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Exclusive: Focus Features has boarded Beast and Everest filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur’s romantic drama Touch, which begins principal photography Sunday in London. Focus will release domestically, with Universal Pictures International handling overseas distribution (excluding Iceland).

Touch is based on the bestselling Icelandic novel by Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, which was published in the U.S. in August this year. Ólaffson co-wrote the script with Kormákur.

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The story spans several decades and continents as it follows one widower’s emotional journey to find his first love...

Principal Photography has begun on Minamata, directed by filmmaker, writer, and acclaimed artist Andrew Levitas and starring three-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe winner Johnny Depp as celebrated war photographer W. Eugene Smith.

Bill Nighy has joined the cast of Minamata which will co-star Minami (Vision), acclaimed actor Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase, and Jun Kunimura. The famed Yôko Narahashi is the casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp will also produce along with Infinitum Nihil’s Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Academy Award® nominee Gabrielle Tana. Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry and Peter Hampden will executive produce. Heads of department include César Award nominated cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, production designer Tom Foden and...

Principal photography has begun on Andrew Levitas-directed feature Minamata starring Johnny Depp as celebrated U.S. photographer W. Eugene Smith. The production has released a first look at Depp.

Bill Nighy (Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) has joined cast alongside Minami (Vision), Hiroyuki Sanada (Avengers: Endgame), Tadanobu Asano (Silence), Ryo Kase (Letters From Iwo Jima), and Jun Kunimura (Kill Bill: Vol 1 and 2). Yôko Narahashi is casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Based on the book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler (A Hard Day’s Day), the true-story thriller pits Smith against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people in Minamata, Japan in 1971.

Developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp is producing with Infinitum Nihil’s Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and...

Japan’s new promotional initiative, Japan Day Project, is launching a seminar series, ‘New Gateways to the Japanese Industry’ (May 16-18), at this year’s Cannes film festival.

Speakers including producers Masa Sawada (An, Journey To The Shore) and Samuel Hadida (Silent Hill) and Filosophia founder Tetsu Fujimura will share strategies for doing business with Japan.

The speaker line-up also includes casting director Yoko Narahashi and Cork, Inc co-founder Yuma Terada, who manages Japanese writers and manga artists.

Seminar topics include sourcing Japanese talent for international productions, co-producing with Japan and tapping Japan’s vast manga and gaming industries.

The programme concludes on May 18 with the All-Japan Summit: Power Players Panel Discussion, featuring top executives from Japanese studios.

Each seminar will be followed by cocktail networking sessions.

Japan is launching a new promotional initiative designed to boost the global market for Japanese films, TV, manga and other contents – Japan Day Project (Jdp) – at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Backed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industr (Meti), Jdp is hosting a Japan Pavilion at Cannes that will showcase Japanese content, as well as organising a comprehensive programme of seminars, show reel screenings and networking events.

“Our goals are two-fold,” said Japan Day Project brand manager Mika Morishita. “First, we will create platforms for Japanese industry professionals to build valuable business partnerships with international counterparts.

“Second, we will bring the best of Japanese culture and entertainment to influential audiences, establishing lasting personal connections between Japan and global consumers.”

The seminars programme – New Gateways to the Japanese Industry – features speakers such as casting director Yoko Narahashi, who introduced Ken Watanabe and Rinko Kikuchi to Hollywood, and Paris-based producer Masa Sawada, whose credits...

Matthew Fox (World War Z, Alex Cross, “Lost”) joins with Academy Award® winner Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln, No Country For Old Men, The Fugitive, Hope Springs), newcomer Eriko Hatsune and award-winning Japanese star Toshiyuki Nishida to bring to life the American occupation of Japan in the perilous and unpredictable days just after Emperor Hirohito’s World War II surrender. As General Douglas MacArthur (Jones) suddenly finds himself the de facto ruler of a foreign nation, he assigns an expert in Japanese culture – and psychological warfare – General Bonner Fellers (Fox), to covertly investigate the looming question hanging over the country: should the Japanese Emperor, worshiped by his people but accused of war crimes, be punished or saved? Caught between the high-wire political intrigue of his urgent mission and his own impassioned search for the mysterious school teacher (Hatsune) who first drew him to Japan, Fellers can be certain only that the...

