TCM IN 2005
TCM presents 28 DAYS OF OSCAR®, its annual tribute to Hollywood's biggest event of the year, The 77th Academy Awards® Ceremony - OSCAR® night.
The month-long season, airs every day in February, from 1:00pm until 9:00pm and features the biggest stars, the best films and the most gifted directors who have either won or been nominated for an OSCAR® over the years.
For the second year running, Stephen Fry is hosting the Oscar season and introduces some of his personal favourites from the illustrious list of winners and nominees.
The season includes the PREMIERE of Woody Allen's Radio Days (1st Feb at 21:00) and Broadway Danny Rose (12th Feb at 21:00), The Morning After (23rd Feb at 21:00) and When We Were Kings- the documentary on the 1974 fight between George Foreman and Muhammed Ali (28th Feb at 21:00).
For information on TCM see www.tcmonline.co.uk
Friday, December 24, 2004
ELVIS ON TCM
On 8th January, Elvis Presley would have turned 70, as a tribute to one of the most influential singers of the 20th century and undoubtedly, The King of Rock n Roll, film channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is showing a double bill of Elvis movies as well as exclusive documentaries featuring friends and fans who talk about the inspirational man.
ELVIS - Still The King, airs every Saturday in January from 15:00, including Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Elvis: That's The Way It Is, and interviews with TV presenter Cat Deeley, Kurt Russell, David Stanley (Elvis' Stepbrother) and Joe Esposito (Elvis' Road Manager).
On 8th January, Elvis Presley would have turned 70, as a tribute to one of the most influential singers of the 20th century and undoubtedly, The King of Rock n Roll, film channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is showing a double bill of Elvis movies as well as exclusive documentaries featuring friends and fans who talk about the inspirational man.
ELVIS - Still The King, airs every Saturday in January from 15:00, including Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Elvis: That's The Way It Is, and interviews with TV presenter Cat Deeley, Kurt Russell, David Stanley (Elvis' Stepbrother) and Joe Esposito (Elvis' Road Manager).
UNHOLY TRINITY!
Titan unleashes three fantastic Constantine: Hellblazer graphic novels, just in time for the Constantine movie, starring Keanu Reeves!
TITLE : CONSTANTINE: ALL HIS ENGINES
AUTHORS: MIKE CAREY & LEONARDO MANCO
PRICE: £19.99
ISBN: 1 84023 966 2
FORMAT: HARDBACK
RELEASE DATE: 21 JANUARY 2005
When a worldwide plague puts millions into comas – including the granddaughter of Chas Chandler, one of the Hellblazer’s closest friends - John Constantine steps in with the "cure." However, in scratching the surface of a seemingly personal tragedy, he finds a mad demon in a body woven out of cancer cells, and a plot to build franchised Hells in the cities of men! To rescue a single innocent child from the clutches of evil, both John and Chas will have to face temptations they never dreamed of, forging alliances with monsters every bit as terrible as the ones they're fighting…
From Mike Carey, fan-favourite writer of Lucifer, Hellblazer and Inferno, and acclaimed artist Leonardo Manco comes an epic tale of horror, friendship and the ultimate in high-stakes gambling!
TITLE: CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER – RARE CUTS
AUTHORS: GRANT MORRISON, GARTH ENNIS, DAVID LLOYD, SEAN PHILLIPS & VARIOUS
PRICE: £9.99
ISBN: 1 84023 974 3
FORMAT: PAPERBACK
RELEASE DATE: 21 JANUARY 2005
Rare Cuts assembles six spellbinding stories that have never been collected before, including the horrifying events of Newcastle, 1978, that ended with the loss of an innocent soul and Constantine confined to an asylum as well as, amongst others, a tale of Constantine’s rough-and-tumble childhood.
Created by some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed comics writers and artists, Rare Cuts is an essential read for both long-term followers of Hellblazer and those new to Constantine’s universe! Includes a Constantine timeline and a map of Constantine’s London!
TITLE: CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER COLLECTION
AUTHORS: NEIL GAIMAN, GARTH ENNIS, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, DAVE MCKEAN & VARIOUS
PRICE: £9.99
ISBN: 1 84023 979 4
FORMAT: PAPERBACK
RELEASE DATE: 25 FEBRUARY 2005
The official adaptation of the upcoming Constantine movie!
Doomed by his own hand to an afterlife in Hell, John Constantine has dedicated his life to ridding the world of its demonic influence in the faint hope of redemption. Using his knowledge of the occult, his wits, and a few items of choice customized weaponry, he wages a war against the demons among us. With his time cut short by a case of terminal lung cancer, and with the help of bereaved police officer Angela Dodson, Constantine confronts the agents of darkness in an apocalyptic battle to the death!
Also featuring three pivotal issues of Hellblazer which introduce the character of John Constantine — issues #1, #27 and #42 — this is one collection you cannot afford to miss!
Constantine the movie (due to be released in March 2005) starring Keanu Reeves is based on the Hellblazer comics series published by Titan, with over 35,000 copies sold.
Advance praise for the movie: “Astonishing... Constantine’s looking pretty damned good” — Empire.
Praise for Hellblazer: “The best thing on the UK comics scene since Alan Moore.” — SFX Magazine
“Constantine’s brand of South London suss, arcane knowledge and somewhat dubious morality proved an instant hit with readers.” — Melody Maker
“John Constantine is the most human character in mainstream comics today... A journey you can’t afford to miss.” — Neil Gaiman, author of The Sandman
Titan unleashes three fantastic Constantine: Hellblazer graphic novels, just in time for the Constantine movie, starring Keanu Reeves!
TITLE : CONSTANTINE: ALL HIS ENGINES
AUTHORS: MIKE CAREY & LEONARDO MANCO
PRICE: £19.99
ISBN: 1 84023 966 2
FORMAT: HARDBACK
RELEASE DATE: 21 JANUARY 2005
When a worldwide plague puts millions into comas – including the granddaughter of Chas Chandler, one of the Hellblazer’s closest friends - John Constantine steps in with the "cure." However, in scratching the surface of a seemingly personal tragedy, he finds a mad demon in a body woven out of cancer cells, and a plot to build franchised Hells in the cities of men! To rescue a single innocent child from the clutches of evil, both John and Chas will have to face temptations they never dreamed of, forging alliances with monsters every bit as terrible as the ones they're fighting…
From Mike Carey, fan-favourite writer of Lucifer, Hellblazer and Inferno, and acclaimed artist Leonardo Manco comes an epic tale of horror, friendship and the ultimate in high-stakes gambling!
TITLE: CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER – RARE CUTS
AUTHORS: GRANT MORRISON, GARTH ENNIS, DAVID LLOYD, SEAN PHILLIPS & VARIOUS
PRICE: £9.99
ISBN: 1 84023 974 3
FORMAT: PAPERBACK
RELEASE DATE: 21 JANUARY 2005
Rare Cuts assembles six spellbinding stories that have never been collected before, including the horrifying events of Newcastle, 1978, that ended with the loss of an innocent soul and Constantine confined to an asylum as well as, amongst others, a tale of Constantine’s rough-and-tumble childhood.
Created by some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed comics writers and artists, Rare Cuts is an essential read for both long-term followers of Hellblazer and those new to Constantine’s universe! Includes a Constantine timeline and a map of Constantine’s London!
TITLE: CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER COLLECTION
AUTHORS: NEIL GAIMAN, GARTH ENNIS, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, DAVE MCKEAN & VARIOUS
PRICE: £9.99
ISBN: 1 84023 979 4
FORMAT: PAPERBACK
RELEASE DATE: 25 FEBRUARY 2005
The official adaptation of the upcoming Constantine movie!
Doomed by his own hand to an afterlife in Hell, John Constantine has dedicated his life to ridding the world of its demonic influence in the faint hope of redemption. Using his knowledge of the occult, his wits, and a few items of choice customized weaponry, he wages a war against the demons among us. With his time cut short by a case of terminal lung cancer, and with the help of bereaved police officer Angela Dodson, Constantine confronts the agents of darkness in an apocalyptic battle to the death!
Also featuring three pivotal issues of Hellblazer which introduce the character of John Constantine — issues #1, #27 and #42 — this is one collection you cannot afford to miss!
Constantine the movie (due to be released in March 2005) starring Keanu Reeves is based on the Hellblazer comics series published by Titan, with over 35,000 copies sold.
Advance praise for the movie: “Astonishing... Constantine’s looking pretty damned good” — Empire.
Praise for Hellblazer: “The best thing on the UK comics scene since Alan Moore.” — SFX Magazine
“Constantine’s brand of South London suss, arcane knowledge and somewhat dubious morality proved an instant hit with readers.” — Melody Maker
“John Constantine is the most human character in mainstream comics today... A journey you can’t afford to miss.” — Neil Gaiman, author of The Sandman
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
PRIVATE MOMENTS
London’s answer to Sex and the City
The humour of Sex and the City meets the fantasy of Red Shoe Diaries in the sassy, sensual new film Private Moments
Serena Call (Judi Shekoni) is having a bad day. She’s just turned a year older, her love life is non-existent, and her job as host for London’s lowest-rated night time talk show is in serious jeopardy. Serena’s got one week to come up with an idea to boost the stations sagging ratings, or it’s off to the unemployment line.
What’s a girl to do? Why, turn to her friends, of course! An impromptu birthday party and several bottles of wine lead to a night of sinful confessions for these four funny, sexy ladies. From titillating talk in a corner phone booth to a sensual rendezvous on a moving underground train, these ladies share their sexiest, most private moments.
It turns out that they are not alone in this desire. Serena returns to the air with a new style, new sense of purpose, and a new direction for the show. Re-dubbed “Private Moments, Public Places”, she finds that there are as many sexy stories in the city after dark, as there are women who want to tell them.
Cast
Jason Connery; son of actors Sean Connery and Diane Cilento, London-born Jason inaugurated his own film career in 1982 with The Lords of Discipline. His next film was The Boy Who Had Everything (1983), which was critically acclaimed. He also starred in Robin of Sherwood, a well-distributed BBC television series of the late 1980s. In 1990, Jason Connery was wittily cast in the title role in the made-for-cable The Secret Life of Ian Fleming, a fanciful biography of the author/adventurer whose "James Bond" novels had helped catapult Sean Connery to fame. also regarded by many as the greatest living theatre practitioner.
Luke Goss; as part of the pop duo Bros, Luke received the Brit award for best newcomer and has now established a successful acting career and appeared in a number of TV productions and films including Frankenstein.
Catalina Guirado; British model first found fame on "TFI Friday" as Chris Evan's gorgeous sidekick. She has since been highly in demand as a model and appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Series 2. Filming work has included a highly publicised appearance on the Osbournes and a Channel 4 documentary Summer In St Tropez.
Natasja Vermeer; a French actress who has played Emmanuelle a record seven times in the internationally successful series.
Judi Shekoni; a gorgeous model, TV presenter and actress who has appeared in Eastenders and Casualty.
Aruna Shields; sassy new British Asian actress who has starred in an array of Bollywood movies.
Director, Jag Mundhra has been making films since 1980 and has directed twenty four feature films in the past twenty years. Jag has received critical acclaim and several international and national awards for his sensitive and committed portrayal of true-life stories in his films Kamla, Bawandar, Night Eyes, Improper Conduct.
Producer Sunanda Murali Manohar has a high profile roster of films to her name including, Jungle Boy, Inferno, Tropical Heat, Indian Summer, Blood Stone, Jeans and Backwaters starring Tamzin Outhwaite, Jason Fleming and Nicholas Irons.
Private Moments will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
London’s answer to Sex and the City
The humour of Sex and the City meets the fantasy of Red Shoe Diaries in the sassy, sensual new film Private Moments
Serena Call (Judi Shekoni) is having a bad day. She’s just turned a year older, her love life is non-existent, and her job as host for London’s lowest-rated night time talk show is in serious jeopardy. Serena’s got one week to come up with an idea to boost the stations sagging ratings, or it’s off to the unemployment line.
What’s a girl to do? Why, turn to her friends, of course! An impromptu birthday party and several bottles of wine lead to a night of sinful confessions for these four funny, sexy ladies. From titillating talk in a corner phone booth to a sensual rendezvous on a moving underground train, these ladies share their sexiest, most private moments.
It turns out that they are not alone in this desire. Serena returns to the air with a new style, new sense of purpose, and a new direction for the show. Re-dubbed “Private Moments, Public Places”, she finds that there are as many sexy stories in the city after dark, as there are women who want to tell them.
Cast
Jason Connery; son of actors Sean Connery and Diane Cilento, London-born Jason inaugurated his own film career in 1982 with The Lords of Discipline. His next film was The Boy Who Had Everything (1983), which was critically acclaimed. He also starred in Robin of Sherwood, a well-distributed BBC television series of the late 1980s. In 1990, Jason Connery was wittily cast in the title role in the made-for-cable The Secret Life of Ian Fleming, a fanciful biography of the author/adventurer whose "James Bond" novels had helped catapult Sean Connery to fame. also regarded by many as the greatest living theatre practitioner.
Luke Goss; as part of the pop duo Bros, Luke received the Brit award for best newcomer and has now established a successful acting career and appeared in a number of TV productions and films including Frankenstein.
Catalina Guirado; British model first found fame on "TFI Friday" as Chris Evan's gorgeous sidekick. She has since been highly in demand as a model and appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Series 2. Filming work has included a highly publicised appearance on the Osbournes and a Channel 4 documentary Summer In St Tropez.
Natasja Vermeer; a French actress who has played Emmanuelle a record seven times in the internationally successful series.
Judi Shekoni; a gorgeous model, TV presenter and actress who has appeared in Eastenders and Casualty.
Aruna Shields; sassy new British Asian actress who has starred in an array of Bollywood movies.
Director, Jag Mundhra has been making films since 1980 and has directed twenty four feature films in the past twenty years. Jag has received critical acclaim and several international and national awards for his sensitive and committed portrayal of true-life stories in his films Kamla, Bawandar, Night Eyes, Improper Conduct.
Producer Sunanda Murali Manohar has a high profile roster of films to her name including, Jungle Boy, Inferno, Tropical Heat, Indian Summer, Blood Stone, Jeans and Backwaters starring Tamzin Outhwaite, Jason Fleming and Nicholas Irons.
Private Moments will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Monday, December 20, 2004
The Classic Movies Weekly Newsletter
December 19, 2004
This week: My annual (and once again updated) list of favorite Christmas films! Plus new DVD releases and a new list of Best New Links.
--------------- New/Updated Features --------------
**Favorite Holiday Movies**
My annual list of favorite Christmas films, updated with a few new ones.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/6f7217d683/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Edward G. Robinson**
He was a Romanian Jew with an English-sounding name who gained fame by creating the prototypical Italian gangster. He was also the best actor who never won an Oscar. A brand new (and overdue) salute on what would have been Eddie's 111th birthday.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/2f0f22637c/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Frank Sinatra**
An update to our original tribute to Frank Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board and an underrated actor, written at the time of his death in 1998.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/db05d98ec5/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Kirk Douglas**
A birthday tribute to the ultimate "tough guy," both on and off screen.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/5d502a0926/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Walt Disney**
Originally written to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of the man who turned animation into a genuine movie art form and entertained several generations of children and adults, and whose legacy continues today.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/8aae422d32/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
--------------- New on DVD -------------------
"Mary Poppins" (40th Anniversary Edition) (1964) - Julie Andrews won an Oscar in her film debut as the "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" nanny who brings magic and joy to the Banks family in turn-of-the-century
London. Fanciful adaptation of P.L. Travers' books co-stars Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns and Ed Wynn. The score by Richard and Robert Sherman includes "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," "Chim Chim Cher-ee."
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/e345f14a3d/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
"Love Me Tender" (1956) - Elvis Presley's first movie finds him as a farm boy romancing his presumed-dead brother's fiancee during the Civil War. Songs include "Poor Boy," "We're Gonna Move" and the title tune. With Debra Paget, Richard Egan.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/b9581a6894/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
"Godzilla" Collector's Box Set (3-Pack) - Three-disc boxed set includes "Godzilla vs. Hedorah," "Godzilla vs. Gigan," and "Godzilla" (1998).
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/0d5b12212a/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
--------------- Best New Links ------------------
Here's a selection of the best new links (new to us, anyway) added to the Classic Movies site this week (the first three are brand new):
**A Day on the Internet - This brand new tribute to the Marx Brothers by Steven Bailey is dedicated to the long-suffering Margaret Dumont.
**Authorized Tribute to Noah Dietrich - Lynn Dougherty presents the only official and authorized Web site celebrating the life and career of Noah
Dietrich, who was chairman of the Board of RKO pictures.
**Lana Turner Online - Liza Waldman's new tribute to the poor kid from Idaho, who never had a bicycle or any toys to play with, who grew up to be a lady they called "LANA."
**OpenFlix - A directory of movies commonly thought to be in the public domain, plus works their owners are willing to let be distributed.
**The Ultimate Gangster and Crime Film Web Site - Nice-looking site includes a comprehensive list of gangster and crime films, including a separate listing of Prohibition films, a bibliography, poster collection, and listing of actors who appeared in the films.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/cda2d8e2fc/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
--------------- Find What You Want ------------
**Recommended Resources**
My personal recommendations for all kinds of Web resources that will help you save money on videos, DVDs, books, posters, and more, plus help you make money if you're so inclined.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/4c00123634/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Feature Articles**
Humor, interviews, special tributes, quizzes, and more, all on the subject of classic Hollywood films.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/560193e8fe/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Net Links**
The most extensive collection of classic movies links on the Web, arranged by subject matter, with content descriptions.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/0546eaa06c/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Sound Files**
A large and growing collection of sound files in wav format from classic and not-so-classic films.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/fc253d9f98/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A to Z List**
A master A to Z list of over 700 films, from "8-1/2" to "Zulu," with many more to come, all with links to help you buy them at the best prices from Movies Unlimited or Amazon.com.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/3764a71ca1/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**The Classic Movies Forum**
Stop by today and ask a question, start a poll, make a bold statement, or just see what's there. Warning: It can become addictive.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/d56b6bd565/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classified Ads**
Now anyone can place a classified ad on this site for only $5 a month, on almost any subject. You can even run it for free for a couple of days and see how you like it before paying.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/d240448fce/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Bookstore**
A listing of movie-related books, with brief reviews and links to help you find them. Your reviews are welcome, too.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/9fad697208/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Video Store**
Choose from thousands of titles at great prices! VHS or DVD.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/12ac7782ef/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Poster Store**
Nothing but reprints of posters from older films, plus links to help you find whatever you desire from the Web's best poster store.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/3a1968d2bf/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
----------------Parting Words -------------------
Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate the holiday!
Next week: An updated tribute to Ava Gardner.
Brad Lang
Classic Movies
classicmovies.org
Copyright 2004 Brad Lang
ISSN: 1520-2739
December 19, 2004
This week: My annual (and once again updated) list of favorite Christmas films! Plus new DVD releases and a new list of Best New Links.
--------------- New/Updated Features --------------
**Favorite Holiday Movies**
My annual list of favorite Christmas films, updated with a few new ones.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/6f7217d683/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Edward G. Robinson**
He was a Romanian Jew with an English-sounding name who gained fame by creating the prototypical Italian gangster. He was also the best actor who never won an Oscar. A brand new (and overdue) salute on what would have been Eddie's 111th birthday.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/2f0f22637c/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Frank Sinatra**
An update to our original tribute to Frank Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board and an underrated actor, written at the time of his death in 1998.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/db05d98ec5/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Kirk Douglas**
A birthday tribute to the ultimate "tough guy," both on and off screen.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/5d502a0926/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A Tribute to Walt Disney**
Originally written to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of the man who turned animation into a genuine movie art form and entertained several generations of children and adults, and whose legacy continues today.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/8aae422d32/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
--------------- New on DVD -------------------
"Mary Poppins" (40th Anniversary Edition) (1964) - Julie Andrews won an Oscar in her film debut as the "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" nanny who brings magic and joy to the Banks family in turn-of-the-century
London. Fanciful adaptation of P.L. Travers' books co-stars Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns and Ed Wynn. The score by Richard and Robert Sherman includes "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," "Chim Chim Cher-ee."
