If the short film world needs all the backing it can get right now – in the face of a UK arts funding crisis and short film festivals going bust left, right and centre – then genre shorts are in arguably the most need of some love. Not only are they the most underrepresented on the circuit, they’re also a real who’s who of “next-big-thing”s. A goldmine of renegade storytellers, ballsy choreographers, and all-round future commercial artistes who are but one decent budget away from making something seriously explosive.
So Forbidden Worlds introducing their new ‘Genre Filmmakers of the Future’ showcases for 2024 – giving up and comers a chance to project their stuff on the biggest screen in the South West – is a very exciting prospect indeed. And the 12 selected films certainly don’t disappoint, covering a broad spectrum of genre treats from sumptuous animations to stupendously silly B-movie send-ups.
So Forbidden Worlds introducing their new ‘Genre Filmmakers of the Future’ showcases for 2024 – giving up and comers a chance to project their stuff on the biggest screen in the South West – is a very exciting prospect indeed. And the 12 selected films certainly don’t disappoint, covering a broad spectrum of genre treats from sumptuous animations to stupendously silly B-movie send-ups.
- 5/21/2024
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Practically alone among mainstream filmmakers of today, Baz Luhrmann is almost a mythic figure, an Aussie gentleman of elaborate tastes and legendary creative control of every aspect of his movies, from writing to direction, design to costuming, music to editing. He has directed just six feature films over 30 years, but each has achieved its own fabled history. That would include his 2022 film “Elvis,” not so much a biopic as a movie “inspired by real events” and starring Austin Butler.
But who is this man? A brief background bio: he has born Mark Anthony Luhrmann on September 17, 1962 in Sydney, Australia, the son of a mother who was a ballroom dance teacher and dress shop owner, and as father who ran a petrol station and movie theater. Legend has it that he earned the “Baz” handle because his hair style resembled that of puppet character named Basil Brush. At 20, he founded his own theatre company.
But who is this man? A brief background bio: he has born Mark Anthony Luhrmann on September 17, 1962 in Sydney, Australia, the son of a mother who was a ballroom dance teacher and dress shop owner, and as father who ran a petrol station and movie theater. Legend has it that he earned the “Baz” handle because his hair style resembled that of puppet character named Basil Brush. At 20, he founded his own theatre company.
- 9/8/2023
- by Ray Richmond, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Stewart Sparke is no newbie when it comes to giant rubber monsters and bucketfuls of goo. With two big silly indie creature features already under his belt in past FrightFest favourites The Creature Below and Book of Monsters, you’d think he’d be tiring of this sort of thing by now. Ready to shift gears into a much cleaner romantic comedy, or something that doesn’t involve having to scoop coagulated brain juice out of your work shoes every evening. But with this third effort, he confirms what we probably already knew; not only is Sparke the king of this very specific brand of lovingly batshit micro budget crowd-pleasers, neither he nor his team are going anywhere either. They’re simply having too much fun.
A sort of spiritual sequel to 2018’s Book of Monsters, How To Kill Monsters is another naturally funny, adoringly made stab at the old-school genre nuts-and-bolts.
A sort of spiritual sequel to 2018’s Book of Monsters, How To Kill Monsters is another naturally funny, adoringly made stab at the old-school genre nuts-and-bolts.
- 8/29/2023
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The fight for the 2022 Christmas No. 1 just got foxy! And… puppety. Children’s TV veteran Basil Brush (he of ‘boom boom’ fame) has thrown his cravat in the ring in the fight to top the festive charts by releasing Christmas single ‘Boom Boom! It’s Christmas Again’.
The full video recently premiered on Basil Brush’s YouTube channel:
The video for this nostalgia-heavy Christmas single sees Basil Brush go full Time Lord, riding a time-travelling sleigh through the years to reunite with a host of familiar faces from the world of childhood entertainers, from the 1960s to the current day.
That’s right: get ready to feel seriously old. As well as the nineties nightmare fuel otherwise known as Mr Blobby, there are appearances from Rainbow trio Bungle, George and Zippy, Treguard from Knightmare, Evil Edna from Willo the Wisp, and Muffin the Mule, who even predates Basil himself.
Cbbc...
