15-24 September 2006
Piccolo Teatro
"A new start, towards something different, unexplored, unexpected. A festival for people that don't have any preconceptions, that are eager to be surprised."
Eleventh edition
The submission deadline has passed, the selection is in progress. A thorough search through film schools, producers, distributors and independent festivals resulted in the submission of more than 2000 films from more than 90 countries: from Mexico to Palestine, from South Africa to Finland, from India to Chiapas.
The eleventh edition is a chance to start anew: the Festival will be a meeting point for film lovers, for not-festival-goers, for children, for music enthusiasts, for professionals, for students, for people that believe that films can portray important aspects of the world.
At the eve of a new decade, Milano Film Festival focuses its attention and energies on its various parts that are blended together to create a unique all-round event.
The Festival
For eleven years Milano Film Festival has attracted films and filmmakers from all over the world. It is independent - from the interests of major distributors, from institutional politics, from money, from fashion, from critics. But it is also dependent - on the filmmakers' creativity and talent, on the expertise, the experience and the skills of the people that organize it, on the work and commitment of hundreds of volunteers, on the curiosity and willingness to take risks of the selection committee. This Festival scouted and promoted emerging talents, for whom the Festival has often been a springboard to international success. For ten days, this festival transforms places and people that pass through them.
Overview of the 2005 edition:
* 85,000 visitors
* 80 journalists with accreditation card
* 1,200 film professionals involved in the Borsa Democratica del Cinema
* 495 films screened
* 130 filmmakers attending the festival
* 250 international guests - directors, producers, actors and film enthusiasts
First information on the competitions and out-of-competition sections
Short film competition and Feature film competition
The competitions are open to short and feature films of any genre and running time, on any format and in any language, provided that they were produced after January 1st, 2005. They won't be divided into sections and will be screened in their original language with English and Italian subtitles. Filmmakers are invited to present their films to the festival audience.
Colpe di Stato
A collection of documentaries that depict crimes, injustice and slaughters under the banner of freedom, security and religion. These screenings mark an interesting but disturbing journey around the world.
Histoire(s) du cinéma - Cinema according to Jean-Luc Godard
Through the quotes scattered in the Histoire(s) du cinéma, a video by Jean-Luc Godard in which the filmmaker traces the history of filmmaking, this season aims to show this entire work for the first time in Milan and to highlight different central films from which this flow of images moves.
In collaboration with Fondazione Cineteca Italiana - Spazio Oberdan.
motion&picture against poverty
The UN campaign for the 8 Millennium Development Goals relies on alternative means of communication, including films.
The motion&picture against poverty section, which is currently under construction, was first launched during the festival's 2005 edition to create a film season dedicated to human rights and to different issues linked with the development goals. This section is particularly focused on countries that produce films despite economic, political and social hindrances.
Incontri italiani
This section features young Italian filmmakers, screenings and meetings to help directors get together, exchange ideas and projects and create new collaborations.
Focus animazione
A search through different styles, traditional techniques and cutting-edge technologies.
Salon des refusés
A section managed by non-selected directors - democratic, open to all the films submitted to the festival.
Borsa Democratica del Cinema
After the success of the first edition and the positive feedback from exhibitors, professionals and visitors, the 2nd edition of the Borsa Democratica del Cinema will run from 21st to 24th September at the Fondazione Antonio Mazzotta.
Directors, screenwriters, actors and set designers, producers and distributors, film schools, institutions and young independent filmmakers will gather to present ideas and projects and analyse the current situation of the film industry. The aim is to perform a change by creating new cultural, professional and business relationships.
For further information: expo@milanofilmfestival.it
Holiday project - Filmmakers' House
The Filmmakers' House is a project developed to offer alternative hospitality to filmmakers, professionals and film lovers that will attend the festival in Milan - a facility set up as a solution to the lack of low-cost accommodation in Milan, to become a meeting point and a common area.
For further information: holidays@milanofilmfestival.it.
Accreditation and discounts
Milano Film Festival has launched an accreditation campaign that offers discounts to different typologies of applicants: students, film professionals, journalist, people aged over 65.
For further information: info@milanofilmfestival.it
For further information:
www.milanofilmfestival.it
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Who Were Those Masked Men?!
The reel world of Lucha Libre: Mexican Wrestling films hit the UK
This summer, the nations’ cinema screens will be taken over by men in tights. Not only Superman, but Jack Black in NACHO LIBRE, the tale of a rural Mexican monastery’s cook with a yen to be a famous masked wrestler (luchador enmascerado). But who are these masked men? In August and September, Cornerhouse (Manchester), Phoenix Arts (Leicester), and Filmhouse (Edinburgh) bring the exciting world of Mexican wrestling films to the UK, through three classics, featuring El Santo, the biggest star of them all.
Hugely popular in Mexico and many other Spanish-speaking lands, the films feature stars of the Lucha Libre (Free Fighting) ring. Since the 1930s, these Mexican wrestlers have adopted secret identities, often built around the masks they wore. A fighter never removed his mask nor revealed his true self – until death. Even then, most are buried in their masks.
These heroes were immortalised in comic books and later films, with the first titles appearing in the 50s and continuing through the seventies. These exuberant, low-budget titles pitted El Santo and competitors/cohorts Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras (Thousand Masks), etc against such daunting adversaries as the Martian Invaders, Frankenstein, the Female Vampires, and the Mummies of Guanajuato in a crazed cauldron of sweat, superheroes, sci-fi, and horror.
These three titles have been specially arranged with Latin American distributors. Although Mexican Wrestling films have found a huge cult following in the States, in the UK they are still relatively unknown – and unavailable. Until now! These rare screenings offer the chance to experience the reel world of Lucha Libre!
Films screening:
Santo vs The Invasion of the Martians (El Santo contra la invasion de los marcianos) (1966) The title says it all! As seen on the TV in the outdoor bar scene in THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA. Spanish with English subtitles.
Santo and Blue Demon vs the Monsters (Santo y Blue Demon vs los monstrous) (1969). The evil Dr Halder terrorised science when he reanimated a corpse. Later, Blue Demon decides to investigate the doctor’s apparent death, but his disciples turn the wrestler into an evil being. He heads out to destroy his worst enemy: Santo! Spanish with English subtitles.
Santo in the Wax Museum (Santo en el museo de cera) (1963)
Santo-styled take on the Vincent Price chiller, HOUSE OF WAX. A young lady reporter suddenly goes missing in the Wax Museum. Santo is summoned to solve the mystery. To succeed he will have to face evil and the abnormal!
Please note this title is dubbed in English
This summer, the nations’ cinema screens will be taken over by men in tights. Not only Superman, but Jack Black in NACHO LIBRE, the tale of a rural Mexican monastery’s cook with a yen to be a famous masked wrestler (luchador enmascerado). But who are these masked men? In August and September, Cornerhouse (Manchester), Phoenix Arts (Leicester), and Filmhouse (Edinburgh) bring the exciting world of Mexican wrestling films to the UK, through three classics, featuring El Santo, the biggest star of them all.
Hugely popular in Mexico and many other Spanish-speaking lands, the films feature stars of the Lucha Libre (Free Fighting) ring. Since the 1930s, these Mexican wrestlers have adopted secret identities, often built around the masks they wore. A fighter never removed his mask nor revealed his true self – until death. Even then, most are buried in their masks.
These heroes were immortalised in comic books and later films, with the first titles appearing in the 50s and continuing through the seventies. These exuberant, low-budget titles pitted El Santo and competitors/cohorts Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras (Thousand Masks), etc against such daunting adversaries as the Martian Invaders, Frankenstein, the Female Vampires, and the Mummies of Guanajuato in a crazed cauldron of sweat, superheroes, sci-fi, and horror.
These three titles have been specially arranged with Latin American distributors. Although Mexican Wrestling films have found a huge cult following in the States, in the UK they are still relatively unknown – and unavailable. Until now! These rare screenings offer the chance to experience the reel world of Lucha Libre!
Films screening:
Santo vs The Invasion of the Martians (El Santo contra la invasion de los marcianos) (1966) The title says it all! As seen on the TV in the outdoor bar scene in THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA. Spanish with English subtitles.
Santo and Blue Demon vs the Monsters (Santo y Blue Demon vs los monstrous) (1969). The evil Dr Halder terrorised science when he reanimated a corpse. Later, Blue Demon decides to investigate the doctor’s apparent death, but his disciples turn the wrestler into an evil being. He heads out to destroy his worst enemy: Santo! Spanish with English subtitles.
Santo in the Wax Museum (Santo en el museo de cera) (1963)
Santo-styled take on the Vincent Price chiller, HOUSE OF WAX. A young lady reporter suddenly goes missing in the Wax Museum. Santo is summoned to solve the mystery. To succeed he will have to face evil and the abnormal!
Please note this title is dubbed in English
Marmitek introduces the FreeTV200
Watch free television on your PC or laptop wherever you are.
This looks like a great little gadget if your computer doesn't have a built-in tuner (like mine!)...
EINDHOVEN- The FreeTV200 is the latest multimedia/PC product from Marmitek. This innovative and practical device enables you to watch digital television on your PC or laptop.
What is the FreeTV200?
The Marmitek FreeTV200 consists of USB tuner and a small digital antenna. The FreeTV200 allows your laptop or PC to receive digital DVB T(*) signals so that you can watch all programmes that are broadcast digitally “Free-To-Air”.
(*)
DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) is a European standard for the digital transmission of radio stations and television channels. The DVB-T (Terrestrial) signal goes through the air and can be received anywhere. Most European countries broadcast Free-To-Air channels via DVB-T, which means that you can watch digital television without paying any subscription costs.
Always and everywhere
With the FreeTV200, you can watch TV programmes on your PC wherever you want: in the kitchen, bedroom or student flat. You can also watch TV on your laptop sitting comfortably in your garden or even at a pavement café.
The FreeTV200 is also ideal for holidays abroad. You can watch most television channels in other countries for free on your laptop. You will never have to miss major sporting events like the Tour de France, the European Football Championships or the World Cup, Wimbledon or Formula 1 Grand Prix ever again. Furthermore, small children can watch Sesame Street, the Teletubbies or Spongebob on the road or in your tent.
Laptop multimedia player
The FreeTV200 is supplied with CyberLink PowerCinema4 software that transforms your PC into an integrated multimedia player with which you can record TV programmes on your hard disk. The Time-Shift function allows you to pause programmes, skip commercial breaks and continue watching whenever you like. With the compact remote control supplied with the package, you can quickly and easily select TV channels. Last but not least, digital TV has better sound and picture quality compared with analogue TV and additional information services, such as for example, an electronic television guide are available.
Technical information
Which Free-To-Air channels you can receive depends on the range of DVB-T stations broadcast in your (local) region. The tuner is powered via the USB connection on the computer. Recommended system requirements: Intel Pentium III, 1.6 GHz CPU, USB 2.0 and Windows XP (Home of Pro).
The recommended retail price for the FreeTV200 is 54.95 GBP including VAT.
For more details go to:
http://www.marmitek.com/en/index_consumer.php?subgroep=63&product=362
This looks like a great little gadget if your computer doesn't have a built-in tuner (like mine!)...
EINDHOVEN- The FreeTV200 is the latest multimedia/PC product from Marmitek. This innovative and practical device enables you to watch digital television on your PC or laptop.
What is the FreeTV200?
The Marmitek FreeTV200 consists of USB tuner and a small digital antenna. The FreeTV200 allows your laptop or PC to receive digital DVB T(*) signals so that you can watch all programmes that are broadcast digitally “Free-To-Air”.
(*)
DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) is a European standard for the digital transmission of radio stations and television channels. The DVB-T (Terrestrial) signal goes through the air and can be received anywhere. Most European countries broadcast Free-To-Air channels via DVB-T, which means that you can watch digital television without paying any subscription costs.
Always and everywhere
With the FreeTV200, you can watch TV programmes on your PC wherever you want: in the kitchen, bedroom or student flat. You can also watch TV on your laptop sitting comfortably in your garden or even at a pavement café.
The FreeTV200 is also ideal for holidays abroad. You can watch most television channels in other countries for free on your laptop. You will never have to miss major sporting events like the Tour de France, the European Football Championships or the World Cup, Wimbledon or Formula 1 Grand Prix ever again. Furthermore, small children can watch Sesame Street, the Teletubbies or Spongebob on the road or in your tent.
Laptop multimedia player
The FreeTV200 is supplied with CyberLink PowerCinema4 software that transforms your PC into an integrated multimedia player with which you can record TV programmes on your hard disk. The Time-Shift function allows you to pause programmes, skip commercial breaks and continue watching whenever you like. With the compact remote control supplied with the package, you can quickly and easily select TV channels. Last but not least, digital TV has better sound and picture quality compared with analogue TV and additional information services, such as for example, an electronic television guide are available.
Technical information
Which Free-To-Air channels you can receive depends on the range of DVB-T stations broadcast in your (local) region. The tuner is powered via the USB connection on the computer. Recommended system requirements: Intel Pentium III, 1.6 GHz CPU, USB 2.0 and Windows XP (Home of Pro).
The recommended retail price for the FreeTV200 is 54.95 GBP including VAT.
For more details go to:
http://www.marmitek.com/en/index_consumer.php?subgroep=63&product=362
Monday, June 26, 2006
Kolchak
“I was inspired by the show Kolchak: The Night Stalker. It had really scared me as a kid and I wanted to do something as dark and mysterious as I remembered it to be.”
Chris Carter - X-Files producer
Before the X-Files, there was one extraordinary, supernatural, down-right eerie TV series that had viewers glued to their TV screens. That series was Kolchak. Playback is delighted to announce the release of chilling cult favourite Kolchak: The Night Stalker, for the first time ever on DVD. Chicago news reporter Karl Kolchak is a trouble magnet for situations involving the supernatural. His investigations involve delving into the most horrifying and gruesome of subjects – vampires, werewolves, zombies and much more.
Based on The Night Stalker, the highest rated TV movie of its time, each episode sees Kolchak deal with a supernatural (whether mystical, scientific, or alien) threat, which is usually the cause a series of grisly murders, involving blood draining, marrow loss, old age, spine snapping, or use of medieval weaponry. Inevitably, the local authorities are intent on ignoring or covering up the nature of the murders, while Kolchak's boss Tony Vincenzo refuses to believe his rebellious employee.
Kolchak is, as Chris Carter (creator of The X-Files) has stated, one of the main inspirations for his show, and from the beginning he sought to create something with a similar “spirit” to that of Kolchak.
Released on 21 August 2006, the box-set includes five discs featuring all 20 episodes from the original series, all digitally restored, providing hours of entertainment.
Title: Kolchak : The Night Stalker
Release Date: 21 August 2006
Recommended Retail Price: £34.99
Chris Carter - X-Files producer
Before the X-Files, there was one extraordinary, supernatural, down-right eerie TV series that had viewers glued to their TV screens. That series was Kolchak. Playback is delighted to announce the release of chilling cult favourite Kolchak: The Night Stalker, for the first time ever on DVD. Chicago news reporter Karl Kolchak is a trouble magnet for situations involving the supernatural. His investigations involve delving into the most horrifying and gruesome of subjects – vampires, werewolves, zombies and much more.
Based on The Night Stalker, the highest rated TV movie of its time, each episode sees Kolchak deal with a supernatural (whether mystical, scientific, or alien) threat, which is usually the cause a series of grisly murders, involving blood draining, marrow loss, old age, spine snapping, or use of medieval weaponry. Inevitably, the local authorities are intent on ignoring or covering up the nature of the murders, while Kolchak's boss Tony Vincenzo refuses to believe his rebellious employee.
Kolchak is, as Chris Carter (creator of The X-Files) has stated, one of the main inspirations for his show, and from the beginning he sought to create something with a similar “spirit” to that of Kolchak.
Released on 21 August 2006, the box-set includes five discs featuring all 20 episodes from the original series, all digitally restored, providing hours of entertainment.
Title: Kolchak : The Night Stalker
Release Date: 21 August 2006
Recommended Retail Price: £34.99
Ireland On Screen
Compare and contrast
Fictionalised accounts of Britain in Ireland on the big screen.
Britain’s troubled history in Ireland since the War of Independence has been explored in many fiction films. Upon the release of Ken Loach’s Cannes-winner THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY, the Cornerhouse cinema (Manchester, UK) presents a brief overview of such films, from the first ever fictionalised account of the War of Independence to Hollywood blockbuster MICHAEL COLLINS.
One of the season highlights includes a rare screenings of 1926 Irish film IRISH DESTINY. Made just 10 years after the events it depicts, the film was a box office record breaker in Dublin but was banned by the BBFC upon its attempted release. The film was eventually released in 1928 under the title of MOTHER IRELAND having been cut and minus scenes from the Black and Tans. Believed lost and recently re-discovered and restored, IRISH DESTINY charts a love story involving a middle-class IRA fighter and his fiancée set against the background of the fight for independence. The love affair is interwoven with incidents from the war, shown through actuality material (including footage of the Black and Tans and the burning of Cork) as well as a reconstruction of the mass escape from the Curragh internment camp and the burning of the Customs House.
On Saturday 1 July there will be a screening of the multiple Oscar winning John Ford film The Informer. Adapted from Liam O’Flaherty’s novel THE INFORMER is set in 1917 and tells the story of drunken IRA man Gypo Nolan who informs on his leader to the Black & Tans for £20 then struggles to undue his treachery.
The season will also enable audience to contrast Ken Loach’s THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY with HIDDEN AGENDA, his previous exploration of Britain's stormy relationship with Ireland, but also with a film he vehemently rejects, Neil Jordan’s MICHAEL COLLINS.
