The co-directors of the British Independent Film Awards (Bifas) have revealed the funding challenges the organisation is facing as it launches the second Springboard programme to support producers.
“We’re facing a very challenging funding environment,” said Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace, co-directors of the organisation, in a joint interview with Screen.
“We have no core funding and the income from the awards doesn’t cover the year-round costs of the organisation. Programmes like Springboard, our Ed&i training, or the post-Covid audience development work that was supported by the BFI Audience Fund were project-based and time-limited.”
Bifa runs year-round...
“We’re facing a very challenging funding environment,” said Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace, co-directors of the organisation, in a joint interview with Screen.
“We have no core funding and the income from the awards doesn’t cover the year-round costs of the organisation. Programmes like Springboard, our Ed&i training, or the post-Covid audience development work that was supported by the BFI Audience Fund were project-based and time-limited.”
Bifa runs year-round...
- 3/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Argentina, 1985 Leads 2023 Platino Awards Nominations
Santiago Miter’s political thriller Argentina, 1985 leads this year’s Platino awards nominations with 14 nods, including Best Director, Screenplay, and Best Ibero-American Fiction Film. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s latest pic Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths trails with six nominations alongside Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s The Beasts and Lullaby by Alauda Ruiz De Azúa. On the TV side, the Colombian series Noticia de un kidnapping also notched six noms. This year’s Platino awards take place on April 22 at the Ifema Municipal Palace in Madrid. Check out the full list of nominations here.
Aniventure Taps CAA animation specialist Joe Della Rosa
Aniventure, the London-based family-focused animation company behind productions such as Riverdance: The Animated Adventure and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, has appointed CAA veteran Joe Della Rosa as its chief commercial officer. Della Rosa will oversee sales and the...
Santiago Miter’s political thriller Argentina, 1985 leads this year’s Platino awards nominations with 14 nods, including Best Director, Screenplay, and Best Ibero-American Fiction Film. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s latest pic Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths trails with six nominations alongside Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s The Beasts and Lullaby by Alauda Ruiz De Azúa. On the TV side, the Colombian series Noticia de un kidnapping also notched six noms. This year’s Platino awards take place on April 22 at the Ifema Municipal Palace in Madrid. Check out the full list of nominations here.
Aniventure Taps CAA animation specialist Joe Della Rosa
Aniventure, the London-based family-focused animation company behind productions such as Riverdance: The Animated Adventure and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, has appointed CAA veteran Joe Della Rosa as its chief commercial officer. Della Rosa will oversee sales and the...
- 3/10/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
“It’s a massive kick in the willy.” That’s how Nick Frost has described Amazon Prime Video’s decision to cancel his ghost-hunting comedy Truth Seekers after just a single season.
Frost, who co-wrote the series with Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead collaborator Simon Pegg, announced the cancelation on Instagram. “Sadly, Truth Seekers will not be returning for a second season. Truth Seekers has not been renewed, which is a massive kick in the willy for me,” he said in a video message to his 447,000 followers.
“We really put our all into this – our heart and soul, and blood in some cases, so to not come back is really sad for us. It’s a shame. I think we had lots of lovely ghost stories to tell – stories that will remain now untold. If you liked the show, thank you. And if you didn’t, are you happy now?...
Frost, who co-wrote the series with Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead collaborator Simon Pegg, announced the cancelation on Instagram. “Sadly, Truth Seekers will not be returning for a second season. Truth Seekers has not been renewed, which is a massive kick in the willy for me,” he said in a video message to his 447,000 followers.
“We really put our all into this – our heart and soul, and blood in some cases, so to not come back is really sad for us. It’s a shame. I think we had lots of lovely ghost stories to tell – stories that will remain now untold. If you liked the show, thank you. And if you didn’t, are you happy now?...
- 2/15/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran British media executive Miles Ketley, who was more recently the CEO of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s production company Stolen Picture, has died unexpectedly. He was 52.
Ketley — whose death was announced Monday, but who died on Oct. 12 — had a wide-ranging career in film and television that spanned 25 years. It’s believed his death was sudden, and a cause is still unknown.
He joined Sony Pictures Television-backed Stolen Picture in 2017, and was recently promoting the company’s paranormal comedy “Truth Seekers” for Amazon Prime Video, which is set to debut on Oct. 30. Prior to that, he served as COO of Wales-based production outfit Bad Wolf.
A joint statement from Pegg and Frost on Twitter reads: “We are beyond heartbroken at the sudden and unexpected passing of our friend and colleague, Miles Ketley. He was the captain of our ship and the head of our family at Stolen Picture.
Ketley — whose death was announced Monday, but who died on Oct. 12 — had a wide-ranging career in film and television that spanned 25 years. It’s believed his death was sudden, and a cause is still unknown.
He joined Sony Pictures Television-backed Stolen Picture in 2017, and was recently promoting the company’s paranormal comedy “Truth Seekers” for Amazon Prime Video, which is set to debut on Oct. 30. Prior to that, he served as COO of Wales-based production outfit Bad Wolf.
A joint statement from Pegg and Frost on Twitter reads: “We are beyond heartbroken at the sudden and unexpected passing of our friend and colleague, Miles Ketley. He was the captain of our ship and the head of our family at Stolen Picture.
- 10/19/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Miles Ketley, the CEO of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s production company Stolen Picture, has died unexpectedly.
Pegg announced the news on Twitter today. He wrote: “We are beyond heartbroken at the sudden and unexpected passing of our friend and colleague, Miles Ketley.
“He was the captain of our ship and the head of our family at Stolen Picture. We will miss him with all our hearts. We send boundless love and sympathy to his family and friends and ask that everyone’s privacy be respected at this time.”
pic.twitter.com/AtmQXjmUfS
— Pegg News (@simonpegg) October 19, 2020
Ketley joined Sony Pictures Television-backed Stolen Picture in 2017 after a spell as the COO of His Dark Materials producer Bad Wolf. Previous roles took him to media law firm Wiggin and Fox Searchlight Pictures.
According to his Stolen Picture bio, Ketley is also a trustee of the Independent Cinema Office and...
Pegg announced the news on Twitter today. He wrote: “We are beyond heartbroken at the sudden and unexpected passing of our friend and colleague, Miles Ketley.
“He was the captain of our ship and the head of our family at Stolen Picture. We will miss him with all our hearts. We send boundless love and sympathy to his family and friends and ask that everyone’s privacy be respected at this time.”
pic.twitter.com/AtmQXjmUfS
— Pegg News (@simonpegg) October 19, 2020
Ketley joined Sony Pictures Television-backed Stolen Picture in 2017 after a spell as the COO of His Dark Materials producer Bad Wolf. Previous roles took him to media law firm Wiggin and Fox Searchlight Pictures.
According to his Stolen Picture bio, Ketley is also a trustee of the Independent Cinema Office and...
- 10/19/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has released a full trailer for the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost horror-comedy series ‘Truth Seekers’.
The eight-part series focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
The show is co-written by Pegg, Frost, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz who Executive Produces alongside Miles Ketley and Jim Field Smith who also serves as Director.
Also in trailers – Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant star in tense new trailer for ‘The Undoing’
The show hits Amazon Prime Video on...
The eight-part series focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
The show is co-written by Pegg, Frost, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz who Executive Produces alongside Miles Ketley and Jim Field Smith who also serves as Director.
Also in trailers – Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant star in tense new trailer for ‘The Undoing’
The show hits Amazon Prime Video on...
- 9/24/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix unveiled the trailer for “Deaf U,” and Amazon Prime Video set a premiere date for “Truth Seekers.”
Dates
Netflix announced that “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet,” a documentary on broadcaster David Attenborough and his past experiences visiting the wild places on Earth, will come to the platform on Oct. 4. Attenborough, who lent his voice to the likes of “Planet Earth” and “The Blue Planet,” has traveled the globe over his decades documenting nature. The documentary aims to address challenges life on our planet faces while also offering a message of hope. It is directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonnie Hughes and Keith Scholey. Watch a trailer below.
