The Four Weddings and a Funeral screenplay writer didn’t want actor Hugh Grant in the starring role of the film because he was too handsome.
Writer Richard Curtis actively campaigned against Grant in the lead role of Charles, a floppy-haired young professional whose fear of commitment turns to love for a certain wedding guest. Curtis had nothing against Grant, but he didn’t envision him as Charles who has a history of being a serial dater.
“I was worried about it. When Hugh did first come in, I did think he was too handsome. I thought people would not believe the fact he was in trouble with girls because he so clearly wouldn’t be. So that’s why he pushed the sort of doubtfulness and lack of confidence,” he told Daily Mail.
“He was by far the best person who auditioned but I still voted against him when...
Writer Richard Curtis actively campaigned against Grant in the lead role of Charles, a floppy-haired young professional whose fear of commitment turns to love for a certain wedding guest. Curtis had nothing against Grant, but he didn’t envision him as Charles who has a history of being a serial dater.
“I was worried about it. When Hugh did first come in, I did think he was too handsome. I thought people would not believe the fact he was in trouble with girls because he so clearly wouldn’t be. So that’s why he pushed the sort of doubtfulness and lack of confidence,” he told Daily Mail.
“He was by far the best person who auditioned but I still voted against him when...
- 8/17/2023
- by Gina Ragusa
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After 18 years at BAFTA, Krishnendu Majumdar is having trouble switching off.
It’s been almost two months since the media executive, who recently won a BAFTA for producing the Kate Winslet-led Channel 4 drama “I Am Ruth,” finished his three-year term as chair of the British Academy, handing over the reins to agency boss Sara Putt. But it took a minute, he says, to stop going on high alert every time he clocked a buzzy topic that BAFTA might be asked to comment on.
“You see something online and you think, ‘Oh I wonder how we should respond?’” says Majumdar, known to most in the industry as simply ‘Krish.’ “And then it’s like, ‘No, no. I don’t do that’ … I’m just a member. I’m not on any committees. I’m not a trustee. I don’t speak on their behalf anymore.”
Majumdar was appointed as...
It’s been almost two months since the media executive, who recently won a BAFTA for producing the Kate Winslet-led Channel 4 drama “I Am Ruth,” finished his three-year term as chair of the British Academy, handing over the reins to agency boss Sara Putt. But it took a minute, he says, to stop going on high alert every time he clocked a buzzy topic that BAFTA might be asked to comment on.
“You see something online and you think, ‘Oh I wonder how we should respond?’” says Majumdar, known to most in the industry as simply ‘Krish.’ “And then it’s like, ‘No, no. I don’t do that’ … I’m just a member. I’m not on any committees. I’m not a trustee. I don’t speak on their behalf anymore.”
Majumdar was appointed as...
- 8/11/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The event was held at Home House, London on July 5
Screen celebrated the launch of the UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow 2023 with a party at Home House, London on Wednesday, July 5.
Most of this year’s Stars were in attendance, including Kit Connor, Ruby Stokes, Leo Woodall, Ronke Adekoluejo, Rory Fleck Byrne and Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Other guests included producers Emily Morgan, Duncan Kenworthy and Tolu Stedford; British Council’s Catherine Bray and Briony Hanson; BBC Films’ Eva Yates; Amazon Prime Video’s Dan Grabiner, and ScreenSkill’s Emma Turner.
Prime Video returned as the headline sponsor for the fourth consecutive year,...
Screen celebrated the launch of the UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow 2023 with a party at Home House, London on Wednesday, July 5.
Most of this year’s Stars were in attendance, including Kit Connor, Ruby Stokes, Leo Woodall, Ronke Adekoluejo, Rory Fleck Byrne and Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Other guests included producers Emily Morgan, Duncan Kenworthy and Tolu Stedford; British Council’s Catherine Bray and Briony Hanson; BBC Films’ Eva Yates; Amazon Prime Video’s Dan Grabiner, and ScreenSkill’s Emma Turner.
Prime Video returned as the headline sponsor for the fourth consecutive year,...
- 7/7/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
More than 40 key figures from the film industry have written to UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for more support for UK cinema, which they say is “standing on the edge of an abyss” as a result of the pandemic.
The industry leaders, including Christopher Nolan, Steve McQueen, Ridley Scott, Jude Law and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, are calling for “targeted funding support to ensure that future generations can enjoy the magic of cinema”.
“We recognise the support that government has already been able to provide,” the group says. “But we fear that this will not be enough, with the challenges being most acute for those larger cinema operators who have not been able to access any tailored funding.
“These companies represent over 80 per cent of the market, in many ways constituting its ‘critical mass’ and helping to drive the success of associated sectors such as film distribution and production coalesce.
The industry leaders, including Christopher Nolan, Steve McQueen, Ridley Scott, Jude Law and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, are calling for “targeted funding support to ensure that future generations can enjoy the magic of cinema”.
“We recognise the support that government has already been able to provide,” the group says. “But we fear that this will not be enough, with the challenges being most acute for those larger cinema operators who have not been able to access any tailored funding.
“These companies represent over 80 per cent of the market, in many ways constituting its ‘critical mass’ and helping to drive the success of associated sectors such as film distribution and production coalesce.
- 1/18/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Letter to UK government says the industry is “on the edge of an abyss”.
Nearly 50 leading UK filmmakers have called on the UK government to issue “urgently needed” financial support for the cinema sector.
A letter to UK chancellor Rishi Sunak, first published in The Sunday Times, says UK cinemas “stand on the edge of an abyss” due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and that targeted funding is crucial to ensure their survival.
Those who have put their name to the letter include Eon Films’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, Heyday Films’ David Heyman and Oscar-winning filmmakers Steve McQueen and Danny Boyle.
Nearly 50 leading UK filmmakers have called on the UK government to issue “urgently needed” financial support for the cinema sector.
A letter to UK chancellor Rishi Sunak, first published in The Sunday Times, says UK cinemas “stand on the edge of an abyss” due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and that targeted funding is crucial to ensure their survival.
Those who have put their name to the letter include Eon Films’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, Heyday Films’ David Heyman and Oscar-winning filmmakers Steve McQueen and Danny Boyle.
- 1/18/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
More than 40 prominent U.K. film industry figures, including “Tenet” director Christopher Nolan and “Small Axe” filmmaker Steve McQueen, have written to U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak requesting further support for the beleaguered exhibition sector.
The letter in the Sunday Times, a follow up to the U.K. Cinema Association’s December 2020 ‘Keep the Magic Alive’ campaign, acknowledges the efforts of the U.K. government in helping cinemas stay afloat, but that these initiatives may not be enough.
The signatories also include “Maradona” director Asif Kapadia, “Slumdog Millionaire” filmmaker Danny Boyle, James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, and “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman. (A full list is below.)
“There is no doubt that if supported to survive, the sector will recover and once again thrive. But the need for direct financial support is pressing,” the letter says. “We recognize the support that government has already been able to provide.
The letter in the Sunday Times, a follow up to the U.K. Cinema Association’s December 2020 ‘Keep the Magic Alive’ campaign, acknowledges the efforts of the U.K. government in helping cinemas stay afloat, but that these initiatives may not be enough.
The signatories also include “Maradona” director Asif Kapadia, “Slumdog Millionaire” filmmaker Danny Boyle, James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, and “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman. (A full list is below.)
“There is no doubt that if supported to survive, the sector will recover and once again thrive. But the need for direct financial support is pressing,” the letter says. “We recognize the support that government has already been able to provide.
- 1/18/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
As BAFTA prepares for its first Film Awards since concluding its sweeping diversity review last fall, the organization is rolling out “conscious voter” training ahead of its first round of voting.
Voting in round 1 begins Jan. 12 and closes Jan. 26, and will be followed by an inaugural longlist of all categories set to be published Feb. 4. The initiative forms part of a concerted drive towards a more transparent awards season.
