Just when you had finally completed collecting your favourite videos, the world moved over to DVDs. It is a great development of course; stored digitally, your films can be saved indefinitely. But replacing your entire collection of videotapes with DVDs is quite expensive. Marmitek solves this problem with the introduction of Octopus. With this device, you can convert your complete analogue video collection into digital data and save it on your computer. Burn all your files on DVD and rescue your priceless memories of a marriage, the christening ceremony, or a family party from oblivion.
Spending a rainy Sunday afternoon watching old movies with your children, is now a reality. Leave it to Octopus to provide nostalgia and a cosy feeling in your home this autumn and winter. Marmitek, the company that often comes up with smart solutions for your home since many years, focuses on the seasons and the time which families spend together. Children of the present generation, whether those who go to primary schools or secondary, are hardly aware of how their parents and grandparents used to sit together listening to music or watching movies. The fast moving technology of the last twenty years has failed to take into account the need to share the lifestyle of the past with the people of the present. Octopus has arrived to take care of that.
SIMPLICITY WITH MANY OPTIONS
The name Octopus originates from its ability to make many different devices communicate with each other. Complicated? Arthur van Horssen of Marmitek explains how simple Octopus makes it: ‘It is a simple matter of ‘everything is possible’. With an Octopus and a computer at hand, everyone can secure the quality of their video tapes or video8 tapes once and for all. The Octopus digitalizes the data and sends it to the computer. After that, the possibilities become infinite, as we know. Burning DVDs, cutting and pasting, editing, superimposing; it’s all at your command. The digitalized data is not just for the owner; it can also be shared with friends and family, or made available to the world, by uploading it to websites such as Hyves and YouTube”.
COMPUTER BECOMES A TV WITH THE OCTOPUS
The Octopus literally opens up a world of possibilities. It doesn’t just end at digitalizing sound and image; this unit also works as an external TV-card. This means that the computer works as a TV. In most cases, a TV-card needs to be installed into the computer, which means the computer casing needs to be opened for the installation, and that isn’t even possible in case of laptops. ‘Much too complicated and unnecessary’ says Marmitek. The Octopus gets connected to the computer with a single cable, and is ready for use. The advantages of a TV-to-computer connection are quite clear: the computer room changes into a TV room at any desired moment, and all members of the family can watch their favourite programs together, without the need of a second TV, which also means saving money. Marmitek has set the advised sale price of Octopus at 54,95 GBP, whereas professional companies charge huge sums of money for digitalizing sound and image. With an Octopus in your home, you can look forward to many hours of listening and viewing pleasure.
For more information and sale-point addresses, please visit www.marmitek.com.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ to be released on HD DVD and Blu-ray on 12th November
Harry Potter Year 1 - 4 also releasing in high-definition on 12th November
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™, the darkest, most thrilling Harry Potter movie to date, makes its highly anticipated debut in high-definition on 12th November 2007 from Warner Home Video.
Boasting razor-sharp, crystal clear images and uncompressed, cinema quality surround sound, the HD DVD and Blu-ray editions of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix bring Hogwarts to life in a way never seen before. The inclusion of exclusive high-definition additional extras and special features allow fans to delve deeper into the magical world of Harry and his friends as they take on He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named.
As well as extra scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, all available to watch in stunning high-definition, the HD DVD disc also comes with In-Movie technology. This allows fans to watch the films’ cast share memorable moments and personal perspectives whilst the movie is running with its picture-in-picture feature, adding a whole new dimension to the film.
In addition, the web-enabled features on the HD DVD disc truly take interactivity to the next level by allowing Harry Potter fans to pick their favourite scenes, assemble the clips into a montage and create their own personalised trailers. They can then share their montages online, via the HD DVD players’ internet connection, with other owners of the HD DVD disc.
Fans can scan, select and download cool images, wallpapers and ringtones to send to their mobile phones, whilst the Live Community Screening feature enables viewers to create, organise and invite their friends to their very own virtual screening parties, bringing Harry Potter fans together to experience the magic (HD DVD only).
In addition, Harry Potter Years 1 - 4 - Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone™, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ - will also be available on HD DVD and Blu-ray from 12th November.
Based on JK Rowling’s award-winning fifth novel, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) find themselves in a magical and rebellious self defense organisation that battles against the Dark Arts. The star-studded cast joining them in this fantastical movie adventure filled with more danger, drama and action than ever before is Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Emma Thompson (Sybil Trelawney), Julie Walters (Mrs Weasley), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), Jason Issacs (Lucios Malfoy), Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick), Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley) and David Thewlis (Remus Lupin).
Synopsis
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community has been denied the truth about his recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort’s return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves “Dumbledore’s Army,” Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.
Epson, the No.1 seller in the projector market in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and in the world for the last 6 years, has today announced an exclusive promotion in conjunction with its award winning EMP-TW1000 projector.
The TW1000 is a projector for true home cinema enthusiasts. With next generation Epson technologies and full high definition resolution, it delivers stunning pictures every time. From movies to video games, and with lights on or off, every performance is superb.