Netflix also shared the upcoming dates for new seasons of “Carmen Sandiego” and “The Last Kids on Earth,” as well as premiere dates for “The Cabin with Bert Kreischer” and “Dream Home Makeover.” Season 3 of animated series “Carmen Sandiego,...
Dates
Netflix announced that “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet,” a documentary on broadcaster David Attenborough and his past experiences visiting the wild places on Earth, will come to the platform on Oct. 4. Attenborough, who lent his voice to the likes of “Planet Earth” and “The Blue Planet,” has traveled the globe over his decades documenting nature. The documentary aims to address challenges life on our planet faces while also offering a message of hope. It is directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonnie Hughes and Keith Scholey. Watch a trailer below.
Netflix also shared the upcoming dates for new seasons of “Carmen Sandiego” and “The Last Kids on Earth,” as well as premiere dates for “The Cabin with Bert Kreischer” and “Dream Home Makeover.” Season 3 of animated series “Carmen Sandiego,...
- 9/23/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Let's be honest. There are not enough genre shows on television anymore.
A programming staple for many years, we're in a terrible rut when it comes to sci-fi and especially horror programming.
So when you tell me that comedic duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are behind an upcoming genre Amazon series called Truth Seekers, well, it's an easy sell.
Pegg and Frost are behind some of my favorite movies including the classic, Shaun of the Dead.
It's unfortunate that the pair isn't acting as such in Truth Seekers, but I have faith that with their touch on-screen and off, we'll be in for a good time.
And with Halloween called off in most areas because it's supposedly not safe to wear a mask to get candy when that's all we do anymore anyway, we are in desperate need of entertainment to celebrate the holiday.
Truth Seekers is an eight-episode...
A programming staple for many years, we're in a terrible rut when it comes to sci-fi and especially horror programming.
So when you tell me that comedic duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are behind an upcoming genre Amazon series called Truth Seekers, well, it's an easy sell.
Pegg and Frost are behind some of my favorite movies including the classic, Shaun of the Dead.
It's unfortunate that the pair isn't acting as such in Truth Seekers, but I have faith that with their touch on-screen and off, we'll be in for a good time.
And with Halloween called off in most areas because it's supposedly not safe to wear a mask to get candy when that's all we do anymore anyway, we are in desperate need of entertainment to celebrate the holiday.
Truth Seekers is an eight-episode...
- 9/23/2020
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Amazon Prime Video has released a teaser trailer at ComicCon@Home for the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost horror-comedy series ‘Truth Seekers’.
The eight-part series focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
The show is co-written by Pegg, Frost, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz who Executive Produce alongside Miles Ketley and Jim Field Smith who also serves as Director.
Also in trailers – No Way!!! New trailer drops for ‘Bill & Ted Face The Music’
The post Nick Frost goes...
The eight-part series focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
The show is co-written by Pegg, Frost, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz who Executive Produce alongside Miles Ketley and Jim Field Smith who also serves as Director.
Also in trailers – No Way!!! New trailer drops for ‘Bill & Ted Face The Music’
The post Nick Frost goes...
- 7/24/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In today’s TV news roundup, Amazon Prime Video has released a trailer for their new comedy, “Truth Seekers,” and Will Ferrell and iHeartMedia announced a joint podcast lineup.
Renewals
HGTV announced that “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa” has been renewed for a second season. The 2021 installment of the show will follow a one-hour format, as Tarek El Moussa teaches tips and tricks for profiting from home renovation to new and prospective house flippers. One special episode will also feature El Moussa’s girlfriend, Heather Rae Young. The season, which will feature 12 new episodes, is produced by Tom Brickner.
First Looks
Amazon Prime Video released a teaser for its comedy series “Truth Seekers,” which centers on a group of paranormal investigators in the United Kingdom who attempt to follow ghost trails but find themselves deep into a conspiracy that proves to be deadly. The show is executive produced by Jim Field Smith,...
Renewals
HGTV announced that “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa” has been renewed for a second season. The 2021 installment of the show will follow a one-hour format, as Tarek El Moussa teaches tips and tricks for profiting from home renovation to new and prospective house flippers. One special episode will also feature El Moussa’s girlfriend, Heather Rae Young. The season, which will feature 12 new episodes, is produced by Tom Brickner.
First Looks
Amazon Prime Video released a teaser for its comedy series “Truth Seekers,” which centers on a group of paranormal investigators in the United Kingdom who attempt to follow ghost trails but find themselves deep into a conspiracy that proves to be deadly. The show is executive produced by Jim Field Smith,...
- 7/23/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
‘Truth Seekers': Simon Pegg and Nick Frost Reunite to Fight ‘Ancient Magic’ in First Trailer (Video)
We were already sold on “Truth Seekers” when it was announced last year — reuniting Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on television for the first time since “Spaced” ended is all you had to say. But now we finally have a closer look at the upcoming Amazon Prime comedy and we can safely say we were right to be fully aboard sight unseen.
The first trailer dropped on Thursday during the show’s Comic-Con@Home panel, which featured series creators and writers Frost, Pegg, Nat Saunders, and James Serafinowicz. Watch it above now.
The eight-episode supernatural comedy stars Frost and Pegg alongside Samson Kayo, Emma D’Arcy, Susan Wokoma and the great Malcolm McDowell and focuses on a team of paranormal investigators who stumble on a vast conspiracy with apocalyptic implications. It’s familiar territory for Pegg and Frost, who in addition to “Spaced” starred together in a string of hit comedies...
The first trailer dropped on Thursday during the show’s Comic-Con@Home panel, which featured series creators and writers Frost, Pegg, Nat Saunders, and James Serafinowicz. Watch it above now.
The eight-episode supernatural comedy stars Frost and Pegg alongside Samson Kayo, Emma D’Arcy, Susan Wokoma and the great Malcolm McDowell and focuses on a team of paranormal investigators who stumble on a vast conspiracy with apocalyptic implications. It’s familiar territory for Pegg and Frost, who in addition to “Spaced” starred together in a string of hit comedies...
- 7/23/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Who you gonna call? Truth Seekers!
As part of its Comic-Con @ Home offerings Thursday, Amazon Prime released a teaser trailer for its upcoming British horror-comedy starring Shaun of the Dead‘s Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The eight-episode series — written and executive-produced by Frost, Pegg, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz — follows part-time paranormal investigators who check out allegedly haunted locations throughout the United Kingdom.
More from TVLineThe Boys Cast Spills Season 2 Spoilers -- Plus, Watch an Explosive New SceneThe Boys Renewed for Season 3 at Amazon; Aisha Tyler to Host AftershowAmazon's Utopia Pits Dwight Schrute vs. The Apocalypse -- Watch Trailer...
As part of its Comic-Con @ Home offerings Thursday, Amazon Prime released a teaser trailer for its upcoming British horror-comedy starring Shaun of the Dead‘s Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The eight-episode series — written and executive-produced by Frost, Pegg, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz — follows part-time paranormal investigators who check out allegedly haunted locations throughout the United Kingdom.
More from TVLineThe Boys Cast Spills Season 2 Spoilers -- Plus, Watch an Explosive New SceneThe Boys Renewed for Season 3 at Amazon; Aisha Tyler to Host AftershowAmazon's Utopia Pits Dwight Schrute vs. The Apocalypse -- Watch Trailer...
- 7/23/2020
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Amazon Prime Video has today released six new images for the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost horror-comedy series ‘Truth Seekers’.
The eight-part series focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
Nick Frost as Gus Roberts in new Amazon Original Truth Seekers Malcolm McDowell as Richard in new Amazon Original Truth Seekers Emma D’Arcy as Astrid in new Amazon Original Truth Seekers starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg
The show is co-written by Pegg, Frost, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz...
The eight-part series focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
Nick Frost as Gus Roberts in new Amazon Original Truth Seekers Malcolm McDowell as Richard in new Amazon Original Truth Seekers Emma D’Arcy as Astrid in new Amazon Original Truth Seekers starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg
The show is co-written by Pegg, Frost, Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz...