The full video recently premiered on Basil Brush’s YouTube channel:
The video for this nostalgia-heavy Christmas single sees Basil Brush go full Time Lord, riding a time-travelling sleigh through the years to reunite with a host of familiar faces from the world of childhood entertainers, from the 1960s to the current day.
That’s right: get ready to feel seriously old. As well as the nineties nightmare fuel otherwise known as Mr Blobby, there are appearances from Rainbow trio Bungle, George and Zippy, Treguard from Knightmare, Evil Edna from Willo the Wisp, and Muffin the Mule, who even predates Basil himself.
Cbbc...
- 11/21/2022
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Practically alone among mainstream filmmakers of today, Baz Luhrmann is almost a mythic figure, an Aussie gentleman of elaborate tastes and legendary creative control of every aspect of his movies, from writing to direction, design to costuming, music to editing. He has directed just six feature films over 30 years, but each has achieved its own fabled history. That would include his latest, “Elvis,” not so much a biopic as a movie “inspired by real events” and starring Austin Butler. Where “Elvis” will land during awards season remains a significant question mark; it has, however, already proven to be a critical favorite that ranks with Luhrmann’s best.
SEEWhat does Oscar history tell us about Austin Butler’s chances of getting nominated for ‘Elvis’?
But who is this man? A brief background bio: he has born Mark Anthony Luhrmann on September 17, 1962 in Sydney, Australia, the son of a mother who was...
SEEWhat does Oscar history tell us about Austin Butler’s chances of getting nominated for ‘Elvis’?
But who is this man? A brief background bio: he has born Mark Anthony Luhrmann on September 17, 1962 in Sydney, Australia, the son of a mother who was...
- 11/15/2022
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Peter Firmin, the creator of classic kids characters including Clangers, Bagpuss and Basil Brush, has died aged 89.
Firmin died at his home in Kent, UK, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Joan and his six daughters as well as a raft of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Firmin, who was born in Essex in 1928, was one half of legendary British production company Smallfilms, along with Oliver Postgate. The pair were responsible for creating kids series including Bagpuss, which aired on the BBC, and The Clangers, which also aired on the British public broadcaster as well as Universal Kids in the U.S. He also created Basil Brush with Ivan Owen.
A spokesman said: “During a career spanning over six decades, Peter worked with great skill in a remarkably wide variety of creative disciplines as a fine artist, craftsman and author.
“Of all his work, he will probably...
Firmin died at his home in Kent, UK, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Joan and his six daughters as well as a raft of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Firmin, who was born in Essex in 1928, was one half of legendary British production company Smallfilms, along with Oliver Postgate. The pair were responsible for creating kids series including Bagpuss, which aired on the BBC, and The Clangers, which also aired on the British public broadcaster as well as Universal Kids in the U.S. He also created Basil Brush with Ivan Owen.
A spokesman said: “During a career spanning over six decades, Peter worked with great skill in a remarkably wide variety of creative disciplines as a fine artist, craftsman and author.
“Of all his work, he will probably...
- 7/1/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Kirsten Howard Feb 6, 2018
Mel and Sue and Basil Brush, too. The new Generation Game will feature the boom boom fox of yore, it's been revealed...
Basil Brush will be a rather surprising new addition to the revamped Generation Game, set to air on BBC One later this year.
Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are to host the new version of the classic game show, and The Sun had the scoop on Basil's re-emergence from the shadows, as puppeteer Michael Winsor broke down the skinny on the fox's decision to unretire for the new series:
"It’s top secret at the moment. We are doing pop-ups to surprise Mel and Sue," he confirmed, before adding "We did one episode and he was such a success we ended up doing four. They want us back on Saturday nights. We want to get the family together watching again. We’re fed up with Bgt and Pointless.
Mel and Sue and Basil Brush, too. The new Generation Game will feature the boom boom fox of yore, it's been revealed...
Basil Brush will be a rather surprising new addition to the revamped Generation Game, set to air on BBC One later this year.
Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are to host the new version of the classic game show, and The Sun had the scoop on Basil's re-emergence from the shadows, as puppeteer Michael Winsor broke down the skinny on the fox's decision to unretire for the new series:
"It’s top secret at the moment. We are doing pop-ups to surprise Mel and Sue," he confirmed, before adding "We did one episode and he was such a success we ended up doing four. They want us back on Saturday nights. We want to get the family together watching again. We’re fed up with Bgt and Pointless.
