Blow the Bloody Doors off!

Thur 6 Feb 2014 / 19:30, Barbican Hall, London

Tickets: £17.50-25

 

Blow the Bloody Doors off! is a celebration of the music featured in the films which cemented Michael Caine’s reputation as an iconic movie star. The four films singled out for concert performance in this Barbican event are classics with music composed by an exceptional quartet of musicians – “Alfie” (Sonny Rollins),“The Ipcress File” (John Barry), “The Italian Job” (Quincy Jones) and “Get Carter” (Roy Budd). Linked by Michael Caine, the films and composers represent a microcosm of sixties film music, bringing the grit, glamour and grooves of the sixties back to life and creating a snapshot of the decade. The performance is part of a series of concerts at the Barbican which explore the innovative ways in which film and music can interact.

 

The evening places the music centre stage, intercut with excerpts from the films for context. The first half of the performance showcases a range of compositions from these Caine films, while the second part focuses specifically on Roy Budd’s score for “Get Carter”. 

In recording the original soundtrack, Budd overcame the film’s limited budget by using only three musicians, including himself playing electric piano and harpsichord simultaneously. This Barbican production features new arrangements transcribed from the released soundtracks rather than the films themselves, offering a broader flavour of the music of the period. No score for these soundtracks previously existed and this is the first time that they have been performed live. Echoing the approach of Roy Budd and John Barry, the production reflects the instrumentalists involved, rather than sampling original recordings.

 

These featured compositions represent the best of British and American music of the time - “from The Elephant & Castle to Hollywood” to paraphrase the title of one of Caine’s biographies. To do them justice, musical director Terry Edwards (whose recent Barbican performances include Beck: Song Reader Live and Big Star’s Third) has assembled a crack team of versatile musicians from places as far-flung as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Polar Bear and Madness. As multi-instrumentalists, their versatility enables them to jump from structured orchestration to jazz and emulate the innovative nature of the original composers and the films themselves.

 

Featuring:

 

Terry Edwards - MD/trumpet/reeds

Seb Rochford - drums/tabla

Mark Bedford - electric & acoustic bass

Finn Peters - flute/tenor sax

Jack Pinter - flute/saxes

Rose Moore - hammer dulcimer/keyboards

Seamus Beaghen - Hammond organ

Steve Gibson - orchestral percussion

James Johnston - guitar/harmonica

Jenny Adejayan String Quartet

plus guest vocalists

Find out more

 

CINEMA STAFF REWARDED FOR PROTECTING FILMS

Cash rewards of thousands of pounds have been presented to 15 staff members from cinemas across the UK who intervened successfully to prevent illegal recordings of films including Gravity, Captain Phillips, Rush, One Direction: This Is Us, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa and Monsters University. The 15 vigilant staff members were active in 12 separate incidents in UK cinemas since April 2013. All incidents were reported to local police, who attended in every case, resulting in five arrests and nine police cautions. Two suspects remain on police bail. The rewards scheme is part of a wide-ranging theatrical protection programme, funded by UK film distributors via Film Distributors’ Association (FDA) since 2006. It also provides vital extra resources for the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) to support cinema exhibitors’ staff training and an on-going supply of night vision devices to help cinema staff deter recording attempts in situ. The programme continues to be highly effective, training and assisting cinema staff doing a difficult job and preventing criminal activity. Illegal recordings from cinemas remain the single biggest source of both counterfeit DVDs and unauthorised copies online. All it takes is one digital copy which can be duplicated and distributed swiftly at minimal cost. Kieron Sharp, FACT Director General, added, “Cinema staff are the frontline in protecting films from being pirated and I am always pleased to be able to recognise their work. FACT’s strategy funded by the film distributors seeks to prevent the initial recording that seeds piracy globally. We continue to work together with UK cinema operators to support the success of the cinema experience and to allow continued investment by FACT’s members in exciting entertainment for all audiences.” Mark Batey, FDA Chief Executive, said: “The UK is one of the world’s leading film markets, and the more secure the environment for releasing new titles, the wider the choice audiences are likely to enjoy. FDA thanks all our colleagues at FACT and in cinema exhibition for their vigilance and vital interventions.” The film industry contributes to ‘UK plc’ in many ways including supporting 117,000 jobs, while films depicting the UK generate approximately 10% of the revenues from overseas tourism. Overall, the film industry contributes over £4.6 billion to UK GDP and more than £1.3 billion to the Exchequer according to independent research by Oxford Economics in 2012. One of the world’s most important markets for film, the UK accounted for 7% of global cinema box-office receipts in 2012. This enduring success is underpinned by FDA/FACT’s content protection programme, which aims to make the UK as safe and secure an environment in which to release films as possible. Ultimately the sector can only be safeguarded through the co-operation and diligence of cinema staff on the front line and today the UK is one of the best protected countries. Awards summary 15 cinema employees received awards for their actions Police attended in all cases Five arrests Nine cautions in police custody Two suspects on police bail

