TV debut for 'chancer' Nostradamus
He has been credited with predicting the death of kings, the rise of tyrants and catastrophes like 9/11, but Nostradamus was just a 'chancer', according to the man who has brought the prophet of doom to the small screen.
Scriptwriter John Milne, a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, has uncovered the myth and speculation behind the legendary figure in the Discovery Channel's first ever factual drama, tomorrow night (Wednesday 17 May, 2006, 9pm).
The lecturer of English says Nostradamus, whose cryptic poems are still claimed by some to have predicted events from the rise of Hitler to the destruction of the space shuttle Challenger, was handsome, charming and an opportunist, contrary to public opinion.
Bermondsey-born John said:
"People have an image of Nostradamus as an old man; a wizard-type figure with white hair and a long beard, but we've portrayed him as a handsome young man, a bit of a charmer really. He was a complex personality though, and the programme is about revealing the person behind the myth.
"It's a real historical story of a man who was involved in some amazing events. It explores his relationship with the French Queen, Catherine de Medici, and how he predicted the death of King Henry II, who was killed when a lance punctured his eye."
The programme, which stars Oliver Dimsdale (He Knew He Was Right) as the prophet and Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave, Waking the Dead) as Catherine de Medici, is based on actual events and information from historical documents and private journals.
"It's a fascinating story, but in my opinion, Nostradamus was just a plague doctor who took his chance. In an age of global terror, his predictions still strike a chord because they seem to address some deep-seated need in human nature to find a way to explain seemingly inexplicable events; the feeling that there could be something more out there".
Born Michel de Nostredame in 1503, Nostradamus has become one of the world's most widely known and read prophets. He wrote 942 cryptic 'quatrains', which he organised into 'Centuries'.
John Milne has written for The Bill, Silent Witness and Waking the Dead. His other television credits include episodes of Bergerac, Eastenders, Lovejoy and Taggart. Also a novelist, John's first book Tyro was published in 1982. His other works include Out of the Blue, which won the John Llewellyn Rhys Award in 1985, Daddy's Girl and Alive and Kicking.
He is currently writing a biopic on the early life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II for BBC/Wall to Wall TV.
'Nostradamus' (Menthorn Films/Discovery Channel) is on the Discovery Channel on Wednesday 17 May at 9pm.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Poseidon
Poseidon: The IMAX Experience to open on Thursday 1 June
Epic film digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience®
Audiences will be holding their breath for Poseidon: The IMAX Experience to open at the bfi London IMAX Cinema on 1 June. Digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR* (digital re-mastering) technology, Poseidon: The IMAX Experience will debut concurrently with the nationwide 35mm release from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Moviegoers will experience the impact of the rogue wave - a monstrous wall of water over one hundred feet high - on a giant IMAX screen nearly as high. The large 15/70 film frame, combined with the IMAX projection technology and remarkable sound system, will provide bfi London IMAX Cinema moviegoers with an extraordinary cinematic experience.
"Poseidon is a thrill ride," says Academy Award nominated director Wolfgang Petersen. "We want people to feel as though they are on the ship when the giant wave hits. We want to pull them under the water and bring them back up to catch their breath. The IMAX format is so immersive, it's perfectly designed to help draw audiences into the action."
After a rogue wave capsizes a luxury cruise ship in the North Atlantic, a small group of survivors find themselves unlikely allies in the ensuing battle for their lives in Poseidon. Determined to fight their way to the surface, they must forge a path upward through layers of wreckage as the ship continues to sink, drawing upon skills and strengths they didn't even know they had, fighting against time for their own survival and for each other.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Virtual Studios, a Radiant Production / Next Entertainment / Irwin Allen Productions / Synthesis Entertainment Production of a Wolfgang Petersen film: Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and Richard Dreyfuss star in Poseidon, also starring Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum, Mike Vogel, Mia Maestro, Jimmy Bennett and Andre Braugher. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen from a screenplay by Mark Protosevich, based on the novel by Paul Gallico, Poseidon is produced by Wolfgang Petersen, Duncan Henderson, Mike Fleiss and Akiva Goldsman. Kevin Burns, Jon Jashni, Sheila Allen and Benjamin Waisbren are the executive producers. John Seale, A.C.S., A.S.C., is the director of photography; William Sandell, the production designer; and Peter Honess, A.C.E., the editor. Music by Klaus Badelt. Costumes designed by Erica Edell Phillips. Poseidon will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Certificate 12A TBC (Contains sustained threat and images of death that may disturb).
The bfi London IMAX Cinema is located at South Bank, London SE1. For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 0870 787 2525 or visit the website at www.bfi.org.uk/imax Tickets are on sale now priced £12.00 for adults and £9.75 for concessions. The reduced rate for groups of 10 people or more is £11.00 for adults and £8.75 for concessions.
Epic film digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience®
Audiences will be holding their breath for Poseidon: The IMAX Experience to open at the bfi London IMAX Cinema on 1 June. Digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR* (digital re-mastering) technology, Poseidon: The IMAX Experience will debut concurrently with the nationwide 35mm release from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Moviegoers will experience the impact of the rogue wave - a monstrous wall of water over one hundred feet high - on a giant IMAX screen nearly as high. The large 15/70 film frame, combined with the IMAX projection technology and remarkable sound system, will provide bfi London IMAX Cinema moviegoers with an extraordinary cinematic experience.
"Poseidon is a thrill ride," says Academy Award nominated director Wolfgang Petersen. "We want people to feel as though they are on the ship when the giant wave hits. We want to pull them under the water and bring them back up to catch their breath. The IMAX format is so immersive, it's perfectly designed to help draw audiences into the action."
After a rogue wave capsizes a luxury cruise ship in the North Atlantic, a small group of survivors find themselves unlikely allies in the ensuing battle for their lives in Poseidon. Determined to fight their way to the surface, they must forge a path upward through layers of wreckage as the ship continues to sink, drawing upon skills and strengths they didn't even know they had, fighting against time for their own survival and for each other.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Virtual Studios, a Radiant Production / Next Entertainment / Irwin Allen Productions / Synthesis Entertainment Production of a Wolfgang Petersen film: Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and Richard Dreyfuss star in Poseidon, also starring Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum, Mike Vogel, Mia Maestro, Jimmy Bennett and Andre Braugher. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen from a screenplay by Mark Protosevich, based on the novel by Paul Gallico, Poseidon is produced by Wolfgang Petersen, Duncan Henderson, Mike Fleiss and Akiva Goldsman. Kevin Burns, Jon Jashni, Sheila Allen and Benjamin Waisbren are the executive producers. John Seale, A.C.S., A.S.C., is the director of photography; William Sandell, the production designer; and Peter Honess, A.C.E., the editor. Music by Klaus Badelt. Costumes designed by Erica Edell Phillips. Poseidon will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Certificate 12A TBC (Contains sustained threat and images of death that may disturb).
