MAY 2003
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24 May 2003
Baz and Dino's Outback Tour!
- The Sydney Morning Herald has done it again in revealing the latest news concerning Alexander the Great. Indeed, as far as I'm concerned, this newspaper is continually the best Australian media source for Baz related news, and it seems it will be a very useful source of information about the progress of the film, especially if filming definitely goes ahead in Australia. The following is a very informative article entitled 'Luhrmann pitches to shoot Alexander in outback' and details the current location hunting for ATG, featuring direct quotes from Luhrmann himself:
"Director Baz Luhrmann will take the legendary producer Dino De Laurentiis on an outback tour next month in an effort to bring the epic film Alexander The Great to Australia.
The $US100 million ($152 million) production, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the ruler of the ancient world and Nicole Kidman as his mother, had been due to shoot in Morocco.
But De Laurentiis said last week that terrorism fears following the Casablanca suicide bombings had made it too dangerous to take American actors to that country.
In a break from writing the script in Sydney yesterday, Luhrmann said he would take his fellow producer on a week-long tour of Broken Hill, the Northern Territory and South Australia.
"We'll just get a jet and go tearing around Australia," he said.
Under a plan developed with the Australian producer Catherine Knapman, they will propose that the film be shot in "one or a combination" of these outback areas, with interior filming at Fox Studios in Sydney.
But Luhrmann warned that the Federal Government and others would need "some fairly lateral thinking" to convince the film's overseas backers to base it in Australia.
"The truth is there is a lot of other competition. Tunisia has weighed in, Mexico is pitching. And, of course, Australia's biggest competition is always Canada, because Canada is very, very aggressive about getting films to come to their country.
But, simply put, we absolutely want to make the film in Australia. And we have wanted to do that for over a year now. So we're going to do everything we can to make that happen."
The hurdles included the rising value of the Australia dollar and the unavailability of "6000 soldiers who don't have a day job" as was offered in Morocco.
Luhrmann, who took Moulin Rouge to a best picture Oscar nomination last year, said the scale of the film was daunting.
"The reason that Alexander the Great really has not been done successfully before is the sheer scale of it - it's the world's biggest road movie.
He goes from Greece to Turkey to Egypt to Jordan to the Hindu Kush to India, then all the way back again.
And all the way, you're dealing with drama and spectacle. At one stage there were half a million people in one battle."
Whatever the eventual main location of the film, Luhrmann plans to work on the digital effects in November, then start filming once DiCaprio is finished playing the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes in The Aviator in the middle of next year.
But he may shoot the young Alexander earlier. An international search for a boy aged seven to 10 to play the part is about to begin.
On the competition with another Alexander film planned by Oliver Stone, Luhrmann said he would not be racing to get to the screen first.
"I simply do not believe that I can make a film that requires such extraordinary challenges to be overcome and be rushing at the same time."
This article brings to light a major issue that I raised in my previous news
update - namely, how will the epic battle scenes be achieved using the
Australian outback? However, just as I thought, Luhrmann is intent on finding a
way to assure everyone that it can be done. But, like he says, it's going to
take quite a bit of convincing to get people believing in his vision. The scale
is huge, and the cancellation of the Moroccan shoot has presented several
obvious hurdles. However, Luhrmann is no stranger to setbacks and I very much
doubt that his determination will be wavered by these current problems. As I am
from Adelaide in South Australia, I would obviously love to see ATG filmed in
Australia, and it is reassuring to read that Luhrmann and co. have wanted to
film in Australia for over a year. It is obvious that the decision has been well
planned, and I eagerly await further news concerning proposed locations.
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24 May 2003
'ATG' set to film in Australia
- It has been widely reported over the past few days that Luhrmann's Alexander the Great will no longer film in Morocco because of imposing terrorism threats. As I've previously reported on this site, Luhrmann had originally planned to film in Morocco, and he and producer Dino De Laurentiis have built soundstages in Ouarzazate in Morocco especially for their production. There were then reports that the production would not go ahead in Morocco because Luhrmann was not able to get insurance for his actors. As a result, filming was reported to have relocated to Australia. However, then insurance was obtained, and it was back to Morocco. Now, because of the threat of terrorism, it looks quite certain that ATG will relocate to Australia. I believe that Luhrmann will use Fox Studios in Sydney, although I'm not really sure what he will do for the huge battle scenes, as I don't know how these will be able to be achieved inside a studio without the wide open spaces and magnificent backdrop of Morocco's natural landscape.