- 2/6/2018
- Den of Geek
"Was Basil Brush busy?" Developer Rockstar offers its response to the BBC's Grand Theft Auto film, The Gamechangers...
Nb: The following contains a bit of saucy language.
It's fair to say that Rockstar was never particularly thrilled at the BBC's decision to make The Gamechangers, a feature-length drama about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and its surrounding controversy. The game giant sued the BBC earlier this year for "trademark infringement", adding that it had an "obligation to protect our intellectual property."
Well, the drama finally appeared on British television last night, and it's fair to say that the resulting response has been far more interesting than the show itself - even if it does count Daniel Radcliffe and Bill Paxton among its stars. Marred by stiff dialogue and some truly bizarre scenes - Paxton chatting to God on a golf course, a bearded Radcliffe staring affectionately at a poster of...
Nb: The following contains a bit of saucy language.
It's fair to say that Rockstar was never particularly thrilled at the BBC's decision to make The Gamechangers, a feature-length drama about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and its surrounding controversy. The game giant sued the BBC earlier this year for "trademark infringement", adding that it had an "obligation to protect our intellectual property."
Well, the drama finally appeared on British television last night, and it's fair to say that the resulting response has been far more interesting than the show itself - even if it does count Daniel Radcliffe and Bill Paxton among its stars. Marred by stiff dialogue and some truly bizarre scenes - Paxton chatting to God on a golf course, a bearded Radcliffe staring affectionately at a poster of...
- 9/16/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
It's fair to say that Rockstar Games - the developer behind Grand Theft Auto - isn't happy with the BBC for making The Gamechangers.
The one-off drama film, which aired on Tuesday night (September 15), stars Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar producer Sam Houser. It follows the company's tricky period while making San Andreas back in 2002.
Daniel Radcliffe's The Gamechangers review: Tense, nostalgic drama is Grand Theft Auto meets The Social Network
As the movie went to broadcast, Rockstar Games sent the BBC the following tweet: "Was Basil Brush busy? What exactly is this random, made up bollocks?"
@BBC Was Basil Brush busy? What exactly is this random, made up bollocks?
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) September 15, 2015
Rockstar also filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the BBC, as reported in May, after saying that no-one at the gaming firm was consulted about The Gamechangers.
The film, from director Owen Harris and writer James Wood,...
The one-off drama film, which aired on Tuesday night (September 15), stars Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar producer Sam Houser. It follows the company's tricky period while making San Andreas back in 2002.
Daniel Radcliffe's The Gamechangers review: Tense, nostalgic drama is Grand Theft Auto meets The Social Network
As the movie went to broadcast, Rockstar Games sent the BBC the following tweet: "Was Basil Brush busy? What exactly is this random, made up bollocks?"
@BBC Was Basil Brush busy? What exactly is this random, made up bollocks?
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) September 15, 2015
Rockstar also filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the BBC, as reported in May, after saying that no-one at the gaming firm was consulted about The Gamechangers.
The film, from director Owen Harris and writer James Wood,...
- 9/16/2015
- Digital Spy
Like Harry Potter firing spells at an army of Dementors, Jk Rowling has gone to war on behalf of the BBC on Twitter.
As the battle between the government and the BBC rages on, Rowling and her legions of fans are using the hashtags #BackTheBBC and #BBCMemories to have their say.
We've rounded up some of the best tweets below:
From Red Dwarf to Panorama, The Good Life to Fry and Laurie, Rowling and her fans started sharing their favourite memories:
That's an excellent idea. Let's see: Basil Brush, the Clangers, Monty Python, Blackadder... #BBCmemories https://t.co/7zjdYuXmHu
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 17, 2015
... the best Pride and Prejudice adaptation ever (Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle), The Royle Family, Rab C Nesbitt... #BBCmemories
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 17, 2015
Saw the Good Life for the first time in ages the other day. Always reminds me of my mum. #BBCmemories https://t.
As the battle between the government and the BBC rages on, Rowling and her legions of fans are using the hashtags #BackTheBBC and #BBCMemories to have their say.
