Ron Fricke, visionary director of the acclaimed Baraka, made his directorial debut with the stunning visual odyssey Chronos, which makes its DVD debut courtesy of Second Sight on 26 February 2007.
The film imparts a unique vision of our world – the first non-verbal, non-fiction motion picture filmed in time-lapse photography. Presented as a visual symphony in seven movements, Chronos embarks on an unprecedented cinematic journey across the worlds of natural beauty and manmade monuments, as it explores the essence of time.
Fricke burst onto the scene as director of photography for the groundbreaking Koyaanisqatsi in 1983 and has since gone on to deliver the rousing Baraka, a huge success upon its DVD release. Award-winning composer Michael Stearns provides the rousing score.
Chronos is a visual and musical journey through time from the cradle of civilization to modern day Paris.
Bonus Features – commentary and behind the scenes feature
Title: Chronos
Release Date: 26 February 2007
RRP: £12.99
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Hellzapoppin’ On DVD
The ground-breaking and hugely influential comedy classic Hellzapoppin’ makes its DVD debut courtesy of Second Sight. The film was way ahead of its time and has inspired generations of comedians. It has been described as ‘Pythonesque’ and will be released for the first time ever on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 5 February 2007.
The film was based on the Broadway hit of the same name, where anything went, there was no plot and no two shows were alike.
The film stars Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson and somewhere amid the non-stop gags and hysterical mayhem there’s a plot involving the staging of a musical, a romance, a bumbling private eye and a man who keeps wandering on with a pot plant for ‘Mrs Jones’! But any plot is incidental to the speed, imagination and sheer craziness that ‘outstrips the works of the Marx Brothers’ (Time Out).
Hellzapopppin’ features the most famous and most spectacular Lindy Hop scene ever preserved on film, the breathtaking routine is performed by the wonderful Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
Title: Hellzapoppin’
Release Date: 5 February 2007
RRP: £15.99
The film was based on the Broadway hit of the same name, where anything went, there was no plot and no two shows were alike.
The film stars Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson and somewhere amid the non-stop gags and hysterical mayhem there’s a plot involving the staging of a musical, a romance, a bumbling private eye and a man who keeps wandering on with a pot plant for ‘Mrs Jones’! But any plot is incidental to the speed, imagination and sheer craziness that ‘outstrips the works of the Marx Brothers’ (Time Out).
Hellzapopppin’ features the most famous and most spectacular Lindy Hop scene ever preserved on film, the breathtaking routine is performed by the wonderful Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
Title: Hellzapoppin’
Release Date: 5 February 2007
RRP: £15.99
LOVEFiLM LAUNCHES TV DOWNLOADS
LOVEFiLM.com, the UK’s number one online film rental and download service, has added TV programmes from Discovery Networks to its product line up today.
The service, which already offers over 62,000 titles in its online DVD rental range, and over 2,000 movies and short films in its download range, will now offer over 45 titles from Discovery for download rental. Discovery Networks will provide LOVEFiLM customers with a resource of real-world video content from the company’s vast library of programming, including popular series such as Mythbusters, American Chopper, Extreme Engineering, Deadliest Catch and John Lydon’s Mega Bugs as well as documentary specials such as Da Vinci Code Declassified. Additional titles will be added each month.
LOVEFiLM has transformed the UK entertainment rental market in the UK with its revolutionary DVD rental service. The ultra convenience of DVDs delivered to customer’s homes was improved by the launch of downloadable movies to the PC in the last year. Now, customers can also download shorter-form programmes from Discovery’s family of channels..
“The LOVEFiLM download service is super fast and praised for its high quality images. Our users are crying out for the kind of great programming that Discovery is bringing to downloads”, said LOVEFiLM’s Marketing Director, Simon Morris.
He continues, “The great thing is that we can also match programmes to consumers based on their existing ratings and preferences. We know an awful lot about today’s entertainment consumer, what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. It’s great to have Discovery on board.”
“By providing some of Discovery’s best content for download rental to LOVEFiLM users, we are giving fans of Discovery’s programming more ways to enjoy content that both informs and entertains from across key categories, such as engineering, motors, science, natural history, human adventure and lifestyle,” said Melanie Honnor, Vice President of New Media, Discovery Networks Europe.
* LOVEFiLM also operates a VoD service to AOL UK customers and selected titles from the Discovery range will be available on the LOVEFiLM powered AOL service. (http://www.aol.co.uk/film/downloads/)
The service, which already offers over 62,000 titles in its online DVD rental range, and over 2,000 movies and short films in its download range, will now offer over 45 titles from Discovery for download rental. Discovery Networks will provide LOVEFiLM customers with a resource of real-world video content from the company’s vast library of programming, including popular series such as Mythbusters, American Chopper, Extreme Engineering, Deadliest Catch and John Lydon’s Mega Bugs as well as documentary specials such as Da Vinci Code Declassified. Additional titles will be added each month.
LOVEFiLM has transformed the UK entertainment rental market in the UK with its revolutionary DVD rental service. The ultra convenience of DVDs delivered to customer’s homes was improved by the launch of downloadable movies to the PC in the last year. Now, customers can also download shorter-form programmes from Discovery’s family of channels..
“The LOVEFiLM download service is super fast and praised for its high quality images. Our users are crying out for the kind of great programming that Discovery is bringing to downloads”, said LOVEFiLM’s Marketing Director, Simon Morris.
He continues, “The great thing is that we can also match programmes to consumers based on their existing ratings and preferences. We know an awful lot about today’s entertainment consumer, what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. It’s great to have Discovery on board.”
“By providing some of Discovery’s best content for download rental to LOVEFiLM users, we are giving fans of Discovery’s programming more ways to enjoy content that both informs and entertains from across key categories, such as engineering, motors, science, natural history, human adventure and lifestyle,” said Melanie Honnor, Vice President of New Media, Discovery Networks Europe.
* LOVEFiLM also operates a VoD service to AOL UK customers and selected titles from the Discovery range will be available on the LOVEFiLM powered AOL service. (http://www.aol.co.uk/film/downloads/)
Universal Shows Its Bottom
THERE’S A rumbling in the basement, a rumpus in the offing and a foul smell in the air as Universal Pictures reaches for the air freshener and announces a 27th November release date for The Big Bottom Collection. With a recommended retail price of just £39.99, this brilliant new box set celebrates the very best of Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson's anarchic creations, featuring DVD releases of no less than five live shows plus Best of Bottom Live and, as an added bonus, the depraved duo’s equally riotous feature film, Guest House Paradiso.
It was 15 years ago that sad pervie Richard Richard (Rik Mayall) and his masochistic flatmate Eddie Hitler (Adrian Edmonson) first launched their whirlwind blend of slapstick, farce and abuse onto an unsuspecting British public. Three TV series and five live theatre shows of Bottom later, these two head-banging morons whose idea of a wild night is pulling out nose hair with a pair of pliers have become two of the nation’s greatest ever comedy creations.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE STAGE SHOW
Recorded live at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton during a sell out 1993 nationwide tour which left over 250,000 fans in a state of complete delirium, this is a side of Bottom that television would never dare show! For the first time unfettered by the restrictions of TV, Bottom Live - The Stage Show transported viewers into the explosively insane world of society's most catastrophic no-hopers. Surviving on a diet of vitriol, mutually inflicted wounds, booze and rotten food, they belch, curse and smash their way through the boredom of life. Totally over-the-top, completely uncensored and bloody hilarious, this is Richie and Eddie as they were meant to be seen.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE BIG NUMBER 2
Sex is the problem for Richie and Eddie, they can't get any! In this outrageous slice of obscene live comedy filmed at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, the boys become obsessed with the fact that everyone in the world apart from them is having sex - and no one will let them watch. Deciding to do something about it, they set out on a desperate quest to press the flesh, from the Queen to sheep.