TV At Christmas

TELLY ADDICT BRITS PICK FAMILY VIEWING AS THEIR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT
 -Yet one third of us sneak off to bedroom to solo view!

Whilst unwrapping presents and carving the turkey are the things we typically associate with the festive period, a survey conducted by OnePoll for Netflix found 58% of Brits say that gathering the family to watch a film or TV episode is the highlight of their Christmas day.

Yet for all the festive family spirit, the present we most crave may well be a bit of "me" time – with the average Brit (45%) admitting they can only take three hours of family time before sneaking off for a bit of respite.

Technology comes to our rescue with a quarter of us (23%) Brits that think services like Netflix make it easier for everyone in the household to find something for all the family to watch during Christmas.  However, the TV revolution also means it is easier to sneak off from the family to watch TV elsewhere. One third of us admit to heading off to the bedroom to watch TV and nearly one in ten locking ourselves in the bathroom on a tablet or phone for a breather.

Wherever we are watching, telly addict Brits watch an average of nine movies over the Christmas period, with three hours spent with the family watching TV on Christmas Day.

Most men say they would choose Holly Willoughby (32%) as their dream partner to snuggle up on the sofa with and catch a Christmas movie, with women surprisingly picking comedy duo Ant and Dec (30%) ahead of hunks like David Beckham.

Betsy Sund of Netflix said, "Christmas is a great time to get the family together, and in front of the TV is still everyone's favourite place to do it. But the way we watch TV has changed so much in recent years.  Tablets are one of the fastest growing ways to watch Netflix , which means we can watch what we want, where we want- and with whom we want. It seems we are using technology as bit of escape hatch, grabbing a portable device and a bit of time-out from the family Christmas pressure cooker, as well as a way of bringing the family together."

Dramaface Competition

We created #dramaface for the nation to join us in celebrating the very best in free TV and now we’ve got a selection of fab festive prizes up for grabs…

Christmas is the perfect time of year for snuggling up in front of some really great telly, and you can WIN all the essentials for a cosy night in including:

·       Freesat HD with Freetime boxes (including installation)

·       Cosy onesies

·       Hampers of delicious festive foods and drink!

Whether you’re tuning in to Christmas specials of your favourite shows, Strictly Come Dancing finals, or those all-time festive classic movies, we want your Christmas #dramaface….

http://dramaface.freesat.co.uk/christmas/

World famous photographer Bruce Weber directs short film: “A Harlem poetry lesson: By Nokia Lumia 1020”

 

 

 

Nokia Vimeo link: https://vimeo.com/82187757 

Two of the world’s greatest photographers capture the spirit of famous New York community in unique collaboration

 

Bruce Weber, one of the most iconic fashion photographers in the world, has launched his self-directed film “A Harlem poetry lesson: By Nokia Lumia 1020”.

 

The film, which premiered in London, follows Weber and his good friend and fellow photography legend, David Bailey, as they tour his favourite neighbourhood of Harlem to capture the heart and soul of New York’s most vibrant community. Working together for the first time, the pair captured over 1000 images in Harlem on their Nokia Lumia 1020’s, showcasing the phones superb imaging capabilities.