We've rounded up some of the best tweets below:
From Red Dwarf to Panorama, The Good Life to Fry and Laurie, Rowling and her fans started sharing their favourite memories:
That's an excellent idea. Let's see: Basil Brush, the Clangers, Monty Python, Blackadder... #BBCmemories https://t.co/7zjdYuXmHu
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 17, 2015
... the best Pride and Prejudice adaptation ever (Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle), The Royle Family, Rab C Nesbitt... #BBCmemories
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 17, 2015
Saw the Good Life for the first time in ages the other day. Always reminds me of my mum. #BBCmemories https://t.
- 7/18/2015
- Digital Spy
Basil Brush is moving into the digital age with his first online show.
The long-running character will appear in 32 episodes of The Basil Brush Show on Videojug Network's new comedy channel Quipstar.
The new series begins today (February 16) with episodes airing daily this week to celebrate its launch.
Each instalment of the series will see Basil and his sidekick Mr Stephen go on fun-filled adventures. The pair will be seen jet skiing and will also head out on a safari adventure.
Basil Brush said: "I'm thrilled to have my own online show that viewers can watch all over the world, whenever they want. As a TV veteran it pays to move with the times, and it feels that the time is right for me to conquer the online world. Boom Boom!"
Videojug Networks Executive Producer, Paul Jackson, added: "Basil was the first furry animal to command his own Saturday night...
The long-running character will appear in 32 episodes of The Basil Brush Show on Videojug Network's new comedy channel Quipstar.
The new series begins today (February 16) with episodes airing daily this week to celebrate its launch.
Each instalment of the series will see Basil and his sidekick Mr Stephen go on fun-filled adventures. The pair will be seen jet skiing and will also head out on a safari adventure.
Basil Brush said: "I'm thrilled to have my own online show that viewers can watch all over the world, whenever they want. As a TV veteran it pays to move with the times, and it feels that the time is right for me to conquer the online world. Boom Boom!"
Videojug Networks Executive Producer, Paul Jackson, added: "Basil was the first furry animal to command his own Saturday night...
- 2/16/2015
- Digital Spy
Awards also included the youngest-ever winner of a Bafta.
The Lego Movie won Best Feature Film at the Bafta Children’s Awards in London last night (Nov 23).
The Warner Bros. film, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, beat competition from Disney’s Frozen and Maleficent as well as Dreamworks’ How To Train Your Dragon 2.
However, Frozen took the top film prize in the Bafta Kids’ vote, based on more than 200,000 votes from children aged 7-14.
The ceremony, held at London’s Roundhouse, also saw nine-year-old Cherry Campbell become the youngest Bafta winner ever, winning Best Performer for her title role in kids drama series Katie Morag.
The show, about a feisty young girl who lives on a Scottish island with her family, also won the award for Best Drama.
Campbell was seven when she started making Katie Morag, based on the books of Mairi Hedderwick.
For the first time, Cartoon Network...
The Lego Movie won Best Feature Film at the Bafta Children’s Awards in London last night (Nov 23).
The Warner Bros. film, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, beat competition from Disney’s Frozen and Maleficent as well as Dreamworks’ How To Train Your Dragon 2.
However, Frozen took the top film prize in the Bafta Kids’ vote, based on more than 200,000 votes from children aged 7-14.
The ceremony, held at London’s Roundhouse, also saw nine-year-old Cherry Campbell become the youngest Bafta winner ever, winning Best Performer for her title role in kids drama series Katie Morag.
The show, about a feisty young girl who lives on a Scottish island with her family, also won the award for Best Drama.
Campbell was seven when she started making Katie Morag, based on the books of Mairi Hedderwick.
For the first time, Cartoon Network...
- 11/24/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Tom Baker has described his time in Doctor Who as the "happiest time of [his] whole life", following his cameo role in tonight's (November 23) 50th anniversary episode.
The Fourth Doctor popped up at the end of 'The Day of the Doctor', playing the enigmatic role of The Curator, directing Matt Smith's Doctor towards his next adventure.
> Doctor Who 50th: Digital Spy's 'The Day of the Doctor' review
Baker, who played the iconic character between 1974 and 1981, was interviewed for BBC Three's After Party show following the transmission of the 50th anniversary, and spoke about the significance of the sci-fi series in his life.
"It's been my entire existence. I'm delighted to be celebrating it," Baker said.
"It was the happiest time of my whole life."