An article by news.com.au was reported across Australian media websites and stated that "The shift in locations is huge news for the Australian film industry and economy as Alexander the Great's budget is reportedly worth more than $US200 million ($A306.16 million). Thousands of jobs would be created as the film requires huge sets and thousands of extras."
The following article released by Variety.com
details the situation and features quotes from De Laurentiis about ATG's move to
Australia:
"'Alexander' terror driven - Suicide attacks push biopic out of Africa'
CANNES -- Following a wave of suicide attacks that killed 41 civilians last week in Casablanca, Dino De Laurentiis plans to move the production of Baz Luhrmann's biopic "Alexander the Great" to Australia.
De Laurentiis, who built a studio to house "Alexander" in Ouarzazate, less than 300 miles from Casablanca, has decided the political conditions are too precarious.
"Unless the situation changes in five or six months," De Laurentiis said, "any important American actor could be a target. That is a risk I cannot take."
De Laurentiis' defection to Australia comes weeks after Wolfgang Petersen abandoned plans to shoot scenes from "Troy" in Morocco. Petersen's sword-and-sandal tentpole, which began production last month, is shooting instead in London, Malta and Mexico.
There are still a handful of international co-productions considering Moroccan locations, including Intermedia's rival "Alexander the Great" biopic, directed by Oliver Stone. Pic is still eyeing a summer start date in Morocco, though the producers say they are exploring other locations.
Until recently, studios were considering Moroccan settings for a number of tentpoles, including "Tripoli," "Gladiator 2" and the next installments of "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones."
The producers of big-budget pics, including "Black Hawk Down," "Gladiator" and "Four Feathers," have long been drawn to Morocco for the unique landscape and light, veteran crews and cheap labor.
De Laurentiis, who is in pre-production on "Alexander," said Luhrmann expects to start shooting digital footage in November and begin rehearsals with Leonardo DiCaprio, who stars, in January.
De Laurentiis traveled to Cannes to line up "Alexander" pre-sales in six territories. He is close to deals with distribs in Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the U.K.
To help convey the feeling of the movie, De Laurentiis said, buyers have been shown a promo reel that Luhrmann assembled and a photo album with digitally doctored shots of DiCaprio riding a horse in full gladiator attire.
"When you buy 'Alexander,' you're buying something unique," De Laurentiis told Daily Variety. "Whatever they spend, they'll recoup. People will want to put it in the library for future generations. It will play forever in DVD and on television."
News of a promo real has made me very curious, as it's something I'd definitely love to see! I'm also very interested in the photo album with "digitally doctored shots of DiCaprio riding a horse in full gladiator attire." A digital picture was actually released some time ago of DiCaprio's head digitally placed onto a well known mosaic of Alexander riding his horse, and it has appeared at the top of my 'ATG Cast and Crew' page for some time now. I wonder if this image has been featured in the promotional photo album?
I am very glad to see De Laurentiis's passion and enthusiasm for ATG and that he is already working hard on the promotion of the film. I totally agree that ATG will be something unique that will last forever. I am very pleased that Luhrmann has found such a dedicated producer and look forward to seeing what De Laurentiis does next! :-)
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21 May 2003
De Laurentiis at Cannes
- Producer Dino De Laurentiis arrived at the prestigious Cannes Festival on Tuesday to promote Alexander the Great. An article released by Screendaily.com called 'Young Hannibal Lecter joins Dino-sized slate' reveals some new information about the production, including quotes from Dino, Leo and Nicole:
"The grandfather of international sales Dino De Laurentiis arrives in Cannes next Tuesday (May 19) with seven major territories to sell on his $150m Alexander The Great epic as well as a brand new Hannibal Lecter project currently being plotted by Lecter's creator Thomas Harris...
...Meanwhile De Laurentiis outlined the plans for his Alexander project, which is being directed by Baz Luhrmann and set to star Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman.
Seemingly unconcerned by the fact that Oliver Stone's rival Alexander project for Intermedia is being readied for a late 2004 delivery date, De Laurentiis is set to begin principal photography of the film in Morocco in April 2004.