- 7/21/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Jack Gleeson, who is known to most as the despicable King Joffrey from “Game of Thrones,” is set to make his return to television after a six-year break.
Gleeson has been announced among the cast members for “Out of Her Mind,” a BBC comedy from comedian Sara Pascoe which has Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on board as executive producers. News of Gleeson’s casting comes after he had previously hinted that he might give up acting as a career.
The series explores explores heartbreak, family and how to survive them both. Per a description of the show, it will look to subvert the traditional sitcom format by combining eccentric characters, animation, and scientific explanation.
“‘Out Of Her Mind’ is a direct expression of my mind. We’ve turned my brain into a theme-park, and everyone’s invited,” said Pascoe.
“The cast are Incredible and I can’t wait for...
Gleeson has been announced among the cast members for “Out of Her Mind,” a BBC comedy from comedian Sara Pascoe which has Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on board as executive producers. News of Gleeson’s casting comes after he had previously hinted that he might give up acting as a career.
The series explores explores heartbreak, family and how to survive them both. Per a description of the show, it will look to subvert the traditional sitcom format by combining eccentric characters, animation, and scientific explanation.
“‘Out Of Her Mind’ is a direct expression of my mind. We’ve turned my brain into a theme-park, and everyone’s invited,” said Pascoe.
“The cast are Incredible and I can’t wait for...
- 3/9/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Rising star Mike Beckingham will star in “Waltzing With Brando” alongside Billy Zane, who plays a “Godfather”-era Marlon Brando in the upcoming movie.
Beckingham, younger brother of actor, writer and producer Simon Pegg, will play Bernard Judge in the comedic feature, which is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Judge was an idealistic L.A. architect selected by Brando and tasked with building the world’s first ecologically perfect retreat on a tiny Tahitian island that had been thought uninhabitable.
The picture is based upon Judge’s memoir, which recounts his relationship with Brando and his work with the enigmatic star on the designs for the would-be island getaway.
British actor Beckingham’s credits include horror pic “Redwood” and supernatural movie “Black Site.” In 2020 he will be seen in “The Host,” with Derek Jacobi and Dutch actor Maryam Hassouni, and British sci-fi film “G-Loc” alongside Stephen Moyer...
Beckingham, younger brother of actor, writer and producer Simon Pegg, will play Bernard Judge in the comedic feature, which is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Judge was an idealistic L.A. architect selected by Brando and tasked with building the world’s first ecologically perfect retreat on a tiny Tahitian island that had been thought uninhabitable.
The picture is based upon Judge’s memoir, which recounts his relationship with Brando and his work with the enigmatic star on the designs for the would-be island getaway.
British actor Beckingham’s credits include horror pic “Redwood” and supernatural movie “Black Site.” In 2020 he will be seen in “The Host,” with Derek Jacobi and Dutch actor Maryam Hassouni, and British sci-fi film “G-Loc” alongside Stephen Moyer...
- 12/19/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Stolen Picture co-founders Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and CEO Miles Ketley on Tuesday discussed the creative process of their U.K. production company, in which Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures Television owns a minority stake, mentioning such new projects as adaptations of Neil Gaiman's novel Ocean at the End of the Lane and 1960s sci-fi novel The Technicolor Time Machine.
Speaking at C21’s Content London, Pegg also suggested that "theatrical cinema, sadly, appears to be dying" while TV has "become a really, really fertile" creative ground and is "no longer the poorer cousin" of ...
Speaking at C21’s Content London, Pegg also suggested that "theatrical cinema, sadly, appears to be dying" while TV has "become a really, really fertile" creative ground and is "no longer the poorer cousin" of ...
- 12/3/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stolen Picture co-founders Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and CEO Miles Ketley on Tuesday discussed the creative process of their U.K. production company, in which Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures Television owns a minority stake, mentioning such new projects as adaptations of Neil Gaiman's novel Ocean at the End of the Lane and 1960s sci-fi novel The Technicolor Time Machine.
Speaking at C21’s Content London, Pegg also suggested that "theatrical cinema, sadly, appears to be dying" while TV has "become a really, really fertile" creative ground and is "no longer the poorer cousin" of ...
Speaking at C21’s Content London, Pegg also suggested that "theatrical cinema, sadly, appears to be dying" while TV has "become a really, really fertile" creative ground and is "no longer the poorer cousin" of ...
- 12/3/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are to produce a sitcom for the BBC starring British comedian Sara Pascoe.
The pair’s Stolen Picture banner, which is backed by Sony Pictures Television is behind the untitled six-part series for BBC Two. It is their latest TV commission since forming the production company, after Deadline revealed that they are adapting Ben Aaronovitch’s fantasy drama Rivers of London.
Pascoe, a well known stand up who starred in BBC comedy W1A, is co-producing the series, which is about family, relationships and biology. She subverts the traditional sitcom format by combining her eccentric characters, surreal moments and factual insight. Pascoe doesn’t know why everyone else in the world is pairing up and having babies and sets out on a mission to understand them. She tries to prove that romantic love is mere chemicals and conditioning and doesn’t deserve our respect. This conflicts...
The pair’s Stolen Picture banner, which is backed by Sony Pictures Television is behind the untitled six-part series for BBC Two. It is their latest TV commission since forming the production company, after Deadline revealed that they are adapting Ben Aaronovitch’s fantasy drama Rivers of London.
Pascoe, a well known stand up who starred in BBC comedy W1A, is co-producing the series, which is about family, relationships and biology. She subverts the traditional sitcom format by combining her eccentric characters, surreal moments and factual insight. Pascoe doesn’t know why everyone else in the world is pairing up and having babies and sets out on a mission to understand them. She tries to prove that romantic love is mere chemicals and conditioning and doesn’t deserve our respect. This conflicts...
- 8/21/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have joined forces for a supernatural comedy series titled "Truth Seekers".
Starring Frost as Gus and Pegg as Dave, "Truth Seekers" is a horror comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see.
Also Read:?'Young Sheldon' star Iain Armitage wants to visit India
However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
"We're looking forward to working closely with them and creating something very special. These are truly exciting times for television and I can't think of a better partner than Amazon to...
Starring Frost as Gus and Pegg as Dave, "Truth Seekers" is a horror comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see.
Also Read:?'Young Sheldon' star Iain Armitage wants to visit India
However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
"We're looking forward to working closely with them and creating something very special. These are truly exciting times for television and I can't think of a better partner than Amazon to...
- 8/6/2019
- GlamSham
Amazon Prime Video has secured global rights to “Truth Seekers” from Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Miles Ketley’s U.K.-based production company Stolen Picture.
The new comedy horror series will launch exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in over 200 countries and territories, the company announced on Monday morning.
“Truth Seekers” stars Frost and Pegg as part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the U.K., sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see.
Also Read: Amazon Is Open to More 'Good Omens' From Neil Gaiman, Dying for Another 'Fleabag' Season
However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race, according the the network description.
The new comedy horror series will launch exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in over 200 countries and territories, the company announced on Monday morning.
“Truth Seekers” stars Frost and Pegg as part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the U.K., sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see.
Also Read: Amazon Is Open to More 'Good Omens' From Neil Gaiman, Dying for Another 'Fleabag' Season
However, as they stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers and abandoned hospitals with their array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos, their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, more terrifying and even deadly, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race, according the the network description.
- 8/5/2019
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
“Truth Seekers,” starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg as paranormal investigators, will bow on Amazon Prime Video, which has landed international rights to the comedy-horror series and will launch it as an original. The project is the first series from its stars’ Sony-backed production company, Stolen Picture.
Frost and Pegg’s characters, Gus and Dave, team up to uncover and film paranormal sightings across the U.K. in the series. They stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers, and abandoned hospitals using an array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos and share their adventures on an online channel. Their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, terrifying, and even deadly as the pair begin to uncover a conspiracy that could threaten the entire human race.