Commenting on the show's fans, he added: "They give me the credit for making Saturday more fun than it really was, in between the football, Basil Brush and Bruce Forsyth.
The Fourth Doctor popped up at the end of 'The Day of the Doctor', playing the enigmatic role of The Curator, directing Matt Smith's Doctor towards his next adventure.
> Doctor Who 50th: Digital Spy's 'The Day of the Doctor' review
Baker, who played the iconic character between 1974 and 1981, was interviewed for BBC Three's After Party show following the transmission of the 50th anniversary, and spoke about the significance of the sci-fi series in his life.
"It's been my entire existence. I'm delighted to be celebrating it," Baker said.
"It was the happiest time of my whole life."
Commenting on the show's fans, he added: "They give me the credit for making Saturday more fun than it really was, in between the football, Basil Brush and Bruce Forsyth.
- 11/23/2013
- Digital Spy
This weekend sees the debut of a brand new Saturday night entertainment show with a twist - it has puppets!
To mark the launch of BBC One's That Puppet Game Show on Saturday night (August 10), Digital Spy compiles a list of just some of TV's greatest ever puppets.
Andy Pandy
One of the leading children's characters of the early 1950s, Andy Pandy's 26 episodes were shown continuously until 1970, when a new series was made. The sweet marionette and his friends Teddy and Looby Loo lived in a picnic basket, and chilled out to the dulcet tones of Maria Bird. A new stop-motion series returned in 2002.
Animal
One of the best-loved Muppets, Animal is a drummer for the band Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. He's surely up there with Dave Grohl, John Bonham and Ringo Starr as also one of the best-loved drummers of all time. Despite having a limited vocabulary,...
To mark the launch of BBC One's That Puppet Game Show on Saturday night (August 10), Digital Spy compiles a list of just some of TV's greatest ever puppets.
Andy Pandy
One of the leading children's characters of the early 1950s, Andy Pandy's 26 episodes were shown continuously until 1970, when a new series was made. The sweet marionette and his friends Teddy and Looby Loo lived in a picnic basket, and chilled out to the dulcet tones of Maria Bird. A new stop-motion series returned in 2002.
Animal
One of the best-loved Muppets, Animal is a drummer for the band Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. He's surely up there with Dave Grohl, John Bonham and Ringo Starr as also one of the best-loved drummers of all time. Despite having a limited vocabulary,...
- 8/9/2013
- Digital Spy
Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch was a series that can claim to have totally gripped the nation. “Who Murdered Danny Latimer?” was the question on everyone’s lips. To call Broadchurch a phenomenon seems entirely appropriate- it was a ratings behemoth and garnered heaps of critical praise. A second series has already been commissioned and the first thrilling series is about to land on DVD here, as well as taking over America very soon.
One of the Prime Suspects was firm audience favourite Nige Carter, the well-meaning Plumber and best mate of the victim’s father. At times over-emotional and hiding a dark past even he was unaware of, Nige was portrayed by the charismatic and established performer Joe Sims.
In an exclusive interview, Sims was kind enough to discuss his approaches to acting, his varied career and his charity work with young people as well as the memorable time he...
One of the Prime Suspects was firm audience favourite Nige Carter, the well-meaning Plumber and best mate of the victim’s father. At times over-emotional and hiding a dark past even he was unaware of, Nige was portrayed by the charismatic and established performer Joe Sims.
In an exclusive interview, Sims was kind enough to discuss his approaches to acting, his varied career and his charity work with young people as well as the memorable time he...
- 5/17/2013
- by Oscar Harding
- Obsessed with Film
The director of the new film of The Great Gatsby is under no illusions that his style is everyone's cup of tea – and that, he says, is why he has such a kinship with the novel's author
It takes a lot of heavy lifting to make a lavish party swing. On the day before The Great Gatsby opens this year's Cannes film festival, the nearby Carlton Hotel has been recast as a chaotic factory of harried PRs and industry factotums. An immaculate woman, all but blinded by the potted plant she is carrying, blunders haplessly through a platter of macaroons that has been left on the floor. The cakes go everywhere; the carpet is carnage. "Merde," exclaims the woman, but she barely breaks her stride.
If high-rolling Jay Gatsby had ever come to Cannes, he would surely have boarded at a joint like this, with its grand beehive domes and tranquil private beach.
