Harvey Weinstein
The Lineup: April 9, 2008
This week's print edition of The Observer is packed with media goodness. Here's a rundown:
John Koblin profiles Portfolio's Jacob Lewis, the man who made the trains run on time. Plus, a look at Pulitzer day celebrations at The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Felix Gillette checks in on Politico TV, coming soon to a Sunday morning near you.
Leon Neyfakh notes Rob Weisbach's departure from Harvey Weinstein's publishing arm and notes, "there was a perception that Mr. Weisbach, who enjoyed a reputation as a brilliant, if slightly showy, editor, was being wasted at Weinstein Books." Plus, meet Thomas Kohnstamm, the delinquent travel guide writer.
Weisbach Went Into Miramax Books But Departed Weinstein
When Rob Weisbach announced last week that he was resigning as president of Weinstein Books, many in the publishing world said they wouldn’t be surprised if the imprint he created three years ago from the ashes of Miramax Books would be allowed to die as quietly as it lived.
Mr. Weisbach’s famously mercurial filmmaker boss, Harvey Weinstein, seemed to have lost interest in the book business after he and his brother left their home at the Disney Company, and it was widely known that Mr. Weisbach had been looking for a new job for months.
“There’s only so much Harvey to go around,” said one insider source, “and his attentions were focused on the core businesses of the Weinstein Company: film and television and home entertainment … which leaves very little Harvey for books. Ultimately, Rob was there with virtually nothing to do. And eventually even high-paying jobs where you have nothing to do become onerous.” read more »
Rob Weisbach Is Out as President and C.E.O. of Weinstein Books
Rob Weisbach, president and C.E.O. of Weinstein Books, is leaving the company "to pursue other publishing opportunities," reports Michael Cader at industry resource Web site Publisher's Marketplace. Harvey and Bob Weinstein brought Mr. Weisbach in as head of Miramax Books back in 2005, just as they were preparing to split from Disney and form their own company. When that new company was formed, Mr. Weisbach moved into the job he has held until today.
Weinstein Bros. Launch DVD Label to Rival Criterion
It looks like Criterion has some fresh competition. Former Miramax chiefs Bob and Harvey Weinstein, now of the Weinstein Company, launched their own DVD label, the Miriam Collection (named after their mother, how sweet!) in January. Reuters reports that the duo is shooting for 12 to 15 branded releases per year, ranging from major productions, like Miriam's inaugural DVD, Anthony Mann's El Cid, to niche titles like Stephen Frears' (The Queen) made-for-British-TV movie, The Deal. Miriam's second release, slated for April 29, will be The Fall of the Roman Empire, also by Mr. Mann, "a lavish 1961 production starring Alec Guinness, Sophia Loren and Omar Sharif ... that earned its place in the record books for the largest outdoor set in Hollywood history: more than 55 acres, with a reconstructed Roman Forum." read more »
Harvey Weinstein Wants Another Rambo
Sigh. So Nikki Finke had a little chat with Harvey Weinstein and he wants a sequel to the current Rambo romp, despite the fact that it will probably tank in U.S. box offices within a week. Mr. Weinstein estimated that Rambo "will end up doing $50 mil here and $100M to $150M foreign. That's what usually happens since this franchise is really big overseas." He "is already talking sequel and even has a plot in mind 'bringing the character back to the United States,'" according to Ms. Finke. "Rambo in a wheelchair, I asked? (Given that Sly at age 61 is ridiculously old to still be an action hero.) Harvey laughed and said, 'I like the idea of an older guy kicking ass. Maybe it's because I'm older, too.' (Weinstein turns 56 this March.)" So it looks like scheming to make old guys look tough in a new Rambo is on Mr. Weinstein's Bucket List. Good luck with that, Harv!
Harvey Weinstein Ties the Knot in Westport
Movie macher Harvey Weinstein doesn’t do anything small, especially when it comes to his nuptials. Case in point: his wedding last weekend to fashion designer Georgina Chapman. After guests parked at a school near Mr. Weinstein’s waterfront Westport manse, they were shuttled to the home, where they found the Miramax mogul nattily clad in a Tom Ford tux—no doubt the result of a loving nudge from his new fashion-friendly wife, who reportedly looked stunning in a pleated, ivory tulle dress of her own design. While rocking out to the Gypsy Kings, partygoers noshed on eats catered by Nobu and Cipriani, who provided the Dover sole and veal osso buco. To cap off the festivities, fireworks were sent up over Long Island Sound. Accompanying the groom’s stylish duds were some big players from the fashion world: Anna Wintour, Glenda Bailey, Natalia Vodianova, Margherita Missoni, Helena Christensen, Jacquetta Wheeler, Carol Hamilton, Rachel Zoe and Karolina Kurkova. And while Bill Clinton, Sean “Diddy” Combs, George Clooney and God Almighty sent their regrets, there was plenty of Hollywood glitz, politico heft and media meat provided by Rupert Murdoch, Leslie Moonves, George Pataki, Andrew Cuomo, Renée Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Anne Hathaway and Cameron Diaz.
Briton Battsek Keeps Miramax in Awards Race
The New York Times' David Carr takes a look inside the mind of Daniel Battsek, the man whom the Weinstein brothers left behind at Miramax to carry on their tradition of making risky, quality films. read more »
Big Guests at Hillary's Party, but Not Hillary
Here’s a shot of a few people waiting outside Hillary Clinton’s fund-raiser at Capitale last night. Hillary was voting on an immigration bill in D.C. and didn’t attend, but a few other big names did:
Rapper Darryl McDaniels, also known as DMC. Dressed in a Harley Davidson t-shirt and black jeans, he told me, “I came to experience something I can talk to my grandkids about.”
Paychex billionaire Tom Golisano, the erstwhile Independence Party gubernatorial candidate who recently became a Republican, was also there.