For a limited period, those that purchase the Full HD, 1080p home cinema experience that is the EMP-TW1000 will receive a free Logitech Harmony 1000 Remote Control worth £279.
The Logitech Harmony 1000 Remote Control allows users to control their whole home cinema installation from one console so there is no need to have separate remote control units for the projector, DVD player, audio and motorised screen.
Features of the Harmony 1000 are:
Universal control, combines all remote control devices in one easy to use console
One-touch control via a 3.5” colour touch screen
Up to 15 components: control video, audio, games consoles – even lights and appliances
Learning port: Add favourite functions from older remote controls
Charging station: put the remote in its own home and forget about charging the batteries
Free support: Expect total customer satisfaction, whether it is a problem or just a question.
Further information on the Harmony 1000 can be found at: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/373&cl=gb,en.
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU INTERNET
The internet is the inevitable way forward. Devolution not revolution.
The rise of the Independent film-maker against cinema’s Goliath (Hollywood) has been held up by the huge costs involved in commissioning, producing and distributing high-quality films. However, significant progress made in digital technology means that prohibitive cost need no longer be an obstacle to future independent film-makers. Devolution Digital (www.devolutionfilms.com) is a new website that was launched during this year’s MIPCOM event in Cannes and provides a platform for budding scriptwriters to upload their scripts onto a global medium to be rated and possibly selected to be made into high-quality feature length films using inexpensive digital filming, production and distribution methods. If you are a budding film maker without a budget then Devolution Digital could see your script made into a commercial success.
The founder of Devolution Digital, Graeme Ballard, explained that his vision for the site was simple – “The internet and advances in digital technology mean that ordinary people, wherever they are and whatever their background, can upload their stories, scripts and home-made movies and show them to the world. Devolutionfilms.com is designed to attract and identify the very best scripts from around the world and to then turn these into potentially award-winning independent features at a tiny fraction of typical Hollywood production costs. For those people who think they might just be the next Stephen Spielberg, or perhaps a new Pedro Almodovar, Devolutionfilms.com is their best chance of being discovered.”
There are three straightforward steps to the Devolutionfilms.com process. First, people that join the site will be able to judge and vote for scripts they and others upload, and they will also be able to suggest changes to storylines and make amendments to scripts, rather like on the hugely popular fanfiction sites (see fanfiction.net). Devolution Digital also employs a team of experienced staff writers to help with the judging process and to assist in maintaining the quality of the scripts submitted by the public. Once the scripts have been judged by the public and staff writers, then the process of turning winning scripts into feature films or a series of shorts can begin - using entirely digital technology. [Here of course the normal tax incentives for film-making will apply which helps to drive down the costs further.]
The final stage is to distribute the finished films or shorts on mobile tv platforms, 3G, the internet and DVD using Devolution’s own digital presence and that of its strategic partners, such as the telcos and existing internet content distributors.
One of the significant advantages of this model is that investors in movie production who are not normally able to invest in large capital expenditure films can spread their risk over a portfolio of smaller-budget movies being marketed and filmed concurrently.
A virtual reality model of the Black Country by Salford University researchers has helped shortlist an ambitious regeneration project for a televised national competition – which could win £50m Lottery funding.
Academics from the University’s ThinkLab designed and built a virtual model of the Black Country region for the Black Country Urban Park project, one of four contenders in The People’s £50m Lottery - the results of which will be broadcast on ITV in December 2007.
The competition relies on public votes and, if successful, the project will open up the Black Country region as an ‘urban park’ – integrating natural and built-up environments with visitor attractions and green spaces.
The University’s virtual reality model gives people a ‘bird’s eye’ view of the entire region as it currently exists, enabling them to zoom in on specific areas and access demographic data including employment statistics. If enough votes are cast and Black Country win, there will be potential to expand the model to demonstrate how the region’s environment will be transformed.
Professor Terrence Fernando who led the Salford University team said: “Our model is the first of its kind and was a key element of the bid, helping to interpret the ambitions plans to regenerate the Black Country.
“We’re hoping as many people as possible lend their support so we can go on to model the environmental transformation of the Black Country into an urban park.”
Chief Executive of the Black Country Consortium, Sarah Middleton said: “Virtual Black Country has been key in helping us to consult with stakeholders and partners about the flagship elements of the Urban Park bid. We are very pleased to working in partnership with Salford University on this cutting edge technology and delighted that colleagues in the North West are supporting us by voting for the project.”
Online and phone voting for The People’s £50m Lottery Giveaway opens at 9.00am on Monday 26 November and the final will be broadcast on ITV during December.
For more information on the competition go to www.thepeoples50million.org.uk and www.voteblackcountryup.co.uk
Exhibitors in over 12 countries deploy Dolby 3D Digital Cinema for Paramount Pictures’ upcoming Beowulf release
San Francisco, November 15, 2007—Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) announced today that its Dolby® 3D Digital Cinema system will be available in 75 screens in 12 countries worldwide in time for the upcoming release of Paramount Pictures’ Beowulf, premiering November 16. By securing deals with dozens of exhibitors in Asia, Europe, and the United States, Dolby is revolutionizing theatrical experiences with its high-quality digital 3D solution. Dolby will continue installing additional screens during Beowulf’s two-week global opening.