Check out the first poster for Peter Webber's Emperor war drama featuring Matthew Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones in the Vera Blasi and David Klass-scripted film based on the book by Shiro Okamoto. Distributed by Roadside Attractions, and finding theaters on March 8th this year, Emperor is a gripping tale of love and honor forged between fierce enemies of war, Emperor unfolds the story, inspired by true events, of the bold and secret moves that won the peace in the shadows of postwar Japan. Also in the cast are newcomer Eriko Hatsune and award-winning Japanese star Toshiyuki Nishida. Yôko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura and Russ Krasnoff produce.

Check out the first poster for Peter Webber's Emperor war drama featuring Matthew Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones in the Vera Blasi and David Klass-scripted film based on the book by Shiro Okamoto. Distributed by Roadside Attractions, and finding theaters on March 8th this year, Emperor is a gripping tale of love and honor forged between fierce enemies of war, Emperor unfolds the story, inspired by true events, of the bold and secret moves that won the peace in the shadows of postwar Japan. Also in the cast are newcomer Eriko Hatsune and award-winning Japanese star Toshiyuki Nishida. Yôko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura and Russ Krasnoff produce.

Here’s the first trailer released for Emperor which sees Tommy Lee Jones and Matthew Fox appear as World War II officers following the surrender of the Japanese and are tasked with finding out what role the Emperor of Japan played in WWII. The trailer looks brilliant and has made it onto my mud see list for 2013. The synopsis gives us more of an insight into what we can expect. It’s directed by Peter Webber ( Hannibal Rising, Girl with a Pearl Earring) and was shot in both New Zealand and Japan.

Starring Matthew Fox (World War Z, I, Alex Cross, Lost) and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln, Men in Black 3), Emperor, inspired by true events, is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. On the staff of General Douglas MacArthur...

In its fifth acquisition of the Toronto International Film Festival, a voracious Roadside Attractions has picked up U.S. distribution rights to the historical drama “Emperor.” The film, directed by Peter Webber, had its world premiere Friday at Roy Thomson Hall and will receive a theatrical release in the spring. Based on events that took place right after the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II, “Emperor” focuses on an expert on General MacArthur’s staff who seeks out a Japanese woman with whom he had an affair years before as he decides whether Emperor Hirohito should be tried as a war criminal. Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones and Eriko Hatsune star in the film, which is the first to be granted access to shoot on the emperor’s Imperial grounds. Read More: Updated Toronto 2012 Round-Up: Full List of Acquisitions, Plus Sales Agents From CAA, UTA, Wme Weigh...

Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Peter Webber's Emperor , which had its world premiere Friday evening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Roadside will release theatrically, and all other Us rights will be distributed by partner company Lionsgate. The film stars Golden Globe nominee Matthew Fox ( World War Z , Alex Cross , "Lost"), Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones ( Lincoln , "Men in Black" films), and rising Japanese actress Eriko Hatsune ( Norwegian Wood ). The screenplay is by David Klass and Vera Blasi and the film is produced by Yoko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura and Russ Krasnoff. Roadside Attractions is planning a spring 2013 theatrical release. You can check out the first clip from the film here .

Here's our first look at Tommy Lee Jones and Matthew Fox in the Peter Webber directed film Emperor. The movie is based on the real life events set durring the final days of World War II after the Japanese surrendered. The posters that you see here are just being used to help sell the film at the Cannes Film Festival. Ya gotta love that pipe Lee is smoking! 

Here's the Synopsis:

Inspired by true events, is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. On the staff of General Douglas MacArthur (Jones), the de facto ruler of Japan as Supreme Commander of the occupying forces, a leading Japanese expert, General Bonner Fellers (Fox) is charged with reaching a decision of historical importance: should Emperor Hirohito be tried and hanged as a war criminal?...

