Tag Archives: Dana Brunetti

Team Fifty Progress Report

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 Delayed gratification — Resisting a smaller but more immediate reward in order to receive a larger or more enduring reward later.

While progress seems slow to anxious FSoG fans, there is progress nonetheless.

  • Producers Dana Brunetti and Michael DeLuca recently met with FSoG screenwriter Kelly Marcel.

Lunch with a couple of friends @MichaelDe_Luca & @MissMarcelpic.twitter.com/RnZXI5re

Team Fifty Meeting

  • Yesterday, The Hollywood Reporter released a Q&A with Universal Chairman Adam Fogelson, the movie studio bringing the books to the big screen. To read the complete article, which includes a possible summer 2014 release of the first installment of the Fifty Shades trilogy, go here.

Q&A: Universal Chairman Wants ‘Fifty Shades’ for Summer 2014, More ‘Bourne’ and ‘Van Helsing’ Reboot http://shar.es/YMpYI 

 Retweeted by E L James
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  •  With the author herself preparing for a trip to California, Fogelson’s reply to THR’s question about Angelina Jolie being asked to direct FSoG is even more compelling.

No. We’re involved in a different project [the World War II drama Unbroken] with her. But we have had really, really interesting, great conversations with talented, serious filmmakers.

Let’s face it. We’re talking about Fifty here. Would we really want anything less than large and enduring? *raises glass* Here’s to delayed gratification ;)

Fifty Shades of Grey Ratings Rumors

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If this journey has taught us anything, it’s that the media loves to put a spin on things. They know that the FSoG fandom is hungry for information and what it takes to push our buttons.

We’re as excited as you are to hear about Team Fifty’s progress, so when online articles started to surface about interviews with Kelly Marcell, the screenwriter for the project, we eagerly clicked away and started reading. However, after reading, we went with our gut and decided this was another case of the media putting a spin on her words and waited before posting anything here. We’re glad we did.

Kelly Marcel took to Twitter to denounce using the word “raunchy” when talking about the FSoG script as well the NC-17 rating. (To read more about MPAA movie ratings, go here.)

@allimar17 @fiftyshadesfilm supposedly Kelly marcel used the word in the interview. Only going on what I read.

@bale4fifty @FiftyShadesFilm If @MissMarcel used ‘raunchy’ not the classiest of words. I’d prefer for the film to be tasteful.. Thoughts?

To be absolutely clear I NEVER said what the film would be rated. Only the ratings board can decide what the rating will be.

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The age of Twitter has given us a vehicle of direct contact with Team Fifty. We are lucky that they are willing to respond to fans, allowing us to wisely use it for validation before buying into the media hype.
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In addition to Team Fifty Twitter accounts (@E_L_James, @MichaelDe_Luca, @DanaBrunetti, and @MissMarcell), other great resources are @fiftyshadesUK (Fifty Shades Trilogy UK website), the author’s official website, and the new Fifty Shades Of Grey The Movie Facebook page [see sidebar for links]).
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As the author has told us, this is an extremely slow process. With an unprecedented amount of buzz surrounding the movie adaptation, it’s understandable that fans are eager for things to get moving. However, we believe it’s a good thing that Team Fifty is taking their time. Christian and Ana’s epic love story deserves to be told right. We have complete faith that it will be worth the wait, so hang in there!
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(A/N: THR also did a nice job covering the rumors, an article which the author supports. In it, co-producer Dana Brunetti reiterates, ”The script isn’t even written yet, so how could we know how [the MPAA's Classification and] Ratings Board will rate it?” Read more here.)

E L James Meeting with Fifty Shades of Grey Screenwriter Kelly Marcel

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The author landed in LA yesterday and, within hours, sent out this tweet.

Who is that gorgeous sexy chick I’m with pic.twitter.com/1d4KqgPA

A couple of days prior, #TeamFifty co-producer @DanaBrunetti was also meeting with the screenwriter.

Dana Brunetti ‏@DanaBrunetti
I had lunch with @MissMarcel yesterday. This is her copy of Fifty Shades of Grey. http://say.ly/UFo4Gti

Marcel FSoG copy

This is exciting, as it represents progress for the movie adaptation. Hopefully, the script treatment is going well and a director will be joining Team Fifty soon.

As the author has stated, this is a very slow process. While we’re all impatient when it comes to news about our favorite topic, we’d much rather they take their time and get it right, especially since all three books are being made into movies. We have complete faith that they will!

Fifty Shades of Grey Author E L James Announces Screenwriter

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Please welcome the newest member of Team Fifty — Kelly Marcel!