BOTTOM LIVE – HOOLIGAN’S ISLAND
Filmed during their sell-out 1997 tour, we catch up with Richie and Eddie as they are marooned on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific with no food, and even worse, no booze or pornography. Will they build a raft and escape? Grasp the opportunity to embrace the earthly paradise around them? Or will they simply fart and fight, puke and poke their way through 100 minutes of hilariously outrageous live situation comedy?
BOTTOM LIVE – AN ARSE ODDITY
Filmed during the sell-out tour of 2001, we find Ritchie and Eddie where we left them - stuck on a Pacific island and still the saddest pair of losers the world has ever known. Surviving on a diet of bone-crunching nastiness and violently successful accidents, they encounter an exploding parrot, experiment with a chainsaw and indulge in a bout of enthusiastic pig worrying. Explosively insane and unfettered by any morals whatsoever, this is as disgusting and degrading as it is hilarious.
BOTTOM LIVE – WEAPONS GRADE Y-FRONT TOUR
Full Metal Jacket meets Apocalypse Now…..in the bog. Yes, it’s time for everyone’s favourite insane no-hopers to save the world from a war much bigger than a mere Middle Eastern conflict - the fight between good and underpants. Luckily, Eddie has invented a time travelling toilet to help them along the way...
THE BEST OF BOTTOM LIVE
The legendary Bottom Live tours were the most anarchic, squalid, violent and downright bloody hilarious comedies ever seen and now all the very best bits have been condensed into one hilarious DVD. Also featured are interviews with Rik and Ade’s unlucky neighbours, exclusive bloopers from the boy’s movie, Guest House Paradiso, and a brilliant Making of Documentary which reveals just how they managed to sink to such depths of depravity.
GUEST HOUSE PARADISO
Richie and Eddie’s feature film debut sees them joining forces with a whole host of luminaries, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Vincent Cassel, Sophia Myles and Fenella Fielding to name but a few.
Richie Twat and Eddie Elizabeth Ndingombaba welcome you to the Guest House Paradiso where people pay to check in and pray to check out...
Very possibly the world’s worst hotel, its chef's a drunken illegal immigrant, the waiter's been readmitted to the psychiatric hospital, Mr Twat likes rummaging through his guests' underwear and the sea-view’s not quite what it should be.
All in all the Guest House Paradiso is the perfect hiding place for sexy Italian movie star Gina "Nipples from Naples" Carbonara (Helene Mahieau), who’s on the run after jilting her fiancé, renowned playboy and former-racing driver, Gino Bolognese.
But with her ex in hot pursuit and something decidedly iffy about the fish dinner, Richie and Eddie really are going to need a miracle.
Product Information:
Release date: 27th November 2006
Running Time: TBC
Certificate: TBC
No. of Discs: TBC
It was 15 years ago that sad pervie Richard Richard (Rik Mayall) and his masochistic flatmate Eddie Hitler (Adrian Edmonson) first launched their whirlwind blend of slapstick, farce and abuse onto an unsuspecting British public. Three TV series and five live theatre shows of Bottom later, these two head-banging morons whose idea of a wild night is pulling out nose hair with a pair of pliers have become two of the nation’s greatest ever comedy creations.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE STAGE SHOW
Recorded live at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton during a sell out 1993 nationwide tour which left over 250,000 fans in a state of complete delirium, this is a side of Bottom that television would never dare show! For the first time unfettered by the restrictions of TV, Bottom Live - The Stage Show transported viewers into the explosively insane world of society's most catastrophic no-hopers. Surviving on a diet of vitriol, mutually inflicted wounds, booze and rotten food, they belch, curse and smash their way through the boredom of life. Totally over-the-top, completely uncensored and bloody hilarious, this is Richie and Eddie as they were meant to be seen.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE BIG NUMBER 2
Sex is the problem for Richie and Eddie, they can't get any! In this outrageous slice of obscene live comedy filmed at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, the boys become obsessed with the fact that everyone in the world apart from them is having sex - and no one will let them watch. Deciding to do something about it, they set out on a desperate quest to press the flesh, from the Queen to sheep.
BOTTOM LIVE – HOOLIGAN’S ISLAND
Filmed during their sell-out 1997 tour, we catch up with Richie and Eddie as they are marooned on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific with no food, and even worse, no booze or pornography. Will they build a raft and escape? Grasp the opportunity to embrace the earthly paradise around them? Or will they simply fart and fight, puke and poke their way through 100 minutes of hilariously outrageous live situation comedy?
BOTTOM LIVE – AN ARSE ODDITY
Filmed during the sell-out tour of 2001, we find Ritchie and Eddie where we left them - stuck on a Pacific island and still the saddest pair of losers the world has ever known. Surviving on a diet of bone-crunching nastiness and violently successful accidents, they encounter an exploding parrot, experiment with a chainsaw and indulge in a bout of enthusiastic pig worrying. Explosively insane and unfettered by any morals whatsoever, this is as disgusting and degrading as it is hilarious.
BOTTOM LIVE – WEAPONS GRADE Y-FRONT TOUR
Full Metal Jacket meets Apocalypse Now…..in the bog. Yes, it’s time for everyone’s favourite insane no-hopers to save the world from a war much bigger than a mere Middle Eastern conflict - the fight between good and underpants. Luckily, Eddie has invented a time travelling toilet to help them along the way...
THE BEST OF BOTTOM LIVE
The legendary Bottom Live tours were the most anarchic, squalid, violent and downright bloody hilarious comedies ever seen and now all the very best bits have been condensed into one hilarious DVD. Also featured are interviews with Rik and Ade’s unlucky neighbours, exclusive bloopers from the boy’s movie, Guest House Paradiso, and a brilliant Making of Documentary which reveals just how they managed to sink to such depths of depravity.
GUEST HOUSE PARADISO
Richie and Eddie’s feature film debut sees them joining forces with a whole host of luminaries, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Vincent Cassel, Sophia Myles and Fenella Fielding to name but a few.
Richie Twat and Eddie Elizabeth Ndingombaba welcome you to the Guest House Paradiso where people pay to check in and pray to check out...
Very possibly the world’s worst hotel, its chef's a drunken illegal immigrant, the waiter's been readmitted to the psychiatric hospital, Mr Twat likes rummaging through his guests' underwear and the sea-view’s not quite what it should be.
All in all the Guest House Paradiso is the perfect hiding place for sexy Italian movie star Gina "Nipples from Naples" Carbonara (Helene Mahieau), who’s on the run after jilting her fiancé, renowned playboy and former-racing driver, Gino Bolognese.
But with her ex in hot pursuit and something decidedly iffy about the fish dinner, Richie and Eddie really are going to need a miracle.
Product Information:
Release date: 27th November 2006
Running Time: TBC
Certificate: TBC
No. of Discs: TBC
Monday, November 13, 2006
Ridicule Released
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of multi-award-winning film Ridicule from one of France’s most acclaimed directors Patrice Leconte. It will be released on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 29 January 2007.
A poor nobleman has a plan to rid his homeland of its disease infested swamp. To do this he needs backing and so heads to the court of King Louis XV1 in a bid to solicit aid. He soon discovers that the worthiness of the plan itself will not grant him an audience with the King, at Versailles the sharpnesss of one’s wit is what gets you noticed.
Patrice Leconte’s lavish, superbly written costume drama was a BAFTA winner for best foreign language film, winner of four Cesars (French Oscars) and nominated for both an Oscar and the Palm D’Or.