The season comes to a climax with controversial and critically acclaimed BLOODY SUNDAY. Originally made for TV, UNITED 93 director Paul Greengrass' powerful docudrama follows the events of the infamous Bloody Sunday in January 30, 1972 when British soldiers in Derry opened fire on a peaceful protest march, killing 13 demonstrators and wounding a further 14.
Fictionalised accounts of Britain in Ireland on the big screen.
Britain’s troubled history in Ireland since the War of Independence has been explored in many fiction films. Upon the release of Ken Loach’s Cannes-winner THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY, the Cornerhouse cinema (Manchester, UK) presents a brief overview of such films, from the first ever fictionalised account of the War of Independence to Hollywood blockbuster MICHAEL COLLINS.
One of the season highlights includes a rare screenings of 1926 Irish film IRISH DESTINY. Made just 10 years after the events it depicts, the film was a box office record breaker in Dublin but was banned by the BBFC upon its attempted release. The film was eventually released in 1928 under the title of MOTHER IRELAND having been cut and minus scenes from the Black and Tans. Believed lost and recently re-discovered and restored, IRISH DESTINY charts a love story involving a middle-class IRA fighter and his fiancée set against the background of the fight for independence. The love affair is interwoven with incidents from the war, shown through actuality material (including footage of the Black and Tans and the burning of Cork) as well as a reconstruction of the mass escape from the Curragh internment camp and the burning of the Customs House.
On Saturday 1 July there will be a screening of the multiple Oscar winning John Ford film The Informer. Adapted from Liam O’Flaherty’s novel THE INFORMER is set in 1917 and tells the story of drunken IRA man Gypo Nolan who informs on his leader to the Black & Tans for £20 then struggles to undue his treachery.
The season will also enable audience to contrast Ken Loach’s THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY with HIDDEN AGENDA, his previous exploration of Britain's stormy relationship with Ireland, but also with a film he vehemently rejects, Neil Jordan’s MICHAEL COLLINS.
The season comes to a climax with controversial and critically acclaimed BLOODY SUNDAY. Originally made for TV, UNITED 93 director Paul Greengrass' powerful docudrama follows the events of the infamous Bloody Sunday in January 30, 1972 when British soldiers in Derry opened fire on a peaceful protest march, killing 13 demonstrators and wounding a further 14.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Live And Become Release
‘brave, moving and compassionate’
The Observer
Radu Mihaileanu’s
Live And Become
‘a remarkable trio of performances’
Toronto Star
The Works is thrilled to announce the release of Radu Mihaileanu’s award-winning, fact-based drama of a young boy’s search for identity, Live And Become.
Picking up three awards at The Berlin International Film Festival, Live And Become is a gripping story of deception and survival; a beautifully crafted coming of age tale about the fate of a young refugee told with warmth and humour.
Ethiopia 1984: civil war and famine rage. As thousands of displaced Africans crowd into Sudanese refugee camps, American and Israeli troops organise “Operation Moses”, a mission aimed at relocating the wandering Falashas, Ethiopian Jews who claim direct lineage back to King Solomon's days, to Israel. Forced by his Christian mother to declare himself Jewish to escape starvation, young Solomon (Moshe Agazai) is swept away to Israel.
Arriving in Tel Aviv, the boy is declared an orphan and adopted by a local French family. He begins a new life constantly fearing the discovery of a double lie – that he is neither orphaned nor Jewish. Solomon – now renamed Schlomo – does his best to adapt to his new surroundings as his presumed salvation slowly gives way to the inner decay of a fading identity.
This is Mihaileanu’s second feature following on from Train Of Life, another intensely moving film continuing the theme of Jewish identity, which itself won the Audience award at the Sundance film festival.
Garnering the Panorama Audience award, Label Europa Cinema and the prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the Berlin Film Festival, Mihaileanu’s heart-wrenching story of a boy bravely confronting ignorance and prejudice will be available on DVD courtesy of The Works from 14 August 2006.
Title: Live And Become Release Date: 14 August 2006 RRP: £19.99
The Observer
Radu Mihaileanu’s
Live And Become
‘a remarkable trio of performances’
Toronto Star
The Works is thrilled to announce the release of Radu Mihaileanu’s award-winning, fact-based drama of a young boy’s search for identity, Live And Become.
Picking up three awards at The Berlin International Film Festival, Live And Become is a gripping story of deception and survival; a beautifully crafted coming of age tale about the fate of a young refugee told with warmth and humour.
Ethiopia 1984: civil war and famine rage. As thousands of displaced Africans crowd into Sudanese refugee camps, American and Israeli troops organise “Operation Moses”, a mission aimed at relocating the wandering Falashas, Ethiopian Jews who claim direct lineage back to King Solomon's days, to Israel. Forced by his Christian mother to declare himself Jewish to escape starvation, young Solomon (Moshe Agazai) is swept away to Israel.
Arriving in Tel Aviv, the boy is declared an orphan and adopted by a local French family. He begins a new life constantly fearing the discovery of a double lie – that he is neither orphaned nor Jewish. Solomon – now renamed Schlomo – does his best to adapt to his new surroundings as his presumed salvation slowly gives way to the inner decay of a fading identity.
This is Mihaileanu’s second feature following on from Train Of Life, another intensely moving film continuing the theme of Jewish identity, which itself won the Audience award at the Sundance film festival.
Garnering the Panorama Audience award, Label Europa Cinema and the prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the Berlin Film Festival, Mihaileanu’s heart-wrenching story of a boy bravely confronting ignorance and prejudice will be available on DVD courtesy of The Works from 14 August 2006.
Title: Live And Become Release Date: 14 August 2006 RRP: £19.99
Vividas puts high-definition in the picture
High-definition live and recorded video streaming available through standard 2MB broadband connection for the first time.Vividas, one of the world's leading developers and providers of full-screen video streaming technology, today announces the addition of high-definition output to its landmark Vivcast Encoding Suite. The extra functionality, which comes as part of Vividas' standard product set, allows full screen, high-definition video content to be streamed over the web to a virtually unlimited global audience for the first time.
Vividas' technology deploys the high-definition IP TV solution on standard web infrastructure. Both pre-recorded and live video content will benefit from the development, allowing audiences to experience a quantum leap in the quality of video streamed over the Internet.
Phil Sellick, European Service Director at Vividas, comments: "By allowing true high-definition streaming output, on standard broadband speeds, Vividas opens the market for broadband suppliers, resellers and even corporates to compete directly with traditional broadcasters. Vivcast provides them with a credible IP TV solution, but none of the capital outlay, as it can operate on the existing web infrastructure."
For more information visit www.vividas.com
Vividas' technology deploys the high-definition IP TV solution on standard web infrastructure. Both pre-recorded and live video content will benefit from the development, allowing audiences to experience a quantum leap in the quality of video streamed over the Internet.
Phil Sellick, European Service Director at Vividas, comments: "By allowing true high-definition streaming output, on standard broadband speeds, Vividas opens the market for broadband suppliers, resellers and even corporates to compete directly with traditional broadcasters. Vivcast provides them with a credible IP TV solution, but none of the capital outlay, as it can operate on the existing web infrastructure."
For more information visit www.vividas.com
Ludwig
Infinity Arthouse is delighted to announce the release of the critically acclaimed
masterpiece Ludwig from one of Italian cinema’s most influential post-war directors,
Luchino Visconti. It will available for the first time ever on DVD on 19 June 2006.
Visconti’s 1972 film is a lavish portrait of Ludwig II, the sexually ambiguous ‘Mad
King’ of Bavaria. From his glittering coronation to his mysterious suicide, Ludwig II
(1845-86) was tormented by his unrequited love for his cousin, Empress Elizabeth of
Austria. But as war raged around him, he retreated into a fantasy world, alarming his
ministers through his irrational behaviour, neglect of state affairs and lavish
expenditure castles. Judged unfit to rule, Ludwig was declared insane.
Controversially cut on its release, it is now available in its full four-hour glory.
Ludwig features commanding performances from Helmut Berger (The Damned) as
Ludwig, Trevor Howard (Brief Encounter) as Wagner, Romy Schneider (Maedchen
in Uniform) as Elizabeth and Gert Fröbe (Goldfinger) as Father Hoffman.
Despite being born into the Italian aristocracy, Count Luchino Visconti (1906-76) was
a life-long leftist and anti-Fascist. His first feature was Ossessione (1942) and his
style soon shifted from the neo-realism of Rocco and his Brothers to the deeply
personal style epitomized by Senso, The Leopard, the Academy Award® nominated
The Damned, Death in Venice Conversation Piece and The Innocent.
Extras:
The Perfume of a Primrose: Silvana Mangano
Italian Portraits: Suso Cecchi d’Amic
Documentary on Luchino Visconti directed by Carlo Lizzani
Title: Ludwig
Language: Italian (subtitled)
Release Date: 19 June 2006
RRP: £19.99
‘a majestic work of the imagination’
The Times
Luchino Visconti’s
Ludwig
‘quite an experience’
The Guardian
masterpiece Ludwig from one of Italian cinema’s most influential post-war directors,
Luchino Visconti. It will available for the first time ever on DVD on 19 June 2006.
Visconti’s 1972 film is a lavish portrait of Ludwig II, the sexually ambiguous ‘Mad
King’ of Bavaria. From his glittering coronation to his mysterious suicide, Ludwig II
(1845-86) was tormented by his unrequited love for his cousin, Empress Elizabeth of
Austria. But as war raged around him, he retreated into a fantasy world, alarming his
ministers through his irrational behaviour, neglect of state affairs and lavish
expenditure castles. Judged unfit to rule, Ludwig was declared insane.
Controversially cut on its release, it is now available in its full four-hour glory.
Ludwig features commanding performances from Helmut Berger (The Damned) as
Ludwig, Trevor Howard (Brief Encounter) as Wagner, Romy Schneider (Maedchen
in Uniform) as Elizabeth and Gert Fröbe (Goldfinger) as Father Hoffman.
Despite being born into the Italian aristocracy, Count Luchino Visconti (1906-76) was
a life-long leftist and anti-Fascist. His first feature was Ossessione (1942) and his
style soon shifted from the neo-realism of Rocco and his Brothers to the deeply
personal style epitomized by Senso, The Leopard, the Academy Award® nominated
The Damned, Death in Venice Conversation Piece and The Innocent.
Extras:
The Perfume of a Primrose: Silvana Mangano
Italian Portraits: Suso Cecchi d’Amic
Documentary on Luchino Visconti directed by Carlo Lizzani
Title: Ludwig
Language: Italian (subtitled)
Release Date: 19 June 2006
RRP: £19.99
‘a majestic work of the imagination’
The Times
Luchino Visconti’s
Ludwig
‘quite an experience’
The Guardian
Quadrophenia
“Quadrophenia is My Generation writ large”
Pete Thownsend- The Who
QUADROPHENIA
SPECIAL EDITION DVD
“A genuine musical milestone crackling with energy and great performances”
Radio Times
August: the time for summer holidays, Bank holidays and, back in the 1960s, if you were a mod or rocker, a time to head to seaside resorts for an almighty punch-up. This August, that classic British pastime – mods versus rockers – is relived as Universal Pictures releases the Special Edition of Quadrophenia, the classic film that has inspired generations of youths since its release in1979.
Available on DVD from 7 August 2006 this Special Edition two-disc DVD, includes:
* Digitally remastered widescreen picture
* Brand new stereo audio track
* A Way Of Life : Making Quadrophenia – A restrospective documentary looking back 25 years to the making of one of the most significant ‘youth’ films to emerge in the UK
* On Location With Franc – Franc Roddam revisits several locations used in the film
* Audio Commentary – With director Franc Roddam and actors Phil Daniels and Leslie Ash.
Quadrophenia, based on The Who’s seminal rock opera from the early 1970s presaged the mod revival of late 70s Britain. It introduced a new wave of Brit actors, including Phil Daniels, to audiences and has proved to be an inspiration to scores of bands, film-makers and British youth ever since. It is safe to say that, without Quadrophenia, there would have been no Britpop… This truly is a landmark British film.
It’s 1964 London and two youth cults emerge – the mods and the rockers – with explosive consequences. For Jimmy (Phil Daniels) and his sharp-suited, pill popping, scooter riding mates, being a mod is a way of life. Together they head off to Brighton for an orgy of drugs, thrills and headline-making violent clashes with the rockers.
Directed by Franc Roddam in his first feature length outing, the film also stars Toyah Wilcox, Mark Wingett, John Altman, Leslie Ash, Ray Winstone and Sting.
Title: Quadrophenia Special Edition Release Date: 7 August 2006 Recommended Retail Price: £17.99
Pete Thownsend- The Who
QUADROPHENIA
SPECIAL EDITION DVD
“A genuine musical milestone crackling with energy and great performances”
Radio Times
August: the time for summer holidays, Bank holidays and, back in the 1960s, if you were a mod or rocker, a time to head to seaside resorts for an almighty punch-up. This August, that classic British pastime – mods versus rockers – is relived as Universal Pictures releases the Special Edition of Quadrophenia, the classic film that has inspired generations of youths since its release in1979.
Available on DVD from 7 August 2006 this Special Edition two-disc DVD, includes:
* Digitally remastered widescreen picture
* Brand new stereo audio track
* A Way Of Life : Making Quadrophenia – A restrospective documentary looking back 25 years to the making of one of the most significant ‘youth’ films to emerge in the UK
* On Location With Franc – Franc Roddam revisits several locations used in the film
* Audio Commentary – With director Franc Roddam and actors Phil Daniels and Leslie Ash.
Quadrophenia, based on The Who’s seminal rock opera from the early 1970s presaged the mod revival of late 70s Britain. It introduced a new wave of Brit actors, including Phil Daniels, to audiences and has proved to be an inspiration to scores of bands, film-makers and British youth ever since. It is safe to say that, without Quadrophenia, there would have been no Britpop… This truly is a landmark British film.
It’s 1964 London and two youth cults emerge – the mods and the rockers – with explosive consequences. For Jimmy (Phil Daniels) and his sharp-suited, pill popping, scooter riding mates, being a mod is a way of life. Together they head off to Brighton for an orgy of drugs, thrills and headline-making violent clashes with the rockers.
Directed by Franc Roddam in his first feature length outing, the film also stars Toyah Wilcox, Mark Wingett, John Altman, Leslie Ash, Ray Winstone and Sting.
Title: Quadrophenia Special Edition Release Date: 7 August 2006 Recommended Retail Price: £17.99
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Atash (Thirst)
Winner of the International Critics' Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, this beautiful and powerful debut feature from the brilliant young Arab filmmaker, Tawfik Abu Wael, is also an important groundbreaking collaboration between a Palestinian writer/director and an Israeli producer, financiers and crew - the first of its kind.
Abu Shukri and his family have settled alone in a valley far from their home town. Tyrannical father Shukri rules the home with an iron fist, forcing his wife and three children to burn fires all day to make charcoal. When he decides to build a pipeline to bring fresh water to their home, it awakens their instinct for freedom, but carries with it tragic consequences for the entire family.
Featuring haunting music, stunning cinematography and incredibly moving performances from the non-professional cast, 'Atash' is a complex, assured and vivid first feature from an exciting filmmaker, and one to watch for the future.
"Undoubtedly a beautiful film. Abu Wael is arguable the most exciting Arab film-maker to have emerged in more than a decade."
SIGHT AND SOUND
"impressive... a bold, brave film."
Geoff Andrew - TIME OUT
"A confident, beautifully composed film."
Philip French - THE OBSERVER
"wonderfully poetic visual ideas... a thoroughly compelling fable."
CHANNEL FOUR
Running Time: 109 Minutes
Certificate: 12
In Arabic with English subtitles
DVD Bonus material includes:
Director Tawfik Abu Wael's award-winning short film "Diary of A Male Whore"
Interview with the Director
Theatrical trailer
Stills gallery
OUT ON DVD 24TH JULY 2006
Abu Shukri and his family have settled alone in a valley far from their home town. Tyrannical father Shukri rules the home with an iron fist, forcing his wife and three children to burn fires all day to make charcoal. When he decides to build a pipeline to bring fresh water to their home, it awakens their instinct for freedom, but carries with it tragic consequences for the entire family.
Featuring haunting music, stunning cinematography and incredibly moving performances from the non-professional cast, 'Atash' is a complex, assured and vivid first feature from an exciting filmmaker, and one to watch for the future.
"Undoubtedly a beautiful film. Abu Wael is arguable the most exciting Arab film-maker to have emerged in more than a decade."
SIGHT AND SOUND
"impressive... a bold, brave film."
Geoff Andrew - TIME OUT
"A confident, beautifully composed film."
Philip French - THE OBSERVER
"wonderfully poetic visual ideas... a thoroughly compelling fable."
CHANNEL FOUR
Running Time: 109 Minutes
Certificate: 12
In Arabic with English subtitles
DVD Bonus material includes:
Director Tawfik Abu Wael's award-winning short film "Diary of A Male Whore"
Interview with the Director
Theatrical trailer
Stills gallery
OUT ON DVD 24TH JULY 2006
Brief Crossing
‘The finest film yet from the ever-provocative Breillat’
Time Out
For the first time ever on DVD comes the release of controversial director Catherine Breillat’s provocative but meaningful film Brief Crossing. It will be available courtesy of Second Sight on 28 August 2006.
Breillat has never been one to shy away from the explicit in her search for a better rendering of human emotion with some of her films such as Romance and A Ma Soeur demonstrating a level of explicitness never before seen in mainstream cinema.
