LEXUS IF (INSIDE FILM) AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
Gettin’ Square and Japanese Story, the people’s choice in Australian film
Winners for the 2003 Lexus IF (Inside Film) Awards were announced in Sydney earlier this month, at a prestigious event staged at Wharf 8 in Pyrmont. Hosted by Deborah Mailman, the live broadcast was followed by a celebratory party presented by Autore South Sea Pearls. Gettin' Square and Japanese Story earned the highest accolades on the night. Japanese Story collected four IF awards including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Actress and Best Cinematography. Gettin' Square won five IF awards including Best Actor, Best Script, Best Music, Best Sound and Best Editing.
This year's star studded awards event was attended by luminaries of the Australian film industry and supported by high profile identities from fashion, art and music. Guests included Toni Collette, Deborah Mailman, Geoffrey Rush, Stephen Fry, Bryan Brown, Rachel Ward, Claudia Karvan, Rose Byrne, Rachael Blake, Barry Otto, Helen Buday, Kick Gurry, Leona Edmiston, Sigrid Thornton, Jill Bilcock, Robert Connolly, Akira Isogawa, Sophie Lee, Peter Morrissey, The Hon. Bob Carr MP, Sarah Jane Clarke, Heidi Middleton, Peta Wilson, Gillian Armstrong, Sam Worthington and Jan Chapman.
The winner of the SHOWTIME IF Award for Best Feature Film is Japanese Story (Prod: Sue Maslin)
Sue Brooks was awarded the Animal Logic IF Award for Best Direction for Japanese Story.
Gettin' Square's Chris Nyst won the Mushroom Pictures IF Award for Best Script.
The winner for the Kodak IF Award for Best Cinematography was Ian Baker for Japanese Story.
The Autore South Sea Pearls IF Award for Best Actor was awarded to David Wenham for his unforgettable performance in Gettin' Square.
Toni Collette's powerful performance in Japanese Story earned her the Instyle IF Award for Best Actress.
The winner of the Gray & Perkins Lawyers IF Award for Best Short Film was Roy Höllsdotter Live (Prod: Trevor Blainey and Dir: Matthew Saville).
The winner of the Rising Sun Pictures IF Award for Best Animation went to Ward 13 (Prod / Dir: Peter Cornwell).
The Odyssey Channel IF Award for Best Short Documentary was awarded to Painting With Light in a Dark World (Prod: Renata Shuman and Dir: Sascha Ettinger).
Wildness (Prod: Michael McMahon and Dir: Scott Millwood) was awarded the Discovery Channel IF Award for Best Documentary.
The Yalumba Independent Spirit Award was awarded to Khoa Do for his powerful debut feature The Finished People.
The winner of the Ztudio What IF? Award for Best Unproduced Screenplay was Rie Natalenko for Heloise.
The BMG IF Award for Best Music went to Chit Chat Von Loopin Stab and 3K Short from Machine Gun Fellatio for Gettin' Square.
The winners of the Tracks IF Award for Best Sound were John Schiefelbein, Antony Gray and Ian McLoughlin for Gettin' Square.
The LaB sydney IF Award for Best Production Design was awarded to Steven Jones-Evans for Ned Kelly.
The Frameworks IF Award for Best Editing went to Ken Sallows ASE for Gettin' Square.
Jill Bilcock was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Australian film industry as an editor, as the recipient of the Freixenet Living Legend IF Award.
Australian comedy, Crackerjack, was awarded the Film Finance Corporation Australia IF Award for Box Office Achievement.
Matthew Saville was awarded the Lexus IF Award for Rising Talent for his comic writing and directing talent shown in his short film Roy Höllsdotter Live. His short feature was screened this year at the Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide film festivals and on SBS. In June 2003, the film won the Dendy Award for Best Short Film (over 15mins) at the Sydney Film Festival and Best Original Script for Television at the 2003 Australian Writers' Guild Awards, and has been nominated for two AFI awards.
The Inside Film Magazine IF Award for Film Festival of the Year was awarded to Popcorn Taxi.
Lexus IF Awards 2003, started by Inside Film (IF) magazine and now in their fifth year, are the people's choice awards for Australian film and are recognised as a major event on the entertainment industry calendar. Deborah Mailman hosted the prestigious awards ceremony held on Wednesday November 12th at Wharf 8, Sydney.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
TROY
Troy is inspired by Homer's The Iliad, it stars Brad Pitt as unconquerable hero Achilles. Director Wolfgang Petersen commented: "Brad has both the talent and the magnetism to make Achilles believable as a tremendous warrior and charismatic leader without sacrificing his humanity in the process". The film's outstanding cast boasts both rising talent and illustrious veterans.
Prince Hector is played by Eric Bana, star of Ang Lee's Hulk. Orlando Bloom, who first received widespread acclaim for his work in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, plays the recklessly charming Prince Paris. Diane Kruger is Helen, the queen whose beauty launched a thousand ships, and Brendan Gleeson plays Menelaus, the king she left behind. The avaricious King Agamemnon is played by distinguished actor Brian Cox. Also joining the cast as Achilles' mother Thetis and King Priam of Troy are cinematic luminaries Julie Christie, winner of the Best Actress Oscar for her starring role in Darling, and Peter O'Toole, himself a seven-time Academy Award nominee and the recipient of an honorary Oscar for his contributions to cinema history. Petersen is grateful to have a cast of the highest calibre. "We're fortunate to have a blend of very talented new actors who are on the verge of becoming major stars, in the company of widely renowned established actors," says the director.
Troy will be released in the UK early Summer 2004
Troy is inspired by Homer's The Iliad, it stars Brad Pitt as unconquerable hero Achilles. Director Wolfgang Petersen commented: "Brad has both the talent and the magnetism to make Achilles believable as a tremendous warrior and charismatic leader without sacrificing his humanity in the process". The film's outstanding cast boasts both rising talent and illustrious veterans.
Prince Hector is played by Eric Bana, star of Ang Lee's Hulk. Orlando Bloom, who first received widespread acclaim for his work in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, plays the recklessly charming Prince Paris. Diane Kruger is Helen, the queen whose beauty launched a thousand ships, and Brendan Gleeson plays Menelaus, the king she left behind. The avaricious King Agamemnon is played by distinguished actor Brian Cox. Also joining the cast as Achilles' mother Thetis and King Priam of Troy are cinematic luminaries Julie Christie, winner of the Best Actress Oscar for her starring role in Darling, and Peter O'Toole, himself a seven-time Academy Award nominee and the recipient of an honorary Oscar for his contributions to cinema history. Petersen is grateful to have a cast of the highest calibre. "We're fortunate to have a blend of very talented new actors who are on the verge of becoming major stars, in the company of widely renowned established actors," says the director.
Troy will be released in the UK early Summer 2004
Filmmaking School
November 29 to 30, 2003, Raindance welcomes Dov S-S Simens – internationally recognised as the world’s leading independent filmmaking instructor – back to London for his acclaimed Two-Day Hollywood Film School™.
Quentin Tarantino, Baz Luhrman, Guy Ritchie, Chris Nolan, Phillipa Braithwaite and Robert Rodriguez are just a few names from a long list of phenomenally successful directors who launched their filmmaking careers after participating in Dov S-S Simens’ intensive filmmaking course. Other high-profile attendees have included Michael Jackson, Queen Latifah and Will Smith.
Over one weekend Dov will teach budding filmmakers everything they need to know about how to make a movie - from producing, directing and shooting to marketing, financing and distributing it.
Dov S-S Simens is an award-winning filmmaker with over fifteen years of hands-on experience in the independent film industry. He has taught thousands of filmmakers across the world in his trademark no-nonsense, straight-talking style - with recent graduates of the workshop going on to produce or distribute films such as Blair Witch Project, Memento, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Barbershop.
For details tel: 0207 7387 3833
Visit: www.raindance.co.uk
November 29 to 30, 2003, Raindance welcomes Dov S-S Simens – internationally recognised as the world’s leading independent filmmaking instructor – back to London for his acclaimed Two-Day Hollywood Film School™.
Quentin Tarantino, Baz Luhrman, Guy Ritchie, Chris Nolan, Phillipa Braithwaite and Robert Rodriguez are just a few names from a long list of phenomenally successful directors who launched their filmmaking careers after participating in Dov S-S Simens’ intensive filmmaking course. Other high-profile attendees have included Michael Jackson, Queen Latifah and Will Smith.
Over one weekend Dov will teach budding filmmakers everything they need to know about how to make a movie - from producing, directing and shooting to marketing, financing and distributing it.
Dov S-S Simens is an award-winning filmmaker with over fifteen years of hands-on experience in the independent film industry. He has taught thousands of filmmakers across the world in his trademark no-nonsense, straight-talking style - with recent graduates of the workshop going on to produce or distribute films such as Blair Witch Project, Memento, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Barbershop.