It takes a lot of heavy lifting to make a lavish party swing. On the day before The Great Gatsby opens this year's Cannes film festival, the nearby Carlton Hotel has been recast as a chaotic factory of harried PRs and industry factotums. An immaculate woman, all but blinded by the potted plant she is carrying, blunders haplessly through a platter of macaroons that has been left on the floor. The cakes go everywhere; the carpet is carnage. "Merde," exclaims the woman, but she barely breaks her stride.
If high-rolling Jay Gatsby had ever come to Cannes, he would surely have boarded at a joint like this, with its grand beehive domes and tranquil private beach.
- 5/17/2013
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
Baz Luhrmann knows a thing or two about provocation, reinvention and throwing a good party.
The silver-haired Australian director of such bombastic cinematic rides as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet was actually born Mark Anthony Luhrmann and changed his name to Baz after moving to Sydney from a small rural town, taking on the nickname he'd earned for his resemblance to TV character Basil Brush, and has been doing things his own oway ever since.
With the upcoming release of his supremely extravagant adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, we got the chance to speak with the fashionable Luhrmann who shared his thoughts on the joys of letting party scenes get out of control, watching Leonardo DiCaprio grow up and working with passionate artists to make his vision come true.
Watch our 1-on-1 interview now and catch The Great Gatsby in theatres May 10.
The silver-haired Australian director of such bombastic cinematic rides as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet was actually born Mark Anthony Luhrmann and changed his name to Baz after moving to Sydney from a small rural town, taking on the nickname he'd earned for his resemblance to TV character Basil Brush, and has been doing things his own oway ever since.
With the upcoming release of his supremely extravagant adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, we got the chance to speak with the fashionable Luhrmann who shared his thoughts on the joys of letting party scenes get out of control, watching Leonardo DiCaprio grow up and working with passionate artists to make his vision come true.
Watch our 1-on-1 interview now and catch The Great Gatsby in theatres May 10.
- 5/7/2013
- by Andrea Miller
- Cineplex
Children’s TV is dire now. Just awful. Have you seen it? God, it’s terrible. And this isn’t an older person looking down on what kids enjoy watching these days. It’s nasty, tacky, and mostly imported (pretty much like most of our consumer goods these days…). It was amazing but naff all at the same time back when my parents were young- Basil Brush, Tiswas, all those bloody scary dramas they used to put on. It used to be pretty good when I was a child as well- Bodger and Badger, Mr. Blobby (well I liked him anyway!), Otis The Aardvark and the last days of Blue Peter being quality children’s television. Nowadays it’s preachy, politically correct and lame. Horrible Histories is not good, read the book instead! The hosts were always a bit cheesy, but they’ve plucked them from nursey now, and range...
- 10/11/2012
- by Oscar Harding
- Obsessed with Film
If you've ever seen the classic 1973 Christmas Special of The Goodies (called The Goodies And The Beanstalk), then you'll probably remember that bit at the end when the down and out trio come across an abandoned lamp in the street. As soon as they rub the lamp – bingo! A puff of smoke and then John Cleese in a turban. Cleese then bellows “Kids' Show!” after the Goodies tell him to clear off.
I suppose that some people regarded The Goodies as the crazy younger brother of the more adult Monty Python's Flying Circus – on the surface, with its speeded-up action sequences, giant kittens, Dougals and Zebedees, I suppose you could say it's a show that's targeted towards younger ones. But then how do you explain the satirical swipes at the Royals, advertising commercialism, talent shows or apartheid?
Which neatly brings me on to Doctor Who. I was wondering this the...
I suppose that some people regarded The Goodies as the crazy younger brother of the more adult Monty Python's Flying Circus – on the surface, with its speeded-up action sequences, giant kittens, Dougals and Zebedees, I suppose you could say it's a show that's targeted towards younger ones. But then how do you explain the satirical swipes at the Royals, advertising commercialism, talent shows or apartheid?
Which neatly brings me on to Doctor Who. I was wondering this the...
- 8/14/2012
- Shadowlocked
Hold on. There's something missing. Normally, at this time of year there's some TV programme that's supposed to be heading back to the small screen. Oh, that's right – Doctor Who.