BAFTA unveiled the results of its diversity review in September to encouragement from the industry, which welcomed many of the 120-plus changes. Among them was the aforementioned longlisting round across all categories that aims to level the playing field in acting and directing, in particular; an expansion of the outstanding British film category to 10 nominations; and the introduction of 1,000 new members from underrepresented groups.
BAFTA has received 258 film entries this year — just slightly under the 269 entries in 2020, which was a record year.
Voting in round 1 begins Jan. 12 and closes Jan. 26, and will be followed by an inaugural longlist of all categories set to be published Feb. 4. The initiative forms part of a concerted drive towards a more transparent awards season.
BAFTA unveiled the results of its diversity review in September to encouragement from the industry, which welcomed many of the 120-plus changes. Among them was the aforementioned longlisting round across all categories that aims to level the playing field in acting and directing, in particular; an expansion of the outstanding British film category to 10 nominations; and the introduction of 1,000 new members from underrepresented groups.
BAFTA has received 258 film entries this year — just slightly under the 269 entries in 2020, which was a record year.
- 1/12/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The wheels are now in full motion on an awards season set to be like no other. Campaigning has begun in earnest (check out Deadline’s Contenders events which are jam-packed with buzzy titles and talent) and the Gothams are already in the rear-view mirror. Over at BAFTA HQ, voting begins today, with initial longlists for each category published February 4.
Alongside pandemic disruption, the 2021 BAFTAs will be held after a year of introspection at the awards body, which took flak in 2020 for disappointing diversity numbers from its nominations. The org, which has 10,000 members worldwide including 7,000 who vote for Film, could hardly be accused of inaction under new chairman Krishnendu Majumdar, who took the reins in June. Significant changes were implemented to its voting procedures – including longlists for all categories with gender parity ensured for Best Director and ‘conscious voting’ videos for members – all of which are designed to boost diversity...
Alongside pandemic disruption, the 2021 BAFTAs will be held after a year of introspection at the awards body, which took flak in 2020 for disappointing diversity numbers from its nominations. The org, which has 10,000 members worldwide including 7,000 who vote for Film, could hardly be accused of inaction under new chairman Krishnendu Majumdar, who took the reins in June. Significant changes were implemented to its voting procedures – including longlists for all categories with gender parity ensured for Best Director and ‘conscious voting’ videos for members – all of which are designed to boost diversity...
- 1/12/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Prolific Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar (21 features and counting) has spoken about how at one point he believed his films could be “too outrageous” for some audiences, and why he would like to return to the comedy genre in the near future.
The director, whose latest film Pain And Glory just got nominated for 16 Goya Awards yesterday (December 2), was delivering a BAFTA Screenwriters Lecture in London on Saturday (November 30).
“In my beginning when I had a reputation of being the Spanish enfant terrible, I never tried or wanted to outrage anyone. It was my way of telling the story, it was my way of watching the world around me, so I respect when I was outrageous, but I didn’t try,” Almodovar said in a post-lecture Q&a with Brit producer Duncan Kenworthy, after playing clips from his works including 2002 Bafta-winning drama Talk To Her.
“When I write a script, it...
The director, whose latest film Pain And Glory just got nominated for 16 Goya Awards yesterday (December 2), was delivering a BAFTA Screenwriters Lecture in London on Saturday (November 30).
“In my beginning when I had a reputation of being the Spanish enfant terrible, I never tried or wanted to outrage anyone. It was my way of telling the story, it was my way of watching the world around me, so I respect when I was outrageous, but I didn’t try,” Almodovar said in a post-lecture Q&a with Brit producer Duncan Kenworthy, after playing clips from his works including 2002 Bafta-winning drama Talk To Her.
“When I write a script, it...
- 12/3/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Few films have had a more transformative impact on their local industry than Four Weddings And A Funeral, which was first released twenty five years ago this week.
Grossing a remarkable $245M off a $4M budget, the film about a committed bachelor who unexpectedly finds love, helped pave the way for a string of globally successful Brit-originated comedies from The Full Monty to Trainspotting, Notting Hill to Love Actually and Bean to Bridget Jones. The rom-com catapulted the careers of Richard Curtis, Working Title, Hugh Grant, Mike Newell, Kristin Scott-Thomas and Duncan Kenworthy among many others, and kick-started the fortunes of its emerging European studio backer Polygram.
The film took a stunning $52M in the U.S., an unprecedented number for a relatively small-budget, British, R-rated comedy. It went down a storm with critics at Sundance and was up for Oscars, BAFTAs and a slew of international awards. The film...
Grossing a remarkable $245M off a $4M budget, the film about a committed bachelor who unexpectedly finds love, helped pave the way for a string of globally successful Brit-originated comedies from The Full Monty to Trainspotting, Notting Hill to Love Actually and Bean to Bridget Jones. The rom-com catapulted the careers of Richard Curtis, Working Title, Hugh Grant, Mike Newell, Kristin Scott-Thomas and Duncan Kenworthy among many others, and kick-started the fortunes of its emerging European studio backer Polygram.
The film took a stunning $52M in the U.S., an unprecedented number for a relatively small-budget, British, R-rated comedy. It went down a storm with critics at Sundance and was up for Oscars, BAFTAs and a slew of international awards. The film...
- 3/14/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Duo received outstanding contribution awards at separate events.
Bafta presented special awards to Sue Bruce-Smith and Roger Pratt at separate events this weekend.
Bruce-Smith, deputy director at Film4, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to British cinema during a tribute evening at Bafta’s London HQ on Friday 18 January.
Alison Thompson, co-president of Cornerstone Films, presented Bruce-Smith with her award. Speakers included Bafta-winning producer and former head of Film4 Tessa Ross, director of Film4 Daniel Battsek, deputy CEO of BFI Ben Roberts and producer Gail Egan. Also in attendance were Steve McQueen, Kevin Macdonald, Alison Owen, Liz Karlsen and Ed Guiney.
Bafta presented special awards to Sue Bruce-Smith and Roger Pratt at separate events this weekend.
Bruce-Smith, deputy director at Film4, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to British cinema during a tribute evening at Bafta’s London HQ on Friday 18 January.
Alison Thompson, co-president of Cornerstone Films, presented Bruce-Smith with her award. Speakers included Bafta-winning producer and former head of Film4 Tessa Ross, director of Film4 Daniel Battsek, deputy CEO of BFI Ben Roberts and producer Gail Egan. Also in attendance were Steve McQueen, Kevin Macdonald, Alison Owen, Liz Karlsen and Ed Guiney.
- 1/21/2019
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
In honour of National Coming Out Day on October 11, we’ve been thinking about a lot of our favourite Lgbt movies. From the modern-day rom-coms like “Love, Simon” all the way back to hard-hitting dramas like “Midnight Cowboy” – and everything in between – we’ve been debating which movies are our all-time favourites.
In light of this, I’ve put together my own personal list of my favourite Lgbt films – ‘my’ and ‘personal’ are the operative words here. This list is entirely my own opinion and personal preferences, this is not a definitive ranking of what are ‘the best’ Lgbt films. Merely, this is a list of which films resonated with me the most.
But please, join in the debate in the comment section and tell us about your favourite Lgbt films and why – and whether or not you agree with my own list. You may think I’m right, you...
In light of this, I’ve put together my own personal list of my favourite Lgbt films – ‘my’ and ‘personal’ are the operative words here. This list is entirely my own opinion and personal preferences, this is not a definitive ranking of what are ‘the best’ Lgbt films. Merely, this is a list of which films resonated with me the most.
But please, join in the debate in the comment section and tell us about your favourite Lgbt films and why – and whether or not you agree with my own list. You may think I’m right, you...
- 10/10/2018
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Today sees the release of The Children Act, the new film from Richard Eyre, adapted from the bestseller by the writer Ian McEwan (Atonement), and produced by Duncan Kenworthy.
The film stars Emma Thompson, Fionn Whitehead, Stanley Tucci, Ben Chaplin, Jason Watkins, Rosie Cavaliero and Nikki Amuka-Bird and is have received plaudits for Thompson’s performance in particular.