For details tel: 0207 7387 3833
Visit: www.raindance.co.uk
The Third Harry Potter
Warner Bros. Pictures is pleased is announce the summer release of the feature film of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third in the series of films based on J.K. Rowling's hugely popular novels. Academy Award nominee Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También) takes the helm as director with David Heyman, Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe as producers. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione return as teenagers to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.
The story reunites Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in this third film as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The cast is joined by Gary Oldman, who plays the ominous figure of Sirius Black, Michael Gambon who takes on the role of Hogwart's revered Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Julie Christie who plays the role of the big-hearted Three Broomsticks pub barmaid Madam Rosmerta and Emma Thompson as the eccentric Professor of Divination, Sibyll Trelawney.
Release date : June 2004
Warner Bros. Pictures is pleased is announce the summer release of the feature film of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third in the series of films based on J.K. Rowling's hugely popular novels. Academy Award nominee Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También) takes the helm as director with David Heyman, Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe as producers. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione return as teenagers to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.
The story reunites Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in this third film as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The cast is joined by Gary Oldman, who plays the ominous figure of Sirius Black, Michael Gambon who takes on the role of Hogwart's revered Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Julie Christie who plays the role of the big-hearted Three Broomsticks pub barmaid Madam Rosmerta and Emma Thompson as the eccentric Professor of Divination, Sibyll Trelawney.
Release date : June 2004
LOVE, SEX AND DEATH
Actor Ian Hart (Harry Potter), Ricky Tomlinson (Royale Family) and Singer Jarvis Cocker star in eight award winning short films due to be aired on Granada TV later this month.
Chris Bisson (former Coronation Street and East is East star) presents the series of short films about love, sex and death. The eight films, which were recently screened in New York as part of the Transatlantic Express, are the winning entries in the first round of digital shorts from visionary writers, directors and producers from the North West of England.
North West Vision funded the films, in association with the Film Councils New Cinema Fund. Each film was shot on location in the region using professional cast and crew, receiving support from many of our first class facilities and film friendly locations.
Alice Morrison, Chief Executive of North West Vision:
“ The digital shorts scheme is designed to encourage new, fresh, innovative and inventive ways of telling stories utilising digital technology. These eight films do exactly that and we are pleased that Granada TV is giving our North West film makers a platform for their work”.
The films will be shown on Granada TV on Friday the 14th, 21st and 28th November 2003 at 11.30pm.
Actor Ian Hart (Harry Potter), Ricky Tomlinson (Royale Family) and Singer Jarvis Cocker star in eight award winning short films due to be aired on Granada TV later this month.
Chris Bisson (former Coronation Street and East is East star) presents the series of short films about love, sex and death. The eight films, which were recently screened in New York as part of the Transatlantic Express, are the winning entries in the first round of digital shorts from visionary writers, directors and producers from the North West of England.
North West Vision funded the films, in association with the Film Councils New Cinema Fund. Each film was shot on location in the region using professional cast and crew, receiving support from many of our first class facilities and film friendly locations.
Alice Morrison, Chief Executive of North West Vision:
“ The digital shorts scheme is designed to encourage new, fresh, innovative and inventive ways of telling stories utilising digital technology. These eight films do exactly that and we are pleased that Granada TV is giving our North West film makers a platform for their work”.
The films will be shown on Granada TV on Friday the 14th, 21st and 28th November 2003 at 11.30pm.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Morgan Creek
Morgan Creek has just signed a 3-year-long distribution deal with Universal and is making radical changes in the boardroom. We got the opportunity to speak to their newly appointed President of Production, Brad Luff, about these developments. See the feature at:
http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ArticleMorganCreek.html
Reviews
Remember every week we are adding new (and old) reviews to our Reviews page (that sounds logical even to me). This week we've added Martyn Bamber's review of Cabin Fever and Alan Pavelin's review of The Life of Oharu. We have also added Martyn's review of the latest Matrix movie to Howard Schumann's reviews of the full trilogy. Nearly every week Howard Schumann contributes 3 or more reviews, and they are always worth looking out for.
Whether you are an amateur or professional writer we always welcome your contributions to Talking Pictures.
Funding
Like most websites we are always looking for grants or funding. If you know of any possibilities in this direction let us know. Contact us at: valis23a@aol.com
Morgan Creek has just signed a 3-year-long distribution deal with Universal and is making radical changes in the boardroom. We got the opportunity to speak to their newly appointed President of Production, Brad Luff, about these developments. See the feature at:
http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ArticleMorganCreek.html
Reviews
Remember every week we are adding new (and old) reviews to our Reviews page (that sounds logical even to me). This week we've added Martyn Bamber's review of Cabin Fever and Alan Pavelin's review of The Life of Oharu. We have also added Martyn's review of the latest Matrix movie to Howard Schumann's reviews of the full trilogy. Nearly every week Howard Schumann contributes 3 or more reviews, and they are always worth looking out for.
Whether you are an amateur or professional writer we always welcome your contributions to Talking Pictures.
Funding
Like most websites we are always looking for grants or funding. If you know of any possibilities in this direction let us know. Contact us at: valis23a@aol.com
Friday, November 14, 2003
NORTH WEST CELEBRITIES VISIT HOUSE OF COMMONS
A host of North West celebrities will be uniting at the House of Commons next week (19/11/03) to -help raise the profile of the media industry in England’s North West.
Jonny Vegas (Comedian), Sue Johnston (Royale Family) and William Roache (Ken Barlow, Coronation Street) are just some of the well-known names that will be showing their support at the event organised by North West Vision and the North West Development agency.
The aim of the event, which will be hosted by Phil Woolas MP, is to showcase the North West’s Media industry to MP’s and influential decision makers from the world of media.
England’s North West already has a thriving media industry and has been home to an array of fantastic productions and produced a host of talented performers. The industry is the largest outside London with 11% of all network programming being produced in the Northwest, including Hollyoaks, Cold Feet, The Forsyte Saga and Coronation Street. Just recently Manchester and Liverpool were home to the remake of Alfie, starring Brit actor Jude Law. Both cities doubled up as New York for a two week shooting period and £1.5 million was ploughed into the local economy as a result.
Contributing hundreds of millions of pounds to the regional economy, the future of the Film and TV industry is both vital to, and a great opportunity for, the Northwest. Growing confidence in the region’s productions and new investment in skills training is creating a strong base for a new generation of visionary entrepreneurs.
Steve Morrison, Chair of North West Vision and owner of Chrysalis TV said:
"We are delighted that the TV and Film industry in the Northwest has such support and generates such interest amongst our local MPS. It is a great sign of the strength of the industry that some of the best-loved names in TV will be there to help North West Vision explain its plans for growing the talent and businesses in the region."
Gaining the support of top decision makers at this event is vital to maintaining a strong and healthy media industry in England’s North West.
A host of North West celebrities will be uniting at the House of Commons next week (19/11/03) to -help raise the profile of the media industry in England’s North West.
Jonny Vegas (Comedian), Sue Johnston (Royale Family) and William Roache (Ken Barlow, Coronation Street) are just some of the well-known names that will be showing their support at the event organised by North West Vision and the North West Development agency.
The aim of the event, which will be hosted by Phil Woolas MP, is to showcase the North West’s Media industry to MP’s and influential decision makers from the world of media.
England’s North West already has a thriving media industry and has been home to an array of fantastic productions and produced a host of talented performers. The industry is the largest outside London with 11% of all network programming being produced in the Northwest, including Hollyoaks, Cold Feet, The Forsyte Saga and Coronation Street. Just recently Manchester and Liverpool were home to the remake of Alfie, starring Brit actor Jude Law. Both cities doubled up as New York for a two week shooting period and £1.5 million was ploughed into the local economy as a result.
Contributing hundreds of millions of pounds to the regional economy, the future of the Film and TV industry is both vital to, and a great opportunity for, the Northwest. Growing confidence in the region’s productions and new investment in skills training is creating a strong base for a new generation of visionary entrepreneurs.
Steve Morrison, Chair of North West Vision and owner of Chrysalis TV said:
"We are delighted that the TV and Film industry in the Northwest has such support and generates such interest amongst our local MPS. It is a great sign of the strength of the industry that some of the best-loved names in TV will be there to help North West Vision explain its plans for growing the talent and businesses in the region."
Gaining the support of top decision makers at this event is vital to maintaining a strong and healthy media industry in England’s North West.
The Lowdown
New On Talking Pictures
We are pleased to present Emma Dixon's new weekly column 'The Lowdown' on Talking Pictures. It covers film, TV, music, literature and anything else happening in the world of arts and entertainment. View it at:
http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ColumnLowdown1.html
First Animators in Residence Announced for Bradford
The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television have announced the four animators chosen for this year's Animator in Residence scheme.
The winners were announced at the launch event on Thursday 13 November with the guests also having a sneak preview of the new animation gallery where they will be based, sharing the space with Wallace and Gromit, the Wombles and many other icons of British animation.
AIR is Channel 4's Animator in Residence Scheme run in conjunction with the National Museum for Photography Film & Television in Bradford. AIR supports the creative development work of talented animation graduates with a particular focus on the craft of the discipline. 4 animators are chosen to work in an animation booth, situated in the new animation gallery. Here they
develop their own original idea for a short animated film into a proposal for Channel 4 for commission.