With such films as The Hairdresser's Husband and Monsieur Hire, Leconte has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile French directors.
Bonus Feature – ‘The Story of Ridicule’
Release Date: 29 January 2007
RRP: £19.99
A poor nobleman has a plan to rid his homeland of its disease infested swamp. To do this he needs backing and so heads to the court of King Louis XV1 in a bid to solicit aid. He soon discovers that the worthiness of the plan itself will not grant him an audience with the King, at Versailles the sharpnesss of one’s wit is what gets you noticed.
Patrice Leconte’s lavish, superbly written costume drama was a BAFTA winner for best foreign language film, winner of four Cesars (French Oscars) and nominated for both an Oscar and the Palm D’Or.
With such films as The Hairdresser's Husband and Monsieur Hire, Leconte has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile French directors.
Bonus Feature – ‘The Story of Ridicule’
Release Date: 29 January 2007
RRP: £19.99
New company to focus on mobile entertainment content
Namco Europe Ltd’s Web & Mobile Content division today announced the formation of a new company aimed at expanding its presence in the maturing mobile content industry in Europe. NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd will begin trading as of 1st January 2007. This is part of the overall group restructure plans, following the European restructuring by NAMCO BANDAI Group.
The new company will focus exclusively on mobile entertainment content based not only on well known Namco brands such as PAC-MAN, Galaxian and RIDGE RACER, but also the extensive portfolio of games and non-gaming content which Bandai adds, such as Tamagotchi. In addition, the company plans to publish mobile content created specifically for the European market, from both NAMCO BANDAI and third party developers.
More information about NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd, its products and services can be found online at www.namcomobile.com
“PAC-MAN”, “Galaxian”, and “RIDGE RACER” are registered trademarks of NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Tamagotchi (c) BANDAI, WiZ 2004-2005. All rights reserved.
The new company will focus exclusively on mobile entertainment content based not only on well known Namco brands such as PAC-MAN, Galaxian and RIDGE RACER, but also the extensive portfolio of games and non-gaming content which Bandai adds, such as Tamagotchi. In addition, the company plans to publish mobile content created specifically for the European market, from both NAMCO BANDAI and third party developers.
More information about NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd, its products and services can be found online at www.namcomobile.com
“PAC-MAN”, “Galaxian”, and “RIDGE RACER” are registered trademarks of NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Tamagotchi (c) BANDAI, WiZ 2004-2005. All rights reserved.
LAUNCH OF THE IIFA AWARDS
On Wednesday 8th November 2006, celebrities, dignitaries and businesses gathered at the House of Commons to celebrate the official announcement of the International Indian Film Academy Awards Weekend (IIFAs) in Yorkshire, June 2007.
The biggest stars of Indian film, along with some of the world’s best-known international celebrities, will be arriving in Yorkshire next June for the spectacular IIFA Weekend and the exciting celebrity action will be broadcast across the world on the Star TV network. The IIFA Awards presentation ceremony has a global reach of nearly 500 million viewers.
Since its launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prestigious locations across the world, including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai, and has grown to become one of the most respected global media events.
At the House of Commons, the epitome of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA’s Brand Ambassador, was joined by dignitaries, including Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Kamlesh Sharma and Keith Vaz MP, to celebrate the return of the IIFA Weekend to the UK. Additionally, Judith Donovan, chairperson for the Yorkshire Tourism Board and Tom Riordan, CEO, Yorkshire Forward, the regional development authority which won the bid to host the prestigious IIFA Weekend, announced details of the IIFA Weekend and the anticipated impact for Yorkshire business and tourism.
Just before the official announcement, Mr. Bachchan along with Keith Vaz MP, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd, Judith Donovan, Tom Roirdion, and the Wizcraft Directors had the pleasure of meeting with Rt. HON Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Treasury. Rt. HON Brown presented Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Aga with a special certificate for their support to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). Amitabh Bachchan is the first celebrity and the sixth person in the world to be awarded with this certificate. Rt. HON Brown also extended his support to the upcoming IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire and congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid.
On the occasion Rt. HON Brown said, “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.” Mr. Bachchan was honoured to receive the IFFIm bond and said, “This noble cause has my utmost support and I would be happy to help the IFFIm Bond in whatever way I can.” Mr. Bachchan also reverently supports the Unicef and the Pulse Polio Immunisation drive in India.
IFFIm works by donors floating bonds from the commercial market. Recognising the strong moral purpose underpinning IFFIm, representatives of the major faith groups including His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, the Muslim Council of Britain, the Hindu Forum of Britain and the Network of Sikh Organisations will each buy a bond, the first six of only ten to be issued, denominated at $1,000. International celebrities Bono and Sir Bob Geldof have also bought an IFFIm bond.
At the event, Mr Bachchan who was voted BBC’s Superstar of the Millennium in 2000 pushing behind Hollywood’s biggest stars, focused on the rising popularity of Indian cinema as a major global business. Mr Bachchan said: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe and into the UK with the 2007 IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”
IIFA director Sabbas Joseph gave a presentation of the IIFA concept and the activities to be held throughout the IIFA weekend. These include business seminars, acting workshops with leading Indian film directors and actors, a celebrity cricket match and finally the film academy awards evening.
“IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular, the lead sponsors of the Idea IIFA Awards said, “Idea is delighted to be associated with the IIFA movement and its journey to Yorkshire. Idea Cellular is a part of the Aditya Birla Group, which has had a very deep association with the UK over the years. We are keenly looking forward to the celebrations at the Idea IIFA Awards in June 2007.”
Supported by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Yorkshire was successful in its bid to attract the event organisers attention. Judith Donovan said: “Yorkshire is one of the premier locations in the UK and is delighted to be hosting the eighth year of the prestigious IIFA Weekend. It looks forward to opening its doors and welcoming film personalities, business stalwarts, eminent public figures of India and the rest of the world”.
The House of Commons launch event was followed by a five-city launch the next day in the company of the Mayors of York, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford, who will flag off the IIFA Weekend announcement along with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The five-city launch will be held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television (NMPFT), Bradford.
Amitabh Bachchan was joined by dignitaries from Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire Tourism Board, Baroness Anne Taylor of Bolton and the directors from the International Indian Film Academy. Among those discussing the potential benefits of having the event on Yorkshire’s doorstep were Peter Wybenga and Amina Toher whose countries hosted the two previous IIFA Weekends in Amsterdam 2005 and Dubai 2006.
The UK and India have a long and profitable history of business relationships and the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. The economic impact of the IIFA weekend is significant and will affect sectors such as hospitality, tourism, travel, telecommunications, television and above all the world of cinema.
Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “The Indian economy is set to grow by 10% in the next 12 months alone and companies are looking to make investments overseas – especially in the UK. Hosting the awards will act as a catalyst to access the Indian market, forging stronger business and cultural links between our region and India.
“Today, Yorkshire is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful economic powerhouse. Our cities are poised to join the most famous and successful international locations and our people are seized with a rich sense of local pride and confidence.
Previous IIFA Weekend events have hosted some of the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others. IIFA Weekend celebrations, which were launched at the Millennium Dome in 2000, have travelled across South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Amsterdam and Dubai. IIFA Weekend Yorkshire marks the return of the celebration which has already become one of the worlds most-watched and sought after event.
The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.
The biggest stars of Indian film, along with some of the world’s best-known international celebrities, will be arriving in Yorkshire next June for the spectacular IIFA Weekend and the exciting celebrity action will be broadcast across the world on the Star TV network. The IIFA Awards presentation ceremony has a global reach of nearly 500 million viewers.
Since its launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prestigious locations across the world, including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai, and has grown to become one of the most respected global media events.