On an overnight ferry ride across the English Channel, French sixteen-year-old Thomas strikes up a conversation with English thirty-something Alice. Throughout the long evening, both are angling for physical affection, but their interaction remains awkwardly verbal while they work up the courage to overcome their inhibitions. The inexperienced Guillain has little in common with the worldly Pratt, so she does most of the talking, launching several bitter assessments of the male species even as the soft-spoken teenager chips away at her defenses. The question is, who is the seducer? With the sexual tension building they head for Alice’s cabin.
From the controversial director of Romance and A Ma Soeur comes a compelling and explicit portrayal of a brief sexual encounter that leads to a bitter conclusion.
Title: Brief Crossing
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Time Out
For the first time ever on DVD comes the release of controversial director Catherine Breillat’s provocative but meaningful film Brief Crossing. It will be available courtesy of Second Sight on 28 August 2006.
Breillat has never been one to shy away from the explicit in her search for a better rendering of human emotion with some of her films such as Romance and A Ma Soeur demonstrating a level of explicitness never before seen in mainstream cinema.
On an overnight ferry ride across the English Channel, French sixteen-year-old Thomas strikes up a conversation with English thirty-something Alice. Throughout the long evening, both are angling for physical affection, but their interaction remains awkwardly verbal while they work up the courage to overcome their inhibitions. The inexperienced Guillain has little in common with the worldly Pratt, so she does most of the talking, launching several bitter assessments of the male species even as the soft-spoken teenager chips away at her defenses. The question is, who is the seducer? With the sexual tension building they head for Alice’s cabin.
From the controversial director of Romance and A Ma Soeur comes a compelling and explicit portrayal of a brief sexual encounter that leads to a bitter conclusion.
Title: Brief Crossing
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Noce Blanche
'a poetic insight into taboo sex’
Mail on Sunday
‘a Gallic Fatal Attraction’
Sunday Telegraph
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of Jean-Claude Brisseau’s critically acclaimed Noce Banche, starring the stunningly beautiful Vanessa Paradis, the singer turned actress, in her feature film debut. It will be released on DVD on 28 August 2006.
Francois (Bruno Cremer) is a happily married fifty-year-old philosophy teacher. He becomes concerned that his rebellious student Mathilde (Paradis) is going to be expelled for truancy, so he sets out to try and help her. Soon his altruistic affection develops into and passionate desire and he is drawn into a passionate relationship with this enigmatic but brilliant teenager. Realising the error of his ways, he attempts to end the relationship. This however becomes impossible as the stubborn and possessive Mathilde refuses to let go, which has dramatic and dangerous ramifications for all concerned.
This haunting tale of obsessive love that won Vanessa Paradis a Cesar award for ‘most promising actress’, is skilfully directed by writer/director Brisseau and asks startling questions about the nature of desire and the consequences of succumbing to it.
Available for the first time on DVD, Noce Blanche (translated meaning ‘white wedding’) is a powerfully acted and potent piece of cinema.
Title: Noce Blanche
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Mail on Sunday
‘a Gallic Fatal Attraction’
Sunday Telegraph
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of Jean-Claude Brisseau’s critically acclaimed Noce Banche, starring the stunningly beautiful Vanessa Paradis, the singer turned actress, in her feature film debut. It will be released on DVD on 28 August 2006.
Francois (Bruno Cremer) is a happily married fifty-year-old philosophy teacher. He becomes concerned that his rebellious student Mathilde (Paradis) is going to be expelled for truancy, so he sets out to try and help her. Soon his altruistic affection develops into and passionate desire and he is drawn into a passionate relationship with this enigmatic but brilliant teenager. Realising the error of his ways, he attempts to end the relationship. This however becomes impossible as the stubborn and possessive Mathilde refuses to let go, which has dramatic and dangerous ramifications for all concerned.
This haunting tale of obsessive love that won Vanessa Paradis a Cesar award for ‘most promising actress’, is skilfully directed by writer/director Brisseau and asks startling questions about the nature of desire and the consequences of succumbing to it.
Available for the first time on DVD, Noce Blanche (translated meaning ‘white wedding’) is a powerfully acted and potent piece of cinema.
Title: Noce Blanche
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Tony Takitani
An award-winning and unprecedented film adaptation of the work of internationally-acclaimed author, HARUKI MURAKAMI, director JUN ICHIKAWA brings to the screen Murakami’s emotive tale of solitude and obsession accompanied by a haunting original soundtrack from Academy Award-winning composer and musician, RYUICHI SAKAMOTO. Starring ISSEY OGATA (“The Sun”) and RIE MIYAZAWA, this unique film is one of the finest adaptations of the work of a major writer ever brought to the screen, and the only feature film adaptation of Murakami’s work to date.
Haruki Murakami has earned international acclaim and best-seller success with novels including Kafka On The Shore and The Wind Up Bird Chronicles. His short story ‘Tony Takitani’ was first published in English translation in The New Yorker in 2002. It will appear in hardback for the first time in this country as part of Murakami’s new short story collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, due out on 6th July 2006.
Tony Takitani had a solitary childhood. Used to being self-sufficient, Tony seems to find emotions illogical and immature; until he meets and becomes fascinated by Eiko, a woman who in turn is fascinated by high end fashion.
“something approaching perfection”
Philip French, THE OBSERVER
(4 STARS) CRITICS’ CHOICE
TIME OUT
"...a pearl." (4 STARS)
THE FINANCIAL TIMES
“Sublime” (4 STARS)
EMPIRE
“A masterclass in how to adapt visually”
TANK MAGAZINE
Running Time: 75 minutes
Certificate: U
In Japanese with English Subtitles
DVD bonus material includes:
* Documentary film “The Making of Tony Takitani” (1’07”)
* Theatrical trailer
* Stills Gallery
RELEASED ON DVD 24th JULY 2006
Haruki Murakami has earned international acclaim and best-seller success with novels including Kafka On The Shore and The Wind Up Bird Chronicles. His short story ‘Tony Takitani’ was first published in English translation in The New Yorker in 2002. It will appear in hardback for the first time in this country as part of Murakami’s new short story collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, due out on 6th July 2006.
Tony Takitani had a solitary childhood. Used to being self-sufficient, Tony seems to find emotions illogical and immature; until he meets and becomes fascinated by Eiko, a woman who in turn is fascinated by high end fashion.
“something approaching perfection”
Philip French, THE OBSERVER
(4 STARS) CRITICS’ CHOICE
TIME OUT
"...a pearl." (4 STARS)
THE FINANCIAL TIMES
“Sublime” (4 STARS)
EMPIRE
“A masterclass in how to adapt visually”
TANK MAGAZINE
Running Time: 75 minutes
Certificate: U
In Japanese with English Subtitles
DVD bonus material includes:
* Documentary film “The Making of Tony Takitani” (1’07”)
* Theatrical trailer
* Stills Gallery
RELEASED ON DVD 24th JULY 2006
Deck Dogz
Directed by Steve Pasvolsky
“dynamic drama…authentic velocity”
Variety
Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of the action-packed skate movie Deck Dogz, featuring a rare performance from the legendary international skate
superstar and 12 times world champion Tony Hawk. It will be released for the first time on DVD on 24 July 2006.
The DVD is fully loaded with a host of awesome special features including:
Commentaries with the director and skate doubles
Deleted scenes
Tony Hawk featurette
Animation featurette
Making of Deck Dogz
Real life Deck Dogz
Spasm featurette
Skater dictionary
Featuring some of the most amazing skateboard action ever seen on screen, Deck
Dogz follows the adventures of three teenage suburban skaters (the Deck Dogz) as they
embark on a quest in pursuit of their dream; to make it big in pro-skating. If only they can compete in front of their hero, skate star Tony Hawk, it might just give them their lucky break…
Written and directed by the Oscar nominated Steve Pasvolsky, with an exhilarating mix
of red-hot skateboard action, off-the-wall animation and a pumping soundtrack by
Johnny Klimek and Reinhold Heil (Run Lola Run), Deck Dogz takes a deck-grinding,
wickedly funny look at friendship, growing up and following your dreams.
Title: Deck Dogz
Release Date: 24 July 2006
RRP
(recommended retail price):
£15.99
“dynamic drama…authentic velocity”
Variety
Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of the action-packed skate movie Deck Dogz, featuring a rare performance from the legendary international skate
superstar and 12 times world champion Tony Hawk. It will be released for the first time on DVD on 24 July 2006.
The DVD is fully loaded with a host of awesome special features including:
Commentaries with the director and skate doubles
Deleted scenes
Tony Hawk featurette
Animation featurette
Making of Deck Dogz
Real life Deck Dogz
Spasm featurette
Skater dictionary
Featuring some of the most amazing skateboard action ever seen on screen, Deck
Dogz follows the adventures of three teenage suburban skaters (the Deck Dogz) as they
embark on a quest in pursuit of their dream; to make it big in pro-skating. If only they can compete in front of their hero, skate star Tony Hawk, it might just give them their lucky break…
Written and directed by the Oscar nominated Steve Pasvolsky, with an exhilarating mix
of red-hot skateboard action, off-the-wall animation and a pumping soundtrack by
Johnny Klimek and Reinhold Heil (Run Lola Run), Deck Dogz takes a deck-grinding,
wickedly funny look at friendship, growing up and following your dreams.
Title: Deck Dogz
Release Date: 24 July 2006
RRP
(recommended retail price):
£15.99
Seducing Dr Lewis
“… plays like a tribute to the very best of Ealing and Bill Forsyth” – Channel 4
“Very funny! Warm, sweet.....” – New York Times
THE RECIPIENT of a host of national and international awards - including the Audience Award (World Cinema) at the Sundance Film Festival - ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is the hugely acclaimed new comedy that has been delighting audiences wherever it has played. Fresh from its successful UK theatrical opening courtesy of Dogwoof Productions, Warner Vision is now delighted to announce that the title will be released on DVD on 26th June.
Directed by Jean-François Pouliot, ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is a charming and very funny take on truth and falsehood that follows in the hallowed footsteps of the likes of ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Local Hero’. It has the rare distinction of being selected for Sundance, Cannes (Closing Night, Director’s Fortnight) and Toronto (Special Presentation). In French Canada, the film grossed over an incredible $8 million, topping the likes of ‘The Matrix Reloaded’.
‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ was produced in Canada and is filmed in French with English subtitles.
In the little harbour village of St-Marie-La-Mauderne, the vanishing fish stocks have had a devastating impact on the once thriving community. When a small company considers building a factory on the island, the inhabitants see an opportunity for the village to be restored to greatness. There is just one fly in the ointment - the factory cannot be built without a resident doctor.
The situation seems hopeless until young, handsome and sophisticated Montreal-based physician Dr Lewis (David Boutin) has an unfortunate incident with a traffic cop and strikes a deal to spend a month on the island.
Led by their mayor, Germain Lesage (Raymond Bouchard), the villagers determine to make sure that Dr Lewis’ temporary stay becomes a permanent one. From tapped phones to a hastily assembled cricket team to something called Festival de Beef Stroganoff, they’ll do everything they can to convince the doc that their little town offers all the charms of a thriving metropolis.
However, as their deception continues, so it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.
Release Date: 26 June 2006
Cat No: 51011-4424-2
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 104 minutes
Retail Price: £17.99
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and DTS 5.1 surround
Subtitles: English
Bonus Features: Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery, Theatrical Poster
“Very funny! Warm, sweet.....” – New York Times
THE RECIPIENT of a host of national and international awards - including the Audience Award (World Cinema) at the Sundance Film Festival - ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is the hugely acclaimed new comedy that has been delighting audiences wherever it has played. Fresh from its successful UK theatrical opening courtesy of Dogwoof Productions, Warner Vision is now delighted to announce that the title will be released on DVD on 26th June.
Directed by Jean-François Pouliot, ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is a charming and very funny take on truth and falsehood that follows in the hallowed footsteps of the likes of ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Local Hero’. It has the rare distinction of being selected for Sundance, Cannes (Closing Night, Director’s Fortnight) and Toronto (Special Presentation). In French Canada, the film grossed over an incredible $8 million, topping the likes of ‘The Matrix Reloaded’.
‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ was produced in Canada and is filmed in French with English subtitles.
In the little harbour village of St-Marie-La-Mauderne, the vanishing fish stocks have had a devastating impact on the once thriving community. When a small company considers building a factory on the island, the inhabitants see an opportunity for the village to be restored to greatness. There is just one fly in the ointment - the factory cannot be built without a resident doctor.
The situation seems hopeless until young, handsome and sophisticated Montreal-based physician Dr Lewis (David Boutin) has an unfortunate incident with a traffic cop and strikes a deal to spend a month on the island.
Led by their mayor, Germain Lesage (Raymond Bouchard), the villagers determine to make sure that Dr Lewis’ temporary stay becomes a permanent one. From tapped phones to a hastily assembled cricket team to something called Festival de Beef Stroganoff, they’ll do everything they can to convince the doc that their little town offers all the charms of a thriving metropolis.
However, as their deception continues, so it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.
Release Date: 26 June 2006
Cat No: 51011-4424-2
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 104 minutes
Retail Price: £17.99
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and DTS 5.1 surround
Subtitles: English
Bonus Features: Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery, Theatrical Poster
J-HORROR - REINCARNATION
From the people who brought you the original Ring trilogy, the Ju-On movies, Dark
Water and the re-make of The Grudge, comes an exciting new wave of films that will
once again re-invigorate the horror genre and prove that Japanese cinema has lost
none of its ability to scare the living sushi out of audiences.
Takashige “Taka” Ichise, the producer of these hugely successful movies, all of
which have spawned Hollywood remakes, is currently producing a new ongoing
series of six horror films under the banner of J-Horror. Three films have already been completed and will be released on DVD courtesy of Tartan Video Asia Extreme.
Premonition is available on 26 June 2006, Infection on 24 July 2006 and
Reincarnation the third in the series will be released on 21August 2006.
REINCARNATION
RELEASE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2006
RRP: £19.99
From acclaimed director Takashi Shimizu (The Grudge) comes the
third instalment of the J-Horror series. On the set of a film based on a
series of horrific murders committed during the 1970s, a young actress
begins to experience the murders as if they were actually happening
around her.When she discovers of a mysterious 8mm camera and has
it developed, it leads to a string of terrifying consequences. This atmospheric and
involving mystery is a supernatural whodunit directed with consummate style.
Special Features: DTS Digital 5.1 Surround, Original Theatrical Trailer, Tartan
Trailer Reel.
INFECTION - RELEASE DATE: 27 JULY 2006
RRP: £19.99
A patient in a hospital dies due to malpractice. In a panic, the doctors responsible
stage a cover-up. Shortly thereafter, another patient is left at the hospital doors dying of bizarre symptoms. When the patient dies, the doctors involved in the cover-up begin acting strangely…then one by one develop the same mysterious and deadly symptoms.
PREMONITION – OUT NOW
RRP: £19.99
Premonition sees director Norio Tsuruta (Ring 0) weave a chilling tale of a man who
can foresee the future.
Water and the re-make of The Grudge, comes an exciting new wave of films that will
once again re-invigorate the horror genre and prove that Japanese cinema has lost
none of its ability to scare the living sushi out of audiences.
Takashige “Taka” Ichise, the producer of these hugely successful movies, all of
which have spawned Hollywood remakes, is currently producing a new ongoing
series of six horror films under the banner of J-Horror. Three films have already been completed and will be released on DVD courtesy of Tartan Video Asia Extreme.
Premonition is available on 26 June 2006, Infection on 24 July 2006 and
Reincarnation the third in the series will be released on 21August 2006.
REINCARNATION
RELEASE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2006
RRP: £19.99
From acclaimed director Takashi Shimizu (The Grudge) comes the
third instalment of the J-Horror series. On the set of a film based on a
series of horrific murders committed during the 1970s, a young actress
begins to experience the murders as if they were actually happening
around her.When she discovers of a mysterious 8mm camera and has
it developed, it leads to a string of terrifying consequences. This atmospheric and
involving mystery is a supernatural whodunit directed with consummate style.
Special Features: DTS Digital 5.1 Surround, Original Theatrical Trailer, Tartan
Trailer Reel.
INFECTION - RELEASE DATE: 27 JULY 2006
RRP: £19.99
A patient in a hospital dies due to malpractice. In a panic, the doctors responsible
stage a cover-up. Shortly thereafter, another patient is left at the hospital doors dying of bizarre symptoms. When the patient dies, the doctors involved in the cover-up begin acting strangely…then one by one develop the same mysterious and deadly symptoms.
PREMONITION – OUT NOW
RRP: £19.99
Premonition sees director Norio Tsuruta (Ring 0) weave a chilling tale of a man who
can foresee the future.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Nostradamus
TV debut for 'chancer' Nostradamus
He has been credited with predicting the death of kings, the rise of tyrants and catastrophes like 9/11, but Nostradamus was just a 'chancer', according to the man who has brought the prophet of doom to the small screen.
Scriptwriter John Milne, a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, has uncovered the myth and speculation behind the legendary figure in the Discovery Channel's first ever factual drama, tomorrow night (Wednesday 17 May, 2006, 9pm).
The lecturer of English says Nostradamus, whose cryptic poems are still claimed by some to have predicted events from the rise of Hitler to the destruction of the space shuttle Challenger, was handsome, charming and an opportunist, contrary to public opinion.
Bermondsey-born John said:
"People have an image of Nostradamus as an old man; a wizard-type figure with white hair and a long beard, but we've portrayed him as a handsome young man, a bit of a charmer really. He was a complex personality though, and the programme is about revealing the person behind the myth.
"It's a real historical story of a man who was involved in some amazing events. It explores his relationship with the French Queen, Catherine de Medici, and how he predicted the death of King Henry II, who was killed when a lance punctured his eye."