This year's winners are:
Reena Kalsi
1 November - 31 January
Benji Davies
1 February - 30 April
Laura Heit
1 May - 31 July
Alys Hawkins
1 August - 31 October
Ben Turner, Creative director at Cosgrove Hall Films, one of this year's judges, said 'This year saw a fascinating diversity of original ideas, styles and techniques from all over Britain. The artists and animators selected will put on a great show of creativity in Bradford. Do go and see them...get inspired!'
The night's announcements were followed by screenings of all the completed films from Year 12 (2001 - 02) and the development pieces from Year 13 (2002 - 03) of the scheme. All of the year 12 completed AIR scheme films have been commissioned by Channel Four and will be screened in the in the 7.55pm slot (press week 48) as follows:
Monday 24th November 2003
AIR: New Balls Please
Contract No: 36030
Director: Richard James Producer: Jayne Bevitt, Sherbet Productions
Temperatures rise on Centre Court as a new talent turns up the heat.
Tuesday 25th November 2003
AIR: Big Feet
Director: Clare Harford Producer: Phil Davies, Creative Film Productions
A teenage girl longs for big feet and decides to have a foot enlargement
operation.
Wednesday 26th November 2003
AIR: Moo(n)
Director: Leigh Hodgkinson. Producer: Maria Manton, Slinky Pictures
Relief for the common cold
Thursday 27th November 2003
AIR: The Girl and the Horse
Director: Rebecca Manley. Producer: Chris Shepherd, Slinky Pictures
The friendship between a girl and a horse grows and fills the void.
Bill Lawrence, Head of Film at the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, said: 'King Kong, Gromit, Micky Mouse and Popeye - 4 of the greatest stars of the 20th Century. But all arose from the mind of the animator. NMPFT is proud and delighted to be part of a new beginning in animation, seeking the great talents for the 21st Century, the creators of the global stars of the next 50 years. Our thanks to Channel Four for sharing this development with us and to animators for baring their imaginations to visitors to the Museum."
New On Talking Pictures
We are pleased to present Emma Dixon's new weekly column 'The Lowdown' on Talking Pictures. It covers film, TV, music, literature and anything else happening in the world of arts and entertainment. View it at:
http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ColumnLowdown1.html
First Animators in Residence Announced for Bradford
The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television have announced the four animators chosen for this year's Animator in Residence scheme.
The winners were announced at the launch event on Thursday 13 November with the guests also having a sneak preview of the new animation gallery where they will be based, sharing the space with Wallace and Gromit, the Wombles and many other icons of British animation.
AIR is Channel 4's Animator in Residence Scheme run in conjunction with the National Museum for Photography Film & Television in Bradford. AIR supports the creative development work of talented animation graduates with a particular focus on the craft of the discipline. 4 animators are chosen to work in an animation booth, situated in the new animation gallery. Here they
develop their own original idea for a short animated film into a proposal for Channel 4 for commission.
This year's winners are:
Reena Kalsi
1 November - 31 January
Benji Davies
1 February - 30 April
Laura Heit
1 May - 31 July
Alys Hawkins
1 August - 31 October
Ben Turner, Creative director at Cosgrove Hall Films, one of this year's judges, said 'This year saw a fascinating diversity of original ideas, styles and techniques from all over Britain. The artists and animators selected will put on a great show of creativity in Bradford. Do go and see them...get inspired!'
The night's announcements were followed by screenings of all the completed films from Year 12 (2001 - 02) and the development pieces from Year 13 (2002 - 03) of the scheme. All of the year 12 completed AIR scheme films have been commissioned by Channel Four and will be screened in the in the 7.55pm slot (press week 48) as follows:
Monday 24th November 2003
AIR: New Balls Please
Contract No: 36030
Director: Richard James Producer: Jayne Bevitt, Sherbet Productions
Temperatures rise on Centre Court as a new talent turns up the heat.
Tuesday 25th November 2003
AIR: Big Feet
Director: Clare Harford Producer: Phil Davies, Creative Film Productions
A teenage girl longs for big feet and decides to have a foot enlargement
operation.
Wednesday 26th November 2003
AIR: Moo(n)
Director: Leigh Hodgkinson. Producer: Maria Manton, Slinky Pictures
Relief for the common cold
Thursday 27th November 2003
AIR: The Girl and the Horse
Director: Rebecca Manley. Producer: Chris Shepherd, Slinky Pictures
The friendship between a girl and a horse grows and fills the void.
Bill Lawrence, Head of Film at the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, said: 'King Kong, Gromit, Micky Mouse and Popeye - 4 of the greatest stars of the 20th Century. But all arose from the mind of the animator. NMPFT is proud and delighted to be part of a new beginning in animation, seeking the great talents for the 21st Century, the creators of the global stars of the next 50 years. Our thanks to Channel Four for sharing this development with us and to animators for baring their imaginations to visitors to the Museum."
Friday, November 07, 2003
11th RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
**Record Breaking Attendances at 11th Raindance Film Festival
The 11th Raindance Film Festival has broken all previous attendance records with screenings averaging 70% audience attendance - a figure which is up 40% from last year.
The quality of films screened at this year's festival has led to audiences commenting that Raindance have this year offered the best selection of films than ever before - over 300 have been screened from all over the world.
**You Saw Them Here First...
Raindance Film Festival is renowned as a place for the discovery of films, often screening titles which go on to become box office hits months after the festival.
After screening at Raindance, Mexican film A Beautiful Secret sparked a bidding war for European distribution rights. The film, which moved some members of Raindance audiences to tears, opens in Mexico next week on an unheard of 450 screens.
Other audience favourites were UK horror picture The Last Horror Movie, Christina Ricci starrer Miranda and French film Malefique.
CLOSING NIGHT RAINDANCE
**Samantha Morton and Sadie Frost attend Jury Prize Awards
Raindance Film Festival will tonight recognise and reward the most outstanding films of this year's festival with the annual Jury Prizes, to be announced before the screening of closing night film 16 Years of Alcohol.
Prizes will be awarded for the best films in the following categories, as voted by the Raindance Jury Panel which this year included Samantha Morton, Trudi Styler, Sadie Frost and Rankin: Official Selection Feature, Official Selection Short, UK Feature, UK Short, Debut Feature and Documentary. The Raindance Audience Award will also be presented to the most popular film amongst Raindance audiences at this year's festival.
**BIFA Winning Director Introduces Closing Night Film
Richard Jobson, who took the Award for Best Directorial Debut at Tuesday's BIFA awards, will introduce closing night film 16 Years of Alcohol, the film on which his talents were recognised.
The film takes the audience on a journey into the violent world of Frankie Mac, and his 16 years of suffering as an alcoholic from boyhood to manhood. It is a painfully real piece of work, with the camerawork and direction beautifully capturing the city of Edinburgh where the film is set.
**Celebrate a Record Breaking Raindance at the Closing Night Gala Party
The Raindance Film Festival has, over the past two weeks, brought over 300 of the best independent films from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world to audiences, in the festival which has seen attendance records broken at many of the screenings and events. To celebrate the closing night of the 11th annual festival Raindance are hosting the Closing Night party at Rouge Nightclub.
**Record Breaking Attendances at 11th Raindance Film Festival
The 11th Raindance Film Festival has broken all previous attendance records with screenings averaging 70% audience attendance - a figure which is up 40% from last year.
The quality of films screened at this year's festival has led to audiences commenting that Raindance have this year offered the best selection of films than ever before - over 300 have been screened from all over the world.
**You Saw Them Here First...
Raindance Film Festival is renowned as a place for the discovery of films, often screening titles which go on to become box office hits months after the festival.
After screening at Raindance, Mexican film A Beautiful Secret sparked a bidding war for European distribution rights. The film, which moved some members of Raindance audiences to tears, opens in Mexico next week on an unheard of 450 screens.
Other audience favourites were UK horror picture The Last Horror Movie, Christina Ricci starrer Miranda and French film Malefique.
CLOSING NIGHT RAINDANCE
**Samantha Morton and Sadie Frost attend Jury Prize Awards
Raindance Film Festival will tonight recognise and reward the most outstanding films of this year's festival with the annual Jury Prizes, to be announced before the screening of closing night film 16 Years of Alcohol.
Prizes will be awarded for the best films in the following categories, as voted by the Raindance Jury Panel which this year included Samantha Morton, Trudi Styler, Sadie Frost and Rankin: Official Selection Feature, Official Selection Short, UK Feature, UK Short, Debut Feature and Documentary. The Raindance Audience Award will also be presented to the most popular film amongst Raindance audiences at this year's festival.
**BIFA Winning Director Introduces Closing Night Film
Richard Jobson, who took the Award for Best Directorial Debut at Tuesday's BIFA awards, will introduce closing night film 16 Years of Alcohol, the film on which his talents were recognised.
