March 29, 2024

Focus Scores Austen-Inspired “Longbourn”

Random House Studio and Focus Features have acquired film rights to Jo Baker's upcoming novel "Longbourn". The work re-tells Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" from the point of view of the Bennett estate servants. The film highlights the preparation for lavish balls, and the housekeeper’s real thoughts about the family patriarch. It also … [Read more...]

Affleck Out Of “Focus,” Jackman In “X-Men”

A scheduling conflict has forced Ben Affleck to drop out of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa's "Focus" at Warner Bros. Pictures. Shooting was to begin in the Spring. The story deals with a romance between a professional conman and someone just learning the criminal art and how their past relationship comes back into play when they meet up again … [Read more...]

An interview with PayPal president David Marcus: as offline / retail prominence grows, a renewed focus on customer service

One doesn't have to look far to find my true feelings on just about any company. PayPal, in particular, has been on the wrong end of many examples of customer service gone horribly wrong. After lambasting the payments outfit once more following a gaffe I discovered while interviewing Infinitec co-founder Ahmad Zahran, I did something I rarely do: I … [Read more...]

The Human Genomics Landscape: Bringing Genomic Medicine into Focus

Genome BC is proud to present Dr. Eric Green, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) as the 3rd Annual Don Rix Distinguished Keynote. On Thursday, November 1st, Dr. Green will discuss the current landscape in genomics research and the need to translate the knowledge and opportunities provided by the human genome sequence … [Read more...]

BCTF wants province to focus on cause of bullies

In the wake of the tragic suicide of 15 year old bullied student Amanda Todd, the President of the BC Teachers Federation says it's not good enough  to simply intervene when there is a bullying problem. Susan Lambert says bullying needs to be stopped from happening altogether. "It's not a matter of trying to identify bullies.  What we … [Read more...]

Affleck Replaces Gosling In “Focus”

Warner Bros. Pictures is in early talks with Ben Affleck to star as the male lead in "Focus". A female lead is currently being sought according to Deadline. The story follows a veteran con man who becomes romantically involved with a newcomer. The complications of the encounter haunt them when they meet up again in the future. Glenn Ficarra and … [Read more...]

Focus Sets “Promised Land” For Oscar Run

Focus Features is set to give Gus Van Sant's "Promised Land" an awards-qualifying two city theatrical run on Friday, December 28th says Deadline. Matt Damon and John Krasinski co-wrote the script and star in the project about a corporate salesman (Damon) who arrives in a rural town with his sales partner (Frances McDormand) to try and purchase … [Read more...]

“Eastern Promises 2” Dead At Focus

Just as it looked like it was gaining steam, David Cronenberg admits that a sequel to his 2006 Russian gangster drama "Eastern Promises" is essentially dead in the water. Out doing press for "Cosmopolis", an obviously frustrated Cronenberg admitted that the 'Eastern' follow-up was set to be his next project but obviously something has fallen … [Read more...]

Brent Parent narrows focus of his appeal

The lawyer for a Langley man convicted in a fatal hit-and-run says his client has decided to narrow the focus of his appeal. Brent Parent's lawyer tells CKNW his client won't challenge his conviction on a 5.5 year prison sentence for the road rage, hit-and-run death of 21-year old Silas O'Brien. Rather, the focus of appeal efforts will be on a … [Read more...]

Vancouver, Surrey focus on women’s safety

For the first time, Vancouver police are hosting a women's safety fair. Sgt. Colleen Yee from the Sex Crimes Unit says the B Street Smart fair will feature information booths and a personal safety demonstration by VPD tactical training specialists. "We're hoping the community is going to take advantage of this. Come out and learn some valuable … [Read more...]