Universal has domestic rights to the film and DreamWorks has international, although De Laurentiis is planning to sell Germany, Japan, France, UK, Spain, Italy and possibly Korea and Australia/New Zealand at Cannes.
"It's an expensive film and the prices are high," he explained, "although I have already had one offer from Japan of $20m. We are moving slowly and according to our plan. I believe that on a project of this size, you have to prepare properly, so we have eight months' preparation. The film has 20 leading characters and 70 speaking parts. Without full preparation, you go over schedule and over budget."
De Laurentiis said that digital effects work largely involving Alexander's horse Bucephalus will begin in November, with rehearsals set for Jan 2004. Kidman plays Olympia, Alexander's mother who was 16 years his senior. "The character of Olympia is one of the few iconic women in history," she said in a statement. "She is unlike any other woman I've played before and it's a role I'm really looking forward to."
"It's not just that Alexander conquered the world or was taught by Aristotle," added DiCaprio. "What most attracts me is the complex character of Alexander himself - always restless, impulsive but measured. His legend is one of the most compelling stories in human history."
I will be adding this informative article along with other previously reported articles to my Alexander the Great section this weekend.
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12 May 2003
'La Bohème' nominated for 6 Tony's!
- This news was announced today through the official La Bohème website, and also by various sources across the internet. Luhrmann's production has received 6 Tony Award Nominations. Additionally, a special Tony Award for Excellence will be presented to the 10 principal performers rotating in the roles of Mimi, Rodolfo, Marcello, and Musetta. They are (in alphabetical order) Alfred Boe, Eugene Brancoveanu, Jessica Comeau, Ben Davis, Jesús Garcia, Lisa Hopkins, Wei Huang, David Miller, Ekaterina Solovyeva, and Chlöe Wright.
This is the first time an opera has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (although there have been other Tony nominated operas for other categories). La Bohème has received the following Tony nominations: (Awards will be presented on 8 June)
Best Musical Revival -
La Bohème
Best Director (Musical) - Baz Luhrmann
Best Set Design - Catherine Martin
Best Lighting Design - Nigel Levings
Best Costume Design - Catherine Martin and Angus Strathie
Best Orchestrations - Nicholas Kitsopoulos
To find out more about La Bohème, visit the excellent official site linked above, or visit my own La Bohème section.
La Bohème in London?
- It's the news I've been waiting for! Ever since I first read about the upcoming the US La Bohème tour, I have been hoping that it would eventually reach London, as I am living in Scotland and a UK production would enable me to finally see the show! The following was reported at Whatsonstage.com today:
"Baz Bets on Boheme for London Run???
9th May 2003
London audiences could get a look at Baz Luhrmann's big-budget Broadway production of
La Bohème (See The Goss, 8 Apr 2003). According to today's Daily Mail, talks are under way to bring the Australian director's acclaimed, and unashamedly populist, updating of the Puccini opera to the West End for a season as part of a world tour. It's being tipped for the Prince Edward Theatre once Abba musical Mamma Mia! moves to the Prince of Wales next spring (See News, 29 Apr 2003). If
La Bohème does come, it's only likely to be a limited season as Cameron Mackintosh's stage version of Mary Poppins, directed by Richard Eyre, is expected to take up a longer-term residency at the Prince Edward later in the year (See The Goss, 25 Mar 2003).
La Bohème, which features a rotating cast of principals, opened at New York's Broadway Theatre in December 2002 and is preparing to launch a US tour in summer 2004. Luhrmann - best known internationally for his films including Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet - has previously said he'd also like to bring to the stage his 2001 hit movie musical Moulin Rouge, which starred Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor."
I certainly hope that this becomes a reality - I would definitely be first in line to buy tickets! :-)
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9 May 2003
Tony Buzz
- Playbill.com today reported an article called, 'Tony Administration Committee Announces Additional Eligibility Rulings; More to Come Monday', which began:
"The Tony Awards Administration Committee assembled May 8 for its final discussion of eligibility of shows that opened on Broadway during the 2002-2003 season.
According to a Tony Awards spokesperson, several decisions —including the much-anticipated ruling about the rotating casts of La Bohème — will not be made public until Monday, May 12 at
Sardi's, prior to the announcement of this season’s Tony Award nominations."
