So I've just been checking online for interesting news and came across the most awful piece of information that is sure to horrify you as much as it did me!
Some genius in the film industry has decided that it would be a great idea to do a remake of the 1987 film DIRTY DANCING bringing in the original choreographer Kenny Ortega to direct. I'm sorry, but WHAT THE F*&% ARE YOU THINKING?!?!?
I have been watching this film since I was 2 years old and it is my absolute favourite. It's the film that I put on when I'm home sick, or spending a rainy day in bed or just being a lazy bum and I don't have anything new to watch. I've gone through 1 beta tape, 3 VHS and am onto my second DVD copy of this film just to give you an indication of how much I actually watch it.
Granted Kenny Ortega remade HAIRSPRAY and did it well, but that film was not particularly well known to mainstream audiences, and the remake certainly opened the eyes of many many people to this story. Then he was originally set to direct the remake FOOTLOOSE which no one is too pleased about and if you have watched the original film and see the new trailer you'll realise it's just going to be a shitter version of the same film. Thankfully he pulled out of that giant cluster$%*@. Now he's got his filthy mitts all over my childhood obsession film!!! Someone get this guy a new idea!!
I'm going to let you contemplate this juicy piece of information while I go and punch a wall and then have a lie down. 3 words - UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!
The information below comes from the Lionsgate publicity department...
SANTA MONICA, CA (August 08, 2011) - LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, is set to produce DIRTY DANCING, based on the classic 1987 film of the same name, it was announced today by Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate and President of the Motion Picture Group. The original film’s choreographer Kenny Ortega (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT), will direct. Debra Martin Chase (THE PRINCESS DIARIES, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS) and Kenny Ortega are producing. The studio is in talks with Eleanor Bergstein, the writer and co-producer of the original film, regarding her involvement in the new film in a producing capacity. Alli Shearmur, President of Motion Picture Development and Production, is overseeing the project on behalf of Lionsgate.
The new film is a celebration of one of the most beloved movies of all time. Paying tribute to the emotional excitement of first love, the thrills and complexity of sexual awakening, the soul stirring power of dance, and the classic tale of teenage Baby’s forbidden romance with Johnny Castle, the remake will incorporate classic songs from the 1960s, hits from the original film and brand new compositions.
“Amazingly it has been almost 25 years since the original film was released, but the fans remain legion, and engaged more than ever with a brand that is special and vital to them. We believe that the timing couldn’t be better to modernize this story on the big screen, and we are proud to have Kenny Ortega at the helm,” said Drake.
Said Ortega of the project, “The opportunity to direct DIRTY DANCING is like returning home for me. Growing up in the 60s on the dance floor helped define me as a person and as an artist. I am looking forward to assembling a great creative team and an exciting cast to bring DIRTY DANCING to the screen for a new generation. Patrick Swayze set the bar for men dancing in the movies as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire did before him. I believe everywhere you look there is evidence that the talent is out there and I can’t wait to begin the process of discovering the next breakout triple-threats.”
He continues, “I want to thank writer/producer Eleanor Bergstein for originally choosing me to choreograph DIRTY DANCING and for her continuous support. I’m thrilled to once again be working with my friend and producing partner Debra Martin Chase. My deep appreciation to Alli Shearmur, Joe Drake, and everyone at Lionsgate for their enthusiasm to make the film and for their confidence in me to helm the project.”
"This remake of DIRTY DANCING presents an exciting opportunity to both celebrate what has made this movie so beloved and refresh and enhance it so that new audiences can claim it as their own,” said producer Chase. “I am thrilled to be working with Kenny Ortega again and with the dynamic creative team at Lionsgate."
Filmmaker deals were negotiated by Senior Exec VP of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Rob McEntegart, with attorney Steve Warren on behalf of Ortega, and Michael Gendler on behalf of Chase. Ortega is represented by Paradigm and McDonald/Selznick Associates.
And here's the email address to register your shock....
Lionsgate – Film Division
Kate Hubin Piliero
khubin@lionsgate.com
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