 

Weber has a lifelong career partnership with Calvin Klein and Vanity Fair and has photographed some of the most famous names from the worlds of fashion and film, including Richard Gere, Jean Shrimpton and Cindy Crawford. Weber said: “One of the best things in the world is to share your life behind the camera with a friend. This is the first time that I have used a mobile phone for my work. Nokia has created a smartphone which not only matches the capabilities of many high-end cameras, but in most cases surpasses them.”

 

Bailey echoed his sentiments and after using the 41 megapixel Nokia Lumia 1020, said: “This Nokia camera helps you capture the moment, which is the most important thing. This is another huge leap ahead of the competition. The level of detail you can capture using a Nokia Lumia 1020 is nothing short of breathtaking.”

 

With 41 megapixels, ZEISS optics, and optimised image stabilization the Nokia Lumia 1020 establishes a new benchmark in smartphone imaging. It simplifies the controls previously reserved for professionals, and reinvents zoom to help people capture, edit and share better photos with ease.

 

The stunning photos are available to view now at The Nokia Photography Room whilst the film is available to watch via the Nokia UK Vimeo Channel. 

 

The film was directed by Bruce Weber and produced by Little Bear Inc. and is dedicated to American soul and jazz poet, musician and author, Gil Scott-Heron. The self defined “bluesologist” provides the soundtrack to the short film that celebrates an area he spent much of his early years in.

 

Wake In Fright

Eureka! Entertainment to release WAKE IN FRIGHT, the legendary, long-sought-after Australian film directed by Ted Kotcheff , theatrically on 7 March 2014 in selected cinemas nationwide followed by a Dual Format (Blu-ray & DVD) edition on 31 March 2014 as part of their award-winning The Masters of Cinema Series.

[For immediate release] Eureka! Entertainment have announced the release of Wake in Fright, the legendary, long-sought-after Australian film, released theatrically at the BFI Southbank and cinemas nationwide in the UK & Eire and for the first time on home video in the UK.  Directed by Ted Kotcheff, who later directed First Blood, the first Rambo film, Wake in Fright was the first film to have been screened at the Cannes Film Festival twice, first in 1971, the second time in 2009. This startling Australian companion to Straw Dogs and Deliverance, has been screened across the UK film festival circuit in 2013 and, following a UK & Eire theatrical release on 7 March 2014, will be released in a Dual Format (Blu-ray & DVD) edition as part of Eureka! Entertainment's award-winning The Masters of Cinema Series on 31 March 2014.

Brand New Theatrical Trailer for 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdwyOra45ao

"The best and most terrifying film about Australia in existence" - Nick Cave

"It left me speechless" - Martin Scorsese

"It's not dated. It is powerful, genuinely shocking and rather amazing" - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

---

SYNOPSIS:

"Have a drink, mate? Have a fight, mate? Have a taste of dust and sweat, mate? There's nothing else out here." Balanced on a knife-edge between social realism and existential horror, this disturbing, subversive portrayal of Australia's cultural underbelly failed to find a wide audience on its original release, but has since become established as a seminal cornerstone of the Australian cinema.

A middle-class schoolteacher, stuck in a government-enforced teaching post in an arid backwater, stops off in the mining town of Bundanyabba on his way home for the Christmas holidays. Discovering a local gambling craze that may grant him the financial independence to move back to Sydney for good, the opportunity proves irresistible. But the bad decisions are just beginning and a reliance on local standards of hospitality in "the Yabba" may take him on a path darker than ever expected.

One of the many triumphs in director Ted Kotcheff's career, Wake in Fright effortlessly sustains the quality of a sun-baked nightmare, with a relentless forward drive and outstanding performances by Donald Pleasance, Gary Bond, Sylvia Kay, and Chips Rafferty in his final role. A brutal, gripping dissection of the limits of masculinity and amorality to stand alongside Straw Dogs, A Clockwork Orange, and Deliverance, it remains a stunning entry in the envelope-pushing cinema of the early 1970s. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present this film in a new Dual Format edition for its UK home viewing premiere.

