CONFIDENTIAL: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan

Arnon Milchan sets up content incubator in Israel

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:47:00 +0000

Globes reports that through his company New Regency, Arnon Milchan has purchased a meaningful stake in Add Content, one of Israel's leading content exporters to Hollywood. With hits like Homeland and In treatment on the small screen in the US, Israeli content is making strong inroads and raising eyebrows. As the most prominent Israeli in the industry, with this investment, Arnon Milchan has clearly decided not only to be a part of the new Israeli trend in Hollywood, but to lead the parade. The concept is to identify and tap into Israel's unique, fresh and extensive talent-pool, and funnel high-potential material through his flagship company New Regency, based at Fox Studios in LA. Let the games begin.

Milchan to Produce John Grisham's 'The Partner'

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Arnon Milchan has produced three John Grisham novels into motion pictures: A Time to Kill, The Client, and Runaway Jury. Now he is stepping up to produce a new one in The Partner, and he has lined up director John Lee Hancock of The Blind Side fame to get the job done. It should be a good one:

The plot:
They watched Danilo Silva for days before they finally grabbed him. He was living alone, a quiet life on a shady street in Brazil; a simple life in a modest home, certainly not one of luxury. Certainly no evidence of the fortune they thought he had stolen. He was much thinner and his face had been altered. He spoke a different language, and spoke it very well.But Danilo had a past with many chapters. Four years earlier he had been Patrick Lanigan, a young partner in a prominent Biloxi law firm. He had a pretty wife, a new daughter, and a bright future. Then one cold winter night Patrick was trapped in a burning car and died a horrible death. When he was buried his casket held nothing more than his ashes.From a short distance away, Patrick watched his own burial. Then he fled. Six weeks later, a fortune was stolen from his ex-law firm’s offshore account. And Patrick fled some more. But they found him.

UPDATE: Trying to shore up her husbands political footing in Hollywood, First Lady, Michelle Obama met with the entertainment industry's key executives including the following: Arnon Milchan, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steve Bing, Berry Gordy, Vivica Ferrell, Quincy Jones, Jerry and Ann Moss, Jimmy Jam, Irena and Mike Medavoy, Rob and Michele Reiner, Terry Lewis, Reed Hastings, Arnon Milchan and Harvey Weinstein.

Arnon Milchan on War and Peace in the Middle East

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:15:00 +0000

In his strained English, which is not his native language (he speaks better Hebrew and French), Hollywood mega-producer Arnon Milchan discusses issues of war and peace in the Middle East, and his personal interactions with former PLO leader Yasser Arafat:

Arnon Milchan Confidential: The Man...The Movies...The Book

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:52:00 +0000

Israel's Yair Lapid Seeks Arnon Milchan's Behind-The-Scenes Support For New Political Endeavor

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

EXCLUSIVE: Prominent Israeli Journalist, Yair Lapid, who was interviewed extensively for the book Confidential, has resigned his anchor position with Israel's channel 2, and will be entering the world of Politics for the upcoming elections in Israel. Lapid has asked for Milchan's behind-the-scenes support for his new political endeavor. Lapid and Milchan are long-time friends, and Lapid worked for Milchan at New Regency's television production unit in Hollywood. Polling indicates that Lapid's new political party will mostly come from current supporters of the Kadima party. Arnon Milchan played a key role in the creation of the Kadima party by brokering the political merger of Shimon Peres and Ariel Sharon, two longtime political rivals, to create the centrist party.

Here is Yair Lapid discussing Arnon Milchan's contributions to Israel's nuclear weapons program as detailed in the Book 'Confidential' (4:24-5:50):

Producer Elan Frank Announces Documentary on the Life Of Arnon Milchan Based on the Book 'Confidential'

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Documentary producer Elan Frank has announced today that he will be producing a full-blown documentary based on the book Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan. Mr. Frank is an established documentary film maker with substantial projects for Fox News and MSNBC under his belt, including the original documentary featuring Sarah Palin shortly before she was nominated for Vice President in 2008, thrusting her on the national stage.

Arnon Milchan To The Rescue: Announces He Will Save Israel's Channel 10

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:37:00 +0000

Israel's all-news channel 10 has been struggling for years, and in recent weeks has been teetering on the the very edged of bankruptcy and closure... as in going off the air. Enter Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan, who has apparently agreed to save the fledgling but influential channel by injecting fresh funding. [This report has appeared only in the Hebrew press and has yet to be picked up in any English press as of this post].