E L James announced the news view Twitter:

Hi guys, I’m thrilled to announce we have a screenwriter for Fifty Shades of Grey. Details here: http://www.facebook.com/fiftyshadesofgreymovie …

Below is an excerpt from the official Fifty Shades of Grey The Movie Facebook Page:

Universal Pictures and Focus Features today announced that Kelly Marcel will write the screenplay to the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will produce the film based on E L James’ #1 Bestselling book, alongside James.  The announcement was made by Universal Pictures Co-Chairman, Donna Langley and Focus Features’ Chief Executive Officer, James Schamus.

Marcel wrote the 2011 Black List script, Saving Mr. Banks, the story of Walt Disney’s twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to author P.L. Travers’ novel, “Mary Poppins,” and the rocky relationship that formed between the two.  The film is currently in production at Walt Disney Studios starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell with John Lee Hancock directing.  Marcel served as the co-creator and executive producer of the Amblin/FOX-TV series Terra Nova, for which she wrote the series’ pilot episode.  She will also produce The Madonnas Of Echo Park for HBO.

“Kelly’s work demonstrates her flawless structural technique and passionate commitment to emotion, humor and depth of character which is particularly visible in the celebrated screenplay for the upcoming Saving Mr. Banks,” said De Luca.  “We were all taken with the depth and passion of Kelley’s engagement with the characters and world E L James has created and we knew she was the right person to augment our Fifty Shades family,” added Brunetti.

To read the entire article, please go here: http://www.facebook.com/fiftyshadesofgreymovie

This is a huge step in the movie adaptation process. Congratulations to Team Fifty and to Kelly Marcel!

Fifty Shades Rumors: True or False?

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#TeamFifty consists of @E_L_James @UniversalPics @FocusFeatures @MichaelDe_Luca and @DanaBrunetti.

TRUE.

As the producers have tweeted, meetings have been taking place with screenwriters. We would imagine they are close to making an announcement. However, both a screenwriter and a director need to be added to the team before official casting can begin according to producers Michael DeLuca and Dana Brunetti.

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A fourth book, told from a much anticipated Christian’s point of view, is on the way. 

FALSE.

Author @E_L_James continues to graciously answer this question for #FSoG fans. Her mantra remains “Never say never.” But for now, the answer is no.

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There is an official Fifty Shades Magazine.

FALSE.

The magazine on stands now is unofficial and unauthorized. While we love that some of our twitter tweeps are mentioned in it, and deservedly so, statements like “BOOK 4 ON THE WAY!” are not coming from Team Fifty.

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@fiftyshadesUK announced the sale of a limited edition hardback set of the Fifty Shades trilogy in the UK, and it will soon be available in the US.

TRUE.

According to the author’s agent, there is a plan to make this happen. We should have details very soon!

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Tweets regarding casting.

Bret Easton Ellis ‏@BretEastonEllis
Just got inside information that James Deen is actually in the running to play Christian in “Fifty Shades of Grey” with E.L. James support.

Bret Easton Ellis ‏@BretEastonEllis
“Fifty Shades of Grey” will be budgeted at 12-15 million and James Deen is on the list of actors to play Christian Grey according to source.

FALSE.

Michelle Brown @Michjan
@E_L_James Morning, for the fifty shades of grey movie is James Deen really gonna play Christian? I’m sorry but he doesn’t suit the part.

E L James @E_L_James
@Michjan News to me!!!

Michelle Brown @Michjan
@E_L_James I just saw that he had ur support to play the part of Christian but he’s not what u described in ur book. He’s not Christian.

E L James @E_L_James
@Michjan It’s just a rumour and it’s not true.

scarlett @gbcaramia
@BretEastonEllis @DarlasDesigns @E_L_James “James Deen is actually in the running to play Christian..” ARE U KIDDING ME? If so, I’m done.

E L James @E_L_James
@gbcaramia News to me… (sighs) @DarlasDesigns

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Tweet regarding #FSoG screenwriter, budget, and casting Ana.

Bret Easton Ellis ‏@BretEastonEllis
Fifty Shades of Grey movie will DEFINITELY be written by a woman and the budget will be below 15 million. Ana will be played by an unknown.

GREY AREAS.

There’s a 50/50 chance the screenwriter will end up being a woman ;)

No word on the budget, nor would we be the ones to have that information.

Pretty sure it goes without saying that casting has not begun, not that we are opposed to an unknown being cast.

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Robert Pattinson will not be considered for the role of Christian Grey.

FALSE.

linda severdija ‏@lindas106
@karrobertson @latersbaby5050 the sad part @E_L_James does not want Rob to play Christian and it’s quite upsetting @FiftyShadesFilm

FiftyShadesFilm ‏@FiftyShadesFilm
@lindas106 No @E_L_James didn’t say that and has repeatedly said that was a misquote. @LatersBaby5050 @karrobertson
Retweeted by E L James

The bottom line is that no one has been ruled out because…say it with us now…it’s too early for casting ;)

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@Noghar, husband of @E_L_James, has a new book (Crusher) available for presale. He discusses it and the fifty shades that now color their lives in a new article for The Guardian. 

