Friday, March 23, 2007

Chain Play

COUTTS & CO LAUNCHES PODCASTS OF ALMEIDA THEATRE’S BENEFIT EVENING AND FIRST EVER CHAIN PLAY

Interviews with script writers and cast downloadable at www.coutts.com

Coutts & Co has launched a series of online podcasts to support their
sponsorship of the Almeida theatre’s fundraising benefit to be held this
evening, Friday 23rd March. Six world-class playwrights have each written a
link in a play and the final result - A Chain Play - will be performed for
one night only.

A Chain Play, directed by Tom Cairns, began in November 2006 and each of
the six writers were given just two weeks to add a scene of between ten and
fifteen minutes before passing on the script to the next writer. A two-week
rehearsal period for the actors will culminate with the single performance
this evening. The six playwrights are Samuel Adamson, Moira Buffini, David
Hare, Charlotte Jones, Frank McGuinness and Roy Williams.

The Chain Play cast will feature Michelle Austin, Nathan Stewart Jarrett,
Jenny Jules, Alastair Mackenzie, Danny Sapani and Jodie Whittaker, and has
been produced with the help of the theatre’s Benefit Committee.

Costing Sky the Earth

Contrary Crown Court Ruling Leaves Sky with Potential Billion Pound Losses

Conflicting Crown Court judgements create confusion in the European Satellite System market, and could end-up costing Sky the earth.

Plucky Portsmouth-based Publican, Karen Murphy, lost her appeal on Thursday
in the Portsmouth Crown Court to the Premier Leagues agent, MPS (Media
Protection Services), in a ruling that completely contradicted that from a
previous case heard before the Bolton Crown Court in March 2006 on the same
matter.

Murphy, like many Licensees has installed a European Satellite System in her
premises, the ‘Red, White and Blue’ Public House in Southsea. She believed
this system to be perfectly legal given Bolton Crown Courts precedent
setting ruling on the same point of law (the parties to this were BSkyB, via
FACT vs Gannon).

In summing up Thursday’s case, however, HHJ Ian Pearson, sitting with two
lay Justices, upheld Murphy’s conviction from the Magistrates Court, stating
on several occasions that he strongly disagreed with HHJ Warnocks previous
decision in the Bolton case.

Dave Richardson for AESSI (the Association of European Satellite System
Installers) said “The outcome in this case will undoubtedly create confusion
regarding the legitimacy of Foreign Satellite Systems in the UK, with two
equivalent level Courts issuing completely opposite rulings under exactly
the same section of legislation”.

AESSI believe that the Premier League have been systematically using the
Courts as a method of intimidating Licensees, who, AESSI maintain, have
actually installed legitimate alternatives to Sky Satellite Systems. The
apparent intention of these actions being to use fear of legal costs (win or
loose) and aggravation as ‘leverage’ thus preventing others, as well as
those specifically persecuted from showing football matches, ultimately
forcing all UK Licensees to switch to using BSkyBs more expensive
installation options.

“If this is their intention then it has backfired rather badly on Sky” jokes
Joe Ibrhim of AESSI, as, in a bizarre twist, it was revealed today that if
the Portsmouth ruling is upheld, it would result in billions of pounds worth
of losses to BSkyB as it makes illegal the nearly 2 million Sky systems that
are presently installed across other countries in the EU.

Simply put, the legislation under which this prosecution was brought, and
the Portsmouth Court ruled, was specifically designed to incorporate EU
statute 93/83, under which the judgement could be applied throughout the
European Union against Sky in favour of the relevant local satellite
broadcaster.

In karmic irony, the Premier Leagues relentless pursuit of one tiny public
house may have just been the sledgehammer that cracked the table and missed
the walnut altogether. If Murphy doesn’t appeal the decision and succeed in
having it overturned, the Premier League may have irreparably severed a
major artery of income for BSkyB, potentially costing the broadcaster
billions in lost revenue.

Following the case, Mr Phillip Davies, who investigates ‘piracy’ at Sky,
told members of the Press with reference to the number of bars in Spain,
Greece, France and Portugal showing Premiership football via Sky that this
was "not something I am aware of".

