All articles tagged with #film production
Hollywood is increasingly integrating AI into film production, driven by significant cost reductions and creative experimentation, despite persistent backlash from unions and audiences. While major studios and directors embrace AI as a tool for efficiency and new storytelling, industry bodies and performers remain divided over consent, job displacement, and the definition of authentic art.
Danny Trejo's son, Gilbert, stated that his 82-year-old father was unaware of Ben Shapiro or the political implications of the film 'Pawn Shop' until two weeks into production. Gilbert claims Trejo was contractually barred from criticizing the project or withdrawing. The film, produced by Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend, has faced backlash in Livingston, Montana, for allegedly dramatizing the fatal shooting of Renee Good and violating local safety protocols. Despite the controversy, the Livingston City Commission voted to allow filming to continue, and Trejo has publicly reaffirmed his support for immigrant communities.
Netflix senior director Sung Q Lee stated that approximately 300 of the streamer's productions have utilized artificial intelligence in various stages, from pre-visualization to visual effects. Lee and Korean director Kang Yun-sung argued that AI adoption is widespread and efficient, noting a 40% cost reduction for Yun-sung's upcoming film. They suggested that concerns about AI are primarily a Western cultural issue, contrasting with the acceptance in Asia. While Netflix has not disclosed which specific titles use the technology, the comments highlight the industry's growing reliance on AI despite ongoing debates about its impact on creative jobs.
Filming for the pro-ICE action film 'Pawn Shop' has resumed in Livingston, Montana, after a temporary suspension. The Livingston City Commission unanimously reinstated permits on October 5, following a two-day pause caused by public safety complaints and political backlash. The production, backed by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire and starring Danny Trejo, faced criticism for its controversial script and lack of local notification. While producers cited First Amendment rights, critics argued the city acted to protect residents from hazardous stunts and intimidation.
The Livingston City Commission in Montana temporarily suspended filming permits for the pro-ICE action movie 'Pawn Shop' on October 4, 2026, citing safety concerns and community disruption. The suspension was reversed on October 5, allowing production to resume. Ben Shapiro, the film's producer, condemned the initial halt as 'content discrimination' and a First Amendment violation, while local residents and the city's food bank cited unannounced dangerous stunts and blocked access as primary grievances.
The Livingston City Commission unanimously voted on October 5 to reinstate filming permits for 'Pawn Shop,' a pro-ICE action movie produced by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire. The decision reversed a temporary suspension imposed two days earlier, allowing the production to finish shooting by Saturday. While producers cited safety and First Amendment rights, opponents highlighted the film’s disruption of local services, including the city’s only food pantry.
A new report commissioned by major Hollywood unions reveals that U.S. film and television production is in severe decline. Between 1999 and 2024, major studios shifted 32% of movie spending and 30% of TV spending to overseas locations. This shift has reduced the share of U.S.-based cast and crew for major films from 72% to 43%. Unions warn that without federal intervention, the industry will continue to lose middle-class jobs, citing a proposed 20% federal tax credit that could generate $250 billion in economic value.
The Livingston City Commission in Montana has temporarily suspended filming permits for 'Pawn Shop,' a new action film produced by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire and Dallas Sonnier’s Bonfire Legend. The halt follows a special meeting on October 4, where commissioners unanimously voted to pause the permit pending a legal review. Residents and local businesses cited concerns over unannounced stunts, including pyrotechnics and blank gunfire, as well as the film’s pro-ICE narrative, which appears to dramatize the fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis. The production, which was scheduled to run through October 10, has faced daily complaints from locals, including the Livingston Food Resource Center, which reported that armed security guards blocked access for clients. While the city had approved the permit with only 12 days' notice, officials noted they were unaware of the film's political content until protests began. The production is not under an IATSE contract, though it holds a conditional start with SAG-AFTRA.
Woody Allen’s new contemporary comedy is set to begin principal photography in Madrid on October 5, 2026. The film, which will be shot in English, features an ensemble cast including Marton Csokas, Jemima Kirke, Jakob Oftebro, Peter Vives, and Alexi Wasser. WestEnd Films has secured world sales rights for the project, which is produced by Wanda Vision, Gravier Productions, and 3SIX9 Studios. This marks Allen’s third film shot in Spain, following 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' and 'Rifkin's Festival', and his first to be filmed in Madrid. The production is expected to be introduced to international buyers at the upcoming American Film Market.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz have returned to the screen for the fourth installment of the 'The Mummy' franchise, with production underway in England. Fraser was spotted filming action sequences at a former military base in Suffolk, while Weisz was seen shooting scenes in London. The film, directed by Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, is scheduled for release in October 2027 and reunites the original cast, including John Hannah and Oded Fehr, after a 19-year gap since the last entry.
Brad Pitt’s new film 'Heart of the Beast' features a real German Shepherd named Uber as the primary actor for the character Odin. The role was shared among Uber and three of his offspring to manage the physical demands of the Alaskan survival story. While the film received mixed critical reception regarding its plot, the authentic bond between Pitt and the dogs was widely praised.
Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper are filming a prequel to the 2001 heist comedy 'Ocean's Eleven' in Saint-Tropez, France. The project, produced by Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment, follows the parents of Danny Ocean as they execute a scheme at the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix. Cooper is serving as writer and director, while the cast includes Wagner Moura, Josh Gad, and Monica Barbaro. The film is scheduled for a June 25, 2027, release.
James Gunn announced on Threads that Superman: Man of Tomorrow has wrapped principal photography; the DC sequel to 2025’s Superman features David Corenswet returning as Superman, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) against Brainiac (Lars Eidinger), with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and a returning cast including Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Edi Gathegi, plus Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El cameo and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. The film is set for a July 9, 2027 release.
Vin Diesel said a December start for Fast Forever could move the long-delayed finale forward after four writers and four years of development. Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film is now targeted for a March 17, 2028 release, with Diesel noting he cried after reading the new script and the studio’s push to deliver a worthy ending.
Christopher Nolan says it will be at least three years before he makes another movie after pushing himself to the limit on The Odyssey, which was shot entirely in Imax; he argues studios must take risks and audiences crave new, challenging cinema.