Alas, for Who fans, the wait's a bit longer, with rumours of six episodes surfacing in Autumn or Winter. But hey, never mind, you can console yourself with the much-touted weapon in the BBC's ratings armoury called The Voice. In which Lord Thomas of Jones and co attempt to find the country's best singing voice, a quest that hasn't been heard of since last December when Little Mix squealed and sobbed the water out of their bodies in The X Factor. But hold on, apparently there's a twist – in The Voice, the judges sit in these great big Star Trek swivel chairs so that they can't see the singer, and only whizz round if they like what they hear. Clever,...
Alas, for Who fans, the wait's a bit longer, with rumours of six episodes surfacing in Autumn or Winter. But hey, never mind, you can console yourself with the much-touted weapon in the BBC's ratings armoury called The Voice. In which Lord Thomas of Jones and co attempt to find the country's best singing voice, a quest that hasn't been heard of since last December when Little Mix squealed and sobbed the water out of their bodies in The X Factor. But hold on, apparently there's a twist – in The Voice, the judges sit in these great big Star Trek swivel chairs so that they can't see the singer, and only whizz round if they like what they hear. Clever,...
- 4/4/2012
- Shadowlocked
A French porter is to receive a five-figure payout after his former colleagues kept calling him names including 'Basil Fawlty' and 'Inspector Clouseau'. Appadoure Basile successfully sued his ex-employer, the Royal College of General Practitioners, for sexual harassment and sex discrimination. Other names he was called include 'Basil Brush', 'French w***er' and 'French t***er'. Furthermore, his ex-manager Nicholas Rogers - who was also found guilty - would apparently make "sexual hand gestures" at him or start the day by asking: "How's it hanging?" The court came to the conclusion that 'Inspector Clouseau' was a (more)...
- 3/16/2012
- by By Harry Kind
- Digital Spy
The 1990s were Doctor Who's very own Decadus Horriblus (thanks to the Basil Brush Book of Latin for this). Up until 1990, Doctor Who had carved itself a niche in the BBC schedules, usually to worldwide applause, high ratings and positive critical feedback.
And then it all went horribly wrong.
By the mid-1980s, Doctor Who was starting to get out of its depth as a result of a misunderstood Doctor, over-complicated plots and a dash of violence. Cue an extended holiday; but on its return, its reputation was still in tatters. Despite a bold attempt to re-invent itself as a confident, clever show of mystery, the BBC bosses weren't impressed. And so the axe fell, leaving the faithful mob of Doctor Who fans to wait and wonder.
But don't forget – TV programming had radically changed in the 1990s in a number of ways. For one thing, there was an...
And then it all went horribly wrong.
By the mid-1980s, Doctor Who was starting to get out of its depth as a result of a misunderstood Doctor, over-complicated plots and a dash of violence. Cue an extended holiday; but on its return, its reputation was still in tatters. Despite a bold attempt to re-invent itself as a confident, clever show of mystery, the BBC bosses weren't impressed. And so the axe fell, leaving the faithful mob of Doctor Who fans to wait and wonder.
But don't forget – TV programming had radically changed in the 1990s in a number of ways. For one thing, there was an...
- 4/18/2011
- Shadowlocked
The comedians play companions in their new TV series, The Trip. But their real-life relationship runs far from smoothly
It is somewhere in the region of lunchtime at the Inn at Whitewell, and from the dining room carries the gentle roar of the feast: spoons brush soup plates, wine glasses kiss, and conversation gathers and swells. Outside, it is a sharp, bright day and here in the Trough of Bowland, the light skims across the bare branches and seems to settle among the hills of the Hodder Valley.
Back indoors, sitting beside the log fire, is the comedian Rob Brydon. He is sipping a glass of red wine and surveying the local newspaper, pausing, occasionally, to bask in the warmth.
Into his post-prandial idyll stalks Steve Coogan; taller, sharper, slightly harried, he sits down heavily and scowls. Brydon, impervious, lowers his newspaper. "I have ordered you a sticky toffee pudding,...
It is somewhere in the region of lunchtime at the Inn at Whitewell, and from the dining room carries the gentle roar of the feast: spoons brush soup plates, wine glasses kiss, and conversation gathers and swells. Outside, it is a sharp, bright day and here in the Trough of Bowland, the light skims across the bare branches and seems to settle among the hills of the Hodder Valley.