The film takes the audience on a journey into the violent world of Frankie Mac, and his 16 years of suffering as an alcoholic from boyhood to manhood. It is a painfully real piece of work, with the camerawork and direction beautifully capturing the city of Edinburgh where the film is set.
**Celebrate a Record Breaking Raindance at the Closing Night Gala Party
The Raindance Film Festival has, over the past two weeks, brought over 300 of the best independent films from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world to audiences, in the festival which has seen attendance records broken at many of the screenings and events. To celebrate the closing night of the 11th annual festival Raindance are hosting the Closing Night party at Rouge Nightclub.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
End of Brookside
After 21 years the Liverpool-based soap opera is coming to an end tonight. It has always tackled controversial subjects long before the major soaps (Coronation Street and EastEnders), and it has certainly put most of it's characters through hard times. Sinbad, the window cleaner, nearly lost his legs and was accused of being a child molester. Jimmy Corkhill, lost his son to drugs, his wife left him, and he had a mental breakdown. And, the list goes on. Anyone who came to Brookside would be cursed with ill luck and disaster.
Brookside had it's grim and silly storylines, but it seemed to run out of steam and viewers about a year ago. After being dumped to a Saturday afternoon slot it has ended up on an even worse Tuesday late night slot. It seems that after years of being a flagship for Channel 4 it's being scuppered with little fanfair or dignity.
What are your views about Brookside or the other soaps? Email them to me at valis23a@aol.com
After 21 years the Liverpool-based soap opera is coming to an end tonight. It has always tackled controversial subjects long before the major soaps (Coronation Street and EastEnders), and it has certainly put most of it's characters through hard times. Sinbad, the window cleaner, nearly lost his legs and was accused of being a child molester. Jimmy Corkhill, lost his son to drugs, his wife left him, and he had a mental breakdown. And, the list goes on. Anyone who came to Brookside would be cursed with ill luck and disaster.
Brookside had it's grim and silly storylines, but it seemed to run out of steam and viewers about a year ago. After being dumped to a Saturday afternoon slot it has ended up on an even worse Tuesday late night slot. It seems that after years of being a flagship for Channel 4 it's being scuppered with little fanfair or dignity.
What are your views about Brookside or the other soaps? Email them to me at valis23a@aol.com
New On Talking Pictures...
The Science Museum, London, and Fox TV are collaborating in the production of a Meeting The Aliens project. Meeting Aliens (working title) is designed to reach a worldwide audience across multiple platforms, including an international touring exhibition, a primetime event television mini series, publishing, new media, and extensive licensing and merchandising opportunities.
We also have plenty of related articles in the SF and Horrorsection of our Feature Article menu page.
On the subject of sf, Gerry Anderson's production company is looking for investors to fund his new series of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.
The Science Museum, London, and Fox TV are collaborating in the production of a Meeting The Aliens project. Meeting Aliens (working title) is designed to reach a worldwide audience across multiple platforms, including an international touring exhibition, a primetime event television mini series, publishing, new media, and extensive licensing and merchandising opportunities.
We also have plenty of related articles in the SF and Horrorsection of our Feature Article menu page.
On the subject of sf, Gerry Anderson's production company is looking for investors to fund his new series of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.
Monday, November 03, 2003
WEEKEND AT RAINDANCE
**Sell-Out Halloween at Raindance Film Festival
Raindance audiences were queuing up to get the fright of their lives on Friday as The Last Horror Movie and the Horror Shorts Programme saw sell-out audiences once again at Raindance. The Last Horror Movie is a truly frightening film which is nominated for a Raindance Jury Prize, being awarded on Friday. Truly scary cinema is rare these days, so audiences were in for a real treat with the films on offer from Raindance...
More Sell-Outs!
Miranda - a sexy and highly original adult comedy starring Christina Ricci and John Simm had its UK Premiere to a sell-out audience. The film is also nominated for best UK feature. Similarly, the magnificent Infernal Affairs, hotly tipped to be the winner in the foreign language category at next year's Oscars, played out to a sell-out screening.
TODAY AT RAINDANCE
**Dazed & Confused Present an Evening at the Edge of Cinema
Style bible Dazed & Confused, media partners at this year's Raindance Film Festival, present an evening of films from filmmakers such as Isaac Julien, Lynne Ramsay and Andrew Kotting, whose work represents a blurring of the boundaries of cinema. In their work, cinema meets the world of other visual arts head on: photography, video, performance and film. The films will be followed by a panel discussion on the interplay between cinema and art.
**MUST SEE: Nine Souls
Japanese director Toshiaki Toyoda, winner of the Best New Director Award from the Japan Director's Guild for his first film Pornostar, shows us modern Japan as we've never seen it before in affable comedy Nine Souls. Toyoda sets his focus on the characters - nine prisoners on the run - and the dynamics between them, as the individual dramas of each of the convicts flare up one by one as they all touch base with their past lives. The result is an even-handed yet undeniably potent blend of comedy, tragedy, pathos, and redemption.
TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE
**MUST SEE: Road Dogs: Contemporary Easy Rider with Unbeatable Soundtrack
In Road Dogs - labelled by Variety as Boyz on the Road - two Afro-American men take to the road in order to leave their violent pasts behind, creating a thoroughly enjoyable Road Movie coined as a contemporary Easy Rider. An incredible soundtrack including tracks from artists as diverse as Snoop Dogg, Korn and Mystic plays compliments the glorious photography of America's beauty spots.
**MUST SEE: Trilogie 1: On The Run
The first part of Lucas Belvaux's trilogy of films showing at Cine Lumiere which work on the principle of cross encounters - the main characters of one film have minor roles in the others and vice versa. Although they share sets, scenes and characters, the films are genetically 'different'. The first is a thriller, the second a comedy and the third a melodrama. The director will be introducing each film (playing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), and participating in a Q&A after Thursday's showing.
**Sell-Out Halloween at Raindance Film Festival
Raindance audiences were queuing up to get the fright of their lives on Friday as The Last Horror Movie and the Horror Shorts Programme saw sell-out audiences once again at Raindance. The Last Horror Movie is a truly frightening film which is nominated for a Raindance Jury Prize, being awarded on Friday. Truly scary cinema is rare these days, so audiences were in for a real treat with the films on offer from Raindance...
More Sell-Outs!
Miranda - a sexy and highly original adult comedy starring Christina Ricci and John Simm had its UK Premiere to a sell-out audience. The film is also nominated for best UK feature. Similarly, the magnificent Infernal Affairs, hotly tipped to be the winner in the foreign language category at next year's Oscars, played out to a sell-out screening.
TODAY AT RAINDANCE
**Dazed & Confused Present an Evening at the Edge of Cinema
Style bible Dazed & Confused, media partners at this year's Raindance Film Festival, present an evening of films from filmmakers such as Isaac Julien, Lynne Ramsay and Andrew Kotting, whose work represents a blurring of the boundaries of cinema. In their work, cinema meets the world of other visual arts head on: photography, video, performance and film. The films will be followed by a panel discussion on the interplay between cinema and art.
**MUST SEE: Nine Souls
Japanese director Toshiaki Toyoda, winner of the Best New Director Award from the Japan Director's Guild for his first film Pornostar, shows us modern Japan as we've never seen it before in affable comedy Nine Souls. Toyoda sets his focus on the characters - nine prisoners on the run - and the dynamics between them, as the individual dramas of each of the convicts flare up one by one as they all touch base with their past lives. The result is an even-handed yet undeniably potent blend of comedy, tragedy, pathos, and redemption.
TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE
**MUST SEE: Road Dogs: Contemporary Easy Rider with Unbeatable Soundtrack
In Road Dogs - labelled by Variety as Boyz on the Road - two Afro-American men take to the road in order to leave their violent pasts behind, creating a thoroughly enjoyable Road Movie coined as a contemporary Easy Rider. An incredible soundtrack including tracks from artists as diverse as Snoop Dogg, Korn and Mystic plays compliments the glorious photography of America's beauty spots.
**MUST SEE: Trilogie 1: On The Run
The first part of Lucas Belvaux's trilogy of films showing at Cine Lumiere which work on the principle of cross encounters - the main characters of one film have minor roles in the others and vice versa. Although they share sets, scenes and characters, the films are genetically 'different'. The first is a thriller, the second a comedy and the third a melodrama. The director will be introducing each film (playing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), and participating in a Q&A after Thursday's showing.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
YESTERDAY AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Suor Sorrisso
Roger Deutsch introduced his film Suor Sorrisso, which is based on the life of the Singing Nun who topped the Beatles. Despite reports of Roger attempting to 'put straight the Hollywood story' with his dark tale, he revealed that he made the film knowing just a few facts about the Singing Nun and built his film around that...
TODAY AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 11 pm
This entertaining and fascinating comedy looks into the life of pornstar Ron Jeremy, who has enjoyed a career in the adult film industry spanning 25 years. He has appeared in over 1600 motion pictures - including the classics Ally McFeel and Natural Born Thrillers - has made millions of dollars and slept with thousands of beautiful women. So, just how did Ron Jeremy, an unassuming schlub from Long Island, become the hardest working man in show business? Prepare yourself for a penetrating look inside the world of America's most unlikely sex star with Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy.
TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE
**Event Highlight: Live! Ammunition! & Guest Panel Q&A
Sway Nightclub, 61 - 65 Great Queen Street, London. 7 - 8.15 pm
Live!Ammunition! returns - the infamous fast-paced live pitching event brought to you only by Raindance Film Festival...
You have two minutes to pitch your great-idea-for-a-movie to a panel of Industry Professionals without being gonged off! Panel includes: Robert Jones (UK Film Council), Dean Goldberg (Park Caledonia), Michael Cowan (Spice Factory), Richard Elfman (Producer, Writer, Director) Andre Burgess (Consultant to Telecom & Media Industries) …more to follow!
**Film Highlight: Dans Ma Peau
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.30 pm
Esther's life is nearly perfect perfect face, perfect job, perfect man. Then she starts to mutilate herself. This exquisitely grisly piece of cinema inspired such dedication that actors' skin is actually sliced for the cameras' unflinching gaze.
**Film Highlight: Suor Sorrisso
Roger Deutsch introduced his film Suor Sorrisso, which is based on the life of the Singing Nun who topped the Beatles. Despite reports of Roger attempting to 'put straight the Hollywood story' with his dark tale, he revealed that he made the film knowing just a few facts about the Singing Nun and built his film around that...
TODAY AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 11 pm
This entertaining and fascinating comedy looks into the life of pornstar Ron Jeremy, who has enjoyed a career in the adult film industry spanning 25 years. He has appeared in over 1600 motion pictures - including the classics Ally McFeel and Natural Born Thrillers - has made millions of dollars and slept with thousands of beautiful women. So, just how did Ron Jeremy, an unassuming schlub from Long Island, become the hardest working man in show business? Prepare yourself for a penetrating look inside the world of America's most unlikely sex star with Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy.
TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE
**Event Highlight: Live! Ammunition! & Guest Panel Q&A
Sway Nightclub, 61 - 65 Great Queen Street, London. 7 - 8.15 pm
Live!Ammunition! returns - the infamous fast-paced live pitching event brought to you only by Raindance Film Festival...
You have two minutes to pitch your great-idea-for-a-movie to a panel of Industry Professionals without being gonged off! Panel includes: Robert Jones (UK Film Council), Dean Goldberg (Park Caledonia), Michael Cowan (Spice Factory), Richard Elfman (Producer, Writer, Director) Andre Burgess (Consultant to Telecom & Media Industries) …more to follow!
**Film Highlight: Dans Ma Peau
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.30 pm
Esther's life is nearly perfect perfect face, perfect job, perfect man. Then she starts to mutilate herself. This exquisitely grisly piece of cinema inspired such dedication that actors' skin is actually sliced for the cameras' unflinching gaze.
Monday, October 27, 2003
INDUSTRY LUMINARIES SELECT SHORT LIST FOR BEST SHORT FILM OF 2003
TCM CLASSIC SHORTS award ceremony, announcing the best short film of 2003, takes place on 5th November at the National Film Theatre as part of The 47th Times bfi London Film Festival (the festival runs from 22 October - 6 November 2003). Jude Law, Ralph Fiennes and Bernardo Bertolucci are just three of the fifteen judges tasked with finding the top directors of the future.
This year TCM CLASSIC SHORTS received 320 entries, 30% more than in 2002. The six finalists’ films will be shown at the ceremony and the judges will award trophies and cash prizes totalling £10,000 to the top three films.
This year’s six short listed directors whose films have caught the eyes of the judges are (in random order) Amit Kumar, Toby Haynes, Matthew Santiago Whitecross, Alicia Duffy, Michael Baig Clifford and Dominic Santana.
The full panel of judges includes many of the biggest names in the industry; Jude Law, Ralph Fiennes, Bernardo Bertolucci, Richard Eyre, Stephen Frears, Mark Herman, Wendy Ide, Nick James, Richard Jobson, Colin Kennedy, John Madden, Ismail Merchant, Barry Norman, Stephen Woolley and Tina McCann. Many of these actors, directors and producers have lent their support and expertise to the initiative since its inception and have been invaluable in helping nurture new talent.
The British Film institute and the London Film Festival has played host to TCM CLASSIC SHORTS since the competition began in 2000. Among the bright new talent it has discovered and encouraged are, Gerald McMorrow, director of THESPIAN X, Brian Percival, director of About A Girl, which won the Best Short BAFTA and director, Toby MacDonald whose Je T’Aime John Wayne also received a BAFTA Best Short nomination.
There will also be an opportunity to see the films from winners and runners-up when they are shown on TCM as part of a special Classic Shorts Weekend on November 8th and 9th.
Further information is available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk and for further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log onto: www.lff.org.uk
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) a Time Warner Company draws from an extensive library of timeless movies presenting them in a contemporary style reinterpreting their place in history and their relevance to people’s lives today. In the UK, an average of 5.1 M viewers tune in to TCM each month, making TCM the 2nd highest rating movie channel (behind Sky Premiere). TCM is available via cable and satellite and reaches over 9 million households in the UK.
TCM CLASSIC SHORTS 2003 SHORTLIST
THE BYPASS
Directed by Amit Kumar
2003 17 mins
A honeymooning couple in India is attacked and killed by bandits who steal their money and a gold watch. A policeman interrupts the mayhem, finding the watch, and keeping it but not the cash. A cycle of theft and murder ensues as possession of the booty passes between the policeman, the robbers, a cafe owner and some travellers.
LOST AND FOUND
Directed by Toby Haynes
2003 15 mins
An award-winning lost and found property officer deals with all objects (including a handbag full of cash) with honesty and aplomb. However, the contents of a gold and black tin prove too much of a temptation. The officer, rather obsessed with his growing bald patch, wears the wig he has found, but comes unstuck when the owner comes to claim it.
JOB STREET
Directed by Matthew Santiago Whitecross
2003 10 mins
This evocative and stylish short drama examines the exploitation and racism faced by three illegal immigrant workers and the desperation it can lead to. Riveting and moving, it is a simple message eloquently told and gives a different perspective to the continued attacks on Immigrates from a hostile British press.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN IN THE WORLD
Directed by Alicia Duffy
2002 6 mins
A girl. A dog. A mother. A topless man. This bewitching snapshot examines an encounter between a young girl and a topless man. As the small girl searches for something to do on a hot day, she aimlessly walks into the path of a stranger. It may be a sexual awakening for the girl or an encounter of a potentially more sinister nature.
BROWN PAPER BAG
Directed by Michael Baig Clifford
2003 13 mins
A bitter-sweet drama about a love-struck alcoholic couple. Following an evening of entertaining pub banter, the woman glasses a barmaid in a drunken jealous rage. The man, looking for his missing girlfriend at an AA meeting, discusses his alcohol problem and the abuse he experienced at the hands of his alcoholic father. His girlfriend is found unconscious and taken into hospital where she dies.
CLAVERDEEK
Directed by Dominic Santana
2003 11 mins
The extraordinary story of one man's obsession with another man's happiness. John Claverdeek is hated by his neighbour who sets about ending his happiness by various viciously cunning means. When all else fails, a dastardly plot to kill him with explosives and a border collie is the final solution.
TCM CLASSIC SHORTS award ceremony, announcing the best short film of 2003, takes place on 5th November at the National Film Theatre as part of The 47th Times bfi London Film Festival (the festival runs from 22 October - 6 November 2003). Jude Law, Ralph Fiennes and Bernardo Bertolucci are just three of the fifteen judges tasked with finding the top directors of the future.
This year TCM CLASSIC SHORTS received 320 entries, 30% more than in 2002. The six finalists’ films will be shown at the ceremony and the judges will award trophies and cash prizes totalling £10,000 to the top three films.
This year’s six short listed directors whose films have caught the eyes of the judges are (in random order) Amit Kumar, Toby Haynes, Matthew Santiago Whitecross, Alicia Duffy, Michael Baig Clifford and Dominic Santana.
The full panel of judges includes many of the biggest names in the industry; Jude Law, Ralph Fiennes, Bernardo Bertolucci, Richard Eyre, Stephen Frears, Mark Herman, Wendy Ide, Nick James, Richard Jobson, Colin Kennedy, John Madden, Ismail Merchant, Barry Norman, Stephen Woolley and Tina McCann. Many of these actors, directors and producers have lent their support and expertise to the initiative since its inception and have been invaluable in helping nurture new talent.
The British Film institute and the London Film Festival has played host to TCM CLASSIC SHORTS since the competition began in 2000. Among the bright new talent it has discovered and encouraged are, Gerald McMorrow, director of THESPIAN X, Brian Percival, director of About A Girl, which won the Best Short BAFTA and director, Toby MacDonald whose Je T’Aime John Wayne also received a BAFTA Best Short nomination.