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/e345f14a3d/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
"Love Me Tender" (1956) - Elvis Presley's first movie finds him as a farm boy romancing his presumed-dead brother's fiancee during the Civil War. Songs include "Poor Boy," "We're Gonna Move" and the title tune. With Debra Paget, Richard Egan.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/b9581a6894/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
"Godzilla" Collector's Box Set (3-Pack) - Three-disc boxed set includes "Godzilla vs. Hedorah," "Godzilla vs. Gigan," and "Godzilla" (1998).
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/0d5b12212a/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
--------------- Best New Links ------------------
Here's a selection of the best new links (new to us, anyway) added to the Classic Movies site this week (the first three are brand new):
**A Day on the Internet - This brand new tribute to the Marx Brothers by Steven Bailey is dedicated to the long-suffering Margaret Dumont.
**Authorized Tribute to Noah Dietrich - Lynn Dougherty presents the only official and authorized Web site celebrating the life and career of Noah
Dietrich, who was chairman of the Board of RKO pictures.
**Lana Turner Online - Liza Waldman's new tribute to the poor kid from Idaho, who never had a bicycle or any toys to play with, who grew up to be a lady they called "LANA."
**OpenFlix - A directory of movies commonly thought to be in the public domain, plus works their owners are willing to let be distributed.
**The Ultimate Gangster and Crime Film Web Site - Nice-looking site includes a comprehensive list of gangster and crime films, including a separate listing of Prohibition films, a bibliography, poster collection, and listing of actors who appeared in the films.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/cda2d8e2fc/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
--------------- Find What You Want ------------
**Recommended Resources**
My personal recommendations for all kinds of Web resources that will help you save money on videos, DVDs, books, posters, and more, plus help you make money if you're so inclined.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/4c00123634/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Feature Articles**
Humor, interviews, special tributes, quizzes, and more, all on the subject of classic Hollywood films.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/560193e8fe/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Net Links**
The most extensive collection of classic movies links on the Web, arranged by subject matter, with content descriptions.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/0546eaa06c/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Sound Files**
A large and growing collection of sound files in wav format from classic and not-so-classic films.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/fc253d9f98/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**A to Z List**
A master A to Z list of over 700 films, from "8-1/2" to "Zulu," with many more to come, all with links to help you buy them at the best prices from Movies Unlimited or Amazon.com.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/3764a71ca1/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**The Classic Movies Forum**
Stop by today and ask a question, start a poll, make a bold statement, or just see what's there. Warning: It can become addictive.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/d56b6bd565/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classified Ads**
Now anyone can place a classified ad on this site for only $5 a month, on almost any subject. You can even run it for free for a couple of days and see how you like it before paying.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/d240448fce/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Bookstore**
A listing of movie-related books, with brief reviews and links to help you find them. Your reviews are welcome, too.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/9fad697208/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Video Store**
Choose from thousands of titles at great prices! VHS or DVD.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/12ac7782ef/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
**Classic Movies Poster Store**
Nothing but reprints of posters from older films, plus links to help you find whatever you desire from the Web's best poster store.
http://r.vresp.com/?ClassicMovies/3a1968d2bf/266129/6108ff7f32/7a363d7
----------------Parting Words -------------------
Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate the holiday!
Next week: An updated tribute to Ava Gardner.
Brad Lang
Classic Movies
classicmovies.org
Copyright 2004 Brad Lang
ISSN: 1520-2739
Free Script Editor
Mindstar has released a free script writing software package. The Cinergy Script Editor is available as a standalone program, or built-in to the larger Cinergy Motion Picture Production System. The script editor creates industry standard formatting for motion picture scripts. Scripts created with the Cinergy Script Editor are immediately compatible with the production management features of Cinergy Version 5.
The free Cinergy script writing program can be downloaded at: http://www.mindstarprods.com/
Mindstar has released a free script writing software package. The Cinergy Script Editor is available as a standalone program, or built-in to the larger Cinergy Motion Picture Production System. The script editor creates industry standard formatting for motion picture scripts. Scripts created with the Cinergy Script Editor are immediately compatible with the production management features of Cinergy Version 5.
The free Cinergy script writing program can be downloaded at: http://www.mindstarprods.com/
Friday, December 17, 2004
34th International Film Festival Rotterdam
January 26 - February 6, 2005
- Tiger Cub Awards Competition for short films
- Filmmaker in Focus en theme section from Russia
- IFFR welcomes Tiscali as main sponsor
The International Film Festival Rotterdam introduces the Tiger Cub Awards Competition for short films. Three winners will be chosen by a jury to receive the equal Tiger Cub Awards. The Rotterdam programme will have a Russian strand with the selection of Yevgeni Yufit as Filmmaker in Focus and with the theme section 'Near Past and Near Future: Russian Parallel Cinema'. During IFFR 2005, new Dutch films by, among others Vincent Monnikendam, Colette Bothof, Erik van Zuylen, Eugenie Jansen and Kees Hin will see their world premieres. Tiscali is the new and third main sponsor of IFFR.
Tiger Cub Awards Competition
Next to its VPRO Tiger Awards Competition for first or second feature length films, IFFR introduces the Tiger Cub Awards Competition for short films. For many editions, the short film has been an integral part of the festival programme. In the IFFR programme section Shorts!, the festival screens compilations by theme, country or film-makers. For the new Tiger Cub Awards Competition, thirty short films up till thirty minutes will be selected. All must be receiving their world-, European or international premieres in Rotterdam. A jury will choose three winning short films from the competition selection. The three Tiger Cub Awards will come with a prize of Euro 3,000. The short films in Competition will be revealed by the first week of January 2005.
Filmmaker in Focus: Yevgeni Yufit
Russian filmmaker and photographer Yevgeni Yufit (1961, Saint Petersburg) has been selected as IFFR 2005 Filmmaker in Focus. The festival honours Yufit with the screening of four feature films (including his latest film BIPEDALISM as world premiere), eight short films and a photo exhibition. After finishing his studies in mechanical engineering in 1983, Yufit took film lessons from Aleksandr Sokurov. Yufit went on founding the film studio Mzhalalafilm and started making experimental films. He was the founding father of the 'Necrorealism' movement in Saint Petersburg that includes filmmakers, photographers, painters and writers. Manifesting themselves by the beginning of the Eighties, death as a physical reality became a principal theme in their works. IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund has supported his BIPEDALISM (2005). Yufit's works had considerable influence on a later generation of Russian progressive filmmakers and artists. One of the IFFR 2005 theme programmes will be 'Near Past and Near Future' devoted to a choice of feature and short films from this 'Parallel Cinema' movement.
Near Past and Near Future: Russian Parallel Cinema
The rise of what in Russia is known as 'Parallel Cinema' (which includes Yufit's 'Necrorealism') is closely connected to the 'perestrojka' period and the desintegration of the former USSR. 'Parallel' meaning that these films were made and screened without official support or consent of the authorities. A second generation, now including artists, performers, musicians, photographers, writers and journalists continued the Parallel Cinema throughout the Nineties. In and around Moscow, they now have a network of own festivals, production platforms, websites, films and film stars. IFFR focuses the attention on eight feature films and five short films from this widespread alternative circuit. Themes and forms of these films vary from the very Russian 4 by Ilya Khrzhanovky, the anti-Chechen war drama ZELENIY SLONIK (GREEN ELEPHANT) by Svetlana Baskova to the bizarre comedy IVAN DURAK (IVAN THE IDIOT) van Alexandr Doulerain & Sergei Koryagin.
Dutch films in world premiere
The following Dutch films will see their world premieres during the upcoming International Film Festival Rotterdam: ZIELEN VAN NAPELS (SOULS OF NAPLES) by Vincent Monnikendam, VOORLAND by Eugenie Jansen, HET MYSTERIE VAN DE SARDINE (THE MYSTERY OF THE SARDINE) by Erik van Zuylen, CINEMA INVISIBLE: HET BOEK (CINEMA INVISIBLE: THE BOOK) by Kees Hin, BROSSA by Digna Sinke and Colette Bothof's début feature film ZWARTE ZWANEN (BLACK SWANS). ALIAS KURBAN SAÏD by Jos de Putter gets its European bow. After the Dutch internet release in December 2004, 0605 by Theo van Gogh gets its screen premiere during the festival.
Tiscali new main IFFR sponsor
The IFFR welcomes Tiscali as new main sponsor of the festival, joining Dutch national newspaper de Volkskrant and Dutch public network VPRO. Supporting IFFR, European internet communications company Tiscali states "does fit in with Tiscali's strategy to strengthen the versatile functions of internet within the world of film."
The 34th International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place from Wednesday January 26 till Sunday February 6, 2005. The festival programme will be published on Thursday January 20, 2005 as a supplement to Dutch national newspaper de Volkskrant and may be found online the same date on www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com.
VPRO Tiger Awards Competition
The heart of the IFFR: about 15 first or second features battle for the three equal Tiger Awards. The complete selection of competition films will be announced in early January.
Cinema of the Future: Sturm und Drang
The programme section Sturm und Drang comprises features and documentaries, most of them by young film makers who are investigating new angles on cinematography. The film makers have one thing in common: they display an urge to innovate and seek ways to narrate and portray. This makes Sturm und Drang a series of filmic surprises and a source of discoveries. Among the films you can see in this section are: SZEZON (EASTERN SUGAR) by Ferenc Török (Hungary), LOS MUERTOS by Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), GUI YEO WO (SO CUTE) by Kim Soo-Huyn (South Korea) and ABSOLUT by Romed Wyder (Switzerland).
Cinema of the World: Time & Tide
The heartbeat of the world can be felt in the programme section Time & Tide. Here, the IFFR presents features and documentaries that reveal the social political and cultural commitment of the makers. Young talent is combined with experience. In these films, the makers look around, reflect on social processes, tell personal stories or adopt a position on what fascinates them. These films take the viewer on journeys to cities, landscapes, borders, homes and their stories. Among the films in this programme: DASTANEH NATAMAN (STORY UNDONE) by Hassan Yektapanah (Iran), SAN ZIMSKE NOCI (MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM) by Goran Paskaljevic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and ETT HÅL I MITT HJÄRTA (A HOLE IN MY HEART) by Lukas Moodysson (Sweden).
Maestros: Kings & Aces
The programme section Kings and Aces is the domain of the masters of authors' cinema. In their latest works, we recognise here the signature and style of experienced film makers and hence also well-known names from previous festivals. Here you can find the film makers whose oeuvre is followed by the IFFR and who display the hand of a master, not hindered by their age, be it young or old. It is no coincidence that these are often inspiring examples for a new generation of film makers (and film fans). This section includes new films by Hong Sang-Soo (WOMAN IS THE FUTURE OF MEN, South Korea), Wong Kar-wai (2046, Hong Kong), Claire Denis (L'INTRUS, France), Olivier Assayas (CLEAN, France), Kim Ki-Duk (BIN-JIP and THE SAMARITAN GIRL, South Korea) and Kira Muratova (TUNER, Ukraine).
Cinema Regained
In Cinema Regained, every film lover can enjoy films and documentaries about film (makers) and rare recently restored jewels from film history. These include seven features from the director Uchida Tomu, who is scarcely known outside Japan, Sam Fuller's restored epic THE BIG RED ONE, a series of short films by the American experimental film maker Owen Land (aka George Landow) and I DIED IN CHILDHOOD…, a documentary about Sergei Paradjanov.
Tiger Cub Awards Competition
In order to focus extra attention on short films and their makers, for the first time in 2005 the IFFR is presenting a short film competition. From the most recent short films - films should have their European, international or world première in Rotterdam - thirty will be specially selected for the Tiger Cub Awards Competition.
Short!
Short films, in compilation programmes or screened before features, have always formed an important part of the IFFR. The selection varies from Italian Minimalism to Armenian poetry, from experimental video to advanced animation. For instance, there are two compilation programmes with (experimental) short films from Croatia and neighbouring areas. Some of these films were made during the war in former Yugoslavia, such as LETTER, or have the war as their subject, such as DAS LIED IST AUS. But the programme also includes the Golden Palm winner (for the short film), the Romanian film TRAFFIC by Catalin Mitulescu, in which a businessman thinks of something worthwhile to do during his 20-minute break.
Film makers & Artist in Focus
IFFR 2005 honours three film makers by screening a selection from their oeuvre. By Benoit Jacquot (France) there are features (including film versions of literary works, theatre and opera) and several films especially made for television. The festival is showing features and short films by the 'necrorealist' Yevgeni Yufit (Russia). The Artist in Focus is the video artist Anri Sala (Albania/France). He will be putting on an exhibition during IFFR 2005 in the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and in TENT.; more of his work can be seen in the film theatres.
S.E.A. Eyes
This theme programme uses features and short films to provide us with a cinematographic map of Southeast Asia. IFFR programmer Gertjan Zuilhof concentrates on a young and rising generation of film and video makers from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
Near Past and Near Future: Russian Parallel Cinema
This theme programme presents a series of features and short films made by a new generation of independent and alternative film makers from Moscow (and far beyond). Committed, creative, playful, political. Compilation: Andrei Plakhov and IFFR programmer Ludmila Cvikova.
Rotterdämmerung
This series of films, largely from Japan, is more suitable for the 'late-night slot' and less for children. It includes variations on genres such as fantasy, thriller and science fiction. Several Japanese examples: Samurai slasher drama IZO by Miike Takashi, the hybrid live-action sci-fi manga CASSHERN by Kiriya Kazuaki and psycho-revenge RINJIN 13-GO (NEIGHBOR #13) by Inoue Yasuo (both from Japan).
PS Homefront USA
Epilogue to the extensive IFFR 2004 theme programme by programmer Gertjan Zuilhof, with several new films reflecting on the present political and cultural climate in the United States. This includes films by Bruce Weber (LETTER TO TRUE), Wim Wenders (LAND OF PLENTY) and Jon Jost (HOMECOMING).
Exploding Cinema: Sound Check
This year, Exploding Cinema is dedicated to sound as an important instrument for audiovisual artists and film makers. The group exhibition 'murmur' in TENT. will be a silent sound show in which the more subtle sounds can be heard and seen. Among the film programme: features (FIVE by Abbas Kiarostami and UNE VISITE AU LOUVRE by Jean-Marie Straub & Danièle Huillet), the documentary MOOG by Hans Fjellestad about the inventor of the synthesiser, short (-er) films: Matt Hulse's AUDIBLE PICTURE SHOW; an experimental sound work with film by Jonas Mekas, mini operas in the form of animation films by the Estonian artist Matti Kütt, conceptual music videos by Tony Cokes and the symphonic short films of Kirsten Winter. Exploding Cinema: Sound Check also includes: 'Testing, Testing' (daily series of presentations in Witte de With by artists and film makers), the installation SCIENCE FRICTION in V2_ (including work by sound artist Francisco Lopez) and 'DVdrome' (presentation of a new genre of DVDs with innovative combinations of sound, music and pictures).
Screen Tests
An exhibition in the Dutch Photo Museum (Rotterdam) about the effect of the film and still camera on the human face. A selection from recently restored Andy Warhol screen tests functions as starting point (with, for instance, Susan Sontag and Lou Reed). The threat and confirmation expressed by a screen test is pursued in this exhibition with the contemporary photo, film and video works of Artist in Focus Anri Sala (Albania/France), Graham Gussin (UK), Johan Grimonprez (Belgium), Martin Arnold (Austria), Fiona Tan (Netherlands), Manon de Boer (Belgium), Eric Pellet (France) and Ana Torfs (Belgium). Several of the Screen Test films will be presented in the festival cinemas, such as the documentary SYLVIA KRISTEL - PARIS by Manon de Boer.
What (is) Cinema
Back in its regular venue in the Small Auditorium of the Rotterdamse Schouwburg, every day an 'In Person' interview with a festival guest, the 'In Conversation' debate motivated by a theme from the festival programme and the Late Talk Show presented by Wilfried de Jong .
Hot Spots
Three times three days in Off_Corso: every day from 5 to 11 p.m., music, film, live performances and art from the young, alternative scene & cultural hotbeds of Istanbul, Baghdad and Bristol.
Dutch Perspective
A selection of features and documentaries released in 2004 in the Netherlands, with English subtitles for the international festival guests.
IFFR 2005 Festival Venues
The International Film Festival Rotterdam makes use of more than 20 film auditoria and the following venues: the cinemas Pathé Schouwburgplein, Cinerama and Lantaren/Venster, the theatres Oude Luxor and Rotterdamse Schouwburg. In the Doelen Congress and Music Centre (Jurriaanse Zaal Entrance, Kruisplein, Rotterdam) are the Main Festival Box Office and the Festival Restaurant and Bar. In addition, the Doelen serves as the 'IFFR Professionals Centre'.
More details at:
http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com
January 26 - February 6, 2005
- Tiger Cub Awards Competition for short films
- Filmmaker in Focus en theme section from Russia
- IFFR welcomes Tiscali as main sponsor
The International Film Festival Rotterdam introduces the Tiger Cub Awards Competition for short films. Three winners will be chosen by a jury to receive the equal Tiger Cub Awards. The Rotterdam programme will have a Russian strand with the selection of Yevgeni Yufit as Filmmaker in Focus and with the theme section 'Near Past and Near Future: Russian Parallel Cinema'. During IFFR 2005, new Dutch films by, among others Vincent Monnikendam, Colette Bothof, Erik van Zuylen, Eugenie Jansen and Kees Hin will see their world premieres. Tiscali is the new and third main sponsor of IFFR.
Tiger Cub Awards Competition
Next to its VPRO Tiger Awards Competition for first or second feature length films, IFFR introduces the Tiger Cub Awards Competition for short films. For many editions, the short film has been an integral part of the festival programme. In the IFFR programme section Shorts!, the festival screens compilations by theme, country or film-makers. For the new Tiger Cub Awards Competition, thirty short films up till thirty minutes will be selected. All must be receiving their world-, European or international premieres in Rotterdam. A jury will choose three winning short films from the competition selection. The three Tiger Cub Awards will come with a prize of Euro 3,000. The short films in Competition will be revealed by the first week of January 2005.
Filmmaker in Focus: Yevgeni Yufit
Russian filmmaker and photographer Yevgeni Yufit (1961, Saint Petersburg) has been selected as IFFR 2005 Filmmaker in Focus. The festival honours Yufit with the screening of four feature films (including his latest film BIPEDALISM as world premiere), eight short films and a photo exhibition. After finishing his studies in mechanical engineering in 1983, Yufit took film lessons from Aleksandr Sokurov. Yufit went on founding the film studio Mzhalalafilm and started making experimental films. He was the founding father of the 'Necrorealism' movement in Saint Petersburg that includes filmmakers, photographers, painters and writers. Manifesting themselves by the beginning of the Eighties, death as a physical reality became a principal theme in their works. IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund has supported his BIPEDALISM (2005). Yufit's works had considerable influence on a later generation of Russian progressive filmmakers and artists. One of the IFFR 2005 theme programmes will be 'Near Past and Near Future' devoted to a choice of feature and short films from this 'Parallel Cinema' movement.
Near Past and Near Future: Russian Parallel Cinema
The rise of what in Russia is known as 'Parallel Cinema' (which includes Yufit's 'Necrorealism') is closely connected to the 'perestrojka' period and the desintegration of the former USSR. 'Parallel' meaning that these films were made and screened without official support or consent of the authorities. A second generation, now including artists, performers, musicians, photographers, writers and journalists continued the Parallel Cinema throughout the Nineties. In and around Moscow, they now have a network of own festivals, production platforms, websites, films and film stars. IFFR focuses the attention on eight feature films and five short films from this widespread alternative circuit. Themes and forms of these films vary from the very Russian 4 by Ilya Khrzhanovky, the anti-Chechen war drama ZELENIY SLONIK (GREEN ELEPHANT) by Svetlana Baskova to the bizarre comedy IVAN DURAK (IVAN THE IDIOT) van Alexandr Doulerain & Sergei Koryagin.