“In a short time frame, the team executed an aggressive deployment plan to install Dolby 3D systems in theatres around the world for Beowulf, as we wanted to fulfill as many requests as possible from our valued customers,” said John Iles, Vice President, Cinema, Dolby Laboratories. “With an unwavering commitment to a better 3D experience, we are confident that Dolby 3D will provide an exceptional presentation of Beowulf and other upcoming digital 3D movies.”
The Dolby 3D Digital Cinema solution brings high-quality 3D to every seat in a theatre:
· The ability for exhibitors to play back 3D content on a standard white screen provides moviegoers with an even image across the entire screen minus any hot spots or inconsistent light reflection.
· Dolby 3D full-spectrum color-filter technology provides amazing color fidelity, delivering clear 3D images with realistic color.
· Dolby’s color filter technology also maintains premium picture quality because the filter wheel is inserted into the light path before the image is formed, delivering a stable and sharp picture.
The result is crystal clear images and vivid colors that pop off the screen with an amazing sense of depth.
“We are thrilled with the quality of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema and excited to show Beowulf in Dolby 3D,” said Mike Thomson, Vice President Operations and Technology, Malco Theatres. “We will have the ability to play back 3D content on our big screen at the Malco Paradiso using Dolby 3D Digital Cinema. The large screen creates a 3D experience unlike anything we’ve been able to offer our patrons before.”
“Marcus Theatres recently debuted Dolby 3D Digital Cinema and our patrons have been very pleased with the presentation quality,” said Bruce Olson, President, Marcus Theatres. “Marcus strives to deliver the best moviegoing experience possible and we believe Dolby 3D reinforces that commitment.”
“Dolby is a trusted brand for providing technologies that dramatically improve the cinematic experience, as we have seen with Dolby Digital Cinema,” said Joost Bert, CEO, Kinepolis Group. “Kinepolis recently debuted Dolby 3D Digital Cinema at our newest cinema complex in Ostend, Belgium, and our patrons were very impressed with the sharp, clear, and bright images that seem to jump off the screen.”
To date, exhibitors using Dolby 3D technology have presented Walt Disney Pictures’ Meet the Robinsons and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D and in addition to Beowulf (Paramount Pictures/ Warner Bros.), are expected to show the upcoming 3D presentations of Fly Me to the Moon (nWave Pictures), Hannah Montana (Disney) and Journey 3D (New Line). For a complete list of Dolby Digital Cinema and Dolby 3D Digital Cinema locations, please visit www.dolby.com/consumer/motion_picture/ddcinemas/ .
Labels: 3D, cinema
Crooks beware: Your buyers might be honey traps!
The Federation Against Software Theft (The Federation) has participated in the takedown of an illegal software ring run from a roofer’s home in Cornwall.
The perpetrators were caught when a Federation member posed as a buyer and bought an illegal copy of their own software from Philip Rogers of Redruth.
Rogers, and his accomplice, had been investigated for a number of failed and improper sales hosted on the online auction website eBAY. The Federation member, Primal Pictures, discovered Rogers selling its software and arranged a purchase to investigate. Not only did their test discover that the disc sold to them was a fake, but Primal Pictures found other buyers who had also been sold fakes.
John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation said: “Primal asked The Federation to aid them protecting themselves from this theft of their intellectual property - property that they had spent time and effort designing, creating, publishing and distributing at considerable cost to themselves. We entered into correspondence with Rogers, informing him of our discoveries and letting him know that all our member wanted was for him to destroy the illegal stock of copied software he had manufactured, acknowledge that he had breached copyright, and enter into discussions regarding compensation.”
His admission of unlawful activity and signing of an undertaking not to do it again would be given weight in any subsequent legal proceedings which may arise. Rogers initially claimed that The Federation could not prove that he had sold the fake disc in question; however as the software creator that owned the copyright had actually bought it from him, evidence against Rogers was easily obtained.
Peter Allan, CEO of Primal Pictures said “As the unique worldwide provider of interactive anatomy software for the medical profession, we have very strict copyright protection on our products. Our software is the product of years of dedicated hard work by anatomists and computer graphic experts and it is used to train medical and surgical students all over the world. To have someone steal it and profit from the hard work of such talented people is unacceptable and potentially financially damaging. We went to The Federation to help us settle this without going to court, and we’re happy that the rogue seller has ceased his illegal activities so that we can stay in business.”
Lovelock added: “We’re glad to be able to help protect the smaller software vendors from criminals who have no conscience when it comes to stealing their hard work and putting them out of business. These creative firms are collectively the new ‘staple industries’ of the UK. They employ hundreds of thousands of people. If they get ripped off it’s ordinary people that they put out of work, and we are not going to stand for it.”