The programme, which stars Oliver Dimsdale (He Knew He Was Right) as the prophet and Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave, Waking the Dead) as Catherine de Medici, is based on actual events and information from historical documents and private journals.
"It's a fascinating story, but in my opinion, Nostradamus was just a plague doctor who took his chance. In an age of global terror, his predictions still strike a chord because they seem to address some deep-seated need in human nature to find a way to explain seemingly inexplicable events; the feeling that there could be something more out there".
Born Michel de Nostredame in 1503, Nostradamus has become one of the world's most widely known and read prophets. He wrote 942 cryptic 'quatrains', which he organised into 'Centuries'.
John Milne has written for The Bill, Silent Witness and Waking the Dead. His other television credits include episodes of Bergerac, Eastenders, Lovejoy and Taggart. Also a novelist, John's first book Tyro was published in 1982. His other works include Out of the Blue, which won the John Llewellyn Rhys Award in 1985, Daddy's Girl and Alive and Kicking.
He is currently writing a biopic on the early life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II for BBC/Wall to Wall TV.
'Nostradamus' (Menthorn Films/Discovery Channel) is on the Discovery Channel on Wednesday 17 May at 9pm.
He has been credited with predicting the death of kings, the rise of tyrants and catastrophes like 9/11, but Nostradamus was just a 'chancer', according to the man who has brought the prophet of doom to the small screen.
Scriptwriter John Milne, a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, has uncovered the myth and speculation behind the legendary figure in the Discovery Channel's first ever factual drama, tomorrow night (Wednesday 17 May, 2006, 9pm).
The lecturer of English says Nostradamus, whose cryptic poems are still claimed by some to have predicted events from the rise of Hitler to the destruction of the space shuttle Challenger, was handsome, charming and an opportunist, contrary to public opinion.
Bermondsey-born John said:
"People have an image of Nostradamus as an old man; a wizard-type figure with white hair and a long beard, but we've portrayed him as a handsome young man, a bit of a charmer really. He was a complex personality though, and the programme is about revealing the person behind the myth.
"It's a real historical story of a man who was involved in some amazing events. It explores his relationship with the French Queen, Catherine de Medici, and how he predicted the death of King Henry II, who was killed when a lance punctured his eye."
The programme, which stars Oliver Dimsdale (He Knew He Was Right) as the prophet and Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave, Waking the Dead) as Catherine de Medici, is based on actual events and information from historical documents and private journals.
"It's a fascinating story, but in my opinion, Nostradamus was just a plague doctor who took his chance. In an age of global terror, his predictions still strike a chord because they seem to address some deep-seated need in human nature to find a way to explain seemingly inexplicable events; the feeling that there could be something more out there".
Born Michel de Nostredame in 1503, Nostradamus has become one of the world's most widely known and read prophets. He wrote 942 cryptic 'quatrains', which he organised into 'Centuries'.
John Milne has written for The Bill, Silent Witness and Waking the Dead. His other television credits include episodes of Bergerac, Eastenders, Lovejoy and Taggart. Also a novelist, John's first book Tyro was published in 1982. His other works include Out of the Blue, which won the John Llewellyn Rhys Award in 1985, Daddy's Girl and Alive and Kicking.
He is currently writing a biopic on the early life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II for BBC/Wall to Wall TV.
'Nostradamus' (Menthorn Films/Discovery Channel) is on the Discovery Channel on Wednesday 17 May at 9pm.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Poseidon
Poseidon: The IMAX Experience to open on Thursday 1 June
Epic film digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience®
Audiences will be holding their breath for Poseidon: The IMAX Experience to open at the bfi London IMAX Cinema on 1 June. Digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR* (digital re-mastering) technology, Poseidon: The IMAX Experience will debut concurrently with the nationwide 35mm release from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Moviegoers will experience the impact of the rogue wave - a monstrous wall of water over one hundred feet high - on a giant IMAX screen nearly as high. The large 15/70 film frame, combined with the IMAX projection technology and remarkable sound system, will provide bfi London IMAX Cinema moviegoers with an extraordinary cinematic experience.
"Poseidon is a thrill ride," says Academy Award nominated director Wolfgang Petersen. "We want people to feel as though they are on the ship when the giant wave hits. We want to pull them under the water and bring them back up to catch their breath. The IMAX format is so immersive, it's perfectly designed to help draw audiences into the action."
After a rogue wave capsizes a luxury cruise ship in the North Atlantic, a small group of survivors find themselves unlikely allies in the ensuing battle for their lives in Poseidon. Determined to fight their way to the surface, they must forge a path upward through layers of wreckage as the ship continues to sink, drawing upon skills and strengths they didn't even know they had, fighting against time for their own survival and for each other.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Virtual Studios, a Radiant Production / Next Entertainment / Irwin Allen Productions / Synthesis Entertainment Production of a Wolfgang Petersen film: Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and Richard Dreyfuss star in Poseidon, also starring Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum, Mike Vogel, Mia Maestro, Jimmy Bennett and Andre Braugher. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen from a screenplay by Mark Protosevich, based on the novel by Paul Gallico, Poseidon is produced by Wolfgang Petersen, Duncan Henderson, Mike Fleiss and Akiva Goldsman. Kevin Burns, Jon Jashni, Sheila Allen and Benjamin Waisbren are the executive producers. John Seale, A.C.S., A.S.C., is the director of photography; William Sandell, the production designer; and Peter Honess, A.C.E., the editor. Music by Klaus Badelt. Costumes designed by Erica Edell Phillips. Poseidon will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Certificate 12A TBC (Contains sustained threat and images of death that may disturb).
The bfi London IMAX Cinema is located at South Bank, London SE1. For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 0870 787 2525 or visit the website at www.bfi.org.uk/imax Tickets are on sale now priced £12.00 for adults and £9.75 for concessions. The reduced rate for groups of 10 people or more is £11.00 for adults and £8.75 for concessions.
Epic film digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience®
Audiences will be holding their breath for Poseidon: The IMAX Experience to open at the bfi London IMAX Cinema on 1 June. Digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR* (digital re-mastering) technology, Poseidon: The IMAX Experience will debut concurrently with the nationwide 35mm release from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Moviegoers will experience the impact of the rogue wave - a monstrous wall of water over one hundred feet high - on a giant IMAX screen nearly as high. The large 15/70 film frame, combined with the IMAX projection technology and remarkable sound system, will provide bfi London IMAX Cinema moviegoers with an extraordinary cinematic experience.
"Poseidon is a thrill ride," says Academy Award nominated director Wolfgang Petersen. "We want people to feel as though they are on the ship when the giant wave hits. We want to pull them under the water and bring them back up to catch their breath. The IMAX format is so immersive, it's perfectly designed to help draw audiences into the action."
After a rogue wave capsizes a luxury cruise ship in the North Atlantic, a small group of survivors find themselves unlikely allies in the ensuing battle for their lives in Poseidon. Determined to fight their way to the surface, they must forge a path upward through layers of wreckage as the ship continues to sink, drawing upon skills and strengths they didn't even know they had, fighting against time for their own survival and for each other.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Virtual Studios, a Radiant Production / Next Entertainment / Irwin Allen Productions / Synthesis Entertainment Production of a Wolfgang Petersen film: Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and Richard Dreyfuss star in Poseidon, also starring Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum, Mike Vogel, Mia Maestro, Jimmy Bennett and Andre Braugher. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen from a screenplay by Mark Protosevich, based on the novel by Paul Gallico, Poseidon is produced by Wolfgang Petersen, Duncan Henderson, Mike Fleiss and Akiva Goldsman. Kevin Burns, Jon Jashni, Sheila Allen and Benjamin Waisbren are the executive producers. John Seale, A.C.S., A.S.C., is the director of photography; William Sandell, the production designer; and Peter Honess, A.C.E., the editor. Music by Klaus Badelt. Costumes designed by Erica Edell Phillips. Poseidon will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Certificate 12A TBC (Contains sustained threat and images of death that may disturb).
The bfi London IMAX Cinema is located at South Bank, London SE1. For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 0870 787 2525 or visit the website at www.bfi.org.uk/imax Tickets are on sale now priced £12.00 for adults and £9.75 for concessions. The reduced rate for groups of 10 people or more is £11.00 for adults and £8.75 for concessions.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Finding Yourself
18-year-old award winning director Kate Lane screened short film in Framestore CFC in Oxford Circus, home to the largest visual effects studio in Europe with working credits on Harry Potter, Troy and Cold Mountain.
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and two feature films, one of which is bound for American and European release. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and two feature films, one of which is bound for American and European release. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
Monday, May 08, 2006
YOUNG UP AND COMING FILMMAKER PREMIERS SHORT FILM IN LONDON
At the premier. Producer, director Kate Lane stands in the middle of her Director of Photography Andrew Mott and lead actress Sasha Jackson.
London, 7th May 2006 – 18-year-old award winning director Kate Lane screens short film in Framestore CFC in Oxford Circus, home to the largest visual effects studio in Europe with working credits on Harry Potter, Troy and Cold Mountain.
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and a feature film ‘Everything to dance for’ that is now awaiting distribution deals in America. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
London, 7th May 2006 – 18-year-old award winning director Kate Lane screens short film in Framestore CFC in Oxford Circus, home to the largest visual effects studio in Europe with working credits on Harry Potter, Troy and Cold Mountain.
The 12 minute short film titled ‘Finding Yourself’ attracted a wide diverse audience in search of fresh new talent. Amongst cast and crew, numerous industry professionals attended the screening. Mike Woods, head of production at MobTV comments ‘Excellent sequences that point towards someone who's dedicated and talented.’ Mary Lewis, a former BBC employee adds ‘To make a 12 minute film there never seems to be enough time to squeeze in a good story. ‘Finding Yourself’ achieves that.’
‘Finding Yourself’ is about a young play writer called Rachel (Sasha Jackson) torn between fitting in and being normal, or pursuing her dreams but at a cost of having to sacrifice everything else.
Writer, director, producer and editor Kate Lane was awarded Best short film at the Peter Kittel Film festival for her last film ‘Young Souls.’ She then went on to secure funding for her next project ‘Finding Yourself’ and assembled a strong professional cast and crew. She comments ‘the experience of working in a professional environment enabled me to develop the talent that I acquired as well as grow as a filmmaker.’
Lead actress Sasha Jackson has appeared in commercials as well as TV (ITV, BBC and Channel 4) working alongside Harry Enfield. She has since completed numerous short films and a feature film ‘Everything to dance for’ that is now awaiting distribution deals in America. Sasha comments on Kate ‘She brought out the best in my performance and took me back to some really tough times in my life and relate those to the situations that Rachel faces, and this helped to bring a realism to the emotions.’
Co-starring with Sasha was Ian Keir Attard, playing Jamie a teenage heartthrob. Ian started his professional career in theatre playing Richard, Duke of York, in Richard III at the Leicester Haymarket and has toured twice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ian adds ‘This young film directors enthusiasm and dedication will I’m sure result in more new films of her high quality standard.’
In ‘Finding Yourself’, the young play writer struggles with a mother who believes she is pursuing a hopeless dream. Amanda Fullerton who plays Rachel’s mum has been cast in several short films and a feature. The feature will be distributed in 2006 and will compete at Cannes.
‘Finding Yourself’ deals with universal themes of teenage life. Kate describes the film as ‘a personal journey that is close to my heart. It is inspired by the realities of life and the obstacles that I have encountered as a teenager. The film explores identity and people feeling the need to fit in, in order to feel accepted. It reflects the importance of following the most truthful and honest path we can, even if that means making sacrifices.’
From the age of 7, Kate started as a professional actress for television at Sylvia Young agency, landing roles in commercials, a BBC television series and the hit series Casualty. Then at the age of 13 she discovered her true passion in life, and before even picking up a video camera, she created her company name ‘Heart and Soul Films.’ ‘It is and will always be my aim to make films that affect people and have an emotional response that is more than entertainment. This is why I wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories that matter and make a difference.’
The film was shot in four days in her local town Watford. A great team was pulled together including Andrew Mott, the Director of Photography. With 25 years of experience working for the BBC TV center, Andrew’s credits include BBC2’s culture show, channel 4’s Saturday night TV, football focus and Blue Peter. Alongside the team is Music composer Dave Loughran whose credits include the Rat Pack in the West End Savoy theatre and work for the Birmingham Rep Theatre.
‘Finding Yourself’ was Executive produced by Chee Keong Cheung of Intense Productions.
Kate has received positive feedback and is exited to be taking it to international festivals. She is now looking to attract a producer and funding for her next project, which will start in July.
For further information on Kate please visit www.heartandsoulfilms.co.uk
DVD Releases
THE ASSOCIATES
The Associates received the Agency Of The Year Award at the Home Entertainment Week Awards on Friday night. They thank Anchor Bay UK and Manga for nominating them.
DVD NEWS
THE COLLINGSWOOD STORY (Anchor Bay UK). Availalbe to buy on DVD from 19th June priced £14.99.
Director Michael Costanza is now available for interviews.
The Collingswood Story is an atmospheric supernatural chiller that has already become a 'word of mouth' hit amongst horror fans gradually piles on the tension building to a truly terrifying last twenty minutes that will keep even the most hardened horror fans on the edges of their seats until the film's final, shocking frame.
FEED (Showbox Home Entertainment). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £15.99.
FEED, Brett Leonard's daring and controversial shocker that employs conventions of the serial killer genre to tackle the morally complex world of 'Feeders' and 'Gainers'.
TRAILER/CLIP OF THE WEEK
SURVIVE STYLE 5+ (Manga). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £16.99.
Imagine Vinnie Jones Lost in Translation mashed up with a Japanese take on Pulp Fiction and a dash of Brazil and you've got Survive Style 5+, a surrealist comedy thriller that's breathtaking in its confident swagger. It's one of those rare films that keeps rampaging through your head at the most inappropriate moments during the day. Try it out if you suffer from dull meeting syndrome and need a good brain distraction...
High Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=660
Medium Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=659
Low Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=661
RELEASE SCHEDULE
Out this week:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Ghost In The Shell: STand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake and Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Out 22nd May:
Kung Fu Wonder Child (55th Chamber)
The Flash Legs (55th Chamber)
Attack Of The Joyful Goddess (55th Chamber)
Fausto 5.0 (Nucleus Films)
Gantz - Volume 4 (MVM)
Gunslinger Girl - Volume 2 (MVM)
Paranoia Agent - Volume 4 (MVM)
The Associates received the Agency Of The Year Award at the Home Entertainment Week Awards on Friday night. They thank Anchor Bay UK and Manga for nominating them.
DVD NEWS
THE COLLINGSWOOD STORY (Anchor Bay UK). Availalbe to buy on DVD from 19th June priced £14.99.
Director Michael Costanza is now available for interviews.
The Collingswood Story is an atmospheric supernatural chiller that has already become a 'word of mouth' hit amongst horror fans gradually piles on the tension building to a truly terrifying last twenty minutes that will keep even the most hardened horror fans on the edges of their seats until the film's final, shocking frame.
FEED (Showbox Home Entertainment). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £15.99.
FEED, Brett Leonard's daring and controversial shocker that employs conventions of the serial killer genre to tackle the morally complex world of 'Feeders' and 'Gainers'.
TRAILER/CLIP OF THE WEEK
SURVIVE STYLE 5+ (Manga). Available to buy on DVD from 29th May 2006 priced £16.99.
Imagine Vinnie Jones Lost in Translation mashed up with a Japanese take on Pulp Fiction and a dash of Brazil and you've got Survive Style 5+, a surrealist comedy thriller that's breathtaking in its confident swagger. It's one of those rare films that keeps rampaging through your head at the most inappropriate moments during the day. Try it out if you suffer from dull meeting syndrome and need a good brain distraction...
High Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=660
Medium Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=659
Low Res:
http://onlinemoviepromo.com/player.php?id=661
RELEASE SCHEDULE
Out this week:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Ghost In The Shell: STand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake and Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Out 22nd May:
Kung Fu Wonder Child (55th Chamber)
The Flash Legs (55th Chamber)
Attack Of The Joyful Goddess (55th Chamber)
Fausto 5.0 (Nucleus Films)
Gantz - Volume 4 (MVM)
Gunslinger Girl - Volume 2 (MVM)
Paranoia Agent - Volume 4 (MVM)
Lads Guide To Rio
World Cup Winner Ronaldo Launches The Lads Guide To Rio
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has launched the world’s sexiest travel DVD – The Lads Guide To Rio.
100 minutes of the most beautiful women in the most beautiful location on earth. This is the DVD with the highest booty count all year, or your money back.
Rio’s most famous son Ronaldo gives an exclusive introduction to the Lads Guide, saying: “There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Rio. Brazil is a wonderful country and Rio de Janeiro is THE marvellous city.
“Everything here has great passion. The city, the women, the music and the football. So come and visit our country.”
The Lads Guide to Rio shows the best beaches, clubs and is hosted by three stunning babes. British Page 3 Superbabe Rebekah Teasdale, Dutch Playboy covergirl Rachel Ter Horst and Brazilian beauty Cynthia Howlett-Martin.
From the thongs of Copacabana beach to the naked dancing girls of Rio Carnival, The Lads Guide To Rio will show you exactly where to go for the trip of a lifetime.
Watch Rebekah, Rachel and Cynthia as they investigate the thriving red-light district, trawl through the cities hottest nightspots and discover the secret topless and nude bathing areas – surprisingly it is illegal to sunbathe topless in Brazil.
Also they take us behind the scenes at the Girl From Ipanema Booty Contest, visit the amazing 200,000 capacity Maracana stadium on match day, and see inside some of the funkiest clubs on the planet.