Confidential Co-author to Speak at the Cherry Hill, NJ, Book Festival - Nov. 16th.

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Co-author, Joseph Gelman will be delivering a full presentation of the book Confidential, as well as a book signing afterwords, at the JCC Book Festival of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, on November 16th at 7:00 PM.

UPDATE: Well over 200 attend a presentation on Confidential in Cherry Hill New Jersey, by Co-author Joseph Gelman. The hour-long event featured a video and PowerPoint presentation, followed by a book-signing.

Giant Article on Confidential in Berliner Morgenpost

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Berlin's second largest newspaper, Berliner Morgenpost, runs a large article on Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan. This is the second large article on the book to appear in Germany in past few days.

Well-Known Anti-Zionist Conspiracy Theorist, Christopher Bollyn Reviews Confidential:

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:03:00 +0000

Review of Bollyn's review:

Authors response:
In typical fashion, and as is the case with most conspiracy theorists, renowned Israel-hater Christopher Bollyn takes elements of truth and jumps to wild and bizarre conclusions. Making the claim that Arnon Milchan had something to do with 9/11, let alone being responsible for 9/11, is so far over the top, so incredibly outlandish and even childish, as to destroy any credibility that other, more sane elements of his arguments, may have. The life of Arnon Milchan is interesting enough without the need to build ugly, delusional sandcastles in the sky.

In his review, Bollyn breaths fire and throws epithets when listing incidents of Israeli intelligence activity that has occurred in the United States (note "in" not "against" the US), but he simply ignores the just-as-egregious incidents of US spying on Israel that Confidential also lists. A more mature approach would have been for Bollyn to understand that such activity, as regretful as it may be, is not a one-way street, and is usually handled quietly between friends if discovered.

Bollyn also felt the need to point out that the authors of Confidential are "Zionists" (as if that's a bad thing.... ooooh), yet the authors make clear their sympathy for Israel from the outset, a view that, unlike Bollyn's, is shared by the vast majority of Americans. Every description by Bollyn of Milchan's achievements and activities are described as if they are a bad thing, whereas most Americans are likely sympathetic, or at the very least understanding of Milchan's motives. He writes as if he represents true American interests, when in fact, Bollyn represents himself and a small group of Israel-haters, who dwell on the fringes of the US mainstream... on strange anti-Jewish conspiracy theories, every waking moment of their day.

Bollyn is clearly a talented researcher and has an eye for detail, it is his outlandish, undisciplined conclusions, his unrestrained imagination, and his deep-seeded, obsessive antagonism towards Israel, and by extension Jews, that truly blemishes what otherwise could have been a remarkable career as an investigative journalist. Sad.

China International Radio, and Germany's Die Welt run Segments on Confidential / Arnon Milchan:

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:25:00 +0000

Germany's national newspaper Die Welt runs an expose on Confidential, expressing amazement at the life of Hollywood Producer Arnon Milchan.

China Intenational Radio (CRI) does segment on Confidential, nationally accross China. Many thanks to CRI. Confidential has been featured a number of times in China.

'Confidential' to be Presented at the Austin, Texas Book Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:34:00 +0000

The 28th annual Austin, Texas Jewish Book Fair kicks off Nov. 3, with appearances by Melissa Fay Greene, NBC News Correspondent Martin Fletcher and Joseph Gelman, co-author of Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan.

UPDATE: Excellent response to Confidential in Austin, Texas. Over 120 attended this paid event and many signed copies were sold.

Enthusiastic Reviews in Jewish Community Newspapers From New Jersey to Nevada. But from Iran? ah... Not so Much

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Jewish Times:
"I enjoyed reading about this extraordinary individual in a new biography that could almost be fiction: Confidential: Secret Agent turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan...is a fascinating read about a larger- than- life character. It can truly be said of Arnon Milchan, “you can’t make this stuff up.”

Las Vegas Isrealite:
"A stunning new book that has made headlines worldwide...there seems to be a general consensus, Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan is a gripping portrait..."

Iran's Press TV:
"A recent book, Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Milchan by IDF veterans...self-declared Israel-supporters Meir Doron and Joseph Gelman, highlights how he was involved in procuring components to build and maintain Israel's nuclear arsenal. Hundreds of millions of dollars were paid in commissions on deals between Israel and the US which are now used for Mossad's assassination squads. Perhaps we can forgive movie people such as Warren Beatty, Robert De Niro, Sergio Leone and Oliver Stone for needing funding for their movies, regardless of the source."