Dutch films in world premiere
The following Dutch films will see their world premieres during the upcoming International Film Festival Rotterdam: ZIELEN VAN NAPELS (SOULS OF NAPLES) by Vincent Monnikendam, VOORLAND by Eugenie Jansen, HET MYSTERIE VAN DE SARDINE (THE MYSTERY OF THE SARDINE) by Erik van Zuylen, CINEMA INVISIBLE: HET BOEK (CINEMA INVISIBLE: THE BOOK) by Kees Hin, BROSSA by Digna Sinke and Colette Bothof's début feature film ZWARTE ZWANEN (BLACK SWANS). ALIAS KURBAN SAÏD by Jos de Putter gets its European bow. After the Dutch internet release in December 2004, 0605 by Theo van Gogh gets its screen premiere during the festival.
Tiscali new main IFFR sponsor
The IFFR welcomes Tiscali as new main sponsor of the festival, joining Dutch national newspaper de Volkskrant and Dutch public network VPRO. Supporting IFFR, European internet communications company Tiscali states "does fit in with Tiscali's strategy to strengthen the versatile functions of internet within the world of film."
The 34th International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place from Wednesday January 26 till Sunday February 6, 2005. The festival programme will be published on Thursday January 20, 2005 as a supplement to Dutch national newspaper de Volkskrant and may be found online the same date on www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com.
VPRO Tiger Awards Competition
The heart of the IFFR: about 15 first or second features battle for the three equal Tiger Awards. The complete selection of competition films will be announced in early January.
Cinema of the Future: Sturm und Drang
The programme section Sturm und Drang comprises features and documentaries, most of them by young film makers who are investigating new angles on cinematography. The film makers have one thing in common: they display an urge to innovate and seek ways to narrate and portray. This makes Sturm und Drang a series of filmic surprises and a source of discoveries. Among the films you can see in this section are: SZEZON (EASTERN SUGAR) by Ferenc Török (Hungary), LOS MUERTOS by Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), GUI YEO WO (SO CUTE) by Kim Soo-Huyn (South Korea) and ABSOLUT by Romed Wyder (Switzerland).
Cinema of the World: Time & Tide
The heartbeat of the world can be felt in the programme section Time & Tide. Here, the IFFR presents features and documentaries that reveal the social political and cultural commitment of the makers. Young talent is combined with experience. In these films, the makers look around, reflect on social processes, tell personal stories or adopt a position on what fascinates them. These films take the viewer on journeys to cities, landscapes, borders, homes and their stories. Among the films in this programme: DASTANEH NATAMAN (STORY UNDONE) by Hassan Yektapanah (Iran), SAN ZIMSKE NOCI (MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM) by Goran Paskaljevic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and ETT HÅL I MITT HJÄRTA (A HOLE IN MY HEART) by Lukas Moodysson (Sweden).
Maestros: Kings & Aces
The programme section Kings and Aces is the domain of the masters of authors' cinema. In their latest works, we recognise here the signature and style of experienced film makers and hence also well-known names from previous festivals. Here you can find the film makers whose oeuvre is followed by the IFFR and who display the hand of a master, not hindered by their age, be it young or old. It is no coincidence that these are often inspiring examples for a new generation of film makers (and film fans). This section includes new films by Hong Sang-Soo (WOMAN IS THE FUTURE OF MEN, South Korea), Wong Kar-wai (2046, Hong Kong), Claire Denis (L'INTRUS, France), Olivier Assayas (CLEAN, France), Kim Ki-Duk (BIN-JIP and THE SAMARITAN GIRL, South Korea) and Kira Muratova (TUNER, Ukraine).
Cinema Regained
In Cinema Regained, every film lover can enjoy films and documentaries about film (makers) and rare recently restored jewels from film history. These include seven features from the director Uchida Tomu, who is scarcely known outside Japan, Sam Fuller's restored epic THE BIG RED ONE, a series of short films by the American experimental film maker Owen Land (aka George Landow) and I DIED IN CHILDHOOD…, a documentary about Sergei Paradjanov.
Tiger Cub Awards Competition
In order to focus extra attention on short films and their makers, for the first time in 2005 the IFFR is presenting a short film competition. From the most recent short films - films should have their European, international or world première in Rotterdam - thirty will be specially selected for the Tiger Cub Awards Competition.
Short!
Short films, in compilation programmes or screened before features, have always formed an important part of the IFFR. The selection varies from Italian Minimalism to Armenian poetry, from experimental video to advanced animation. For instance, there are two compilation programmes with (experimental) short films from Croatia and neighbouring areas. Some of these films were made during the war in former Yugoslavia, such as LETTER, or have the war as their subject, such as DAS LIED IST AUS. But the programme also includes the Golden Palm winner (for the short film), the Romanian film TRAFFIC by Catalin Mitulescu, in which a businessman thinks of something worthwhile to do during his 20-minute break.
Film makers & Artist in Focus
IFFR 2005 honours three film makers by screening a selection from their oeuvre. By Benoit Jacquot (France) there are features (including film versions of literary works, theatre and opera) and several films especially made for television. The festival is showing features and short films by the 'necrorealist' Yevgeni Yufit (Russia). The Artist in Focus is the video artist Anri Sala (Albania/France). He will be putting on an exhibition during IFFR 2005 in the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and in TENT.; more of his work can be seen in the film theatres.
S.E.A. Eyes
This theme programme uses features and short films to provide us with a cinematographic map of Southeast Asia. IFFR programmer Gertjan Zuilhof concentrates on a young and rising generation of film and video makers from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
Near Past and Near Future: Russian Parallel Cinema
This theme programme presents a series of features and short films made by a new generation of independent and alternative film makers from Moscow (and far beyond). Committed, creative, playful, political. Compilation: Andrei Plakhov and IFFR programmer Ludmila Cvikova.
Rotterdämmerung
This series of films, largely from Japan, is more suitable for the 'late-night slot' and less for children. It includes variations on genres such as fantasy, thriller and science fiction. Several Japanese examples: Samurai slasher drama IZO by Miike Takashi, the hybrid live-action sci-fi manga CASSHERN by Kiriya Kazuaki and psycho-revenge RINJIN 13-GO (NEIGHBOR #13) by Inoue Yasuo (both from Japan).
PS Homefront USA
Epilogue to the extensive IFFR 2004 theme programme by programmer Gertjan Zuilhof, with several new films reflecting on the present political and cultural climate in the United States. This includes films by Bruce Weber (LETTER TO TRUE), Wim Wenders (LAND OF PLENTY) and Jon Jost (HOMECOMING).
Exploding Cinema: Sound Check
This year, Exploding Cinema is dedicated to sound as an important instrument for audiovisual artists and film makers. The group exhibition 'murmur' in TENT. will be a silent sound show in which the more subtle sounds can be heard and seen. Among the film programme: features (FIVE by Abbas Kiarostami and UNE VISITE AU LOUVRE by Jean-Marie Straub & Danièle Huillet), the documentary MOOG by Hans Fjellestad about the inventor of the synthesiser, short (-er) films: Matt Hulse's AUDIBLE PICTURE SHOW; an experimental sound work with film by Jonas Mekas, mini operas in the form of animation films by the Estonian artist Matti Kütt, conceptual music videos by Tony Cokes and the symphonic short films of Kirsten Winter. Exploding Cinema: Sound Check also includes: 'Testing, Testing' (daily series of presentations in Witte de With by artists and film makers), the installation SCIENCE FRICTION in V2_ (including work by sound artist Francisco Lopez) and 'DVdrome' (presentation of a new genre of DVDs with innovative combinations of sound, music and pictures).
Screen Tests
An exhibition in the Dutch Photo Museum (Rotterdam) about the effect of the film and still camera on the human face. A selection from recently restored Andy Warhol screen tests functions as starting point (with, for instance, Susan Sontag and Lou Reed). The threat and confirmation expressed by a screen test is pursued in this exhibition with the contemporary photo, film and video works of Artist in Focus Anri Sala (Albania/France), Graham Gussin (UK), Johan Grimonprez (Belgium), Martin Arnold (Austria), Fiona Tan (Netherlands), Manon de Boer (Belgium), Eric Pellet (France) and Ana Torfs (Belgium). Several of the Screen Test films will be presented in the festival cinemas, such as the documentary SYLVIA KRISTEL - PARIS by Manon de Boer.
What (is) Cinema
Back in its regular venue in the Small Auditorium of the Rotterdamse Schouwburg, every day an 'In Person' interview with a festival guest, the 'In Conversation' debate motivated by a theme from the festival programme and the Late Talk Show presented by Wilfried de Jong .
Hot Spots
Three times three days in Off_Corso: every day from 5 to 11 p.m., music, film, live performances and art from the young, alternative scene & cultural hotbeds of Istanbul, Baghdad and Bristol.
Dutch Perspective
A selection of features and documentaries released in 2004 in the Netherlands, with English subtitles for the international festival guests.
IFFR 2005 Festival Venues
The International Film Festival Rotterdam makes use of more than 20 film auditoria and the following venues: the cinemas Pathé Schouwburgplein, Cinerama and Lantaren/Venster, the theatres Oude Luxor and Rotterdamse Schouwburg. In the Doelen Congress and Music Centre (Jurriaanse Zaal Entrance, Kruisplein, Rotterdam) are the Main Festival Box Office and the Festival Restaurant and Bar. In addition, the Doelen serves as the 'IFFR Professionals Centre'.
More details at:
http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com
Simon Mayo
Today from 1pm to 4pm BBC Radio Five Live
James Cracknell - 2pm.
Mark Kermode will be discussing the best and worst of this week's movie releases including Lemony Snickets a Series of Unfortunate Events, Sleepover, Ella Enchanted and Without a Paddle from 3pm.
From 1pm the sports panel of discuss the latest goings-on in the world of sport including the latest updates from England's tour of South Africa and the latest football transfer rumours.
Listen to Five Live on AM, on digital and online.
Today from 1pm to 4pm BBC Radio Five Live
James Cracknell - 2pm.
Mark Kermode will be discussing the best and worst of this week's movie releases including Lemony Snickets a Series of Unfortunate Events, Sleepover, Ella Enchanted and Without a Paddle from 3pm.
From 1pm the sports panel of discuss the latest goings-on in the world of sport including the latest updates from England's tour of South Africa and the latest football transfer rumours.
Listen to Five Live on AM, on digital and online.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
SWADES – WE, THE PEOPLE
Presented by UTV Motion Pictures
After the revolutionary success of the Academy Award Nominated film Lagaan, its critically acclaimed writer, producer and director, Ashutosh Gowariker presents another magnum opus and one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year, Swades – We, The People.
Swades is a contemporary and unconventional film that tells the story of a man’s quest for his inner self, sense of identity and his home, the story of a bright young scientist Mohan Bhargava working as a project manager in NASA (played eloquently by the undisputed king of Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan) who returns to his childhood home in India in search of his nanny, his epitome of motherhood. What was a simple mission, prompted by nostalgia and affection, turns into a journey into the heartland of rural India, both literally and metaphorically.
Gowariker’s script is groundbreaking in the subject matter it embarks upon commendably. His unique directorial abilities permeates the script of Swades in his effective and novel use of juxtapositions, as he contrasts the highly developed world of NASA, with a country at the crossroads of development. The cinematography of Swades displays the captivating and untouched beauty of rural India, with superb sophistication.
“Swades is a simple, effective and entertaining juxtaposition of the East and West. Its beauty lies in the fact that it is extremely earthy and identifiable, and has universal appeal” remarks Ashutosh Gowariker.
Following the success of commended films such as Lakshya, Fiza and Chalte Chalte, the Motion Pictures division of India’s largest integrated media major, UTV, is proud to present Swades. Part of the UTV Group, one of the most powerful and prominent integrated media and entertainment companies in India, known across Asia as an industry standard setter, innovator and pioneer for its cutting edge creativity, finesse and management depth, UTV Motion Pictures is pleased of their association with this pioneering film.
UTV Motion Pictures has spearheaded the Studio Model in the Indian Motion Picture Space. UTV Motion Pictures' expertise spans across production, distribution and marketing across a slate of multi genre films.
Also, UTV Motion Pictures’ release of Swades both nationally in India as well as in the overseas market marks the first ever widest and simultaneous release of a Hindi Film in India and internationally, with 275 prints of the film releasing.
Swades boasts an impressive film team, a culmination of unmatched talent, illuminated in every facet of the film. Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled engaging performance in Swades is poised to captivate his audience to unsurpassed heights. He performs the role of Mohan, a complex protagonist with strong personal beliefs, and sincere admiration. Being an actor who is versatile and with a commendable mix of roles to his credit, Shah Rukh Khan is the ideal candidate to incarnate Mohan and to exhibit the range of emotions the character demands.
Swades also sees the launch of debutant actress and model, Gayatri Joshi, in the role of Mohan’s re-united childhood companion Gita, the woman who in many ways plays the catalyst in helping Mohan forge the links between his two worlds.
The musical score of Swades sees the collaboration of the unparalleled maestro, A. R. Rahman, and the legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar. Undisputedly, every song in Swades is a gem, and after listening to the melodies, it becomes clear that the music was composed with soul and holds the golden token of appealing to everyone. As each song progresses we are privy to the musical melody that has classic A.R. Rahman running through and through. Swades sees the amalgamation of harmonious vocals by Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Hari Haran, Sadhna Sargam and Ashutosh Gowariker himself, which creates an incomparable bouquet of flair.
Swades releases world-wide on 17th December 2004. Distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, certificate (U), duration 210 minutes.
Presented by UTV Motion Pictures
After the revolutionary success of the Academy Award Nominated film Lagaan, its critically acclaimed writer, producer and director, Ashutosh Gowariker presents another magnum opus and one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year, Swades – We, The People.
Swades is a contemporary and unconventional film that tells the story of a man’s quest for his inner self, sense of identity and his home, the story of a bright young scientist Mohan Bhargava working as a project manager in NASA (played eloquently by the undisputed king of Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan) who returns to his childhood home in India in search of his nanny, his epitome of motherhood. What was a simple mission, prompted by nostalgia and affection, turns into a journey into the heartland of rural India, both literally and metaphorically.
Gowariker’s script is groundbreaking in the subject matter it embarks upon commendably. His unique directorial abilities permeates the script of Swades in his effective and novel use of juxtapositions, as he contrasts the highly developed world of NASA, with a country at the crossroads of development. The cinematography of Swades displays the captivating and untouched beauty of rural India, with superb sophistication.
“Swades is a simple, effective and entertaining juxtaposition of the East and West. Its beauty lies in the fact that it is extremely earthy and identifiable, and has universal appeal” remarks Ashutosh Gowariker.
Following the success of commended films such as Lakshya, Fiza and Chalte Chalte, the Motion Pictures division of India’s largest integrated media major, UTV, is proud to present Swades. Part of the UTV Group, one of the most powerful and prominent integrated media and entertainment companies in India, known across Asia as an industry standard setter, innovator and pioneer for its cutting edge creativity, finesse and management depth, UTV Motion Pictures is pleased of their association with this pioneering film.
UTV Motion Pictures has spearheaded the Studio Model in the Indian Motion Picture Space. UTV Motion Pictures' expertise spans across production, distribution and marketing across a slate of multi genre films.
Also, UTV Motion Pictures’ release of Swades both nationally in India as well as in the overseas market marks the first ever widest and simultaneous release of a Hindi Film in India and internationally, with 275 prints of the film releasing.
Swades boasts an impressive film team, a culmination of unmatched talent, illuminated in every facet of the film. Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled engaging performance in Swades is poised to captivate his audience to unsurpassed heights. He performs the role of Mohan, a complex protagonist with strong personal beliefs, and sincere admiration. Being an actor who is versatile and with a commendable mix of roles to his credit, Shah Rukh Khan is the ideal candidate to incarnate Mohan and to exhibit the range of emotions the character demands.
Swades also sees the launch of debutant actress and model, Gayatri Joshi, in the role of Mohan’s re-united childhood companion Gita, the woman who in many ways plays the catalyst in helping Mohan forge the links between his two worlds.
The musical score of Swades sees the collaboration of the unparalleled maestro, A. R. Rahman, and the legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar. Undisputedly, every song in Swades is a gem, and after listening to the melodies, it becomes clear that the music was composed with soul and holds the golden token of appealing to everyone. As each song progresses we are privy to the musical melody that has classic A.R. Rahman running through and through. Swades sees the amalgamation of harmonious vocals by Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Hari Haran, Sadhna Sargam and Ashutosh Gowariker himself, which creates an incomparable bouquet of flair.
Swades releases world-wide on 17th December 2004. Distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, certificate (U), duration 210 minutes.
Friday, November 12, 2004
25th November - 5th December
In support of Argentina
Discovering Latin America III Film Festival brings to London a selection of internationally acclaimed feature films and documentaries, including 21 UK premieres like The First Night from Colombia, The Truce from Mexico and A Social Genocide from Argentina, among others.
The programme that will run for eleven days between November 25 and December 5 will feature some of Latin America’s latest successes such as Bus 174, El Bonaerense and an entire Gala Night dedicated to The Motorcycle Diaries.
For the first time since our first edition, the programme is enhanced by Directors’ Retrospectives, Masterclasses and Q&A sessions. The Retrospectives will be focused on three legendary directors: Fernando ‘Pino’ Solanas (Argentina) who will present his last film ‘A Social Genocide’ followed by a press conference with special guests. The other two will be on Francisco Lombardi (Peru) and Jorge Sanjinés (Bolivia).
We are thrilled to have with us César Charlone (Uruguay/Brazil), Director of Photography and Oscar Nominee for ‘Cinematography’ in City of God, who will lead a Masterclass on Digital Intermedia and Electronic Postproduction, and we also welcome the producer of The Motorcycle Diaries, Edgard Tenembaun, from Argentina, who will participate in a Q&A session after the screening of the film at the Gala Night.
Other special guests are: Professor Michael Chanan with a Masterclass on Latin American Documentaries; the Director Alfonso Rojas Priego (Mexico) who will be presenting his last film The Truce; the Director of Sink the Belgrano and Rebellion, Federico Urioste (Argentina); Paula Rodríguez (Chile), Director of Pinochet’s Children; Eva Baratta, Director of 3 Minutes; Alberto Amortegui & Paulo Sanhueza (Chile), Directors of Passport to Justice; Abel Peñalba, Director of Photography in Moebius and the Film Music Composer Mariano Nuñez West (Argentina) to present Moebius and Taxi, an Encounter and offer a Masterclass on Latin American Music. We are also delighted to present the Colombian actor Jhon Alexander Toro who stars in The First Night (UK Premiere) and Maria, Full of Grace.
Also homage will be paid to the late Brazilian director of ‘Cinema Marginal’, Rogerio Sganzerla. His wife, Helena Ignez, herself a ‘muse’ of Brazilian Cinema Novo, will introduce the screening of The Red Light Bandit and will offer the audience a Q&A session.
This year the festival incorporates three new venues for its events: the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), The Ritzy Cinema and the Latin America Bureau, in addition to Odeon Covent Garden and Odeon Panton Street, where the festival held its previous edition.
The Film Festival is part of a series of cultural events organized by Discovering LatinAmerica, to show and share the different cultures of Latin America and to raise funds for charities in this region. This year all proceeds will be channelled through Prema UK in aid of the educational project "Schools for a Change", a programme aimed at strengthening the management skills in rural schools in Argentina run by Fundación Compromiso.
Mauricio Dávila, president of Discovering LatinAmerica, commented: "We are sure that this year's event will provide an exciting insight into Latin American culture for London's cinema-goers, and the funds raised through the festival will make an enormous difference in children's education of rural Argentina."
For further information and full film schedule please visit:
www.discovering-latinamerica.org.uk
In support of Argentina
Discovering Latin America III Film Festival brings to London a selection of internationally acclaimed feature films and documentaries, including 21 UK premieres like The First Night from Colombia, The Truce from Mexico and A Social Genocide from Argentina, among others.