And, unmissably, Harvey Weinstein.
The Time 100 Double-Helix
“I’ve met an estimated 56 of 100,” said NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, surveying the crowd at last night’s Time 100 gala. “I always assumed I might come as a guest but not a lapel-wearing member.”
Oh, Mr. Williams, don't be so modest! Or quite so serious, either: he said he was most looking forward to meeting Elie Wiesel, author of Night.
When guests include the likes of Cate Blanchett, Martha Stewart, Michael J. Fox, Harvey Weinstein, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Richard Branson, Tina Fey, and Stephen Schwarzman, that almost seems like taking things a bit seriously.
But Elie Wiesel was there, just like the others, to be honored at Time’s third annual party for the magazine’s hand-picked influencers. It was held, as these things are nowadays with an almost monotonous regularity, at Jazz at Lincoln Center. read more »
Grindhouse Producer Builds West Village Greenhouse
Grindhousing film mogul Harvey Weinstein has had trouble with this weekend’s grosses, though that hasn’t interfered with his massive real-estate plans.
His new Far West Village townhouse, which he bought last June for $14.95 million, will now have more than its eight fireplaces, seven bedrooms and a screening room. According to neighbor Mimi Sheraton, the veteran food critic (and a Greenwich Village resident since World War II), Mr. Weinstein is building a greenhouse and a koi pond. read more »
Oscars at War: A Somber Party, A Gentler Glitz
Harvey's Big Gangs Bang
Harvey's Big Gangs Bang
Project Runway: Some Thoughts
Harvey, Wallbanger
Balazs’ Neighbors Follow Lead
Gawker Moves to Crosby Street
Can bloggers still wear pajamas to the office?
Fishbowl is reporting that Gawker Media chief Nick Denton is eyeing space at 89 Crosby Street as headquarters for his blogging empire.
Mr. Denton lives nearby at 76 Crosby Street, where Harvey Weinstein also resides. And with renovations currently underway in Kelly Ripa's duplex penthouse at 76 Crosby, the office might provide a nice refuge.
We're still waiting for a comment from Mr. Denton. Hopefully, he'll IM us back. read more »
- Michael CalderoneWeinstein's Ex Selling C.P.W. Co-op for $25 M.
Perfect for an Oscar party: Harvey and Eve's former pad.
When film mogul Harvey Weinstein and his now-estranged wife, Eve Chilton Weinstein, decided to separate in the summer of 2004, there were sure to be some loose ends to tie up.
Last November, the deed to the couple's Central Park West duplex was transferred into Eve's name.
Since Harvey had already relocated downtown to a ritzy Spring Street condo, Eve is now selling the place for $25 million.
The duplex apartment comes with mahogany French doors, a corner library, a great big dining room, and original ceiling moldings.
Not surprisingly, the apartment includes a few nifty features that you don't find in every Central Park West co-op: a 35-mm screening room with twin film projectors, Dolby sound, and an oversized roll-down screen.
The broker, John Sheets, is away on vacation, a representative from Brown Harris Stevens declined to comment on his behalf. Mr. Weinstein declined comment. read more »
-- Michael CalderoneWeekend Roundup: Harvey, Russians, and Rich Kids
Even with a new company starting up, Harvey Weinstein has found time for real estate endeavors to ease the transition. Recently, the Weinstein Company purchased the old Miramax office in Tribeca. And now, Mr. Weinstein is buying a couple apartments at 55 Wall Street for the talent, according to the New York Post.
Sam Waterston takes a break from his Law & Order duties to fight for a Chelsea seminary’s right to build a 17-story building.
The Times discovers that “strangely organic yet somewhat self-consciously cutting-edge neighborhood” sprouting around the High Line. Ritzy restauranteurs, starchitects, and gallerists all get in on the action.
Not content with just building a hotel over the High Line (and dating Uma), André Balazs is developing a luxury condo near Wall Street.
Brighton Beach Russians say Net! to the smoking ban.And York Prep students get ready for reality television. read more »
-Michael CalderoneHarvey Calling
Only on the Upper East Side would the coming deluge of Bloomberg robo-calls kick off with one from Harvey Weinstein, as one reader who lives up there reports it has.
"Could their database KNOW I like Miramax films?" she asks in jest. Mostly in jest. read more »
Jay-Z Rents and Big Deals
Embattled media mogul Conrad Black recently sold his co-op at 635 Park Avenue to developer Marty Berman for $10.5 million, according to New York magazine. And Hugh Jackman has been looking around some pricey properties lately, most recently in Harvey Weinstein’s old building on Mercer Street. read more »
Actor Samuel L. Jackson recently paid $4.8 million an Upper East Side previously owned by the former basketball player Greg Anthony and his ex-wife, the novelist Crystal McCrary, according to the New York Times.
Who else is better to profile in the The Times Habitats column than the self-described “queen of New York real estate?” Take a walk inside Barbara Corcoran’s Park Avenue apartment with an audio slide show. Believe it or not, you don’t even need TimesSelect!Harvey Weinstein Finally Sells Soho Loft Money-Loser for $6 M.; Rachel Weisz's Real-Estate Spree; Stephen Riggio Books Hamptons
In Today's Paper ...
In Manhattan Transfers, Michael Calderone reflects on Harvey Weinstein's real-estate misfortunes. Also: Is Rachel Weisz moving to Brooklyn, or the East Village?
Matthew Schuerman gives us the lowdown on the strange dance steps required to make a developer and a community activist kiss--in public.
And our newest reporter, Jason Horowitz, fresh from a long stint in Rome, has found a new way of reading the ambitions of New York's cultural institutions, by asking the question: Which architect did you hire--Frank Gehry or Renzo Piano? read more » 