Labels: piracy, software
“East is East meets Shameless…the kids swear and smoke, the ethnic tensions simmer, and the comedy flows freely”
The Guardian Guide
“Playful…mischievous… gritty and amusing”
Empire
“One of the funniest, most refreshing films this country has produced in years”
The Observer
Everyone has Halloween, but in Yorkshire, they have MISCHIEF NIGHT - for one night only, madness and mayhem rule. This critically acclaimed film, from the producers of Shameless, will be available to rent on DVD on 26 March 2007 and to buy on DVD on 23 April 2007.
Tina Crabtree (Kelli Hollis) lives on the "white side" of the park with her three unruly children. On the "Asian side" lives Immie Khan (Ramon Tikaram) with his lively family. As the clock ticks down to Mischief Night, the Crabtrees and the Khans are unaware that their worlds are about to collide. In the course of one night, the barriers that separate both families come tumbling down in a blaze of crime, clubbing, love and fireworks - changing their lives forever.
Tina is played by Kelli Hollis, most recently seen as Yvonne in “Shameless”. Immie is Ramon Tikaram who is best known for his character as Ferdy in the BBC2 programme, “This Life”. Tina’s kids are played Holly Kenny as Kimberley, Michael Taylor as Tyler and Jake Hayward as Macauley. On the other side of the park in the large Khan family along with Immie, lives his stroppy sister Sarina played by Sarah Byrne and naughty brother Asif, played by Qasim Akhtar. All the kids were discovered through street casting, a method favoured by Writer/Director Penny Woolcock. “I’m not very keen on drama school kids because I prefer actors to just ‘be’ in a natural way,” says Penny.
The other key adult roles are Don Crabtree, Tina’s father played by Gwyne Hollis and Christopher Simpson (“Brick Lane”) as drug dealer Qassim.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
The single disc DVD has several bonus features including a commentary by Kelli Hollis and Penny Woolcock, the Writer/Director, as well as cast and crew interviews and behind the scenes footage. The DVD comes with 5.1 sound.
Radio One DJs Nihal and Bobby Friction compiled a soundtrack that reflects the tone of the film and what young people, Asian and white, are listening to. With contributions from artists like Juggy D, Lethal Bizzle, Usha Uthup, Ges-E, Jungle Brothers, Raghav, Nitin Sawhney, Outlandish, Swami and UK Apachi & Shy FX, the soundtrack represents the best of contemporary urban music.
DVD PRODUCT DETAILS:
Credit: Fremantle Media
Release Date: 23 April 2007
Feature running time: 96 mins
Certificate: 15
Retail Price £17.99
DVD format: Retail/rental
Special Features: Commentary by Kelli Hollis and Penny Woolcock, cast and crew interviews, Behind the scenes footage, Shameless 3 DVD trailer.
Catalogue no: Retail: FHED 2039
Rental: HFD8663
Award-winning film company, Seventh Art, are bringing to life some of the art world’s most innovative works with the release of their insightful documentary series on DVD this spring. Presented by Five’s art expert Tim Marlow the two DVDs, Great Artists and Great Artists 2, were shot on location in churches, museums and palaces throughout Europe and the United States, and explore the work of artists such as Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Stubbs and Goya. Offering an intelligent and informative insight into the lives and work of these ground-breaking artists, Great Artists and Great Artists 2 provide unrivalled access to the some of the greatest masters in Western art history.
With the cultural melting pot of Europe as his backdrop, Marlow explores the works, historical societies, cities and lives of a diverse collection of artists. From his insightful guide to the great innovators of portraiture, David and Goya, to his alternative take on Constable; who was considered a radical artist of his time, Marlow crams each DVD with his fascinating observations and perceptive insights into the work and lives of an array of artistic masters.
Produced and directed by award winning documentary film-maker Phil Grabsky, Great Artists and Great Artists 2 are the most recent in a series of ground breaking documentary films on art by the Five presenter. Seventh Art Productions’ signature style makes these documentaries a must for the serious art critic whilst remaining easily accessible to art enthusiasts of all levels.
The DVD release of Great Artists and Great Artists 2 coincides with the David and Goya exhibition at the Royal Academy, which runs until 20th April. The DVDs will be available to buy from the Tate Modern and all good websites including seventh-art.com, fopp.co.uk, dvd.ciao.co.uk, bookmat.com, amazon.com, movie-mail.com, and Woolworths.co.uk. RRP £22.49. The Great Artists book is also available to buy in a downloadable format from the Seventh Art website.
Internationally renowned film company, Seventh Art Productions, are set to release the latest film in the Tim Marlow arts series on DVD on the 9th April. Tim Marlow with… Gilbert & George sees art expert Tim joined by the world’s most eccentric artistic double act – the self-proclaimed ‘living sculptures’ Gilbert & George. This fascinating documentary presents an exclusive walk around their new exhibition at Tate Modern and also offers an intriguing insight into the characters of this famously elusive pair. For true Gilbert & George enthusiasts, there will be a limited number of rare signed copies available to buy on seventh-art.com and at White Cube art galleries, but you will have to move quickly!
