A massive thank you to everyone who joined us last night at the inaugural WeAreDN Awards. It was such a treat to meet everyone in person and celebrate the filmmakers behind the incredible work we have the honour of curating here at Directors Notes each and every day.
Congratulations To Our Winners Drama: Outdoors by John Mark Fitzpatrick Buckle Up: Baby Boy by Greg Hall Comedy: Norma by Emily Munster Animation: Other Half by Lina Kalcheva Documentary: Look for the Diamonds by James Slater Music Video: Doolally by Hugh Mulhern Student: Silvering by Eilidh Nicoll British: Outdoors by John Mark Fitzpatrick
Keep an eye on Directors Notes as there will be much more of this to come in the future…...
Congratulations To Our Winners Drama: Outdoors by John Mark Fitzpatrick Buckle Up: Baby Boy by Greg Hall Comedy: Norma by Emily Munster Animation: Other Half by Lina Kalcheva Documentary: Look for the Diamonds by James Slater Music Video: Doolally by Hugh Mulhern Student: Silvering by Eilidh Nicoll British: Outdoors by John Mark Fitzpatrick
Keep an eye on Directors Notes as there will be much more of this to come in the future…...
- 4/26/2024
- by MarBelle
- Directors Notes
Directors Notes is delighted to present the inaugural edition of the WeAreDn Awards, a celebration of the best films from Dn’s 2023 official submissions. Taking place from 6:30pm on the 25th of April at Whirled Cinema London, the Dn team have selected 22 films over 8 categories – Drama, Comedy, Music, Documentary, Animation, Buckle Up, British & Student – for our industry jury members to vote on. We welcome all nominees, cast, crew, friends and film lovers to join us as we screen the winning films and present the WeAreDn Awards followed by celebratory networking drinks.
Our Jury
Ella Glendining is a BAFTA-nominated writer and director. Is There Anybody Out There? premiered at Sundance 2023, and has won the Silver Horn for the director of a film on social issues at Krakow Film Festival 2023, the prestigious Fipresci International Film Critics Prize, and the Bring the Change award at Biografilm Festival 2023. In 2024 Ella was nominated for...
Our Jury
Ella Glendining is a BAFTA-nominated writer and director. Is There Anybody Out There? premiered at Sundance 2023, and has won the Silver Horn for the director of a film on social issues at Krakow Film Festival 2023, the prestigious Fipresci International Film Critics Prize, and the Bring the Change award at Biografilm Festival 2023. In 2024 Ella was nominated for...
- 3/14/2024
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
Baby Boy has plenty of sex and drugs, but no rock and roll. An abrasive, gripping and dark descent into the heart of London’s underbelly, this tale of a typical suburban man succumbing to his worst impulses suggests Taxi Driver meeting Uncut Gems. Yet the locale and the feel are undeniably British, with experienced low-budget Director Greg Hall (whose Dn association predates this website) turning in a particularly harrowing look at how easy it is to fall back on one’s inner weaknesses. Told with a great sense of empathy from a screenplay by George Russo who also puts in a terrifying central performance, Baby Boy makes great use of a dual-lighting scheme, carefully co-ordinated camerawork and fantastic acting to flip the script on traditional masculinity in favour of something far more nuanced and interesting. Ahead of today’s online premiere, we had the chance to talk to Hall about making violence believable,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Redmond Bacon
- Directors Notes
A solid Brit gangster film more in the old-school vein of “Get Carter” and “Mona Lisa” than the dog-on-hind-legs Guy Ritchie idiom, Title notwithstanding, our protagonist is an upstanding kind of tough guy — but the criminal world isn’t about to let him go straight. Actor Philip Barantini’s first directorial feature is nothing wildly original in content or style. Still, it punches both elements across with a satisfying low-key confidence, and does not shrink from occasionally letting things get pretty rough. Saban is releasing to U.S. on demand and via digital platforms on May 22.
We meet fiftysomething Eddie Franks (Fairbrass) the day he’s getting out of the joint after a stint of unknown, presumably lengthy duration. It’s clear from the way he’s treated by both the staff and his fellow inmates that he’s respected, whether due to his intimidating qualities or finer ones — he’s wished well,...
We meet fiftysomething Eddie Franks (Fairbrass) the day he’s getting out of the joint after a stint of unknown, presumably lengthy duration. It’s clear from the way he’s treated by both the staff and his fellow inmates that he’s respected, whether due to his intimidating qualities or finer ones — he’s wished well,...