We present below the full press conference for the film, held in central London on the 15th of August.
The Children Act is released in the UK on the 24th of August, 2018. Here are our premiere interviews.
The Children Act Press Conference
Plot:
Based on the much-loved novel by Ian McEwan (Atonement) and brought to the big screen by director Richard Eyre, The Children Act is a compelling and powerful drama telling the story of Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson), an eminent high court judge presiding over ethically complex cases. As the demands...
The film stars Emma Thompson, Fionn Whitehead, Stanley Tucci, Ben Chaplin, Jason Watkins, Rosie Cavaliero and Nikki Amuka-Bird and is have received plaudits for Thompson’s performance in particular.
We present below the full press conference for the film, held in central London on the 15th of August.
The Children Act is released in the UK on the 24th of August, 2018. Here are our premiere interviews.
The Children Act Press Conference
Plot:
Based on the much-loved novel by Ian McEwan (Atonement) and brought to the big screen by director Richard Eyre, The Children Act is a compelling and powerful drama telling the story of Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson), an eminent high court judge presiding over ethically complex cases. As the demands...
- 8/24/2018
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Further openers include The Spy Who Dumped Me, The Children’s Act and A Northern Soul.
New releases led by Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman and a duo of family animations are hoping to light up the UK box office this weekend (Aug 24-26) after last weekend was dominated by holdovers.
Universal is opening BlacKkKlansman wide on over 300 screens. The film, which premiered in competition at Cannes earlier this year, stars John David Washington (son of Denzel) and Adam Driver and is based on the true story of a Southern black policeman who went undercover in the Ku Klux Klan in the late1970s.
New releases led by Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman and a duo of family animations are hoping to light up the UK box office this weekend (Aug 24-26) after last weekend was dominated by holdovers.
Universal is opening BlacKkKlansman wide on over 300 screens. The film, which premiered in competition at Cannes earlier this year, stars John David Washington (son of Denzel) and Adam Driver and is based on the true story of a Southern black policeman who went undercover in the Ku Klux Klan in the late1970s.
- 8/24/2018
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
Last night the capital saw the stars of one of the most moving films of the year walk the red carpet for the UK Premiere of The Children Act, the new film from Richard Eyre, adapted from the bestseller by the writer Ian McEwan (Atonement) and produced by Duncan Kenworthy.
The film stars Emma Thompson, Fionn Whitehead, Stanley Tucci, Ben Chaplin, Jason Watkins, Rosie Cavaliero and Nikki Amuka-Bird.
Colin Hart and Scott Davis were our men on the red carpet, they asked Fionn Whitehead about life after Dunkirk and got a glimpse of Emma Thompson’s impressive new look she will be sporting in the latest Men in Black film.
The Children Act is released in the UK on the 24th of August, 2018. Here are our premiere interviews.
The Children Act Premiere Interviews
Plot:
Based on the much-loved novel by Ian McEwan (Atonement) and brought to the big screen by director Richard Eyre,...
The film stars Emma Thompson, Fionn Whitehead, Stanley Tucci, Ben Chaplin, Jason Watkins, Rosie Cavaliero and Nikki Amuka-Bird.
Colin Hart and Scott Davis were our men on the red carpet, they asked Fionn Whitehead about life after Dunkirk and got a glimpse of Emma Thompson’s impressive new look she will be sporting in the latest Men in Black film.
The Children Act is released in the UK on the 24th of August, 2018. Here are our premiere interviews.
The Children Act Premiere Interviews
Plot:
Based on the much-loved novel by Ian McEwan (Atonement) and brought to the big screen by director Richard Eyre,...
- 8/17/2018
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Lucy was a pioneer in making scriptwriting accessible.”
Lucy Scher, who co-ran UK screenwriting talent incubator The Script Factory from 1996, has died at the age of 53.
Scher joined the organisation a few months after its founding by Charlotte Macleod and helped develop it into a vital part of the UK’s screenwriting development scene, training more than a thousand emerging writers and developers and attracting funding successively from the UK Film Council, Skillset and Creative Europe.
Her colleagues at The Script Factory over the years included Briony Hanson, now director of film at the British Council, and Tricia Tuttle, now...
Lucy Scher, who co-ran UK screenwriting talent incubator The Script Factory from 1996, has died at the age of 53.
Scher joined the organisation a few months after its founding by Charlotte Macleod and helped develop it into a vital part of the UK’s screenwriting development scene, training more than a thousand emerging writers and developers and attracting funding successively from the UK Film Council, Skillset and Creative Europe.
Her colleagues at The Script Factory over the years included Briony Hanson, now director of film at the British Council, and Tricia Tuttle, now...
- 8/2/2018
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
Five students on the Ma Screenwriting course will receive £10,000 each.
The UK’s National Film and Television School has launched a new bursary scheme for its screenwriting students.
The initiative will see five of this year’s graduates from the Nfts’ Screenwriting Ma given a grant of £10,000 to give them the ability to dedicate six months to writing after competing their course.
Each recipient will also be paired with a mentor to aid them with their work. Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) and Abi Morgan (Shame) have signed up to be mentors.
The news was announced at the annual Nfts fundraising event in London last night.
The UK’s National Film and Television School has launched a new bursary scheme for its screenwriting students.
The initiative will see five of this year’s graduates from the Nfts’ Screenwriting Ma given a grant of £10,000 to give them the ability to dedicate six months to writing after competing their course.
Each recipient will also be paired with a mentor to aid them with their work. Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) and Abi Morgan (Shame) have signed up to be mentors.
The news was announced at the annual Nfts fundraising event in London last night.
- 6/27/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Stanley Tucci and up-and-coming actor Fionn Whitehead have been cast alongside Emma Thompson in The Children Act. Deadline first broke news of the project and Thompson's involvement in August. Heavyweight UK producer Duncan Kenworthy, whose credits include Notting Hill and Love Actually, will produce the project, based on Ian McEwan's novel. Notes on a Scandal filmmaker Richard Eyre has been set to direct. Story sees Thompson play Fiona Maye, an eminent High Court judget…...
- 10/3/2016
- Deadline
Exclusive: FilmNation and BBC Films are co-financing the Duncan Kenworthy production, which has sold out worldwide.
Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci and 2016 Screen Star Of Tomorrow Fionn Whitehead are to star in director Richard Eyre’s adaptation of Ian McEwan’s The Children Act.
Filming on the Duncan Kenworthy production will take place on location in London from mid-October. FilmNation Entertainment, who are co-financing with BBC Films, is handling worldwide rights and has sold out the film internationally. McEwan adapted his own 2014 novel for the screen.
International distributors who have boarded the film include: eOne in the UK and Canada, Telemunchen in Germany, Bim in Italy, Vertigo in Spain, Roadshow in Australia, Kino in Japan, Swen in Latin America, Cineart in Benelux, Scanbox in Scandinavia, Spentzos in Greece, Lev in Israel, Italia in the Middle East, Ster Kinekor in South Africa and Bravos in Hong Kong.
Thompson stars in The Children Act as Fiona Maye, an eminent...
Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci and 2016 Screen Star Of Tomorrow Fionn Whitehead are to star in director Richard Eyre’s adaptation of Ian McEwan’s The Children Act.
Filming on the Duncan Kenworthy production will take place on location in London from mid-October. FilmNation Entertainment, who are co-financing with BBC Films, is handling worldwide rights and has sold out the film internationally. McEwan adapted his own 2014 novel for the screen.
International distributors who have boarded the film include: eOne in the UK and Canada, Telemunchen in Germany, Bim in Italy, Vertigo in Spain, Roadshow in Australia, Kino in Japan, Swen in Latin America, Cineart in Benelux, Scanbox in Scandinavia, Spentzos in Greece, Lev in Israel, Italia in the Middle East, Ster Kinekor in South Africa and Bravos in Hong Kong.
Thompson stars in The Children Act as Fiona Maye, an eminent...