The bfi London IMAX Cinema is located at South Bank, London SE1. For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 0870 787 2525 or visit the website at www.bfi.org.uk/imax Tickets are on sale now priced £12.00 for adults and £9.75 for concessions. The reduced rate for groups of 10 people or more is £11.00 for adults and £8.75 for concessions.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Finding Yourself
18-year-old award winning director Kate Lane screened short film in Framestore CFC in Oxford Circus, home to the largest visual effects studio in Europe with working credits on Harry Potter, Troy and Cold Mountain.
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and two feature films, one of which is bound for American and European release. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and two feature films, one of which is bound for American and European release. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
Monday, May 08, 2006
YOUNG UP AND COMING FILMMAKER PREMIERS SHORT FILM IN LONDON
At the premier. Producer, director Kate Lane stands in the middle of her Director of Photography Andrew Mott and lead actress Sasha Jackson.
London, 7th May 2006 – 18-year-old award winning director Kate Lane screens short film in Framestore CFC in Oxford Circus, home to the largest visual effects studio in Europe with working credits on Harry Potter, Troy and Cold Mountain.
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and a feature film ‘Everything to dance for’ that is now awaiting distribution deals in America. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
London, 7th May 2006 – 18-year-old award winning director Kate Lane screens short film in Framestore CFC in Oxford Circus, home to the largest visual effects studio in Europe with working credits on Harry Potter, Troy and Cold Mountain.
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and a feature film ‘Everything to dance for’ that is now awaiting distribution deals in America. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
DVD Releases
THE ASSOCIATES
The Associates received the Agency Of The Year Award at the Home Entertainment Week Awards on Friday night. They thank Anchor Bay UK and Manga for nominating them.
DVD NEWS
THE COLLINGSWOOD STORY (Anchor Bay UK). Availalbe to buy on DVD from 19th June priced £14.99.
Director Michael Costanza is now available for interviews.
The Collingswood Story is an atmospheric supernatural chiller that has already become a 'word of mouth' hit amongst horror fans gradually piles on the tension building to a truly terrifying last twenty minutes that will keep even the most hardened horror fans on the edges of their seats until the film's final, shocking frame.
FEED (Showbox Home Entertainment). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £15.99.
FEED, Brett Leonard's daring and controversial shocker that employs conventions of the serial killer genre to tackle the morally complex world of 'Feeders' and 'Gainers'.
TRAILER/CLIP OF THE WEEK
SURVIVE STYLE 5+ (Manga). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £16.99.
Imagine Vinnie Jones Lost in Translation mashed up with a Japanese take on Pulp Fiction and a dash of Brazil and you've got Survive Style 5+, a surrealist comedy thriller that's breathtaking in its confident swagger. It's one of those rare films that keeps rampaging through your head at the most inappropriate moments during the day. Try it out if you suffer from dull meeting syndrome and need a good brain distraction...
High Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=660
Medium Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=659
Low Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=661
RELEASE SCHEDULE
Out this week:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Ghost In The Shell: STand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake and Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Out 22nd May:
Kung Fu Wonder Child (55th Chamber)
The Flash Legs (55th Chamber)
Attack Of The Joyful Goddess (55th Chamber)
Fausto 5.0 (Nucleus Films)
Gantz - Volume 4 (MVM)
Gunslinger Girl - Volume 2 (MVM)
Paranoia Agent - Volume 4 (MVM)
The Associates received the Agency Of The Year Award at the Home Entertainment Week Awards on Friday night. They thank Anchor Bay UK and Manga for nominating them.
DVD NEWS
THE COLLINGSWOOD STORY (Anchor Bay UK). Availalbe to buy on DVD from 19th June priced £14.99.
Director Michael Costanza is now available for interviews.
The Collingswood Story is an atmospheric supernatural chiller that has already become a 'word of mouth' hit amongst horror fans gradually piles on the tension building to a truly terrifying last twenty minutes that will keep even the most hardened horror fans on the edges of their seats until the film's final, shocking frame.
FEED (Showbox Home Entertainment). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £15.99.
FEED, Brett Leonard's daring and controversial shocker that employs conventions of the serial killer genre to tackle the morally complex world of 'Feeders' and 'Gainers'.
TRAILER/CLIP OF THE WEEK
SURVIVE STYLE 5+ (Manga). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £16.99.
Imagine Vinnie Jones Lost in Translation mashed up with a Japanese take on Pulp Fiction and a dash of Brazil and you've got Survive Style 5+, a surrealist comedy thriller that's breathtaking in its confident swagger. It's one of those rare films that keeps rampaging through your head at the most inappropriate moments during the day. Try it out if you suffer from dull meeting syndrome and need a good brain distraction...
High Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=660
Medium Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=659
Low Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=661
RELEASE SCHEDULE
Out this week:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Ghost In The Shell: STand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake and Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Out 22nd May:
Kung Fu Wonder Child (55th Chamber)
The Flash Legs (55th Chamber)
Attack Of The Joyful Goddess (55th Chamber)
Fausto 5.0 (Nucleus Films)
Gantz - Volume 4 (MVM)
Gunslinger Girl - Volume 2 (MVM)
Paranoia Agent - Volume 4 (MVM)
Lads Guide To Rio
World Cup Winner Ronaldo Launches The Lads Guide To Rio
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has launched the world’s sexiest travel DVD – The Lads Guide To Rio.
100 minutes of the most beautiful women in the most beautiful location on earth. This is the DVD with the highest booty count all year, or your money back.
Rio’s most famous son Ronaldo gives an exclusive introduction to the Lads Guide, saying: “There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Rio. Brazil is a wonderful country and Rio de Janeiro is THE marvellous city.
“Everything here has great passion. The city, the women, the music and the football. So come and visit our country.”
The Lads Guide to Rio shows the best beaches, clubs and is hosted by three stunning babes. British Page 3 Superbabe Rebekah Teasdale, Dutch Playboy covergirl Rachel Ter Horst and Brazilian beauty Cynthia Howlett-Martin.
From the thongs of Copacabana beach to the naked dancing girls of Rio Carnival, The Lads Guide To Rio will show you exactly where to go for the trip of a lifetime.
Watch Rebekah, Rachel and Cynthia as they investigate the thriving red-light district, trawl through the cities hottest nightspots and discover the secret topless and nude bathing areas – surprisingly it is illegal to sunbathe topless in Brazil.
Also they take us behind the scenes at the Girl From Ipanema Booty Contest, visit the amazing 200,000 capacity Maracana stadium on match day, and see inside some of the funkiest clubs on the planet.
If you’re after a bit of culture there’s a journey round Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the amazing displays of Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, but you’ll be back in time to see the silky skills of the beach football players and the most jaw-droppingly beautiful women in the world.
