, co-written by Guinevere Turner.

Bella Thorne

The film will follow Clare Bleecker (Thorne), a quiet catholic college student with a divine vocation for killing. The story is based on the novel Clare at 16 by Don Roff, with its novel sequel out in 2023

Producers are in negotiations with Rebecca DeMornay to join the cast, with additional casting of other key roles underway.

Production is scheduled to begin soon in Kentucky.

The film will be directed by Mitzi Peirone, who has also scripted with Turner (who co-wrote the screenplay for cult Bret Easton Ellis adaptation American Psycho).

Screen Media has picked up worldwide rights to the project and will have its Foresight Unlimited division launch international sales at this month’s Cannes Film Festival market. Screen Media will distribute the film in the U.S.

Thorne is best known for her roles in several films and shows, including Midnight SunThe DUFFThe Babysitter series and Amityville: The Awakening, as well as television like Famous In Love and Paradise City.

Screen Media said: “With such a talented pedigree, we’re thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Cassian Elwes and his Elevated Films banner and working with Bella Thorne again on this powerful project that will captivate audiences.”

Producer Arielle Elwes added: “We’re thrilled to be working with the incredible Bella Thorne; she is so perfect for the role. Mitzi is the real thing, and I can’t wait to see what she cooks up for what will be a great franchise.”

Bella Thorne to Star in Steven Soderbergh & Eddie Alcazar’s Indie Film “Divinity”

It’s to Divinity and beyond for Bella Thorne

The 24-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer has been cast in the indie film Divinity.Bella ThorneThorne is among the final cast members to be announced for the film, alongside Scott Bakula.

The project is the latest collaboration between Steven Soderbergh and Eddie Alcazar. Cypress Hills’ DJ Muggs will serve as musical composer.

Chris Santos, Danielia Maximillian, Lydia Bielen, and Emily Willis round out the cast.

Previously announced actors leading the project include Stephen Dorff, Jason Genao, Moises Arias, Karrueche Tran, and Mike O’Hearn.

Divinity follows otherworldly brothers (Genao & Arias) that are hellbent on stopping a mogul (Dorff) who is close to unraveling the secrets behind immortality.

The film includes elements of Alcazar’s “Metascope” technique which combines stop motion animation and live-action sequences. The technique was featured in his short film The Vandal, a collaboration with Darren Aronofsky, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.

Divinity is targeting completion ahead of the film festival circuit.

Alcazar previously worked with his mentor Soderbergh on his feature debut Perfect, released in 2018, a sci-fi thriller starring Abbie Cornish, Rainey Qualley, Courtney Eaton, and Tao Okamoto.

Bella Thorne Starring in Dark Comedy “The Trainer”

There are several train(er)ing days for Bella Thorne.

The 24-year-old half-Cuban America actress/singer has been cast in the dark comedy The Trainer, directed by Tony Kaye from a script by star Vito Schnabel and Jeff Solomon.

Bella Thorne

Thorne is part of a roster of new cast additions that includes Soo Joo Park, Brock O’Hurn, Laird Hamilton and Duke Nicholson.

The film currently in production, after nearly a decade in development, is based on an original story by Schnabel.

Unfolding over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos, it follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.

Julia Fox, Steven Van Zandt, Taylour Paige, Stephen Dorff, John McEnroe, Gina Gershon and Luka Sabbat are also set to star.

Character details are being kept under wraps.

Thorne can currently be seen opposite Melissa Leo in Peyfa’s thriller Measure of Revenge, and will next be seen in Graham and Parker Phillips’ thriller Rumble Through the Dark, with Aaron Eckhart.

She’s previously appeared in the films Chick FightRideMidnight SunAssassination NationThe BabysitterAmityville: The AwakeningBoo! A Madea Halloween, The DUFFAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Blended.

Her television credits include Paradise CityFamous in LoveShake It UpBig Love, My Own Worst Enemy and Dirty Sexy Money.

Vertical Entertainment to Release Bella Thorne’s “Measure of Revenge” in North America Next Month

Bella Thorne will be exacting revenge at your local theater…

Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the psychological thriller Measure of Revenge, starring the 24-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer.

Bella Thorne, Measure of RevengeThe film, which also stars Melissa Leo and Jake Weary, is slated for a day-and-date release on March 18.

In the debut feature of Malaysian helmer Peyfa, Broadway actress Lillian Cooper (Leo) is making her final on-stage appearance when her famous son, Curtis (Weary), is found dead. When his death is ruled as an accidental overdose, a suspicious Lillian decides to take matters into her own hands. On a quest for answers, she strikes up an unlikely alliance with her son’s drug dealer, Taz (Thorne), setting in motion a bloody warpath to uncover the truth, inspired by the characters she portrayed on stage.