Hopefully, this very late ruling may mean that a special ensemble award may be a possibility for the cast of
La Bohème! :-)
The 57th Annual Tony Award nominations will be announced 12 May and will be held on Sunday, June 8 at Radio City Music Hall.
'Variety' ATG article
- Following my last news update where I announced news of Luhrmann pushing back his Alexander the Great until 2005, I have been kindly sent the full Variety.com article, which was the original source. Here is the full article, which will soon be added to my 'ATG News Articles' section:
'Great' race takes a twist
Luhrmann's pic waits til 2005
Baz Luhrmann will take his time in the great race to make "Alexander the Great."
While Oliver Stone is trying to get his version of "Alexander" into theaters for Thanksgiving 2004, Luhrmann and producer Dino De Laurentiis now say their pic will not be released until at least late 2005.
De Laurentiis told Daily Variety that Luhrmann plans to start filming his Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman starrer in Morocco early next year. At Cannes this month, De Laurentiis will be selling the foreign territories he retained in the co-financing deal between Universal and DreamWorks.
The ambitious project -- which carries a budget of around $150 million -- requires the casting of some 70 speaking rolesas well as hordes of extras (supplied from the Moroccan army by King Mohammed VI).
"This huge preparation can't be done in less than eight or nine months," said De Laurentiis, casting some skepticism on whether the Stone project, to be distributed by Warner Brothers and financed by Intermedia, could keep to its 2004 date.
Stone's project will star Colin Farrell in the title role, and Anthony Hopkins recently boarded to co-star. (Daily Variety, May 5)
Intermedia chief Moritz Borman reiterated confidence in his production schedule, adding that the pic had 30 staffers already on the payroll. "Set designs are done, the costumes are done. They're working on a full pre-production schedule," he said.
Effects unit photography was recently completed in the Himalayas, and production is skedded to begin in Morocco in July for a month. Production will resume there in September after the desert heat subsides.
"From a pure production schedule, there's no reason we can't deliver it before fall next year," Borman said.
Luhrmann now plans to begin his principal photography in April 2004 and shoot for six months. (Borman said Stone plans to shoot for 12 weeks.)
Looking to re-emphasize their project's viability, the Luhrmann camp on Tuesday marshaled key talent to demonstrate support for their film in the face of a competing project.
"What most attracts me is the complex character of Alexander himself," said DiCaprio, who will next make Howard Hughes biopic "The Aviator" with Martin Scorsese. "His legend is one of the most compelling stories in human history."
Kidman, who will play Olympia, said, "She is unlike any other woman I've played before, and it's a role I'm really looking forward to."
Luhrmann has been trying to get his "Alexander" epic off the ground for the last decade. 20th Century Fox was originally going to partner with Universal, but stepped out. Then DreamWorks stepped in.
The pic was also impacted by the U.S. war in Iraq, which briefly led to plans to shoot in Luhrmann's native Australia. Production is now again planned for Morocco.
If both projects go forward, it's possible that the two "Alexander" epics could reach screens within a year of each other.
Intermedia's Borman said there was room for both.
"Oliver and I have always said there's nothing wrong with two Alexander projects," he said. "On the surface it might not make sense. But they just have to be vastly different, and with those two filmmakers they are."
I too hope this news will stop the media from continually referring to there being a 'race' between the two
Alexander films. Neither Stone or Luhrmann has ever talked of there being any race - they are simply two men with different stories to tell about Alexander who both feel passionately about their individual projects. I think
that the media has been a bit harsh in making out there is huge competition between the two films, and I hope they will be a bit more lenient now that we know that Luhrmann has decided to push back
his production. But I guess only time will tell.
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7 May 2003
Luhrmann's 'ATG' delayed until 2005
- The Los Angeles Times today reported an article called "Baz Luhrmann will make his 'Alexander the Great' - later". The following snippets of information were included in this article that can be found here:
"Director Baz Luhrmann says that he will go ahead with "Alexander the Great," one of two planned films about the legendary Macedonian conqueror. But rather than try to get into theaters ahead of Oliver Stone's "Alexander," Luhrmann is conceding the race and plans to open his film more than two years from now."