In light of this comment, perhaps BSkyB is unaware of the impending impact
of the Premier Leagues action upon their non-revenue from their
non-existent-installations that they know nothing about.

One can only wonder what fabled, foxy, founder of NewsCorp and ultimate boss
of BSkyB, Rupert Murdoch, will make of the matter or indeed of Mr Davies,
when, and if, BSkyB finds itself facing multiple criminal prosecutions
throughout Europe.

Brief Background:


The Premier League, via their agents MPS, have been bringing multiple
prosecutions (up to 300) across the UK in Magistrates Courts with assorted
and variable outcomes for over four years causing a great deal of stress to
Licensees and costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds to date,
all with virtually no cost penalty to the Premier League themselves.

MPS, a privately owned company run by self-proclaimed ‘disinformation expert
’, Ray Hoskin, have now, on behalf of the Premier League, taken to pressing
criminal charges under an obscure Section of the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988 (which is partially superseded by both Broadcasting Acts)
which the DTI confirm is not applicable to the situation, and with which
they have had very little success in higher UK courts. The defining case of
BSkyB vs Gannon in Bolton ruled in favour of the Publican as they were not
pirating but purchasing the broadcast signal from a legitimate European
supplier.

Prior to the case, both the DTI and OFCOM had confirmed in writing that
AESSI members are operating entirely within the terms of the Broadcasting
Acts and in line with European Single Market Legislation. Interestingly, it
is under this very ‘single-market’ legislation that Sky also benefits as it
facilitates the installation of their own decoder boxes situated in other
operators ‘areas’ across the European Union. Presently there are estimated
at just under 2million Sky installations, supplied via satellite shops and
assorted system suppliers situated within the EU - installations that BSkyB
include in their total UK figures ‘accounted for’, that they declare to
Investors, the Stock Market, Channel Operators, RAJAR and other official
bodies, but about which they apparently “not aware”.

About AESSI:

The Association of European Satellite Suppliers & Installers is the official
organisation of legitimate installers in the UK. AESSI members work to the
highest standards of quality and fully guarantee that they will install
entirely and completely legal systems.

AESSI members are all law-abiding legitimate businesses who contribute over
ten million pounds sterling per annum to the UK economy, they pay tax and
VAT and create significant employment directly though their own specialist
staff and indirectly through their customers increased revenue.

For further information view www.aessi.org

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Provoked

EROS INTERNATIONAL Releases…

PROVOKED

In prison she found her freedom...in cinemas from 6th April 2007

With an impressive international star cast including Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nandita Das and Robbie Coltrane performing pivotal roles in what is anticipated to be this year’s most poignant film, Eros International plc proudly presents Provoked releasing nationwide on Friday 6th April 2007.

Provoked is the true life depiction of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (played by Aishwarya Rai), the Asian woman who overturned the British judicial system and transformed the meaning of “provocation” in the case of physically abused women, winning justice for women subjected to domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse. The film, based on Ahluwalia’s autobiography Circle of Light by Rahila Gupta, follows her lonely struggle in an abusive 10-year marriage, her retaliation through the murder of her violent husband and the efforts of women activists Southall Black Sisters to bring her justice.

The film is released and distributed by Eros International plc, a globally recognised integrated media and entertainment company. Through this captivating and provocative film, Eros will redefine and propel Indian Cinema to an international stage, an objective integral to the company’s ethos and pioneering vision.

Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO of Eros International says: "Eros is really pleased to be involved with Provoked and use the powerful medium of film to tell a true life story of an oppressed but brave woman who changed UK case law. Domestic violence is a serious social issue that transcends race, religion, nationality and colour. We welcome people to come and support the film, and support the emancipation of women all over the world".

THREE MINUTE WONDERS

Studio Artois is proud to announce an exciting new film making competition in partnership with BRITDOC and Channel 4 – ‘Adventures in Recycling’. Anyone with a passion for film and a unique idea should submit their entry before April 14 2007 to be in with a chance to have their work made into a 3 Minute Wonder for
airing in Channel 4, this July.