TRUE.

Please see our previous post for complete details :)

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We will continue to bring you official news as soon as it becomes available.

TRUE.

We love the #FSoG fandom and are happy you spend time with us. Don’t forget that you can sign up for email alerts of future posts, as well as follow us on the social media outlets listed on our sidebar.

Producers Brunetti and De Luca Talk ’50 Shades’ with CNBC

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CNBC’s Squawk Box spoke with Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca, co-producers of the upcoming movie adaptations of E L James’s best-selling Fifty Shades trilogy, on yesterday morning’s program.

When co-host Andrew Ross Sorkin asked the team if the erotic book would need to be R-rated, De Luca had this to say:

“That’s correct. The challenge is similar to adapting from any medium. We’re going to treat this like adapting from Ben’s [Mezrich] books or any books or adapting from a play or comic book or magazine article. Anything that’s not film, you get into a process of adaptation, and we’re just going to kind of bring the same criteria to the adaptation of this. Obviously with this, when you’re dealing with something that’s found such incredible mainstream success, you want to preserve everything that’s wonderful about it. The success of this has certainly been breathtaking, and we’re going to honor that in our quest for the perfect adaptation.”

But perhaps the most promising part of the interview came when co-host Joe Kernen asked the following:

“When I think about it, what I know about Fifty Shades of Grey is the b&d and s&m stuff, so I don’t know anything about the plot…. Can you do it in an R-rated fashion…and the plot is good enough to where you don’t have to do porn to make people want to see it?”

To which De Luca replied:

“You should definitely read the book. It’s a beautiful, earnest love story. It’s a ‘first love’ love story. A young love story. And that’s the kind of engine that drives the whole enterprise. It’s really about the arc of a relationship, and that I think will be easy to preserve and must be preserved in any compelling film adaptation.”

We keep saying that we have faith in E L James doing what’s best for her story, her characters, and her fans, especially since she fought to have a voice in the collaboration process. This interview goes a long way in confirming that our faith is not misplaced. It’s easy to see that Brunetti and De Luca “get it.” We’re confident that everyone involved is working hard to find the right screenwriter and director to breathe life into the characters we’ve all come to know and love on the written page.

To watch the video of the interview, go here.

@Dana Brunetti, @Michael De_Luca, @SquawkCNBC

Fifty Shades of Grey Casting Rumors

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…or rumours depending on which side of the pond you live on. However you spell it, the word still means the same thing.

Author tweet July 6, 2012:

We are so far away from casting the Fifty films … no-one ruled is out… no one is ruled in. Just so you know.

Co-producer tweet July 23, 2012:

All of the rumors on #FiftyShades are just that – rumors. No one has been cast in any role. We have to get a writer and director first.

Co-producer tweets July 23, 2012:

@teammattbomer @tsalcedo2 @DanaBrunetti no one’s been cast or even approached yet, all just rumors. writer and director first.

@MattBomer4CGrey @DanaBrunetti all just rumors, no cast has been approached. writer and director first.

Even Emma Watson wanted to set the record straight in an interview with Entertainment Weekly regarding rumors that she was in talks to play the role of Anastasia Steele.

“I haven’t read the book, I haven’t read a script, nothing. There are so many movies you become attached to when I’ve literally never even received a phone call. It was the same way with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo – I never even saw a script!”

She went on to say, “The thing is, I’m not going to go out there every time someone attaches me to a film to say no or release a statement.”

Emma Watson fans may not want to rule her out completely though. One could read between the lines and hear a “Call me maybe.” ;)

But for all you Fifty Shades fans, here’s something that’s not a rumo(u)r. One can read the lines of the author’s tweet and see “films” instead of “film.” :)

Securing the Producers of Fifty Shades

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As we knew, E.L. James and her agent, Valerie Hoskins, were Back in Hollywood sorting out the next step in the movie puzzle (one with 50 pieces, of course!) — the selection of a producer and/or producers.

Several well-known names were rumored to be on the short list, but according to Deadline.com, both Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti have been named producers to the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey movie. They have previously teamed up on The Social Network. (Tackling current phenomenon, from Facebook to Fifty Shades seems fitting in a way, doesn’t it?)

Mr. De Luca has worked on movies as vanilla as Pleasantville to as risque as Boogie Nights.

Ms. James’ approved of the choice expressing, “I am thrilled that Mike has joined Team Fifty. He brings a passion for and in-depth understanding of the characters and story, and a wealth of experience in making quality films.”

Sounds perfect to us!

Interestingly, the article goes on to address the rumor about Angelina Jolie being involved in the movie, stating “an informal conversation” had been held with her about directing. With the inclusion of this tidbit, we hope it means we’ll soon hear who has been chosen to direct the project!

Mr. De Luca and Mr. Brunetti, welcome to Team Fifty!