Focus Features

CHICAGO – Though “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is the third feature film from Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, it’s the duo’s first picture that feels like it was made by first-time filmmakers. While their previous two features, “Half Nelson” and “Sugar,’ were entrenched in documentary realism and exuded the assurance and nuance of master filmmakers, this latest effort feels oddly programmed for mainstream consumption.

CHICAGO – What if the most dangerous and pursued assassin in the world began to develop a flaw in his delivery, due to the vulnerability of simple human contact? Where does religion, carnality and love fit in that connection? George Clooney plays that assassin-type in “The American,” holed up for one more job, the job that might answer both of those questions.

CHICAGO – Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today that Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films is teaming up with Sam Mendes’ Neal Street Productions to produce a feature film based off the Joseph O’Neill novel “Netherland” for Focus Features. Focus will have worldwide rights to the film.

CHICAGO – “Sin Nombre” is not only one of the few great films released so far this year, it heralds the arrival of a confident, stunning new voice on the filmmaking scene in Cary Fukunaga.

Focus Features on Wednesday announced that it has acquired worldwide rights to independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s new film, which is tentatively titled “The Limits of Control”.

On Aug. 30, 2007, I heard word that production has begun in New York City for Focus Features and Working Title Films on the film “Burn After Reading” from Joel and Ethan Coen.

Updated: 5/1/07 11:39 p.m.
I have compiled as many upcoming films from as many studios as possible as I can currently confirm through 2008.