Listen: This American Life Segment that Inspired Santa Wars, Movie to be Written by Mike White

Paramount Pictures has hired School of Rock screenwriter Mike White to script Santa Wars, a comedy based on the true story which appeared on This American Life in December 2008. The story, written by Joshuah Bearman, told of two rival factions that developed within a union of professional Santa Clauses, which resulted in a "Santa Claus civil war." White is best when put in the dark comedy arena, and this might be a perfect fit. This story is definitely more akin to Bad Santa than Elf. White's previous credits include Dead Man on Campus, Chuck & Buck, Freaks and Geeks, and The Good Girl. More recently, he's had a turn in more family-friendly territory with School of Rock and Nacho Libre, before making his directorial debut Year of the Dog. After the jump you can find more information about the original story that has inspired this feature film, and even listen to ...

Gentlemen Broncos - Images for the Fox Searchlight release.

Fox Searchlight Pictures' "Gentlemen Broncos," starring Michael Angarano, Sam Rockwell, Jemaine Clement, Jennifer Coolidge, Mike White and Josh Pais has new images in the gallery.

The film is co-written by Jared and Jerusha Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite" and "Nacho Libre") with Jared helming.

See this Mike White and Ben LeClair-produced comedy in theatres on October 30th.

PLOT:
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an offbeat and hilarious journey as his story first gets ripped off by the legendary fantasy novelist, Ronald Chevalier (Jemaine Clement) and then is adapted into a disastrous movie by the small town’s most prolific homespun filmmaker.

Demián Bichir for two films.

Demian Bichir ("Che: Part One") will star in the Mexican film "Hidalgo-Moliere." The film focuses on the father of the Mexican independence movement.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor also is in discussions to star in an untitled drama which concerns Leona Sanchez, South Florida gang leader. Film has a working title of "Lady Scarface."

Antonio Serrano ("Sex, Shame and Tears") is behind the wheel of "Hidalgo-Moliere." Ana de la Reguera of the "Nacho Libre" comedy co-stars.

Story would tell of Hidalgo's early years in the theater and his rise to leading the Mexican War of Independence in the early 1800s.  which focuses on Hidalgo's early years in the theater and his rise to leading the Mexican War of Independence in the early 1800s.

Luis Urquiza Modragon oroduces through Astillero Films and the film starts shooting today in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

 "Lady Scarface" is being helmed by Ernest Dickerson ("The Wire"). Tony Puryear and Susannah Grant wrote the screenplay which tells of a young Colombian woman who rises to power as the leader of the South Florida gang called Los Curramberos.

"Gentlemen Broncos" director on his character driven stories

Jared Hess, director of "Napolean Dynamite" and "Nacho Libre," is back with his take on another quirky tale. Over the weekend his newest film "Gentlemen Broncos" opened in limited theaters and expands this weekend. The movie which plays on absurdity stars Jemaine Clement, Jennifer Coolidge and Sam Rockwell and is co-written by his wife Jerusha Hess.

In Hess's first conversation with MakingOf he dives into how he works with his wife to create these fantastical characters and explains that they "populate our films with characters who are loosely based on family members or people we grew up with." He also delves into how he worked with Flight of the Concords star Jemaine Clement and why his music supervisor Randy Poster is able to build a soundtrack around his eccentric leads.

 Click here to watch the interview now.

Fox Searchlight Reins in Release Plans for Gentlemen Broncos

Things aren't looking so good for Jared Hess' latest comedy Gentlemen Broncos. The movie hit theatres last week on just 2 screens, and despite plans to expand further in the coming weeks, it appears that the movie's release is now being scaled back as a result of bad reviews. A number of critics have received a notice this week from Fox Searchlight stating that the movie will no longer be opening in their market. It is unclear if they will still follow through with the previously scheduled roll out [1] for the next two weeks, but it certainly won't be progressing beyond that. DVD will likely be the venue for most of us to see it. Truth be told, there were signs of trouble when the movie premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin back in September; it received a wave of negative reviews and was quickly forgotten. Now it seems that Fox Searchlight is hoping that it will stay forgotten. (As pointed out by Get The Big Picture [2], 2009 hasn't been kind to Fox Searchlight, which hurts even more because this is the same studio who put out Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler last year.) Still, I can't help but want to witness Gentlemen Broncos with my own eyes. Hess has always been a bit of an acquired taste, and most people will tell you that Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre only get better with repeat viewings. Plus I refuse to believe that anything starring Jemaine Clement can be all bad. Has anyone out there seen Gentlemen Broncos yet? Are you surprised by this news? [1] http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/4050 [2] http://www.getthebigpicture.net/blog/2009/11/4/fox-searchlight-already-folding-gentlemen-broncos.html

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is GENTLEMEN BRONCOS D.O.A???

In my review of Gentlemen Broncos, the latest comedy from director Jared Hess(Napoleon Dynamite/Nacho Libre), I summed up my thoughts on the film by commending “Hess ability to make even the most unrelatable characters likeable, and the smallest moments memorable.” But considering some of the film’s faults, I then closed by begging the question: “Will Gentlemen Broncos [...]

Fred Rides Gentlemen Broncos

Gentlemen Broncos continues the comedy style that Jared Hess started with Napoleon Dynamite and brought to Hollywood in Nacho Libre. It’s that slightly off (by Hollywood standards) tone that’s funny, but they’re not making jokes.

Review: Gentlemen Broncos
It’s not really that sophisticated. A seminar on naming sci-fi characters is really just about saying funny sounds. The sci-fi sequences are full of bodily humor, and there’s a ton of poop and vomit. They do make a highbrow teabagging joke. That’s indie style ball jokes.

But it’s just so weird. A cute girl asks for tampon money. Then she squeezes into a seat on a bus with two other guys and makes one give her a hand massage slathered in lotion.

Jared & Jerusha Hess Interview GENTLEMEN BRONCOS

Writing and producing partners Jared and Jerusha Hess, who are also husband and wife, have made a career out of championing the underdog. With their quirky sense of humor and their inspiration from the unlikeliest of places, the duo’s success with “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre” have carved them a niche in Hollywood that they [...]

School of Rock 2 and Them Scripts are Completed

Mike White, who is best known for writing "Nacho Libre" and "School of Rock," spoke to Collider about some of his upcoming projects, may include a "School of Rock" sequel and "Them," which is a conspiracy comedy about one woman's journey to unmask the secret rulers of the world.

Mike White on His HBO Pilot ENLIGHTENED, THEM and SCHOOL OF ROCK 2

Writer, director, producer and actor Mike White is known for his rather eclectic dramedies, such as Chuck & Buck, The Good Girl, School of Rock, Nacho Libre and Year of the Dog, which is totally fine with him. Not looking to be a producer or director for hire, he enjoys working with his friends, like [...]