If you’re after a bit of culture there’s a journey round Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the amazing displays of Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, but you’ll be back in time to see the silky skills of the beach football players and the most jaw-droppingly beautiful women in the world.
The Lads Guide To Rio
Total running time is approx 99 minutes. Special features include an interview with Noel Gallagher, Ronaldo feature and Beach, Ball and Samba Babes.
On sale – July 2006.
RRP £17.99 available from major outlets
Available worldwide from www.theladsguide.com £15.99 plus £2 P+P
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has launched the world’s sexiest travel DVD – The Lads Guide To Rio.
100 minutes of the most beautiful women in the most beautiful location on earth. This is the DVD with the highest booty count all year, or your money back.
Rio’s most famous son Ronaldo gives an exclusive introduction to the Lads Guide, saying: “There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Rio. Brazil is a wonderful country and Rio de Janeiro is THE marvellous city.
“Everything here has great passion. The city, the women, the music and the football. So come and visit our country.”
The Lads Guide to Rio shows the best beaches, clubs and is hosted by three stunning babes. British Page 3 Superbabe Rebekah Teasdale, Dutch Playboy covergirl Rachel Ter Horst and Brazilian beauty Cynthia Howlett-Martin.
From the thongs of Copacabana beach to the naked dancing girls of Rio Carnival, The Lads Guide To Rio will show you exactly where to go for the trip of a lifetime.
Watch Rebekah, Rachel and Cynthia as they investigate the thriving red-light district, trawl through the cities hottest nightspots and discover the secret topless and nude bathing areas – surprisingly it is illegal to sunbathe topless in Brazil.
Also they take us behind the scenes at the Girl From Ipanema Booty Contest, visit the amazing 200,000 capacity Maracana stadium on match day, and see inside some of the funkiest clubs on the planet.
If you’re after a bit of culture there’s a journey round Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the amazing displays of Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, but you’ll be back in time to see the silky skills of the beach football players and the most jaw-droppingly beautiful women in the world.
The Lads Guide To Rio
Total running time is approx 99 minutes. Special features include an interview with Noel Gallagher, Ronaldo feature and Beach, Ball and Samba Babes.
On sale – July 2006.
RRP £17.99 available from major outlets
Available worldwide from www.theladsguide.com £15.99 plus £2 P+P
Sunday, May 07, 2006
BRITS WANT TO SHARE A HOTEL ROOM WITH
BRITS WANT TO SHARE A HOTEL ROOM WITH KEIRA KNIGHTLY AND RAY WINSTONE
Keira Knightly and Ray Winstone are the sexy stars most Brits would love to share a hotel room with, according to a new survey.
Travelodge conducted research after being inundated with customer requests at its “Room with a View” trial hotel at London City Airport.
Travelodge’s “Room With A View” pilot is trialling the nation’s favourite views in the form of window transfers. Guests can choose from a Caribbean Beach, the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls, or the Manhattan skyline.
The trial has created such a buzz at the hotel, that guests have also been requesting images of their favourite celebrity as an alternative choice.
Pride and Prejudice beauty Keira Knightly, 22, topped the poll as the woman most men would like to see in their room.
Knightly shot to fame in the 2002 comedy Bend It Like Beckham and now has a string of hits to her name including Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The beautiful Brit babe came ahead of Zorro temptress Catherine Zeta Jones and star of The English patient Juliette Binoche.
Tough guy Ray Winstone romped into first place in the poll as women’s favourite hotel room guest. Winstone, 49, has become a Tinsel Town favourite with lead roles in cult hit Sexy Beast, King Arthur and the hard hitting Nil By Mouth.
The ex-boxer is also the star of hit ITV series Vincent where he plays a tough cop turned private investigator.
Winstone’s rough charm beat another Hollywood hunk, Oscar winning Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve lead George Clooney into second place.
The new James Bond, Daniel Craig, had to settle for third place ahead of Countdown smoothie Des Lynam.
Alex Gibson, London City Airport hotel manager said: “We gave customers the choice of a great view from their room and whilst this was well received we have had lots of requests for their favourite celebrity”.
Travelodge is continuing its trial at London City Airport.
Keira Knightly and Ray Winstone are the sexy stars most Brits would love to share a hotel room with, according to a new survey.
Travelodge conducted research after being inundated with customer requests at its “Room with a View” trial hotel at London City Airport.
Travelodge’s “Room With A View” pilot is trialling the nation’s favourite views in the form of window transfers. Guests can choose from a Caribbean Beach, the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls, or the Manhattan skyline.
The trial has created such a buzz at the hotel, that guests have also been requesting images of their favourite celebrity as an alternative choice.
Pride and Prejudice beauty Keira Knightly, 22, topped the poll as the woman most men would like to see in their room.
Knightly shot to fame in the 2002 comedy Bend It Like Beckham and now has a string of hits to her name including Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The beautiful Brit babe came ahead of Zorro temptress Catherine Zeta Jones and star of The English patient Juliette Binoche.
Tough guy Ray Winstone romped into first place in the poll as women’s favourite hotel room guest. Winstone, 49, has become a Tinsel Town favourite with lead roles in cult hit Sexy Beast, King Arthur and the hard hitting Nil By Mouth.
The ex-boxer is also the star of hit ITV series Vincent where he plays a tough cop turned private investigator.
Winstone’s rough charm beat another Hollywood hunk, Oscar winning Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve lead George Clooney into second place.
The new James Bond, Daniel Craig, had to settle for third place ahead of Countdown smoothie Des Lynam.
Alex Gibson, London City Airport hotel manager said: “We gave customers the choice of a great view from their room and whilst this was well received we have had lots of requests for their favourite celebrity”.
Travelodge is continuing its trial at London City Airport.
Friday, May 05, 2006
DVD Releases
DVDs Out this week:
Dragon Takeaway Box Set (Dragon DVD)
Snuff Bottle Connection (Soulblade)
Out 8th May:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Demon Hunter (Anchor Bay UK)
Fist From Shaolin (Dragon DVD)
Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
Secret RIvals (Soulblade)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake And Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Dragon Takeaway Box Set (Dragon DVD)
Snuff Bottle Connection (Soulblade)
Out 8th May:
Burst Angel - Volume 3 (MVM)
Flight 93 (High Fliers)
Gungrave - Volume 5 (MVM)
Long Distance (High Fliers)
Tenjho Tenge - Volume 1 ( MVM)
Texhnolyze - Volume 4 (MVM)
Out 15th May:
Demon Hunter (Anchor Bay UK)
Fist From Shaolin (Dragon DVD)
Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Volume 3 (Manga)
Heat Guy J - Volume 2 (Manga)
Lizard Woman (Anchor Bay UK)
Roseanne - The Complete Third Series (Anchor Bay UK)
Samurai Commando (Momentum Asia)
Secret RIvals (Soulblade)
She Shoots Straight (Hong Kong Legends)
She, The Ultimate Weapon - Volume 1 (Manga)
The Adventures Of Blake And Mortimer (Anchor Bay UK)
The Dead Next Door (Anchor Bay UK)
The Fallen Ones (Anchor Bay UK)
Fiona Richmond
A classic threesome starring the 1970s sex icon
Fiona Richmond in...
Exposé
Hardcore
Let’s Get Laid
Fiona Richmond was one of the first true British adult superstars, who mixed raunchy scenes with a healthy dollop of British sauce. Her name is synonymous with sex in the1970s and now, some of her finest outings have been pulled together in a no holds barred threesome.
The titles on offer, Exposé, Hardcore and Let’s Get Laid, feature a cast list that reads like a who’s who of British character actors and range from farcical comedies (Let’s Get Laid, starring, among others Confessions… lead Robin Askwith) to notorious erotic thrillers (Exposé, also known as House On Straw Hill, once on the banned list of video nasties). The DVD will be available courtesy of Village on 12 July 2006.
Exposé (1976)
This psychological thriller has lashings of nudity and violence and features Fiona Richmond in her first screen role. A novelist (Udo Kier) moves to a rural retreat with his highly sexed girlfriend (Richmond) to complete his forthcoming novel. His agent sends a temp secretary (Linda Hayden) to help him meet his deadline, but she is a woman scorned, hell bent on revenge and goes on a murderous rampage. It also stars Karl Howman, Patsy Smart and Vic Armstrong.
Hardcore (1977)
This heavily fictionalised ‘autobiography’ sees Fiona charting her life from vicar's daughter to sexual superstar. Fiona confides her life story to Anthony Steel, from flirtatious schoolgirl, through Soho showgirl to fully fledged star. It also stars Victor Spinetti, Ronald Fraser, Graham Stark and Graham Crowden,.
Let’s Get Laid (1977)
Robin Askwith plays Gordon Laid a demobbed soldier returning home from World War II in this British farce. He meets actress Maxine Lupercal (Richmond) on the ship home and due to a case of mistaken identity becomes embroiled in various murders and an espionage plot.
RRP: £19.99 Catalogue No.: VLG008
Release Date: 12th July 2006
Fiona Richmond in...
Exposé
Hardcore
Let’s Get Laid
Fiona Richmond was one of the first true British adult superstars, who mixed raunchy scenes with a healthy dollop of British sauce. Her name is synonymous with sex in the1970s and now, some of her finest outings have been pulled together in a no holds barred threesome.
The titles on offer, Exposé, Hardcore and Let’s Get Laid, feature a cast list that reads like a who’s who of British character actors and range from farcical comedies (Let’s Get Laid, starring, among others Confessions… lead Robin Askwith) to notorious erotic thrillers (Exposé, also known as House On Straw Hill, once on the banned list of video nasties). The DVD will be available courtesy of Village on 12 July 2006.
Exposé (1976)
This psychological thriller has lashings of nudity and violence and features Fiona Richmond in her first screen role. A novelist (Udo Kier) moves to a rural retreat with his highly sexed girlfriend (Richmond) to complete his forthcoming novel. His agent sends a temp secretary (Linda Hayden) to help him meet his deadline, but she is a woman scorned, hell bent on revenge and goes on a murderous rampage. It also stars Karl Howman, Patsy Smart and Vic Armstrong.
Hardcore (1977)
This heavily fictionalised ‘autobiography’ sees Fiona charting her life from vicar's daughter to sexual superstar. Fiona confides her life story to Anthony Steel, from flirtatious schoolgirl, through Soho showgirl to fully fledged star. It also stars Victor Spinetti, Ronald Fraser, Graham Stark and Graham Crowden,.
Let’s Get Laid (1977)
Robin Askwith plays Gordon Laid a demobbed soldier returning home from World War II in this British farce. He meets actress Maxine Lupercal (Richmond) on the ship home and due to a case of mistaken identity becomes embroiled in various murders and an espionage plot.
RRP: £19.99 Catalogue No.: VLG008
Release Date: 12th July 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
CHINA-CINEMA-MODERNITY
CHINA-CINEMA-MODERNITY: A CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF CHINESE CINEMA
BROADWAY CINEMA (May 5-7, 2006)
A festival of Chinese film, organised by Nottingham Trent University's Institute for Cultural Analysis (ICAn) takes place this weekend at Broadway Cinema, Hockley, in Nottingham. China-Cinema-Modernity: A Celebration of 100 Years of Chinese Cinema, will explore the distinctive character of modernity in 20th century China through its cinema.
Six iconic films rarely seen in the UK will give audiences a flavour of three periods: the vibrant early modernity of the 1920s-1940s Shanghai film industry; the controversial 'alternative modernity' of the mid-century Communist period; and the flowering of a diverse and sophisticated film culture from the 1980s.
Professor John Tomlimson, the Director of ICAn, said: "This event celebrates 100 years of Chinese cinema. But more than this, it marks the increasing relevance of China, not just as an economic, but a cultural force in the modern globalised world. It is particularly appropriate that Nottingham, with its increasingly close links to China through its universities and business enterprises, should host this festival."
He added: "Our hope in staging it is that it adds to the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture amongst British audiences."
BROADWAY CINEMA (May 5-7, 2006)
A festival of Chinese film, organised by Nottingham Trent University's Institute for Cultural Analysis (ICAn) takes place this weekend at Broadway Cinema, Hockley, in Nottingham. China-Cinema-Modernity: A Celebration of 100 Years of Chinese Cinema, will explore the distinctive character of modernity in 20th century China through its cinema.
Six iconic films rarely seen in the UK will give audiences a flavour of three periods: the vibrant early modernity of the 1920s-1940s Shanghai film industry; the controversial 'alternative modernity' of the mid-century Communist period; and the flowering of a diverse and sophisticated film culture from the 1980s.
Professor John Tomlimson, the Director of ICAn, said: "This event celebrates 100 years of Chinese cinema. But more than this, it marks the increasing relevance of China, not just as an economic, but a cultural force in the modern globalised world. It is particularly appropriate that Nottingham, with its increasingly close links to China through its universities and business enterprises, should host this festival."
He added: "Our hope in staging it is that it adds to the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture amongst British audiences."
AE’s Aego M-System
AE’s Aego M-System
Whether it’s Guild Wars on PC, Lara on PS2, Fifa footie on the XBOX or Lemmings on your PSP, AE’s Aego M-System packs a sonic punch with every gaming system. Plug-and-play connectivity, three built-in amplifiers totalling 100Watts of power, alloy satellite speakers and a high-output sub-woofer mean the M-System really puts the boom into Doom.
For just £99, the Aego M-System connects to all the big name full-size and hand-held gaming systems and comes with all the cables you need. Simply plug into the mains, crank up the volume and experience a sound that blows cheap plastic PC-speaker systems into Elder Scrolls Oblivion!
The Aego M-System builds on the strengths of the award winning Acoustic Energy Aego 2 plug-and-play loudspeaker package. The new sleekly styled satellites have smoother treble and a funky rounded design and the modern textured finish in black or white matches a wide range of games consoles and hand-helds.
When you are not gaming, simply hook up the AE Aego M-System to your iPod, MP3 phone, PC, AE Wi-Fi Radio or DVD player for hi-fi stereo sound that fills the room. With just one cable the M-System turns any personal music device into the heart of a home entertainment system.
Designed by legendary British hi-fi loudspeaker maker Acoustic Energy, the Aego M-System is not just a boom-box either. The satellite and subwoofer drive units are AE’s hi-fi grade devices and the subwoofer offers adjustable bass control so you can tailor the sound to suit your room. The subwoofer’s front mounted volume knob gives instant volume control for every situation - from a late night Sims session to an all night party with room shaking bass.
No other add-on speaker package offers so much performance, build quality and hi-fi heritage for gaming and music. Add to this the high-style cutting edge design and superb value for money and the AE Aego M-System is set to be the biggest gaming accessory since the Elastoplast thumb plaster.
Give your games an Aego!
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Whether it’s Guild Wars on PC, Lara on PS2, Fifa footie on the XBOX or Lemmings on your PSP, AE’s Aego M-System packs a sonic punch with every gaming system. Plug-and-play connectivity, three built-in amplifiers totalling 100Watts of power, alloy satellite speakers and a high-output sub-woofer mean the M-System really puts the boom into Doom.
For just £99, the Aego M-System connects to all the big name full-size and hand-held gaming systems and comes with all the cables you need. Simply plug into the mains, crank up the volume and experience a sound that blows cheap plastic PC-speaker systems into Elder Scrolls Oblivion!
The Aego M-System builds on the strengths of the award winning Acoustic Energy Aego 2 plug-and-play loudspeaker package. The new sleekly styled satellites have smoother treble and a funky rounded design and the modern textured finish in black or white matches a wide range of games consoles and hand-helds.
When you are not gaming, simply hook up the AE Aego M-System to your iPod, MP3 phone, PC, AE Wi-Fi Radio or DVD player for hi-fi stereo sound that fills the room. With just one cable the M-System turns any personal music device into the heart of a home entertainment system.
Designed by legendary British hi-fi loudspeaker maker Acoustic Energy, the Aego M-System is not just a boom-box either. The satellite and subwoofer drive units are AE’s hi-fi grade devices and the subwoofer offers adjustable bass control so you can tailor the sound to suit your room. The subwoofer’s front mounted volume knob gives instant volume control for every situation - from a late night Sims session to an all night party with room shaking bass.
No other add-on speaker package offers so much performance, build quality and hi-fi heritage for gaming and music. Add to this the high-style cutting edge design and superb value for money and the AE Aego M-System is set to be the biggest gaming accessory since the Elastoplast thumb plaster.
Give your games an Aego!
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Da Vinci Competition
The Search Begins For The World’s Best Codecracker
As Eurostar Invites You To “Join The Quest”
+ Eurostar launches global puzzle competition
+ Winner collects €200,000 + free travel on Eurostar for life + deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London
Eurostar, the high-speed train service and global partner of The Da Vinci Code movie, has begun the search for the world’s best codecracker.
In one of the biggest ever online competitions, anyone over the age of 18 living in the US, Great Britain, France, Belgium and Australia/New Zealand can register to join the Eurostar Quest at www.jointhequest.com and pit their wits against players from other countries.
The Eurostar Quest consists of 16 puzzles – all games of knowledge or skill – linked over three levels with a grand prize puzzle at the end of the Quest. The puzzles get harder as the competition progresses before the close on 30th May 2006.
At the end of the competition, the five winning finalists will be brought to London for a one-night stay at Claridge’s, London before travelling by Eurostar Leisure Select to Paris. Once there, they will stay at The Ritz, Paris and take part in the Grand Final, where the world’s best codecracker will be crowned.