Frost, Pegg, and Miles Ketley formed London-based shingle in 2017 and set “Truth Seekers” as an early television project. “Simon, Miles and I, and everyone at Stolen Picture, are incredibly...
Frost and Pegg’s characters, Gus and Dave, team up to uncover and film paranormal sightings across the U.K. in the series. They stake out haunted churches, underground bunkers, and abandoned hospitals using an array of homemade ghost-detecting gizmos and share their adventures on an online channel. Their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, terrifying, and even deadly as the pair begin to uncover a conspiracy that could threaten the entire human race.
Frost, Pegg, and Miles Ketley formed London-based shingle in 2017 and set “Truth Seekers” as an early television project. “Simon, Miles and I, and everyone at Stolen Picture, are incredibly...
- 8/5/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Orion Pictures has acquired the horror pitch Svalta from Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Miles Ketley’s Stolen Picture banner.
The story follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote Swedish island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose, but the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family of tourists. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Pegg, Frost and Ketley will produce for Orion, with Frost writing the screenplay with Stolen Picture creative directors James Serafinowicz and Nat Saunders. Dan Kagan will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Orion Pictures President John Hegeman said the project already reflects the singular sensibilities of Pegg and Frost, creators of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End.
“We are unbelievably excited to be partnering with Simon, Nick and Miles on Svalta,” Hegeman said. “The story is scary,...
The story follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote Swedish island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose, but the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family of tourists. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Pegg, Frost and Ketley will produce for Orion, with Frost writing the screenplay with Stolen Picture creative directors James Serafinowicz and Nat Saunders. Dan Kagan will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Orion Pictures President John Hegeman said the project already reflects the singular sensibilities of Pegg and Frost, creators of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End.
“We are unbelievably excited to be partnering with Simon, Nick and Miles on Svalta,” Hegeman said. “The story is scary,...
- 6/6/2019
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stolen Picture, the production company set up by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, is to adapt Ben Aaronovitch’s epic fantasy drama Rivers of London.
Pegg, Frost, Aaronovitch and Stolen Picture Miles Ketley tell Deadline how the deal came about, outlined their long-term plans for the adaptation and how it fits into their strategy for the Sony-backed scripted company.
The Rivers of London series follows Peter Grant, no relation to the infamous Led Zeppelin manager, an ordinary police constable turned magician’s apprentice as he solves crimes across the British capital with a blend of urban fantasy, mystery thriller and fantasy caper. The franchise has sold over 2.5M copies worldwide
The first book, which is known as Midnight Riot in the U.S., sees Grant as he attempts to solve a puzzling murder with information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. He then works with Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale,...
Pegg, Frost, Aaronovitch and Stolen Picture Miles Ketley tell Deadline how the deal came about, outlined their long-term plans for the adaptation and how it fits into their strategy for the Sony-backed scripted company.
The Rivers of London series follows Peter Grant, no relation to the infamous Led Zeppelin manager, an ordinary police constable turned magician’s apprentice as he solves crimes across the British capital with a blend of urban fantasy, mystery thriller and fantasy caper. The franchise has sold over 2.5M copies worldwide
The first book, which is known as Midnight Riot in the U.S., sees Grant as he attempts to solve a puzzling murder with information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. He then works with Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale,...
- 4/29/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When Ted Sarandos said over the summer that Netflix’s young adult film “The Kissing Booth” was “one of the most-watched movies in the country, and maybe the world,” ears pricked up across the industry. The comment from the Netflix content chief underlined that the Ya audience, far from being lost to TV, is tuning in. But the rules of engagement are different.
“The critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave us 13, but the audience [rating] was at 82 at one point,” says Andrew Cole-Bulgin, chief creative officer of the “The Kissing Booth” producer Komixx Entertainment. “There’s disconnect because most of the critics are in their 40s and it’s not aimed at them.”
Komixx has mined digital self-publishing platform Wattpad for IP in this space. In the wake of “The Kissing Booth,” the shingle is now packaging Kelly Anne Blount’s thriller, “Captured,” and Ali Novak’s “My Life With the Waterboys,...
“The critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave us 13, but the audience [rating] was at 82 at one point,” says Andrew Cole-Bulgin, chief creative officer of the “The Kissing Booth” producer Komixx Entertainment. “There’s disconnect because most of the critics are in their 40s and it’s not aimed at them.”
Komixx has mined digital self-publishing platform Wattpad for IP in this space. In the wake of “The Kissing Booth,” the shingle is now packaging Kelly Anne Blount’s thriller, “Captured,” and Ali Novak’s “My Life With the Waterboys,...
- 10/12/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's production company called Stolen Picture has launched a new initiative where they will work with up-and-coming writers on a collection of young-adult projects and they are calling it the Righta Incubator. There are already two film projects in development.
The first project is called We Never Sleep, and it's a detective comedy-thriller that will "tackle bullying, justice, morality, mental health and post-Brexit small-town life."
The second one is called Chemistry, and it will be "a fast-paced genre hybrid that will pose questions about what it means to be human as the show follows protagonists on the run for their survival."
There are currently five writers that have been brought on board this Righta Incubator and they include BAFTA-nominated Olly Cambridge (Pls Like), Gemma Copping,, playwright and writer Phoebe Éclair-Powell (Tin Star), comedian Ellliot Steel and Faryal Velmi, who have written a series called Ackley Bridge.
The first project is called We Never Sleep, and it's a detective comedy-thriller that will "tackle bullying, justice, morality, mental health and post-Brexit small-town life."
The second one is called Chemistry, and it will be "a fast-paced genre hybrid that will pose questions about what it means to be human as the show follows protagonists on the run for their survival."
There are currently five writers that have been brought on board this Righta Incubator and they include BAFTA-nominated Olly Cambridge (Pls Like), Gemma Copping,, playwright and writer Phoebe Éclair-Powell (Tin Star), comedian Ellliot Steel and Faryal Velmi, who have written a series called Ackley Bridge.
- 5/28/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Stolen Picture, the production company founded by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, has launched a new drama initiative to work with up-and-coming writers on young-adult projects, with two series already in development.
The first project from the Righta Incubator initiative, “We Never Sleep,” is a detective comedy-thriller that will tackle bullying, justice, morality, mental health and post-Brexit small-town life. “Chemistry,” the second project, is a fast-paced genre hybrid that will pose questions about what it means to be human as the show follows protagonists on the run for their survival.
Pegg and Frost formed London-based Stolen Picture with former Fox Searchlight and Bad Wolf executive Miles Ketley last year. There has been keen interest in the new indie banner’s projects, given the founders’ loyal following and string of film and TV hits.
Horror comedy movie “Slaughterhouse Rulez” is in production, and half-hour paranormal investigator comedy “Truth Seekers” is in development.
The first project from the Righta Incubator initiative, “We Never Sleep,” is a detective comedy-thriller that will tackle bullying, justice, morality, mental health and post-Brexit small-town life. “Chemistry,” the second project, is a fast-paced genre hybrid that will pose questions about what it means to be human as the show follows protagonists on the run for their survival.
Pegg and Frost formed London-based Stolen Picture with former Fox Searchlight and Bad Wolf executive Miles Ketley last year. There has been keen interest in the new indie banner’s projects, given the founders’ loyal following and string of film and TV hits.
Horror comedy movie “Slaughterhouse Rulez” is in production, and half-hour paranormal investigator comedy “Truth Seekers” is in development.
- 5/25/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television has taken a minority stake in UK-based Stolen Picture, the film, TV and digital banner launched by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost last May. The companies have also entered into an exclusive TV distribution deal. Miles Ketley has been appointed CEO of Stolen Picture, joining from Bad Wolf. The deal with Sony continues an existing relationship between the partners. As Deadline reported in May, Stolen Picture's first project is Slaughterhouse Rulez…...