Famously straight-faced and seemingly straight-laced, Gilbert & George’s impeccable dress and public demeanor contrasts enormously with the often riotous, irreverent and humorous nature of the work they make. Together with Tim Marlow they provide an exciting and unique look at the key pieces in the largest exhibition of their work to date, which sees 200 pieces on display. Sex, race, religion, nudity, terrorism, love and drunkenness are themes explored throughout the collection, provoking fierce reactions and fuelling discussions that relate strongly to modern existence.
After meeting as students at St. Martin’s School of Art in 1967, Gilbert & George began to exhibit and create work together, always keen to challenge the art world and question expectations. Since this time they have emerged as a fascinating duo with a curious lifestyle that demands much public attention.
Produced by award-winning documentary film-makers Seventh Art Productions, Tim Marlow with… Gilbert & George is the most recent in the Tim Marlow series to be released on DVD. Available through Amazon as well as esteemed art galleries Tate Modern and White Cube, the DVD will retail for £15.99 and will be equally invaluable to the serious art critic and the casual onlooker alike.
Chain Play
COUTTS & CO LAUNCHES PODCASTS OF ALMEIDA THEATRE’S BENEFIT EVENING AND FIRST EVER CHAIN PLAY
Interviews with script writers and cast downloadable at www.coutts.com
Coutts & Co has launched a series of online podcasts to support their
sponsorship of the Almeida theatre’s fundraising benefit to be held this
evening, Friday 23rd March. Six world-class playwrights have each written a
link in a play and the final result - A Chain Play - will be performed for
one night only.
A Chain Play, directed by Tom Cairns, began in November 2006 and each of
the six writers were given just two weeks to add a scene of between ten and
fifteen minutes before passing on the script to the next writer. A two-week
rehearsal period for the actors will culminate with the single performance
this evening. The six playwrights are Samuel Adamson, Moira Buffini, David
Hare, Charlotte Jones, Frank McGuinness and Roy Williams.
The Chain Play cast will feature Michelle Austin, Nathan Stewart Jarrett,
Jenny Jules, Alastair Mackenzie, Danny Sapani and Jodie Whittaker, and has
been produced with the help of the theatre’s Benefit Committee.
Contrary Crown Court Ruling Leaves Sky with Potential Billion Pound Losses
Conflicting Crown Court judgements create confusion in the European Satellite System market, and could end-up costing Sky the earth.
Plucky Portsmouth-based Publican, Karen Murphy, lost her appeal on Thursday
in the Portsmouth Crown Court to the Premier Leagues agent, MPS (Media
Protection Services), in a ruling that completely contradicted that from a
previous case heard before the Bolton Crown Court in March 2006 on the same
matter.
Murphy, like many Licensees has installed a European Satellite System in her
premises, the ‘Red, White and Blue’ Public House in Southsea. She believed
this system to be perfectly legal given Bolton Crown Courts precedent
setting ruling on the same point of law (the parties to this were BSkyB, via
FACT vs Gannon).
In summing up Thursday’s case, however, HHJ Ian Pearson, sitting with two
lay Justices, upheld Murphy’s conviction from the Magistrates Court, stating
on several occasions that he strongly disagreed with HHJ Warnocks previous
decision in the Bolton case.
Dave Richardson for AESSI (the Association of European Satellite System
Installers) said “The outcome in this case will undoubtedly create confusion
regarding the legitimacy of Foreign Satellite Systems in the UK, with two
equivalent level Courts issuing completely opposite rulings under exactly
the same section of legislation”.
AESSI believe that the Premier League have been systematically using the
Courts as a method of intimidating Licensees, who, AESSI maintain, have
actually installed legitimate alternatives to Sky Satellite Systems. The
apparent intention of these actions being to use fear of legal costs (win or
loose) and aggravation as ‘leverage’ thus preventing others, as well as
those specifically persecuted from showing football matches, ultimately
forcing all UK Licensees to switch to using BSkyBs more expensive
installation options.
“If this is their intention then it has backfired rather badly on Sky” jokes
Joe Ibrhim of AESSI, as, in a bizarre twist, it was revealed today that if
the Portsmouth ruling is upheld, it would result in billions of pounds worth
of losses to BSkyB as it makes illegal the nearly 2 million Sky systems that
are presently installed across other countries in the EU.
Simply put, the legislation under which this prosecution was brought, and
the Portsmouth Court ruled, was specifically designed to incorporate EU
statute 93/83, under which the judgement could be applied throughout the
European Union against Sky in favour of the relevant local satellite
broadcaster.
In karmic irony, the Premier Leagues relentless pursuit of one tiny public
house may have just been the sledgehammer that cracked the table and missed
the walnut altogether. If Murphy doesn’t appeal the decision and succeed in
having it overturned, the Premier League may have irreparably severed a
major artery of income for BSkyB, potentially costing the broadcaster
billions in lost revenue.
Following the case, Mr Phillip Davies, who investigates ‘piracy’ at Sky,
told members of the Press with reference to the number of bars in Spain,
Greece, France and Portugal showing Premiership football via Sky that this
was "not something I am aware of".