It is not necessary for individuals to have experience in film making as the 4 winning entrants will receive the resources and professional assistance during May and June to make their films. The winning shorts will not only be screened in July on Channel 4, but also at the BRITDOC 07 Festival (25-27 July), and on Studio
Artois website. The filmmakers will receive free passes (worth £450) to BRITDOC 07 – where the jury will present the best film with an award.

Studio Artois are looking for four perspectives on recycling in all its forms: what can be recycled, the people involved and how the process works. Films can be character-led, based on the science or celebrating the power and beauty of recycling. They can be funny, angry, educational, musical, political – whatever works
best for the entrant. Film ideas can be submitted online at http://www.britdoc.org/foundation/recycling.php.

The winning films should be 4 completely different short films, shot on any kind of camera and can mix documentary with animation, music video, poetry, photography or illustration. The competition is open to anyone with a passion for film, but entrants must be 18 years or over.

Adam Oakley, Director of Marketing for Artois, said: “Supporting filmmakers and their craft is an important part of our Studio Artois film programme. Film and specifically documentary, is an excellent medium for conveying important social messages to individuals and the wider community. Film can get people to think differently and encourage people to take action and make a positive change”.


ENTRY REQUIRMENTS

Entry ideas must be submitted online at www.britdoc.org before April 14
th
2007

Entrants must be 18 or over

Entrants must be British or have been based in the UK for the last 6 months (proof of residence may be required)

Entrants must be available to work on their film between May and June 2007, as all films must be completed by early July 2007

Channel 4 will take standard UK TV rights in the films according to their usual terms of trade (allowing them to show them both on TV
and on their website)

Studio Artois will have non-exclusive exhibition rights in the completed films. They will have sole discretion of how they intend to use
the films for corporate and marketing purposes.

Completed films will be screen at the BRITDOC 07 Festival between 25-27 July 2007 (filmmakers will receive free passes (worth
£450) to the event)

Thursday, March 01, 2007

NAMASTEY LONDON

VIPUL SHAH PRESENTS NAMASTEY LONDON

After the phenomenal success of Waqt which entered the UK Box Office Charts at number 11, award winning and enterprising director Vipul Shah is proud to present and greet the world with one of 2007’s most spell binding love stories, Namastey London – a film that will whet the appetite of cineastes on a global platform.

Love stories are traditionally a staple diet for Indian cinema and in his quest to make ‘one love story in his lifetime’ Vipul Shah has created Namastey London which resonates perfectly with a global audience. Riding on the successful wave of cross-over cinema, Namastey London is a transitional and cross-cultural love story which considers the issues of socio-cultural conflicts in an entertaining and poignant style. The film deals with the love affairs of the youth on a global level; how the modern youth are living in the Western world in countries such as the UK, USA and Australia and how they perceive love compared to the younger generations living in areas such as Punjab, Delhi and Mumbai, and when these somewhat polarised communities meet the sparks this will generate.

Namastey London trails the story of Arjun (Akshay Kumar), a kind-hearted, homely character from the heart of Punjab who makes his way to London to win the heart of the British girl he has fallen in love with (Katrina Kaif) and the whole of Briton. Although the film is the epitome of ‘love on celluloid’, beneath the glossed, romantic layers, Namastey London unfurls to reveal a pivotal drama that speaks to all diaspora groups who have migrated from their place of origin to then settle in the West, and the plight migrants face with assimilating into the host culture and maintaining an affinity with what they call their ‘home’.

Since producing some of the most famous soap operas on Indian television, Vipul Shah made his directorial debut in films with Aankhen (2002) which had an unconventional theme of robbery by three blind men, with his next film Waqt receiving international critical acclaim. Namastey London is considered Vipul Shah’s most ambitious project till date, and will undisputedly propel him to become one of the most applauded directors of 2007.