The programme that will run for eleven days between November 25 and December 5 will feature some of Latin America’s latest successes such as Bus 174, El Bonaerense and an entire Gala Night dedicated to The Motorcycle Diaries.
For the first time since our first edition, the programme is enhanced by Directors’ Retrospectives, Masterclasses and Q&A sessions. The Retrospectives will be focused on three legendary directors: Fernando ‘Pino’ Solanas (Argentina) who will present his last film ‘A Social Genocide’ followed by a press conference with special guests. The other two will be on Francisco Lombardi (Peru) and Jorge Sanjinés (Bolivia).
We are thrilled to have with us César Charlone (Uruguay/Brazil), Director of Photography and Oscar Nominee for ‘Cinematography’ in City of God, who will lead a Masterclass on Digital Intermedia and Electronic Postproduction, and we also welcome the producer of The Motorcycle Diaries, Edgard Tenembaun, from Argentina, who will participate in a Q&A session after the screening of the film at the Gala Night.
Other special guests are: Professor Michael Chanan with a Masterclass on Latin American Documentaries; the Director Alfonso Rojas Priego (Mexico) who will be presenting his last film The Truce; the Director of Sink the Belgrano and Rebellion, Federico Urioste (Argentina); Paula Rodríguez (Chile), Director of Pinochet’s Children; Eva Baratta, Director of 3 Minutes; Alberto Amortegui & Paulo Sanhueza (Chile), Directors of Passport to Justice; Abel Peñalba, Director of Photography in Moebius and the Film Music Composer Mariano Nuñez West (Argentina) to present Moebius and Taxi, an Encounter and offer a Masterclass on Latin American Music. We are also delighted to present the Colombian actor Jhon Alexander Toro who stars in The First Night (UK Premiere) and Maria, Full of Grace.
Also homage will be paid to the late Brazilian director of ‘Cinema Marginal’, Rogerio Sganzerla. His wife, Helena Ignez, herself a ‘muse’ of Brazilian Cinema Novo, will introduce the screening of The Red Light Bandit and will offer the audience a Q&A session.
This year the festival incorporates three new venues for its events: the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), The Ritzy Cinema and the Latin America Bureau, in addition to Odeon Covent Garden and Odeon Panton Street, where the festival held its previous edition.
The Film Festival is part of a series of cultural events organized by Discovering LatinAmerica, to show and share the different cultures of Latin America and to raise funds for charities in this region. This year all proceeds will be channelled through Prema UK in aid of the educational project "Schools for a Change", a programme aimed at strengthening the management skills in rural schools in Argentina run by Fundación Compromiso.
Mauricio Dávila, president of Discovering LatinAmerica, commented: "We are sure that this year's event will provide an exciting insight into Latin American culture for London's cinema-goers, and the funds raised through the festival will make an enormous difference in children's education of rural Argentina."
For further information and full film schedule please visit:
www.discovering-latinamerica.org.uk
Friday, August 27, 2004
2004 DARE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the 2004 Dare to be Digital competition, based at the University of Abertay, have been announced at a special awards ceremony in Dundee today (26th August 2004).
The three main prizes, each worth £2000, have been won by City Scrawlaz, for Product with Greatest Creativity; Pixie Dust, for Product with Greatest Innovation and Just Add Water, for the Rare Prize for Technical Excellence. An additional prize of £1,000 went to Fizzle for the Best Team Working Group.
The three winning teams are also being given the opportunity to showcase their products alongside the biggest names in computer games, by the organizers of Europe’s leading trade event for the interactive entertainment industry, ECTS, by organizers CMPi.
As part of the event, which took place at Dundee Contemporary Arts, Minister for Finance Andy Kerr, announced new Scottish Executive funding of around £35,000 for South Asian students to join Dare to be Digital in 2005. This is another part of the Executive’s Fresh Talent initiative which aims to encourage more people to come to Scotland to live, work or study.
Mr Kerr said: “This funding will offer international students fantastic opportunities to be part of a unique experience and to come and see for themselves what Scotland has to offer.”
With access to the cutting edge facilities at Abertay University, which runs the competition in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee City Council, the teams have been battling it out over the last ten weeks for the prize fund, as well as follow up-support to develop their prototype to commercial reality.
The seven teams – 27 in total entered this year – to make it through, have to submit a concept for a new and original computer game or educational entertainment product, including a finished digital prototype and business sales document which can be pitched to investors.
“The standard of work was unbelievably high,” said Adrian Curry, Account Manager of Microsoft Xbox. “All the teams have shown real professionalism and commitment in developing these concepts in an extremely short period of time. Dare to be Digital not only provides the students with an invaluable and unique experience, but with out a doubt, provides the games industry with some of the best new talent around.”
Individual winners received an Xbox each, donated by Microsoft Xbox, which were given to City Scrawlaz’ Blair Harrower, for Best Artist; Blue Moon Rising’s David Meikle, for Best Audio and Just Add Water’s Edmund Kapujniak, for Best Programmer.
Due to Dare’s rising profile in the industry and the high level of excellence generated over the last three years, the competition has received invaluable support from sponsors, Microsoft, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), BBC Scotland Interactive and NCR.
Launched in 2000, the Dare competition allows teams to display their skills in front of some of the country’s most influential games figures and is open to students across Scotland. This year, Dare welcomed students from Ireland, with a team from DCU and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology, which made it through the Irish heat, co-ordinated by The Digital Hub in Dublin.
The judges, from across the industry, include: Jon Jordan, Technology Editor, Develop magazine; Adrian Curry, Account Manager, Microsoft Xbox; Mark Fenwick, Business Support Manager, NESTA; Chris Stamp, Producer, Real Time Worlds; Julie Adair, Head of BBC Scotland Interactive; Kieran Connell, Senior Software Engineer, Rare; Richard Leinfellner, Vice President, Executive in Charge of Production, Electronic Arts; Jim Woods, Executive Producer, Codemasters; Mark Grossi, Chief Technology Officer, NCR.
The students were paid on a weekly basis and supported by experienced industry specialists, who offer technical, creative and business advice – mentors who are inaccessible to any student outside the Dare project.
“In the six years since the first Dare pilot was held at Abertay, we have seen the concept grow in leaps and bounds” said Professor Bernard King, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abertay Dundee. “Interest, from competitors, employers, and the industry as a whole, is increasing every year - while our recent competitions in Malaysia and Ireland have put the competition on a truly international footing. I’m delighted that this success has now been recognised with this support from the Scottish Executive, and I look forward to watching the DARE competition grow ever stronger in the years to come.”
Clive Palmer, Director of Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise Tayside, comments: “Tayside’s games industry continues to thrive in a demanding and uncertain market, and the emergence of this fresh new industry talent, through Dare to be Digital, is an indication this trend is set to continue. This is an exciting day for both the industry and the rising stars it has attracted and SE Tayside is delighted to have supported Dare through funding since its inception. Dare to be Digital plays a leading role in supporting future talent for the digital and interactive industries and the digital economy is a key component of Scotland's future. We actively support efforts to ensure there is a skill-base to allow this valued industry to thrive.”
Councillor Joe Morrow, Convener of Economic Development, Dundee City Council said, “The city council and its partners are working hard to ensure that the local computer games industry continues to grow and that Dundee’s economy can continue to take advantage of these new opportunities. The individuals and teams involved have done a superb job and the Dare to Be Digital competition continues to raise the profile of the city as an international centre of excellence for digital media.”
The winners of the 2004 Dare to be Digital competition, based at the University of Abertay, have been announced at a special awards ceremony in Dundee today (26th August 2004).
The three main prizes, each worth £2000, have been won by City Scrawlaz, for Product with Greatest Creativity; Pixie Dust, for Product with Greatest Innovation and Just Add Water, for the Rare Prize for Technical Excellence. An additional prize of £1,000 went to Fizzle for the Best Team Working Group.
The three winning teams are also being given the opportunity to showcase their products alongside the biggest names in computer games, by the organizers of Europe’s leading trade event for the interactive entertainment industry, ECTS, by organizers CMPi.
As part of the event, which took place at Dundee Contemporary Arts, Minister for Finance Andy Kerr, announced new Scottish Executive funding of around £35,000 for South Asian students to join Dare to be Digital in 2005. This is another part of the Executive’s Fresh Talent initiative which aims to encourage more people to come to Scotland to live, work or study.
Mr Kerr said: “This funding will offer international students fantastic opportunities to be part of a unique experience and to come and see for themselves what Scotland has to offer.”
With access to the cutting edge facilities at Abertay University, which runs the competition in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee City Council, the teams have been battling it out over the last ten weeks for the prize fund, as well as follow up-support to develop their prototype to commercial reality.
The seven teams – 27 in total entered this year – to make it through, have to submit a concept for a new and original computer game or educational entertainment product, including a finished digital prototype and business sales document which can be pitched to investors.
“The standard of work was unbelievably high,” said Adrian Curry, Account Manager of Microsoft Xbox. “All the teams have shown real professionalism and commitment in developing these concepts in an extremely short period of time. Dare to be Digital not only provides the students with an invaluable and unique experience, but with out a doubt, provides the games industry with some of the best new talent around.”
Individual winners received an Xbox each, donated by Microsoft Xbox, which were given to City Scrawlaz’ Blair Harrower, for Best Artist; Blue Moon Rising’s David Meikle, for Best Audio and Just Add Water’s Edmund Kapujniak, for Best Programmer.
Due to Dare’s rising profile in the industry and the high level of excellence generated over the last three years, the competition has received invaluable support from sponsors, Microsoft, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), BBC Scotland Interactive and NCR.
Launched in 2000, the Dare competition allows teams to display their skills in front of some of the country’s most influential games figures and is open to students across Scotland. This year, Dare welcomed students from Ireland, with a team from DCU and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology, which made it through the Irish heat, co-ordinated by The Digital Hub in Dublin.
The judges, from across the industry, include: Jon Jordan, Technology Editor, Develop magazine; Adrian Curry, Account Manager, Microsoft Xbox; Mark Fenwick, Business Support Manager, NESTA; Chris Stamp, Producer, Real Time Worlds; Julie Adair, Head of BBC Scotland Interactive; Kieran Connell, Senior Software Engineer, Rare; Richard Leinfellner, Vice President, Executive in Charge of Production, Electronic Arts; Jim Woods, Executive Producer, Codemasters; Mark Grossi, Chief Technology Officer, NCR.
The students were paid on a weekly basis and supported by experienced industry specialists, who offer technical, creative and business advice – mentors who are inaccessible to any student outside the Dare project.
“In the six years since the first Dare pilot was held at Abertay, we have seen the concept grow in leaps and bounds” said Professor Bernard King, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abertay Dundee. “Interest, from competitors, employers, and the industry as a whole, is increasing every year - while our recent competitions in Malaysia and Ireland have put the competition on a truly international footing. I’m delighted that this success has now been recognised with this support from the Scottish Executive, and I look forward to watching the DARE competition grow ever stronger in the years to come.”
Clive Palmer, Director of Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise Tayside, comments: “Tayside’s games industry continues to thrive in a demanding and uncertain market, and the emergence of this fresh new industry talent, through Dare to be Digital, is an indication this trend is set to continue. This is an exciting day for both the industry and the rising stars it has attracted and SE Tayside is delighted to have supported Dare through funding since its inception. Dare to be Digital plays a leading role in supporting future talent for the digital and interactive industries and the digital economy is a key component of Scotland's future. We actively support efforts to ensure there is a skill-base to allow this valued industry to thrive.”
Councillor Joe Morrow, Convener of Economic Development, Dundee City Council said, “The city council and its partners are working hard to ensure that the local computer games industry continues to grow and that Dundee’s economy can continue to take advantage of these new opportunities. The individuals and teams involved have done a superb job and the Dare to Be Digital competition continues to raise the profile of the city as an international centre of excellence for digital media.”
Friday, August 20, 2004
BBC Family Prom in the Park
celebrates
Disney’s Enchanted Evening:
Sunday 12 September, Hyde Park, London
Event sponsored by Renault UK Ltd
· The BBC Concert orchestra perform some of Disney’s best-known music
· Presented by Gaby Roslin with special guest performer Lebo M, the original voice of The Lion King soundtrack
· Featuring large-screen animation, singing and audience participation
Listings Information:
BBC Family Prom in the Park celebrates Disney’s Enchanted Evening Hyde Park, London. Gates open 5.00pm; entertainment on stage from 6.30pm; events ends at c8.30pm Tickets £12 (adults), £7.50 (children 3-16; under-3s free) Telephone booking: 0870 899 8001 (24 hrs national rate, £2 transaction fee applicable) and from the Royal Albert Hall on 020 7589 8212 (9.00am–9.00pm, £2 transaction fee applicable) or online via www.bbc.co.uk/proms.
Gaby Roslin hosts the fifth large-scale event for children and their families staged by the BBC Proms. This year the BBC Concert Orchestra plays some of Disney’s best-known songs with plenty of on-stage action with dancing, singing and story-telling, plus footage from the animated classics relayed on giant screens around the park. The evening will end in a grand finale as Mickey Mouse takes the stage to conduct special effects.
One of South Africa’s most acclaimed artists, Lebo M gives a special guest performance. Best known for his resonating vocals on the Oscar-nominated soundtrack to Disney’s Lion King, Lebo M performs ‘Circle of Life’, the famed opening track from the animated film.
celebrates
Disney’s Enchanted Evening:
Sunday 12 September, Hyde Park, London
Event sponsored by Renault UK Ltd
· The BBC Concert orchestra perform some of Disney’s best-known music
· Presented by Gaby Roslin with special guest performer Lebo M, the original voice of The Lion King soundtrack
· Featuring large-screen animation, singing and audience participation
Listings Information:
BBC Family Prom in the Park celebrates Disney’s Enchanted Evening Hyde Park, London. Gates open 5.00pm; entertainment on stage from 6.30pm; events ends at c8.30pm Tickets £12 (adults), £7.50 (children 3-16; under-3s free) Telephone booking: 0870 899 8001 (24 hrs national rate, £2 transaction fee applicable) and from the Royal Albert Hall on 020 7589 8212 (9.00am–9.00pm, £2 transaction fee applicable) or online via www.bbc.co.uk/proms.
Gaby Roslin hosts the fifth large-scale event for children and their families staged by the BBC Proms. This year the BBC Concert Orchestra plays some of Disney’s best-known songs with plenty of on-stage action with dancing, singing and story-telling, plus footage from the animated classics relayed on giant screens around the park. The evening will end in a grand finale as Mickey Mouse takes the stage to conduct special effects.
One of South Africa’s most acclaimed artists, Lebo M gives a special guest performance. Best known for his resonating vocals on the Oscar-nominated soundtrack to Disney’s Lion King, Lebo M performs ‘Circle of Life’, the famed opening track from the animated film.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Ways With Words Festival At Dartington Hall, Devon, tells us that:
We have a few tickets for the following events which have been returned to our box office for resale. Please telephone (01803) 867373 and have yourcredit / debit card details ready.
Event #21 A.C. Grayling
Event #50 Jonathon Porritt
Event #62 Josceline Dimbleby
Event #65 Simon Sebag Montefiore
Event #74 Douglas Hurd
Event #88 Posy Simmonds
Event #101 Will Hutton & James Long
We have also had a few last minute cancellations for courtyard package
accommodation (10-days and 5-days). Please telephone (01803) 867373 for enquiries.
We have a few tickets for the following events which have been returned to our box office for resale. Please telephone (01803) 867373 and have yourcredit / debit card details ready.
Event #21 A.C. Grayling
Event #50 Jonathon Porritt
Event #62 Josceline Dimbleby
Event #65 Simon Sebag Montefiore
Event #74 Douglas Hurd
Event #88 Posy Simmonds
Event #101 Will Hutton & James Long
We have also had a few last minute cancellations for courtyard package
accommodation (10-days and 5-days). Please telephone (01803) 867373 for enquiries.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
NEXSAN STORAGE PROVIDES DIGITAL MOVIE MAGIC
The InfiniSAN™ ATAboy2™ from Nexsan Technologies, the leader in innovative storage solutions, provides the backbone for storing vast amounts of data generated by the Moving Picture Company (MPC) for the digital effects used in a variety of film projects.
MPC is one of the world’s leading post-production facilities, creating high-end digital visual effects and computer animation for the advertising, music, television and feature film industries. The Soho, London-based company is responsible for the digital wizardry seen in Hollywood productions such as Alien Vs. Predator, Big Fish, Ella Enchanted, all three of the Harry Potter films including the latest release, Troy and Wimbledon. The increased use of computer-generated imagery and the capacity needed for each of these shots have placed huge demands on its data storage.
Nexsan’s ATAboy2 is a key component of MPC’s 100TB-capacity storage facility and thousand-processor render farm. With more than 20 artists working on different aspects of a single shot or sequence at any given time, MPC needed an extremely flexible network with a balanced architecture to supply enough storage capacity to enable these parallel, data-intensive operations. The ATAboy2 allows MPC to meet the demand for these data-intensive projects with enhanced performance and minimum downtime.
"Storage is pretty much a commodity to us," said Steve MacPherson, Head of Technical Operations in MPC’s film division. "But Nexsan has proved to be so reliable over the past four years, and at such an attractive combination of price and performance, that it’s become the bedrock of our storage system."
"CGI is becoming a standard process in today’s filmmaking environment – from the creation of fantasy worlds and creatures to cost-saving effects and untethered camera shots," said Brendan Kinkade, Nexsan Vice President of Marketing. "For those working in this digital realm, it is imperative that they adopt a storage solution that maximizes capacity, minimizes complexity and can scale with the demands of the business. Nexsan’s ATAboy series is a boon to those artists who push pixels for a living."
The InfiniSAN™ ATAboy2™ from Nexsan Technologies, the leader in innovative storage solutions, provides the backbone for storing vast amounts of data generated by the Moving Picture Company (MPC) for the digital effects used in a variety of film projects.
MPC is one of the world’s leading post-production facilities, creating high-end digital visual effects and computer animation for the advertising, music, television and feature film industries. The Soho, London-based company is responsible for the digital wizardry seen in Hollywood productions such as Alien Vs. Predator, Big Fish, Ella Enchanted, all three of the Harry Potter films including the latest release, Troy and Wimbledon. The increased use of computer-generated imagery and the capacity needed for each of these shots have placed huge demands on its data storage.
Nexsan’s ATAboy2 is a key component of MPC’s 100TB-capacity storage facility and thousand-processor render farm. With more than 20 artists working on different aspects of a single shot or sequence at any given time, MPC needed an extremely flexible network with a balanced architecture to supply enough storage capacity to enable these parallel, data-intensive operations. The ATAboy2 allows MPC to meet the demand for these data-intensive projects with enhanced performance and minimum downtime.
"Storage is pretty much a commodity to us," said Steve MacPherson, Head of Technical Operations in MPC’s film division. "But Nexsan has proved to be so reliable over the past four years, and at such an attractive combination of price and performance, that it’s become the bedrock of our storage system."
"CGI is becoming a standard process in today’s filmmaking environment – from the creation of fantasy worlds and creatures to cost-saving effects and untethered camera shots," said Brendan Kinkade, Nexsan Vice President of Marketing. "For those working in this digital realm, it is imperative that they adopt a storage solution that maximizes capacity, minimizes complexity and can scale with the demands of the business. Nexsan’s ATAboy series is a boon to those artists who push pixels for a living."
Friday, June 11, 2004
New WEGA Engine Televisions from Sony:
The Ultimate Armchair Viewing Experience
As home entertainment systems become more and more sophisticated, we have all come to expect ‘cinema quality’ home viewing. Now Sony has launched a breakthrough television technology to deliver our most realistic picture yet- WEGA Engine.
Specially developed for today’s Plasma and LCD TVs, WEGA Engine uses the latest digital technology to bring us pictures that are clearer and sharper than ever before. Wega Engine is also available on Integrated Digital TV (Freeview models) as well as traditional analogue.
There are three new Sony television ranges featuring WEGA Engine, which also boast fantastic sound, integrated AV applications and top-notch styling to match the incredible picture quality.