- 10/3/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
Announcement coincides with the unveiling of six films by BFI graduates.
The UK’s Department for Education has announced it will invest $1.4m (£1m) of funding to support the BFI Film Academy in 2016-17.
The boost is on top of the $5.6m (£4m) the Dfe has invested in the Academy’s residential and regional programmes since 2012.
The move came on the day that 66 young filmmakers from the BFI Film Academy unveiled six short films to British film industry figures including producers Alison Owen (Suffragette, Saving Mr. Banks), Faye Ward (Suffragette, Jane Eyre) and Duncan Kenworthy (The Pass, Love Actually).
The screening and graduation ceremony, held today at BFI Southbank in London, showcased films created as part of the BFI Film Academy course at the National Film and Television School.
BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, and the BFI Film Academy is designed to change that. If UK film...
The UK’s Department for Education has announced it will invest $1.4m (£1m) of funding to support the BFI Film Academy in 2016-17.
The boost is on top of the $5.6m (£4m) the Dfe has invested in the Academy’s residential and regional programmes since 2012.
The move came on the day that 66 young filmmakers from the BFI Film Academy unveiled six short films to British film industry figures including producers Alison Owen (Suffragette, Saving Mr. Banks), Faye Ward (Suffragette, Jane Eyre) and Duncan Kenworthy (The Pass, Love Actually).
The screening and graduation ceremony, held today at BFI Southbank in London, showcased films created as part of the BFI Film Academy course at the National Film and Television School.
BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, and the BFI Film Academy is designed to change that. If UK film...
- 4/8/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
James Bond producer to join Greg Dyke in co-chairing BAFTA’s Council.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that Barbara Broccoli OBE has been appointed vice president for Film.
Following the recent appointment of Greg Dyke as BAFTA’s VP for Television, Broccoli will join Dyke in co-chairing BAFTA’s Council, assuming an ambassadorial role for the charity. Previous Film VP’s include Duncan Kenworthy (2009-2015) and Lord Puttnam (1995-2004).
Broccoli, who owns Eon Productions with her brother Michael G Wilson and has produced the last eight James Bond films including Skyfall and Spectre, said: “I am passionate about BAFTA’s role in educating, inspiring and celebrating generations of British film-makers. I am therefore honoured to accept the role of BAFTA’s Vice President for Film.”
BAFTA chair Anne Morrison said: “With her connections on both sides of the Atlantic, Barbara is well placed to be a brilliant ambassador for BAFTA and I know...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that Barbara Broccoli OBE has been appointed vice president for Film.
Following the recent appointment of Greg Dyke as BAFTA’s VP for Television, Broccoli will join Dyke in co-chairing BAFTA’s Council, assuming an ambassadorial role for the charity. Previous Film VP’s include Duncan Kenworthy (2009-2015) and Lord Puttnam (1995-2004).
Broccoli, who owns Eon Productions with her brother Michael G Wilson and has produced the last eight James Bond films including Skyfall and Spectre, said: “I am passionate about BAFTA’s role in educating, inspiring and celebrating generations of British film-makers. I am therefore honoured to accept the role of BAFTA’s Vice President for Film.”
BAFTA chair Anne Morrison said: “With her connections on both sides of the Atlantic, Barbara is well placed to be a brilliant ambassador for BAFTA and I know...
- 4/4/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has been appointed BAFTA’s VP for film. Her appointment follows Greg Dyke coming aboard as BAFTA’s VP for TV. Previous VPs for film include Duncan Kenworthy and Lord Puttnam. BAFTA can appoint up to three VPs, in film, television and games, for a term of up to six years. "I am passionate about BAFTA's role in educating, inspiring and celebrating generations of British filmmakers,” said Broccoli. “I am therefore honored to accept the…...
- 4/4/2016
- Deadline
How the Love Actually producer guided the gay-footballers chamber piece from Royal Court sell-out to BFI Flare opening-night film.
Last night (Mar 16), The Pass opened the 30th edition of the BFI’s long-running Lgbt film festival - now called Flare - at the Odeon Leicester Square.
As well as being the first Flare opener to premiere at Odeon’s flagship cinema in 10 years, it also marked a return for Duncan Kenworthy, producer of Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually and The Eagle among others, who has premiered four films at the venue.
For Kenworthy, opening BFI Flare with The Pass was an optimal result for a film he self-funded and produced entirely under the radar, with the understanding that if it wasn’t a creative success, he could decide not to unveil it to the wider world. Fortunately, reviews for the Ben A. Williams-directed adaptation of John Donnelly’s play about gay footballers...
Last night (Mar 16), The Pass opened the 30th edition of the BFI’s long-running Lgbt film festival - now called Flare - at the Odeon Leicester Square.
As well as being the first Flare opener to premiere at Odeon’s flagship cinema in 10 years, it also marked a return for Duncan Kenworthy, producer of Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually and The Eagle among others, who has premiered four films at the venue.
For Kenworthy, opening BFI Flare with The Pass was an optimal result for a film he self-funded and produced entirely under the radar, with the understanding that if it wasn’t a creative success, he could decide not to unveil it to the wider world. Fortunately, reviews for the Ben A. Williams-directed adaptation of John Donnelly’s play about gay footballers...
- 3/16/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
Charles Gant chronicles the evolution of London’s long-running Lgbt film festival.
When in 1986, film programmer Mark Finch persuaded the British Film Institute (BFI) to let him present a seven-day season of nine gay and lesbian features under the banner Gays’ Own Pictures, nobody would have envisaged the scale and popularity of the annual festival that resulted – or its status within the BFI calendar.
As the 30th edition of London’s Lgbt film festival sets to launch this week with the world premiere of the Duncan Kenworthy-produced The Pass at the 1,679-capacity Odeon Leicester Square, the BFI can be forgiven for allowing itself a celebratory mood over the event it rebranded Flare two years ago.
Programmers past and present all concur regarding the distance the festival has travelled in its 30 years. Says Briony Hanson, co-programmer from 1997 to 2000 and now director of film at the British Council: “I look at the festival now, going to the...
When in 1986, film programmer Mark Finch persuaded the British Film Institute (BFI) to let him present a seven-day season of nine gay and lesbian features under the banner Gays’ Own Pictures, nobody would have envisaged the scale and popularity of the annual festival that resulted – or its status within the BFI calendar.
As the 30th edition of London’s Lgbt film festival sets to launch this week with the world premiere of the Duncan Kenworthy-produced The Pass at the 1,679-capacity Odeon Leicester Square, the BFI can be forgiven for allowing itself a celebratory mood over the event it rebranded Flare two years ago.
Programmers past and present all concur regarding the distance the festival has travelled in its 30 years. Says Briony Hanson, co-programmer from 1997 to 2000 and now director of film at the British Council: “I look at the festival now, going to the...
- 3/15/2016
- ScreenDaily
Read More: Happy Pride Month: Here's 43 Great Lgbt Films To Help You Celebrate The BFI announced today that it will host first-time feature filmmaker Ben A. Williams' adaptation of "The Pass" at the opening night ceremony of this year's BFI Flare: London Lgbt Film Festival. As the UK's longest running Lgbt film event, the Flare features 50 hand-chosen submissions from nearly 23,000 submissions. "The Pass," produced by Duncan Kenworthy of "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill" and "Love Actually" fame, discusses the personal and profession ramifications of coming out as an athlete. The film stars "Looking" breakout Russell Tovey as a premier league footballer who shares an intimate moment with his teammate while they room together on the night of a big international match. "'The Pass' boldly tackles a forbidden topic, outlining one man’s struggle to embrace his sexuality within the hyper masculine and...
- 2/11/2016
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
Russell Tovey-starring film to open the 30th anniversary of the BFI’s annual Lgbt film festival.
The Pass will have its world premiere as the opening film of the 2016 edition of BFI Flare: London Lgbt Film Festival (March 16-27).
