Tag Archives: Team Fifty

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!

Q&A with Fifty Shades Trilogy Author E L James via THR

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This interview was done in conjunction with The Hollywood Reporter’s (@THR) first ever ’25 Most Powerful Authors’ list, which E L James was named to. (Read more here.)

E L James THR

In the interview, the author opens up about dealing with her success, bringing members of #TeamFifty onboard, fan interest in a fourth book from Christian’s POV, and the books’ roots in #Twilight fanfiction, just to name a few hot topics.

To check out the entire Q&A, go here.

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!

OFFICIAL Fifty Shades of Grey Merchandise

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The official Fifty Shades of Grey line of merchandise is starting to hit stores! E L James was thrilled to see fans wearing t-shirts from Hot Topic on her recent U.S. Book Tour.

The CopCorp Licensing spokesperson we talked to said, “Hot Topic is a retail partner where fans can look for official merchandise. In a few weeks, fans should also be able to find officially licensed merchandise (starting with t-shirts) at Amazon, Icing, and other retailers.”

Fans can look forward to t-shirts, fashion knit tops, hoodies, loungewear, sleepwear, hosiery, and more from licensed retail companies FREEZE Clothing (which includes Hot Topic), Briefly Stated, and HYP.

It was also announced today that the author has partnered with UK company Lovehoney for an official Fifty Shades of Grey Collection of sex toys inspired by the books.

SOURCE

According to Team Fifty, Lovehoney “is for UK, Europe and Australia and we hope to have some news re the US sex toy business very soon.”

Since we’re dealing with an international market, things can be a little confusing. We will do our best to keep you updated as more official merchandise becomes available across the markets. Be sure and check out the “Merchandise” tab at the top of our page when you stop by.

The main thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot of unauthorized merchandise out there. The official brand name is FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. For example, you will be able to identify official apparel because it will have FIFTY SHADES OF GREY printed beneath the graphic design followed by a “TM” (trademark).

We know that Team Fifty appreciates the passion all of us have for celebrating the trilogy. That is why they have worked hard to bring us a quality line of clothing and accessories. We hope you will join us in supporting them!

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.

50 Shades – The Interview Scene

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Today, the Inner Goddesses from the blog have gotten together to discuss the interview scene!
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Quite frankly, we were mesmerized by it the first time we watched. The words we had read over and over were coming to life right before our eyes.
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Was it as unexpected and surreal for you as it was for us?
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We are definitely offering kudos to the actors and team who made the video. The word for word book dialogue is intense, and we were happy to watch it with eager eyes and applaud their efforts.
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But for a bit of fun, and maybe even future reference for Ms. James and the Team Fifty she is assembling, we thought we would dissect it a bit. We encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments. You just never know who will stop by and read them.
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Their Looks

Christian: As we stated in the ‘Suits’ post (here), we expect Christian to be dressed impeccably in an expensive and perfectly pressed suit and carry himself with enviable posture as his way of presenting to the world how important control is to him. This Christian is too slouched and his suit too relaxed. Were the sleeves of his suit too short? That was more than just a slight bit of cuff showing.

Ana: The actress is very pretty though much different than how any of us envisioned Ana. Still, that’s not a bad thing. There is some room for variation when it comes time for casting as long as the chemistry is there. We all agreed that the stockings, however, are very un-Ana. In the book, Ana sees her hair as untamable and her outfit very conservative.

Their Demeanor

Christian: He’s calm, and his words never elude him, which is in line with the book, but we expect his delivery to be a little less stern and a little more coy, flirtatious even, while still trying to impress Ana. His expressions should include a bit of a smirk—after all, he wants her at this point (as he admits later in the book), and he knows his words hold a double entendre. He is perhaps toying with her, just to read her reactions.

Ana: She’s neutral. We appreciated how she threw in the “control freak” seemingly under her breath but not really. Ana was nervous and overwhelmed with thoughts of cursing out Kate for the questions and reading into Christian’s answers, none of which were displayed here.

The Flashes

Christian: None of us could get onboard with Christian’s face looking so full of anger as he slipped into his dominant role. (Did anyone else flinch away and have to rationalize that maybe this was a flashback to how he may have been with Mrs. Robinson and a time when she encouraged him to express anger over his mother in playing the role with her?) Christian doesn’t see himself dominating out of anger with Ana. His expression should be more anticipatory of the pleasure he expects to derive from it. Also, what was that cracking sound after the first spanking? Ana never suffered any broken bones! ;)

Ana: We think the kiss was her imagining herself with him. If so, it worked, because it integrated her desire to be kissed by him–a kiss that he controlled. But, Ana was way too naïve to imagine anything with him beyond that. Her dreamy gaze as she thought of him kissing her was there, but we agreed that she acts way too naturally.

But the biggest question that remains from this video is, “Where’s the smolder?”

Where is that piece of Christian Grey—that look, the quirked eyebrow, the presence, the glaring eyes—that speaks to us without him saying a word?

That’s what the fans are looking for most out of the actor who is given this role. That’s what we hope Team Fifty strives for when creating this scene for the movie!

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!