- 9/20/2017
- Deadline TV
Sony Pictures Television has taken a minority stake in UK-based Stolen Picture, the film, TV and digital banner launched by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost last May. The companies have also entered into an exclusive TV distribution deal. Miles Ketley has been appointed CEO of Stolen Picture, joining from Bad Wolf. The deal with Sony continues an existing relationship between the partners. As Deadline reported in May, Stolen Picture's first project is Slaughterhouse Rulez…...
- 9/20/2017
- Deadline
Principal photography has wrapped on Dad’s Army, with Universal Pictures releasing in UK on Feb 5, 2016.
Written by Hamish McColl and directed by BAFTA award-winner Oliver Parker, the remake of the classic UK series stars Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon.
“This feature film re-imagining of the characters from the original comedy series, which remains a cultural heritage, is sure to please all audiences,” said Niels Swinkels, managing directorof Universal Pictures International UK & Eire.
The film was shot entirely on location in Yorkshire for seven weeks, beginning in early October and ending on Dec. 3.
“[Yorkshire’s] stunning locations give the film an epic scale and the people were beyond helpful” said producer Damian Jones.
Jimmy Perry, Ann Croft, Penny Croft, Hugo Heppell, Steve Milne, Christian Eisenbeiss, Josephine Rose and Miles Ketley serve as executive producers.
Universal Pictures International, through its division Universal Pictures International Production (Upip), previously acquired worldwide rights...
Written by Hamish McColl and directed by BAFTA award-winner Oliver Parker, the remake of the classic UK series stars Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon.
“This feature film re-imagining of the characters from the original comedy series, which remains a cultural heritage, is sure to please all audiences,” said Niels Swinkels, managing directorof Universal Pictures International UK & Eire.
The film was shot entirely on location in Yorkshire for seven weeks, beginning in early October and ending on Dec. 3.
“[Yorkshire’s] stunning locations give the film an epic scale and the people were beyond helpful” said producer Damian Jones.
Jimmy Perry, Ann Croft, Penny Croft, Hugo Heppell, Steve Milne, Christian Eisenbeiss, Josephine Rose and Miles Ketley serve as executive producers.
Universal Pictures International, through its division Universal Pictures International Production (Upip), previously acquired worldwide rights...
- 12/10/2014
- ScreenDaily
New films on Screenbase this week include action-thriller London Has Fallen, Alan Bennett’s motion-pictured memoir The Lady in the Van and Chadwick Boseman’s newest venture Message from the King.
Principal photography has begun on Millennium Films’ and Focus Features’ London Has Fallen, the sequel to 2013’s action-thriller Olympus Has Fallen.
Gerard Butler returns as secret service agent Mike Banning who discovers a plot to assassinate world leaders at the British Prime Minister’s funeral in London. Aaron Eckhart reprises his role as Us President Benjamin Asher. Morgan Freeman will also return as Vice President Trumbull.
Babak Najafi (Snabba Cash II) will direct the thriller (the first film was directed by Antoine Fuqua) from a screenplay by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt (Olympus Has Fallen), Christian Gudegast and Chad St. John.
Focus Features will release London Has Fallen on Oct 2, 2015. Producers include Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, John Thompson, Les Weldon, and [link=nm...
Principal photography has begun on Millennium Films’ and Focus Features’ London Has Fallen, the sequel to 2013’s action-thriller Olympus Has Fallen.
Gerard Butler returns as secret service agent Mike Banning who discovers a plot to assassinate world leaders at the British Prime Minister’s funeral in London. Aaron Eckhart reprises his role as Us President Benjamin Asher. Morgan Freeman will also return as Vice President Trumbull.
Babak Najafi (Snabba Cash II) will direct the thriller (the first film was directed by Antoine Fuqua) from a screenplay by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt (Olympus Has Fallen), Christian Gudegast and Chad St. John.
Focus Features will release London Has Fallen on Oct 2, 2015. Producers include Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, John Thompson, Les Weldon, and [link=nm...
- 11/10/2014
- ScreenDaily
The first image from the Alan Bennett adaptation has been unveiled as well as the release date.
Sony Pictures has released the first official image from TriStar and BBC Films feature The Lady In The Van showing Dame Maggie Smith in character as the eccentric Miss Shepherd.
The big screen adaptation of writer Alan Bennett’s iconic memoir is directed by long-standing Bennett collaborator Nicholas Hytner.
The film tells the true story of the relationship between Bennett and Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who ‘temporarily’ parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.
Sony Pictures has also announced that the film will release in cinemas across the UK on Nov 13, 2015.
The first official picture shows Dame Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey, Harry Potter), on location in London alongside co-star Alex Jennings (The Queen), who plays Bennett.
The movie is being filmed on the very street, and in the...
Sony Pictures has released the first official image from TriStar and BBC Films feature The Lady In The Van showing Dame Maggie Smith in character as the eccentric Miss Shepherd.
The big screen adaptation of writer Alan Bennett’s iconic memoir is directed by long-standing Bennett collaborator Nicholas Hytner.
The film tells the true story of the relationship between Bennett and Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who ‘temporarily’ parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.
Sony Pictures has also announced that the film will release in cinemas across the UK on Nov 13, 2015.
The first official picture shows Dame Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey, Harry Potter), on location in London alongside co-star Alex Jennings (The Queen), who plays Bennett.
The movie is being filmed on the very street, and in the...
- 11/5/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The first images from comedy reboot Dad’s Army have been released as well as fresh cast details.
Universal Pictures, Screen Yorkshire and DJ Films have released the first images from British comedy reboot Dad’s Army.
The ensemble playing the Home Guard during the Second World War includes Bill Nighy as Wilson, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Blake Harrison as Pike, Danny Mays as Walker and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
The other image shows Jones as Mainwaring leaning against a car with Catherine Zeta Jones, who plays journalist Rose.
Other previously announced cast includes Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman , Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie.
New cast announced today includes Felicity Montagu (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Julia Foster (Alfie), Holli Dempsey (Derek), Oliver Tobias (Arthur of the Britons) and Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners).
Oliver Parker directs the new take on the classic British sitcom, which ran from...
Universal Pictures, Screen Yorkshire and DJ Films have released the first images from British comedy reboot Dad’s Army.
The ensemble playing the Home Guard during the Second World War includes Bill Nighy as Wilson, Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Michael Gambon as Godfrey, Blake Harrison as Pike, Danny Mays as Walker and Bill Paterson as Fraser.
The other image shows Jones as Mainwaring leaning against a car with Catherine Zeta Jones, who plays journalist Rose.
Other previously announced cast includes Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman , Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie.
New cast announced today includes Felicity Montagu (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Julia Foster (Alfie), Holli Dempsey (Derek), Oliver Tobias (Arthur of the Britons) and Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners).
Oliver Parker directs the new take on the classic British sitcom, which ran from...
- 10/24/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Universal Pictures on board film adaptation of classic British series; cast to include Billy Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones and Toby Jones
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed and Universal Pictures International has acquired worldwide rights.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small English village toward the end of the Second World War.
His softly-spoken right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include [link=nm...
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed and Universal Pictures International has acquired worldwide rights.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small English village toward the end of the Second World War.
His softly-spoken right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include [link=nm...
- 10/8/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Universal Pictures on board film adaptation of classic British series; cast to include Billy Nighy, Catherine Zeta Jones and Toby Jones
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small village toward the end of the Second World War.
His right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known to international audiences for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Harry Potter...
The cast of a long-rumoured film based on classic British comedy series Dad’s Army has been revealed.
Toby Jones, best known for roles in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter franchises, will take the leading role of Captain Mainwaring, a stiff-upper-lipped veteran who oversees the Home Guard in a small village toward the end of the Second World War.
His right-hand man, Wilson, will be played by Bill Nighy, known to international audiences for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Love Actually.
Both were previously rumoured to be attached to the project, an adaptation of a BBC comedy series than ran from 1968-77, but Catherine Zeta Jones is newly attached to the film as journalist Rose Winters.
The all-star British cast will also include Tom Courtenay as Corporal Jones, Harry Potter...
- 10/8/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions has joined with BBC Films to greenlight The Lady In The Van, Alan Bennett’s adaptation of his commercial and critical West End hit, based on his own bestselling memoir.