---

DUAL FORMAT SPECIAL FEATURES:

- New high-definition 1080p presentation of the film, from the 2009 restoration

- Audio commentary with director Ted Kotcheff and editor Anthony Buckley

- A selection of video pieces, including new interviews and rare behind-the-scenes footage

- Original US Outback TV spot

- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hearing-impaired

- PLUS: A booklet featuring writing on the film, its restoration, rare imagery, and more!

British Airways Celebrates

‘Silent Picturehouse' in Mumbai in True Bollywood Style! A three-day celebratory event that commemorated 100 years of Indian Cinema!Graced with presence of Bollywood super stars such as, Karan Johar, Arjun Rampal, Malaika Arora Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan, Mandira Bedi, Chitrangda Singh, Minissha Lamba and many more!

Mumbai, 18 December 2013: Bollywood stars, movie lovers and film enthusiasts walked down the red carpet as British Airways launched the much awaited film extravaganza, ‘Silent Picturehouse’ to celebrate 100 glorious years of Indian cinema. The three day event, which promised its guests to travel the world from their seats, was hosted at Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai from 16th of December to 18th of December. The event witnessed presence of some of the most prominent names in the film fraternity, including Karan Johar, hosting the gala night! Amongst other luminaries, sizzling Bollywood celebrities, Arjun Rampal, Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Mandira Bedi, Chitrangda Singh and Minissha Lamba graced the occasion with their presence. Christopher Fordyce, Regional Commercial Manager, South Asia, British Airways, said“India is one of our most significant markets and we take pride in being a part of the celebrations of completing 100 years of Indian cinema by bringing ‘Silent Picturehouse’ for the first time to Mumbai. We at British Airways, just like the Indian cinema are constantly redefining, innovating and introducing an array of new initiatives to showcase our drive towards customer gratification.   “Silent Picturehouse has truly been a unique opportunity for everyone here tonight to have had an on-board experience whilst enjoying our unparalleled inflight entertainment and delectable menu options from the comfort of their seat. This has been a truly exciting night for us and we do hope that our customers have had an extremely enjoyable experience.”   Commenting on his association with British Airways’ ‘Silent Picturehouse’, Karan Johar said, “I am delighted to be a part of the Indian film industry. This is a great year for us in India as we are celebrating 100 glorious years of the Indian cinema, perhaps the biggest film industry in the world. British Airways has brought an interesting concept of cinema viewing, Silent Picturehouse, to the people of Mumbai for the first time ever to commemorate this occasion. As part of this initiative, we have showcased some of my favourite selection of films from Dharma productions, which truly resonated with the spirit of Bollywood. I hope that people have enjoyed this unique cinematic experience combined with British Airways’ hospitality at the event.”   The screenings showcased Bollywood blockbuster films on three different screens, playing simultaneously in a space to recreate the in-flight entertainment experience with the traditional cinema viewing environment. The audience tuned in to pre-selected jury movies of their choice using wireless headphones and enjoyed the screenings. Movies screened at the event included Dharma Productions’ super hits such as, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, handpicked by Karan Johar himself.   In addition, the event witnessed an exquisite showcase of Queenie Dhody’s jewellery collectioninspired by eternal beauties from different Bollywood eras.   The ceremony culminated with a gala event on Wednesday, 18th of December, which was attended by crème de la crème of Mumbai’s high society including numerous Bollywood celebrities.   The evening later saw the celebrations literally taken to the skies with the highest tea party in Mumbaiwith a smashing ‘Silent Disco’ after-party at AER Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai. Guests were treated to a selection of unique speciality teas from the Twinings’ Signature Tea Cocktails with an innovative new blend of the nation’s favourite drink, specifically designed for British Airways.   The ‘Silent Picturehouse’ is a unique cinematic experience; an original concept by the British Airways launched globally in 2010 to mark the airline’s partnership with British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

LA Muscle Packs a Punch with Grudge Match Collaboration

Premium UK supplement brand LA Muscle has teamed up with iconic film distributers Warner Bros. Pictures to celebrate the launch of their new boxing comedy film, Grudge Match. The film, released this January, stars award winning movie legends Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match.