There will also be an opportunity to see the films from winners and runners-up when they are shown on TCM as part of a special Classic Shorts Weekend on November 8th and 9th.
Further information is available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk and for further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log onto: www.lff.org.uk
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) a Time Warner Company draws from an extensive library of timeless movies presenting them in a contemporary style reinterpreting their place in history and their relevance to people’s lives today. In the UK, an average of 5.1 M viewers tune in to TCM each month, making TCM the 2nd highest rating movie channel (behind Sky Premiere). TCM is available via cable and satellite and reaches over 9 million households in the UK.
TCM CLASSIC SHORTS 2003 SHORTLIST
THE BYPASS
Directed by Amit Kumar
2003 17 mins
A honeymooning couple in India is attacked and killed by bandits who steal their money and a gold watch. A policeman interrupts the mayhem, finding the watch, and keeping it but not the cash. A cycle of theft and murder ensues as possession of the booty passes between the policeman, the robbers, a cafe owner and some travellers.
LOST AND FOUND
Directed by Toby Haynes
2003 15 mins
An award-winning lost and found property officer deals with all objects (including a handbag full of cash) with honesty and aplomb. However, the contents of a gold and black tin prove too much of a temptation. The officer, rather obsessed with his growing bald patch, wears the wig he has found, but comes unstuck when the owner comes to claim it.
JOB STREET
Directed by Matthew Santiago Whitecross
2003 10 mins
This evocative and stylish short drama examines the exploitation and racism faced by three illegal immigrant workers and the desperation it can lead to. Riveting and moving, it is a simple message eloquently told and gives a different perspective to the continued attacks on Immigrates from a hostile British press.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN IN THE WORLD
Directed by Alicia Duffy
2002 6 mins
A girl. A dog. A mother. A topless man. This bewitching snapshot examines an encounter between a young girl and a topless man. As the small girl searches for something to do on a hot day, she aimlessly walks into the path of a stranger. It may be a sexual awakening for the girl or an encounter of a potentially more sinister nature.
BROWN PAPER BAG
Directed by Michael Baig Clifford
2003 13 mins
A bitter-sweet drama about a love-struck alcoholic couple. Following an evening of entertaining pub banter, the woman glasses a barmaid in a drunken jealous rage. The man, looking for his missing girlfriend at an AA meeting, discusses his alcohol problem and the abuse he experienced at the hands of his alcoholic father. His girlfriend is found unconscious and taken into hospital where she dies.
CLAVERDEEK
Directed by Dominic Santana
2003 11 mins
The extraordinary story of one man's obsession with another man's happiness. John Claverdeek is hated by his neighbour who sets about ending his happiness by various viciously cunning means. When all else fails, a dastardly plot to kill him with explosives and a border collie is the final solution.
RAINDANCE OPENING WEEKEND
The 11th Raindance Film Festival opened on Friday night with thought-provoking documentary Capturing the Friedmans - and it was clear to see why this cutting-edge film was awarded the Grand Jury prize at Sundance earlier this year. This powerful film intersperses interviews with members of the Friedman family with video-diary footage taken at the time of the controversial case, inviting the audience to question the guilt or innocence of the accused at every turn. Sitting amongst the audience were Ken Russell, this year's Director in Residence, internationally renowned photographer and Raindance juror Rankin and actor Marc Warren, who stars in short film Perfect, screening at the festival. The screening was followed by an exclusive party at Rouge, which saw directors and audiences mingling and possibly swapping filmmaking tips as they danced the night away.
More familiar faces arrived to enjoy the screenings on Saturday, including In the Cut director Jane Campion, and TV impressionist Alistair McGowan. Director in residence Ken Russell spoke to Mark Kermode about his inspirations and influences as a director, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to pick up a camera and shoot - as he now does in his back garden with family and friends. The audience was treated to a rare screening of Savage Messiah, cited by Russell as the film he is most proud of.
Fuse, one of this year's Raindance Official Selection films, played to a sold out screening to much praise - many heralding the film as one of the best independent features to emerge for years.
TODAY AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Phone
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.30 pm
In Phone mysterious and threatening phone calls seem to have the power to terrorise, possess, and even kill those who are unfortunate enough to answer. Phone is a terrifying piece of modern technological horror which mirrors the cult Japanese classic The Ring in pace and style, transforming the benign ring of a phone into a frightening sound.
TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Twilight Samurai
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.10 pm
Twilight Samurai is a tender and compassionate film from acclaimed director Yoji Yamada, which topped this year's box office in Japan and swept the boards at the 2003 Japanese Academy Awards. This is Yamada's 77th film, marking his 41s year as a director.
**Film Highlight: Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 11 pm
This entertaining and fascinating comedy looks into the life of pornstar Ron Jeremy, who has enjoyed a career in the adult film industry spanning 25 years. He has appeared in over 1600 motion pictures - including the classics Ally McFeel and Natural Born Thrillers - has made millions of dollars and slept with thousands of beautiful women. So, just how did Ron Jeremy, an unassuming schlub from Long Island, become the hardest working man in show business? Prepare yourself for a penetrating look inside the world of America's most unlikely sex star with Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy.
The 11th Raindance Film Festival opened on Friday night with thought-provoking documentary Capturing the Friedmans - and it was clear to see why this cutting-edge film was awarded the Grand Jury prize at Sundance earlier this year. This powerful film intersperses interviews with members of the Friedman family with video-diary footage taken at the time of the controversial case, inviting the audience to question the guilt or innocence of the accused at every turn. Sitting amongst the audience were Ken Russell, this year's Director in Residence, internationally renowned photographer and Raindance juror Rankin and actor Marc Warren, who stars in short film Perfect, screening at the festival. The screening was followed by an exclusive party at Rouge, which saw directors and audiences mingling and possibly swapping filmmaking tips as they danced the night away.
More familiar faces arrived to enjoy the screenings on Saturday, including In the Cut director Jane Campion, and TV impressionist Alistair McGowan. Director in residence Ken Russell spoke to Mark Kermode about his inspirations and influences as a director, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to pick up a camera and shoot - as he now does in his back garden with family and friends. The audience was treated to a rare screening of Savage Messiah, cited by Russell as the film he is most proud of.
Fuse, one of this year's Raindance Official Selection films, played to a sold out screening to much praise - many heralding the film as one of the best independent features to emerge for years.
TODAY AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Phone
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.30 pm
In Phone mysterious and threatening phone calls seem to have the power to terrorise, possess, and even kill those who are unfortunate enough to answer. Phone is a terrifying piece of modern technological horror which mirrors the cult Japanese classic The Ring in pace and style, transforming the benign ring of a phone into a frightening sound.
TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE
**Film Highlight: Twilight Samurai
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.10 pm
Twilight Samurai is a tender and compassionate film from acclaimed director Yoji Yamada, which topped this year's box office in Japan and swept the boards at the 2003 Japanese Academy Awards. This is Yamada's 77th film, marking his 41s year as a director.
**Film Highlight: Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy
UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 11 pm
This entertaining and fascinating comedy looks into the life of pornstar Ron Jeremy, who has enjoyed a career in the adult film industry spanning 25 years. He has appeared in over 1600 motion pictures - including the classics Ally McFeel and Natural Born Thrillers - has made millions of dollars and slept with thousands of beautiful women. So, just how did Ron Jeremy, an unassuming schlub from Long Island, become the hardest working man in show business? Prepare yourself for a penetrating look inside the world of America's most unlikely sex star with Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Casa De Los Screening
Tonight is the Time Out First Night screening at The Times bfi 47th London Film Festival of John Sayles's latest film CASA DE LOS BABYS starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Marcia Gay Harden, Susan Lynch, Mary Steenburgen, Daryl Hannah, Lili Taylor, Rita Moreno and Vanessa Martinez.
The special screening commences at 8.30pm at the Odeon West End cinema, Leicester Square.
Dates of the Festival: 22 October - 6 November, 2003
www.lff.org.uk
Tonight is the Time Out First Night screening at The Times bfi 47th London Film Festival of John Sayles's latest film CASA DE LOS BABYS starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Marcia Gay Harden, Susan Lynch, Mary Steenburgen, Daryl Hannah, Lili Taylor, Rita Moreno and Vanessa Martinez.
The special screening commences at 8.30pm at the Odeon West End cinema, Leicester Square.
Dates of the Festival: 22 October - 6 November, 2003
www.lff.org.uk
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Mayor announces plan to increase funding for London Film Festival
As The Times bfi London Film Festival gets underway, Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced that he is working with the London Development Agency to provide extra funding for the festival, now in its 47th year.
The new funding, to begin in 2004, will be channelled through Film London, which provides dedicated support, promotion and development for the film industry in the capital.
The Mayor, who has played a key role in the establishment of Film London, said: 'Film is a key contributor to the economy, generating around £700m each year, with 85 per cent of film production based in the capital and 70 per cent of the workforce in London and the South East. Film in London must be able to thrive as a cultural asset and key creative industry. I am working with the London Development Agency, Film London and the British Film Institute to help the London Film Festival develop its international reputation and to ensure that the capital's film industry continues to grow.