Dame Maggie Smith, the star of the Downton Abbey phenomenon, will reprise one of her most-loved stage roles for the big screen, under the direction of Nicholas Hytner.
The film tells the true story of Miss Shepherd, an eccentric woman of uncertain origins, who “temporarily” parked her broken down van in Bennett’s London driveway… and proceeded to live there for the next fifteen years. Smith, who will play the singular Miss Shepherd, will be joined by Alex Jennings (The Queen), who will play both Bennett and, with some movie magic, his alter ego, Ab.
The film will be Hytner’s first directorial outing after ending his massively successful decade at the head of the British National Theatre.
Dame Maggie Smith, the star of the Downton Abbey phenomenon, will reprise one of her most-loved stage roles for the big screen, under the direction of Nicholas Hytner.
The film tells the true story of Miss Shepherd, an eccentric woman of uncertain origins, who “temporarily” parked her broken down van in Bennett’s London driveway… and proceeded to live there for the next fifteen years. Smith, who will play the singular Miss Shepherd, will be joined by Alex Jennings (The Queen), who will play both Bennett and, with some movie magic, his alter ego, Ab.
The film will be Hytner’s first directorial outing after ending his massively successful decade at the head of the British National Theatre.
- 6/4/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Downton Abbey star Maggie Smith will reprise her stage role in TriStar Productions and BBC Films’ screen version of The Lady In The Van.
Nicholas Hytner will direct the story from Alan Bennett’s adaptation of his play about an eccentric woman who parked her van in Bennett’s driveway and stayed there for 15 years. Alex Jennings will play both Bennett and his alter ego, Ab.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in October in London and the parties have earmarked release for the second half of 2015.
TriStar will distribute worldwide through the Sony pipeline while the BBC has taken the first TV window in the UK and made an additional investment in production costs.
Damian Jones and Kevin Loader will produce with Hytner. Miles Ketley and Charles Moore serve as executive producers.
Hytner and Bennett previously collaborated on The History Boys and The Madness Of King George.
Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions nascent slate includes Ricki And...
Nicholas Hytner will direct the story from Alan Bennett’s adaptation of his play about an eccentric woman who parked her van in Bennett’s driveway and stayed there for 15 years. Alex Jennings will play both Bennett and his alter ego, Ab.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in October in London and the parties have earmarked release for the second half of 2015.
TriStar will distribute worldwide through the Sony pipeline while the BBC has taken the first TV window in the UK and made an additional investment in production costs.
Damian Jones and Kevin Loader will produce with Hytner. Miles Ketley and Charles Moore serve as executive producers.
Hytner and Bennett previously collaborated on The History Boys and The Madness Of King George.
Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions nascent slate includes Ricki And...
- 6/4/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Maggie Smith will reprise her stage role in TriStar Productions and BBC Films’ screen version of The Lady In The Van.
Nicholas Hytner will direct the story from Alan Bennett’s adaptation of his play about an eccentric woman who parked her van in Bennett’s driveway and stayed there for 15 years. Alex Jennings will play both Bennett and his alter ego, Ab.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in October in London and the parties have earmarked release for the second half of 2015.
TriStar will distribute worldwide through the Sony pipeline while the BBC has taken the first TV window in the UK and made an additional investment in production costs.
Damian Jones and Kevin Loader will produce with Hytner. Miles Ketley and Charles Moore serve as executive producers.
Hytner and Bennett previously collaborated on The History Boys and The Madness Of King George.
Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions nascent slate includes Ricki And The Flash...
Nicholas Hytner will direct the story from Alan Bennett’s adaptation of his play about an eccentric woman who parked her van in Bennett’s driveway and stayed there for 15 years. Alex Jennings will play both Bennett and his alter ego, Ab.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in October in London and the parties have earmarked release for the second half of 2015.
TriStar will distribute worldwide through the Sony pipeline while the BBC has taken the first TV window in the UK and made an additional investment in production costs.
Damian Jones and Kevin Loader will produce with Hytner. Miles Ketley and Charles Moore serve as executive producers.
Hytner and Bennett previously collaborated on The History Boys and The Madness Of King George.
Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions nascent slate includes Ricki And The Flash...
- 6/3/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
*** For my written movie review of "The Eagle," click here
*** Click here for my interview with Channing Tatum for "The Eagle," here for my Jamie Bell interview, and this one for my interview with director Kevin MacDonald
Here's more info on "The Eagle" from Yahoo:
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Art/Foreign, Drama and Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hr. 54 min.
Release Date: February 11th, 2011 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for battle sequences and some disturbing images.
Distributors: Focus Features
Cast and Credits
Starring: Jamie Bell, Channing Tatum, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim, Donald Sutherland
Directed by: Kevin MacDonald
Produced by: Tessa Ross, Miles Ketley, Charles Moore...
*** Click here for my interview with Channing Tatum for "The Eagle," here for my Jamie Bell interview, and this one for my interview with director Kevin MacDonald
Here's more info on "The Eagle" from Yahoo:
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Art/Foreign, Drama and Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hr. 54 min.
Release Date: February 11th, 2011 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for battle sequences and some disturbing images.
Distributors: Focus Features
Cast and Credits
Starring: Jamie Bell, Channing Tatum, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim, Donald Sutherland
Directed by: Kevin MacDonald
Produced by: Tessa Ross, Miles Ketley, Charles Moore...
- 2/10/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
When you think of Channing Tatum you don't think of Roman soldiers and swords-and-sandals epic tales. You think of romance ("Dear John"), or action ("G.I. Joe"), or heck, even a dance movie like "Step Up." But guess what? All those elements he learned from his previous movies came in handy when it comes to making "The Eagle." Tatum plays Marcus Aguila, a Roman soldier who will do anything to restore his father's reputation.
In this interview, we talked about:
*** Why he chose to make "The Eagle"
*** How director Kevin Macdonald's films influence his decision in joining the cast
*** How he prepared for the role
*** The biggest challenge in making "The Eagle"
*** What went through his mind upon learning that the Roman soldiers would be played by Americans
(Click here for my movie review of "The Eagle")
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture...
In this interview, we talked about:
*** Why he chose to make "The Eagle"
*** How director Kevin Macdonald's films influence his decision in joining the cast
*** How he prepared for the role
*** The biggest challenge in making "The Eagle"
*** What went through his mind upon learning that the Roman soldiers would be played by Americans
(Click here for my movie review of "The Eagle")
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture...
- 2/8/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
I had a great time meeting Jamie Bell, perhaps best remembered for his iconic role as "Billy Elliott." His dancing background helped him in making his upcoming film "The Eagle" where he plays Esca, a Briton slave who can fight in a feral, uncultivated way.
In this interview, we talked about:
*** Is there a cultural connection between he and his character Esca?
*** What attracted him into making "The Eagle?"
*** The "clash of cultures" element of director Kevin Macdonald's films
*** How he prepared for the part
*** How he and Channing bonded
*** What's the biggest challenge in making "The Eagle?"
(Click here for my movie review of "The Eagle")
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism.
In this interview, we talked about:
*** Is there a cultural connection between he and his character Esca?
*** What attracted him into making "The Eagle?"
*** The "clash of cultures" element of director Kevin Macdonald's films
*** How he prepared for the part
*** How he and Channing bonded
*** What's the biggest challenge in making "The Eagle?"
(Click here for my movie review of "The Eagle")
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism.
- 2/8/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Academy Award-winner Kevin MacDonald ("Touching the Void," "The Last King of Scotland") made a swords-and-sandals epic with "The Eagle" starring Channing Tatum (Marcus Aguila) and Jamie Bell (Esca). Based on the novel by Rosemary Sutcliff, "The Eagle" tells the story of the Ninth Legion and one man's quest to restore his father's reputation, the Commander of the Ninth.