Namastey London is extensively shot in London which forms the vital backdrop for the film. Almost 12-14 films are shot in the UK each year, contributing £20million to the UK’s economy. In recent years, London has been the hotbed of drama for Indian cinema especially for films similar to Namastey London that consider the topic of cross-cultural relations. This is supported by the fact that the UK’s population is rising by 500 people per day, indicating how the melting pot of cultures is reaching unsurpassed heights.

From the film’s cast through to its crew, from its subject matter through to its music, it is of no surprise why the hype, buzz and curiosity around Namastey London has continued to reach pinnacles. Namastey London has made history as it is the first product from Indian cinema to have an entire international and Hollywood production crew the objective being to make the film have an international feel and look in line with its global appeal. The film’s director of photography is Jonathan Bloom, location manager Keith Hatcher (Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone), head of art department and production design Paul Burns (The Business, The Football Factory) makeup artist Kateling (head makeup artist at the BBC), and casting director Claire Saunders (Match Point), reflecting the cross-cultural synergies integral to the film.

Vipul Shah has ensured that the cast of Namastey London physically resemble the characters they play. The story revolves around key central characters including A List and award winning star Akshay Kumar, aspiring actors Katrina Kaif and Upen Patel, legend Rishi Kappor, British actress Nina Wadia, acclaimed Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh and British actors Clive Standon and Tiffany McFadden who form the formidable cast.

The musical score for Namastey London is as exciting and a treat for music aficionados as is the film itself. Vipul Shah has brought together for the first time the unique combination of stalwart lyrist Javed Akhtar and current music sensation Himesh Reshammiya to compose the music of Namastey London. In bringing together the two music maestros, the music of Namastey London is an amalgam of class and mass and a musical score that truly befits the genre of the film.

INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS EVENT

INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS PUTS

INDIAN CINEMA ON GLOBAL MAP

Following on from its hugely successful launch in London and Yorkshire, the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAs) has ascertained its position as a global institution which not only promotes the growth and popularity for Indian cinema internationally, but forges greater cross socio-cultural affiliations on a global level.

India has the largest film industry in the world, producing more than 1,000 films a year which is twice as many as Hollywood. Four billion cinema tickets are sold for Bollywood films each year, compared to three billion for Hollywood films and Indian cinema alone contributes a staggering £200 million for the UK’s economy.

Since its inception and launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prominent locations including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai. In beating off stiff competition from other cities including New York and Sydney, after seven exciting years the IIFAs return to the UK this year where it will be hosted in Yorkshire. “IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA at the London launch.

With brand ambassador, Indian of the Year winner[1] and screen legend Amitabh Bachchan at the helm of the event, the IIFAs travel the world leaving its indelible mark. The IIFAs ignite a global appetite for the world’s largest cinema, reaching parts of the economy that others cannot, and in its progression has clearly exemplified the potent role played by the Indian cinema industry worldwide.

Mr Bachchan who has been referred to as “Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery”[2] rolled into one, speaks of the IIFAs with immense esteem: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”

Its return to the UK highlights and adds weight to the increasing relations between India and the UK. With the Indian economy expected to grow by 10% in the next 12 months, the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. Rt. HON Gordon Brown who extended his support to the IIFAs, congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid at the launch event in London. “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.”

Sheffield's Hallam Arena will transform into a captivating setting to host the awards ceremony in June 2007, part of a four-day extravaganza that also includes events in Leeds, Bradford, Hull, York and London. The IIFA weekend will include business forums, film premieres, workshops and charity fund-raising events. More than 500 luminaries from the Indian film industry will travel to the region for the event and the event will be broadcast globally by STAR TV to reach nearly 500 million viewers in 110 countries. Previous attendees to the IIFA Weekend have included the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others.


The IIFAs are far beyond a glitzy film awards ceremony given its inimitable content and impetus. The IIFA spectacle in June 2007 is expected to boost tourism in host region Yorkshire by more than £9.5m and attract 28,000 from all over the world – including the biggest names from India.

The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.


[1] Times of India, Sunday 24th December 2006

[2] The Sunday Times, Sunday 3rd December 2006