At the House of Commons, the epitome of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA’s Brand Ambassador, was joined by dignitaries, including Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Kamlesh Sharma and Keith Vaz MP, to celebrate the return of the IIFA Weekend to the UK. Additionally, Judith Donovan, chairperson for the Yorkshire Tourism Board and Tom Riordan, CEO, Yorkshire Forward, the regional development authority which won the bid to host the prestigious IIFA Weekend, announced details of the IIFA Weekend and the anticipated impact for Yorkshire business and tourism.
Just before the official announcement, Mr. Bachchan along with Keith Vaz MP, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd, Judith Donovan, Tom Roirdion, and the Wizcraft Directors had the pleasure of meeting with Rt. HON Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Treasury. Rt. HON Brown presented Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Aga with a special certificate for their support to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). Amitabh Bachchan is the first celebrity and the sixth person in the world to be awarded with this certificate. Rt. HON Brown also extended his support to the upcoming IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire and congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid.
On the occasion Rt. HON Brown said, “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.” Mr. Bachchan was honoured to receive the IFFIm bond and said, “This noble cause has my utmost support and I would be happy to help the IFFIm Bond in whatever way I can.” Mr. Bachchan also reverently supports the Unicef and the Pulse Polio Immunisation drive in India.
IFFIm works by donors floating bonds from the commercial market. Recognising the strong moral purpose underpinning IFFIm, representatives of the major faith groups including His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, the Muslim Council of Britain, the Hindu Forum of Britain and the Network of Sikh Organisations will each buy a bond, the first six of only ten to be issued, denominated at $1,000. International celebrities Bono and Sir Bob Geldof have also bought an IFFIm bond.
At the event, Mr Bachchan who was voted BBC’s Superstar of the Millennium in 2000 pushing behind Hollywood’s biggest stars, focused on the rising popularity of Indian cinema as a major global business. Mr Bachchan said: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe and into the UK with the 2007 IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”
IIFA director Sabbas Joseph gave a presentation of the IIFA concept and the activities to be held throughout the IIFA weekend. These include business seminars, acting workshops with leading Indian film directors and actors, a celebrity cricket match and finally the film academy awards evening.
“IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular, the lead sponsors of the Idea IIFA Awards said, “Idea is delighted to be associated with the IIFA movement and its journey to Yorkshire. Idea Cellular is a part of the Aditya Birla Group, which has had a very deep association with the UK over the years. We are keenly looking forward to the celebrations at the Idea IIFA Awards in June 2007.”
Supported by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Yorkshire was successful in its bid to attract the event organisers attention. Judith Donovan said: “Yorkshire is one of the premier locations in the UK and is delighted to be hosting the eighth year of the prestigious IIFA Weekend. It looks forward to opening its doors and welcoming film personalities, business stalwarts, eminent public figures of India and the rest of the world”.
The House of Commons launch event was followed by a five-city launch the next day in the company of the Mayors of York, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford, who will flag off the IIFA Weekend announcement along with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The five-city launch will be held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television (NMPFT), Bradford.
Amitabh Bachchan was joined by dignitaries from Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire Tourism Board, Baroness Anne Taylor of Bolton and the directors from the International Indian Film Academy. Among those discussing the potential benefits of having the event on Yorkshire’s doorstep were Peter Wybenga and Amina Toher whose countries hosted the two previous IIFA Weekends in Amsterdam 2005 and Dubai 2006.
The UK and India have a long and profitable history of business relationships and the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. The economic impact of the IIFA weekend is significant and will affect sectors such as hospitality, tourism, travel, telecommunications, television and above all the world of cinema.
Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “The Indian economy is set to grow by 10% in the next 12 months alone and companies are looking to make investments overseas – especially in the UK. Hosting the awards will act as a catalyst to access the Indian market, forging stronger business and cultural links between our region and India.
“Today, Yorkshire is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful economic powerhouse. Our cities are poised to join the most famous and successful international locations and our people are seized with a rich sense of local pride and confidence.
Previous IIFA Weekend events have hosted some of the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others. IIFA Weekend celebrations, which were launched at the Millennium Dome in 2000, have travelled across South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Amsterdam and Dubai. IIFA Weekend Yorkshire marks the return of the celebration which has already become one of the worlds most-watched and sought after event.
The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.
Friday, November 10, 2006
BiBC launches ReelMaster
BiBC launches ReelMaster to revolutionise showreel distribution - Stock libraries and content owners to make major savings through digital distribution -
BiBC is today launching a new product entitled ReelMaster™, a solution that will digitise the distribution processes of stock libraries and content owners. ReelMaster™ is set to revolutionise the previously time consuming and costly process of content owners retrieving and posting video tapes and DVDs to prospective purchasers. ReelMaster™ is available immediately.
ReelMaster™ enables the fast and secure digital distribution of new titles, showcases and archive material to prospective customers / reviewers. The range of material that can be digitally distributed is vast, from clips to full length feature films. Based on MediaMaster™, BiBC’s acclaimed media distribution platform, ReelMaster delivers to content owners their own digital showcase store, through which prospective purchasers can view and then download clips. ReelMaster is a managed service solution, with BiBC managing the end-to-end process of digitising content, through to secure distribution, meaning that there is no need for technological investment on behalf of the client.
ReelMaster™ has distinct advantages for both content owners and purchasers. Purchasers can benefit from the ability to browse and stream content to see if it is appropriate before purchase. Researchers and buyers simply type in the search term for the content they are looking for and are presented with all relevant pieces of video content. Samples can be viewed before the purchasers buy and download the content. The availability of digital clips means that purchasers do not have to wait for the post to come or pay for inappropriate clips, and are in full control of the selection process, 24/7.
With a minimal set-up fee and small monthly management fee, content owners can expect to rapidly see a tangible return on investment. The content owners also benefit from no longer having to manage the process. ReelMaster can also watermark content so that the showreels can be tracked and traced to ensure copyright remains intact.
Paul Hague, managing director of BiBC, commented: “It astonishes me that in the digital age in which we live, content owners are still distributing these reels manually, spending a fortune on transport costs, when the process lends itself to digitisation. Having talked to many content owners, the same message has been repeated over and over again – that tape distribution is an unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming process - and yet until now no other solution has been available to them. We are pleased to offer a digital solution that will save these companies both time and money, whilst improving the customer experience. ”
BiBC is today launching a new product entitled ReelMaster™, a solution that will digitise the distribution processes of stock libraries and content owners. ReelMaster™ is set to revolutionise the previously time consuming and costly process of content owners retrieving and posting video tapes and DVDs to prospective purchasers. ReelMaster™ is available immediately.
ReelMaster™ enables the fast and secure digital distribution of new titles, showcases and archive material to prospective customers / reviewers. The range of material that can be digitally distributed is vast, from clips to full length feature films. Based on MediaMaster™, BiBC’s acclaimed media distribution platform, ReelMaster delivers to content owners their own digital showcase store, through which prospective purchasers can view and then download clips. ReelMaster is a managed service solution, with BiBC managing the end-to-end process of digitising content, through to secure distribution, meaning that there is no need for technological investment on behalf of the client.
ReelMaster™ has distinct advantages for both content owners and purchasers. Purchasers can benefit from the ability to browse and stream content to see if it is appropriate before purchase. Researchers and buyers simply type in the search term for the content they are looking for and are presented with all relevant pieces of video content. Samples can be viewed before the purchasers buy and download the content. The availability of digital clips means that purchasers do not have to wait for the post to come or pay for inappropriate clips, and are in full control of the selection process, 24/7.
With a minimal set-up fee and small monthly management fee, content owners can expect to rapidly see a tangible return on investment. The content owners also benefit from no longer having to manage the process. ReelMaster can also watermark content so that the showreels can be tracked and traced to ensure copyright remains intact.