The Lads Guide To Rio
Total running time is approx 99 minutes. Special features include an interview with Noel Gallagher, Ronaldo feature and Beach, Ball and Samba Babes.
On sale – July 2006.
RRP £17.99 available from major outlets
Available worldwide from www.theladsguide.com £15.99 plus £2 P+P
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has launched the world’s sexiest travel DVD – The Lads Guide To Rio.
100 minutes of the most beautiful women in the most beautiful location on earth. This is the DVD with the highest booty count all year, or your money back.
Rio’s most famous son Ronaldo gives an exclusive introduction to the Lads Guide, saying: “There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Rio. Brazil is a wonderful country and Rio de Janeiro is THE marvellous city.
“Everything here has great passion. The city, the women, the music and the football. So come and visit our country.”
The Lads Guide to Rio shows the best beaches, clubs and is hosted by three stunning babes. British Page 3 Superbabe Rebekah Teasdale, Dutch Playboy covergirl Rachel Ter Horst and Brazilian beauty Cynthia Howlett-Martin.
From the thongs of Copacabana beach to the naked dancing girls of Rio Carnival, The Lads Guide To Rio will show you exactly where to go for the trip of a lifetime.
Watch Rebekah, Rachel and Cynthia as they investigate the thriving red-light district, trawl through the cities hottest nightspots and discover the secret topless and nude bathing areas – surprisingly it is illegal to sunbathe topless in Brazil.
Also they take us behind the scenes at the Girl From Ipanema Booty Contest, visit the amazing 200,000 capacity Maracana stadium on match day, and see inside some of the funkiest clubs on the planet.
If you’re after a bit of culture there’s a journey round Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the amazing displays of Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, but you’ll be back in time to see the silky skills of the beach football players and the most jaw-droppingly beautiful women in the world.
The Lads Guide To Rio
Total running time is approx 99 minutes. Special features include an interview with Noel Gallagher, Ronaldo feature and Beach, Ball and Samba Babes.
On sale – July 2006.
RRP £17.99 available from major outlets
Available worldwide from www.theladsguide.com £15.99 plus £2 P+P
Sunday, May 07, 2006
BRITS WANT TO SHARE A HOTEL ROOM WITH
BRITS WANT TO SHARE A HOTEL ROOM WITH KEIRA KNIGHTLY AND RAY WINSTONE
Keira Knightly and Ray Winstone are the sexy stars most Brits would love to share a hotel room with, according to a new survey.
Travelodge conducted research after being inundated with customer requests at its “Room with a View” trial hotel at London City Airport.
Travelodge’s “Room With A View” pilot is trialling the nation’s favourite views in the form of window transfers. Guests can choose from a Caribbean Beach, the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls, or the Manhattan skyline.
The trial has created such a buzz at the hotel, that guests have also been requesting images of their favourite celebrity as an alternative choice.
Pride and Prejudice beauty Keira Knightly, 22, topped the poll as the woman most men would like to see in their room.
Knightly shot to fame in the 2002 comedy Bend It Like Beckham and now has a string of hits to her name including Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The beautiful Brit babe came ahead of Zorro temptress Catherine Zeta Jones and star of The English patient Juliette Binoche.
Tough guy Ray Winstone romped into first place in the poll as women’s favourite hotel room guest. Winstone, 49, has become a Tinsel Town favourite with lead roles in cult hit Sexy Beast, King Arthur and the hard hitting Nil By Mouth.
The ex-boxer is also the star of hit ITV series Vincent where he plays a tough cop turned private investigator.
Winstone’s rough charm beat another Hollywood hunk, Oscar winning Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve lead George Clooney into second place.
The new James Bond, Daniel Craig, had to settle for third place ahead of Countdown smoothie Des Lynam.
Alex Gibson, London City Airport hotel manager said: “We gave customers the choice of a great view from their room and whilst this was well received we have had lots of requests for their favourite celebrity”.
Travelodge is continuing its trial at London City Airport.
Keira Knightly and Ray Winstone are the sexy stars most Brits would love to share a hotel room with, according to a new survey.
Travelodge conducted research after being inundated with customer requests at its “Room with a View” trial hotel at London City Airport.
Travelodge’s “Room With A View” pilot is trialling the nation’s favourite views in the form of window transfers. Guests can choose from a Caribbean Beach, the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls, or the Manhattan skyline.
The trial has created such a buzz at the hotel, that guests have also been requesting images of their favourite celebrity as an alternative choice.
Pride and Prejudice beauty Keira Knightly, 22, topped the poll as the woman most men would like to see in their room.
Knightly shot to fame in the 2002 comedy Bend It Like Beckham and now has a string of hits to her name including Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The beautiful Brit babe came ahead of Zorro temptress Catherine Zeta Jones and star of The English patient Juliette Binoche.
Tough guy Ray Winstone romped into first place in the poll as women’s favourite hotel room guest. Winstone, 49, has become a Tinsel Town favourite with lead roles in cult hit Sexy Beast, King Arthur and the hard hitting Nil By Mouth.
The ex-boxer is also the star of hit ITV series Vincent where he plays a tough cop turned private investigator.
Winstone’s rough charm beat another Hollywood hunk, Oscar winning Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve lead George Clooney into second place.
The new James Bond, Daniel Craig, had to settle for third place ahead of Countdown smoothie Des Lynam.
Alex Gibson, London City Airport hotel manager said: “We gave customers the choice of a great view from their room and whilst this was well received we have had lots of requests for their favourite celebrity”.
Travelodge is continuing its trial at London City Airport.
Friday, May 05, 2006
DVD Releases
DVDs Out this week:
Dragon Takeaway Box Set (Dragon DVD)
Snuff Bottle Connection (Soulblade)
Out 8th May:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Demon Hunter (Anchor Bay UK)
Fist From Shaolin (Dragon DVD)
Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
Secret RIvals (Soulblade)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake And Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Dragon Takeaway Box Set (Dragon DVD)
Snuff Bottle Connection (Soulblade)
Out 8th May:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Demon Hunter (Anchor Bay UK)
Fist From Shaolin (Dragon DVD)
Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
Secret RIvals (Soulblade)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake And Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Fiona Richmond
A classic threesome starring the 1970s sex icon
Fiona Richmond in...
Exposé
Hardcore
Let’s Get Laid
Fiona Richmond was one of the first true British adult superstars, who mixed raunchy scenes with a healthy dollop of British sauce. Her name is synonymous with sex in the1970s and now, some of her finest outings have been pulled together in a no holds barred threesome.
The titles on offer, Exposé, Hardcore and Let’s Get Laid, feature a cast list that reads like a who’s who of British character actors and range from farcical comedies (Let’s Get Laid, starring, among others Confessions… lead Robin Askwith) to notorious erotic thrillers (Exposé, also known as House On Straw Hill, once on the banned list of video nasties). The DVD will be available courtesy of Village on 12 July 2006.