Ben A. Williams’ feature debut stars Russell Tovey (Being Human) as a premier league footballer who, on the night of his first big international match, rooms with a team mate – played by Arinze Kene (Freestyle) – and the two share an intimate moment that has repercussions on their public and private lives.
Duncan Kenworthy (Love Actually, Notting Hill) produced the film, which has a screenplay from John Donnelly, adapted from his Royal Court Theatre play.
The premiere will take place at London’s Odeon Leicester Square on March 16, kicking off the BFI Flare festival which runs until March 27 and is celebrating its 30th edition in 2016.
The festival’s full programme will include screenings of 50 feature films, as well as...
The Pass will have its world premiere as the opening film of the 2016 edition of BFI Flare: London Lgbt Film Festival (March 16-27).
Ben A. Williams’ feature debut stars Russell Tovey (Being Human) as a premier league footballer who, on the night of his first big international match, rooms with a team mate – played by Arinze Kene (Freestyle) – and the two share an intimate moment that has repercussions on their public and private lives.
Duncan Kenworthy (Love Actually, Notting Hill) produced the film, which has a screenplay from John Donnelly, adapted from his Royal Court Theatre play.
The premiere will take place at London’s Odeon Leicester Square on March 16, kicking off the BFI Flare festival which runs until March 27 and is celebrating its 30th edition in 2016.
The festival’s full programme will include screenings of 50 feature films, as well as...
- 2/11/2016
- ScreenDaily
Read More: For Your Consideration: Predicting the BAFTA Award Nominations The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced their signing of an agreement with the Beijing Film Academy, a Memorandum of Understanding the pledges to link the two institutions. The Memorandum was facilitated by Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, and Zhang Huijun, President of the Beijing Film Academy. The partnership has been forged in pursuit of a stronger cultural exchange between the two vastly different film, television and game markets. With the signing of the memorandum, BAFTA aims to feature a series of events centered on interviews, lectures and masterclasses showcasing Chinese talent. Directors and actors like Johnnie To, Duncan Kenworthy, Eddie Redmayne and Lois Burwell have already collaborated in the cultural exchange since 2013, so BAFTA and the Beijing Film Academy is eager to bring in even more talent for 2016. The agreement is...
- 12/21/2015
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
BBC One has ordered a contemporary musical series titled "Stop! In the Name of Love," that will tell the interwoven stories of "six smart, thirty-something women" and will incorporate the iconic sounds of Motown. Specifically, songs from the record label will be woven into the plot, with characters singing at key moments within the spoken narrative. Executive producer Duncan Kenworthy said: “I’m hugely excited about this opportunity to integrate some of the coolest songs ever written into a big, bold, diverse drama about contemporary love lives, and delighted that the BBC has commissioned it. Some music is so famous that it’s already woven into our lives. 'Stop! In...
- 8/28/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Ok, so we all know that movie logic increases the median attractiveness of everybody on screen by at least 50%, and we accept it. But what happens when an actor is just too attractive for suspension of disbelief to work in a particular role?
Mae Whitman being cast as the eponymous "designated ugly fat friend" in this weekend's The Duff is a fine example. Thankfully the film (which is kind of great, by the way) does take pains to emphasise that even perfectly attractive people can be the Duff in their friendship group, because Duff is a state of mind. Or something.
Digital Spy takes a look back at seven more actors who were too attractive for the part, most of whom still got cast anyway.
Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral)
Last year, mere months after Four Weddings celebrated its 20th birthday, Hugh Grant dropped the bombshell that nobody...
Mae Whitman being cast as the eponymous "designated ugly fat friend" in this weekend's The Duff is a fine example. Thankfully the film (which is kind of great, by the way) does take pains to emphasise that even perfectly attractive people can be the Duff in their friendship group, because Duff is a state of mind. Or something.
Digital Spy takes a look back at seven more actors who were too attractive for the part, most of whom still got cast anyway.
Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral)
Last year, mere months after Four Weddings celebrated its 20th birthday, Hugh Grant dropped the bombshell that nobody...
- 4/1/2015
- Digital Spy
Film and TV producer behind Four Weddings and Notting Hill awarded Honorary Fellowship.
Duncan Kenworthy, the UK producer behind Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the National Film and Television School (Nfts).
The film and television producer, whose other credits include Lawn Dogs (1997), Love Actually (2003), The Eagle (2011) and 80s series Fraggle Rock, was presented the Fellowship by Nfts director Nik Powell
The presentation took place at the School’s annual Graduation Ceremony held at the BFI Southbank in London.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kenworthy said: “In my many years of involvement with the Nfts, I’ve been constantly impressed by the passion and commitment of teachers and students alike.
“A school is a protected environment in which to take bold risks, and to fail sometimes in order to learn - yet the Nfts’s student productions have won countless awards, including both of the 2015 BAFTA Short Film Awards...
Duncan Kenworthy, the UK producer behind Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the National Film and Television School (Nfts).
The film and television producer, whose other credits include Lawn Dogs (1997), Love Actually (2003), The Eagle (2011) and 80s series Fraggle Rock, was presented the Fellowship by Nfts director Nik Powell
The presentation took place at the School’s annual Graduation Ceremony held at the BFI Southbank in London.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kenworthy said: “In my many years of involvement with the Nfts, I’ve been constantly impressed by the passion and commitment of teachers and students alike.
“A school is a protected environment in which to take bold risks, and to fail sometimes in order to learn - yet the Nfts’s student productions have won countless awards, including both of the 2015 BAFTA Short Film Awards...
- 3/9/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Annual event to be held on June 18 on the topic of Great British Film, Television and Games Event - Striving for Diversity Nirvana.
Lenny Henry is to introduce this year’s National Film and Television School’s (Nfts) Gala.
The Great British Film, Television and Games Event - Striving for Diversity Nirvana will take place on June 18 at Old Billingsgate.
Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, is chairing the Gala committee, which includes Paralympic medalist Ade Adepitan, director Alrick Riley, Fujitsu UK and Ireland chairman Simon Blagden, MBE, Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton, Wall to Wall TV founder Alex Graham, Coutts & Co’s media banking division director Judith Chan, Global Group executive president and founder Ashley Tabor and Nfts director Nik Powell.
Henry recently launched a nationwide campaign to increase diversity on our screens by calling for a change in the law to boost the number of Black and Minority Ethnic workers in British broadcast media.
The Gala aims...
Lenny Henry is to introduce this year’s National Film and Television School’s (Nfts) Gala.
The Great British Film, Television and Games Event - Striving for Diversity Nirvana will take place on June 18 at Old Billingsgate.
Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, is chairing the Gala committee, which includes Paralympic medalist Ade Adepitan, director Alrick Riley, Fujitsu UK and Ireland chairman Simon Blagden, MBE, Ingenious Investments CEO James Clayton, Wall to Wall TV founder Alex Graham, Coutts & Co’s media banking division director Judith Chan, Global Group executive president and founder Ashley Tabor and Nfts director Nik Powell.
Henry recently launched a nationwide campaign to increase diversity on our screens by calling for a change in the law to boost the number of Black and Minority Ethnic workers in British broadcast media.
The Gala aims...
- 6/11/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Writer Richard Curtis and producer Duncan Kenworthy look back on the making of Britain's most successful romantic comedy ever – and the heady days of its astonishing reception
Gallery: Richard Curtis and Duncan Kenworthy reminisce about Four Weddings… memorabilia
In the early 1990s, when screenwriter Richard Curtis and producer Duncan Kenworthy were brought together by Working Title to make a film – a mid-budget comedy to be directed by Mike Newell, something about weddings, strong on morning suits, one-liners, obscenity – Curtis made a suggestion. He told Kenworthy: keep bits. Put aside what mementos you can, in case our film should be worth looking back on.
Four Weddings and a Funeral, now 20 years old, was a hit in America, where it was released in March 1994, and a hit in the UK two months (and $35m in Us takings) later. Cast as the lead, Charles, a lovelorn wag who roves his way through the...