Paul Hague, managing director of BiBC, commented: “It astonishes me that in the digital age in which we live, content owners are still distributing these reels manually, spending a fortune on transport costs, when the process lends itself to digitisation. Having talked to many content owners, the same message has been repeated over and over again – that tape distribution is an unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming process - and yet until now no other solution has been available to them. We are pleased to offer a digital solution that will save these companies both time and money, whilst improving the customer experience. ”
Thursday, November 09, 2006
New Screen School for Liverpool
Phil Redmond backs North West’s first Screen School
It's already the most filmed location in the UK outside London and boasts an impressive list of creative talents who have helped transform the broadcasting industry.
Now Liverpool is planning another premier by becoming home to the North West of England's first Screen School.
Developed by Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool Screen School will embrace all forms of digital media, offering practice-based education and training on all aspects of TV, film, journalism, radio and news production as well as computer games, interactive media and animation.
The new School has the backing of the BBC, Granada, FACT, EMAP and Trinity Mirror as well as leading figures such as Phil Redmond, co-founder of Mersey Television.
Phil Redmond, who is also an LJMU Honorary Professor, said:
"Liverpool John Moores University has always been quick to grasp technological solutions and the Screen School embraces the seismic shifts in digital technology that have changed how we engage and interact with, not just films, TV and radio but also the internet, our mobile phones and games consoles.
"The digital content industry in Liverpool has the potential to become one of the greatest in the world. We already have competitive games companies, design houses and production studios. The Screen School will build on this and strengthen the creative industries sector still further."
The development of the Screen School marks the next stage in LJMU's drive to become a national centre of excellence in all aspects of digital technologies.
Professor Roger Webster, Dean of LJMU’s Faculty of Media Arts and Social Science, explained:
“Creativity has always been one of Merseyside's greatest resources. The Liverpool Screen School capitalises on this potential and by dissolving the boundaries between film, television and multimedia production and embracing the potential of new technologies, we can give our students a huge advantage in this increasingly important sector."
“If the planned relocation of the BBC goes ahead, the North West will be the largest broadcasting centre outside London. The Liverpool Screen School will ensure that the region as a whole and Liverpool in particular will have the skilled and creative practitioners that the broadcasting industry needs in order to capitalise on emerging opportunities and technological developments."
Over the next three years, LJMU is planning to develop a new building to house the Screen School, bringing its programmes in journalism, media professional studies, screen studies and interactive media together under one roof.
Boasting state-of-the-art filming, editing and post-production facilities, the Screen School will form an integral part of the University's new Creative Industries Campus along with the University's new Art and Design Academy, due to open in 2008.
Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, said:
“We are a University very much connected to industry and the Liverpool Screen School is the latest manifestation of our long term commitment to equipping our students with the skills demanded by today’s employers.”
Margaret McClelland, Development Executive at the BBC, agreed:
"It's essential that Industry works with education to meet the skills agenda, developing both new skills and a new generation of talent. That talent needs to be capable of developing new products and ideas to bring technology to life for audiences. Existing professionals also need access to development and it's important that education and industry work together here too. The Screen School is a valuable addition to the industry in the region."
LJMU has led the way in forming innovative partnerships with the broadcast and digital media industries over the last 20 years.
In 1995, the University launched its pioneering media professional studies course in conjunction with Phil Redmond and Mersey Television. LJMU has subsequently forged close links with the BBC, Channel 4, Granada, EMAP, Trinity Mirror and other leading media organisations, keeping its courses professionally relevant and up-to-date while also giving students exceptional placement opportunities.
In 2001, again in conjunction with Phil Redmond, LJMU established its International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a world leader in digital content design and solutions. ICDC regularly works with the BBC, Channel 4, AMD, Nokia and Hewlett-Packard as well as local businesses and community groups.
This was swiftly followed by the UK’s first business incubator for the digital industries, DigitalINC, which has an excellent track record in attracting and retaining technology companies in Merseyside.
More recently, LJMU again became the first UK university to use cutting-edge, industry-standard broadcast software to teach journalism students how the news makes it from around the world into our living-rooms.
It's already the most filmed location in the UK outside London and boasts an impressive list of creative talents who have helped transform the broadcasting industry.
Now Liverpool is planning another premier by becoming home to the North West of England's first Screen School.
Developed by Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool Screen School will embrace all forms of digital media, offering practice-based education and training on all aspects of TV, film, journalism, radio and news production as well as computer games, interactive media and animation.
The new School has the backing of the BBC, Granada, FACT, EMAP and Trinity Mirror as well as leading figures such as Phil Redmond, co-founder of Mersey Television.
Phil Redmond, who is also an LJMU Honorary Professor, said:
"Liverpool John Moores University has always been quick to grasp technological solutions and the Screen School embraces the seismic shifts in digital technology that have changed how we engage and interact with, not just films, TV and radio but also the internet, our mobile phones and games consoles.
"The digital content industry in Liverpool has the potential to become one of the greatest in the world. We already have competitive games companies, design houses and production studios. The Screen School will build on this and strengthen the creative industries sector still further."
The development of the Screen School marks the next stage in LJMU's drive to become a national centre of excellence in all aspects of digital technologies.
Professor Roger Webster, Dean of LJMU’s Faculty of Media Arts and Social Science, explained:
“Creativity has always been one of Merseyside's greatest resources. The Liverpool Screen School capitalises on this potential and by dissolving the boundaries between film, television and multimedia production and embracing the potential of new technologies, we can give our students a huge advantage in this increasingly important sector."
“If the planned relocation of the BBC goes ahead, the North West will be the largest broadcasting centre outside London. The Liverpool Screen School will ensure that the region as a whole and Liverpool in particular will have the skilled and creative practitioners that the broadcasting industry needs in order to capitalise on emerging opportunities and technological developments."
Over the next three years, LJMU is planning to develop a new building to house the Screen School, bringing its programmes in journalism, media professional studies, screen studies and interactive media together under one roof.
Boasting state-of-the-art filming, editing and post-production facilities, the Screen School will form an integral part of the University's new Creative Industries Campus along with the University's new Art and Design Academy, due to open in 2008.
Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, said:
“We are a University very much connected to industry and the Liverpool Screen School is the latest manifestation of our long term commitment to equipping our students with the skills demanded by today’s employers.”
Margaret McClelland, Development Executive at the BBC, agreed:
"It's essential that Industry works with education to meet the skills agenda, developing both new skills and a new generation of talent. That talent needs to be capable of developing new products and ideas to bring technology to life for audiences. Existing professionals also need access to development and it's important that education and industry work together here too. The Screen School is a valuable addition to the industry in the region."
LJMU has led the way in forming innovative partnerships with the broadcast and digital media industries over the last 20 years.
In 1995, the University launched its pioneering media professional studies course in conjunction with Phil Redmond and Mersey Television. LJMU has subsequently forged close links with the BBC, Channel 4, Granada, EMAP, Trinity Mirror and other leading media organisations, keeping its courses professionally relevant and up-to-date while also giving students exceptional placement opportunities.
In 2001, again in conjunction with Phil Redmond, LJMU established its International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a world leader in digital content design and solutions. ICDC regularly works with the BBC, Channel 4, AMD, Nokia and Hewlett-Packard as well as local businesses and community groups.
This was swiftly followed by the UK’s first business incubator for the digital industries, DigitalINC, which has an excellent track record in attracting and retaining technology companies in Merseyside.
More recently, LJMU again became the first UK university to use cutting-edge, industry-standard broadcast software to teach journalism students how the news makes it from around the world into our living-rooms.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Wild Experiences
Feed The Lions and Help Big Cats In the Wild!