After getting a great first look at Tommy Lee Jones in Peter Webber’s upcoming Emperor just yesterday, the director has tweeted the first sales posters for the film to promote its entrance on the market at Cannes over the next two weeks.

With Jones joined by Matthew Fox in the lead, and Eriko Hatsune (Norwegian Wood) as Fox’s love interest, the project definitely has a lot of potential.

“Starring Matthew Fox (World War Z, I, Alex Cross, Lost) and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln, Men in Black 3), Emperor, inspired by true events, is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. On the staff of General Douglas MacArthur (Jones), the de facto ruler of Japan as Supreme Commander of the occupying forces, a leading Japanese expert, General Bonner...

Few actors seem to be having as much fun playing military officials more than Tommy Lee Jones (just see Captain America: The First Avenger for the most recent example), which is one reason to look forward to Emperor. In Peter Webber‘s (Girl with a Pearl Earring, Hannibal Rising) upcoming drama surrounding Japan’s surrender during WWII, Jones plays General Douglas MacArthur, a key figure in the ruling of the country. We’ve been sent the first look above, as well as another photo below from THR, featuring Lost alum Matthew Fox. Following that we’ve got a few early sales poster, all which come straight from the director himself.

Synopsis:

Starring Matthew Fox (World War Z, I, Alex Cross, Lost) and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln, Men in Black 3), Emperor, inspired by true events, is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of...

We’ve just been sent the first-look image of Tommy Lee Jones from his new movie, Emperor which is directed by Peter Webber and also stars Matthew Fox. It’s currently doing the rounds in Cannes looking to be picked up in the market. Tommy Lee Jones plays Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the movie which we’ve got the synopsis for below.

Check it out and keep your eyes peeled for more from the movie when it no doubt gets picked up. We’ll see the man himself this evening at the Premiere of Men in Black 3.

Starring Matthew Fox (World War Z, I, Alex Cross, Lost) and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln, Men in Black 3), Emperor, inspired by true events, is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.

Tommy Lee Jones will play the iconic Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Fellers Film and Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment's post-World War II thriller "Emperor."According to Variety, Peter Webber is directing from a script by David Klass and Vera Blasi.Yoko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura and Russ Krasnoff are producing with shooting set to begin later this month.Matthew Fox has also been cast.The story is based on real events after the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.Gen. Bonner Fellers (Fox), one of MacArthur's (Jones) staff and Japanese experts, must make the historical decision whether Emperor Hirohito should be tried and hanged as a war criminal. Fellers must also find his true love Aya, a Japanese exchange student, in the ruins of...

Tommy Lee Jones has joined the cast of the World War II historical epic Emperor. THR reports that the veteran actor will star as General Douglas MacArthur iin the Peter Webber-directed epic. Jones will play opposite Lost's Matthew Fox in the film that is "set in Japan amid the uncertanties and tensions immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of war."

Fox will be starring as General Bonner Fellers, "a member of MacArthur's staff and a leading expert on Japan. He's charged with reaching a decision of historical importance: Whether Emperor Hirohito should be tried and hanged as a war criminal. Interwoven throughout the political saga is Fellers' quest to find Aya, a Japanese exchange student he met and fell in love with years earlier in the U.S."

Fellers Film and Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment are co-producing the film. Yoko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura, and Russ Krasnoff will serve as producers.

Tommy Lee Jones will join Matthew Fox in Emperor, a drama directed by Peter Webber. Jones will portray General Douglas MacArthur in the film based on a screenplay by David Klass and Vera Blasi. Yoko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura and Russ Krasnoff are producing. Inspired by true events, Emperor is set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. Gen. MacArthur is the de facto ruler of Japan as Supreme Commander of the occupying forces, and he leans on a leading Japanese expert on his staff, General Bonner Fellers (Fox), to reach a decision of historical importance: should Emperor Hirohito be tried and hanged as a war criminal? Fellers’ feellings are complicated by his love affair with Aya, a Japanese exchange student he had met years previously in the U.S. Memories of Aya and his quest...