Back indoors, sitting beside the log fire, is the comedian Rob Brydon. He is sipping a glass of red wine and surveying the local newspaper, pausing, occasionally, to bask in the warmth.
Into his post-prandial idyll stalks Steve Coogan; taller, sharper, slightly harried, he sits down heavily and scowls. Brydon, impervious, lowers his newspaper. "I have ordered you a sticky toffee pudding,...
- 10/26/2010
- by Laura Barton
- The Guardian - Film News
Top Gun, the Smiths, The A-Team … popular culture reached its height in the 1980s – didn't it? Toby Litt on a decade he hated at the time, but is reluctantly starting to admire
There's a fantastically annoying ad on Spotify at the moment for yet another Hits of the 80s compilation CD. Voiceover man hails "the decade that just won't die" – which is true, even though, along with a large number of like-minded people, I spent most of the 80s doing my best to kill them. But with shoulder pads and bad prints being the order of the day summer-fashion-wise, with Wire magazine championing a genre of music they call "hypnagogic pop" ("it refashions 80s chart pop-rock into a hazy, psychedelic drone") and with the release of two blockbusting remakes on the same day – The Karate Kid and The A-Team – it seems that the 80s zombie everpresence is being reaffirmed, in pop culture and,...
There's a fantastically annoying ad on Spotify at the moment for yet another Hits of the 80s compilation CD. Voiceover man hails "the decade that just won't die" – which is true, even though, along with a large number of like-minded people, I spent most of the 80s doing my best to kill them. But with shoulder pads and bad prints being the order of the day summer-fashion-wise, with Wire magazine championing a genre of music they call "hypnagogic pop" ("it refashions 80s chart pop-rock into a hazy, psychedelic drone") and with the release of two blockbusting remakes on the same day – The Karate Kid and The A-Team – it seems that the 80s zombie everpresence is being reaffirmed, in pop culture and,...
- 7/30/2010
- by Toby Litt
- The Guardian - Film News
A BBC presenter is being scrutinised for allegedly using the 'F' word on a live children's show, says The Sun. Parents claim Barney Harwood used the expletive on Basil's Swap Shop as he helped one of the children complete a challenge. The show, starring puppet fox Basil Brush, featured a contest which saw children smash open balls. As Harwood, 29, tried to help a girl open one (more)...
- 3/3/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
LONDON -- U.K. children's rights specialist Entertainment Rights Plc. said Tuesday it has appointed BMG Music Publishing to handle its global music rights publishing. BMG already represents the music catalogs of such companies as the BBC, Fremantle, Talkback Thames, Famous Music (the Paramount Pictures catalog), Tiger Aspect and Wall to Wall. The first fruits of the new deal will see Sony BMG release a children's CD and DVD compilation Aug. 22 called "Playtime!" that includes ER characters Postman Pat, Basil Brush and Little Red Tractor. "Today's agreement with BMG opens up significant opportunities in the music publishing arena for ER and its brands," ER group commercial director Jane Smith said. "We are only just beginning to unlock the potential of our brands in this area and this deal highlights the appeal of our extensive catalog."...
- 8/16/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- In an office adorned with soccer memorabilia, Manchester United fan, musician and inveterate salesman Mike Heap, CEO of Entertainment Rights, expands on why his company is the one to watch in the kids' rights arena. Heap's contention is that Entertainment Rights' recent $20 million purchase of Filmation from U.S. producer Hallmark is "a transforming acquisition" that marks a major step toward his ambition to create a genuinely international player in the family-entertainment business. The deal certainly brings significant volume -- another 500 hours -- to Entertainment Rights in terms of programming. Such U.S. icons from the 1970s and 80s as He-Man, She Ra and Fat Albert now join a stable that includes a host of British characters, including Basil Brush, Hamilton Mattress and Postman Pat. "We've been looking for an entree into the American marketplace," Heap explains.
LONDON -- Noddy and Agatha Christie rights holder Chorion announced Monday to the London Stock Exchange that it has rejected a takeover bid from U.K. rival Entertainment Rights, which owns kids properties including Basil Brush and Postman Pat. Entertainment Rights has tried to buy Chorion before, making an offer last year, but each time the company has rebutted the bid, saying it undervalues its assets.
- 12/9/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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