"But Luhrmann concluded that his film can't be rushed. "I am not going to be drawn into a race," Luhrmann said late Monday from his native Australia. Stone's movie, starring Colin Farrell in the title role and to be released by Warner Bros., is scheduled to open in November 2004. Luhrmann said his film, which will star Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman and be distributed domestically by Universal, now won't be ready until late 2005."
"Luhrmann said he will begin working on his film's digital effects in November. He plans to begin rehearsals with DiCaprio and Kidman, who plays Alexander's mother, Olympia, in January. Six months of principal photography is scheduled to commence in April 2004. Among the 17 lead roles and 70 speaking parts, Luhrmann has yet to cast Philip, Alexander's father, and the two young actors who will play Alexander as a child and a teen.
Luhrmann's film has been delayed by three things. First, DiCaprio is starring in Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes story "The Aviator" and won't be available until late in the year. Second, Luhrmann has been revising screenwriter Ted Tally's "Alexander the Great" draft, adding much more material about his formative childhood years and Alexander's psychology. Finally, Luhrmann and his production-designer wife, Catherine Martin, have been trying to start a family; they are now expecting their first child, a daughter, in October.
Luhrmann's movie at one point was going to be made primarily in Jordan, but the filmmakers were unable to get insurance to cover working in a country adjacent to Iraq. "At the moment, it's impossible," says Dino De Laurentiis, who is producing "Alexander the Great." He convinced Morocco to supply as many as 4,000 soldiers and 8,000 horses to the production, and the production is relocating to the African country. De Laurentiis also is building three stages in Morocco. Stone plans to film some of his movie in Morocco as well."
In regard to both productions of Alexander, Dark Horizons states that Variety has further reported, "DeLaurentiis says "This huge preparation can't be done in less than eight or nine months" which is understandable as the $150 million budget Luhrmann project will not only carry a bigger price tag but a heavier work schedule - Principal photography is scheduled to begin April 2004 and last for six months. Stone's version is only expected to shoot for 12 weeks although has a significant headstart as it begins major filming this September - an Intermedia rep confirming that at present "set designs are done, the costumes are done. They're working on a full pre-production schedule".
Two further articles released in Australian newspapers by news.com.au on 8 May contain contradicting information about where Luhrmann plans to shoot. In my last news update, an article by Variety.com stated that Luhrmann had told Daily Variety he would shoot in Australia. The following article called 'Baz homeward bound' supports this:
"Baz Luhrmann plans to shoot his next film in Australia.
The Moulin Rouge maestro will film Alexander The Great in Australia because he can't get insurance on the principal actors in Morocco and Jordan."
The article also states that "there's speculation in Los Angeles that DiCaprio will walk from Luhrmann's film as soon as Stone's begins production."
Strangely, the same website has also released another article that contradicts what the other says called 'Baz drops Aussie shoot':
"Australian film director Baz Luhrmann has changed his mind on his next project, the historical movie, Alexander the Great.
Only two weeks after saying he would shoot the epic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman, in Australia, Luhrmann announced he was now planning to film in Morocco.
Producer Dino De Laurentis told Variety newspaper that Luhrmann's six-month shoot would be delayed until next year.
Initial plans called for a Morocco shoot but the production could not get insurance on the star actors if they filmed in Morocco and Jordan.
Fears about the impact of the Iraq war also sparked moves to film the film in Australia instead.
Recently, Luhrmann undertook a reconnaissance of Australian desert locations and decided on making the film here.
But the insurance situation seems to have changed and a Morocco shoot is back on, with the obvious blessing of King Mohammed VI, who will donate his army as
extras."
Whatever the case, it has now been confirmed that Luhrmann's Alexander the Great will go ahead, albeit later than initially planned. And, as always, this website will continue to follow the development of the film through until 2005. It's going to be a long journey, but one I believe will definitely be worthwhile.
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5 May 2003
Major 'Alexander the Great' update
- An article reported by Variety.com yesterday has created even more speculation about what is going to happen with Luhrmann's Alexander the Great:
"Anthony to 'Alexander'
Thesp in talks for Ptolemy role
By MICHAEL FLEMING
Anthony Hopkins is negotiating to star alongside Colin Farrell in Intermedia's "Alexander."