To mark this collaboration LA Muscle and Warner Bros will be giving away a fantastic trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California from December 4th to January 31st. This amazing prize includes return flights, four nights accommodation at a 4 star hotel, self drive car hire, travel insurance and a VIP tour of the iconic Warner Bros. Studio for an opportunity to experience the magic of movies firsthand.

Additionally, LA Muscle will be running competitions for the chance to win £500 worth of their supplements and exclusive Grudge Match movie merchandise.

This partnership comes after a year long sponsorship of Olympic gold medalist, Anthony Joshua MBE; following his launch into professional boxing. 

To enter the competition see:

 www.lamuscle.com/grudgematch

Sexiest Asian Woman

BRITISH-BORN BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS KATRINA KAIF
RECLAIMS HER CROWN AS THE WORLD’S SEXIEST ASIAN WOMAN

Her conspicuous year-long absence from the big screen, hasn’t prevented Katrina Kaif from claiming the ‘World’s Sexiest Asian Woman’ crown for a record-breaking fourth time. The British-born Bollywood star defeated reigning champion Priyanka Chopra, TV superstar Drashti Dhami, and Hindi cinema’s current box office queen Deepika Padukone, following another year of record-breaking votes pouring in from fans around the globe.

Stunning Katrina, secured the top spot in the world-renowned 50 Sexiest Asian Women List 2013 - compiled by Eastern Eye newspaper - with actress and singer Priyanka Chopra coming in at second place, TV actress Drashti Dhami in third and fellow Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone in fourth.  A permanent fixture in the top three for the past six years, the A-lister beat stiff competition from the world’s most stunning Asian women in the tenth edition of the UK based, Eastern Eye newspaper’sdefinitive ‘Sexy List’.

The unprecedented fourth win comes just weeks before Katrina hits the big screen again in one of the year’s biggest Bollywood blockbusters Dhoom 3: Back In Action.

Surprised by the win, Katrina said: “I didn't know it was a record! That's a nice surprise and a lot of fun to hear. I like it because Eastern Eye newspaper is the one my sisters see because they live in London. It's lovely, but also people are reacting to what they see. Obviously if everyone were to see me when I wake up in the morning or in my track pants and then vote for me, then maybe I would be a little bit more believing of it myself. But of course it's very flattering.”

As chairman of the judging panel and showbiz editor at Eastern Eye, Asjad Nazir, who founded and compiles the list, said it was a close run race and considers Katrina’s win as a precursor to a big 12 months ahead for the actress. “Being crowned the sexiest woman 2013 and with the impending release of Dhoom 3, we will see a dramatic and monumental shift in Katrina’s career in the coming year. With a number of big movies scheduled for 2014, a loyal fan base and undeniable sex-appeal, it looks like the most bankable leading lady in Hindi cinema will be getting her Bollywood crown back very soon.” commented Nazir.

Similar to the list last year, the biggest surprise of 2013 was the sheer dominance of television actresses from India. One notable name is Drashti Dhami, who added to a dream year by becoming the first television actress to crack the top three. Sanaya Irani entered the top 10 for the first time at sixth position. Other Indian television actresses who made the list included last year’s highest new entry Nia Sharma (11), Jennifer Winget (15), Asha Negi (18), Krystle D’Souza (19) and Rubina Dilaik (26), who was the highest new entry in terms of TV stars. 

“Small screen actresses entering the list in force once again showed that Bollywood is no longer dominant in India. In fact at one stage it looks like Drashti was going to win. It highlights how television is playing a much bigger part in the lives of people in India and around the world. Such is the fan-base power of small screen stars that it wouldn’t surprise me if a television personality topped the list for the first time in 2014,” said Asjad Nazir.