- 5/21/2020
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films will release the crime thriller Villain On Demand and Digital on May 22, 2020. Check out this exciting trailer:
Villain stars Craig Fairbrass (Avengement, Cliffhanger), George Russo (My Name is Lenny, Turnout), Izuka Hoyle (Mary Queen of Scots), Mark Monero (Sid and Nancy), and Robert Glenister (“Doctor Who”). The film is directed by Philip Barantini (“Boiling Point”) from a script by George Russo and Greg Hall.
Now you can win the Win the Redbox Downloadable Code of Villain. We Are Movie Geeks has two codes to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie is that starts with the letter ‘V’. (mine’s Vampire Circus). It’s so easy! Winner Will Be Chosen From All Qualifying Entries.
After being released from prison, ex-con Eddie Franks (Craig Fairbrass) wants nothing more than to start a new life. However, his dreams of normalcy are tested when he...
Villain stars Craig Fairbrass (Avengement, Cliffhanger), George Russo (My Name is Lenny, Turnout), Izuka Hoyle (Mary Queen of Scots), Mark Monero (Sid and Nancy), and Robert Glenister (“Doctor Who”). The film is directed by Philip Barantini (“Boiling Point”) from a script by George Russo and Greg Hall.
Now you can win the Win the Redbox Downloadable Code of Villain. We Are Movie Geeks has two codes to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie is that starts with the letter ‘V’. (mine’s Vampire Circus). It’s so easy! Winner Will Be Chosen From All Qualifying Entries.
After being released from prison, ex-con Eddie Franks (Craig Fairbrass) wants nothing more than to start a new life. However, his dreams of normalcy are tested when he...
- 5/12/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
With its brooding atmosphere and a charismatic Craig Fairbrass, this hard-edged drama is a cut above the genre’s usual suspects
If you were just judging this film by its cast, its cheesy marketing materials, and the barebones pitch (ex-con tries to go straight but is dragged down by his shiftless brother), hopes would not be high for this British crime thriller. Indeed, with its downbeat narrative trajectory, substantial helpings of violence, and high frequency use of the naughtiest of swearwords, this certainly feels like another outer-borough-set wodge of slicey-dicey post-pub entertainment.
But sometimes a seemingly unprepossessing genre film comes along that has finer qualities than you would expect. Such is the case here. Directed by former actor Philip Barantini and written by Greg Hall and George Russo (who also co-stars as the seedy brother), this has refined touches throughout, starting with the slightly distorted sound design and brooding, unsettling...
If you were just judging this film by its cast, its cheesy marketing materials, and the barebones pitch (ex-con tries to go straight but is dragged down by his shiftless brother), hopes would not be high for this British crime thriller. Indeed, with its downbeat narrative trajectory, substantial helpings of violence, and high frequency use of the naughtiest of swearwords, this certainly feels like another outer-borough-set wodge of slicey-dicey post-pub entertainment.
But sometimes a seemingly unprepossessing genre film comes along that has finer qualities than you would expect. Such is the case here. Directed by former actor Philip Barantini and written by Greg Hall and George Russo (who also co-stars as the seedy brother), this has refined touches throughout, starting with the slightly distorted sound design and brooding, unsettling...
- 2/26/2020
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Vertigo Releasing has picked up the Craig Fairbrass-starring thriller Villain for UK and Ireland release.
Pic is the directing debut of Philip Barantini, whose short Boiling Point starring Stephen Graham was recently nominated for a Bifa. Barantini also has acting credits including Chernobyl, Humans and Band Of Brothers.
Villain follows Eddie Franks, a man who is released from prison after serving a 10 year sentence and attempts to help his family by reconnecting with his daughter and clearing is brother’s debt. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself drawn back into a life of crime, with devastating consequences. Bart Ruspoli produced the feature.
Also starring are Robert Glenister (Live By Night), George Russo (I Am Soldier) and Izuka Hoyle (Mary Queen of Scots).
The deal was negotiated by Vertigo Releasing’s Ed Caffrey and Ddi’s Mark Padilla on behalf of the filmmakers.
The UK release is provisionally...
Pic is the directing debut of Philip Barantini, whose short Boiling Point starring Stephen Graham was recently nominated for a Bifa. Barantini also has acting credits including Chernobyl, Humans and Band Of Brothers.