Hopkins, reteaming with his "Nixon" director Oliver Stone, will play the role of Ptolemy, the last surviving general in the army of Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great who went on to become the Pharoah of Egypt. A younger actor will be cast to play Ptolemy in battle scenes.
Intermedia is in an epic race with the rival Baz Luhrmann-Leonardo DiCaprio project at Universal and DreamWorks, produced by Dino De Laurentiis. In a surprise move, Intermedia has established Morocco as its primary shooting location, the locale Luhrmann told Daily Variety he had abandoned for his home turf Australia because he couldn't get insurance for his actors.
Whether it was because of the end of the war in Iraq or Stone's persistence, the Intermedia-financed film figures to take advantage of all the amenities that had been offered to its rival.
Part of the Stone film will be shot in London.
Warner Bros.' enlistment as domestic distributor for Stone's film gave the pic an early lead over its rival. Stone has already done some shooting near the Himalayas, and principal photography is on course to begin in July. Filming will stop for a month in August and resume in September. If Stone meets that timetable, it seems unlikely that Luhrmann can make his film as quickly, since DiCaprio is expected to first star for Martin Scorsese in the IEG-backed Howard Hughes pic "The Aviator," which teams Miramax and WB on domestic territories.
"Alexander" will be produced by Moritz Borman, Jon Kilik, Iain Smith and Thomas
Schuely."
First of all, this news lets us know that Hopkins is in talks to play Ptlomeny in Stone's Alexander. A source who has been closely following the production tells me that, "This is quite a blow because De Laurentiis [one of the producers of Luhrmann's film] had wanted Hopkins to play Aristotle (they're old friends)."
The article also gives us more information about the proposed filming locations for Stone's film. As I have reported previously, Stone apparently talked with King Mohammed of Morocco, as did Luhrmann, and it seems that Stone will now using the resources that Luhrmann would have used.
The other major snippet of information is that filming of Luhrmann's movie has now shifted from Morocco to Australia.
Further problems may also be presented for Luhrmann's project in that, "the major studio financing the project, Universal, is now on the block to be sold; depending on the new owner, this project could fall victim to be shut down." This news was reported in the article 'Stone's Alexander the Great Project Continues to Outpace Competitor', which was featured in my last news update.
Stone's project is clearly moving ahead quite rapidly now, with Luhrmann's project reportedly not supposed to begin production until November. An article published by The Australian newspaper regarding a fashion designer's show that was held the New South Wales Art Gallery this morning contained a snippet of news in that Catherine Martin is currently in Sydney "to work on the film Alexander the Great." Presumably Luhrmann is with her and, hopefully, there will be more positive news regarding their project released very soon.
Baby update!
- On a much happier note, as I first reported on 10 March, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin are expecting their first child this year. This news has been further confirmed in Australian newspapers this week, with the Sun Herald reporting the following article: (Thanks to Molly at the Spectacular Spectacular message board)
"Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin have announced to the world via The Diary that they are expecting their first child.
After a customarily anxious first trimester for the first-time mother, the couple will welcome a baby in October.
"Baz and CM are blissfully happy to announce they are pregnant," their rep Maria Farmer told The Diary.
[They are] now 16 weeks into their pregnancy... Last week, the couple started sharing the news with family and
friends.
Luhrmann, 41, and CM, 38, moved from their Darlinghurst digs to Bronte
two years ago, prompting talk that they were moving out of the city to start a family.
But after spending last year in New York, working on La Boheme, it appeared their family plans had once again been waylaid.
Then, last October, the Luhrmann's bought a $3 million penthouse opposite Bronte beach and, in February, spent $3.4 million on the penthouse next door. It appears this transaction
occurred immediately after the couple learned they were pregnant.
The exclusive joint double penthouse is now being modified to accommodate a nursery for their much-wanted offspring and the nanny they will most likely employ."
Site updates
- My Alexander the Great section is now up to date with all the latest information, particularly my Development and News Articles pages. I have also recently updated my Moulin Rouge DVD Review page, including a page about my trip to Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow (featured in 'The Musical Journey' clip), and a review of the 'Behind the Red Curtain' version of the film.
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3 May 2003
Drama Desk Nominations for 'La Bohème'
- Playbill Online has
announced the nominations for this years Drama Desk Awards in an article called
'Hairspray Leads 2003 Drama Desk Award Nominations'.