Gallery: Richard Curtis and Duncan Kenworthy reminisce about Four Weddings… memorabilia
In the early 1990s, when screenwriter Richard Curtis and producer Duncan Kenworthy were brought together by Working Title to make a film – a mid-budget comedy to be directed by Mike Newell, something about weddings, strong on morning suits, one-liners, obscenity – Curtis made a suggestion. He told Kenworthy: keep bits. Put aside what mementos you can, in case our film should be worth looking back on.
Four Weddings and a Funeral, now 20 years old, was a hit in America, where it was released in March 1994, and a hit in the UK two months (and $35m in Us takings) later. Cast as the lead, Charles, a lovelorn wag who roves his way through the...
- 4/26/2014
- by Tom Lamont
- The Guardian - Film News
Plans include growing its networking and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong .
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) plans to expand its networking and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong as part of its outreach programme into the region, according to BAFTA vice president and producer Duncan Kenworthy.
“We’re here because we recognise the industry is global,” said Kenworthy. “This is an extension of the idea that cross-cultural collaboration is an integral part of a healthy [film] industry.”
BAFTA held the first of its Afternoon Tea networking events in Hong Kong on Monday, bringing together new talent including actress Celina Jade, director Anthony Chen and Jamie Campbell Bower. The Academy may also expand its BAFTA Crew online networking programme in Asia.
“We hope to build our network and feed that back into our industry,” Kenworthy said. “It will help our members and filmmakers in the UK if networks can be created jointly here.”
BAFTA...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) plans to expand its networking and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong as part of its outreach programme into the region, according to BAFTA vice president and producer Duncan Kenworthy.
“We’re here because we recognise the industry is global,” said Kenworthy. “This is an extension of the idea that cross-cultural collaboration is an integral part of a healthy [film] industry.”
BAFTA held the first of its Afternoon Tea networking events in Hong Kong on Monday, bringing together new talent including actress Celina Jade, director Anthony Chen and Jamie Campbell Bower. The Academy may also expand its BAFTA Crew online networking programme in Asia.
“We hope to build our network and feed that back into our industry,” Kenworthy said. “It will help our members and filmmakers in the UK if networks can be created jointly here.”
BAFTA...
- 3/26/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) plans to expand its networking and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong as part of its outreach programme into the region, according to BAFTA vice president and producer Duncan Kenworthy.
“We’re here because we recognise the industry is global,” said Kenworthy. “This is an extension of the idea that cross-cultural collaboration is an integral part of a healthy [film] industry.”
BAFTA held the first of its Afternoon Tea networking events in Hong Kong on Monday, bringing together new talent including actress Celina Jade, director Anthony Chen and Jamie Campbell Bower. The Academy may also expand its BAFTA Crew online networking programme in Asia.
“We hope to build our network and feed that back into our industry,” Kenworthy said. “It will help our members and filmmakers in the UK if networks can be created jointly here.”
BAFTA also plans to hold regular master classes in Hong Kong – actor [link=nm...
“We’re here because we recognise the industry is global,” said Kenworthy. “This is an extension of the idea that cross-cultural collaboration is an integral part of a healthy [film] industry.”
BAFTA held the first of its Afternoon Tea networking events in Hong Kong on Monday, bringing together new talent including actress Celina Jade, director Anthony Chen and Jamie Campbell Bower. The Academy may also expand its BAFTA Crew online networking programme in Asia.
“We hope to build our network and feed that back into our industry,” Kenworthy said. “It will help our members and filmmakers in the UK if networks can be created jointly here.”
BAFTA also plans to hold regular master classes in Hong Kong – actor [link=nm...
- 3/26/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is launching the BAFTA Yip Foundation Scholarships through which it is accepting applications from Hong Kong residents in need of financial assistance to study a postgraduate course in the UK in film, television or games.
The scholarships are part of the wider BAFTA Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong, supported by the Yip Foundation, which will also enable up to two UK nationals to study a postgraduate course in Hong Kong.
The BAFTA Yip Foundation Scholarships will provide two permanent residents of Hong Kong with up to £20,000 towards one year’s course fees at a UK institution, a £10,000 bursary for living expenses, the support of an industry mentor and free access to BAFTA events.
BAFTA is organising several events during Filmart including a talk with BAFTA-winning producer Duncan Kenworthy and afternoon tea with new talent.
The scholarships are part of the wider BAFTA Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong, supported by the Yip Foundation, which will also enable up to two UK nationals to study a postgraduate course in Hong Kong.
The BAFTA Yip Foundation Scholarships will provide two permanent residents of Hong Kong with up to £20,000 towards one year’s course fees at a UK institution, a £10,000 bursary for living expenses, the support of an industry mentor and free access to BAFTA events.
BAFTA is organising several events during Filmart including a talk with BAFTA-winning producer Duncan Kenworthy and afternoon tea with new talent.
- 3/24/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
BAFTA to deliver its second series of events next week when it will make an announcement about its scholarship programme.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is returning to Hong Kong next week, following its first series of events there in December, when it established a BAFTA Hong Kong Advisory Board comprising industry figures from Asia and the UK.
The ongoing events programme aims to encourage creative collaboration between the UK and Asia by bringing together individuals from the film, television and games industries to share their skills and expertise.
During their visit next week, BAFTA will be making an announcement about their Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong.
The events will kick off on March 24 (Mon) with a networking event at The Peninsula for Asian filmmaking talent and BAFTA supporters, with Amanda Berry, CEO of BAFTA, and special guests. The day will also include the second meeting of the BAFTA Hong Kong Advisory Board.
The...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is returning to Hong Kong next week, following its first series of events there in December, when it established a BAFTA Hong Kong Advisory Board comprising industry figures from Asia and the UK.
The ongoing events programme aims to encourage creative collaboration between the UK and Asia by bringing together individuals from the film, television and games industries to share their skills and expertise.
During their visit next week, BAFTA will be making an announcement about their Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong.
The events will kick off on March 24 (Mon) with a networking event at The Peninsula for Asian filmmaking talent and BAFTA supporters, with Amanda Berry, CEO of BAFTA, and special guests. The day will also include the second meeting of the BAFTA Hong Kong Advisory Board.
The...
- 3/18/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Chinese director helps launch a year of business, creative and cultural collaborations between the UK and China.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has hosted one of China’s biggest directors, Feng Xiaogang, for a season of his films - part of a cultural and industry collaboration between the BFI and China that will take UK filmmakers to Beijing and Shanghai in a bid to forge alliances.
The BFI-China initiative is titled Electric Shadows, comprising a year-long programme of business, trade, creative and cultural collaborations between the UK and China.
Helping to launch the programme, Feng took part in a Q&A at the BFI Southbank, followed by a gala screening of his epic Back To 1942 - China’s entry for this year’s Oscars.
This is just one of a flurry of UK-Chinese film initiatives. A co-production treaty between the two countries has been agreed and is expected to be signed later this year.
Feng is helping...
The British Film Institute (BFI) has hosted one of China’s biggest directors, Feng Xiaogang, for a season of his films - part of a cultural and industry collaboration between the BFI and China that will take UK filmmakers to Beijing and Shanghai in a bid to forge alliances.
The BFI-China initiative is titled Electric Shadows, comprising a year-long programme of business, trade, creative and cultural collaborations between the UK and China.
Helping to launch the programme, Feng took part in a Q&A at the BFI Southbank, followed by a gala screening of his epic Back To 1942 - China’s entry for this year’s Oscars.
This is just one of a flurry of UK-Chinese film initiatives. A co-production treaty between the two countries has been agreed and is expected to be signed later this year.
Feng is helping...
- 2/25/2014
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Tony Jordan, the creator of hit BBC1 show Hustle, is to produce a new TV musical drama centred around Motown anthems.
The ten-part series, titled Stop! In the Name of Love, will follow a group of thirty-somethings searching for love and friendship, with musical numbers performed within the narrative.
Jordan explained that Stop! offers "something very different from any other show on television", and that the series "truly reflects the multi-cultural world we've become, showing that human emotions and experiences are universal".