Exposé (1976)
This psychological thriller has lashings of nudity and violence and features Fiona Richmond in her first screen role. A novelist (Udo Kier) moves to a rural retreat with his highly sexed girlfriend (Richmond) to complete his forthcoming novel. His agent sends a temp secretary (Linda Hayden) to help him meet his deadline, but she is a woman scorned, hell bent on revenge and goes on a murderous rampage. It also stars Karl Howman, Patsy Smart and Vic Armstrong.
Hardcore (1977)
This heavily fictionalised ‘autobiography’ sees Fiona charting her life from vicar's daughter to sexual superstar. Fiona confides her life story to Anthony Steel, from flirtatious schoolgirl, through Soho showgirl to fully fledged star. It also stars Victor Spinetti, Ronald Fraser, Graham Stark and Graham Crowden,.
Let’s Get Laid (1977)
Robin Askwith plays Gordon Laid a demobbed soldier returning home from World War II in this British farce. He meets actress Maxine Lupercal (Richmond) on the ship home and due to a case of mistaken identity becomes embroiled in various murders and an espionage plot.
RRP: £19.99 Catalogue No.: VLG008
Release Date: 12th July 2006
Fiona Richmond in...
Exposé
Hardcore
Let’s Get Laid
Fiona Richmond was one of the first true British adult superstars, who mixed raunchy scenes with a healthy dollop of British sauce. Her name is synonymous with sex in the1970s and now, some of her finest outings have been pulled together in a no holds barred threesome.
The titles on offer, Exposé, Hardcore and Let’s Get Laid, feature a cast list that reads like a who’s who of British character actors and range from farcical comedies (Let’s Get Laid, starring, among others Confessions… lead Robin Askwith) to notorious erotic thrillers (Exposé, also known as House On Straw Hill, once on the banned list of video nasties). The DVD will be available courtesy of Village on 12 July 2006.
Exposé (1976)
This psychological thriller has lashings of nudity and violence and features Fiona Richmond in her first screen role. A novelist (Udo Kier) moves to a rural retreat with his highly sexed girlfriend (Richmond) to complete his forthcoming novel. His agent sends a temp secretary (Linda Hayden) to help him meet his deadline, but she is a woman scorned, hell bent on revenge and goes on a murderous rampage. It also stars Karl Howman, Patsy Smart and Vic Armstrong.
Hardcore (1977)
This heavily fictionalised ‘autobiography’ sees Fiona charting her life from vicar's daughter to sexual superstar. Fiona confides her life story to Anthony Steel, from flirtatious schoolgirl, through Soho showgirl to fully fledged star. It also stars Victor Spinetti, Ronald Fraser, Graham Stark and Graham Crowden,.
Let’s Get Laid (1977)
Robin Askwith plays Gordon Laid a demobbed soldier returning home from World War II in this British farce. He meets actress Maxine Lupercal (Richmond) on the ship home and due to a case of mistaken identity becomes embroiled in various murders and an espionage plot.
RRP: £19.99 Catalogue No.: VLG008
Release Date: 12th July 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
CHINA-CINEMA-MODERNITY
CHINA-CINEMA-MODERNITY: A CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF CHINESE CINEMA
BROADWAY CINEMA (May 5-7, 2006)
A festival of Chinese film, organised by Nottingham Trent University's Institute for Cultural Analysis (ICAn) takes place this weekend at Broadway Cinema, Hockley, in Nottingham. China-Cinema-Modernity: A Celebration of 100 Years of Chinese Cinema, will explore the distinctive character of modernity in 20th century China through its cinema.
Six iconic films rarely seen in the UK will give audiences a flavour of three periods: the vibrant early modernity of the 1920s-1940s Shanghai film industry; the controversial 'alternative modernity' of the mid-century Communist period; and the flowering of a diverse and sophisticated film culture from the 1980s.
Professor John Tomlimson, the Director of ICAn, said: "This event celebrates 100 years of Chinese cinema. But more than this, it marks the increasing relevance of China, not just as an economic, but a cultural force in the modern globalised world. It is particularly appropriate that Nottingham, with its increasingly close links to China through its universities and business enterprises, should host this festival."
He added: "Our hope in staging it is that it adds to the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture amongst British audiences."
BROADWAY CINEMA (May 5-7, 2006)
A festival of Chinese film, organised by Nottingham Trent University's Institute for Cultural Analysis (ICAn) takes place this weekend at Broadway Cinema, Hockley, in Nottingham. China-Cinema-Modernity: A Celebration of 100 Years of Chinese Cinema, will explore the distinctive character of modernity in 20th century China through its cinema.
Six iconic films rarely seen in the UK will give audiences a flavour of three periods: the vibrant early modernity of the 1920s-1940s Shanghai film industry; the controversial 'alternative modernity' of the mid-century Communist period; and the flowering of a diverse and sophisticated film culture from the 1980s.
Professor John Tomlimson, the Director of ICAn, said: "This event celebrates 100 years of Chinese cinema. But more than this, it marks the increasing relevance of China, not just as an economic, but a cultural force in the modern globalised world. It is particularly appropriate that Nottingham, with its increasingly close links to China through its universities and business enterprises, should host this festival."
He added: "Our hope in staging it is that it adds to the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture amongst British audiences."
AE’s Aego M-System
AE’s Aego M-System
Whether it’s Guild Wars on PC, Lara on PS2, Fifa footie on the XBOX or Lemmings on your PSP, AE’s Aego M-System packs a sonic punch with every gaming system. Plug-and-play connectivity, three built-in amplifiers totalling 100Watts of power, alloy satellite speakers and a high-output sub-woofer mean the M-System really puts the boom into Doom.
For just £99, the Aego M-System connects to all the big name full-size and hand-held gaming systems and comes with all the cables you need. Simply plug into the mains, crank up the volume and experience a sound that blows cheap plastic PC-speaker systems into Elder Scrolls Oblivion!
The Aego M-System builds on the strengths of the award winning Acoustic Energy Aego 2 plug-and-play loudspeaker package. The new sleekly styled satellites have smoother treble and a funky rounded design and the modern textured finish in black or white matches a wide range of games consoles and hand-helds.
When you are not gaming, simply hook up the AE Aego M-System to your iPod, MP3 phone, PC, AE Wi-Fi Radio or DVD player for hi-fi stereo sound that fills the room. With just one cable the M-System turns any personal music device into the heart of a home entertainment system.
Designed by legendary British hi-fi loudspeaker maker Acoustic Energy, the Aego M-System is not just a boom-box either. The satellite and subwoofer drive units are AE’s hi-fi grade devices and the subwoofer offers adjustable bass control so you can tailor the sound to suit your room. The subwoofer’s front mounted volume knob gives instant volume control for every situation - from a late night Sims session to an all night party with room shaking bass.