This weekend (Saturday 25 October), as part of his ongoing commitment to The Times bfi London Film Festival, the Mayor will also host the British Gala screening of Roger Michell's new film The Mother, which received support from Film London and was shot and produced in the capital.
The Mayor continued: 'The Times bfi London Film Festival has an unrivalled reputation for bringing inspirational cinema from around the world to the capital and I am delighted to be supporting it for the third year running.
'The British Gala is a particularly important way to celebrate the wealth of talent we have here. This year's British Gala film, The Mother, is a great example of a film produced and shot on location in London and directly assisted by Film London, which has been established to help our film industry grow and to promote London as a filmmaking capital.'
Adrian Wootton, CEO Film London, added: 'Film London exists to promote our city as an accessible, world recognised 'film capital'. The recognition of our role by the Mayor of London marks a major milestone for the agency and we are fortunate in gaining the support of a range of other influential bodies, including the UK Film Council. As our co-sponsorship of this year's British Gala, The Mother, demonstrates, Film London, the Mayor and the LDA appreciate the importance of the Times bfi London Film Festival, not only to the capital’s cultural life, but also a means of showcasing our city to the world’s film industry. Today's announcement means that Film London will now be able to offer even more support to the Festival in years to come.'
Sandra Hebron, Artistic Director for The Times bfi London Film Festival, said: 'This additional funding from the Mayor of London marks a welcome and significant investment in the future of The Times bfi London Film Festival. It ensures that the Festival will continue to develop as a world-class event, which engages with the widest possible audience in the capital.'
As The Times bfi London Film Festival gets underway, Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced that he is working with the London Development Agency to provide extra funding for the festival, now in its 47th year.
The new funding, to begin in 2004, will be channelled through Film London, which provides dedicated support, promotion and development for the film industry in the capital.
The Mayor, who has played a key role in the establishment of Film London, said: 'Film is a key contributor to the economy, generating around £700m each year, with 85 per cent of film production based in the capital and 70 per cent of the workforce in London and the South East. Film in London must be able to thrive as a cultural asset and key creative industry. I am working with the London Development Agency, Film London and the British Film Institute to help the London Film Festival develop its international reputation and to ensure that the capital's film industry continues to grow.
This weekend (Saturday 25 October), as part of his ongoing commitment to The Times bfi London Film Festival, the Mayor will also host the British Gala screening of Roger Michell's new film The Mother, which received support from Film London and was shot and produced in the capital.
The Mayor continued: 'The Times bfi London Film Festival has an unrivalled reputation for bringing inspirational cinema from around the world to the capital and I am delighted to be supporting it for the third year running.
'The British Gala is a particularly important way to celebrate the wealth of talent we have here. This year's British Gala film, The Mother, is a great example of a film produced and shot on location in London and directly assisted by Film London, which has been established to help our film industry grow and to promote London as a filmmaking capital.'
Adrian Wootton, CEO Film London, added: 'Film London exists to promote our city as an accessible, world recognised 'film capital'. The recognition of our role by the Mayor of London marks a major milestone for the agency and we are fortunate in gaining the support of a range of other influential bodies, including the UK Film Council. As our co-sponsorship of this year's British Gala, The Mother, demonstrates, Film London, the Mayor and the LDA appreciate the importance of the Times bfi London Film Festival, not only to the capital’s cultural life, but also a means of showcasing our city to the world’s film industry. Today's announcement means that Film London will now be able to offer even more support to the Festival in years to come.'
Sandra Hebron, Artistic Director for The Times bfi London Film Festival, said: 'This additional funding from the Mayor of London marks a welcome and significant investment in the future of The Times bfi London Film Festival. It ensures that the Festival will continue to develop as a world-class event, which engages with the widest possible audience in the capital.'
Friday, October 17, 2003
Raindance Film Festival
The 11th Raindance Film Festival has an exciting range of events and screenings for film fans and filmmakers. One of these events is a rare chance to see cult British director Ken Russell in person:
KEN RUSSELL, DIRECTOR-IN-RESIDENCE
Interview/ Screening (Savage Messiah) / Q & A
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER AT
MIDDAY UGC HAYMARKET
Ken Russell has always had a problem with critics. Part of the reason is that his 80 films for television and cinema always defy the expected. When Russell achieves artistic and commercial success, he then changes direction. Poor critics (is there such a thing as a rich critic?) are left stranded. Russell's output and diversity are staggering.
His following is enormous and varies from classical music devotees to horror and science fiction fans. Ken Russell's early documentaries for the BBC Elgar (1962) and Song of Summer (1968) about Delius remain among the most loved television ever.
Russell's range of work includes the Who's rock opera Tommy (1975), the sci-fi Altered States (1980), Crimes of Passion (1984), the cult Salome's Last Dance (1988) and the horror Lair of the White Worm (1988). He doesn't slow down, recently he revisited Elgar on television (2002), and directed the international festival success The Fall of the Louse of Usher (2002). In his spare time he directs opera and theatre, pop videos (Elton John's Nikita) and has published five books.
His talk will be followed by a Q and A and a special screening of his film SAVAGE MESSIAH
FOR TICKETS:
UGC HAYMARKET
63-65 Haymarket London SW1Y 4RL
Box Office 08709 070712 Tickets UKP7.90 / 5.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS AND ALL EVENTS AT THE RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL:
http://www.raindance.co.uk
The 11th Raindance Film Festival has an exciting range of events and screenings for film fans and filmmakers. One of these events is a rare chance to see cult British director Ken Russell in person:
KEN RUSSELL, DIRECTOR-IN-RESIDENCE
Interview/ Screening (Savage Messiah) / Q & A
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER AT
MIDDAY UGC HAYMARKET
Ken Russell has always had a problem with critics. Part of the reason is that his 80 films for television and cinema always defy the expected. When Russell achieves artistic and commercial success, he then changes direction. Poor critics (is there such a thing as a rich critic?) are left stranded. Russell's output and diversity are staggering.
His following is enormous and varies from classical music devotees to horror and science fiction fans. Ken Russell's early documentaries for the BBC Elgar (1962) and Song of Summer (1968) about Delius remain among the most loved television ever.
Russell's range of work includes the Who's rock opera Tommy (1975), the sci-fi Altered States (1980), Crimes of Passion (1984), the cult Salome's Last Dance (1988) and the horror Lair of the White Worm (1988). He doesn't slow down, recently he revisited Elgar on television (2002), and directed the international festival success The Fall of the Louse of Usher (2002). In his spare time he directs opera and theatre, pop videos (Elton John's Nikita) and has published five books.
His talk will be followed by a Q and A and a special screening of his film SAVAGE MESSIAH
FOR TICKETS:
UGC HAYMARKET
63-65 Haymarket London SW1Y 4RL
Box Office 08709 070712 Tickets UKP7.90 / 5.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS AND ALL EVENTS AT THE RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL:
http://www.raindance.co.uk
Thursday, October 16, 2003
NORTH WEST SHORT FILMS SHOWCASED IN THE BIG APPLE
Eight short films made by talented Northwest filmmakers will be screened in New York next week (20/10/03) as part of the regional Transatlantic Express event.
The eight visionary films which were all funded by North West Vision, explore issues of love, death and sex and star celebrities such as the singer Jarvis Cocker and actor Ian Hart (star of Harry Potter). All eight of the films will be shown at Two Boots Pioneer Theatre in New York on Monday the 20th October.
The main aim of Transatlantic Express is to showcase the best in music, fashion, film, TV, and visual arts. It will provide a unique business to business and profiling opportunity for the region’s creative talent.
Alice Morrison, Chief Executive for North West Vision said:
“ I am ecstatic that the talented work of some of the North West’s finest film makers will be shown in New York. Transatlantic Express is a wonderful way in which to showcase the regions creative professionals and we are very proud to be part of it”.
At its heart, Transatlantic Express is a creative industries international trade event that uses the dynamics of the creative industries to generate opportunities in one of the best markets for the UK and Northwest’s products. Combining international trade and export support from Great Merseyside Enterprises (GME), CBI and the British Consulate in New York with a series industry showcases, the project enables the enterprises involved to show off their products to best advantage, with the back up of the experience the trade agencies.
ACME and CIDS, co-ordinate the film/TV element of Transatlantic Express 2003 in consultation with established North West Vision.
North West Vision films being showcased
Screening at 8.00pm on Monday, 20th October at Two Boots Pioneer Theatre, 155 East 3rd Street, New York. For ticket information contact the theatre on (212) 254 3300.
5 WAYS JOHN WAYNE DIDN’T DIE: Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker plays a hapless, newly wed killer in this offbeat comedy.
SLEEP MY LOVE: The story of an aggrieved tramp, once a loving husband, until a devastating incident tore his life apart.
CANNED MAN: The future - and Kim Mavers is looking for the perfect man so she buys one in a tin. “Just add water for the man of your dreams”.