On the other hand, a great review for Confidential in Vietnam:

Peter Bart Calls 'Confidential' Title "Gaudy"

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:43:00 +0000

In the first negative comment about 'Confidential' since Iran's Press TV, Peter Bart, VP over at Variety, called Confidential's title "Gaudy". The title Confidential was inspired by Milchan's own L.A. Confidential. Maybe Bart was referring to the subtitle, of which there is an interesting back-story involving Mr. Milchan, and how the exact wording came about. But that's for another time.

In any event, Mr. Bart might be unaware that the original version of Confidential explained in detail the longtime cozy relationship between Mr. Milchan and Mr. Peter Bart. That segment in the book was removed because it was not central to the story, but also to avoid unnecessary embarrassment. Apparently, no good deed goes unpunished. Of course, anyone can Google "Arnon Milchan Peter Bart" to scratch the surface of that relationship. The fix is clearly in.

Mr. Bart's line that Milchan "points out that he inherited a company that manufactured chemical fertilizer and, as a player in the chemicals business for a nation that was often at war, he had his share of military contracts" is truly laughable. Mr. Milchan's downplaying-response is of course understandable, but Mr. Bart's stunning lack of intellectual curiosity on this rather weighty matter (ironically, a far more serious matter than the fluffy subject of his article) is not exactly what anyone would call real "Journalism".

Perhaps he should read the book... or at least read the forward written by Israel's premier national-security journalist, Yossi Melman, of the Ha'aretz newspaper: "I never believed in my lifetime that so many accurate facts about Mr. Milchan and the LAKAM would ever be published," said Mr. Melman, who along with CBS News correspondent Dan Raviv is the author of two aclaimed books on the history of Israeli intelligence; Every Spy a Prince, and Friends Indeed.

'Confidential' Submitted for Pulitzer Prize

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Confidential was submitted today for consideration for the Pulitzer Prize in the Biography category. Although the book may initially be mistaken for Hollywood fluff, Pulitzers judges will quickly realize the weightiness of the material and the extensive investigative journalism that is at the heart of this project. We thank the judges for their consideration, regardless of outcome.

Thumbs Up for 'Confidential' In Israel's Anglo Community

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 18:27:00 +0000

ESRA Magazine, serving Israel's anglo community, reviews Confidential: "

"...The authors write in a punchy, engaging style and offer up many surprises... interesting and well-written.... Readers interested in the gritty minutiae of intelligence and counterintelligence will be fascinated by Milchan’s exploits and vicariously proud of his achievements. Show business junkies, like myself, will be amazed at how many of their favorite movies of the past few years came into being largely as a result of Milchan’s prodigious efforts. Above all, Confidential is a really good read."

UPDATE: Far left UK media outlet Counterpunch, is outraged that The New York Times made light of New Corp. Peter Chernin's comments about Arnon Milchan and "weapons of mass destruction.":

The New York Times tried to make light of it, quoting Murdoch’s former lieutenant, Peter Chernin as saying “Never, never tell jokes about a man with easy access to weapons of mass destruction.” How hilarious.

Hudson News Orders Confidential for Airports and Train Stations Across North America

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Confidential will soon be available in airports and train stations, as Hudson News moves to place the book in its stores at major travel hubs across North America. Thank you Hudson News. Also now available at Walmart.com.

Confidential Now Available in Hebrew on Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:51:00 +0000

We are happy to report that Confidential in the Hebrew language will now be available on Amazon. Many Israelis living outside of Israel have expressed frustration that the book is not available in Hebrew at US bookstores. Fortunately, "Sodot" can now be ordered directly from Amazon and shipped quickly to your destination, worldwide. Thank you for your patience.

Arnon Milchan Has Long Been a Magnet for Conspiracy Theorists & Anti-Semites in the Darkest Corners of the Internet

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:54:00 +0000

When we first began our research on Confidential, we immediately discovered that there is an entire subculture on the Internet spewing vile conspiracy theories and classic anti-Semitisim about legendary Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Some of these sites go so far as to implicate Mr. Milchan in 9-11, and even in the assassination of JFK (Milchan was in his teens when JFK was assassinated). Of course, the usual “Zionists control the media” assertions are a given with this crowd.