No other add-on speaker package offers so much performance, build quality and hi-fi heritage for gaming and music. Add to this the high-style cutting edge design and superb value for money and the AE Aego M-System is set to be the biggest gaming accessory since the Elastoplast thumb plaster.
Give your games an Aego!
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Whether it’s Guild Wars on PC, Lara on PS2, Fifa footie on the XBOX or Lemmings on your PSP, AE’s Aego M-System packs a sonic punch with every gaming system. Plug-and-play connectivity, three built-in amplifiers totalling 100Watts of power, alloy satellite speakers and a high-output sub-woofer mean the M-System really puts the boom into Doom.
For just £99, the Aego M-System connects to all the big name full-size and hand-held gaming systems and comes with all the cables you need. Simply plug into the mains, crank up the volume and experience a sound that blows cheap plastic PC-speaker systems into Elder Scrolls Oblivion!
The Aego M-System builds on the strengths of the award winning Acoustic Energy Aego 2 plug-and-play loudspeaker package. The new sleekly styled satellites have smoother treble and a funky rounded design and the modern textured finish in black or white matches a wide range of games consoles and hand-helds.
When you are not gaming, simply hook up the AE Aego M-System to your iPod, MP3 phone, PC, AE Wi-Fi Radio or DVD player for hi-fi stereo sound that fills the room. With just one cable the M-System turns any personal music device into the heart of a home entertainment system.
Designed by legendary British hi-fi loudspeaker maker Acoustic Energy, the Aego M-System is not just a boom-box either. The satellite and subwoofer drive units are AE’s hi-fi grade devices and the subwoofer offers adjustable bass control so you can tailor the sound to suit your room. The subwoofer’s front mounted volume knob gives instant volume control for every situation - from a late night Sims session to an all night party with room shaking bass.
No other add-on speaker package offers so much performance, build quality and hi-fi heritage for gaming and music. Add to this the high-style cutting edge design and superb value for money and the AE Aego M-System is set to be the biggest gaming accessory since the Elastoplast thumb plaster.
Give your games an Aego!
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Da Vinci Competition
The Search Begins For The World’s Best Codecracker
As Eurostar Invites You To “Join The Quest”
+ Eurostar launches global puzzle competition
+ Winner collects €200,000 + free travel on Eurostar for life + deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London
Eurostar, the high-speed train service and global partner of The Da Vinci Code movie, has begun the search for the world’s best codecracker.
In one of the biggest ever online competitions, anyone over the age of 18 living in the US, Great Britain, France, Belgium and Australia/New Zealand can register to join the Eurostar Quest at www.jointhequest.com and pit their wits against players from other countries.
The Eurostar Quest consists of 16 puzzles – all games of knowledge or skill – linked over three levels with a grand prize puzzle at the end of the Quest. The puzzles get harder as the competition progresses before the close on 30th May 2006.
At the end of the competition, the five winning finalists will be brought to London for a one-night stay at Claridge’s, London before travelling by Eurostar Leisure Select to Paris. Once there, they will stay at The Ritz, Paris and take part in the Grand Final, where the world’s best codecracker will be crowned.
The prize fund is unique. The winner will receive:
o Free travel on Eurostar for life, with a partner
o Deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London for five years
o €180,000 to spend in London and Paris
o €10,000 to spend in a “behind closed doors” shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette, Paris
o €10,000 to spend as a VIP at Harrods, London with a personal shopper
o Other bespoke experiences in London and Paris tailored to the winner’s needs
The four runners-up will receive a four-night trip to London and Paris with Eurostar Leisure Select travel between the two cities.
Prizes can also be won at different stages of the game, including Sony PSP Consoles, Sony PS2 Consoles and games, and the soundtrack of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ movie.
Guillaume Pepy, Chairman, Eurostar, commented: “The Eurostar Quest is one of the most innovative competitions ever created in the world. We believe we can find the world’s best codecracker, the online equivalent of a Professor Robert Langdon, and help them collect one of the world’s best prize experiences.”
Full details about the competition can be found at www.jointhequest.com. The Eurostar Quest closes on 30th May, 2006.
The Eurostar Quest in detail:
3rd May – Level One and Level Two of the Eurostar Quest go live. There are 10 puzzles to crack. At the end of each level, players can choose to play a Prize Puzzle and win prizes such as the soundtrack of Columbia Pictures’ The Da Vinci Code, Sony PSP games, a collector’s edition of The Da Vinci Code book and Eurostar standard class tickets.
19th May – Level Three of the Eurostar Quest goes live. There are 5 more puzzles to solve and a further Prize Puzzle, where players can win Sony PSP consoles, Sony PS2 The Da Vinci Code games and consoles and Eurostar Leisure Select tickets.
25th May – The Grand Prize Puzzle is released. Five players – one each from France, Belgium, Great Britain, US and Australia/New Zealand – who solve the Grand Prize Puzzle in the fewest attempts will go through to the Grand Final in mid-June.
30th May – The competition to win prizes closes but the website stays open so that puzzles can still be played for fun.
Mid-June – The Grand Final of the Eurostar Quest is held in Paris.
The Eurostar Quest Partners are:
Virgin Atlantic – will carry prizewinners to London from around the world
Sony Ericsson – will supply mobile phones to winners
Sony PSP – will supply consoles to winners
Claridge’s, London – will supply luxury hotel accommodation
The Ritz, Paris – will supply luxury hotel accommodation and host The Grand Final
Transworld/Random House – will supply copies of the Illustrated Collector’s Edition of The Da Vinci Code™ novel
2K/Take Two – will supply The Da Vinci Code PS2 game to winners
Decca Records – will supply the soundtrack of The Da Vinci Code
Harrods, London – will supply a personal shopper and VIP treatment for the Eurostar Quest winner
Galeries Lafayette, Paris – who will close their store for the Eurostar Quest winner to spend in privacy.
As Eurostar Invites You To “Join The Quest”
+ Eurostar launches global puzzle competition
+ Winner collects €200,000 + free travel on Eurostar for life + deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London
Eurostar, the high-speed train service and global partner of The Da Vinci Code movie, has begun the search for the world’s best codecracker.
In one of the biggest ever online competitions, anyone over the age of 18 living in the US, Great Britain, France, Belgium and Australia/New Zealand can register to join the Eurostar Quest at www.jointhequest.com and pit their wits against players from other countries.
The Eurostar Quest consists of 16 puzzles – all games of knowledge or skill – linked over three levels with a grand prize puzzle at the end of the Quest. The puzzles get harder as the competition progresses before the close on 30th May 2006.