In this interview, we talked about:
*** Making a historical film
*** Why his movies are mostly etymological study of clashing cultures between two men from two different backgrounds (think "The Last King of Scotland," or to some lesser degree, "State of Play")
*** The "bromantic" angle of "The Eagle"
*** Why he chose to hire American actors to play Roman soldiers
(Click here for my movie review of "The Eagle")
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest...
In this interview, we talked about:
*** Making a historical film
*** Why his movies are mostly etymological study of clashing cultures between two men from two different backgrounds (think "The Last King of Scotland," or to some lesser degree, "State of Play")
*** The "bromantic" angle of "The Eagle"
*** Why he chose to hire American actors to play Roman soldiers
(Click here for my movie review of "The Eagle")
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest...
- 2/8/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
I'm just writing to report to you, my lovely readers, that I just saw "The Eagle" from "The Last King of Scotland" director Kevin Macdonald. I will post my review very soon, as well as my fun one-on-one interviews with Macdonald, Bell, and Tatum. Trust me, you won't wanna miss these interviews :happy
For now, here's more info on "The Eagle" from Focus Features:
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism. In 140 Ad, the Roman Empire extends all the way to Britain - though its grasp is incomplete, as the rebellious tribes of Caledonia (today's Scotland) hold sway in the far North. Marcus Aquila arrives in Britain, determined to restore the tarnished reputation of his father,...
For now, here's more info on "The Eagle" from Focus Features:
In 2nd-Century Britain, two men - master and slave - venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism. In 140 Ad, the Roman Empire extends all the way to Britain - though its grasp is incomplete, as the rebellious tribes of Caledonia (today's Scotland) hold sway in the far North. Marcus Aquila arrives in Britain, determined to restore the tarnished reputation of his father,...
- 2/7/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
BBC Earth, the global natural history brand for BBC Worldwide, and Indian entertainment giant, Reliance Big Entertainment, are to partner on three motion pictures. All three films will be distributed by Reliance's international film sales and financing subsidiary, Im Global. The deal was jointly announced today by BBC Worldwide's Managing Director of Global Brands, Marcus Arthur and Im Global Founder and CEO Stuart Ford. The first theatrical feature to be co-produced under the relationship will be the $65m 3D live action feature Walking With Dinosaurs 3D inspired by the BBC's landmark Walking With Dinosaurs brand. The picture will be co-directed by Pierre De Lespinois of Los Angeles and Alaska based 3D studio Evergreen Films and BBC Earth's Neil Nightingale (formerly the Head of the BBC Natural History Unit). BBC Earth and Evergreen Films will be working with Academy Award winning animation house Animal Logic (Happy Feet) and leading...
- 11/2/2010
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
BBC Earth, the global natural history brand for BBC Worldwide, and Indian entertainment giant, Reliance Big Entertainment, are to partner on three motion pictures. All three films will be distributed by Reliance's international film sales and financing subsidiary, Im Global. The deal was jointly announced today by BBC Worldwide's Managing Director of Global Brands, Marcus Arthur and Im Global Founder and CEO Stuart Ford. The first theatrical feature to be co-produced under the relationship will be the $65m 3D live action feature Walking With Dinosaurs 3D inspired by the BBC's landmark Walking With Dinosaurs brand. The picture will be co-directed by Pierre De Lespinois of Los Angeles and Alaska based 3D studio Evergreen Films and BBC Earth's Neil Nightingale (formerly the Head of the BBC Natural History Unit). BBC Earth and Evergreen Films will be working with Academy Award winning animation house Animal Logic (Happy Feet) and leading...
- 11/2/2010
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
BBC Worldwide and Reliance Big Entertainment have pacted to co-produce and distribute three movies that will kick off with a 3D live action feature Walking With Dinosaurs, budgeted at $65 million.
The agreement involves BBC Earth, the BBC’s natural history brand, which oversaw the six-part TV documentary Walking With Dinosaurs, which first aired in the U.K. in 1999.
The film version will be co-directed by Pierre De Lespinois of 3D studio Evergreen Films and BBC Earth’s Neil Nightingale (formerly the head of the BBC Natural History Unit). BBC Earth and Evergreen will also work with animation house Animal Logic (Happy Feet) and animation producer Jinko Gotoh (9, Finding Nemo) on the film.
BBC Earth will also partner with Evergreen for the second picture in the pact -- the $25m documentary feature Africa 3D which will be filmed alongside Africa, the BBC’s upcoming television series.
All three films under the...
The agreement involves BBC Earth, the BBC’s natural history brand, which oversaw the six-part TV documentary Walking With Dinosaurs, which first aired in the U.K. in 1999.
The film version will be co-directed by Pierre De Lespinois of 3D studio Evergreen Films and BBC Earth’s Neil Nightingale (formerly the head of the BBC Natural History Unit). BBC Earth and Evergreen will also work with animation house Animal Logic (Happy Feet) and animation producer Jinko Gotoh (9, Finding Nemo) on the film.
BBC Earth will also partner with Evergreen for the second picture in the pact -- the $25m documentary feature Africa 3D which will be filmed alongside Africa, the BBC’s upcoming television series.
All three films under the...
- 11/1/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We brought you a report this past Tuesday about the new Judge Dredd film that will be shot in 3D. Now, the production company Reliance Big Pictures has put out a new press release that gives us some more information on the film. Check it out below!
Reliance Big Pictures, together with Im Global, the international sales company that Reliance acquired only last week, will finance DNA’s 3D production of Judge Dredd, a $45 million film adaptation of the iconic 2000 Ad comic-book character created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra.
Filming will take place over the fourth quarter of 2010 in Johannesburg.
Judge Dredd is being made by the writer/producer partnership behind The Beach, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, Sunshine, and Never Let Me Go. Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich will produce a script written by Garland.
Pete Travis, director of Omagh, Vantage Point, and Endgame will direct. Wagner...
Reliance Big Pictures, together with Im Global, the international sales company that Reliance acquired only last week, will finance DNA’s 3D production of Judge Dredd, a $45 million film adaptation of the iconic 2000 Ad comic-book character created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra.
Filming will take place over the fourth quarter of 2010 in Johannesburg.
Judge Dredd is being made by the writer/producer partnership behind The Beach, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, Sunshine, and Never Let Me Go. Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich will produce a script written by Garland.
Pete Travis, director of Omagh, Vantage Point, and Endgame will direct. Wagner...
- 5/16/2010
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Earlier this week I reported that the long awaited Judge Dredd project (brought to you by DNA Films) was headed to Cannes in order to secure funding and hopefully move forward a step or two. Well since Dredd’s little holiday, things have moved forward leaps and bounds, with the film securing funding, a director and a production date!
As previously reported, DNA Films have secured funding with Reliance Big Pictures and Im Global to produce the film for a modest $50 million. The project has also landed itself a director in the shape of “Vantage Point” helmer, Pete Travis. Also thrown into the mix is the prospect for Dredd fans to see Mega City One for the first time in 3D!
What was not known at the time the story broke however, was the production date – set for an Autumn shoot. Take a look at the full press release below:
Reliance Big Pictures,...
As previously reported, DNA Films have secured funding with Reliance Big Pictures and Im Global to produce the film for a modest $50 million. The project has also landed itself a director in the shape of “Vantage Point” helmer, Pete Travis. Also thrown into the mix is the prospect for Dredd fans to see Mega City One for the first time in 3D!
What was not known at the time the story broke however, was the production date – set for an Autumn shoot. Take a look at the full press release below:
Reliance Big Pictures,...
- 5/16/2010
- by Craig Sharp
- FilmShaft.com
News broke yesterday that Reliance Big Pictures and DNA were in Cannes touting a brand new Judge Dredd movie, from writer Alex Garland (The Beach, 28 Days Later) and director Pete Travis (Vantage Point). This new iteration was also said to have the support and input from Judge Dredd creator John Wagner, as well as concept art from UK comic artist Jock (The Losers). The image above, by artist Tim Bradstreet, is also apparently being used at Cannes to sell the film
However, Reliance and DNA have now released an official statement on the matter, via 200Ad Online, an extract from which is below:
Judge Dredd Goes Into Production Fall 2010
Reliance Big Pictures To Finance
Reliance Big Pictures, together with Im Global, the international sales company that Reliance acquired only last week, will finance DNA’s 3D production of Judge Dredd, a $45 million film adaptation of the iconic 2000 Ad comic-book character...