The Drama Desk is an organisation of theatre critics, editors and reporters, and
nominations for the 2002-2003 season were announced at 10am on 1 May at the New York Friars
Club. La Bohème received a total of seven nominations, including a
nomination for one of three actresses portraying Mimi, Wei Huang. As the Tony
Administration has yet to decide on how to handle Luhrmann's three pairs of
rotating Mimi's and Rodolfo's in the upcoming Tony Awards, this decision by the
Drama Desk may have some bearing on their decision, but we'll have to wait and
see. Winners of the Drama Desk Awards will be announced on 18 May, and
nominations for La Bohème are as follows:
Outstanding Revival of a Musical: La Bohème
Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Wei Huang (La Bohème)
Outstanding Director of a Musical: Baz Luhrmann (La Bohème)
Outstanding Set Design of a Musical: Catherine Martin (La Bohème)
Outstanding Costume Design: Catherine Martin (La Bohème)
Outstanding Lighting Design: Nigel Levings (La Bohème)
Outstanding Sound Design: Acme Sound Partners (La Bohème)
Stone's 'Alexander' casting news
- While news about Luhrmann's Alexander the Great remains rather scarce, the publicity surrounding Stone's own Alexander production continues to steadily build. The latest article concerning the project was released by FilmJerk.com and entitled 'Stone's Alexander the Great Project Continues to Outpace Competitor'. The article begins:
"Once viewed as lagging behind in the race to bring the epic story of Alexander the Great to the big screen, Oliver
Stone's picture is starting to hit on all cylinders in pre-production: It is putting the final touches of gaining global financing, has already begun early photography and is commencing secondary lead casting. Colin Farrell, as has been widely reported, has been signed on to star in the film, which will begin shooting in September for a fall 2004 release.
Baz Luhrmann’s project, meanwhile, looks to begin lensing in November, after star Leonardo DiCaprio has finished work on Martin
Scorsese's The Aviator. Each project will focus on the lifespan of the fourth-century Macedonian conqueror, a move the U.K paper The Daily Telegraph said
"could be one of the greatest Hollywood stand-offs."
The article then goes on to say that, according to official sources close to the production, casting auditions started last week for the characters of
Alexander's mother and father, as well as for the military general Ptolemy. Casting calls also begun to be circulated earlier this week for a variety of roles, including the following, as
featured in the article:
"Hephaiston: A Macedonian commander, he is
Alexander's closest friend and sometimes lover. Late 20s early 30s, dark and handsome, slightly larger-boned and stronger than Alexander; he looks like a natural leader but lacks a bit of
Alexander's essential charisma. He loves and supports Alexander through
Alexander's rise and fall, through his marriage to Roxane and his many other affairs.
Roxane: Alexander's first wife. A teenager when we first meet her. Dark and ethnic in a way no longer seen – her look is gypsy-ish. She is beautiful and powerful. The casting notes relay that she
"could possibly be of Afghani or Iranian descent."
Bagoas: Young, dark, effeminate, beautiful. A Persian eunuch, he is the former lover of the Emperor Darius, Alexander inherits him when he conquers Darius and the Persian empire. He becomes
Alexander's servant and one of his lovers. Ever a servant, he must quietly swallow his jealousy over
Alexander's paramount affection for Hephaistion."
The article states that announcements on these roles should be following shortly, and goes on to say: "The production is also seeking any British or otherwise European male actors for other roles to be announced. If you are an actor or actress interested in any of these parts, please have your agent contact the casting agents listed below."
The following details have been disclosed:
"Alexander" (Warner Bros.) Scorecard
Producers: Intermedia, Moritz Borman, Jon Kilik, Thomas Schuhly and Iain Smith
Director: Oliver Stone
Screenwriter: Christopher Kyle
Casting: Billy Hopkins, Suzanne Smith, Kerry Barden and Mark Bennett
Production Begins: 9/2003
Location: England, Other Locations TBD
Production Companies: Intermedia/Warner Bros.
Unfortunately, the article only lists the names of the casting agents, and no further contact details. If anyone has any further information of how to contact these agents, please
contact me. As I am living in Scotland and the film is set to be partly
filmed in England, I wouldn't mind heading south to check out Stone's production
for myself!
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