"The music of Motown is iconic," the former EastEnders writer continued. "The musical arrangements and cutting-edge choreography will give us a uniquely modern take on a genre of music that is truly timeless."
The series will be produced by Jordan's production company Red Planet Pictures, with Duncan Kenworthy as co-executive producer.
Red Planet have made a deal with Emi Music Publishing, who own the rights to the Motown back catalogue,...
The ten-part series, titled Stop! In the Name of Love, will follow a group of thirty-somethings searching for love and friendship, with musical numbers performed within the narrative.
Jordan explained that Stop! offers "something very different from any other show on television", and that the series "truly reflects the multi-cultural world we've become, showing that human emotions and experiences are universal".
"The music of Motown is iconic," the former EastEnders writer continued. "The musical arrangements and cutting-edge choreography will give us a uniquely modern take on a genre of music that is truly timeless."
The series will be produced by Jordan's production company Red Planet Pictures, with Duncan Kenworthy as co-executive producer.
Red Planet have made a deal with Emi Music Publishing, who own the rights to the Motown back catalogue,...
- 1/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Baroness Floella Benjamin [pictured] will chair the event, which is about improving diversity.
Screen International and its sister publication Broadcast have been confirmed as media partners for the National Film and Television School’s 2014 Gala.
Baroness Floella Benjamin is to chair Gala, which aims to improve diversity in the film, television and games industries.
The Nfts 2014 Gala will be held at Old Billingsgate on June 18, 2014 and includes live entertainment, a quiz and live and silent auctions.
Joining Benjamin on the Gala Committee are Simon Blagden (Chairman, Fujitsu, UK and Ireland); James Clayton (CEO, Ingenious Investments); Alex Graham (founder of Wall to Wall TV); Judith Chan (Director, Media Banking Division, Coutts & Co); Ashley Tabor (Executive President and Founder, Global Group); Alrick Riley (Nfts graduate, BAFTA-winning director of Hustle, Hotel Babylon and Spooks), Ade Adepitan, (Paralympic gold medalist and television broadcaster) and Nik Powell (Director Nfts).
Benjamin, who is also on the school’s Board of Governors, encouraged the industry...
Screen International and its sister publication Broadcast have been confirmed as media partners for the National Film and Television School’s 2014 Gala.
Baroness Floella Benjamin is to chair Gala, which aims to improve diversity in the film, television and games industries.
The Nfts 2014 Gala will be held at Old Billingsgate on June 18, 2014 and includes live entertainment, a quiz and live and silent auctions.
Joining Benjamin on the Gala Committee are Simon Blagden (Chairman, Fujitsu, UK and Ireland); James Clayton (CEO, Ingenious Investments); Alex Graham (founder of Wall to Wall TV); Judith Chan (Director, Media Banking Division, Coutts & Co); Ashley Tabor (Executive President and Founder, Global Group); Alrick Riley (Nfts graduate, BAFTA-winning director of Hustle, Hotel Babylon and Spooks), Ade Adepitan, (Paralympic gold medalist and television broadcaster) and Nik Powell (Director Nfts).
Benjamin, who is also on the school’s Board of Governors, encouraged the industry...
- 12/18/2013
- ScreenDaily
Chicago – It’s a weird week at the video store (do they still have those?) or in the New Releases section of your favorite Video On Demand service. There’s some real junk that we’ll get to (“The Internship”) along with some flicks that are just too good not to break out into their own special Blu-ray reviews (“Before Midnight,” “The Conjuring” — both must-sees). And then there’s a unique array of catalog releases and TV seasons. Those could easily fall through the cracks if not for the informative What to Watch. All of these are new to Blu-ray, some for the first time and some in anniversary/special editions. At least one will grab your attention.
High Plains Drifter
Photo credit: Universal
“High Plains Drifter”
One of Clint Eastwood’s best directorial efforts launches a new line of Blu-rays from Universal under the banner of “1970s Best of the Decade.
High Plains Drifter
Photo credit: Universal
“High Plains Drifter”
One of Clint Eastwood’s best directorial efforts launches a new line of Blu-rays from Universal under the banner of “1970s Best of the Decade.
- 10/23/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Relive the love this holiday season and take part in the decade-long phenomenon with Love Actually 10th Anniversary Edition.
Hugh Grant (Bridget Jones’s films), Liam Neeson (Taken 2), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), Laura Linney (Hyde Park on Hudson), Keira Knightley (Anna Karenina), Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee) and Bill Nighy (About Time) are part of an illustrious all-star cast that charm and delight in this heartwarming romantic comedy about eight couples whose lives intersect shortly before the holidays. Brimming with early career appearances by Martin Freeman (The Hobbit), Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), January Jones (Mad Men) and Thomas Sangster (“Game of Thrones”) Love Actually 10th Anniversary Edition has been newly restored to provide longtime fans and first-time viewers alike with a heartwarming holiday treat.
Love Actually 10th Anniversary Edition will be available on October 15, 2013 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack including Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment...
Hugh Grant (Bridget Jones’s films), Liam Neeson (Taken 2), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), Laura Linney (Hyde Park on Hudson), Keira Knightley (Anna Karenina), Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee) and Bill Nighy (About Time) are part of an illustrious all-star cast that charm and delight in this heartwarming romantic comedy about eight couples whose lives intersect shortly before the holidays. Brimming with early career appearances by Martin Freeman (The Hobbit), Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), January Jones (Mad Men) and Thomas Sangster (“Game of Thrones”) Love Actually 10th Anniversary Edition has been newly restored to provide longtime fans and first-time viewers alike with a heartwarming holiday treat.
Love Actually 10th Anniversary Edition will be available on October 15, 2013 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack including Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment...
- 9/23/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The studio system is long gone and as the Hollywood powerhouses reign supreme over the box office, smaller production companies fall by the way side. Yet innovative filmmakers are currently redefining the industry and creating powerful companies of their own, ones which could change cinema for the better as well as possibly competing with these Hollywood heavyweights in the future.
Due to Pixar’s success as a family orientated studio from the mid 90’s onwards, others are catching on to this ultra collaborative notion. Pixar has a large but focused family of filmmakers which work together to produce perfect movies. We’ve all seen glimpses inside the studio with its fuss ball tables and arcade games; they promote creativity and work together for the greater good. There are no egos at Pixar just a unit pushing forward as a team.
Here’s a look at some promising and quite successful...
Due to Pixar’s success as a family orientated studio from the mid 90’s onwards, others are catching on to this ultra collaborative notion. Pixar has a large but focused family of filmmakers which work together to produce perfect movies. We’ve all seen glimpses inside the studio with its fuss ball tables and arcade games; they promote creativity and work together for the greater good. There are no egos at Pixar just a unit pushing forward as a team.
Here’s a look at some promising and quite successful...
- 11/14/2011
- by Adam Lock
- Obsessed with Film
We’ve just been sent the winners list for The BFI London Film Festival 2011 and massive congrats to We Need to Talk About Kevin director Lynne Ramsay and all her cast and crew for winning the award. I’ll just make this post about the winners but I’m sure we’ll do a reaction post imminently. So watch this space. See see our review of We Need to Talk About Kevin, click here or here for all our Lff 2011 coverage.
Winners in a nutshell
Best Film: We Need to Talk ABout Kevin, directed by Lynne Ramsay Best British Newcomer: Candese Reid, actress, Junkhearts Sutherland Award Winner: Pablo Giorgelli, director of Las Acacias Grierson Award for Best Documentary: In the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life directed by Werner Herzog BFI Fellowship: Ralph Fiennes and David Cronenberg (as previously announced)
BFI London Film Festival Announces 2011 Award Winners
London – 10.30pm,...
Winners in a nutshell
Best Film: We Need to Talk ABout Kevin, directed by Lynne Ramsay Best British Newcomer: Candese Reid, actress, Junkhearts Sutherland Award Winner: Pablo Giorgelli, director of Las Acacias Grierson Award for Best Documentary: In the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life directed by Werner Herzog BFI Fellowship: Ralph Fiennes and David Cronenberg (as previously announced)
BFI London Film Festival Announces 2011 Award Winners
London – 10.30pm,...