In light of this comment, perhaps BSkyB is unaware of the impending impact
of the Premier Leagues action upon their non-revenue from their
non-existent-installations that they know nothing about.
One can only wonder what fabled, foxy, founder of NewsCorp and ultimate boss
of BSkyB, Rupert Murdoch, will make of the matter or indeed of Mr Davies,
when, and if, BSkyB finds itself facing multiple criminal prosecutions
throughout Europe.
Brief Background:
The Premier League, via their agents MPS, have been bringing multiple
prosecutions (up to 300) across the UK in Magistrates Courts with assorted
and variable outcomes for over four years causing a great deal of stress to
Licensees and costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds to date,
all with virtually no cost penalty to the Premier League themselves.
MPS, a privately owned company run by self-proclaimed ‘disinformation expert
’, Ray Hoskin, have now, on behalf of the Premier League, taken to pressing
criminal charges under an obscure Section of the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988 (which is partially superseded by both Broadcasting Acts)
which the DTI confirm is not applicable to the situation, and with which
they have had very little success in higher UK courts. The defining case of
BSkyB vs Gannon in Bolton ruled in favour of the Publican as they were not
pirating but purchasing the broadcast signal from a legitimate European
supplier.
Prior to the case, both the DTI and OFCOM had confirmed in writing that
AESSI members are operating entirely within the terms of the Broadcasting
Acts and in line with European Single Market Legislation. Interestingly, it
is under this very ‘single-market’ legislation that Sky also benefits as it
facilitates the installation of their own decoder boxes situated in other
operators ‘areas’ across the European Union. Presently there are estimated
at just under 2million Sky installations, supplied via satellite shops and
assorted system suppliers situated within the EU - installations that BSkyB
include in their total UK figures ‘accounted for’, that they declare to
Investors, the Stock Market, Channel Operators, RAJAR and other official
bodies, but about which they apparently “not aware”.
About AESSI:
The Association of European Satellite Suppliers & Installers is the official
organisation of legitimate installers in the UK. AESSI members work to the
highest standards of quality and fully guarantee that they will install
entirely and completely legal systems.
AESSI members are all law-abiding legitimate businesses who contribute over
ten million pounds sterling per annum to the UK economy, they pay tax and
VAT and create significant employment directly though their own specialist
staff and indirectly through their customers increased revenue.
For further information view www.aessi.org
EROS INTERNATIONAL Releases…
PROVOKED
In prison she found her freedom...in cinemas from 6th April 2007
With an impressive international star cast including Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nandita Das and Robbie Coltrane performing pivotal roles in what is anticipated to be this year’s most poignant film, Eros International plc proudly presents Provoked releasing nationwide on Friday 6th April 2007.
Provoked is the true life depiction of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (played by Aishwarya Rai), the Asian woman who overturned the British judicial system and transformed the meaning of “provocation” in the case of physically abused women, winning justice for women subjected to domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse. The film, based on Ahluwalia’s autobiography Circle of Light by Rahila Gupta, follows her lonely struggle in an abusive 10-year marriage, her retaliation through the murder of her violent husband and the efforts of women activists Southall Black Sisters to bring her justice.
The film is released and distributed by Eros International plc, a globally recognised integrated media and entertainment company. Through this captivating and provocative film, Eros will redefine and propel Indian Cinema to an international stage, an objective integral to the company’s ethos and pioneering vision.
Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO of Eros International says: "Eros is really pleased to be involved with Provoked and use the powerful medium of film to tell a true life story of an oppressed but brave woman who changed UK case law. Domestic violence is a serious social issue that transcends race, religion, nationality and colour. We welcome people to come and support the film, and support the emancipation of women all over the world".
Studio Artois is proud to announce an exciting new film making competition in partnership with BRITDOC and Channel 4 – ‘Adventures in Recycling’. Anyone with a passion for film and a unique idea should submit their entry before April 14 2007 to be in with a chance to have their work made into a 3 Minute Wonder for
airing in Channel 4, this July.
It is not necessary for individuals to have experience in film making as the 4 winning entrants will receive the resources and professional assistance during May and June to make their films. The winning shorts will not only be screened in July on Channel 4, but also at the BRITDOC 07 Festival (25-27 July), and on Studio
Artois website. The filmmakers will receive free passes (worth £450) to BRITDOC 07 – where the jury will present the best film with an award.
Studio Artois are looking for four perspectives on recycling in all its forms: what can be recycled, the people involved and how the process works. Films can be character-led, based on the science or celebrating the power and beauty of recycling. They can be funny, angry, educational, musical, political – whatever works
best for the entrant. Film ideas can be submitted online at http://www.britdoc.org/foundation/recycling.php.
The winning films should be 4 completely different short films, shot on any kind of camera and can mix documentary with animation, music video, poetry, photography or illustration. The competition is open to anyone with a passion for film, but entrants must be 18 years or over.
