Talking Pictures
Middle-earth to land at the Science Museum
The Science Museum today announced its next blockbuster exhibition - The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition.
The family exhibition, which will open before the eagerly awaited final
instalment of the film trilogy this Autumn, will allow visitors to explore
for themselves the fantastic world created for the Lord of the Rings films.
Props, costumes and artefacts from the films - including samples of the
models, armoury, animatronics and miniatures - will feature alongside
interactive computer and mechanical demonstrations of the cutting-edge technology used to bring the story to life.
The exhibition, which will run from 16 September 2003 to 11 January 2004, is expected to be a huge success.
Tickets for the Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition
will go on sale later in the summer.
The exhibition is developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in partnership with New Line Cinema.
The Science Museum is currently both London Tourist Board Visitor Attraction of the Year and English Tourism Council Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Monday, June 09, 2003
Talking Pictures
Dustbingate Movie Project
Optioned by Norfilms ahead of Hollywood studio.
British movie project "Dustbingate", based on the true story of the political scandal that almost brought the British government down in 1998, has been optioned by indie production co. Northern Filmmakers (Norfilms.com) in an agreement that's going to make its original participants even richer then before. Although one Hollywood studio has been reaching out to the writers for the option Norfilms beat them to the deal in a flurry of activity in just seven days of discussion and meetings.
This true tale tells of how a handful of night shift factory workers beat professional investigative journalists to the story of local sleaze surrounding property dealings involving British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and his son. The resulting scandal made the world's headlines for ten days in 1998 and eventually reached the House of Commons.
Although everyone thought at the time that the men involved were intent of some vendetta to destroy John Prescott's reputation or some socialist attempt to overthrow the New Labour government of Tony Blair the truth was far simpler - the lads just wanted a way to break out of their dead-end jobs and lives. As a result of breaking the story themselves the lads went on to earn enough money from the book of their story to change their lives forever.
Norfilms expect that the film will have a comparable return on investment to other British comedy movies of recent years. A consortium of private investors have already expressed interest in backing the project.. The producer's next step is to find a director suitable for the story and its commercial potential at the world box offices.
Not surprisingly, the government haven't commented. I'm sure Prescott is likely to give it two fingers.
Further details are available at the company's web site: www.norfilms.com/
Dustbingate Movie Project
Optioned by Norfilms ahead of Hollywood studio.
British movie project "Dustbingate", based on the true story of the political scandal that almost brought the British government down in 1998, has been optioned by indie production co. Northern Filmmakers (Norfilms.com) in an agreement that's going to make its original participants even richer then before. Although one Hollywood studio has been reaching out to the writers for the option Norfilms beat them to the deal in a flurry of activity in just seven days of discussion and meetings.
This true tale tells of how a handful of night shift factory workers beat professional investigative journalists to the story of local sleaze surrounding property dealings involving British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and his son. The resulting scandal made the world's headlines for ten days in 1998 and eventually reached the House of Commons.
Although everyone thought at the time that the men involved were intent of some vendetta to destroy John Prescott's reputation or some socialist attempt to overthrow the New Labour government of Tony Blair the truth was far simpler - the lads just wanted a way to break out of their dead-end jobs and lives. As a result of breaking the story themselves the lads went on to earn enough money from the book of their story to change their lives forever.
Norfilms expect that the film will have a comparable return on investment to other British comedy movies of recent years. A consortium of private investors have already expressed interest in backing the project.. The producer's next step is to find a director suitable for the story and its commercial potential at the world box offices.
Not surprisingly, the government haven't commented. I'm sure Prescott is likely to give it two fingers.
Further details are available at the company's web site: www.norfilms.com/
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Hope Not Lost
Happy Birthday to Bob Hope who is 100 today. He obviously knows the road to long life.
Contributions
If you have any news or comments to add to this blog feel free to email them to me at: valis23a@aol.com. Also, if you would like to be a regular contributor here let me know.