Measure of Revenge also stars Roma Maffia, Adrian Martinez and Benedict Samuel. Jen Gatien produced with Peter Wong and Timur Bekbosunov for ACE Pictures Entertainment. Johnny Chang, Bronwyn Cornelius and Emma Lee exec produced, with Jay Cannold co-producing.

“Melissa steps into this role of a grieving and relentless mother seeking justice for her son with such ease that it draws the viewer deeply into her journey and keeps you captivated and rooting for her every step of the way,” said Vertical Entertainment Partner Peter Jarowey.

“We are excited to partner up with Vertical Entertainment on Measure of Revenge to release a film that is an emotional and thrilling experience filled with mystery and surprise,” added Gatien, Wong and Bekbosunov in a joint statement. “Melissa Leo delivers a powerful and energetic performance in the role of a mother hellbent on revenge, forming great screen chemistry with the immensely talented Bella Thorne. We can’t wait for audiences to discover the film.”

Voltage Pictures Handling Global Sales of Bella Thorne’s Teen Romance “Time Is Up”

Bella Thorne’s time is up

Voltage Pictures is handling global sales at the European Film Market on the 23-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer’s teen romance Time Is Up, also starring Italian pop star Benjamin Mascolo.

Bella Thorne

The film, currently in post production, centers on two high-school seniors, Vivien (Thorne), who is an accomplished student with a passion for physics, and Roy (Mascolo), a troubled young man.  When an accident forces the unlikely pair to come to a stop and reclaim their lives, one minute at the time, they finally start living in a present that perhaps will prove to be more exciting than any predefined formula.

The English-language film was shot over six-weeks on location in Rome and the US.

Nikolay Moss, Roberto Davide and Sebastiano Pigazzi round out the cast. Elisa Amoruso directs from a script she co-wrote with Lorenzo Ura and Patrizia Fiorellini.

Thorne’s previous credits include Girl, Chick Fight and Infamous.

Bella Thorne Launching Content Management Company, Content X, Targeting Social Media Influencers

Bella Thorne is expanding her influence(rs)…

A new content management company targeting social media influencers is being formed by the 23-year-old half-Cuban American actress and longtime manager Thor Bradwell.

Bella Thorne

Content X will manage social media influencers and their social media accounts with the goal of building profitable profiles. It’ll also provide expertise in navigating the ever-changing social media universe. The algorithms of YouTube keep changing choosing best YouTube likes marketing company is important.

The venture will see Thorne act as the creative director in charge of all content. Talent manager Tamara Thorne and Michael Cohen will act as co-heads of development.

Thorne has actively leveraged social media, including the adult content site OnlyFans.com, which she crashed last summer.

The announcement called Thorne “a rising mogul. Everything she touches is successful, from being a bestselling author and entrepreneur.” It went on to state that Thorne was an early adopter of social media and built successful platforms.

“I’m excited to create Content X for this generation’s young creative forces and their social medium platforms.,” Thorne said in the statement. “Content X will also specialize in identifying young writers, directors, etc. on social media to give them a platform to develop their skills, etc.”

Thorne has been active during the pandemic. Her movie, Infamous was the first movie during quarantine to be released in drive-in theaters as well as VOD, and the film opened as the #1 theatrical release.  Thorne recently shot the indie film Habit from the producer of Mudbound, and is set to star in director Mitzi Peirone’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Uncanny. She’ll also star opposite Oscar winner Melissa Leo in the thriller, Measure of Revenge (TBD 2021).

She recently wrapped the indie teen movie Times Up, which she stars in with her real-life love, musician, Benjamin Mascolo (TBD 2021).

Adrian Martinez Signs with Innovative Artists

Adrian Martinez is getting innovative

The 48-year-old Latino actor has signed with Innovative Artists.

Adrian Martinez

Martinez was most recently a series regular on ABC’s Stumptown.

His other television credits include heavy recurring roles on CBS All Access’ No Activity and NBC’s The Blacklist: Redemption.

In film, Martinez will soon be seen in Disney+’s Lady and the Tramp, in Jamie Babbit’s The Stand-In opposite Drew Barrymore, and in Jordan Galland’s Leave Not One Alive opposite Bella Thorne.

He’s also had a major leading role in the feature film Focus starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie.

Martinez continues to be repped by Vault Entertainment and Sarna & Associates.