The highest new entry was Aashiqui 2 star Shraddha Kapoor (12), who narrowly missed out on the Top 10. The highest placed Pakistani was Humaima Malick (15) and the only non-Indian in the top 10, was Anger Management star Noureen DeWulf (10). The American actress, who stars with Charlie Sheen in the hit US sitcom, dominated the non-Asian vote. The oldest women in the list were Bollywood icons Madhuri Dixit (23) and Sridevi (40).

Mass interest in the 2013 List exploded across social media, with many of the stars trending across Twitter during the voting process. Other notable stars in this year’s list include Sonam Kapoor (5), Parineeti Chopra (14), Sophie Choudry (21), Mehreen Syed (22), Sunidhi Chauhan (28), Ankita Lokhande (29), Hina Khan (31) and Shreya Ghoshal (43).

The 50 Sexiest Asian Women List, now in its tenth year, has become the most definitive list of its kind in the world and talks are on to finally turn it into a big television special in 2014. Asjad adds; “What makes this list really special is that most voters look at the all-round qualities of those they are voting for. Significantly, that is why a lot of female fans also vote and why the list generates such huge interest from fans across the world. The planned 2014 television special is a logical response to the list’s huge global appeal, especially in an age when fans want to feel really close to their favourite stars.”

2013’s full list is published in UK’s most established and popular Asian newspaper Eastern Eye and is out on Friday 6^th December.

Coming soon… The 50 Sexiest Asian Men List will be revealed in Eastern Eye newspaper soon!

London Stories Exhibition

The Serco Prize for Illustration 2014 – London Stories

Opening Friday 14 February 2014

 

• New exhibition of illustrations 14 February to 6 April 2014
• Friday Late on 14 February 2014

Across the ages, London has produced and inspired countless stories. Fictitious and real characters and events in this amazing city have always held fascination, from anecdotal urban myths to grand tales of historic legend.

London Stories, a new exhibition featuring the best of the entries for The Serco Prize for Illustration 2014, opens on 14 February 2014 and will feature over 50 works of art.

Entrants were asked to create an illustration which visually captures a well-known or obscure London narrative; stories that are contemporary or historical, real or imagined.

The shortlisted illustrations celebrate a vibrant, multi-layered London – urban myths, historic events, remarkable characters and London’s animal population. From ghost buses, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show of 1887 and Lenin’s ‘love letter to London’ to a Pearly King and Queen, and an escaped Monkey jazz band. Other entries depict the ravens and the white bear of the Tower of London, Tin Pan Alley as well as literary and musical references such as The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Girl from Petrovka, Mary Poppins, Sweeney Todd and Oranges and Lemons. For the first time the exhibition will also feature five short animated films. From the rise and fall of high rise tower blocks, LND Flying machine to the animated video about “Our Town”.

There’s also a chance to explore the exhibition after hours and enjoy the opening evening of London Stories during our Friday Late on 14 February 2014. There will be a cash bar, DJ and storytelling for adults on board some of our heritage vehicles; a chance to illustrate your own London Story with short illustration workshops, and to strike a pose in our photo-booth with a choice of props. There will also be tours of our new Poster Parade – I Love London.

Organised by London Transport Museum in partnership with the Association of Illustrators (AOI) and sponsored by Serco, all of the illustrations are accompanied by a short text written by the artists summarising the inspiration behind their creation.

The Serco Prize for Illustration 2014 continues Transport for London’s legacy of design that dates back over 100 years. The Museum’s collection of graphic art is one of the best in the world and includes over 5,000 posters and artworks by famous artists including Man Ray, Paul Nash and Edward McKnight Kauffer. The exhibition closes on Sunday 6 April 2014.

The London Stories exhibition is displayed in the CBS Outdoor Gallery at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB and admission is included in the entry ticket to the main Museum galleries (adults £15.00 or £11.50 concessions). Tickets allow unlimited admission for 12 months. Children and young people aged 17 and under go free. For further information visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk or call 020 7565 7298.

Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ltmuseum and follow us on Twitter - @ltmuseum.