- 10/26/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
London, Aug 22: Colin Firth has told the producers of the remake of 'My Fair Lady' that he wants to play Professor Henry Higgins in the movie.
The 'Bridget Jones's Diary' star has told Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Duncan Kenworthy that he will play Professor Henry Higgins to Carey Mulligan's Eliza Doolittle.
The 50-year-old English actor, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of George VI's attempts to overcome speech impediment in 'The King's Speech', will teach a Cockney flower seller to "talk proper" in the remake.
An associate has revealed that Firth "is keen" on playing.
The 'Bridget Jones's Diary' star has told Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Duncan Kenworthy that he will play Professor Henry Higgins to Carey Mulligan's Eliza Doolittle.
The 50-year-old English actor, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of George VI's attempts to overcome speech impediment in 'The King's Speech', will teach a Cockney flower seller to "talk proper" in the remake.
An associate has revealed that Firth "is keen" on playing.
- 8/22/2011
- by Diksha Singh
- RealBollywood.com
The Movie Pool RSVPs for Four Weddings and a Funeral, on Blu-ray for the first time!
Blu-ray Specs
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 enhanced for widescreen televisions
Running Time: 118 minutes
Rating: R
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-hd Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Surround, French 5.1 DTS
Subtitles: English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, French, Spanish
Special Features: The Wedding Planners Documentary, Making Of Featurette, Two Actors and a Director Featurette, Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary: Participants include director Mike Newell, producer Duncan Kenworthy, and writer Richard Curtis.
The Set-up
A group of British friends find love while attending a number of weddings, but one (Hugh Grant) finds the love of his life to be out of reach, especially when he is invited to her wedding to someone else.
Director: Mike Newell
Screenplay: Richard Curtis
The Delivery
At the time of its release in 1994, Four Weddings and a Funeral seemed fresh and original. The Richard Curtis...
Blu-ray Specs
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 enhanced for widescreen televisions
Running Time: 118 minutes
Rating: R
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-hd Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Surround, French 5.1 DTS
Subtitles: English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, French, Spanish
Special Features: The Wedding Planners Documentary, Making Of Featurette, Two Actors and a Director Featurette, Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary: Participants include director Mike Newell, producer Duncan Kenworthy, and writer Richard Curtis.
The Set-up
A group of British friends find love while attending a number of weddings, but one (Hugh Grant) finds the love of his life to be out of reach, especially when he is invited to her wedding to someone else.
Director: Mike Newell
Screenplay: Richard Curtis
The Delivery
At the time of its release in 1994, Four Weddings and a Funeral seemed fresh and original. The Richard Curtis...
- 8/3/2011
- Cinelinx
Kevin MacDonald’s The Eagle came out on Blu-ray and DVD this week and as part of the included special features there is a forty-five minute ‘Making of’ documentary covering the entire production process beginning with the novel, through to the challenges encountered whilst shooting, to the finished film.
The sense of passion on set is palpable, and in this short tease we hear from cast and crew about the production, notably from MacDonald and producer Duncan Kenworthy who spoke to us earlier this week about his own journey to bring Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel to the big screen.
Please note that this extended documentary is available on all Blu-rays of The Eagle but only on DVDs bought from Sainsburys stores so if you’re after this on DVD do check there. My DVD review copy didn’t have the full thing, but I hope to be able to bring...
The sense of passion on set is palpable, and in this short tease we hear from cast and crew about the production, notably from MacDonald and producer Duncan Kenworthy who spoke to us earlier this week about his own journey to bring Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel to the big screen.
Please note that this extended documentary is available on all Blu-rays of The Eagle but only on DVDs bought from Sainsburys stores so if you’re after this on DVD do check there. My DVD review copy didn’t have the full thing, but I hope to be able to bring...
- 7/28/2011
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Eagle, Kevin MacDonald’s adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliffe’s popular novel, is out on DVD this week and we had the good fortune to speak with the film’s producer, Duncan Kenworthy.
The man behind Four Weddings, Love Actually and, most importantly, a couple of series of Fraggle Rock back in the early 80s tells us about his relationship with the source material, the casting of the two leads, Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell, and the current state of the British Film Industry as he sees it.
HeyUGuys: What’s your history with the book? What struck about the story that made you want to adapt it for the cinema?
Duncan Kenworthy: I must have first read the novel as a teenager – I loved historical fiction and read all of Rosemary Sutcliff’s Roman and Dark Ages novels – though I definitely wouldn’t describe The Eagle Of The Ninth...
The man behind Four Weddings, Love Actually and, most importantly, a couple of series of Fraggle Rock back in the early 80s tells us about his relationship with the source material, the casting of the two leads, Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell, and the current state of the British Film Industry as he sees it.
HeyUGuys: What’s your history with the book? What struck about the story that made you want to adapt it for the cinema?
Duncan Kenworthy: I must have first read the novel as a teenager – I loved historical fiction and read all of Rosemary Sutcliff’s Roman and Dark Ages novels – though I definitely wouldn’t describe The Eagle Of The Ninth...
- 7/26/2011
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lopez – with mum in tow – among celebrities at Bafta dinner attended by royal couple
It was the night when Hollywood royalty came to meet British royalty – and there was no question who were the more starstruck.
On the last night of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of north America, the big question was who would bother to turn out – in evening dress on a hot night and at an ageing art nouveau theatre in a rundown part of central Los Angeles– for a dinner to promote British film talent, with the off-chance of meeting the royal couple. The answer, of course, was practically everyone in town.
Barbra Streisand was there, Tom Hanks was there, Nicole Kidman was there, Jennifer Lopez was there – and brought her mum along – Jack Black was there, James Gandolfini of Sopranos fame was there, Quentin Tarantino was said...
It was the night when Hollywood royalty came to meet British royalty – and there was no question who were the more starstruck.
On the last night of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of north America, the big question was who would bother to turn out – in evening dress on a hot night and at an ageing art nouveau theatre in a rundown part of central Los Angeles– for a dinner to promote British film talent, with the off-chance of meeting the royal couple. The answer, of course, was practically everyone in town.
Barbra Streisand was there, Tom Hanks was there, Nicole Kidman was there, Jennifer Lopez was there – and brought her mum along – Jack Black was there, James Gandolfini of Sopranos fame was there, Quentin Tarantino was said...
- 7/11/2011
- by Stephen Bates
- The Guardian - Film News
Prince William and Kate Middleton were surrounded by stars during the BAFTA Brits to Watch event at the Belasco Theater in La last night. The Duchess of Cambridge arrived in a lilac Alexander McQueen gown with a tux-wearing William and the couple were escorted into the bash by BAFTA CEO Amanda Berry. Inside the reception, which was hosted by Cat Deely, Kate and Will made the rounds to chat with celebrities and other A-List guests including Barbra Streisand and her husband James Brolin, who were reportedly seated at a table with the Duke and Duchess. Nicole Kidman got up close and personal with the royals as did Jennifer Garner after the audience was instructed by vice chairman Duncan Kenworthy that "when you meet them, you don't have to bow and curtsy. You can call them whatever you feel." Kate and William shared a laugh with Jennifer Lopez and it looks...
- 7/10/2011
- by Lauren Turner
- Popsugar.com
Take note, Hollywood - this is how it's done. To the screams of hundreds of fans and an explosion of camera flashes, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought glamour, grace and star power to a Los Angeles gala Saturday night. After a day at the polo fields in Santa Barbara, the royal newlyweds donned formal wear - Kate in a lilac Alexander McQueen gown and earrings borrowed from the Queen, William in a classic black tux - and swept down the red carpet at the BAFTA Brits to Watch event. "In terms of pure star quality, William and Kate...
- 7/10/2011
- by Mike Fleeman
- PEOPLE.com
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