Adam Oakley, Director of Marketing for Artois, said: “Supporting filmmakers and their craft is an important part of our Studio Artois film programme. Film and specifically documentary, is an excellent medium for conveying important social messages to individuals and the wider community. Film can get people to think differently and encourage people to take action and make a positive change”.
ENTRY REQUIRMENTS
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Entry ideas must be submitted online at www.britdoc.org before April 14
th
2007
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Entrants must be 18 or over
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Entrants must be British or have been based in the UK for the last 6 months (proof of residence may be required)
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Entrants must be available to work on their film between May and June 2007, as all films must be completed by early July 2007
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Channel 4 will take standard UK TV rights in the films according to their usual terms of trade (allowing them to show them both on TV
and on their website)
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Studio Artois will have non-exclusive exhibition rights in the completed films. They will have sole discretion of how they intend to use
the films for corporate and marketing purposes.
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Completed films will be screen at the BRITDOC 07 Festival between 25-27 July 2007 (filmmakers will receive free passes (worth
£450) to the event)
VIPUL SHAH PRESENTS NAMASTEY LONDON
After the phenomenal success of Waqt which entered the UK Box Office Charts at number 11, award winning and enterprising director Vipul Shah is proud to present and greet the world with one of 2007’s most spell binding love stories, Namastey London – a film that will whet the appetite of cineastes on a global platform.
Love stories are traditionally a staple diet for Indian cinema and in his quest to make ‘one love story in his lifetime’ Vipul Shah has created Namastey London which resonates perfectly with a global audience. Riding on the successful wave of cross-over cinema, Namastey London is a transitional and cross-cultural love story which considers the issues of socio-cultural conflicts in an entertaining and poignant style. The film deals with the love affairs of the youth on a global level; how the modern youth are living in the Western world in countries such as the UK, USA and Australia and how they perceive love compared to the younger generations living in areas such as Punjab, Delhi and Mumbai, and when these somewhat polarised communities meet the sparks this will generate.
Namastey London trails the story of Arjun (Akshay Kumar), a kind-hearted, homely character from the heart of Punjab who makes his way to London to win the heart of the British girl he has fallen in love with (Katrina Kaif) and the whole of Briton. Although the film is the epitome of ‘love on celluloid’, beneath the glossed, romantic layers, Namastey London unfurls to reveal a pivotal drama that speaks to all diaspora groups who have migrated from their place of origin to then settle in the West, and the plight migrants face with assimilating into the host culture and maintaining an affinity with what they call their ‘home’.
Since producing some of the most famous soap operas on Indian television, Vipul Shah made his directorial debut in films with Aankhen (2002) which had an unconventional theme of robbery by three blind men, with his next film Waqt receiving international critical acclaim. Namastey London is considered Vipul Shah’s most ambitious project till date, and will undisputedly propel him to become one of the most applauded directors of 2007.
Namastey London is extensively shot in London which forms the vital backdrop for the film. Almost 12-14 films are shot in the UK each year, contributing £20million to the UK’s economy. In recent years, London has been the hotbed of drama for Indian cinema especially for films similar to Namastey London that consider the topic of cross-cultural relations. This is supported by the fact that the UK’s population is rising by 500 people per day, indicating how the melting pot of cultures is reaching unsurpassed heights.
From the film’s cast through to its crew, from its subject matter through to its music, it is of no surprise why the hype, buzz and curiosity around Namastey London has continued to reach pinnacles. Namastey London has made history as it is the first product from Indian cinema to have an entire international and Hollywood production crew the objective being to make the film have an international feel and look in line with its global appeal. The film’s director of photography is Jonathan Bloom, location manager Keith Hatcher (Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone), head of art department and production design Paul Burns (The Business, The Football Factory) makeup artist Kateling (head makeup artist at the BBC), and casting director Claire Saunders (Match Point), reflecting the cross-cultural synergies integral to the film.
Vipul Shah has ensured that the cast of Namastey London physically resemble the characters they play. The story revolves around key central characters including A List and award winning star Akshay Kumar, aspiring actors Katrina Kaif and Upen Patel, legend Rishi Kappor, British actress Nina Wadia, acclaimed Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh and British actors Clive Standon and Tiffany McFadden who form the formidable cast.
The musical score for Namastey London is as exciting and a treat for music aficionados as is the film itself. Vipul Shah has brought together for the first time the unique combination of stalwart lyrist Javed Akhtar and current music sensation Himesh Reshammiya to compose the music of Namastey London. In bringing together the two music maestros, the music of Namastey London is an amalgam of class and mass and a musical score that truly befits the genre of the film.
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS PUTS
INDIAN CINEMA ON GLOBAL MAP
Following on from its hugely successful launch in London and Yorkshire, the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAs) has ascertained its position as a global institution which not only promotes the growth and popularity for Indian cinema internationally, but forges greater cross socio-cultural affiliations on a global level.
India has the largest film industry in the world, producing more than 1,000 films a year which is twice as many as Hollywood. Four billion cinema tickets are sold for Bollywood films each year, compared to three billion for Hollywood films and Indian cinema alone contributes a staggering £200 million for the UK’s economy.