At the end of the competition, the five winning finalists will be brought to London for a one-night stay at Claridge’s, London before travelling by Eurostar Leisure Select to Paris. Once there, they will stay at The Ritz, Paris and take part in the Grand Final, where the world’s best codecracker will be crowned.
The prize fund is unique. The winner will receive:
o Free travel on Eurostar for life, with a partner
o Deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London for five years
o €180,000 to spend in London and Paris
o €10,000 to spend in a “behind closed doors” shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette, Paris
o €10,000 to spend as a VIP at Harrods, London with a personal shopper
o Other bespoke experiences in London and Paris tailored to the winner’s needs
The four runners-up will receive a four-night trip to London and Paris with Eurostar Leisure Select travel between the two cities.
Prizes can also be won at different stages of the game, including Sony PSP Consoles, Sony PS2 Consoles and games, and the soundtrack of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ movie.
Guillaume Pepy, Chairman, Eurostar, commented: “The Eurostar Quest is one of the most innovative competitions ever created in the world. We believe we can find the world’s best codecracker, the online equivalent of a Professor Robert Langdon, and help them collect one of the world’s best prize experiences.”
Full details about the competition can be found at www.jointhequest.com. The Eurostar Quest closes on 30th May, 2006.
The Eurostar Quest in detail:
3rd May – Level One and Level Two of the Eurostar Quest go live. There are 10 puzzles to crack. At the end of each level, players can choose to play a Prize Puzzle and win prizes such as the soundtrack of Columbia Pictures’ The Da Vinci Code, Sony PSP games, a collector’s edition of The Da Vinci Code book and Eurostar standard class tickets.
19th May – Level Three of the Eurostar Quest goes live. There are 5 more puzzles to solve and a further Prize Puzzle, where players can win Sony PSP consoles, Sony PS2 The Da Vinci Code games and consoles and Eurostar Leisure Select tickets.
25th May – The Grand Prize Puzzle is released. Five players – one each from France, Belgium, Great Britain, US and Australia/New Zealand – who solve the Grand Prize Puzzle in the fewest attempts will go through to the Grand Final in mid-June.
30th May – The competition to win prizes closes but the website stays open so that puzzles can still be played for fun.
Mid-June – The Grand Final of the Eurostar Quest is held in Paris.
The Eurostar Quest Partners are:
Virgin Atlantic – will carry prizewinners to London from around the world
Sony Ericsson – will supply mobile phones to winners
Sony PSP – will supply consoles to winners
Claridge’s, London – will supply luxury hotel accommodation
The Ritz, Paris – will supply luxury hotel accommodation and host The Grand Final
Transworld/Random House – will supply copies of the Illustrated Collector’s Edition of The Da Vinci Code™ novel
2K/Take Two – will supply The Da Vinci Code PS2 game to winners
Decca Records – will supply the soundtrack of The Da Vinci Code
Harrods, London – will supply a personal shopper and VIP treatment for the Eurostar Quest winner
Galeries Lafayette, Paris – who will close their store for the Eurostar Quest winner to spend in privacy.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Global Sales
Global Sales company 111 Pictures to launch at Cannes
111 pictures will launch its fantastic library collection of classic independent films as well as its slate on new Hollywood and British Movies at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
111 Pictures Ltd. Is a partnership between Alki David and Elliott Kastner. They have head hunted Tony Lytle from In Motion, formerly of New Line and J&M for
heading up sales. VP of sales is Eroulla Constantine former head of sales for Sullivan Entertainment.
The company will be unveiling a new software and platform for testing of the
FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK to select distributors. The FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK is the future of DVD / Television distribution. It is a business to business system that is a complex rights management system for DVD downloads and Broadband broadcasting.
The company has opened up impressive offices in Wardour Street, in the heart of Soho, London. They will also be at Cannes to launch an independent film called ‘OPA’, a romantic comedy. The film tells the story of an American archaeologist (Matthew Modine) who arrives on the Greek Island of Patmos in search of a lost Biblical artefact that his late father had searched for in vain. He falls in love with a woman (Agni Scott) who owns the village taverna, under which the artefact may be buried.
The film won Best Film at Toronto Film Festival.
OPA is a UK-USA production directed by Udayan Prassad and starring Matthew Modine (Bye Bye Love, Any Given Sunday), Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter, Withnail and I), Alki David (The Freediver) and newcomer Agni Scott.
111 pictures will launch its fantastic library collection of classic independent films as well as its slate on new Hollywood and British Movies at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
111 Pictures Ltd. Is a partnership between Alki David and Elliott Kastner. They have head hunted Tony Lytle from In Motion, formerly of New Line and J&M for
heading up sales. VP of sales is Eroulla Constantine former head of sales for Sullivan Entertainment.
The company will be unveiling a new software and platform for testing of the
FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK to select distributors. The FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK is the future of DVD / Television distribution. It is a business to business system that is a complex rights management system for DVD downloads and Broadband broadcasting.
The company has opened up impressive offices in Wardour Street, in the heart of Soho, London. They will also be at Cannes to launch an independent film called ‘OPA’, a romantic comedy. The film tells the story of an American archaeologist (Matthew Modine) who arrives on the Greek Island of Patmos in search of a lost Biblical artefact that his late father had searched for in vain. He falls in love with a woman (Agni Scott) who owns the village taverna, under which the artefact may be buried.
The film won Best Film at Toronto Film Festival.
OPA is a UK-USA production directed by Udayan Prassad and starring Matthew Modine (Bye Bye Love, Any Given Sunday), Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter, Withnail and I), Alki David (The Freediver) and newcomer Agni Scott.
BBC Training & Development launches
new online HD resource centre
BBC Training & Development today launched a new HD online resource centre; http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/production/hd.shtml which also includes WAP access to top tips for HD.
The resource is aimed at the Broadcast production community and covers all aspects of producing television in High Definition.
On the site you can find:
o Introduction to HD – a 10 minute online training module
o Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to HD
o A downloadable HD guide aimed at producers
o Top tips for HD covering areas such as pre-production, set design, makeup, production management, shooting, lighting, sound, post-production etc.
A new unique feature is the possibility to have top tips or FAQs sent directly to any UK mobile phone anywhere in the world. This option is especially useful for crews working in remote places who need instant information and don’t have access to the internet. Simply text “HD” to 81010 and receive the link to the top tips on your mobile.
BBC has announced its commitment to producing virtually all content in HD by 2010 and the first BBC HD technical trial starts in June. 2006 is definitely the year when HD will become a reality, and there is great need for information and development to quickly get everyone up to speed with HD across the entire Broadcast Industry.
“The recently published White paper emphasizes the BBC’s responsibility to drive development of skills in the wider broadcast industry especially in relation to technology development. We have gathered a lot of expertise in HD production at the BBC and it’s great that we now can share best practice among, not only our own staff, but also with the UK broadcast sector”, said Caroline Prendergast, BBC Head of Training & Development Delivery.