The state-of-the-art MRX series is the definition of “designer TV”, with its space-age, “floating” design and sleek, slim contours. The range is also supremely practical, as the Plasma or LCD screens are easily wall-mounted, and the separate media receiver in the MRX range is small and slim enough to fit in a separate cabinet or on a shelf.
With screens ranging in size from 32 to 61 inches, an MRX set is perfect if you want to make a big statement - but if space is more limited, the slim line SG and HG Series offer the same WEGA Engine quality in the 21-26 inch screen range and offer a 170° viewing angle ideal for the more unusual shaped room.
The third option is the stylish XS Series that combines top quality flat panel performance with “floating” ultra slim styling and a digital tuner enabling access to over 30 Freeview channels without the need for a separate TV tuner or decoder box, ideal when space is at a premium.
Sony will also be launching the KLV-L32M1 this month.
The Ultimate Armchair Viewing Experience
As home entertainment systems become more and more sophisticated, we have all come to expect ‘cinema quality’ home viewing. Now Sony has launched a breakthrough television technology to deliver our most realistic picture yet- WEGA Engine.
Specially developed for today’s Plasma and LCD TVs, WEGA Engine uses the latest digital technology to bring us pictures that are clearer and sharper than ever before. Wega Engine is also available on Integrated Digital TV (Freeview models) as well as traditional analogue.
There are three new Sony television ranges featuring WEGA Engine, which also boast fantastic sound, integrated AV applications and top-notch styling to match the incredible picture quality.
The state-of-the-art MRX series is the definition of “designer TV”, with its space-age, “floating” design and sleek, slim contours. The range is also supremely practical, as the Plasma or LCD screens are easily wall-mounted, and the separate media receiver in the MRX range is small and slim enough to fit in a separate cabinet or on a shelf.
With screens ranging in size from 32 to 61 inches, an MRX set is perfect if you want to make a big statement - but if space is more limited, the slim line SG and HG Series offer the same WEGA Engine quality in the 21-26 inch screen range and offer a 170° viewing angle ideal for the more unusual shaped room.
The third option is the stylish XS Series that combines top quality flat panel performance with “floating” ultra slim styling and a digital tuner enabling access to over 30 Freeview channels without the need for a separate TV tuner or decoder box, ideal when space is at a premium.
Sony will also be launching the KLV-L32M1 this month.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Filmmuseum rediscovers lost film starring Valentino
Recently Nederlands Filmmuseum rediscovered a film made in 1922 that was presumed lost: Beyond the Rocks directed by Sam Wood. For almost 75 years, film historians have been searching for this film. Beyond the Rocks is the only film that stars the two Hollywood icons Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson. The film is currently being restored and will be screened during the Filmmuseum Biennial in April 2005.
It looked as if Beyond the Rocks had disappeared without trace. All that remained of the film was a one-minute fragment. This piece of film has been in the Filmmuseum's collection since 1976. So, while cataloguing over two thousand film cans donated by a film collector, it was a great surprise to the museum staff when they chanced upon a reel of Beyond the Rocks. In the months that followed, the Filmmuseum found and identified all the missing reels of the film. As a result, this famous silent film can finally be restored to its full splendour.
For almost 75 years, film historians and archivists have been searching for a print of Beyond the Rocks, a classic melodrama about an impossible love. It is the only film from the silent-film period (1895 - 1928) that stars the two Hollywood icons Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson. This is why Beyond the Rocks represents a truly unique moment in film history.
The restored print of Sam Wood's classic will be screened during the second edition of the Filmmuseum Biennial which will take place from 6 to 10 April 2005 in Amsterdam. A new score will be composed for this world première of the restored version of Beyond the Rocks or Gouden Boeien (Golden Shackles, the title under which the film was once released in The Netherlands).
Recently Nederlands Filmmuseum rediscovered a film made in 1922 that was presumed lost: Beyond the Rocks directed by Sam Wood. For almost 75 years, film historians have been searching for this film. Beyond the Rocks is the only film that stars the two Hollywood icons Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson. The film is currently being restored and will be screened during the Filmmuseum Biennial in April 2005.
It looked as if Beyond the Rocks had disappeared without trace. All that remained of the film was a one-minute fragment. This piece of film has been in the Filmmuseum's collection since 1976. So, while cataloguing over two thousand film cans donated by a film collector, it was a great surprise to the museum staff when they chanced upon a reel of Beyond the Rocks. In the months that followed, the Filmmuseum found and identified all the missing reels of the film. As a result, this famous silent film can finally be restored to its full splendour.
For almost 75 years, film historians and archivists have been searching for a print of Beyond the Rocks, a classic melodrama about an impossible love. It is the only film from the silent-film period (1895 - 1928) that stars the two Hollywood icons Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson. This is why Beyond the Rocks represents a truly unique moment in film history.
The restored print of Sam Wood's classic will be screened during the second edition of the Filmmuseum Biennial which will take place from 6 to 10 April 2005 in Amsterdam. A new score will be composed for this world première of the restored version of Beyond the Rocks or Gouden Boeien (Golden Shackles, the title under which the film was once released in The Netherlands).
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
International Film Festival Rotterdam
CineMart and Hubert Bals Fund linked titles selected for Cannes 2004
Eight films linked to either or both IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund and CineMart have made it into the various Cannes 2004 programmes. This Cannes edition seven CineMart Projects have been selected and four films supported by the Hubert Bals Fund. Rotterdam supported films in Official Competition are LA NINA SANTA by Lucrecia Martel, TROPICAL MALADY by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and NOBODY KNOWS by Kore-Eda Hirokazu. The International Film Festival Rotterdam congratulates all involved with their Cannes 2004 selections.
A remarkably high number of filmmakers now appearing in Cannes have previously screened their films or made their feature débuts in Rotterdam.
Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo who is competing with WOMAN IS THE FUTURE OF MAN, won a VPRO Tiger Award for his 1997 Rotterdam Competition début feature THE DAY A PIG FELL INTO THE WELL. IFFR 2000 presented Japanese helmer Oshii Mamoru (now competing with INNOCENCE) as 'Filmmaker in Focus' screening some of his anime features. Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's début feature MYSTERIOUS OBJECT AT NOON world premiered in the Hubert Bals Fund programme of IFFR 2000.
Uruguayan filmmakers Rebella and Stoll's début feature 25 WATTS was selected for the IFFR 2001 VPRO Tiger Awards Competition and won a VPRO Tiger Award. Ishii Katsuhito, now opening the Directors' Fortnight with THE TASTE OF TEA, brought his fiction feature début SHARK SKIN MAN AND PEACH HIP GIRL to Rotterdam to make its European bow.
The 34th International Film Festival Rotterdam takes places January 26 - February 6, 2005; the 22nd CineMart takes places January 30 - February 3, 2005. IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund provides support up to a yearly total of nearly 1 million Euro for script development, post production or distribution. HBF supported films that earned worldwide acclaim were, among others, MUNDO GRÚA (CRANE WORLD) by Pablo Trapero, 25 WATTS by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll, JAPÓN by Carlos Reygadas, DIVINE INTERVENTION by Elia Suleiman, UZAK by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, OSAMA by Siddiq Barmak and SILENT WATERS by Sabiha Sumar. The Hubert Bals Fund is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dutch non-governmental development organisations Hivos, NCDO, DOEN Foundation and the Dutch public network NPS.
CineMart is the world's first and largest co-production market for low and medium budget film projects. Each edition CineMart selects some 45 film projects to be presented to approximately 900 attending co-producers, bankers, funds, sales agents, film distributors and television buyers. CineMart is supported by MEDIA Programme of the European Union, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Hivos, the Dutch Film Fund and the Rotterdam Film Fund.
For more information on IFFR, Hubert Bals Fund and CineMart entry deadlines, see www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com.
Cannes Competition 2004 includes:
LA NINA SANTA by Lucrecia Martel (Argentina)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
Selected for CineMart 2002
TROPICAL MALADY by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Thailand)
Selected for CineMart 2004
NOBODY KNOWS by Kore-Eda Hirokazu (Japan)
Selected for CineMart 1999
Un Certain Regard 2004 includes:
CRÓNICAS by Sebastián Cordero (Ecuador)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
CineMart Project 2003
HOTEL by Jessica Hausner (Austria)
CineMart Project 2003
WHISKY by Juan-Pablo Rebella, Pablo Stoll (Uruguay)
CineMart Project 2002
Directors' Fortnight 2004 / Quinzaine des Réalisateurs 2004 includes:
LOS MUERTOS by Lisandro Alonso (Argentina)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
Selected for CineMart 2002
International Critics Week 2004 / Semaine Internationale de la Critique 2004 includes:
THIRST by Tawfik Abu Wael (Palestine/Israel)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
CineMart and Hubert Bals Fund linked titles selected for Cannes 2004
Eight films linked to either or both IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund and CineMart have made it into the various Cannes 2004 programmes. This Cannes edition seven CineMart Projects have been selected and four films supported by the Hubert Bals Fund. Rotterdam supported films in Official Competition are LA NINA SANTA by Lucrecia Martel, TROPICAL MALADY by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and NOBODY KNOWS by Kore-Eda Hirokazu. The International Film Festival Rotterdam congratulates all involved with their Cannes 2004 selections.
A remarkably high number of filmmakers now appearing in Cannes have previously screened their films or made their feature débuts in Rotterdam.
Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo who is competing with WOMAN IS THE FUTURE OF MAN, won a VPRO Tiger Award for his 1997 Rotterdam Competition début feature THE DAY A PIG FELL INTO THE WELL. IFFR 2000 presented Japanese helmer Oshii Mamoru (now competing with INNOCENCE) as 'Filmmaker in Focus' screening some of his anime features. Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's début feature MYSTERIOUS OBJECT AT NOON world premiered in the Hubert Bals Fund programme of IFFR 2000.
Uruguayan filmmakers Rebella and Stoll's début feature 25 WATTS was selected for the IFFR 2001 VPRO Tiger Awards Competition and won a VPRO Tiger Award. Ishii Katsuhito, now opening the Directors' Fortnight with THE TASTE OF TEA, brought his fiction feature début SHARK SKIN MAN AND PEACH HIP GIRL to Rotterdam to make its European bow.
The 34th International Film Festival Rotterdam takes places January 26 - February 6, 2005; the 22nd CineMart takes places January 30 - February 3, 2005. IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund provides support up to a yearly total of nearly 1 million Euro for script development, post production or distribution. HBF supported films that earned worldwide acclaim were, among others, MUNDO GRÚA (CRANE WORLD) by Pablo Trapero, 25 WATTS by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll, JAPÓN by Carlos Reygadas, DIVINE INTERVENTION by Elia Suleiman, UZAK by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, OSAMA by Siddiq Barmak and SILENT WATERS by Sabiha Sumar. The Hubert Bals Fund is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dutch non-governmental development organisations Hivos, NCDO, DOEN Foundation and the Dutch public network NPS.
CineMart is the world's first and largest co-production market for low and medium budget film projects. Each edition CineMart selects some 45 film projects to be presented to approximately 900 attending co-producers, bankers, funds, sales agents, film distributors and television buyers. CineMart is supported by MEDIA Programme of the European Union, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Hivos, the Dutch Film Fund and the Rotterdam Film Fund.
For more information on IFFR, Hubert Bals Fund and CineMart entry deadlines, see www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com.
Cannes Competition 2004 includes:
LA NINA SANTA by Lucrecia Martel (Argentina)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
Selected for CineMart 2002
TROPICAL MALADY by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Thailand)
Selected for CineMart 2004
NOBODY KNOWS by Kore-Eda Hirokazu (Japan)
Selected for CineMart 1999
Un Certain Regard 2004 includes:
CRÓNICAS by Sebastián Cordero (Ecuador)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
CineMart Project 2003
HOTEL by Jessica Hausner (Austria)
CineMart Project 2003
WHISKY by Juan-Pablo Rebella, Pablo Stoll (Uruguay)
CineMart Project 2002
Directors' Fortnight 2004 / Quinzaine des Réalisateurs 2004 includes:
LOS MUERTOS by Lisandro Alonso (Argentina)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
Selected for CineMart 2002
International Critics Week 2004 / Semaine Internationale de la Critique 2004 includes:
THIRST by Tawfik Abu Wael (Palestine/Israel)
Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
BRASIL 40°
SELFRIDGES TO SCREEN BRAZILIAN MASTERPIECES IN OWN CINEMA
In a daring and unprecedented move SELFRIDGES is augmenting its May celebration of all things Brazilian, BRASIL 40°, by building a cinema inside its Oxford Street store and staging a major Brazilian Contemporary Film Festival.
All the movies to be shown are full-length features in the original Portuguese with English subtitles, directed by some of South America’s most distinguished filmmakers. BRASIL 40° is a major cultural event set to run throughout May filling SELFRIDGES stores with the vibrancy and excitement of Brasil.
BIA LESSA, Award-winning director and Creative Adviser to BRASIL 40° explains ‘We have musicians, dancers, chefs, sportsmen, painters and writers coming...so of course we have to include cinema – it’s one of Brasil’s greatest achievements, and we’re thrilled to be doing it in such style.”
ISABEL DIEGUES is a respected producer in Brasil, daughter of Cacá Diegues, the film director. She has selected the 24 contemporary Brazilian films to be screened. Isabel has included the controversial film MADAME SATAN about the legendary bisexual cabaret star and criminal of the 1930s, set in the slums of Rio where desperate dreams spring from poverty and squalor.
Also to be shown is the Oscar-nominated film CITY OF GOD (‘Cidade de Deus’), directed by FERNANDO MEIRELLES and KATIA LUND. This highly-praised, box-office hit was adapted from author Paulo Lins’ harsh Brazilian slice -of-life novel and honoured not only by receiving four ACADEMY AWARD nominations but also sweeping the Cinema Brasil Grand Prix awards and the HAVANA FILM FESTIVAL. Fernando Meirelles will be answering questions following the screening on May 25th.
Among other titles to be screened at BRASIL 40°...
O XANGO DE BAKER STREET, an hilarious thriller in which Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson arrive in Rio in pursuit of a stolen violin but end up giving themselves over to the sensual delights of the city...
GOD IS BRAZILIAN (Deus e Brasileiro) in which the Almighty joins a tyre repairman to search for a new saint in Brazil so he can take a much-needed holiday...
THE DOG’S WILL (O Auto da Compadecida) three intertwined comic stories contrast 1930s Brazil with Europe in the Middle Ages...
ME YOU THEM (Eu Tu Eles) set in the arid landscape of Brazil’s North-East where a woman shares her modest home with three husbands...
COPACABANA, a lyrical comedy about remembering the delights of life in Copacabana at any age...
TAINAH, AN AMAZON ADVENTURE (Taina) A young girl and her grandfather combat animal smugglers in the jungle...
WINDOW OF THE SOUL (Janela da Alma) a moving documentary about blindness and sight, featuring Wim Wnders, Oliver Sacks and 17 others alternating between philosophy, humour and poetry...
THE OYSTER AND THE WIND (A Ostra e o Vento) a love story and fantasy set on a mysterious island ruled by the wind...
MIDNIGHT (O Primeiro Dia) a desperate love story set in Copacabana on December 31st 1999...
ORFEU is a love story and thrilling evocation of Carnival featuring the music of Caetano Veloso...
THE TRESPASSER (O Invasor) in which two businessmen hire the hitman from hell and let loose a level of violence they have no chance of controlling...
THE HAPPY CRICKET (O Grilo Feliz) A moral tale set in an insect village attacked by a bad lizard.
OTHER STORIES (Outras Historias) A parable in which a beautiful sorceress bewitches her boss...
TWO SUMMERS (Houve uma Vez dois Veroes) Teenage love angst on the beach, as boy meets girl and summer turns to winter...
THE THREE MARIAS (As Tres Marias) Three sisters are used as bait in a revenge thriller set in Pernambuco...
TICKETS priced at £3 can be booked by telephoning 08708 371 007, tickets will also be sold at the market place kiosk on the lower ground atrium. All proceeds will go towards SELFRIDGES’ charitable link with the ABC TRUST (ACTION FOR BRASIL’S CHILDREN TRUST) (www.abctrust.org.uk). THE ABC TRUST is dedicated to fighting for the rights of millions of impoverished children in Brasil, and to the generation of projects designed to empower them and transform their lives.
BRASIL 40° offers an explosion of Brazilian cultural energy never before seen in this country. SELFRIDGES invites all-comers to experience it as a vibrant tribute to Brasil and its society.
BRASIL 40° runs from May 5th - 31st 2004
www.selfridges.com/brasil
SELFRIDGES TO SCREEN BRAZILIAN MASTERPIECES IN OWN CINEMA
In a daring and unprecedented move SELFRIDGES is augmenting its May celebration of all things Brazilian, BRASIL 40°, by building a cinema inside its Oxford Street store and staging a major Brazilian Contemporary Film Festival.
All the movies to be shown are full-length features in the original Portuguese with English subtitles, directed by some of South America’s most distinguished filmmakers. BRASIL 40° is a major cultural event set to run throughout May filling SELFRIDGES stores with the vibrancy and excitement of Brasil.
BIA LESSA, Award-winning director and Creative Adviser to BRASIL 40° explains ‘We have musicians, dancers, chefs, sportsmen, painters and writers coming...so of course we have to include cinema – it’s one of Brasil’s greatest achievements, and we’re thrilled to be doing it in such style.”
ISABEL DIEGUES is a respected producer in Brasil, daughter of Cacá Diegues, the film director. She has selected the 24 contemporary Brazilian films to be screened. Isabel has included the controversial film MADAME SATAN about the legendary bisexual cabaret star and criminal of the 1930s, set in the slums of Rio where desperate dreams spring from poverty and squalor.
Also to be shown is the Oscar-nominated film CITY OF GOD (‘Cidade de Deus’), directed by FERNANDO MEIRELLES and KATIA LUND. This highly-praised, box-office hit was adapted from author Paulo Lins’ harsh Brazilian slice -of-life novel and honoured not only by receiving four ACADEMY AWARD nominations but also sweeping the Cinema Brasil Grand Prix awards and the HAVANA FILM FESTIVAL. Fernando Meirelles will be answering questions following the screening on May 25th.
Among other titles to be screened at BRASIL 40°...
O XANGO DE BAKER STREET, an hilarious thriller in which Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson arrive in Rio in pursuit of a stolen violin but end up giving themselves over to the sensual delights of the city...
GOD IS BRAZILIAN (Deus e Brasileiro) in which the Almighty joins a tyre repairman to search for a new saint in Brazil so he can take a much-needed holiday...
THE DOG’S WILL (O Auto da Compadecida) three intertwined comic stories contrast 1930s Brazil with Europe in the Middle Ages...
ME YOU THEM (Eu Tu Eles) set in the arid landscape of Brazil’s North-East where a woman shares her modest home with three husbands...
COPACABANA, a lyrical comedy about remembering the delights of life in Copacabana at any age...
TAINAH, AN AMAZON ADVENTURE (Taina) A young girl and her grandfather combat animal smugglers in the jungle...
WINDOW OF THE SOUL (Janela da Alma) a moving documentary about blindness and sight, featuring Wim Wnders, Oliver Sacks and 17 others alternating between philosophy, humour and poetry...
THE OYSTER AND THE WIND (A Ostra e o Vento) a love story and fantasy set on a mysterious island ruled by the wind...
MIDNIGHT (O Primeiro Dia) a desperate love story set in Copacabana on December 31st 1999...
ORFEU is a love story and thrilling evocation of Carnival featuring the music of Caetano Veloso...
THE TRESPASSER (O Invasor) in which two businessmen hire the hitman from hell and let loose a level of violence they have no chance of controlling...
THE HAPPY CRICKET (O Grilo Feliz) A moral tale set in an insect village attacked by a bad lizard.
OTHER STORIES (Outras Historias) A parable in which a beautiful sorceress bewitches her boss...
TWO SUMMERS (Houve uma Vez dois Veroes) Teenage love angst on the beach, as boy meets girl and summer turns to winter...
THE THREE MARIAS (As Tres Marias) Three sisters are used as bait in a revenge thriller set in Pernambuco...