However, Reliance and DNA have now released an official statement on the matter, via 200Ad Online, an extract from which is below:
Judge Dredd Goes Into Production Fall 2010
Reliance Big Pictures To Finance
Reliance Big Pictures, together with Im Global, the international sales company that Reliance acquired only last week, will finance DNA’s 3D production of Judge Dredd, a $45 million film adaptation of the iconic 2000 Ad comic-book character...
- 5/13/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Cannes -- Judge Dredd will dust off his helmet for what promises to be a gritty return to the big screen.
The $45 million project is being bankrolled by Reliance Big Pictures and Stuart Ford's international sales banner Im Global and DNA Films, the U.K. production house headed by Andrew Macdonald.
DNA Films spent more than two years negotiating with rights-holders to the 2000Ad comic book character -- created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra -- who first hit the big screen in 1995 with Sylvester Stallone in the title role.
Filming is scheduled to take place this year in Johannesburg, directed by Pete Travis from a script penned by Alex Garland.
Garland, Macdonald and Allon Reich, who teamed to make "The Beach," "28 Days Later" and "Sunshine," will produce.
Wagner will be a creative consultant on the film co-produced by "District 9" supervising producer Michael S. Murphey.
Jason Kingsley and Chris Kingsley,...
The $45 million project is being bankrolled by Reliance Big Pictures and Stuart Ford's international sales banner Im Global and DNA Films, the U.K. production house headed by Andrew Macdonald.
DNA Films spent more than two years negotiating with rights-holders to the 2000Ad comic book character -- created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra -- who first hit the big screen in 1995 with Sylvester Stallone in the title role.
Filming is scheduled to take place this year in Johannesburg, directed by Pete Travis from a script penned by Alex Garland.
Garland, Macdonald and Allon Reich, who teamed to make "The Beach," "28 Days Later" and "Sunshine," will produce.
Wagner will be a creative consultant on the film co-produced by "District 9" supervising producer Michael S. Murphey.
Jason Kingsley and Chris Kingsley,...
- 5/11/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Peter O'Toole, 74, could well earn himself an eighth Oscar nomination (which, not counting his 2003 honorary award, would be his first nod since 1982's My Favorite Year) for his superbly rendered portrayal of a working English actor whose autumn years yield a surprise third act.
While the vehicle that likely will take him there -- Roger Michell's Venus, in which O'Toole finds himself falling hard for his best friend's cheeky grand-niece -- hits a few bumpy patches after a very promising start, it hands the accomplished actor one of his best roles in years and he masterfully runs with it.
This performance alone should ensure the Miramax release brings in the audience that responded to the Weinstein Co.'s Mrs. Henderson Presents, which bowed last year at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Something of a flipside to The Mother, the previous collaboration between Michell and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi about an older widow who has an affair with her daughter's lover, this early May, late-December romance springs out of a wonderfully wry foundation.
O'Toole is Maurice Russell, an actor whose phone continues to ring, but these days the jobs being offered tend to be playing dying hospital patients.
Whiling away his growing free time in a cafe along with his longtime actor friend, the certified drama queen Ian (Leslie Phillips), the ailing Maurice is content to play things out to the final curtain.
Enter Jessie (Jodie Whittaker), the typical teenager whom Ian's niece has shipped off to her uncle's home.
Although Ian had envisioned someone who would draw warm baths and cook splendid dinners for him, the rather coarse Jessie proves clueless.
But she also happens to stir something long forgotten in Maurice's heart (not to mention other places), and The Old Man risks being played the fool in the name of infatuation.
Things inevitably turn darker, and the film loses its way somewhat while transitioning from all the early beautifully barbed banter to that later heavy dose of pathos.
Although Michell's steady direction and Kureishi's lyrical writing might have trouble maintaining the right tragicomic balance, it's certainly not a problem for O'Toole, whose expertly modulated performance is a thing to behold.
While casually commanding, it also is generous enough to allow a good deal of light to shine on the fine work of his fellow cast members Phillips and spirited newcomer Whittaker, as well as in tender scenes with Vanessa Redgrave who plays his long-estranged but still palsy wife.
Production values are comfortably inviting thanks to Haris Zambarloukos' warm cinematography and John Paul Kelly's lived-in production design. Neatly completing the mood is the selection of breezy soul-pop tunes furnished by acclaimed British songstress Corinne Bailey Rae.
Venus
Miramax
Credits:
Director: Roger Michell
Screenwriter: Hanif Kureishi
Producer: Kevin Loader
Executive producers: Tessas Ross, Miles Ketley, Charles Moore, Scott Rudin
Director of photography: Haris Zambarloukos
Production designer: John Paul Kelly
Editor: Nic Gaster
Costume designer: Natalie Ward
Songs: Corinne Bailey Rae
Cast:
Maurice: Peter O'Toole
Ian: Leslie Phillips
Jessie: Jodie Whittaker
Valerie: Vanessa Redgrave
Donald: Richard Griffiths
No NMPAA rating
Running time -- 95 minutes...
While the vehicle that likely will take him there -- Roger Michell's Venus, in which O'Toole finds himself falling hard for his best friend's cheeky grand-niece -- hits a few bumpy patches after a very promising start, it hands the accomplished actor one of his best roles in years and he masterfully runs with it.
This performance alone should ensure the Miramax release brings in the audience that responded to the Weinstein Co.'s Mrs. Henderson Presents, which bowed last year at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Something of a flipside to The Mother, the previous collaboration between Michell and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi about an older widow who has an affair with her daughter's lover, this early May, late-December romance springs out of a wonderfully wry foundation.
O'Toole is Maurice Russell, an actor whose phone continues to ring, but these days the jobs being offered tend to be playing dying hospital patients.
Whiling away his growing free time in a cafe along with his longtime actor friend, the certified drama queen Ian (Leslie Phillips), the ailing Maurice is content to play things out to the final curtain.
Enter Jessie (Jodie Whittaker), the typical teenager whom Ian's niece has shipped off to her uncle's home.
Although Ian had envisioned someone who would draw warm baths and cook splendid dinners for him, the rather coarse Jessie proves clueless.
But she also happens to stir something long forgotten in Maurice's heart (not to mention other places), and The Old Man risks being played the fool in the name of infatuation.
Things inevitably turn darker, and the film loses its way somewhat while transitioning from all the early beautifully barbed banter to that later heavy dose of pathos.
Although Michell's steady direction and Kureishi's lyrical writing might have trouble maintaining the right tragicomic balance, it's certainly not a problem for O'Toole, whose expertly modulated performance is a thing to behold.
While casually commanding, it also is generous enough to allow a good deal of light to shine on the fine work of his fellow cast members Phillips and spirited newcomer Whittaker, as well as in tender scenes with Vanessa Redgrave who plays his long-estranged but still palsy wife.
Production values are comfortably inviting thanks to Haris Zambarloukos' warm cinematography and John Paul Kelly's lived-in production design. Neatly completing the mood is the selection of breezy soul-pop tunes furnished by acclaimed British songstress Corinne Bailey Rae.
Venus
Miramax
Credits:
Director: Roger Michell
Screenwriter: Hanif Kureishi
Producer: Kevin Loader
Executive producers: Tessas Ross, Miles Ketley, Charles Moore, Scott Rudin
Director of photography: Haris Zambarloukos
Production designer: John Paul Kelly
Editor: Nic Gaster
Costume designer: Natalie Ward
Songs: Corinne Bailey Rae
Cast:
Maurice: Peter O'Toole
Ian: Leslie Phillips
Jessie: Jodie Whittaker
Valerie: Vanessa Redgrave
Donald: Richard Griffiths
No NMPAA rating
Running time -- 95 minutes...
- 9/11/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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