Our two-year journey of interviewing and researching this project revealed that indeed, Mr. Milchan acted in a covert capacity for his country for many years, from the mid 1960’s to the mid 1980’s. We spell out exactly how and when he was recruited, and by whom. We describe in great detail many of his activities… none of which even remotely involve the kinds of wacky conspiracies and vile anti-Semitisim posted all over the internet in relation to Mr. Milchan.

NEW: Personalized and signed-by-the-Authors copies of Confidential are now available at this site. Upper right hand 'Amazon' button.

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Israeli News Chief Quits Over Apology to Mogul

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:24:00 +0000

According to the Associated Press, Israel's channel 10 TV news chief has resigned because his channel agreed to apologize for a report critical of U.S. casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, a close associate of Israel's prime minister and the owner of Sands International, the parent company of the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, with additional huge operations in Macau and Singapore.

The Haaretz newspaper says Adelson threatened to sue Channel 10, partially owned by fellow billionaires Arnon Milchan and Ron Lauder if it didn't apologize for its profile of his [Adelson's] conduct and business dealings. Israeli newspapers on Thursday published a statement by Channel 10's news chief, Reudor Benziman, saying that in his professional capacity, he "cannot live with the apology".

Israel's Channel 10 is owned by Israelis Yossi Maiman and Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood film producer; and Ron Lauder, another U.S. businessman with close ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Page 65 of 'Confidential': Spielberg's Munich Captures a Number of Methods Described in 'Confidential', Along With Some Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 02:13:00 +0000

In Steven Spielberg's Munich, a number of characters and methods of operations are accurately described. A character very similar to Rafi Eitan is played very well by Geoffrey Rush (1:06). Eitan was indeed a legendary Mossad agent, and was later Arnon Milchan's superior and the head of LAKAM (Science Liaison Bureau), a top secret Israeli intelligence organization unknown to the United States until 1985. From scene 1:04-1:13, Spielberg accurately describes the kind of secret accounts portrayed in Confidential. One unrealistic scene in Munich, is when an accountant demands of the secret agent played by Eric Bana, to keep all of his receipts. A ridicules request because no one would ask their agent to keep an incriminating paper-trail. And secret accounts were not exactly from "taxpayer funds" as described by the accountant in the movie. Confidential reveals real methods of funding. Non-the-less, those who found Munich an interesting movie (based on a true story), will love the non-fiction Confidential.

Arnon Milchan Moves to Retake Command of New Regency

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:54:00 +0000

Upon the publication of Confidential, which garnered worldwide media attention, Arnon Milchan took a lengthy vacation far from the limelight, and far from the long list of reporters eager to get his reaction to the stunning revelations about him in the book. Upon reemerging for the first time this week, Mr. Milchan executed a shake-up of the senior management at his flagship company, New Regency Productions, tipping off the trade publications who for years, some have argued, maintain a cozy relationship with Mr. Milchan. It might be noted that despite worldwide coverage, from the New York Times to the UK Daily Mail, and despite the fact that the book is sitting in the front section of every bookstore from Hollywood to New York City, the Hollywood trades have yet to take note of Confidential. It looks like Hutch Parker and Bob Harper are out, and Brad Weston from Paramount is in... that's the big news with them. "Milchan wants to run the company himself, more the way he did in the early days, which is a significant change from what Bob and I were brought in to do," said Mr. Parker.

Arnon Milchan has yet to respond to a single reporter's inquiry about the book Confidential, despite tens of requests from outlets like CNN, Israel's Channel 1, The New York Times, and many other major media outlets worldwide.

UPDATE: Arnon Milchan appoints his daughter Alexandra Milchan to the position of Senior Vice President of Productions of New Regency Films.

As Described in 'Confidential', Page 246: Yariv Milchan's Photo's of Angelina Jolie

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:09:00 +0000

As described on page 246 of Confidential, this is the series of Photographs of Angelina Jolie taken by Arnon Milchan's son, Yariv Milchan, a clearly talented photographer.

Barnes and Noble Moves 'Confidential' To Front of Store Display in Los Angeles, Las Vegas & and New York

noreply@blogger.com (Confidential) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:53:00 +0000

UPDATE: In addition to all other digital platforms, Confidential is now available on NOOK, B&N's digital platform.