Ideal World Television Shopping (Channels Sky 634, NTL 747 and Freeview 22) has teamed up with Paradise Wildlife Park to offer a range of ‘Wild Experiences’.
To celebrate the launch of these experiences the Park is donating all the money generated from the Feeding the African Lions experience to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity that specialises in breeding endangered big cats and protecting them in the wild. The Feed the Lions experience will be available at the special introductory price of £99 but there are only 50 places, so you will have to get in quick!
Ideal World and Paradise are featuring a number of other experiences on the ‘Wild Experiences’ show, which airs from 11am to 12 noon on Sunday 12th November. In addition to Feeding the African Lions there is Feed the Tigers where the guest has the opportunity to feed a tiger by hand from outside its enclosure. Search for Santa in Paradise is a magical experience where a small group go on a special adventure to find Santa and meet his reindeer. Also on offer is Monkey Business where you are given a tour of the Park’s fantastic collection of marmosets and tamarins and finish by feeding the lemurs. A Reptile Encounter allows you to accompany one of the Park’s trained staff to meet all types of spiders, snakes and creepy crawlies in the Angkor Reptile Temple. The Animal Adoption Gift Box means you can support the welfare of your chosen animal and enjoy all the animal goodies inside. Lastly, the exclusive Ideal Day could be yours, allowing you and up to 5 VIP guests to enjoy the full facilities of Paradise Wildlife Park and get up close and personal with virtually all the animals on a behind the scenes escorted tour.
Peter Sampson, the Park’s Managing Director says, “We hope this will capture the public’s imagination by giving them the opportunity to have a memorable experience and help raise money to save big cats in the wild at the same time”.
Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, about 20 miles north of London just off Junction 25 of the M25. Paradise is highly regarded as one of the best private zoos in the UK. It is also the market leader in ‘animal experiences’, with the most extensive experiences on offer in all Europe.
The Park has an equally impressive record in terms of conservation, being one of the founding partners of Project Life Lion in 1995, an important exotic and domestic animal conservation project in east Africa and helping to establish the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
Paradise is a very special place where you can interact with many of the animals. It provides a completely different perspective to most zoos and is an innovative blend of animals, entertainment, education and fun.
For more information about the Wild Experiences go to www.pwpark.com.
Ideal World Television Shopping (Channels Sky 634, NTL 747 and Freeview 22) has teamed up with Paradise Wildlife Park to offer a range of ‘Wild Experiences’.
To celebrate the launch of these experiences the Park is donating all the money generated from the Feeding the African Lions experience to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity that specialises in breeding endangered big cats and protecting them in the wild. The Feed the Lions experience will be available at the special introductory price of £99 but there are only 50 places, so you will have to get in quick!
Ideal World and Paradise are featuring a number of other experiences on the ‘Wild Experiences’ show, which airs from 11am to 12 noon on Sunday 12th November. In addition to Feeding the African Lions there is Feed the Tigers where the guest has the opportunity to feed a tiger by hand from outside its enclosure. Search for Santa in Paradise is a magical experience where a small group go on a special adventure to find Santa and meet his reindeer. Also on offer is Monkey Business where you are given a tour of the Park’s fantastic collection of marmosets and tamarins and finish by feeding the lemurs. A Reptile Encounter allows you to accompany one of the Park’s trained staff to meet all types of spiders, snakes and creepy crawlies in the Angkor Reptile Temple. The Animal Adoption Gift Box means you can support the welfare of your chosen animal and enjoy all the animal goodies inside. Lastly, the exclusive Ideal Day could be yours, allowing you and up to 5 VIP guests to enjoy the full facilities of Paradise Wildlife Park and get up close and personal with virtually all the animals on a behind the scenes escorted tour.
Peter Sampson, the Park’s Managing Director says, “We hope this will capture the public’s imagination by giving them the opportunity to have a memorable experience and help raise money to save big cats in the wild at the same time”.
Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, about 20 miles north of London just off Junction 25 of the M25. Paradise is highly regarded as one of the best private zoos in the UK. It is also the market leader in ‘animal experiences’, with the most extensive experiences on offer in all Europe.
The Park has an equally impressive record in terms of conservation, being one of the founding partners of Project Life Lion in 1995, an important exotic and domestic animal conservation project in east Africa and helping to establish the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
Paradise is a very special place where you can interact with many of the animals. It provides a completely different perspective to most zoos and is an innovative blend of animals, entertainment, education and fun.
For more information about the Wild Experiences go to www.pwpark.com.
BIKER MICE FROM MARS
The Adventure Begins with their new DVD
Three of the baddest Mamajammers ever to ride, the BIKER MICE FROM MARS are back on earth and ready to rumble with the release of their new DVD, ‘The Adventure Begins’, courtesy of Abbey Home Media. Let’s “Rock ‘n’ Ride” on 30 October 2006 when the DVD will be available to buy in stores nationwide including Woolworths, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Virgin and on www.abbeyhomemedia.com.
On a mission to save their home from extinction, the Biker Mice have arrived on our planet searching for the Great General Stoker - the legendary Martian leader and the only Mouse with the formula to solve the dire water shortage on Mars. Along the way, our heroes battle those also intent on getting their hands - or paws - on Stoker, including the Catatonians, the craziest Cats ever to have their own planet.
Featuring animation from the new series, this rocking DVD includes episodes; ‘The Adventure Begins’ Part 1 & 2 and ‘It’s The Pits’ along with DVD extras including deleted scenes, original artwork sketches and character biographies. So what are you waiting for…this is the ‘must have’ children’s title this Autumn because in this wild and woolly universe there’s only three things you can count on …your brains…your bros…and your bikes!
And that’s just the beginning of this adrenalin-fuelled rollercoaster ride. You can also catch your favourite characters - Throttle, Modo and Vinnie - The Biker Mice From Mars - at 8.05am on Toonattik on GMTV1 directly after Spongebob Squarepants every Saturday this autumn.
So feel the “need for speed” and pre-order your BIKER MICE FROM MARS ‘The Adventure Begins’ DVD now online from www.abbeyhomemedia.com and receive 10% off for all new customers. Plus, if you spend £30 or more you will receive a PS2 Biker Mice From Mars game, worth £29.99, absolutely FREE! This crazy offer is subject to availability so don’t hang around the race is on!
Rev your engines and get ready to put the pedal to the metal as it’s time to “Rock ‘n’ Ride”!
For more information on your favourite characters log on to www.bikermice.tv.
Product Information
Release Date: 30 October 2006
Certificate: U
Running Time: approx. 66 minutes
Retail Price: DVD - £9.99 RRP
Three of the baddest Mamajammers ever to ride, the BIKER MICE FROM MARS are back on earth and ready to rumble with the release of their new DVD, ‘The Adventure Begins’, courtesy of Abbey Home Media. Let’s “Rock ‘n’ Ride” on 30 October 2006 when the DVD will be available to buy in stores nationwide including Woolworths, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Virgin and on www.abbeyhomemedia.com.
On a mission to save their home from extinction, the Biker Mice have arrived on our planet searching for the Great General Stoker - the legendary Martian leader and the only Mouse with the formula to solve the dire water shortage on Mars. Along the way, our heroes battle those also intent on getting their hands - or paws - on Stoker, including the Catatonians, the craziest Cats ever to have their own planet.
Featuring animation from the new series, this rocking DVD includes episodes; ‘The Adventure Begins’ Part 1 & 2 and ‘It’s The Pits’ along with DVD extras including deleted scenes, original artwork sketches and character biographies. So what are you waiting for…this is the ‘must have’ children’s title this Autumn because in this wild and woolly universe there’s only three things you can count on …your brains…your bros…and your bikes!