Villain follows Eddie Franks, a man who is released from prison after serving a 10 year sentence and attempts to help his family by reconnecting with his daughter and clearing is brother’s debt. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself drawn back into a life of crime, with devastating consequences. Bart Ruspoli produced the feature.
Also starring are Robert Glenister (Live By Night), George Russo (I Am Soldier) and Izuka Hoyle (Mary Queen of Scots).
The deal was negotiated by Vertigo Releasing’s Ed Caffrey and Ddi’s Mark Padilla on behalf of the filmmakers.
The UK release is provisionally...
- 11/28/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Gary Kurtz, director Greg Hall and screenwriter Francis Hamit are teaming up for Christopher Marlowe, a film about the 16th-century British playwright, a friend and rival to William Shakespeare, who may also have been a spy.
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
- 5/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Producer Gary Kurtz, director Greg Hall and screenwriter Francis Hamit are teaming up for Christopher Marlowe, a film about the 16th-century British playwright, a friend and rival to William Shakespeare, who may also have been a spy.
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
The film plans to advance the idea that Marlowe, who died 425 years ago on May 30 at age 29, may have been assassinated by the order of Queen Elizabeth.
“Marlowe is a tragic figure, undone by his own fatal flaws,” Hamit said.
Hall, whose directorial credits include the indie feature The Plague, commented, “The storyline is quite dynamic. It’s more ...
- 5/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz and British crime film director Greg Hall are teaming on an untitled feature film about iconic British poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe.
Kurtz and Hall announced the project on Wednesday, the 425th anniversary of the death of Marlowe at the age of 29. Marlowe is best remembered as William Shakespeare’s friend and rival, but the film will explore the aftermath of his role as a spy for the British crown while a student at Cambridge University.
Marlowe wrote “The Jew of Malta,” “Edward the Second” and “Doctor Faustus.” His death has long been assumed to have been as a result of a fight between friends over a bar bill. But, according to the filmmakers, he was assassinated as a matter of state policy because of his involvement in secret affairs.
The script, by Francis Hamit, details Marlowe’s career as a spy as part of the early English Secret Service,...
Kurtz and Hall announced the project on Wednesday, the 425th anniversary of the death of Marlowe at the age of 29. Marlowe is best remembered as William Shakespeare’s friend and rival, but the film will explore the aftermath of his role as a spy for the British crown while a student at Cambridge University.
Marlowe wrote “The Jew of Malta,” “Edward the Second” and “Doctor Faustus.” His death has long been assumed to have been as a result of a fight between friends over a bar bill. But, according to the filmmakers, he was assassinated as a matter of state policy because of his involvement in secret affairs.
The script, by Francis Hamit, details Marlowe’s career as a spy as part of the early English Secret Service,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Story about life of Elizabethan playwright and spy out to casting.
Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back producer Gary Kurtz is lining up a drama based on the life of the Elizabethan playwright and spy Christopher Marlowe.
Los Angeles-based Wolfmill Entertainment and The Kit Marlowe Film Co, registered in England and Wales, plan an autumn shoot, mostly in Wales. Lightyear Entertainment of Los Angeles will distribute in North America and released foreign language Oscar nominee Tanna in 2016.
Greg Hall will direct the project from a screenplay by Francis Hamit that chronicles Marlowe’s life, from his time as a...
Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back producer Gary Kurtz is lining up a drama based on the life of the Elizabethan playwright and spy Christopher Marlowe.
Los Angeles-based Wolfmill Entertainment and The Kit Marlowe Film Co, registered in England and Wales, plan an autumn shoot, mostly in Wales. Lightyear Entertainment of Los Angeles will distribute in North America and released foreign language Oscar nominee Tanna in 2016.
Greg Hall will direct the project from a screenplay by Francis Hamit that chronicles Marlowe’s life, from his time as a...
- 5/30/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Gfm Evolution will launch its initial slate in Berlin with Eat Local, starring Daredevil’s Charlie Cox.
UK production outfit Gfm Films is launching a new sales division, Gfm Evolution, which will focus on selling low-budget commercial genre films.
The company is launching with a three-strong Efm slate that includes Eat Local, a vampire thriller starring Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Mackenzie Crook (Pirates Of The Caribbean) and Dexter Fletcher (Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels).