House of Cards Returns

EMMY-AWARD WINNING NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES,
“HOUSE OF CARDS” RETURNS FOR
SECOND SEASON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

From Media Rights Capital, All 13-Episodes of Second Season Starring
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright 
Available to Netflix Members Everywhere at Launch

(Beverly Hills, CA – December 4, 2013) – The second season of the Netflix original series, from Media Rights Capital, “House of Cards,” premieres Friday, February 14, 2014. All 13-episodes of the season starring Academy Award® winner Kevin Spacey (“Horrible Bosses,” “American Beauty,” “The Usual Suspects”) and Golden Globe® nominee Robin Wright (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Forrest Gump”), who both received Emmy® nominations for their performances in the first season, will be available for members to watch instantly in all territories where Netflix is available.

From director David Fincher (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Social Network”), award-winning playwright and Academy Award® nominated screenwriter Beau Willimon (“Farragut North,” “The Ides of March”) and Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (“Forrest Gump,” “Munich,” “The Insider”), this critically-acclaimed drama slithers beneath the curtain and through the back halls of greed, sex, love and corruption in modern Washington D.C.

In the second season, Francis (Spacey) and Claire (Wright) Underwood continue their ruthless rise to power as threats mount on all fronts. Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara, “American Horror Story”), an up-and-coming reporter and Francis’s former paramour, is inching closer to the truth about his crimes. President Walker’s (Michel Gill, “The Good Wife”) billionaire confidante Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney, “Southland”) demands that Francis reciprocate political favors or face retribution. And Claire must confront the increasing glare of the spotlight as it eats away at her and Francis’s once private existence. The Underwood’s must overcome these dangers -- past and present -- to avoid losing everything, regardless of collateral damage they leave in their wake.

In addition to Spacey, Wright, Mara, Gill and McRaney, the series also stars Mahershala Ali (“Treme”), Sebastian Arcelus (“Person of Interest”), Kristen Connolly (“The Cabin in the Woods”), Nathan Darrow (“Rigged”), Sakina Jaffrey (“Definitely Maybe”), Michael Kelly (“The Adjustment Bureau”) and Molly Parker (“Deadwood”).

Additional cast members appearing in the series include: Jayne Atkinson (“The Following”), Gil Birmingham (“The Lone Ranger”), Rachel Brosnahan (“Orange is the New Black”), Reg E. Cathey (“Grimm”), Derek Cecil (“Treme”), Terry Chen (“Bates Motel”), Ben Daniels (“Merlin”), Joanna Going (“Mad Men”), Boris McGiver (“Person of Interest”), Mozhan Marno (“In Plain Sight”) Sam Page (“Mad Men”), Kate Lyn Sheil (“V/H/S”), Jimmi Simpson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and Constance Zimmer (“The Newsroom”).

Carl Franklin (“Homeland”), James Foley (“Glengarry Glen Ross”), John David Coles (“Justified”), Jodie Foster (“Orange is the New Black”) and Robin Wright all direct season-two episodes.

“House of Cards,” the first original series produced by Media Rights Capital for Netflix, received enormous critical acclaim for its first season. The Telegraph (UK) lauded the series as “the most remarkable new television drama of the year,” while the Philadelphia Inquirer hailed the show “a fascinating, first-class political thriller” and Entertainment Weekly described it as “deliciously bingeable.”

In the summer of 2013, for its first season, “House of Cards” made history as the first ever streaming series to earn Primetime Emmy® nominations in major categories, including: Outstanding Drama Series,Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Spacey), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Wright), Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series (Laray Mayfield and Julie Schubert), Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Fincher), Outstanding Cinematography for a Single Camera Series (Eigil Bryld), Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series (Kirk Baxter), Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music and Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Jeff Beal). In all, the show took home three Emmy® wins for casting, directing and cinematography for its first season.

Based on the BBC miniseries of the same name, the second season of “House of Cards” is executive produced by Fincher, Willimon, Joshua Donen, Eric Roth, Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Andrew Davies, Michael Dobbs and David Manson. The one-hour drama is produced by Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix.

For additional information on “House of Cards,” go to: 

http://facebook.com/houseofcards , 

http://houseofcards.tumblr.com or

http://netflix.com/houseofcards