The HD site will continue to grow when new information and other resources are added and hopefully it can be used as a first port of call for anyone with HD queries.
new online HD resource centre
BBC Training & Development today launched a new HD online resource centre; http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/production/hd.shtml which also includes WAP access to top tips for HD.
The resource is aimed at the Broadcast production community and covers all aspects of producing television in High Definition.
On the site you can find:
o Introduction to HD – a 10 minute online training module
o Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to HD
o A downloadable HD guide aimed at producers
o Top tips for HD covering areas such as pre-production, set design, makeup, production management, shooting, lighting, sound, post-production etc.
A new unique feature is the possibility to have top tips or FAQs sent directly to any UK mobile phone anywhere in the world. This option is especially useful for crews working in remote places who need instant information and don’t have access to the internet. Simply text “HD” to 81010 and receive the link to the top tips on your mobile.
BBC has announced its commitment to producing virtually all content in HD by 2010 and the first BBC HD technical trial starts in June. 2006 is definitely the year when HD will become a reality, and there is great need for information and development to quickly get everyone up to speed with HD across the entire Broadcast Industry.
“The recently published White paper emphasizes the BBC’s responsibility to drive development of skills in the wider broadcast industry especially in relation to technology development. We have gathered a lot of expertise in HD production at the BBC and it’s great that we now can share best practice among, not only our own staff, but also with the UK broadcast sector”, said Caroline Prendergast, BBC Head of Training & Development Delivery.
The HD site will continue to grow when new information and other resources are added and hopefully it can be used as a first port of call for anyone with HD queries.
BBC Film Network begins showcasing short films as high-resolution downloads
BBC Film Network (bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork) - the interactive showcase for new British filmmakers – continues its mission to promote new filmmakers with the addition of high-resolution downloads to the site. BBC Film Network will make selected short films available as downloads for a trial period of 12 months.
The download application, which will be available to the first 10,000 visitors to sign up, will allow users to watch a selection of the very best shorts in full screen, at a quality similar to a DVD. Users may also subscribe, for free, to automatically receive three great new shorts every fortnight and be alerted when new films are ready to watch.
The application will use similar technology to that used during the iMP trail, which concluded earlier this year. The Film Network trial uses a legal peer-to-peer network to deliver films as high quality video files. Users are granted a licence through the digital rights management software to view the film for 28-days and, when this expires, the files will automatically remove themselves from their hard drive.
There will be a choice of six shorts available at any one time. By offering the best films with a picture quality comparable to DVDs, the BBC aims to test the audience’s appetite for British made short films and also test broadband as a viable platform for showcasing new film content from the most promising new talent.
The service will launch with ‘How To Tell If A Relationship Is Over’, a 90-second race through the tell-tale signs of a relationship meltdown, featuring The Mighty Boosh’s Julian Barratt; ‘Fishy’ the appropriately named aquatic romance starring Shirley Henderson, a joint runner up in the BBC's Talent awards. Also included is the award-winning Chris Shepherd animation, ‘Dad’s Dead’.
Gerard O’Malley, Interactive Executive for film said,
“In the free-for-all that is the internet, how the audience experiences film content on the web is key, as are their expectations in terms of the quality of video content. We are here to back British filmmaking talent and bring there work to an as wider audience as possible. That’s why BBC Film Network is running this trial, to test the reaction and appetite of our audience to high quality short films on demand.”
bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork
BBC Film Network (bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork) - the interactive showcase for new British filmmakers – continues its mission to promote new filmmakers with the addition of high-resolution downloads to the site. BBC Film Network will make selected short films available as downloads for a trial period of 12 months.
The download application, which will be available to the first 10,000 visitors to sign up, will allow users to watch a selection of the very best shorts in full screen, at a quality similar to a DVD. Users may also subscribe, for free, to automatically receive three great new shorts every fortnight and be alerted when new films are ready to watch.
The application will use similar technology to that used during the iMP trail, which concluded earlier this year. The Film Network trial uses a legal peer-to-peer network to deliver films as high quality video files. Users are granted a licence through the digital rights management software to view the film for 28-days and, when this expires, the files will automatically remove themselves from their hard drive.
There will be a choice of six shorts available at any one time. By offering the best films with a picture quality comparable to DVDs, the BBC aims to test the audience’s appetite for British made short films and also test broadband as a viable platform for showcasing new film content from the most promising new talent.
The service will launch with ‘How To Tell If A Relationship Is Over’, a 90-second race through the tell-tale signs of a relationship meltdown, featuring The Mighty Boosh’s Julian Barratt; ‘Fishy’ the appropriately named aquatic romance starring Shirley Henderson, a joint runner up in the BBC's Talent awards. Also included is the award-winning Chris Shepherd animation, ‘Dad’s Dead’.
Gerard O’Malley, Interactive Executive for film said,
“In the free-for-all that is the internet, how the audience experiences film content on the web is key, as are their expectations in terms of the quality of video content. We are here to back British filmmaking talent and bring there work to an as wider audience as possible. That’s why BBC Film Network is running this trial, to test the reaction and appetite of our audience to high quality short films on demand.”
bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork
Local filmmakers to see their big ideas on the small screen
Three local filmmakers have been selected to make films about the North East, in a new commission launched by Northern Film & Media in partnership with digital TV station Community Channel.
In January a call was made to local filmmakers to submit their proposals to receive a substantial grant from Northern Film & Media. Three documentaries have been chosen for production, all showing that it's not so grim up North and that there are people across the region who are setting out to make a difference, changing their lives and their communities.
Community Channel proposes to air the three North East documentaries in their Autumn 2006 schedule alongside their range of other programmes dedicated to highlighting issues from both local and international communities as well as the voluntary and charitable sectors.
The three films that have been chosen are: Sing Your Hearts Out: Produced by Emily Barber. A documentary about Heaton Voices, a community choir with a difference as they prepare to host this years National Street Choir Festival.
The Chevy Chase: Produced by Louise Rea. The film will take a close look at community life in rural Northumberland. Specifically the small town of Wooler and it's annual, gruelling, 20 mile run the 'Chevy Chase'.
The Grass Never Goes: Produced by Reuben Jacob Abraham. The Lawnmowers is a group of people with learning difficulties based in Gateshead who use comedy theatre to educate and entertain the public about disability.
Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media, says: “It is important to us that this series of programmes will be broadcast to a national audience and that viewers all over the UK are entertained, informed and inspired by real stories from the North East.”
Nick Ware, Community Channel Controller, says: “We're delighted to team up with Northern Film & Media and look forward to seeing the films from the people of the North-East. We're keen to show the positive side of communities around the UK and hope this is the first of many partnerships with regional film agencies from across the UK.“
Three local filmmakers have been selected to make films about the North East, in a new commission launched by Northern Film & Media in partnership with digital TV station Community Channel.