The prize fund is unique. The winner will receive:
o Free travel on Eurostar for life, with a partner
o Deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London for five years
o €180,000 to spend in London and Paris
o €10,000 to spend in a “behind closed doors” shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette, Paris
o €10,000 to spend as a VIP at Harrods, London with a personal shopper
o Other bespoke experiences in London and Paris tailored to the winner’s needs
The four runners-up will receive a four-night trip to London and Paris with Eurostar Leisure Select travel between the two cities.
Prizes can also be won at different stages of the game, including Sony PSP Consoles, Sony PS2 Consoles and games, and the soundtrack of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ movie.
Guillaume Pepy, Chairman, Eurostar, commented: “The Eurostar Quest is one of the most innovative competitions ever created in the world. We believe we can find the world’s best codecracker, the online equivalent of a Professor Robert Langdon, and help them collect one of the world’s best prize experiences.”
Full details about the competition can be found at www.jointhequest.com. The Eurostar Quest closes on 30th May, 2006.
The Eurostar Quest in detail:
3rd May – Level One and Level Two of the Eurostar Quest go live. There are 10 puzzles to crack. At the end of each level, players can choose to play a Prize Puzzle and win prizes such as the soundtrack of Columbia Pictures’ The Da Vinci Code, Sony PSP games, a collector’s edition of The Da Vinci Code book and Eurostar standard class tickets.
19th May – Level Three of the Eurostar Quest goes live. There are 5 more puzzles to solve and a further Prize Puzzle, where players can win Sony PSP consoles, Sony PS2 The Da Vinci Code games and consoles and Eurostar Leisure Select tickets.
25th May – The Grand Prize Puzzle is released. Five players – one each from France, Belgium, Great Britain, US and Australia/New Zealand – who solve the Grand Prize Puzzle in the fewest attempts will go through to the Grand Final in mid-June.
30th May – The competition to win prizes closes but the website stays open so that puzzles can still be played for fun.
Mid-June – The Grand Final of the Eurostar Quest is held in Paris.
The Eurostar Quest Partners are:
Virgin Atlantic – will carry prizewinners to London from around the world
Sony Ericsson – will supply mobile phones to winners
Sony PSP – will supply consoles to winners
Claridge’s, London – will supply luxury hotel accommodation
The Ritz, Paris – will supply luxury hotel accommodation and host The Grand Final
Transworld/Random House – will supply copies of the Illustrated Collector’s Edition of The Da Vinci Code™ novel
2K/Take Two – will supply The Da Vinci Code PS2 game to winners
Decca Records – will supply the soundtrack of The Da Vinci Code
Harrods, London – will supply a personal shopper and VIP treatment for the Eurostar Quest winner
Galeries Lafayette, Paris – who will close their store for the Eurostar Quest winner to spend in privacy.
As Eurostar Invites You To “Join The Quest”
+ Eurostar launches global puzzle competition
+ Winner collects €200,000 + free travel on Eurostar for life + deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London
Eurostar, the high-speed train service and global partner of The Da Vinci Code movie, has begun the search for the world’s best codecracker.
In one of the biggest ever online competitions, anyone over the age of 18 living in the US, Great Britain, France, Belgium and Australia/New Zealand can register to join the Eurostar Quest at www.jointhequest.com and pit their wits against players from other countries.
The Eurostar Quest consists of 16 puzzles – all games of knowledge or skill – linked over three levels with a grand prize puzzle at the end of the Quest. The puzzles get harder as the competition progresses before the close on 30th May 2006.
At the end of the competition, the five winning finalists will be brought to London for a one-night stay at Claridge’s, London before travelling by Eurostar Leisure Select to Paris. Once there, they will stay at The Ritz, Paris and take part in the Grand Final, where the world’s best codecracker will be crowned.
The prize fund is unique. The winner will receive:
o Free travel on Eurostar for life, with a partner
o Deluxe accommodation at The Ritz, Paris and Claridge’s, London for five years
o €180,000 to spend in London and Paris
o €10,000 to spend in a “behind closed doors” shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette, Paris
o €10,000 to spend as a VIP at Harrods, London with a personal shopper
o Other bespoke experiences in London and Paris tailored to the winner’s needs
The four runners-up will receive a four-night trip to London and Paris with Eurostar Leisure Select travel between the two cities.
Prizes can also be won at different stages of the game, including Sony PSP Consoles, Sony PS2 Consoles and games, and the soundtrack of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ movie.
Guillaume Pepy, Chairman, Eurostar, commented: “The Eurostar Quest is one of the most innovative competitions ever created in the world. We believe we can find the world’s best codecracker, the online equivalent of a Professor Robert Langdon, and help them collect one of the world’s best prize experiences.”
Full details about the competition can be found at www.jointhequest.com. The Eurostar Quest closes on 30th May, 2006.
The Eurostar Quest in detail:
3rd May – Level One and Level Two of the Eurostar Quest go live. There are 10 puzzles to crack. At the end of each level, players can choose to play a Prize Puzzle and win prizes such as the soundtrack of Columbia Pictures’ The Da Vinci Code, Sony PSP games, a collector’s edition of The Da Vinci Code book and Eurostar standard class tickets.
19th May – Level Three of the Eurostar Quest goes live. There are 5 more puzzles to solve and a further Prize Puzzle, where players can win Sony PSP consoles, Sony PS2 The Da Vinci Code games and consoles and Eurostar Leisure Select tickets.
25th May – The Grand Prize Puzzle is released. Five players – one each from France, Belgium, Great Britain, US and Australia/New Zealand – who solve the Grand Prize Puzzle in the fewest attempts will go through to the Grand Final in mid-June.
30th May – The competition to win prizes closes but the website stays open so that puzzles can still be played for fun.
Mid-June – The Grand Final of the Eurostar Quest is held in Paris.
The Eurostar Quest Partners are:
Virgin Atlantic – will carry prizewinners to London from around the world
Sony Ericsson – will supply mobile phones to winners
Sony PSP – will supply consoles to winners
Claridge’s, London – will supply luxury hotel accommodation
The Ritz, Paris – will supply luxury hotel accommodation and host The Grand Final
Transworld/Random House – will supply copies of the Illustrated Collector’s Edition of The Da Vinci Code™ novel
2K/Take Two – will supply The Da Vinci Code PS2 game to winners
Decca Records – will supply the soundtrack of The Da Vinci Code
Harrods, London – will supply a personal shopper and VIP treatment for the Eurostar Quest winner
Galeries Lafayette, Paris – who will close their store for the Eurostar Quest winner to spend in privacy.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Global Sales
Global Sales company 111 Pictures to launch at Cannes
111 pictures will launch its fantastic library collection of classic independent films as well as its slate on new Hollywood and British Movies at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
111 Pictures Ltd. Is a partnership between Alki David and Elliott Kastner. They have head hunted Tony Lytle from In Motion, formerly of New Line and J&M for
heading up sales. VP of sales is Eroulla Constantine former head of sales for Sullivan Entertainment.
The company will be unveiling a new software and platform for testing of the
FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK to select distributors. The FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK is the future of DVD / Television distribution. It is a business to business system that is a complex rights management system for DVD downloads and Broadband broadcasting.
The company has opened up impressive offices in Wardour Street, in the heart of Soho, London. They will also be at Cannes to launch an independent film called ‘OPA’, a romantic comedy. The film tells the story of an American archaeologist (Matthew Modine) who arrives on the Greek Island of Patmos in search of a lost Biblical artefact that his late father had searched for in vain. He falls in love with a woman (Agni Scott) who owns the village taverna, under which the artefact may be buried.
The film won Best Film at Toronto Film Festival.
OPA is a UK-USA production directed by Udayan Prassad and starring Matthew Modine (Bye Bye Love, Any Given Sunday), Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter, Withnail and I), Alki David (The Freediver) and newcomer Agni Scott.
111 pictures will launch its fantastic library collection of classic independent films as well as its slate on new Hollywood and British Movies at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
111 Pictures Ltd. Is a partnership between Alki David and Elliott Kastner. They have head hunted Tony Lytle from In Motion, formerly of New Line and J&M for
heading up sales. VP of sales is Eroulla Constantine former head of sales for Sullivan Entertainment.
The company will be unveiling a new software and platform for testing of the
FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK to select distributors. The FULL ON DVD DOWNLOAD NETWORK is the future of DVD / Television distribution. It is a business to business system that is a complex rights management system for DVD downloads and Broadband broadcasting.
The company has opened up impressive offices in Wardour Street, in the heart of Soho, London. They will also be at Cannes to launch an independent film called ‘OPA’, a romantic comedy. The film tells the story of an American archaeologist (Matthew Modine) who arrives on the Greek Island of Patmos in search of a lost Biblical artefact that his late father had searched for in vain. He falls in love with a woman (Agni Scott) who owns the village taverna, under which the artefact may be buried.
The film won Best Film at Toronto Film Festival.
OPA is a UK-USA production directed by Udayan Prassad and starring Matthew Modine (Bye Bye Love, Any Given Sunday), Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter, Withnail and I), Alki David (The Freediver) and newcomer Agni Scott.
BBC Training & Development launches
new online HD resource centre
BBC Training & Development today launched a new HD online resource centre; http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/production/hd.shtml which also includes WAP access to top tips for HD.
The resource is aimed at the Broadcast production community and covers all aspects of producing television in High Definition.
On the site you can find:
o Introduction to HD – a 10 minute online training module
o Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to HD
o A downloadable HD guide aimed at producers
o Top tips for HD covering areas such as pre-production, set design, makeup, production management, shooting, lighting, sound, post-production etc.
A new unique feature is the possibility to have top tips or FAQs sent directly to any UK mobile phone anywhere in the world. This option is especially useful for crews working in remote places who need instant information and don’t have access to the internet. Simply text “HD” to 81010 and receive the link to the top tips on your mobile.
BBC has announced its commitment to producing virtually all content in HD by 2010 and the first BBC HD technical trial starts in June. 2006 is definitely the year when HD will become a reality, and there is great need for information and development to quickly get everyone up to speed with HD across the entire Broadcast Industry.
“The recently published White paper emphasizes the BBC’s responsibility to drive development of skills in the wider broadcast industry especially in relation to technology development. We have gathered a lot of expertise in HD production at the BBC and it’s great that we now can share best practice among, not only our own staff, but also with the UK broadcast sector”, said Caroline Prendergast, BBC Head of Training & Development Delivery.
The HD site will continue to grow when new information and other resources are added and hopefully it can be used as a first port of call for anyone with HD queries.
new online HD resource centre
BBC Training & Development today launched a new HD online resource centre; http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/production/hd.shtml which also includes WAP access to top tips for HD.
The resource is aimed at the Broadcast production community and covers all aspects of producing television in High Definition.
On the site you can find:
o Introduction to HD – a 10 minute online training module
o Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to HD
o A downloadable HD guide aimed at producers
o Top tips for HD covering areas such as pre-production, set design, makeup, production management, shooting, lighting, sound, post-production etc.
A new unique feature is the possibility to have top tips or FAQs sent directly to any UK mobile phone anywhere in the world. This option is especially useful for crews working in remote places who need instant information and don’t have access to the internet. Simply text “HD” to 81010 and receive the link to the top tips on your mobile.
BBC has announced its commitment to producing virtually all content in HD by 2010 and the first BBC HD technical trial starts in June. 2006 is definitely the year when HD will become a reality, and there is great need for information and development to quickly get everyone up to speed with HD across the entire Broadcast Industry.
“The recently published White paper emphasizes the BBC’s responsibility to drive development of skills in the wider broadcast industry especially in relation to technology development. We have gathered a lot of expertise in HD production at the BBC and it’s great that we now can share best practice among, not only our own staff, but also with the UK broadcast sector”, said Caroline Prendergast, BBC Head of Training & Development Delivery.
The HD site will continue to grow when new information and other resources are added and hopefully it can be used as a first port of call for anyone with HD queries.
BBC Film Network begins showcasing short films as high-resolution downloads
BBC Film Network (bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork) - the interactive showcase for new British filmmakers – continues its mission to promote new filmmakers with the addition of high-resolution downloads to the site. BBC Film Network will make selected short films available as downloads for a trial period of 12 months.
The download application, which will be available to the first 10,000 visitors to sign up, will allow users to watch a selection of the very best shorts in full screen, at a quality similar to a DVD. Users may also subscribe, for free, to automatically receive three great new shorts every fortnight and be alerted when new films are ready to watch.
The application will use similar technology to that used during the iMP trail, which concluded earlier this year. The Film Network trial uses a legal peer-to-peer network to deliver films as high quality video files. Users are granted a licence through the digital rights management software to view the film for 28-days and, when this expires, the files will automatically remove themselves from their hard drive.
There will be a choice of six shorts available at any one time. By offering the best films with a picture quality comparable to DVDs, the BBC aims to test the audience’s appetite for British made short films and also test broadband as a viable platform for showcasing new film content from the most promising new talent.
The service will launch with ‘How To Tell If A Relationship Is Over’, a 90-second race through the tell-tale signs of a relationship meltdown, featuring The Mighty Boosh’s Julian Barratt; ‘Fishy’ the appropriately named aquatic romance starring Shirley Henderson, a joint runner up in the BBC's Talent awards. Also included is the award-winning Chris Shepherd animation, ‘Dad’s Dead’.
Gerard O’Malley, Interactive Executive for film said,
“In the free-for-all that is the internet, how the audience experiences film content on the web is key, as are their expectations in terms of the quality of video content. We are here to back British filmmaking talent and bring there work to an as wider audience as possible. That’s why BBC Film Network is running this trial, to test the reaction and appetite of our audience to high quality short films on demand.”
bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork
BBC Film Network (bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork) - the interactive showcase for new British filmmakers – continues its mission to promote new filmmakers with the addition of high-resolution downloads to the site. BBC Film Network will make selected short films available as downloads for a trial period of 12 months.
The download application, which will be available to the first 10,000 visitors to sign up, will allow users to watch a selection of the very best shorts in full screen, at a quality similar to a DVD. Users may also subscribe, for free, to automatically receive three great new shorts every fortnight and be alerted when new films are ready to watch.
The application will use similar technology to that used during the iMP trail, which concluded earlier this year. The Film Network trial uses a legal peer-to-peer network to deliver films as high quality video files. Users are granted a licence through the digital rights management software to view the film for 28-days and, when this expires, the files will automatically remove themselves from their hard drive.
There will be a choice of six shorts available at any one time. By offering the best films with a picture quality comparable to DVDs, the BBC aims to test the audience’s appetite for British made short films and also test broadband as a viable platform for showcasing new film content from the most promising new talent.
The service will launch with ‘How To Tell If A Relationship Is Over’, a 90-second race through the tell-tale signs of a relationship meltdown, featuring The Mighty Boosh’s Julian Barratt; ‘Fishy’ the appropriately named aquatic romance starring Shirley Henderson, a joint runner up in the BBC's Talent awards. Also included is the award-winning Chris Shepherd animation, ‘Dad’s Dead’.
Gerard O’Malley, Interactive Executive for film said,
“In the free-for-all that is the internet, how the audience experiences film content on the web is key, as are their expectations in terms of the quality of video content. We are here to back British filmmaking talent and bring there work to an as wider audience as possible. That’s why BBC Film Network is running this trial, to test the reaction and appetite of our audience to high quality short films on demand.”
bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork
Local filmmakers to see their big ideas on the small screen
Three local filmmakers have been selected to make films about the North East, in a new commission launched by Northern Film & Media in partnership with digital TV station Community Channel.
In January a call was made to local filmmakers to submit their proposals to receive a substantial grant from Northern Film & Media. Three documentaries have been chosen for production, all showing that it's not so grim up North and that there are people across the region who are setting out to make a difference, changing their lives and their communities.
Community Channel proposes to air the three North East documentaries in their Autumn 2006 schedule alongside their range of other programmes dedicated to highlighting issues from both local and international communities as well as the voluntary and charitable sectors.
The three films that have been chosen are: Sing Your Hearts Out: Produced by Emily Barber. A documentary about Heaton Voices, a community choir with a difference as they prepare to host this years National Street Choir Festival.
The Chevy Chase: Produced by Louise Rea. The film will take a close look at community life in rural Northumberland. Specifically the small town of Wooler and it's annual, gruelling, 20 mile run the 'Chevy Chase'.
The Grass Never Goes: Produced by Reuben Jacob Abraham. The Lawnmowers is a group of people with learning difficulties based in Gateshead who use comedy theatre to educate and entertain the public about disability.
Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media, says: “It is important to us that this series of programmes will be broadcast to a national audience and that viewers all over the UK are entertained, informed and inspired by real stories from the North East.”
Nick Ware, Community Channel Controller, says: “We're delighted to team up with Northern Film & Media and look forward to seeing the films from the people of the North-East. We're keen to show the positive side of communities around the UK and hope this is the first of many partnerships with regional film agencies from across the UK.“
Three local filmmakers have been selected to make films about the North East, in a new commission launched by Northern Film & Media in partnership with digital TV station Community Channel.
In January a call was made to local filmmakers to submit their proposals to receive a substantial grant from Northern Film & Media. Three documentaries have been chosen for production, all showing that it's not so grim up North and that there are people across the region who are setting out to make a difference, changing their lives and their communities.
Community Channel proposes to air the three North East documentaries in their Autumn 2006 schedule alongside their range of other programmes dedicated to highlighting issues from both local and international communities as well as the voluntary and charitable sectors.
The three films that have been chosen are: Sing Your Hearts Out: Produced by Emily Barber. A documentary about Heaton Voices, a community choir with a difference as they prepare to host this years National Street Choir Festival.
The Chevy Chase: Produced by Louise Rea. The film will take a close look at community life in rural Northumberland. Specifically the small town of Wooler and it's annual, gruelling, 20 mile run the 'Chevy Chase'.