The film, which is in production, see a young man caught between a coven of hungry vampires and a heavily armed band of vampire hunters.
Gfm Evolution is also launching with two completed films: Gangland, a sequel to 2010’s Bonded By Blood, and We Still Steal The Old Way, a sequel to 2014’s We Still Kill The Old Way.
Both of the original titles were directed by Sacha Bennett, who will return for the latter, while [link=tt...
UK production outfit Gfm Films is launching a new sales division, Gfm Evolution, which will focus on selling low-budget commercial genre films.
The company is launching with a three-strong Efm slate that includes Eat Local, a vampire thriller starring Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Mackenzie Crook (Pirates Of The Caribbean) and Dexter Fletcher (Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels).
The film, which is in production, see a young man caught between a coven of hungry vampires and a heavily armed band of vampire hunters.
Gfm Evolution is also launching with two completed films: Gangland, a sequel to 2010’s Bonded By Blood, and We Still Steal The Old Way, a sequel to 2014’s We Still Kill The Old Way.
Both of the original titles were directed by Sacha Bennett, who will return for the latter, while [link=tt...
- 2/11/2016
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Crime drama from Richwater Films to shoot this month.
Filming commences this month on the sequel to 2010 UK home entertainment success Bonded By Blood.
Based on the crime book Essex Boys: The New Generation by Bernard O’Mahoney, the film focuses on the Essex crime scene after the gangland murders of Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe in 1995.
The screenplay is written by Simon Cluett (Age of Kill). Greg Hall (Dangerous Mind of a Hooligan) is directing.
Cast includes George Russo (Turnout), Josh Myers (Green Street 3), Sam Strike (who plays Johnny Carter in TV soap Eastenders), Martin Delaney, Mark Harris (Anuvahood), Dani Dyer (Vendetta) and newcomers Ross Harland and Naomi Willow.
Chris Ellison (We Still Kill The Old Way), Johnny Palmiero (Age of Kill), Rebecca Ferdinando (White Collar Hooligan) and Terry Stone (Doghouse) reprise their roles from the original film. More cast is due to sign up soon.
Neil Jones and [link...
Filming commences this month on the sequel to 2010 UK home entertainment success Bonded By Blood.
Based on the crime book Essex Boys: The New Generation by Bernard O’Mahoney, the film focuses on the Essex crime scene after the gangland murders of Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe in 1995.
The screenplay is written by Simon Cluett (Age of Kill). Greg Hall (Dangerous Mind of a Hooligan) is directing.
Cast includes George Russo (Turnout), Josh Myers (Green Street 3), Sam Strike (who plays Johnny Carter in TV soap Eastenders), Martin Delaney, Mark Harris (Anuvahood), Dani Dyer (Vendetta) and newcomers Ross Harland and Naomi Willow.
Chris Ellison (We Still Kill The Old Way), Johnny Palmiero (Age of Kill), Rebecca Ferdinando (White Collar Hooligan) and Terry Stone (Doghouse) reprise their roles from the original film. More cast is due to sign up soon.
Neil Jones and [link...
- 1/2/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
As the Bootleg Film Festival opens in Edinburgh, we talk to director and producer Greg Hall about the workshop he's presenting there, his new film, and his production company Broke But Making Films.
Greg Hall on set.
Greg is passionate about making films; his enthusiasm infuses everything he has to say. Communion is his fourth feature, the story of “a priest burnt by his faith who turns into a vigilante and takes to the road” before meeting Maria, a Mexican punk. He describes it as an odd couple tale, written by himself and lead actor Paul Marlon, who also collaborated on his award-winning short film Bruised. Like that film, it was put together with impressive speed – developed as an idea in May last year, crowd funded in July, shot in September – and it's due to be released in August.
“We're self-releasing,” Greg says, explaining that this makes it possible to bring out.
Greg Hall on set.
Greg is passionate about making films; his enthusiasm infuses everything he has to say. Communion is his fourth feature, the story of “a priest burnt by his faith who turns into a vigilante and takes to the road” before meeting Maria, a Mexican punk. He describes it as an odd couple tale, written by himself and lead actor Paul Marlon, who also collaborated on his award-winning short film Bruised. Like that film, it was put together with impressive speed – developed as an idea in May last year, crowd funded in July, shot in September – and it's due to be released in August.
“We're self-releasing,” Greg says, explaining that this makes it possible to bring out.
- 3/22/2013
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
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