In January a call was made to local filmmakers to submit their proposals to receive a substantial grant from Northern Film & Media. Three documentaries have been chosen for production, all showing that it's not so grim up North and that there are people across the region who are setting out to make a difference, changing their lives and their communities.
Community Channel proposes to air the three North East documentaries in their Autumn 2006 schedule alongside their range of other programmes dedicated to highlighting issues from both local and international communities as well as the voluntary and charitable sectors.
The three films that have been chosen are: Sing Your Hearts Out: Produced by Emily Barber. A documentary about Heaton Voices, a community choir with a difference as they prepare to host this years National Street Choir Festival.
The Chevy Chase: Produced by Louise Rea. The film will take a close look at community life in rural Northumberland. Specifically the small town of Wooler and it's annual, gruelling, 20 mile run the 'Chevy Chase'.
The Grass Never Goes: Produced by Reuben Jacob Abraham. The Lawnmowers is a group of people with learning difficulties based in Gateshead who use comedy theatre to educate and entertain the public about disability.
Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media, says: “It is important to us that this series of programmes will be broadcast to a national audience and that viewers all over the UK are entertained, informed and inspired by real stories from the North East.”
Nick Ware, Community Channel Controller, says: “We're delighted to team up with Northern Film & Media and look forward to seeing the films from the people of the North-East. We're keen to show the positive side of communities around the UK and hope this is the first of many partnerships with regional film agencies from across the UK.“
FORMER BOND AND EX-PYTHON HELP TCM TO FIND THE BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM OF 2006
London, 2nd May, 2006: Pierce Brosnan and Terry Gilliam are just two of the high profile judges Who are going to be deciding TCM Classic Shorts competition’s winner of 2006. The seventh annual short film competition run by TCM (Turner Classic Movies) launches today (2nd May) and the award ceremony, to honour the finalists, is held during the 50th The Times bfi London Film Festival in November. The competition has grown in stature and exposure since it’s inception in 2000 and this is reflected by the distinguished names from the UK and US film industry that have agreed to participate as judges.
TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe awarding £10,000 of prize money. In addition it gives the entrants exposure to a celebrated panel of judges who bring their expertise from all angles of the film industry. This year’s panel is:
Pierce Brosnan Die Another Day, The Thomas Crown Affair- Actor
Terry Gillliam Brazil, Time Bandits- Actor, writer, director, animator and composer
Imelda Staunton Vera Drake, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix- Actress
Matthew Modine Full Metal Jacket, Short Cuts- Actor, director, screenwriter and author
Sally Potter Orlando, Yes- Director, screenwriter, composer, producer and editor
Stephen Poliakoff Close My Eyes, The Lost Prince- Screenwriter and director
Richard E Grant Withnail and I, Gosford Park- Actor, screenwriter and director
Stephen Woolley The Crying Game, Stoned - Producer and director
Wendy Ide The Times Film critic and film festival programmer
Jason Solomons BBC film critic
Paul Trijbits Head of the Film Council’s New Cinema Fund
Matt Mueller Editor Editor-At-Large Total Film
Dan Jolin Empire magazine Reviews Editor
Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe
The competition prides itself on having discovered some of the best new film making talent in the UK in recent years; last year’s winner Jane Lloyd has been snapped up by David Gray who is using an edited down version as the video for his new single, Alibi. Many of the short-listed films from previous years have also gone on to receive further acclaim; 2004 winner Nits directed by Harry Wootliff received a BAFTA nomination, whilst 2002 entry Brown Paper Bag directed by Michael Baig Clifford and 2001 winner About A Girl directed by Brian Percival, both went on to win BAFTAs for Best Short Film.
Once again TCM is sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the Times bfi London Film Festival. The strand premieres the very best international short and animated films and as such is an important launch pad for new film-makers, student films and independent productions, as well as launching the careers of many high profile actors.
TCM Classic Shorts is open to all UK made short films. The opening date is 2nd May 2006 and all films must be received by 1st September 2006 at the very latest. The short-listed nominations are aired during a special weekend of programming on TCM and also screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival during the awards ceremony.
Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk/classicshorts
For further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log on to: www.lff.org.uk
London, 2nd May, 2006: Pierce Brosnan and Terry Gilliam are just two of the high profile judges Who are going to be deciding TCM Classic Shorts competition’s winner of 2006. The seventh annual short film competition run by TCM (Turner Classic Movies) launches today (2nd May) and the award ceremony, to honour the finalists, is held during the 50th The Times bfi London Film Festival in November. The competition has grown in stature and exposure since it’s inception in 2000 and this is reflected by the distinguished names from the UK and US film industry that have agreed to participate as judges.
TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe awarding £10,000 of prize money. In addition it gives the entrants exposure to a celebrated panel of judges who bring their expertise from all angles of the film industry. This year’s panel is:
Pierce Brosnan Die Another Day, The Thomas Crown Affair- Actor
Terry Gillliam Brazil, Time Bandits- Actor, writer, director, animator and composer
Imelda Staunton Vera Drake, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix- Actress
Matthew Modine Full Metal Jacket, Short Cuts- Actor, director, screenwriter and author
Sally Potter Orlando, Yes- Director, screenwriter, composer, producer and editor
Stephen Poliakoff Close My Eyes, The Lost Prince- Screenwriter and director
Richard E Grant Withnail and I, Gosford Park- Actor, screenwriter and director
Stephen Woolley The Crying Game, Stoned - Producer and director
Wendy Ide The Times Film critic and film festival programmer
Jason Solomons BBC film critic
Paul Trijbits Head of the Film Council’s New Cinema Fund
Matt Mueller Editor Editor-At-Large Total Film
Dan Jolin Empire magazine Reviews Editor
Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe
The competition prides itself on having discovered some of the best new film making talent in the UK in recent years; last year’s winner Jane Lloyd has been snapped up by David Gray who is using an edited down version as the video for his new single, Alibi. Many of the short-listed films from previous years have also gone on to receive further acclaim; 2004 winner Nits directed by Harry Wootliff received a BAFTA nomination, whilst 2002 entry Brown Paper Bag directed by Michael Baig Clifford and 2001 winner About A Girl directed by Brian Percival, both went on to win BAFTAs for Best Short Film.
Once again TCM is sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the Times bfi London Film Festival. The strand premieres the very best international short and animated films and as such is an important launch pad for new film-makers, student films and independent productions, as well as launching the careers of many high profile actors.
TCM Classic Shorts is open to all UK made short films. The opening date is 2nd May 2006 and all films must be received by 1st September 2006 at the very latest. The short-listed nominations are aired during a special weekend of programming on TCM and also screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival during the awards ceremony.
Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk/classicshorts
For further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log on to: www.lff.org.uk
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