The Grass Never Goes: Produced by Reuben Jacob Abraham. The Lawnmowers is a group of people with learning difficulties based in Gateshead who use comedy theatre to educate and entertain the public about disability.
Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media, says: “It is important to us that this series of programmes will be broadcast to a national audience and that viewers all over the UK are entertained, informed and inspired by real stories from the North East.”
Nick Ware, Community Channel Controller, says: “We're delighted to team up with Northern Film & Media and look forward to seeing the films from the people of the North-East. We're keen to show the positive side of communities around the UK and hope this is the first of many partnerships with regional film agencies from across the UK.“
FORMER BOND AND EX-PYTHON HELP TCM TO FIND THE BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM OF 2006
London, 2nd May, 2006: Pierce Brosnan and Terry Gilliam are just two of the high profile judges Who are going to be deciding TCM Classic Shorts competition’s winner of 2006. The seventh annual short film competition run by TCM (Turner Classic Movies) launches today (2nd May) and the award ceremony, to honour the finalists, is held during the 50th The Times bfi London Film Festival in November. The competition has grown in stature and exposure since it’s inception in 2000 and this is reflected by the distinguished names from the UK and US film industry that have agreed to participate as judges.
TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe awarding £10,000 of prize money. In addition it gives the entrants exposure to a celebrated panel of judges who bring their expertise from all angles of the film industry. This year’s panel is:
Pierce Brosnan Die Another Day, The Thomas Crown Affair- Actor
Terry Gillliam Brazil, Time Bandits- Actor, writer, director, animator and composer
Imelda Staunton Vera Drake, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix- Actress
Matthew Modine Full Metal Jacket, Short Cuts- Actor, director, screenwriter and author
Sally Potter Orlando, Yes- Director, screenwriter, composer, producer and editor
Stephen Poliakoff Close My Eyes, The Lost Prince- Screenwriter and director
Richard E Grant Withnail and I, Gosford Park- Actor, screenwriter and director
Stephen Woolley The Crying Game, Stoned - Producer and director
Wendy Ide The Times Film critic and film festival programmer
Jason Solomons BBC film critic
Paul Trijbits Head of the Film Council’s New Cinema Fund
Matt Mueller Editor Editor-At-Large Total Film
Dan Jolin Empire magazine Reviews Editor
Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe
The competition prides itself on having discovered some of the best new film making talent in the UK in recent years; last year’s winner Jane Lloyd has been snapped up by David Gray who is using an edited down version as the video for his new single, Alibi. Many of the short-listed films from previous years have also gone on to receive further acclaim; 2004 winner Nits directed by Harry Wootliff received a BAFTA nomination, whilst 2002 entry Brown Paper Bag directed by Michael Baig Clifford and 2001 winner About A Girl directed by Brian Percival, both went on to win BAFTAs for Best Short Film.
Once again TCM is sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the Times bfi London Film Festival. The strand premieres the very best international short and animated films and as such is an important launch pad for new film-makers, student films and independent productions, as well as launching the careers of many high profile actors.
TCM Classic Shorts is open to all UK made short films. The opening date is 2nd May 2006 and all films must be received by 1st September 2006 at the very latest. The short-listed nominations are aired during a special weekend of programming on TCM and also screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival during the awards ceremony.
Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk/classicshorts
For further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log on to: www.lff.org.uk
London, 2nd May, 2006: Pierce Brosnan and Terry Gilliam are just two of the high profile judges Who are going to be deciding TCM Classic Shorts competition’s winner of 2006. The seventh annual short film competition run by TCM (Turner Classic Movies) launches today (2nd May) and the award ceremony, to honour the finalists, is held during the 50th The Times bfi London Film Festival in November. The competition has grown in stature and exposure since it’s inception in 2000 and this is reflected by the distinguished names from the UK and US film industry that have agreed to participate as judges.
TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe awarding £10,000 of prize money. In addition it gives the entrants exposure to a celebrated panel of judges who bring their expertise from all angles of the film industry. This year’s panel is:
Pierce Brosnan Die Another Day, The Thomas Crown Affair- Actor
Terry Gillliam Brazil, Time Bandits- Actor, writer, director, animator and composer
Imelda Staunton Vera Drake, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix- Actress
Matthew Modine Full Metal Jacket, Short Cuts- Actor, director, screenwriter and author
Sally Potter Orlando, Yes- Director, screenwriter, composer, producer and editor
Stephen Poliakoff Close My Eyes, The Lost Prince- Screenwriter and director
Richard E Grant Withnail and I, Gosford Park- Actor, screenwriter and director
Stephen Woolley The Crying Game, Stoned - Producer and director
Wendy Ide The Times Film critic and film festival programmer
Jason Solomons BBC film critic
Paul Trijbits Head of the Film Council’s New Cinema Fund
Matt Mueller Editor Editor-At-Large Total Film
Dan Jolin Empire magazine Reviews Editor
Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe
The competition prides itself on having discovered some of the best new film making talent in the UK in recent years; last year’s winner Jane Lloyd has been snapped up by David Gray who is using an edited down version as the video for his new single, Alibi. Many of the short-listed films from previous years have also gone on to receive further acclaim; 2004 winner Nits directed by Harry Wootliff received a BAFTA nomination, whilst 2002 entry Brown Paper Bag directed by Michael Baig Clifford and 2001 winner About A Girl directed by Brian Percival, both went on to win BAFTAs for Best Short Film.
Once again TCM is sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the Times bfi London Film Festival. The strand premieres the very best international short and animated films and as such is an important launch pad for new film-makers, student films and independent productions, as well as launching the careers of many high profile actors.
TCM Classic Shorts is open to all UK made short films. The opening date is 2nd May 2006 and all films must be received by 1st September 2006 at the very latest. The short-listed nominations are aired during a special weekend of programming on TCM and also screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival during the awards ceremony.
Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk/classicshorts
For further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log on to: www.lff.org.uk
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Capital FX Awards
Capital FX awarded the five winners of its CFX Short Film Awards their 35mm prints.
The winning films were:
- Attack directed by Timothy Smith
- Pitch Perfect directed by J Blakeson
- Rabbit directed by Run Wrake
- Screen Kiss directed by Steven Sander
- The Little Thief directed by Adam Sharp.
There is no doubt that currently demand is not great enough for cinemas to gravitate towards showing short films without there being some outside encouragement. The CFX Short Film Award hopes to be part of this drive and looks forward to developing this with UK filmmakers.
The Winning Films and Filmmakers
Attack
Timothy Smith - Director
Synopsis:
Steve, the leader of a local gang apprehends a neo-Nazi skinhead because he has attacked two of his black teenage friends in a nearby alley. The police arrive and take statements from Steve and the two teenage boys. Malcolm, the skinhead, lies unconscious. As we're taken back through the story we realise that perhaps the boys aren't telling the whole truth and things may not be as black and white as they first appear.
Timothy's biography:
Timothy was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1972. Between 1994 and 1997 he studied film production and animation in Melbourne. Then from 1997 to 1998 he worked in the film industry in Sydney before relocating to London in 2002. Here he completed a Masters degree in Media at Westminster University. Timothy currently works as a freelance writer, director and camera operator.
Pitch Perfect
J Blakeson - Director
Synopsis:
Bob and Ellis are screenwriters with integrity, talent and the willingness to do absolutely anything to sell their movie. Over four frustrating meetings with film executives, they desperately rethink their pitch, ready to go to any lengths to make that elusive sale. But how far is too far?
J's biography:
Based on writer/director J Blakeson's real life experiences pitching feature ideas to executives, 'Pitch Perfect' was shot on DVcam and HD. The film was self funded by J and producer Sacha Guttenstein through production and then won Film Council completion funding. It premiered at the 2005 Edinburgh International Film Festival and has gone on to play at Brief Encounters Short Film Festival in Athens, and Ohio Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Short Film at the 2005 British Independent Film Awards.
Rabbit
Run Wrake - Director
Synopsis:
A selection of 1950s educational stickers, found in a provincial junkshop twenty years ago provide the ingredients for this adult fairytale. Once they were new, delivering a simple message to the young. Like us, however, they have grown older and now present a more complex meaning. The dark shade and casual violence of the story clash with the childhood connotations of the artwork to create an atmosphere of lost innocence, and tell a tale of greed and the random justice of nature.
Run's biography:
Since graduating from RCA in 1990 Run has worked as a freelance animation director and illustrator. He has worked on a wide variety of projects include short film, promos, television graphics, commercials, live visuals and illustration. Career highlights include working on a series of freeform promos, presenting storyboards to Roy Lichtenstein in his New York studio for U2's Popmart tour visuals and 'Rabbit'.
Screen Kiss
Steven Sander - Director
Synopsis:
In a mock documentary style, Screen Kiss explores the duplicity of two actors and their director. The actors kiss on screen but away from the camera they secretly hate each other.
Steven's biography:
Steve graduated with a History degree from Cambridge University in 1999. He started in the film industry as a runner at Union Commercials, Union Pictures and Natural Nylon in London. Since then he's gained a reputation as a TV commercials director with Quiet Storm Films, working for clients such as BT, Nokia, News International and BMW Mini Cooper. He is currently working on a short film and documentary project.
The Little Thief
Adam Sharp - Director
Synopsis:
After stealing a toy plane from a shop the little thief runs off to play with his prize in the woods, but the sun is setting and darkness soon comes. Unwittingly he is led to the grounds of a deserted mansion, where toys hang from the trees like overripe fruit.
Adams's biography:
A flair for the macabre and a strong artistic talent, singled Adam out as unusual from an early age. Adam Graduated in 1997 with a degree in Animation, and quickly found work as a freelance animator and illustrator. Initially working with more traditional forms of hand drawn animation Adam later began to use computers as his main tool. He has worked on numerous productions including pilots, children's series, idents for Channel 4, and TV ads, as well as the recent Gorillaz 'Feel Good Inc.' music video. Adam is now co-director of Itchy Pictures, a rapidly growing animation and VFX studio.
Capital FX awarded the five winners of its CFX Short Film Awards their 35mm prints.
The winning films were:
- Attack directed by Timothy Smith
- Pitch Perfect directed by J Blakeson
- Rabbit directed by Run Wrake
- Screen Kiss directed by Steven Sander
- The Little Thief directed by Adam Sharp.
There is no doubt that currently demand is not great enough for cinemas to gravitate towards showing short films without there being some outside encouragement. The CFX Short Film Award hopes to be part of this drive and looks forward to developing this with UK filmmakers.
The Winning Films and Filmmakers
Attack
Timothy Smith - Director
Synopsis:
Steve, the leader of a local gang apprehends a neo-Nazi skinhead because he has attacked two of his black teenage friends in a nearby alley. The police arrive and take statements from Steve and the two teenage boys. Malcolm, the skinhead, lies unconscious. As we're taken back through the story we realise that perhaps the boys aren't telling the whole truth and things may not be as black and white as they first appear.
Timothy's biography:
Timothy was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1972. Between 1994 and 1997 he studied film production and animation in Melbourne. Then from 1997 to 1998 he worked in the film industry in Sydney before relocating to London in 2002. Here he completed a Masters degree in Media at Westminster University. Timothy currently works as a freelance writer, director and camera operator.
Pitch Perfect
J Blakeson - Director
Synopsis:
Bob and Ellis are screenwriters with integrity, talent and the willingness to do absolutely anything to sell their movie. Over four frustrating meetings with film executives, they desperately rethink their pitch, ready to go to any lengths to make that elusive sale. But how far is too far?
J's biography:
Based on writer/director J Blakeson's real life experiences pitching feature ideas to executives, 'Pitch Perfect' was shot on DVcam and HD. The film was self funded by J and producer Sacha Guttenstein through production and then won Film Council completion funding. It premiered at the 2005 Edinburgh International Film Festival and has gone on to play at Brief Encounters Short Film Festival in Athens, and Ohio Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Short Film at the 2005 British Independent Film Awards.
Rabbit
Run Wrake - Director
Synopsis:
A selection of 1950s educational stickers, found in a provincial junkshop twenty years ago provide the ingredients for this adult fairytale. Once they were new, delivering a simple message to the young. Like us, however, they have grown older and now present a more complex meaning. The dark shade and casual violence of the story clash with the childhood connotations of the artwork to create an atmosphere of lost innocence, and tell a tale of greed and the random justice of nature.
Run's biography:
Since graduating from RCA in 1990 Run has worked as a freelance animation director and illustrator. He has worked on a wide variety of projects include short film, promos, television graphics, commercials, live visuals and illustration. Career highlights include working on a series of freeform promos, presenting storyboards to Roy Lichtenstein in his New York studio for U2's Popmart tour visuals and 'Rabbit'.
Screen Kiss
Steven Sander - Director
Synopsis:
In a mock documentary style, Screen Kiss explores the duplicity of two actors and their director. The actors kiss on screen but away from the camera they secretly hate each other.
Steven's biography:
Steve graduated with a History degree from Cambridge University in 1999. He started in the film industry as a runner at Union Commercials, Union Pictures and Natural Nylon in London. Since then he's gained a reputation as a TV commercials director with Quiet Storm Films, working for clients such as BT, Nokia, News International and BMW Mini Cooper. He is currently working on a short film and documentary project.
The Little Thief
Adam Sharp - Director
Synopsis:
After stealing a toy plane from a shop the little thief runs off to play with his prize in the woods, but the sun is setting and darkness soon comes. Unwittingly he is led to the grounds of a deserted mansion, where toys hang from the trees like overripe fruit.
Adams's biography:
A flair for the macabre and a strong artistic talent, singled Adam out as unusual from an early age. Adam Graduated in 1997 with a degree in Animation, and quickly found work as a freelance animator and illustrator. Initially working with more traditional forms of hand drawn animation Adam later began to use computers as his main tool. He has worked on numerous productions including pilots, children's series, idents for Channel 4, and TV ads, as well as the recent Gorillaz 'Feel Good Inc.' music video. Adam is now co-director of Itchy Pictures, a rapidly growing animation and VFX studio.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
SING-A-LONG WIZARD OF OZ
In a special treat and to coincide with the launch of TCM 2 channel, audiences can
sing along to the catchy numbers of The Wizard of Oz (1939) from 2nd- 6th May.
The lyrics will be visible to all on the screen.
TCM 2 LAUNCH GUARANTEES GREAT MOVIES
On 2nd May, the red carpet rolls out for the premiere of TCM 2, a new channel to complement the original film channel TCM that promises to become a byword for the best examples of the original cinematic art. In a move giving viewers access to some of the most cherished films ever made, the channel will screen core titles from TCM’s vast archive. These are the movies with a genuine claim to the title “timeless”, from three-handkerchief weepies like Casablanca (1942), through epic dramas such as Gone with the Wind (1939) to the kind of family movies like The Philadelphia Story (1940). Great productions such as The Wizard of Oz (1939) and musicals like West Side Story, as well as top-rated thrillers of the calibre of The Maltese Falcon, are also on offer.
And sticking with one of the most popular features on TCM, viewers can enjoy originally-produced content including OFF SET interviews where present-day stars and acclaimed directors describe why Hollywood classics mean so much to them. TCM will continue broadcasting a wider range of material, including new documentaries, more contemporary classics and international films.
The launch of the complementary channel means more creative programming across two channels rather than one, TCM viewers will have an embarrassment of riches to tuck into. In a feast of viewing entertainment, TCM 2 will, for its first four months, show four movies at the same time every night for a week from 7pm, with the selection changing every Sunday evening to give viewers more opportunities to catch the all-time classics.
TCM 2 broadcasts from 7pm to 3am daily on channel 320 on SKY and is complementary to its sister channel TCM which draws on a library of 20th century movies from Hollywood’s golden age to contemporary classics. TCM 2 provides further choice by celebrating the original classics from Hollywood’s history and giving film heritage enthusiasts the chance to revel in universally loved films.
For information on TCM see www.tcmonline.co.uk
In a special treat and to coincide with the launch of TCM 2 channel, audiences can
sing along to the catchy numbers of The Wizard of Oz (1939) from 2nd- 6th May.
The lyrics will be visible to all on the screen.
TCM 2 LAUNCH GUARANTEES GREAT MOVIES
On 2nd May, the red carpet rolls out for the premiere of TCM 2, a new channel to complement the original film channel TCM that promises to become a byword for the best examples of the original cinematic art. In a move giving viewers access to some of the most cherished films ever made, the channel will screen core titles from TCM’s vast archive. These are the movies with a genuine claim to the title “timeless”, from three-handkerchief weepies like Casablanca (1942), through epic dramas such as Gone with the Wind (1939) to the kind of family movies like The Philadelphia Story (1940). Great productions such as The Wizard of Oz (1939) and musicals like West Side Story, as well as top-rated thrillers of the calibre of The Maltese Falcon, are also on offer.
And sticking with one of the most popular features on TCM, viewers can enjoy originally-produced content including OFF SET interviews where present-day stars and acclaimed directors describe why Hollywood classics mean so much to them. TCM will continue broadcasting a wider range of material, including new documentaries, more contemporary classics and international films.
The launch of the complementary channel means more creative programming across two channels rather than one, TCM viewers will have an embarrassment of riches to tuck into. In a feast of viewing entertainment, TCM 2 will, for its first four months, show four movies at the same time every night for a week from 7pm, with the selection changing every Sunday evening to give viewers more opportunities to catch the all-time classics.
TCM 2 broadcasts from 7pm to 3am daily on channel 320 on SKY and is complementary to its sister channel TCM which draws on a library of 20th century movies from Hollywood’s golden age to contemporary classics. TCM 2 provides further choice by celebrating the original classics from Hollywood’s history and giving film heritage enthusiasts the chance to revel in universally loved films.