TICKETS priced at £3 can be booked by telephoning 08708 371 007, tickets will also be sold at the market place kiosk on the lower ground atrium. All proceeds will go towards SELFRIDGES’ charitable link with the ABC TRUST (ACTION FOR BRASIL’S CHILDREN TRUST) (www.abctrust.org.uk). THE ABC TRUST is dedicated to fighting for the rights of millions of impoverished children in Brasil, and to the generation of projects designed to empower them and transform their lives.
BRASIL 40° offers an explosion of Brazilian cultural energy never before seen in this country. SELFRIDGES invites all-comers to experience it as a vibrant tribute to Brasil and its society.
BRASIL 40° runs from May 5th - 31st 2004
www.selfridges.com/brasil
Titan Books is proud to present,
SHREK
For the first time in comics, here comes Shrek, the loveable ogre from the smash-hit animated movie!
The first Shrek movie released in 2002, was a runaway success, an unconventional fairytale which quickly won over audiences of both children and adults alike. Featuring the vocal talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz, Shrek was one of the smash-hit movies of the year, grossing over $267 million worldwide!
The eagerly awaited sequel is due for release this July and now you can enjoy even more Shrek with an all-new, all-action, all laughter series of adventures in his first graphic novel escapades!
Shrek, the shy but surly ogre, teams up with a loud, motor-mouthed donkey and, after a fairy tale romance, ends up married to the beautiful Princess Fiona. But the honeymoon is spoiled when Fiona is stolen by the evil (and dead) Lord Farquaad. And then there’s the business with the stone dragons, and the witch in the gingerbread house which, has gone stale like the biscuit down the back of the sofar...
Prepare for laugh-out-loud fun and action with these hilarious, original adventures of the world’s sweetest ogre!
Shrek 2, featuring all the original voice cast, hits cinemas in July 2004, with a major publicity campaign — sure to be a summer blockbuster!
Titan will be publishing a Shrek 2 tie-in magazine in June!
Titan Books - 25th June 2004 - £5.99 - Paperback
WWW.TITANBOOKS.COM
http://WWW.SHREK2.COM/
SHREK
For the first time in comics, here comes Shrek, the loveable ogre from the smash-hit animated movie!
The first Shrek movie released in 2002, was a runaway success, an unconventional fairytale which quickly won over audiences of both children and adults alike. Featuring the vocal talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz, Shrek was one of the smash-hit movies of the year, grossing over $267 million worldwide!
The eagerly awaited sequel is due for release this July and now you can enjoy even more Shrek with an all-new, all-action, all laughter series of adventures in his first graphic novel escapades!
Shrek, the shy but surly ogre, teams up with a loud, motor-mouthed donkey and, after a fairy tale romance, ends up married to the beautiful Princess Fiona. But the honeymoon is spoiled when Fiona is stolen by the evil (and dead) Lord Farquaad. And then there’s the business with the stone dragons, and the witch in the gingerbread house which, has gone stale like the biscuit down the back of the sofar...
Prepare for laugh-out-loud fun and action with these hilarious, original adventures of the world’s sweetest ogre!
Shrek 2, featuring all the original voice cast, hits cinemas in July 2004, with a major publicity campaign — sure to be a summer blockbuster!
Titan will be publishing a Shrek 2 tie-in magazine in June!
Titan Books - 25th June 2004 - £5.99 - Paperback
WWW.TITANBOOKS.COM
http://WWW.SHREK2.COM/
TIGER TELEMATICS AND TOYS 'R' US ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT FOR UK GIZMONDO DISTRIBUTION
Gizmondo Europe Ltd, previously named Gametrac Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Jacksonville, FL based Tiger Telematics Inc (TIGR) announced today that its much-anticipated mobile entertainment device, Gizmondo (previously named Gametrac), will be distributed in the UK first by Toys 'R' Us.
The Tiger Telematics' device, bearing the name Gizmondo, is best described as a multi-entertainer - a wireless, handheld device featuring cutting-edge gaming, an MP3 music player, movie player, multimedia messaging, in-built camera and GPS function, is scheduled to be released in the UK later this year.
Gizmondo Europe Ltd, previously named Gametrac Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Jacksonville, FL based Tiger Telematics Inc (TIGR) announced today that its much-anticipated mobile entertainment device, Gizmondo (previously named Gametrac), will be distributed in the UK first by Toys 'R' Us.
The Tiger Telematics' device, bearing the name Gizmondo, is best described as a multi-entertainer - a wireless, handheld device featuring cutting-edge gaming, an MP3 music player, movie player, multimedia messaging, in-built camera and GPS function, is scheduled to be released in the UK later this year.
Sandra Bullock Movie Wardrobe to Be Sold at Online Auction
A sweat top and dress Sandra Bullock wore in the film "Speed" (co-starring Keanu Reeves and Dennis Hopper) will go up for auction on April 27. The outfit is part of BondedSale.com's auction and has a starting bid of $2,499 with no reserve. The most recognizable costume from the hit movie "Speed", the set includes the highly distinctive Arizona "Wildcats" sweat top heavily referred to by both Dennis Hopper and Keanu Reeves. Also included is the light flowery dress that she wears. This is one of 4 sets used in the movie according to information from Fox Studios wardrobe. The set was obtained by a woman in Queensland, Australia. She and a friend won a radio contest on B105 Brisbane in 1995. The contest was called "A Day in the Life of Keanu Reeves" and coincided with the film's video release. The grand prize was an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles and a personal tour of 20th-Century Fox Studios. During the tour, an employee from the wardrobe department presented her with several items that Keanu Reeves wore on the film set as well as the Sandra Bullock worn sweat top and dress. We purchased the set directly from the owner. All of this is detailed in a statutory declaration along with other documentation from the original owner. An 8x10 movie promo and original movie poster will be included with the set.
The BondedSale.com auction begins on April 27 and runs for 6 days. It is the world’s first bonded online-auction event. Every participating seller has passed a comprehensive background check by buySAFE and is bonded by The Hartford. Buyers are financially protected since every purchase is guaranteed up to $10,000.
Celebrity Autographs at Strickler's Sports will also sell several authentic autographed entertainment related items including a Paul McCartney autographed promo placard, a U2/Bono group signed album and a Dave Matthews autographed acoustic guitar.
A sweat top and dress Sandra Bullock wore in the film "Speed" (co-starring Keanu Reeves and Dennis Hopper) will go up for auction on April 27. The outfit is part of BondedSale.com's auction and has a starting bid of $2,499 with no reserve. The most recognizable costume from the hit movie "Speed", the set includes the highly distinctive Arizona "Wildcats" sweat top heavily referred to by both Dennis Hopper and Keanu Reeves. Also included is the light flowery dress that she wears. This is one of 4 sets used in the movie according to information from Fox Studios wardrobe. The set was obtained by a woman in Queensland, Australia. She and a friend won a radio contest on B105 Brisbane in 1995. The contest was called "A Day in the Life of Keanu Reeves" and coincided with the film's video release. The grand prize was an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles and a personal tour of 20th-Century Fox Studios. During the tour, an employee from the wardrobe department presented her with several items that Keanu Reeves wore on the film set as well as the Sandra Bullock worn sweat top and dress. We purchased the set directly from the owner. All of this is detailed in a statutory declaration along with other documentation from the original owner. An 8x10 movie promo and original movie poster will be included with the set.
The BondedSale.com auction begins on April 27 and runs for 6 days. It is the world’s first bonded online-auction event. Every participating seller has passed a comprehensive background check by buySAFE and is bonded by The Hartford. Buyers are financially protected since every purchase is guaranteed up to $10,000.
Celebrity Autographs at Strickler's Sports will also sell several authentic autographed entertainment related items including a Paul McCartney autographed promo placard, a U2/Bono group signed album and a Dave Matthews autographed acoustic guitar.
Monday, April 26, 2004
UNPRECEDENTED MOTION PICTURE AND NETWORK TELEVISION EVENT
OSCAR NOMINATED FILMMAKER AND MODERN DAY MASTER OF SUSPENSE M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN HOSTS TWO NIGHTS OF PROGRAMMING ON ABC -- APRIL 26 & MAY 3
On APRIL 26 (8:00 – 11:00 p.m., ET) M. Night Shyamalan will host an ABC Network telecast of “The Sixth Sense,” during which he will present an exclusive, world premiere trailer of his next film, “The Village” – in theaters nationwide on July 30, 2004.
One week later, on MAY 3 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), Shyamalan hosts the ABC network television debut of “Unbreakable.” During the telecast Shyamalan will showcase never before seen material for “The Village,” including a groundbreaking 15 minutes of unique programming including a first look at scenes from the film, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access.
In M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village,” the Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker assembles an all-star cast, including Academy Award®-nominees Joaquin Phoenix and Sigourney Weaver and Academy Award®-winners Adrien Brody and William Hurt. “The Village” tells the chilling tale of a close-knit community that lives with the frightening knowledge that creatures reside in the woods around them and the courage of one young man who challenges them. “The Village” will be in theaters nationwide on July 30, 2004.
“The Village” Official Website: http://thevillage.movies.com
OSCAR NOMINATED FILMMAKER AND MODERN DAY MASTER OF SUSPENSE M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN HOSTS TWO NIGHTS OF PROGRAMMING ON ABC -- APRIL 26 & MAY 3
On APRIL 26 (8:00 – 11:00 p.m., ET) M. Night Shyamalan will host an ABC Network telecast of “The Sixth Sense,” during which he will present an exclusive, world premiere trailer of his next film, “The Village” – in theaters nationwide on July 30, 2004.
One week later, on MAY 3 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), Shyamalan hosts the ABC network television debut of “Unbreakable.” During the telecast Shyamalan will showcase never before seen material for “The Village,” including a groundbreaking 15 minutes of unique programming including a first look at scenes from the film, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access.
In M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village,” the Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker assembles an all-star cast, including Academy Award®-nominees Joaquin Phoenix and Sigourney Weaver and Academy Award®-winners Adrien Brody and William Hurt. “The Village” tells the chilling tale of a close-knit community that lives with the frightening knowledge that creatures reside in the woods around them and the courage of one young man who challenges them. “The Village” will be in theaters nationwide on July 30, 2004.
“The Village” Official Website: http://thevillage.movies.com
Thursday, April 15, 2004
In Justice - 2004 Philadelphia Film Festival's Hot Topic
Though this year's 13th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival has proven to be quickly rising and gaining popularity with more movies and celebrity guest appearances, it also proves to still hold true to the words "independent film festival," as a new filmmaker, Alexander Ballas arrives on the scene with his knockout film debut.
Ballas, 26 year old native of Philadelphia wrote, produced and directed the 35mm feature film In Justice, a drama set in the Philly police department. In Justice is a dark story of Frank Miller who awakens to a city where he is the prime suspect in his wife’s murder and swears an oath to hunt down the three men that murdered Angela, to find the video tape they made the night of her death, and to confront the Fourth Man who led the conspiracy against him.
Not only do the film’s powerful still images draw people’s curiosity, but the buzz circulating about “a guy who made a 35mm feature in only two weeks on a crumb budget” is hitting the streets furiously and making Ballas a hero among fellow filmmakers.
"This film was (remarkably) made in less than two weeks, entirely through volunteer support from cast and crew. Yet its dark, gritty feel contains absolutely no evidence of production shortcomings. The director credits his cast and crew “who worked tirelessly, constantly" in completing this very effective tale of love, hate and human redemption.--Scott Johnston
Ballas' cinematography is truly stunning and one of the main attractions to this film. His dark and gritty street style coupled with a breath taking pivotal scene on a deserted beach at sunrise, gives this film otherworldly radiance and looming darkness. He overpoweringly deploys certain colors, most notably red or green consistently bathed in a pool of shadows. The brighter scenes glow with character Angela always in red, presenting a feeling of life, love and innocent bloodshed. Then death, danger, and hate are bathed in dark shadows with minimal light. The film begins switching and juxtaposing them creating underlying tension as it slips in between dreams, hope, life, and death.
The cast of In Justice is flawless as every single actor gives a supreme performance, creating unique and chilling characters. Surprisingly, most of the actors are relatively new discoveries by Ballas after intense casting sessions between New York and Philadelphia. The film is headed by the moving performances of Mike Tyler (Frank Miller) and April Evans (Angela Miller). April, a stunning Texas beauty, gives a lovely and subtle, yet effective performance as a young wife in love on the brink of a new life. Truly a find, she is well matched with the film's star Mike Tyler who's portrayal of Frank Miller is nothing short of exceptional. Other cast members include Ron Gordan, Jonathon Hemmingway, Karl Jacob, Markus Hinkle, Peter Salzer, and Troy Perrin.
Though rumored to be almost sold out, a remarkable occurrence for a first timer, you can still see In Justice at the festival Sunday, April 18th. There will also be an after party directly following the screening in which you can meet Ballas, the cast and crew.
In Justice
US 2004, 75 min
Showtimes:
International House Sunday, April 18 7:15 Tickets $9.00
For more information, please visit the film's website www.in-justice.com or the Philadelphia Film Festival website www.phillyfests.com
Though this year's 13th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival has proven to be quickly rising and gaining popularity with more movies and celebrity guest appearances, it also proves to still hold true to the words "independent film festival," as a new filmmaker, Alexander Ballas arrives on the scene with his knockout film debut.
Ballas, 26 year old native of Philadelphia wrote, produced and directed the 35mm feature film In Justice, a drama set in the Philly police department. In Justice is a dark story of Frank Miller who awakens to a city where he is the prime suspect in his wife’s murder and swears an oath to hunt down the three men that murdered Angela, to find the video tape they made the night of her death, and to confront the Fourth Man who led the conspiracy against him.
Not only do the film’s powerful still images draw people’s curiosity, but the buzz circulating about “a guy who made a 35mm feature in only two weeks on a crumb budget” is hitting the streets furiously and making Ballas a hero among fellow filmmakers.
"This film was (remarkably) made in less than two weeks, entirely through volunteer support from cast and crew. Yet its dark, gritty feel contains absolutely no evidence of production shortcomings. The director credits his cast and crew “who worked tirelessly, constantly" in completing this very effective tale of love, hate and human redemption.--Scott Johnston
Ballas' cinematography is truly stunning and one of the main attractions to this film. His dark and gritty street style coupled with a breath taking pivotal scene on a deserted beach at sunrise, gives this film otherworldly radiance and looming darkness. He overpoweringly deploys certain colors, most notably red or green consistently bathed in a pool of shadows. The brighter scenes glow with character Angela always in red, presenting a feeling of life, love and innocent bloodshed. Then death, danger, and hate are bathed in dark shadows with minimal light. The film begins switching and juxtaposing them creating underlying tension as it slips in between dreams, hope, life, and death.
The cast of In Justice is flawless as every single actor gives a supreme performance, creating unique and chilling characters. Surprisingly, most of the actors are relatively new discoveries by Ballas after intense casting sessions between New York and Philadelphia. The film is headed by the moving performances of Mike Tyler (Frank Miller) and April Evans (Angela Miller). April, a stunning Texas beauty, gives a lovely and subtle, yet effective performance as a young wife in love on the brink of a new life. Truly a find, she is well matched with the film's star Mike Tyler who's portrayal of Frank Miller is nothing short of exceptional. Other cast members include Ron Gordan, Jonathon Hemmingway, Karl Jacob, Markus Hinkle, Peter Salzer, and Troy Perrin.
Though rumored to be almost sold out, a remarkable occurrence for a first timer, you can still see In Justice at the festival Sunday, April 18th. There will also be an after party directly following the screening in which you can meet Ballas, the cast and crew.
In Justice
US 2004, 75 min
Showtimes:
International House Sunday, April 18 7:15 Tickets $9.00
For more information, please visit the film's website www.in-justice.com or the Philadelphia Film Festival website www.phillyfests.com
LifeLine Entertainment to Begin Principle Photography on its Second Feature-Length Motion Picture, “11:11.”
The long awaited follow-up project to LifeLine Entertainment’s acclaimed feature debut “Return to Innocence”, has finally been announced and is slated for production on May 01, 2004 in Orange County. “11:11” is a two-sided feature film that uniquely combines a coming-of-age tale with a hard-hitting crime drama, all within its 90-minute duration.
The film will be shot in two segments. ACT 1, with a 1985 summertime setting, will begin production in May, followed by a four-month hiatus, and then ACT 2 will start up in October. Reasons for the unique shooting schedule is that of the film’s writer/director, Rocky Costanzo. “The mood and setting of this film is very important to me.” Says Costanzo. “I want the audience to be heavily involved in the story as if they are living the experience through the characters on screen.”
Costanzo, 30, has literally grown up on film production sets, having worked on hit television shows as “The Wonder Years,” “Evening Shade,” “Party of Five,” among others. His 2001 feature film debut, “Return to Innocence”, launched his career as an independent film director and has helped to set up his sophomore film project (11:11) which is loosely based on his own Orange County upbringing. Also worth noting is Costanzo’s 1993 film short, “Straight Talk,” a documentary on troubled youths, which earned him a Community Access Producers Award for best educational film in 1993.
ACT 1 of “11:11” takes place in the summer of 1985 along the pacific shores of Huntington Beach, California… a popular beach community of Orange County. The focus of the story rests on the backs of two young boys enjoying their typical summer of innocence. The two leading roles have been confirmed and announced. 13 year-old Myles Jeffrey will portray Young Zachary Fishman, a young rebel in the making, constantly flirting with trouble.
Myles is already a veteran in the film/television industry. He has earned numerous film and substantial television credits along with awards for his efforts. He has appeared in Guest Staring roles for "ER" and "Popular", and as a special Guest Star on "Family Law" and “Touched By An Angel.” He is currently a series regular voice on the cartoon "Stuart Little" for HBO, "Recess" as T.J. on Disney and "Whatever Happened to Robot Jones" for Cartoon Network.
11 year-old Darian Weiss has won the role of Young Parker Matthews, a small and fragile boy who hangs on the coat tails of his buddy, Zach. Darian is no stranger to LifeLine Entertainment, having appeared in the above mentioned title, “Return to Innocence,” but Darian has since worked a year on the popular daytime television program, “Days of our Lives” and starred in a handful of short films and theater productions.
Also on board is actor, Noah Fleiss, who has signed on to play Zach’s older cousin Derek. Noah has certainly earned his acting stripes, from his breakout performance in the award-winning feature film “Joe the King,” and in other film festival favorites like “Double Parked” and “Todd Solondz’s Storytelling.” The addition of Noah to the film’s cast once again was the decision of the film’s director, Rocky Costanzo. “Noah is the perfect ingredient to an already great cast.” Costanzo explains. “Not only does he fit the character perfectly, he also brings with him experience that will hopefully contribute to the performances of our younger actors who share scenes with him.”
“11:11” will be in-and-out of production this year and will then be showcased in domestic and international film festivals throughout 2005. An official web site is in the works, but for now you can visit LifeLine Entertainment’s home on the web at www.LifeLineEntertainment.com for updated information regarding this film and other works.
The long awaited follow-up project to LifeLine Entertainment’s acclaimed feature debut “Return to Innocence”, has finally been announced and is slated for production on May 01, 2004 in Orange County. “11:11” is a two-sided feature film that uniquely combines a coming-of-age tale with a hard-hitting crime drama, all within its 90-minute duration.
The film will be shot in two segments. ACT 1, with a 1985 summertime setting, will begin production in May, followed by a four-month hiatus, and then ACT 2 will start up in October. Reasons for the unique shooting schedule is that of the film’s writer/director, Rocky Costanzo. “The mood and setting of this film is very important to me.” Says Costanzo. “I want the audience to be heavily involved in the story as if they are living the experience through the characters on screen.”
Costanzo, 30, has literally grown up on film production sets, having worked on hit television shows as “The Wonder Years,” “Evening Shade,” “Party of Five,” among others. His 2001 feature film debut, “Return to Innocence”, launched his career as an independent film director and has helped to set up his sophomore film project (11:11) which is loosely based on his own Orange County upbringing. Also worth noting is Costanzo’s 1993 film short, “Straight Talk,” a documentary on troubled youths, which earned him a Community Access Producers Award for best educational film in 1993.