Tommy Lee Jones will star as legendary Gen. Douglas MacArthur in post-World War II historical epic Emperor, directed by Peter Webber. Matthew Fox had already signed on to star in the film, set in Japan amid the uncertanties and tensions immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of war. Emperor is a co-production between Fellers Film and Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment. Yoko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Eugene Nomura and Russ Krasnoff are producers. Photos: Oscar's Best Pictures of the Last Decade "Tommy will bring strength, intelligence and gravitas to the portrayal of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, a legendary American hero,"

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Emperor casts Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas MacArthur. Tommy Lee Jones has been cast in the Peter Webber film, joining Matthew Fox in the Peter Webber film, reports Deadline. David Klass and Vera Blasi wrote the script for the film being produced by Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff, Yoko Narahashi and Eugene Nomura. Jones is set to play General Douglas MacArthur in Emperor which is inspired by true events, and set after the World War II surrender of the Japanese. Gen. MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of occupying forces relies on General Bonner Fellers (Fox), a member of his staff, and Japanese expert to aid him in a decision whether Emperor Hirohito must be tried and hanged as a war criminal or not...

Emperor casts Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas MacArthur. Tommy Lee Jones has been cast in the Peter Webber film, joining Matthew Fox in the Peter Webber film, reports Deadline. David Klass and Vera Blasi wrote the script for the film being produced by Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff, Yoko Narahashi and Eugene Nomura. Jones is set to play General Douglas MacArthur in Emperor which is inspired by true events, and set after the World War II surrender of the Japanese. Gen. MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of occupying forces relies on General Bonner Fellers (Fox), a member of his staff, and Japanese expert to aid him in a decision whether Emperor Hirohito must be tried and hanged as a war criminal or not...

Emperor casts Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas MacArthur. Tommy Lee Jones has been cast in the Peter Webber film, joining Matthew Fox in the Peter Webber film, reports Deadline. David Klass and Vera Blasi wrote the script for the film being produced by Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff, Yoko Narahashi and Eugene Nomura. Jones is set to play General Douglas MacArthur in Emperor which is inspired by true events, and set after the World War II surrender of the Japanese. Gen. MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of occupying forces relies on General Bonner Fellers (Fox), a member of his staff, and Japanese expert to aid him in a decision whether Emperor Hirohito must be tried and hanged as a war criminal or not...

Matthew Fox ( World War Z , I, Alex Cross , "Lost") will top line Emperor (working title) from director Peter Webber ( Girl with a Pearl Earring ) which is based on a screenplay by David Klass ( Walking Tall , Desperate Measures , Kiss the Girls ) and Vera Blasi ( Woman on Top , Tortilla Soup ). Emperor will be produced by Yoko Narahashi ( The Last Samurai ), Gary Foster ( Ghost Rider , Daredevil , Sleepless in Seattle , The Soloist ), Eugene Nomura ( Tajomaru , Surely Some Day ) and Russ Krasnoff ( The Soloist ). Emperor is a co-production between Fellers Film and Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment. Inspired by true events, Emperor is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the...

Peter Webber is attached to direct Emperor. The indie drama was scripted by David Klass and Vera Blasi, and will begin production in January in New Zealand and Japan. The film will be produced by Yoko Narahashi, Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff and Eugene Nomura. The drama is set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. On the staff of General Douglas MacArthur, a leading Japanese expert, General Bonner Fellers, is charged with reaching a decision of historical importance: should Emperor Hirohito be tried and hanged as a war criminal? Interwoven with this nail-biting political thriller is the story of Fellers’ love affair with Aya, a Japanese exchange student he had met years previously in the U.S. “The end of WW2 in the far east and the relationship between General MacArthur and Japan, is a part of...