Since its inception and launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prominent locations including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai. In beating off stiff competition from other cities including New York and Sydney, after seven exciting years the IIFAs return to the UK this year where it will be hosted in Yorkshire. “IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA at the London launch.
With brand ambassador, Indian of the Year winner[1] and screen legend Amitabh Bachchan at the helm of the event, the IIFAs travel the world leaving its indelible mark. The IIFAs ignite a global appetite for the world’s largest cinema, reaching parts of the economy that others cannot, and in its progression has clearly exemplified the potent role played by the Indian cinema industry worldwide.
Mr Bachchan who has been referred to as “Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery”[2] rolled into one, speaks of the IIFAs with immense esteem: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”
Its return to the UK highlights and adds weight to the increasing relations between India and the UK. With the Indian economy expected to grow by 10% in the next 12 months, the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. Rt. HON Gordon Brown who extended his support to the IIFAs, congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid at the launch event in London. “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.”
Sheffield's Hallam Arena will transform into a captivating setting to host the awards ceremony in June 2007, part of a four-day extravaganza that also includes events in Leeds, Bradford, Hull, York and London. The IIFA weekend will include business forums, film premieres, workshops and charity fund-raising events. More than 500 luminaries from the Indian film industry will travel to the region for the event and the event will be broadcast globally by STAR TV to reach nearly 500 million viewers in 110 countries. Previous attendees to the IIFA Weekend have included the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others.
The IIFAs are far beyond a glitzy film awards ceremony given its inimitable content and impetus. The IIFA spectacle in June 2007 is expected to boost tourism in host region Yorkshire by more than £9.5m and attract 28,000 from all over the world – including the biggest names from India.
The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.
[1] Times of India, Sunday 24th December 2006
[2] The Sunday Times, Sunday 3rd December 2006
Shortlist announced for the Shine Short Film Award
Bradford International Film Festival, 9-24th March 2007
National Media Museum
www.bradfordfilmfestival.org.uk
(0870) 7010200
Treading the borders yet pushing the boundaries
Inaugurated in 1998, Shine is the short film platform in the Bradford International Film Festival. This year five films have been short-listed for the Shine Award – the BIFF competition for best international film. Works featured in competition are selected from hundreds of entries submitted to the festival each year.
The focus of the Shine Award is to honour the best short film by an emerging director, and to support innovation and originality.
The Shine Jury – critic James Cameron-Wilson, director Jack Gold, film lecturer Liz Rymer, producer David Lascelles and BIFF international consultant Neil Young - will select the winning film from the short list during the opening weekend of BIFF2007. The presentation will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday 24 March in Cubby Broccoli Cinema.
THE SHINE SHORT LIST
MIRAMAR STREET
Dir. Jon Garaño Spain 2006 8 mins (adv PG) Some subtitles
Fele Tunaya, Ana Martinez, Adam Sanjurjo
San Diego, California. A Spanish taxi driver picks up a passenger who asks to be taken to an address in Miramar Street. In an instant the driver’s world is changed forever.
MORTEM COMPANY
Dir. Stéfan Le Lay France 2006 20 mins (adv PG) Subtitles
Loïc Fourniaud, Artus de Penguern, Mathilde Mottier, Guillaume de Tonquédec
Narrating the story, Bruno is proud of his father’s unusual job and becomes very excited when he is finally taken to visit his place of work. But an incident on the way precipitates a series of events that begin to affect their lifestyle and eventually Bruno’s life.
PRIVATE LIFE
Dir. Abbé Robinson GB 2006 15 mins 49 secs (adv 12A)
Lucy Lieman, Jana Carpenter, Toby Sawyer, Andy Henderson, David Westbrook
One Friday afternoon, a single twentysomething woman leaves her mundane job in a 1950s textile mill and takes the train to Manchester to meet up with a man. But all is not what it appears…
THE RED BALLOON
Dir. Michael Olesen USA 2005 3 mins 14 secs (adv U)
Aidan Gould, Pedro Miguel Arce
Enlisting the assistance of a balloon vendor, a young boy sends a birthday wish to his Mom – in the only way he knows how. A poignant, pocket-sized poem.
TALK TO ME
Dir. Mark Craig GB 2006 22 mins 45 secs (adv PG)
A beautiful, poignant and tremendously affecting autobiographical documentary in words and pictures based on 20 years of answer machine messages. The voices of old friends, former loves and relatives combine to create a moving memento mori as filmmaker Mark Craig revisits his past with the assistance of Ken Morse, the doyen of British rostrum cameramen.
THE WAY WE PLAYED
(Kako smo se igrali)
Dir. Samir Mehanović GB 2005 13 mins 18 secs (adv PG) Subtitles
Almir Mehanović, Eldar Šahinović
Kosovo, 1992. Oblivious to the growing conflict that will soon engulf their country, two boys search for hidden treasure in an abandoned hill fort. Instead they unearth a gun. Their country is about to be plunged into civil war – and their lives will change forever.
For more festival information visit www.bradfordfilmfestival.org.uk