ACT 1 of “11:11” takes place in the summer of 1985 along the pacific shores of Huntington Beach, California… a popular beach community of Orange County. The focus of the story rests on the backs of two young boys enjoying their typical summer of innocence. The two leading roles have been confirmed and announced. 13 year-old Myles Jeffrey will portray Young Zachary Fishman, a young rebel in the making, constantly flirting with trouble.
Myles is already a veteran in the film/television industry. He has earned numerous film and substantial television credits along with awards for his efforts. He has appeared in Guest Staring roles for "ER" and "Popular", and as a special Guest Star on "Family Law" and “Touched By An Angel.” He is currently a series regular voice on the cartoon "Stuart Little" for HBO, "Recess" as T.J. on Disney and "Whatever Happened to Robot Jones" for Cartoon Network.
11 year-old Darian Weiss has won the role of Young Parker Matthews, a small and fragile boy who hangs on the coat tails of his buddy, Zach. Darian is no stranger to LifeLine Entertainment, having appeared in the above mentioned title, “Return to Innocence,” but Darian has since worked a year on the popular daytime television program, “Days of our Lives” and starred in a handful of short films and theater productions.
Also on board is actor, Noah Fleiss, who has signed on to play Zach’s older cousin Derek. Noah has certainly earned his acting stripes, from his breakout performance in the award-winning feature film “Joe the King,” and in other film festival favorites like “Double Parked” and “Todd Solondz’s Storytelling.” The addition of Noah to the film’s cast once again was the decision of the film’s director, Rocky Costanzo. “Noah is the perfect ingredient to an already great cast.” Costanzo explains. “Not only does he fit the character perfectly, he also brings with him experience that will hopefully contribute to the performances of our younger actors who share scenes with him.”
“11:11” will be in-and-out of production this year and will then be showcased in domestic and international film festivals throughout 2005. An official web site is in the works, but for now you can visit LifeLine Entertainment’s home on the web at www.LifeLineEntertainment.com for updated information regarding this film and other works.
“E-GIRL” Confidant Won't Tell All
Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) April 14, 2004 -- What happens when a resourceful 17-year-old wannabe screenwriter, working for the world’s largest internet service provider, obtains the screen names of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities and power brokers? In Hollywood, it means a film project based on the true story of Heather Robinson and her incredible escapade as an online confidant to the stars!
Robinson, who has already parlayed her adolescent charade as a pretend suitor for her lonely mom into Universal’s forthcoming film, “The Perfect Man” starring Hilary Duff, is at it again with “E-Girl”--her even zanier adventure as an internet intimate to some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
The full-fledged writer/producer maintains her prior cyber-subterfuge with major personalities and power players while a teenage customer service agent was neither malicious nor insincere and hardly worse than chumming up to movie stars at a private party or lifting a director’s cell phone number from an agency rolodex.
“Given the chance, what hopeful wouldn’t look up a few screen names if it meant they could meet their favorite player?” Heather reasons, “but I followed company rules and only contacted those who had an online profile or were in a chat room.”
Most celebrities had no clue at the time she knew who they really were, Robinson admits and that, of course, made her unorthodox approach so amenable to most.
“They were gracious, authentic and supportive,” Robinson says of nearly all of her idol encounters, “and what strange ‘proclivities’ a few may have exhibited will remain secret because most of them are close friends or colleagues now.”
Robinson vows “E-Girl” will only depict the clever, amazing and heartrending aspects of her online escapades and, who knows, perhaps some of her internet pals will appear in the film.
Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) April 14, 2004 -- What happens when a resourceful 17-year-old wannabe screenwriter, working for the world’s largest internet service provider, obtains the screen names of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities and power brokers? In Hollywood, it means a film project based on the true story of Heather Robinson and her incredible escapade as an online confidant to the stars!
Robinson, who has already parlayed her adolescent charade as a pretend suitor for her lonely mom into Universal’s forthcoming film, “The Perfect Man” starring Hilary Duff, is at it again with “E-Girl”--her even zanier adventure as an internet intimate to some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
The full-fledged writer/producer maintains her prior cyber-subterfuge with major personalities and power players while a teenage customer service agent was neither malicious nor insincere and hardly worse than chumming up to movie stars at a private party or lifting a director’s cell phone number from an agency rolodex.
“Given the chance, what hopeful wouldn’t look up a few screen names if it meant they could meet their favorite player?” Heather reasons, “but I followed company rules and only contacted those who had an online profile or were in a chat room.”
Most celebrities had no clue at the time she knew who they really were, Robinson admits and that, of course, made her unorthodox approach so amenable to most.
“They were gracious, authentic and supportive,” Robinson says of nearly all of her idol encounters, “and what strange ‘proclivities’ a few may have exhibited will remain secret because most of them are close friends or colleagues now.”
Robinson vows “E-Girl” will only depict the clever, amazing and heartrending aspects of her online escapades and, who knows, perhaps some of her internet pals will appear in the film.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Japanese audiences stunned into silence by charity advert
In what is the first time that a non-governmental organisation has been able to show a cinema advert in Japan, thousands of cinema goers have been shocked into silence by a powerful new advert highlighting the misery of Japan's bear parks.
Made by NAGAI productions on behalf of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and its Japanese member society All Life in a Viable Environment (ALIVE), the advert shows powerful scenes of the terrible conditions endured by bears in Japan's notorious bear parks. The commentary takes the form of a conversation between a mother and her son, with the child being told of the reason why bears kept together in small concrete pits show abnormal behaviour. Mr Nagai, a director of NAGAI productions who created the advert, described the reaction in Japan, "As soon as the advert started, everyone suddenly stopped talking and the theatre became very quiet. It seemed to capture everyone's attention, including even young children. That this advert has been allowed to be shown is a historical moment for NGOs and the advertising industry in Japan."
The advert is being shown before performances of Disney's 'Brother Bear' in two of the largest multiplex cinemas in Tokyo (Ikebukuro SunShine Movie Theater, from 20/3 to 2/4, and Kinshichou Cinema Movie Theater, from 27/3 to 9/4), as well as twice hourly for 12 hours a day throughout April on a large outdoor screen in the city centre. WSPA estimates that at least 50,000 people will get to see it during this time.
This is the latest move in a long running campaign by WSPA and ALIVE to close down Japan's eight bear parks. It follows the news earlier this year that at least one park (in Jyozankei) has announced that it is to close, with two others considering their future.
Victor Watkins, WSPA's Libearty Director, commented, "There is a growing movement to reject places like bear parks, where animals are kept in terrible conditions that are bad for their welfare. WSPA will continue to press for effective legislation in Japan to prevent the cruelty to animals that is clearly inherent in the bear park industry."
In response to growing concerns over the bear parks, Ed McAlister, President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), recently stated to WSPA, "We will not countenance welfare abuse in any form; this applies to practices outside zoos just as much as some which occasionally occur in organisations which masquerade under the name of zoos. If the money or the will to improve is not there we will move to have the 'zoo' closed down."
In what is the first time that a non-governmental organisation has been able to show a cinema advert in Japan, thousands of cinema goers have been shocked into silence by a powerful new advert highlighting the misery of Japan's bear parks.
Made by NAGAI productions on behalf of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and its Japanese member society All Life in a Viable Environment (ALIVE), the advert shows powerful scenes of the terrible conditions endured by bears in Japan's notorious bear parks. The commentary takes the form of a conversation between a mother and her son, with the child being told of the reason why bears kept together in small concrete pits show abnormal behaviour. Mr Nagai, a director of NAGAI productions who created the advert, described the reaction in Japan, "As soon as the advert started, everyone suddenly stopped talking and the theatre became very quiet. It seemed to capture everyone's attention, including even young children. That this advert has been allowed to be shown is a historical moment for NGOs and the advertising industry in Japan."
The advert is being shown before performances of Disney's 'Brother Bear' in two of the largest multiplex cinemas in Tokyo (Ikebukuro SunShine Movie Theater, from 20/3 to 2/4, and Kinshichou Cinema Movie Theater, from 27/3 to 9/4), as well as twice hourly for 12 hours a day throughout April on a large outdoor screen in the city centre. WSPA estimates that at least 50,000 people will get to see it during this time.
This is the latest move in a long running campaign by WSPA and ALIVE to close down Japan's eight bear parks. It follows the news earlier this year that at least one park (in Jyozankei) has announced that it is to close, with two others considering their future.
Victor Watkins, WSPA's Libearty Director, commented, "There is a growing movement to reject places like bear parks, where animals are kept in terrible conditions that are bad for their welfare. WSPA will continue to press for effective legislation in Japan to prevent the cruelty to animals that is clearly inherent in the bear park industry."
In response to growing concerns over the bear parks, Ed McAlister, President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), recently stated to WSPA, "We will not countenance welfare abuse in any form; this applies to practices outside zoos just as much as some which occasionally occur in organisations which masquerade under the name of zoos. If the money or the will to improve is not there we will move to have the 'zoo' closed down."
Titan Books Presents
Mythology – The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross
THE ULTIMATE BOOK FROM THE ULTIMATE COMICS ARTIST!
The best-loved comic characters in the world, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the JLA and many more, are all brought to life by the number one fan-favourite artist working in the medium today, the incomparable Alex Ross.
In this beautiful hardback edition you will enjoy the evolution of Ross’s work, from his early sketches aged three, to his contemporary masterpieces such as Batman: War on Crime and more recently his stunning Smallville covers which he designed exclusively for TV Guide.
This book reveals Ross’s lifelong love of these classic superheroes and his vision — taking you into the studio for a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, with hundreds of never-before seen sketches, limited edition prints, and prototype sculptures. Ross’s dynamic art combines with Chip Kidd’s kinetic design to make his most memorable stories soar off the page.
What was it about DC Comics super heroes that inspired Alex Ross as a child?
“As an adolescent you need order in your world, and super heroes have that, a sense of ethics that would never change – they would never be less than perfect, fighting for their ideals.” Alex Ross
* Alex Ross artwork will feature in the movie sequel Spider-Man 2
* National Comics Week is 24-30 May 2004
* Alex Ross is the number one fan-favourite artist working in comics today. This hotly anticipated book is the first collection of his work
* Features scores of rare and previously unpublished pieces
* Introduction by M. Night Shyamalan, acclaimed director (Signs; The Sixth Sense)
* Plus a new, exclusive Superman-Batman story, written by Kidd and painted by Ross!
“Iconic... Ross brings to his work an unparalleled sense of the real.”
— Entertainment Weekly ‘A’ grade review
“Alex’s art completely changed the way I thought of comics... amazing”
—Ain’t It Cool News
FROM: TITAN BOOKS
OUT: 21 MAY 2004
PRICED: £24.99
FORMAT: HARDBACK
Mythology – The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross
THE ULTIMATE BOOK FROM THE ULTIMATE COMICS ARTIST!
The best-loved comic characters in the world, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the JLA and many more, are all brought to life by the number one fan-favourite artist working in the medium today, the incomparable Alex Ross.
In this beautiful hardback edition you will enjoy the evolution of Ross’s work, from his early sketches aged three, to his contemporary masterpieces such as Batman: War on Crime and more recently his stunning Smallville covers which he designed exclusively for TV Guide.
This book reveals Ross’s lifelong love of these classic superheroes and his vision — taking you into the studio for a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, with hundreds of never-before seen sketches, limited edition prints, and prototype sculptures. Ross’s dynamic art combines with Chip Kidd’s kinetic design to make his most memorable stories soar off the page.
What was it about DC Comics super heroes that inspired Alex Ross as a child?
“As an adolescent you need order in your world, and super heroes have that, a sense of ethics that would never change – they would never be less than perfect, fighting for their ideals.” Alex Ross
* Alex Ross artwork will feature in the movie sequel Spider-Man 2
* National Comics Week is 24-30 May 2004
* Alex Ross is the number one fan-favourite artist working in comics today. This hotly anticipated book is the first collection of his work
* Features scores of rare and previously unpublished pieces
* Introduction by M. Night Shyamalan, acclaimed director (Signs; The Sixth Sense)
* Plus a new, exclusive Superman-Batman story, written by Kidd and painted by Ross!
“Iconic... Ross brings to his work an unparalleled sense of the real.”
— Entertainment Weekly ‘A’ grade review
“Alex’s art completely changed the way I thought of comics... amazing”
—Ain’t It Cool News
FROM: TITAN BOOKS
OUT: 21 MAY 2004
PRICED: £24.99
FORMAT: HARDBACK
Monday, April 05, 2004
‘RINGS’ ANIMATOR MAKING CUTTING EDGE 3D ANIMATION IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST
Manchester based production company The Box; have launched an exciting collaboration with talented and highly acclaimed Lord of the Rings animator Miles Bellas.
Miles, who is originally from Wigan, Greater Manchester, has just returned from New Zealand where he worked for over two years on the multi award winning movies. His other credits include Titanic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Fifth Element. Miles will be working with The Box on a five minute 3D digitally animated character based DVD over the next twelve months.
North West Vision, the TV and Film agency for England’s Northwest are contributing £20,000 from its lottery funding towards the making of this short 3D film.
Alice Morrison, Chief Executive of North West Vision said:
“By supporting this innovative project we are helping to raise the UK’s 3D animation profile by reaching out to a whole new adult audience. North West Vision are committed to raising the profile and shaping the region’s film industry, spearheaded by the growing reputation of 3D animation in Manchester”
This witty 3D film (yet to be titled) will be unique and innovative and is aimed at an adult audience.
The making of the production will involve approximately 15 people. The Box hopes to develop and maintain strong links with North West educational establishments and training providers in the making of this short film.
Mike Kirwin, Director of the Box said:
“This is fantastic project and we are so thrilled to have established a partnership with Miles Bellas and funding support from North West Vision. Pre-production for our digital 3D animation will start very shortly and we hope to be completed by summer 2005.”
Manchester based production company The Box; have launched an exciting collaboration with talented and highly acclaimed Lord of the Rings animator Miles Bellas.
Miles, who is originally from Wigan, Greater Manchester, has just returned from New Zealand where he worked for over two years on the multi award winning movies. His other credits include Titanic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Fifth Element. Miles will be working with The Box on a five minute 3D digitally animated character based DVD over the next twelve months.
North West Vision, the TV and Film agency for England’s Northwest are contributing £20,000 from its lottery funding towards the making of this short 3D film.
Alice Morrison, Chief Executive of North West Vision said:
“By supporting this innovative project we are helping to raise the UK’s 3D animation profile by reaching out to a whole new adult audience. North West Vision are committed to raising the profile and shaping the region’s film industry, spearheaded by the growing reputation of 3D animation in Manchester”
This witty 3D film (yet to be titled) will be unique and innovative and is aimed at an adult audience.
The making of the production will involve approximately 15 people. The Box hopes to develop and maintain strong links with North West educational establishments and training providers in the making of this short film.
Mike Kirwin, Director of the Box said:
“This is fantastic project and we are so thrilled to have established a partnership with Miles Bellas and funding support from North West Vision. Pre-production for our digital 3D animation will start very shortly and we hope to be completed by summer 2005.”
Thursday, April 01, 2004
New Archers Theme Tune
This morning Radio 4 reported that the long-running radio soap opera, The Archers, would be getting a new theme tune produced by Brian Eno. It sounded terrible, and it would be obvious that the ultra conservative listeners of this station would be on the war path. Even I was shocked by this earth-shattering change - then I remembered the date; April 1st.
This morning Radio 4 reported that the long-running radio soap opera, The Archers, would be getting a new theme tune produced by Brian Eno. It sounded terrible, and it would be obvious that the ultra conservative listeners of this station would be on the war path. Even I was shocked by this earth-shattering change - then I remembered the date; April 1st.
The Spirit of Tinseltown
Tinseltown TV is the world's first weekly entertainment show to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Bollywood, taking mainstream Hollywood and celebrities to Asian audiences throughout the world.
Tinseltown Entertainment was founded in 2003 by London-born Sheeraz Hasan, who also hosts and produces the show. Sheeraz's story is a true rags to riches tale - from landing in LA eighteen months ago with no contacts or experience in the entertainment industry Sheeraz has become the host of a show that reaches an audience of 500 million around the world, half of Hollywood knows him by name, he has interviewed all the A-list Hollywood celebrities and has been labelled as the New American Dream by Fortune Magazine.
Sheeraz is a true entrepreneur, and his aim over the next year is to expand the Tinseltown brand even further to reach an audience of a billion viewers.
Tinseltown TV itself is not only unique in its reach, but also in its content. The show moves away from the traditional red carpet interviews to focus on the spiritual side of Hollywood, questioning celebrities on the role of spirituality in their lives and providing a unparalleled insight into how they stay focused and grounded - an approach which has earned it the reputation as the number one entertainment show in Hollywood amongst the Hollywood elite.
Tinseltown TV is the world's first weekly entertainment show to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Bollywood, taking mainstream Hollywood and celebrities to Asian audiences throughout the world.
Tinseltown Entertainment was founded in 2003 by London-born Sheeraz Hasan, who also hosts and produces the show. Sheeraz's story is a true rags to riches tale - from landing in LA eighteen months ago with no contacts or experience in the entertainment industry Sheeraz has become the host of a show that reaches an audience of 500 million around the world, half of Hollywood knows him by name, he has interviewed all the A-list Hollywood celebrities and has been labelled as the New American Dream by Fortune Magazine.
Sheeraz is a true entrepreneur, and his aim over the next year is to expand the Tinseltown brand even further to reach an audience of a billion viewers.
Tinseltown TV itself is not only unique in its reach, but also in its content. The show moves away from the traditional red carpet interviews to focus on the spiritual side of Hollywood, questioning celebrities on the role of spirituality in their lives and providing a unparalleled insight into how they stay focused and grounded - an approach which has earned it the reputation as the number one entertainment show in Hollywood amongst the Hollywood elite.
Friday, March 26, 2004
FACT witnesses an increase in counterfeit goods
Figures announced by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) highlight a massive increase of over 400% in the seizure of pirated films in 2003. This trend is by no means on the decline, over 250,000 pirated films have been seized since January 2004 – this batch includes counterfeit versions of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ which will be released in the UK on March 26th. This latest seizure represents a loss of over £1.25 million to the black economy.
Director of Operations Jim Angell said: "The fact that we have seized 50% more titles this year compared to the same period last year indicates that piracy is a booming trade. However, our figures only represent a small proportion of the counterfeit products entering the country. FACT can only make a difference if the entertainment industry unites in our fight to put these criminals out of business.
"There is a simple message for the general public: don't waste your money on substandard counterfeit goods. Not only will you be stifling the developing and expanding British film industry, but you will also be supporting the unsavoury and, quite frankly, terrifying activities of criminal gangs."
This message lies at the heart of a new hard hitting media campaign launched by FACT and is designed to educate members of the entertainment industry and the general public to help stamp out film piracy in the UK.
Jim Angell continues: "It is important that people realise the extent of intellectual property theft and the negative impact it has both on the industry and far beyond. We can only make a difference if industry members join us in our efforts to rid the UK of this hugely damaging black market."
The most popular titles seized by FACT in 2003 were Finding Nemo, Master and Commander, Pirates of The Caribbean, Kill Bill, Brother Bear, Calendar Girls and Love Actually.
Figures for 2003 seizures by FACT are as follows:
VCD 125,275
VHS 86,866
DVDR/ DVD Comp/ DVDR Comp 190,004
DVD 1,614,328
Figures announced by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) highlight a massive increase of over 400% in the seizure of pirated films in 2003. This trend is by no means on the decline, over 250,000 pirated films have been seized since January 2004 – this batch includes counterfeit versions of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ which will be released in the UK on March 26th. This latest seizure represents a loss of over £1.25 million to the black economy.
Director of Operations Jim Angell said: "The fact that we have seized 50% more titles this year compared to the same period last year indicates that piracy is a booming trade. However, our figures only represent a small proportion of the counterfeit products entering the country. FACT can only make a difference if the entertainment industry unites in our fight to put these criminals out of business.