For information on TCM see www.tcmonline.co.uk
Local film stars support aspiring young filmmakers
in the North East
A group of budding young filmmakers from the North East had the experience of a lifetime yesterday when they attended a workshop with professionals from film and advertising industries to learn some ‘tricks of the trade’.
The workshops were conducted as part of the Futures in Motion film competition run by First Light, the UK Film Council’s youth initiative, in conjunction with The National Lottery, and which aims to showcase the creativity of young people across the region.
Part of Newcastle’s Centre for Life was transformed into a film set for the day with cameras and props, and local film star Peter Flannery, scriptwriter for films including Funny Bones and The One and Only, as well as BAFTA winning Newcastle television program Our Friends in the North dropped by to lend his support and share his experiences. Multiple Oscar® winning director Ridley Scott, who is responsible classic films such Alien and Gladiator, and who grew up in South Shields, has also lent his support to what he calls a “great initiative”.
***************
i-blink
Coventry’s film festival is about to go International and will be scouring Europe for fresh new writing talent
The former blink film festival is going to be i-blink and to celebrate; the organisers have created a wonderful opportunity for budding film-makers to get their films made.
i-blink 2007 is to give young film makers from all over Europe the chance to have their scripts made into 10-minute films and the best 10 scripts submitted will be made into films and screened at the festival next January.
The innovative international scriptwriting competition is a key part of the film festival and is open budding directors, screenwriters and producers living or working in Europe.
Pete Woodbridge, one of the organisers of the i-blink film festival and a lecturer at Coventry University, said:
“We want the i-blink festival to become one of the fixtures and fittings of the international film festival scene and by launching the scriptwriting competition with the prize of having the script made into a film is a way of getting the film-makers to take notice.
“Coventry is a city a reputation for excellence in so many areas and an international film festival is the next logical step.
“We are looking for scripts about any subject of about 10 minutes in duration. There is no age limit and it’s open to everyone.”
Scripts are now being accepted and short-listed screenwriters will be identified later in the year. Film production will take place over the summer to produce the final 10 films by the end of November 2006.
The films will have their debut screening at the i-blink film festival which will form part of the internationally renowned MeCCSA and AMPE* conference which Coventry is hosting in 2007.
Pete Woodbridge added:
“Who knows, we could discover some rare talent who could go on to become the next Spielberg, Hitchcock or Lean. It is a wonderful opportunity for someone to see their work come to life and I hope it will fire peoples’ imagination.”
****************
IAFT ONE-YEAR IMMERSION PROGRAM GAINING MOMENTUM
2nd Session Continues To Attract Aspiring Filmmakers From Philippines and Around The Globe
CEBU, PHILIPPINES (April 27, 2006) – Upon successful completion of its inaugural session, the International Academy of Film and Television’s (IAFT) One-Year Immersion program rolls into its next batch of classes poised for another great session.
In addition to an influx of promising new students from as far the United Kingdom, the IAFT proudly announces the addition of three esteemed new mentors:
* Mark Gary, has worked as both director and Director of Photography for television commercials, with corporate clients such as Sprite, Wrigley, Sara Lee and Unilever;
* Roberto Minervini, Italian-born filmmaker and photographer who gained international recognition in 2001 for the experimental short film To Be A Woman; and
* Fred Straughen, who has worked in television production for over 20 years with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as well as throughout Asia and Indonesia.
These new members will join highly regarded resident mentors Timothy Doolen and Fritz Kohle. Doolen has provided valuable instruction to students through IAFT’s short-term workshops and its first session.
Even with the stellar line-up of film industry veterans, unique beachside campus and state-of-the-art facilities, the cost of the One-Year Immersion Program will remain comparatively low at US$8,000 for international students and US$5,000 for local Filipino students.
The admissions department of IAFT notes that, given these favorable factors, there is an increasing amount of enquiries about the program from countries as far away as Australia and the United States.
To encourage budding filmmakers, IAFT has previously established a Scholarship Fund for students who wish to attend its courses. The Fund comprises three assistance programs: one need-based award, CineLikha Young Filmmaker Scholarship, and two merit-based awards, IAFT Lumière Fellowship and Emergent Artists Award.
Awards will be granted based on student’s annual income (for the need-based award) or prior creative history and demonstrated potential (for merit-based awards). For the second session, the Emergent Artists Award was granted to Filipino Joe Siclot, a Fine Arts graduate who demonstrated exceptional talent and would like to further his creative pursuits in the realm of filmmaking.
“We look forward to offering aspiring filmmakers from all corners of the world the opportunity to practice their craft at a world-class media facility,” says Kacy Andrews, CEO of Bigfoot Entertainment, the fully-integrated parent company of IAFT. “For many students, it’s their first exposure to the rigors and rewards of a career in the entertainment industry.”
The One-Year Immersion program, which consists of five 9-week courses, includes courses on cinematography, editing, directing, screenwriting, producing, filmmaking, sound design and other electives. Students will also get to work closely with the faculty members to for their final project which can be part of their professional reel.
IAFT accepts a new student intake every two months so subsequent terms will begin on June 5, August 14 and October 23. Housing is available for students at the 68-room Casablanca Gardens, which is a two-minute walk on campus.
For more information, please call +63-32-342-8889 or 1-866-300-7207 (toll-free from U.S.). Alternatively, you can visit www.filmschool.ph
****************
SHOOTLIVE TO CAPTURE CRIMINALS IN 11 SECONDS
Worldwide launch of revolutionary new technology at International Police Expo Conference 2006
ShootLive, www.shootlive.com a patent pending photography delivery process developed by the world renowned photography agency EMPICS, is to be unveiled for the first time at the International Police Expo Conference 2006 in Birmingham on 9 – 11 May.
ShootLive enables police photographers to take high resolution pictures in real-time and then send the images to a central hub over a wireless internet connection within 11 seconds of the camera click.
in the North East
A group of budding young filmmakers from the North East had the experience of a lifetime yesterday when they attended a workshop with professionals from film and advertising industries to learn some ‘tricks of the trade’.
The workshops were conducted as part of the Futures in Motion film competition run by First Light, the UK Film Council’s youth initiative, in conjunction with The National Lottery, and which aims to showcase the creativity of young people across the region.
Part of Newcastle’s Centre for Life was transformed into a film set for the day with cameras and props, and local film star Peter Flannery, scriptwriter for films including Funny Bones and The One and Only, as well as BAFTA winning Newcastle television program Our Friends in the North dropped by to lend his support and share his experiences. Multiple Oscar® winning director Ridley Scott, who is responsible classic films such Alien and Gladiator, and who grew up in South Shields, has also lent his support to what he calls a “great initiative”.
***************
i-blink
Coventry’s film festival is about to go International and will be scouring Europe for fresh new writing talent
The former blink film festival is going to be i-blink and to celebrate; the organisers have created a wonderful opportunity for budding film-makers to get their films made.
i-blink 2007 is to give young film makers from all over Europe the chance to have their scripts made into 10-minute films and the best 10 scripts submitted will be made into films and screened at the festival next January.
The innovative international scriptwriting competition is a key part of the film festival and is open budding directors, screenwriters and producers living or working in Europe.
Pete Woodbridge, one of the organisers of the i-blink film festival and a lecturer at Coventry University, said:
“We want the i-blink festival to become one of the fixtures and fittings of the international film festival scene and by launching the scriptwriting competition with the prize of having the script made into a film is a way of getting the film-makers to take notice.
“Coventry is a city a reputation for excellence in so many areas and an international film festival is the next logical step.
“We are looking for scripts about any subject of about 10 minutes in duration. There is no age limit and it’s open to everyone.”
Scripts are now being accepted and short-listed screenwriters will be identified later in the year. Film production will take place over the summer to produce the final 10 films by the end of November 2006.
The films will have their debut screening at the i-blink film festival which will form part of the internationally renowned MeCCSA and AMPE* conference which Coventry is hosting in 2007.
Pete Woodbridge added:
“Who knows, we could discover some rare talent who could go on to become the next Spielberg, Hitchcock or Lean. It is a wonderful opportunity for someone to see their work come to life and I hope it will fire peoples’ imagination.”
****************
IAFT ONE-YEAR IMMERSION PROGRAM GAINING MOMENTUM
2nd Session Continues To Attract Aspiring Filmmakers From Philippines and Around The Globe
CEBU, PHILIPPINES (April 27, 2006) – Upon successful completion of its inaugural session, the International Academy of Film and Television’s (IAFT) One-Year Immersion program rolls into its next batch of classes poised for another great session.
In addition to an influx of promising new students from as far the United Kingdom, the IAFT proudly announces the addition of three esteemed new mentors:
* Mark Gary, has worked as both director and Director of Photography for television commercials, with corporate clients such as Sprite, Wrigley, Sara Lee and Unilever;
* Roberto Minervini, Italian-born filmmaker and photographer who gained international recognition in 2001 for the experimental short film To Be A Woman; and
* Fred Straughen, who has worked in television production for over 20 years with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as well as throughout Asia and Indonesia.
These new members will join highly regarded resident mentors Timothy Doolen and Fritz Kohle. Doolen has provided valuable instruction to students through IAFT’s short-term workshops and its first session.
Even with the stellar line-up of film industry veterans, unique beachside campus and state-of-the-art facilities, the cost of the One-Year Immersion Program will remain comparatively low at US$8,000 for international students and US$5,000 for local Filipino students.
The admissions department of IAFT notes that, given these favorable factors, there is an increasing amount of enquiries about the program from countries as far away as Australia and the United States.
To encourage budding filmmakers, IAFT has previously established a Scholarship Fund for students who wish to attend its courses. The Fund comprises three assistance programs: one need-based award, CineLikha Young Filmmaker Scholarship, and two merit-based awards, IAFT Lumière Fellowship and Emergent Artists Award.
Awards will be granted based on student’s annual income (for the need-based award) or prior creative history and demonstrated potential (for merit-based awards). For the second session, the Emergent Artists Award was granted to Filipino Joe Siclot, a Fine Arts graduate who demonstrated exceptional talent and would like to further his creative pursuits in the realm of filmmaking.
“We look forward to offering aspiring filmmakers from all corners of the world the opportunity to practice their craft at a world-class media facility,” says Kacy Andrews, CEO of Bigfoot Entertainment, the fully-integrated parent company of IAFT. “For many students, it’s their first exposure to the rigors and rewards of a career in the entertainment industry.”
The One-Year Immersion program, which consists of five 9-week courses, includes courses on cinematography, editing, directing, screenwriting, producing, filmmaking, sound design and other electives. Students will also get to work closely with the faculty members to for their final project which can be part of their professional reel.
IAFT accepts a new student intake every two months so subsequent terms will begin on June 5, August 14 and October 23. Housing is available for students at the 68-room Casablanca Gardens, which is a two-minute walk on campus.
For more information, please call +63-32-342-8889 or 1-866-300-7207 (toll-free from U.S.). Alternatively, you can visit www.filmschool.ph
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SHOOTLIVE TO CAPTURE CRIMINALS IN 11 SECONDS
Worldwide launch of revolutionary new technology at International Police Expo Conference 2006
ShootLive, www.shootlive.com a patent pending photography delivery process developed by the world renowned photography agency EMPICS, is to be unveiled for the first time at the International Police Expo Conference 2006 in Birmingham on 9 – 11 May.
ShootLive enables police photographers to take high resolution pictures in real-time and then send the images to a central hub over a wireless internet connection within 11 seconds of the camera click.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Breaking into film and TV is tough if you're young and black
The need to have a vast array of personal contacts and to be able to work for months without pay is making it difficult for many young black and Asian media students to break into the film and broadcasting industry in London, according to new research published today.
Undertaken for the Southern and Eastern Region of the TUC (SERTUC), Skillset and BECTU by the Working Lives Research Institute at London Metropolitan University, the research says that whilst black and Asian employees make up 32 per cent of the capital's workforce, only 8 per cent of the people working in film and TV in London are from ethnic minorities.
According to the report, 'Making the transition from college to work: Experiences of media, film and television students in London's audio-visual industries', around a quarter of the UK's audio visual companies are based in London, employing a workforce of some 125,000. Given that every year around 25,000 students nationally graduate from media related courses, it's not easy for young people to get a foot in the door.
One of the key findings of the study which questioned almost 250 final-year and recently graduated students was that the freelance nature of the industry - over two-thirds (65 per cent) of the 21-30 year olds working in film and TV in London do so on a freelance basis - meant that an address book of contacts was key to finding work.
The report also refers to a recent survey which found that three-quarters of youngsters aged 20-23 had found it necessary to work for free for up to three months before finding permanent paid work. Some had put in up to six months unpaid work experience. And those fortunate enough to be able to take up work placement opportunities complained that they were often ignored, or seemed to spend their whole time delivering parcels or making tea and sandwiches.
'Making the transition' says that working as an unpaid runner for months on end is simply out of reach of the overwhelming majority of black and Asian students who tend to come from lower income backgrounds. Leaving college with student debts, combined with the high cost of living in London, meant that working for nothing - especially as the salary for those starting out in the audio visual industry can be as little as £12,000 - was simply not an option for most of the students surveyed.
The black and Asian students questioned by the researchers were also often critical of their colleges for not making the courses practical enough and for not helping them be prepared enough to enter the world of work. It was felt that better and earlier careers advice would help, as would the forging of stronger links with industry and the setting up of more work placements.
SERTUC Regional Secretary Mick Connolly said: "With so many film and TV wanabees leaving college every year desperate to work in film and TV, it's never going to be possible for everyone to land their dream job. But with the dice clearly loaded against students from lower income families, many of whom will be from ethnic minority backgrounds, they are going to find it much tougher than friends from more privileged backgrounds."
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said: "Research such as this is critical if we are to support making sure that diversity is at the top of the agenda. Our workforce must be representative of our society if the content we produce is to reach the widest audience and be successful economically and culturally. Skillset has been working with the industry to address the issue but there is still more to be done, by every party involved."
Janice Turner, diversity officer at BECTU, said: "This research proves
what we'd known anecdotally for a long time that to get a foot in the door
and build a career you need contacts or money and preferably both, and
many newly qualified black and Asian youngsters have neither. The fact that there is such appalling under-representation of workers from ethnic minorities in the industry shows that real action needs to be taken. This is why BECTU has undertaken its two-year Move on Up initiative, aiming to bring together industry executives and young black and Asian professionals keen to get on in film and broadcast."
The research is to be presented later today to a seminar at SERTUC's offices in Congress House, attended by senior executives from film and TV companies in the capital.
The need to have a vast array of personal contacts and to be able to work for months without pay is making it difficult for many young black and Asian media students to break into the film and broadcasting industry in London, according to new research published today.
Undertaken for the Southern and Eastern Region of the TUC (SERTUC), Skillset and BECTU by the Working Lives Research Institute at London Metropolitan University, the research says that whilst black and Asian employees make up 32 per cent of the capital's workforce, only 8 per cent of the people working in film and TV in London are from ethnic minorities.
According to the report, 'Making the transition from college to work: Experiences of media, film and television students in London's audio-visual industries', around a quarter of the UK's audio visual companies are based in London, employing a workforce of some 125,000. Given that every year around 25,000 students nationally graduate from media related courses, it's not easy for young people to get a foot in the door.
One of the key findings of the study which questioned almost 250 final-year and recently graduated students was that the freelance nature of the industry - over two-thirds (65 per cent) of the 21-30 year olds working in film and TV in London do so on a freelance basis - meant that an address book of contacts was key to finding work.
The report also refers to a recent survey which found that three-quarters of youngsters aged 20-23 had found it necessary to work for free for up to three months before finding permanent paid work. Some had put in up to six months unpaid work experience. And those fortunate enough to be able to take up work placement opportunities complained that they were often ignored, or seemed to spend their whole time delivering parcels or making tea and sandwiches.
'Making the transition' says that working as an unpaid runner for months on end is simply out of reach of the overwhelming majority of black and Asian students who tend to come from lower income backgrounds. Leaving college with student debts, combined with the high cost of living in London, meant that working for nothing - especially as the salary for those starting out in the audio visual industry can be as little as £12,000 - was simply not an option for most of the students surveyed.
The black and Asian students questioned by the researchers were also often critical of their colleges for not making the courses practical enough and for not helping them be prepared enough to enter the world of work. It was felt that better and earlier careers advice would help, as would the forging of stronger links with industry and the setting up of more work placements.
SERTUC Regional Secretary Mick Connolly said: "With so many film and TV wanabees leaving college every year desperate to work in film and TV, it's never going to be possible for everyone to land their dream job. But with the dice clearly loaded against students from lower income families, many of whom will be from ethnic minority backgrounds, they are going to find it much tougher than friends from more privileged backgrounds."
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said: "Research such as this is critical if we are to support making sure that diversity is at the top of the agenda. Our workforce must be representative of our society if the content we produce is to reach the widest audience and be successful economically and culturally. Skillset has been working with the industry to address the issue but there is still more to be done, by every party involved."
Janice Turner, diversity officer at BECTU, said: "This research proves
what we'd known anecdotally for a long time that to get a foot in the door
and build a career you need contacts or money and preferably both, and
many newly qualified black and Asian youngsters have neither. The fact that there is such appalling under-representation of workers from ethnic minorities in the industry shows that real action needs to be taken. This is why BECTU has undertaken its two-year Move on Up initiative, aiming to bring together industry executives and young black and Asian professionals keen to get on in film and broadcast."
The research is to be presented later today to a seminar at SERTUC's offices in Congress House, attended by senior executives from film and TV companies in the capital.
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