And that’s just the beginning of this adrenalin-fuelled rollercoaster ride. You can also catch your favourite characters - Throttle, Modo and Vinnie - The Biker Mice From Mars - at 8.05am on Toonattik on GMTV1 directly after Spongebob Squarepants every Saturday this autumn.
So feel the “need for speed” and pre-order your BIKER MICE FROM MARS ‘The Adventure Begins’ DVD now online from www.abbeyhomemedia.com and receive 10% off for all new customers. Plus, if you spend £30 or more you will receive a PS2 Biker Mice From Mars game, worth £29.99, absolutely FREE! This crazy offer is subject to availability so don’t hang around the race is on!
Rev your engines and get ready to put the pedal to the metal as it’s time to “Rock ‘n’ Ride”!
For more information on your favourite characters log on to www.bikermice.tv.
Product Information
Release Date: 30 October 2006
Certificate: U
Running Time: approx. 66 minutes
Retail Price: DVD - £9.99 RRP
BRITISH HIT SINGLES & ALBUMS - No. 1 MUSIC QUIZ
CiRCLE announces a joint venture with Sony BMG Music
Entertainment as the developer of its first ever interactive DVD: ‘British Hit Singles &Albums No.1 Music Quiz’. The title draws from the massive database at Guinness World Records which is used to create the world’s best-selling pop reference book:‘British Hit Singles & Albums’.
Hosted by comedian Steve Furst (Little Britain, Orange mobile phone adverts), the
interactive quiz gives players the opportunity to find out just how much they really
know about the best pop music of the last 50 years. The family-friendly content
features over 1200 questions based on original music videos, pictures, audio clips
and general knowledge - and over ten question categories such as ‘Who Am I’, ‘Body
Language’ (charades) and ‘Hitting the Headlines’.
‘No. 1 Music Quiz’ provides a compelling challenge for pop music fans and is
predicted to be a Christmas bestseller, following in the footsteps of Circle’s 2005
chart-topping ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music Quiz’ (Virgin / Universal / EMI).
Commenting on the venture, Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of CiRCLE says: “It’s been a
real pleasure working with Sony BMG and Guinness World Records to develop this
high-profile brand on iDVD; the resulting product is original, very entertaining and
some of our best work on the format to date. The fact that Sony BMG selected
CiRCLE to develop its first interactive music quiz is testimony to the quality of our
games and we are delighted to add this title to our development portfolio.”
David Roberts, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records Book of British Hit
Singles & Albums adds: “Fans of the book of British Hit Singles & Albums have
pressed us for some time about a quiz based on the book. I think they are in for a
real treat when they see the fantastic end product produced by Circle and Sony
BMG.”
The game’s presenter, comedian Steve Furst finally comments: 'The No.1 Music
Quiz is a genuinely challenging all-round family game. Anyone who has ANY love of
music, will absolutely adore this'.
The No. 1 Music Quiz will be released via Sony/BMG on November 6th, RRP £19.99.
Entertainment as the developer of its first ever interactive DVD: ‘British Hit Singles &Albums No.1 Music Quiz’. The title draws from the massive database at Guinness World Records which is used to create the world’s best-selling pop reference book:‘British Hit Singles & Albums’.
Hosted by comedian Steve Furst (Little Britain, Orange mobile phone adverts), the
interactive quiz gives players the opportunity to find out just how much they really
know about the best pop music of the last 50 years. The family-friendly content
features over 1200 questions based on original music videos, pictures, audio clips
and general knowledge - and over ten question categories such as ‘Who Am I’, ‘Body
Language’ (charades) and ‘Hitting the Headlines’.
‘No. 1 Music Quiz’ provides a compelling challenge for pop music fans and is
predicted to be a Christmas bestseller, following in the footsteps of Circle’s 2005
chart-topping ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music Quiz’ (Virgin / Universal / EMI).
Commenting on the venture, Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of CiRCLE says: “It’s been a
real pleasure working with Sony BMG and Guinness World Records to develop this
high-profile brand on iDVD; the resulting product is original, very entertaining and
some of our best work on the format to date. The fact that Sony BMG selected
CiRCLE to develop its first interactive music quiz is testimony to the quality of our
games and we are delighted to add this title to our development portfolio.”
David Roberts, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records Book of British Hit
Singles & Albums adds: “Fans of the book of British Hit Singles & Albums have
pressed us for some time about a quiz based on the book. I think they are in for a
real treat when they see the fantastic end product produced by Circle and Sony
BMG.”
The game’s presenter, comedian Steve Furst finally comments: 'The No.1 Music
Quiz is a genuinely challenging all-round family game. Anyone who has ANY love of
music, will absolutely adore this'.
The No. 1 Music Quiz will be released via Sony/BMG on November 6th, RRP £19.99.
All Creatures Great and Small
UNIVERSAL PLAYBACK is delighted to announce that the entire fourth series of the BBC TV classic All Creatures Great and Small will be released for the first time as one DVD collection. Available as a three disc set on 26th December, its recommended retail price is just £24.99.
Based on the bestselling novels by James Herriot, the BBC adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was first broadcast in 1978 and went on to become a huge hit both domestically and internationally.
Beginning in 1937, the story revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by newly qualified vet James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) when he joins a veterinary practice in the picturesque Yorkshire village of Darrowby.
Herriot finds he still has much to learn if the country folk are ever to accept an outsider as a vet on par with Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), who established the Darrowby practice.
Nevertheless with courage, humour and a little luck, Herriot eventually earns the trust of the locals and experiences the joys and heartaches that go with caring for all creatures great and small.
Series Four continues the story of James, his wife Helen (now played by Lynda Bellingham) and his volatile but warm-hearted partner, Siegfried.
The setting is now the early Fifties, and the Dales are still suffering from the bleak austerity that gripped the nation after World War II.
Now that Siegfried’s wayward brother Tristan (Peter Davison) has landed a high-ranking position as an artificial insemination expert in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Darrowby practice is struggling to cope.
To bring in more business, Siegfried and James decide to recruit a highly qualified young Scottish vet named Calum (John McGlynn), who arrives by motorcycle with a badger in tow…..
Episodes:
One of Life’s Little Miracles; Barks and Bites; The Bull with the Bowler Hat; The Pig Man Cometh; Hail Caesar!; Only One Woof; Ace, King, Queen, Jack; The Healing Touch; City Slicker; For Richer, For Poorer.
Product Information:
Release date: 26th December 2006
Running Time: tbc
Certificate: PG
No. of Discs: 3
No. of Episodes: 10
Based on the bestselling novels by James Herriot, the BBC adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was first broadcast in 1978 and went on to become a huge hit both domestically and internationally.
Beginning in 1937, the story revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by newly qualified vet James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) when he joins a veterinary practice in the picturesque Yorkshire village of Darrowby.
Herriot finds he still has much to learn if the country folk are ever to accept an outsider as a vet on par with Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), who established the Darrowby practice.
Nevertheless with courage, humour and a little luck, Herriot eventually earns the trust of the locals and experiences the joys and heartaches that go with caring for all creatures great and small.
Series Four continues the story of James, his wife Helen (now played by Lynda Bellingham) and his volatile but warm-hearted partner, Siegfried.
The setting is now the early Fifties, and the Dales are still suffering from the bleak austerity that gripped the nation after World War II.
Now that Siegfried’s wayward brother Tristan (Peter Davison) has landed a high-ranking position as an artificial insemination expert in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Darrowby practice is struggling to cope.
To bring in more business, Siegfried and James decide to recruit a highly qualified young Scottish vet named Calum (John McGlynn), who arrives by motorcycle with a badger in tow…..