IN MEMORIAM: The story of a loner, Bernard, trapped in the past since the loss of his wife.
JOURNEY: Ernest, recently widowed, longs to rejoin his wife in their spiritual home in Barbados. But he sees his “journey” can only be achieved by taking his own life.
PUT YOUR COAT ON: Amoré in an anorak. A young girl hits the bright lights of the big city. A bloodstained coat suggests a tragic end or is this just a love story after all?
UNHINGED: Psychiatrist Dr. Snell tries his utmost to rid his patient, Eric (played by Harry Potter star Ian Hart), of his curious fetish.
INCENSE: Film, without words, about secrets in a middle-class, suburban Asian home where a mother, haunted by the past, fills the home with incense smoke to ward off evil.
Eight short films made by talented Northwest filmmakers will be screened in New York next week (20/10/03) as part of the regional Transatlantic Express event.
The eight visionary films which were all funded by North West Vision, explore issues of love, death and sex and star celebrities such as the singer Jarvis Cocker and actor Ian Hart (star of Harry Potter). All eight of the films will be shown at Two Boots Pioneer Theatre in New York on Monday the 20th October.
The main aim of Transatlantic Express is to showcase the best in music, fashion, film, TV, and visual arts. It will provide a unique business to business and profiling opportunity for the region’s creative talent.
Alice Morrison, Chief Executive for North West Vision said:
“ I am ecstatic that the talented work of some of the North West’s finest film makers will be shown in New York. Transatlantic Express is a wonderful way in which to showcase the regions creative professionals and we are very proud to be part of it”.
At its heart, Transatlantic Express is a creative industries international trade event that uses the dynamics of the creative industries to generate opportunities in one of the best markets for the UK and Northwest’s products. Combining international trade and export support from Great Merseyside Enterprises (GME), CBI and the British Consulate in New York with a series industry showcases, the project enables the enterprises involved to show off their products to best advantage, with the back up of the experience the trade agencies.
ACME and CIDS, co-ordinate the film/TV element of Transatlantic Express 2003 in consultation with established North West Vision.
North West Vision films being showcased
Screening at 8.00pm on Monday, 20th October at Two Boots Pioneer Theatre, 155 East 3rd Street, New York. For ticket information contact the theatre on (212) 254 3300.
5 WAYS JOHN WAYNE DIDN’T DIE: Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker plays a hapless, newly wed killer in this offbeat comedy.
SLEEP MY LOVE: The story of an aggrieved tramp, once a loving husband, until a devastating incident tore his life apart.
CANNED MAN: The future - and Kim Mavers is looking for the perfect man so she buys one in a tin. “Just add water for the man of your dreams”.
IN MEMORIAM: The story of a loner, Bernard, trapped in the past since the loss of his wife.
JOURNEY: Ernest, recently widowed, longs to rejoin his wife in their spiritual home in Barbados. But he sees his “journey” can only be achieved by taking his own life.
PUT YOUR COAT ON: Amoré in an anorak. A young girl hits the bright lights of the big city. A bloodstained coat suggests a tragic end or is this just a love story after all?
UNHINGED: Psychiatrist Dr. Snell tries his utmost to rid his patient, Eric (played by Harry Potter star Ian Hart), of his curious fetish.
INCENSE: Film, without words, about secrets in a middle-class, suburban Asian home where a mother, haunted by the past, fills the home with incense smoke to ward off evil.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
MAJOR HOLLYWOOD FILM FOR SCOTLAND
A $32m Hollywood movie starring Adrian Brody (The Pianist) and Keira Knightley (Bend it Like Beckham, Pirates of the Caribbean) with George Clooney as one of its producers is set to shoot in Scotland, Frank McAveety Minister for Culture announced at a press conference at Scottish Screen this morning..
The movie entitled "The Jacket", will be directed by John Maybury and is to be produced by international star George Clooney & Steven Soderbergh's Section Eight production company, with Peter Gruber's Mandalay Pictures in association with German production company VIP Medienfonds.
The film which will reaffirm Scotland as a great film-making destination, will be shot in Scotland early in the new year. It is estimated that it will generate around $10m for Scotland's economy and will employ a large film crew, the majority of whom will be recruited in Scotland.
Securing the film for Scotland is a major coup and there is tremendous prestige in having a major film featuring some of Hollywood's biggest names. This will raise Scotland's profile as a place to come and make films, and for movie enthusiasts to visit.
Speaking at the announcement at Scottish Screen Headquarters in Glasgow, Mr McAveety said:
"This news is simply fantastic for Scotland, fantastic for those involved in the film industry in Scotland, and fantastic for filmgoers.
"Scottish Screen and the Glasgow Film Office must be congratulated in their roles in convincing the film's American and German producers that Scotland has everything to offer production companies who are looking for locations to shoot their films.
"There are many spin-offs associated with this film - a large crew recruited in Scotland will be employed for this production, hotels in shoot locations will feel the benefits, and so too will local shops and restaurants.
"But most of all the prestige in providing the backdrop for a Hollywood blockbuster with famous Hollywood stars coming to Scotland, will attract other film companies and convince them that Scotland is a great place come and use our rich and varied film locations."
Steve McIntyre, Chief Executive of Scottish Screen said:
"We are delighted that Scottish Screen along with the Glasgow Film Office have been able to attract this most important film to shoot in Scotland. We look forward to working closely with the producers and the Scottish crew over the next few months."
Councillor Charlie Gordon, of Glasgow City Council added:
"I'm delighted with the important role the Glasgow Film Office has played in bringing this movie to Scotland.
"Since its inception in 1997, the Film Office and Glasgow City Council have provided invaluable logistical and financial support to many feature films and TV dramas.
"Now we're going to have a little bit of Hollywood come to our shores, and we can show the most important market in the film industry just how good we are at this kind of work."
Peter McAleese the UK co-producer said:
"I am truly delighted to be able to bring this project to my adopted home city of Glasgow. I'm looking forward to working closely with both the Glasgow Film Office and Scottish Screen to ensure large numbers of the internationally respected Scottish crew members resident here, along with some of the world's best off-screen support services located in and around
the city, are used to best advantage on this fantastic project.
"If we do our job well I hope this film will lead a charge of productions back into Scotland from Hollywood."
A $32m Hollywood movie starring Adrian Brody (The Pianist) and Keira Knightley (Bend it Like Beckham, Pirates of the Caribbean) with George Clooney as one of its producers is set to shoot in Scotland, Frank McAveety Minister for Culture announced at a press conference at Scottish Screen this morning..
The movie entitled "The Jacket", will be directed by John Maybury and is to be produced by international star George Clooney & Steven Soderbergh's Section Eight production company, with Peter Gruber's Mandalay Pictures in association with German production company VIP Medienfonds.
The film which will reaffirm Scotland as a great film-making destination, will be shot in Scotland early in the new year. It is estimated that it will generate around $10m for Scotland's economy and will employ a large film crew, the majority of whom will be recruited in Scotland.
Securing the film for Scotland is a major coup and there is tremendous prestige in having a major film featuring some of Hollywood's biggest names. This will raise Scotland's profile as a place to come and make films, and for movie enthusiasts to visit.
Speaking at the announcement at Scottish Screen Headquarters in Glasgow, Mr McAveety said:
"This news is simply fantastic for Scotland, fantastic for those involved in the film industry in Scotland, and fantastic for filmgoers.
"Scottish Screen and the Glasgow Film Office must be congratulated in their roles in convincing the film's American and German producers that Scotland has everything to offer production companies who are looking for locations to shoot their films.
"There are many spin-offs associated with this film - a large crew recruited in Scotland will be employed for this production, hotels in shoot locations will feel the benefits, and so too will local shops and restaurants.
"But most of all the prestige in providing the backdrop for a Hollywood blockbuster with famous Hollywood stars coming to Scotland, will attract other film companies and convince them that Scotland is a great place come and use our rich and varied film locations."
Steve McIntyre, Chief Executive of Scottish Screen said:
"We are delighted that Scottish Screen along with the Glasgow Film Office have been able to attract this most important film to shoot in Scotland. We look forward to working closely with the producers and the Scottish crew over the next few months."
Councillor Charlie Gordon, of Glasgow City Council added:
"I'm delighted with the important role the Glasgow Film Office has played in bringing this movie to Scotland.
"Since its inception in 1997, the Film Office and Glasgow City Council have provided invaluable logistical and financial support to many feature films and TV dramas.
"Now we're going to have a little bit of Hollywood come to our shores, and we can show the most important market in the film industry just how good we are at this kind of work."
Peter McAleese the UK co-producer said:
"I am truly delighted to be able to bring this project to my adopted home city of Glasgow. I'm looking forward to working closely with both the Glasgow Film Office and Scottish Screen to ensure large numbers of the internationally respected Scottish crew members resident here, along with some of the world's best off-screen support services located in and around
the city, are used to best advantage on this fantastic project.
"If we do our job well I hope this film will lead a charge of productions back into Scotland from Hollywood."
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