"There is a simple message for the general public: don't waste your money on substandard counterfeit goods. Not only will you be stifling the developing and expanding British film industry, but you will also be supporting the unsavoury and, quite frankly, terrifying activities of criminal gangs."
This message lies at the heart of a new hard hitting media campaign launched by FACT and is designed to educate members of the entertainment industry and the general public to help stamp out film piracy in the UK.
Jim Angell continues: "It is important that people realise the extent of intellectual property theft and the negative impact it has both on the industry and far beyond. We can only make a difference if industry members join us in our efforts to rid the UK of this hugely damaging black market."
The most popular titles seized by FACT in 2003 were Finding Nemo, Master and Commander, Pirates of The Caribbean, Kill Bill, Brother Bear, Calendar Girls and Love Actually.
Figures for 2003 seizures by FACT are as follows:
VCD 125,275
VHS 86,866
DVDR/ DVD Comp/ DVDR Comp 190,004
DVD 1,614,328
There Ain't No Wakeboarding In Iraq (WakinAMovie.com)
NY filmmaker Monroe Mann has been working for years to put together the world’s first wakeboarding feature film, to be shot in Orlando, Florida this fall. That is... until the Army stepped in and told him otherwise.
Despite all the obstacles of being an independent filmmaker, Monroe Mann has been able to line up Avril Lavigne & Sum41 for the soundtrack to their film and gain the support of the entire pro-wakeboarding community. Lieutenant Mann, however, also just got a call from his commanding officer. He and his battalion from the NY Army National Guard are packing their bags, leaving their civilian lives behind, and heading off to Iraq on May 15th.
Despite being confused and nervous about going to war, and despite the lack of funds and time, this Lieutenant filmmaker is still determined to fulfill his dream of making this movie.
"Among the many things I've learned by being in the Army,' says Mann, 26, "I've learned that impossible is not an option when success is the only alternative. Somehow, someway, we're going to make this movie."
How? By enlisting the support of the American people.
Mann and his crew at Loco Dawn Films have set up a website at www.WakinAMovie.com to help raise the money to make their film before he has to ship out to Iraq for war. They are hoping that people will actually go there, donate money, and help make movie history. The website is designed to appeal to wakeboarders, film buffs, those with military affiliations… and to anyone who has ever had a dream.
Wakeboarding is a cross between snowboarding and waterskiing and is the fastest growing extreme sport in the world. In the words of Jason Bingham of Wakeboarding Magazine, “Those who choose to be a part of this film, choose to be a part of a revolution in extreme sports.”
Monroe Mann (26) is a twice published author and the owner of the Unstoppable Actors Business School in Manhattan. His book "To Benning and Back - The Making of a Citizen Soldier" is the country's only first person journal account of modern basic training and officer candidate school.
NY filmmaker Monroe Mann has been working for years to put together the world’s first wakeboarding feature film, to be shot in Orlando, Florida this fall. That is... until the Army stepped in and told him otherwise.
Despite all the obstacles of being an independent filmmaker, Monroe Mann has been able to line up Avril Lavigne & Sum41 for the soundtrack to their film and gain the support of the entire pro-wakeboarding community. Lieutenant Mann, however, also just got a call from his commanding officer. He and his battalion from the NY Army National Guard are packing their bags, leaving their civilian lives behind, and heading off to Iraq on May 15th.
Despite being confused and nervous about going to war, and despite the lack of funds and time, this Lieutenant filmmaker is still determined to fulfill his dream of making this movie.
"Among the many things I've learned by being in the Army,' says Mann, 26, "I've learned that impossible is not an option when success is the only alternative. Somehow, someway, we're going to make this movie."
How? By enlisting the support of the American people.
Mann and his crew at Loco Dawn Films have set up a website at www.WakinAMovie.com to help raise the money to make their film before he has to ship out to Iraq for war. They are hoping that people will actually go there, donate money, and help make movie history. The website is designed to appeal to wakeboarders, film buffs, those with military affiliations… and to anyone who has ever had a dream.
Wakeboarding is a cross between snowboarding and waterskiing and is the fastest growing extreme sport in the world. In the words of Jason Bingham of Wakeboarding Magazine, “Those who choose to be a part of this film, choose to be a part of a revolution in extreme sports.”
Monroe Mann (26) is a twice published author and the owner of the Unstoppable Actors Business School in Manhattan. His book "To Benning and Back - The Making of a Citizen Soldier" is the country's only first person journal account of modern basic training and officer candidate school.
Animated marketing for Alex Rider
Walker Books and Screenbase Media have joined forces to create the first animated "viral" promotion for a children's book. Scorpia Mission offers an interactive slice of the action, mystery and suspense from the fifth of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider books, Scorpia, on sale from 1 April 2004.
Next week, 250,000 children will be invited to watch the dramatic promo at
http://www.scorpiamission.com
Fans can discover what Scorpia is and the dark secrets about Alex Rider's father in an animated trailer. For those who cannot wait for the book, Scorpia Mission offers an exclusive extract of the first chapter, as well as details about Anthony Horowitz and further information about the Alex Rider series.
Walker Books approached Screenbase for this project, as their core-sector expertise lies in publishing, film and TV. They have developed and built author and title brands, including Douglas Coupland's Hey Nostradamus, Salam Pax's The Baghdad Blog and the Life of Pi promotion, which won an award at the 2003 Flash Forward Film Festival. Screenbase has worked with some of the largest media brands in the UK to provide a unique mix of creative and technical services that encompass marketing, graphic and web design. Previous clients include HarperCollins, Canongate Books, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Channel 4.
Anthony Horowitz, author of the Alex Rider series, said:
"I just love it. It really grips you from the start, and I particularly like the fact that it's so adult in nature - not at all condescending. I hope it entices a few kids away from their computers and into the books."
Alison Morrison, Head of Marketing at Walker Books, said:
"We are always looking for new and exciting ways to reach a wider audience in an environment that they respond to. Screenbase has produced a gripping trailer which will ignite anticipation among those who know the Alex Rider series, while establishing new readers as well!"
To preview the site visit Scorpia Mission at
http://www.scorpiamission.com
Walker Books and Screenbase Media have joined forces to create the first animated "viral" promotion for a children's book. Scorpia Mission offers an interactive slice of the action, mystery and suspense from the fifth of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider books, Scorpia, on sale from 1 April 2004.
Next week, 250,000 children will be invited to watch the dramatic promo at
http://www.scorpiamission.com
Fans can discover what Scorpia is and the dark secrets about Alex Rider's father in an animated trailer. For those who cannot wait for the book, Scorpia Mission offers an exclusive extract of the first chapter, as well as details about Anthony Horowitz and further information about the Alex Rider series.
Walker Books approached Screenbase for this project, as their core-sector expertise lies in publishing, film and TV. They have developed and built author and title brands, including Douglas Coupland's Hey Nostradamus, Salam Pax's The Baghdad Blog and the Life of Pi promotion, which won an award at the 2003 Flash Forward Film Festival. Screenbase has worked with some of the largest media brands in the UK to provide a unique mix of creative and technical services that encompass marketing, graphic and web design. Previous clients include HarperCollins, Canongate Books, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Channel 4.
Anthony Horowitz, author of the Alex Rider series, said:
"I just love it. It really grips you from the start, and I particularly like the fact that it's so adult in nature - not at all condescending. I hope it entices a few kids away from their computers and into the books."
Alison Morrison, Head of Marketing at Walker Books, said:
"We are always looking for new and exciting ways to reach a wider audience in an environment that they respond to. Screenbase has produced a gripping trailer which will ignite anticipation among those who know the Alex Rider series, while establishing new readers as well!"
To preview the site visit Scorpia Mission at
http://www.scorpiamission.com
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Major Website Enhancement for JVC Professional Europe
JVC Professionals UK website: www.jvcpro.co.uk, has been upgraded and went live on 2 March 2004.
While JVC continually adds new features and content to its website, this is a major upgrade that cannot go unnoticed. The refreshing site displays a reorganised content page set to make the website a lot more user friendly and for information to be a lot easier to find.
The websites previous colours of red and mustard have been changed to blue and white making the visit to the site a considerably more enjoyable and more relaxing experience.
New features include:
· Latest products and news
· Flicker free Projection
· The Jerry Bruckheimer perfect theatre experience
· Speak to an Expert
· A dedicated security section
· A dedicated Computer Imaging area
· A dedicated Data Storage section
· A Meet us section
John Carpenter, General Manager Marketing Services, JVC Professional says, "The aim of the upgraded website is not only for aesthetic appeal but also to keep site visitors fully, and more clearly, informed. "
JVC Professionals UK website: www.jvcpro.co.uk, has been upgraded and went live on 2 March 2004.
While JVC continually adds new features and content to its website, this is a major upgrade that cannot go unnoticed. The refreshing site displays a reorganised content page set to make the website a lot more user friendly and for information to be a lot easier to find.
The websites previous colours of red and mustard have been changed to blue and white making the visit to the site a considerably more enjoyable and more relaxing experience.
New features include:
· Latest products and news
· Flicker free Projection
· The Jerry Bruckheimer perfect theatre experience
· Speak to an Expert
· A dedicated security section
· A dedicated Computer Imaging area
· A dedicated Data Storage section
· A Meet us section
John Carpenter, General Manager Marketing Services, JVC Professional says, "The aim of the upgraded website is not only for aesthetic appeal but also to keep site visitors fully, and more clearly, informed. "
STAR WARS MAGAZINE
Issue #49
This month, Star Wars Magazine brings fans across the Star Wars universe interviews with The Phantom Menace star Ray Park (Darth Maul) and Star Wars make-up creator Stuart Freeborn. We study the new aliens introduced in Attack of the Clones, look into the world of invisible effects from The Phantom Menace and take you behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars animated micro series Clone Wars.
As always, SWM is packed with all the latest scoops – including an Episode III post-production update and exclusive new photos from the set, plus much, much more!
Don’t miss your free Darth Maul poster with this issue!
THE PHANTOM MENACE
Stuntman-turned-actor Ray Park, best known to Star Wars fans as Darth Maul, the demonic apprentice to Darth Sidious, chats to SWM about life before, during and after The Phantom Menace, plus he reveals the latest on his role as Danny Rand in the upcoming Marvel comic adaptation, Iron Fist.
ALIEN FACES
SWM talks to Star Wars make-up creator Stuart Freeborn to discover how he created the looks for some of the most famous faces in Star Wars: Episode IV, V & VI, including Chewbacca, Yoda and Jabba the Hutt.
THE ALIENS FROM ATTACK OF THE CLONES
Star Wars aliens have played on our affections, our fears and our imaginations for over a quarter of a century. SWM studies the new aliens introduced to the Star Wars universe in Attack of the Clones, including the giraffe-necked Kaminoans and the bug-like Geonosians.
INVISIBLE EFFECTS FROM THE PHANTOM MENACE
There’s a good argument that the most impressive effects are the ones not even the most keen-eyed viewers can detect. SWM looks into the world of invisible effects from The Phantom Menace.
MAKING THE CLONE WARS!
SWM visits the Cartoon Network headquarters to take you behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars animated micro series Clone Wars.
ALSO INCLUDED IN ISSUE #49
Rob Coleman: Behind the Magic
Set Piece: The Outlander Club
Comlink
Star Wars Q&A
Win Star Wars LEGO sets!
Plus, LOADS more!
GET IT DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR!
Subscribe to SWM by calling 0153 6764 646 or email: starwarssubs@titanemail.com, quoting reference P103.
ISSUE #49 ON SALE NOW!
ã Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Issue #49
This month, Star Wars Magazine brings fans across the Star Wars universe interviews with The Phantom Menace star Ray Park (Darth Maul) and Star Wars make-up creator Stuart Freeborn. We study the new aliens introduced in Attack of the Clones, look into the world of invisible effects from The Phantom Menace and take you behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars animated micro series Clone Wars.
As always, SWM is packed with all the latest scoops – including an Episode III post-production update and exclusive new photos from the set, plus much, much more!
Don’t miss your free Darth Maul poster with this issue!
THE PHANTOM MENACE
Stuntman-turned-actor Ray Park, best known to Star Wars fans as Darth Maul, the demonic apprentice to Darth Sidious, chats to SWM about life before, during and after The Phantom Menace, plus he reveals the latest on his role as Danny Rand in the upcoming Marvel comic adaptation, Iron Fist.
ALIEN FACES
SWM talks to Star Wars make-up creator Stuart Freeborn to discover how he created the looks for some of the most famous faces in Star Wars: Episode IV, V & VI, including Chewbacca, Yoda and Jabba the Hutt.
THE ALIENS FROM ATTACK OF THE CLONES
Star Wars aliens have played on our affections, our fears and our imaginations for over a quarter of a century. SWM studies the new aliens introduced to the Star Wars universe in Attack of the Clones, including the giraffe-necked Kaminoans and the bug-like Geonosians.
INVISIBLE EFFECTS FROM THE PHANTOM MENACE
There’s a good argument that the most impressive effects are the ones not even the most keen-eyed viewers can detect. SWM looks into the world of invisible effects from The Phantom Menace.
MAKING THE CLONE WARS!
SWM visits the Cartoon Network headquarters to take you behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars animated micro series Clone Wars.
ALSO INCLUDED IN ISSUE #49
Rob Coleman: Behind the Magic
Set Piece: The Outlander Club
Comlink
Star Wars Q&A
Win Star Wars LEGO sets!
Plus, LOADS more!
GET IT DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR!
Subscribe to SWM by calling 0153 6764 646 or email: starwarssubs@titanemail.com, quoting reference P103.
ISSUE #49 ON SALE NOW!
ã Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
dreamwatch
Issue #115
In Issue #115, the ultra glossy dreamwatch magazine brings you interviews with Alias actor Michael Vartan (Michael Vaughn), Stargate SG-1 stars Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson) & Christopher Judge (Teal’c), Hellboy star Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Angel star David Boreanaz (Angel) and series creator/executive producer Joss Whedon.
We visit the Scooby-Doo 2 set to meet the cast and crew; director Jonathan Hensleigh gives us a preview of the latest Marvel comic-strip movie; The Punisher; newly announced Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson outlines his plans for the show’s revival, and writer/executive producer Karl Schaefer reveals all on the upcoming third season of The Dead Zone.
As always, dreamwatch is packed with all the latest scoops from the world of sci-fi and fantasy entertainment – including news that Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper has turned down the role as Detective Jim Gordon in the new Batman film, Beyonce Knowles confirms her interest in the new Superman movie and the original Star Wars trilogy gets its DVD release date, plus much, much more!
ANGEL
When Buffy spin-off Angel made its television debut in October 1999, no-one really knew if it would be a hit. But the series quickly established itself and recently reached its 100th episode. Series creator/executive producer Joss Whedon chats to dreamwatch about the past, present and future of Angel.
David Boreanaz who is in his eighth year playing Angel, tells us about the revamped fifth season and his directorial debut on Angel episode “Soul Purpose”. Plus, a full report on the show’s shock cancellation!
ALIAS STAR MICHAEL VARTAN INTERROGATED!
With the third season of Alias making its UK debut in March, dreamwatch talks to Michael Vartan, who plays CIA agent Michael Vaughn, about the action-packed season and finds out about his real life relationship with the show’s star, Jennifer Garner.
SCOOBY-DOO 2: SET VISIT!
dreamwatch visits the set of Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed and meets the cast and crew, including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Daphne), Matthew Lillard (Shaggy), Linda Cardellini (Velma) and director Raja Gosnell to find out what cinemagoers can expect from Scooby’s second live-action movie adventure.
STARGATE SG-1 : MICHAEL SHANKS & CHRISTOPHER JUDGE
Stargate SG-1 stars Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson) & Christopher Judge (Teal’c) reveal to dreamwatch how the new season is shaping up and what it’s like working with the newly promoted General Jack O’Neil.
HELLBOY
Mike Mignola’s popular comic-book saga Hellboy has been brought to the big screen with Ron Perlman in the title role. The prolific character actor tells dreamwatch about his long wait to play the demonic hero.
ALSO INCLUDED IN ISSUE #115
Head writer/executive producer David Greenwalt talks about the
cancellation of Jake 2.0
Star Trek: Enterprise’s Linda Blair (Hoshi Sato) outlines her characters development and reveals her thoughts on the character’s reduced screen time.
Battlestar Galactica’s Jamie Bamber (Captain Lee Adama) reveals what life is like aboard the re-imagined Galactica.
dreamwatch Hot Topic: Can Star Trek be saved?
PLUS: The very latest news, reviews and competitions
All this and much, much more in dreamwatch Issue#115!
ON SALE 26 FEB (UK) 16 MAR (US)
Get dreamwatch delivered to your door!
UK, call 01536 764646 or email dreamwatchsubs@titanemail.com.
US, call (1-877) 363-1310 or email expressmag@expressmag.com.
Please quote reference number P103.
Issue #115
In Issue #115, the ultra glossy dreamwatch magazine brings you interviews with Alias actor Michael Vartan (Michael Vaughn), Stargate SG-1 stars Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson) & Christopher Judge (Teal’c), Hellboy star Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Angel star David Boreanaz (Angel) and series creator/executive producer Joss Whedon.
We visit the Scooby-Doo 2 set to meet the cast and crew; director Jonathan Hensleigh gives us a preview of the latest Marvel comic-strip movie; The Punisher; newly announced Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson outlines his plans for the show’s revival, and writer/executive producer Karl Schaefer reveals all on the upcoming third season of The Dead Zone.
As always, dreamwatch is packed with all the latest scoops from the world of sci-fi and fantasy entertainment – including news that Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper has turned down the role as Detective Jim Gordon in the new Batman film, Beyonce Knowles confirms her interest in the new Superman movie and the original Star Wars trilogy gets its DVD release date, plus much, much more!
ANGEL
When Buffy spin-off Angel made its television debut in October 1999, no-one really knew if it would be a hit. But the series quickly established itself and recently reached its 100th episode. Series creator/executive producer Joss Whedon chats to dreamwatch about the past, present and future of Angel.
David Boreanaz who is in his eighth year playing Angel, tells us about the revamped fifth season and his directorial debut on Angel episode “Soul Purpose”. Plus, a full report on the show’s shock cancellation!
ALIAS STAR MICHAEL VARTAN INTERROGATED!
With the third season of Alias making its UK debut in March, dreamwatch talks to Michael Vartan, who plays CIA agent Michael Vaughn, about the action-packed season and finds out about his real life relationship with the show’s star, Jennifer Garner.
SCOOBY-DOO 2: SET VISIT!
dreamwatch visits the set of Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed and meets the cast and crew, including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Daphne), Matthew Lillard (Shaggy), Linda Cardellini (Velma) and director Raja Gosnell to find out what cinemagoers can expect from Scooby’s second live-action movie adventure.
STARGATE SG-1 : MICHAEL SHANKS & CHRISTOPHER JUDGE
Stargate SG-1 stars Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson) & Christopher Judge (Teal’c) reveal to dreamwatch how the new season is shaping up and what it’s like working with the newly promoted General Jack O’Neil.
HELLBOY
Mike Mignola’s popular comic-book saga Hellboy has been brought to the big screen with Ron Perlman in the title role. The prolific character actor tells dreamwatch about his long wait to play the demonic hero.
ALSO INCLUDED IN ISSUE #115
Head writer/executive producer David Greenwalt talks about the
cancellation of Jake 2.0
Star Trek: Enterprise’s Linda Blair (Hoshi Sato) outlines her characters development and reveals her thoughts on the character’s reduced screen time.
Battlestar Galactica’s Jamie Bamber (Captain Lee Adama) reveals what life is like aboard the re-imagined Galactica.
dreamwatch Hot Topic: Can Star Trek be saved?
PLUS: The very latest news, reviews and competitions
All this and much, much more in dreamwatch Issue#115!
ON SALE 26 FEB (UK) 16 MAR (US)
Get dreamwatch delivered to your door!
UK, call 01536 764646 or email dreamwatchsubs@titanemail.com.
US, call (1-877) 363-1310 or email expressmag@expressmag.com.
Please quote reference number P103.
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