Episodes:
One of Life’s Little Miracles; Barks and Bites; The Bull with the Bowler Hat; The Pig Man Cometh; Hail Caesar!; Only One Woof; Ace, King, Queen, Jack; The Healing Touch; City Slicker; For Richer, For Poorer.
Product Information:
Release date: 26th December 2006
Running Time: tbc
Certificate: PG
No. of Discs: 3
No. of Episodes: 10
[adult swim]
Turner Broadcasting System is responding to the huge demand for its US adult comedy animation strand [adult swim] by launching a broadband service www.adultswim.co.uk in the UK and Ireland so even more people can get to access its brilliant and unique style of ‘guerilla animation’. A launch event for the site is taking place as part of RESFEST UK on 15th November at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes in Shoreditch. The whitewashed walls, that allow the hottest of Shoreditch’s current venues to double as an impromptu art gallery and bar, will feature [adult swim] inspired art work commissioned for the launch party which will stay until mid December; you have been warned.
[adult swim] has also officially named itself the unofficial media partner of RESFEST www.resfest.co.uk, the unique festival dedicated to the very best digital arts innovation including film, music, art, design, fashion, culture and technology. As the festival, originally founded in San Francisco, reaches its 10th anniversary this year it is embarking on a global celebration which includes a week in London at the NFT (14-19 November).
Turner has already successfully licensed the television content of [adult swim] in the UK to men’s entertainment channel Bravo but the subscription only broadband service is provided by digital rights specialists Premium TV on behalf of Turner. Twelve shows are available to view online including: Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Robot Chicken; Venture Brothers; Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Sealab 2021 and Space Ghost. Each month the site is refreshed with four new full length episodes scheduled on a weekly basis.
The site provides over 15 hours of full length videos which can be viewed at any time and as many times as subscribers wish during the period they have paid for. The real advantage for fans of these shows is that they can now watch full length versions of some of their favourite episodes which they’ve been unable to do in the past.
In addition to the shows, nine games are available to play online and the content will be refreshed with two new games added on a regular basis. Featured games include Stagger from 12oz Mouse; Mooninite Marauders from Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Head Kicker II from The Brak Show; Jailbird from Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Attack of the Feverheads from Sealab 2022 and Rough Justice from The Venture Bros.
There is a £10 discount on the annual subscription package as part of a special launch offer and for a limited time period subscribers can pay just £9.99 instead of the usual price of £19.99. Subscribers can also pay for shorter time periods; 24 hours subscription costs 99p or a month’s subscription costs £1.99. All payments can be done via credit card and direct debit for annual subscription.
Alan Musa, [adult swim] VP commented: ‘[adult swim] is delighted to launch its broadband service as part of such a unique festival as RESFEST. This can only help build on the huge popularity it is already enjoying in the UK.’
[adult swim], Turner Broadcasting System’s US smash hit dedicated to edgy animation, is now available in the UK on TV and online. ]adult swim[ features non-conformist programming aimed at adults 18-34 including a broad mix of humour and unconventional animation. A late night TV block offering original and acquired animated comedy and action launched on Bravo earlier this year and a brand new UK broadband site www.adultswim.co.uk created by Turner Broadcasting went live earlier this month. [adult swim] is designed to appeal to young people who like their entertainment creative, cult and aren’t afraid to seek it out whether it’s on television or the internet.
In the UK From 7th July to 30th September [adult swim] was watched by 4 million people.
[adult swim] launched in the US in 2001.
[adult swim] has also officially named itself the unofficial media partner of RESFEST www.resfest.co.uk, the unique festival dedicated to the very best digital arts innovation including film, music, art, design, fashion, culture and technology. As the festival, originally founded in San Francisco, reaches its 10th anniversary this year it is embarking on a global celebration which includes a week in London at the NFT (14-19 November).
Turner has already successfully licensed the television content of [adult swim] in the UK to men’s entertainment channel Bravo but the subscription only broadband service is provided by digital rights specialists Premium TV on behalf of Turner. Twelve shows are available to view online including: Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Robot Chicken; Venture Brothers; Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Sealab 2021 and Space Ghost. Each month the site is refreshed with four new full length episodes scheduled on a weekly basis.
The site provides over 15 hours of full length videos which can be viewed at any time and as many times as subscribers wish during the period they have paid for. The real advantage for fans of these shows is that they can now watch full length versions of some of their favourite episodes which they’ve been unable to do in the past.
In addition to the shows, nine games are available to play online and the content will be refreshed with two new games added on a regular basis. Featured games include Stagger from 12oz Mouse; Mooninite Marauders from Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Head Kicker II from The Brak Show; Jailbird from Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Attack of the Feverheads from Sealab 2022 and Rough Justice from The Venture Bros.
There is a £10 discount on the annual subscription package as part of a special launch offer and for a limited time period subscribers can pay just £9.99 instead of the usual price of £19.99. Subscribers can also pay for shorter time periods; 24 hours subscription costs 99p or a month’s subscription costs £1.99. All payments can be done via credit card and direct debit for annual subscription.
Alan Musa, [adult swim] VP commented: ‘[adult swim] is delighted to launch its broadband service as part of such a unique festival as RESFEST. This can only help build on the huge popularity it is already enjoying in the UK.’
[adult swim], Turner Broadcasting System’s US smash hit dedicated to edgy animation, is now available in the UK on TV and online. ]adult swim[ features non-conformist programming aimed at adults 18-34 including a broad mix of humour and unconventional animation. A late night TV block offering original and acquired animated comedy and action launched on Bravo earlier this year and a brand new UK broadband site www.adultswim.co.uk created by Turner Broadcasting went live earlier this month. [adult swim] is designed to appeal to young people who like their entertainment creative, cult and aren’t afraid to seek it out whether it’s on television or the internet.
In the UK From 7th July to 30th September [adult swim] was watched by 4 million people.
[adult swim] launched in the US in 2001.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Top actor and designer to receive DMU honorary degrees
A respected actor and a well-known fashion designer are to receive honorary degrees from De Montfort University (DMU).
Charles Dance and Karen Millen will both be made Doctor of Arts during DMU's graduations which will take place from Tuesday 7 November to Thursday 9 November.
Mr Dance is best-known for his role in the Jewel in the Crown and recently starred in the BBC's acclaimed adaptation of Bleak House. He is also an accomplished film director and made the successful movie Ladies in Lavender, which starred Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
Originally from Worcestershire, he was a student at Leicester Art School which eventually became De Montfort University.
Karen Millen's fashion empire began when she started making white shirts at home.
Professor Philip Tasker, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "We are proud of our students' achievements and their academic success and that we are awarding honorary degrees to individuals who are highly distinguished in their different fields and who are a source of inspiration to our students.
"Charles Dance has enjoyed a distinguished career in film and television and Karen Millen has created a successful career in the competitive world of fashion.
Charles Dance and Karen Millen will both be made Doctor of Arts during DMU's graduations which will take place from Tuesday 7 November to Thursday 9 November.
Mr Dance is best-known for his role in the Jewel in the Crown and recently starred in the BBC's acclaimed adaptation of Bleak House. He is also an accomplished film director and made the successful movie Ladies in Lavender, which starred Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
Originally from Worcestershire, he was a student at Leicester Art School which eventually became De Montfort University.
Karen Millen's fashion empire began when she started making white shirts at home.
Professor Philip Tasker, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "We are proud of our students' achievements and their academic success and that we are awarding honorary degrees to individuals who are highly distinguished in their different fields and who are a source of inspiration to our students.
"Charles Dance has enjoyed a distinguished career in film and television and Karen Millen has created a successful career in the competitive world of fashion.
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