Matrix Reloaded
A few days ago I noted how The Times had given given it acres of editorial coverage to The Matrix Reloaded and then had given it a bad review. On Saturday another of their reviewers gave it a good review, and The Sunday Times had one good and one bad review. So it's obviously split their reviewers. I saw the beginning of the original Matrix movie on TV the other day but wasn't that impressed. Too much hype always seems to kill films for me.
Perhaps when the fuss dies down I might appreciate what is going to be a Matrix trilogy (it's frightening that filmmakers now feel they have to make a 'trilogy' rather than produce a single film).
The National Film Theatre is Doin’ Time With TCM
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is sponsoring Crime Scene 2003, the National Film Theatre’s annual festival of fiction and crime films taking place from 10 July to 13 July 2003. To follow TCM will air its Crime Wave season 14 to 20 July.
Crime Scene 2003 is the NFT’s fourth annual festival celebrating the crime genre in the movies and TCM is the main sponsor for the third year running. This year’s festival has a French theme and celebrates the work of legendary director Jean-Pierre Melville whose stylish thriller and gangster films have inspired a generation of contemporary moviemakers in this genre.
One of the festival highlights is the screening of John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle (1950) starring Sterling Hayden, Jean Hagen and featuring Marilyn Monroe in one of her earlier roles. The film, which inspired Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle rouge (1970) (The Red Circle), was considered unique at the time of release for showing the human side of its band of criminals. A version restored by TCM will air both during the festival and as part of the channel’s own Crime Wave season.
Michael Riley, VP and Channel Manager TCM Europe Middle East & Africa said: ‘TCM is delighted to be sponsoring the Crime Scene Festival for the third year in a row. It is a wonderful collaboration and has helped to highlight our wealth of unmissable movies to a wider audience.’
'TCM’s on-going relationship with the NFT includes a commitment to keeping cinema history alive through film restoration work, as in the case of Asphalt Jungle, and nurturing future movie talent with its annual Classic Shorts competition, held at the NFT in November as part of the London Film Festival’.
TCM’s Crime Wave Season
TCM’s Crime Wave season airs on the channel from 14 to 20 July and features a variety of genres from gangster films of the 30s (The Public Enemy, 1931, Little Caesar, 1930) through to noir (The Big Sleep, 1946, The Postman Always Rings Twice, 1946), heist films (The Asphalt Jungle, 1950, Ocean’s 11, 1960, The Getaway, 1972) and even detective movies (The Maltese Falcon, 1941, Dirty Harry, 1971). In addition, there will be a series of documentaries, close-ups and studio insiders on some of the stars of the season including Lana Turner, James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, to complement and give further background to these memorable movies.
Crime Scene is the 4th edition of the unique, international, annual festival of crime fiction and film held at the National Film Theatre. Crime Scene is programmed for the British Film Institute by Adrian Wootton, Head of Crime Scene and Maxim Jakubowski, Head of Crime Scene Literary programme. The British Film Institute was established in 1933 to promote greater understanding, appreciation and access to film and television culture. Find out more at www.bfi.org.uk/crimescene
Happy Birthday to Bob Hope who is 100 today. He obviously knows the road to long life.
Contributions
If you have any news or comments to add to this blog feel free to email them to me at: valis23a@aol.com. Also, if you would like to be a regular contributor here let me know.
Matrix Reloaded
A few days ago I noted how The Times had given given it acres of editorial coverage to The Matrix Reloaded and then had given it a bad review. On Saturday another of their reviewers gave it a good review, and The Sunday Times had one good and one bad review. So it's obviously split their reviewers. I saw the beginning of the original Matrix movie on TV the other day but wasn't that impressed. Too much hype always seems to kill films for me.
Perhaps when the fuss dies down I might appreciate what is going to be a Matrix trilogy (it's frightening that filmmakers now feel they have to make a 'trilogy' rather than produce a single film).
The National Film Theatre is Doin’ Time With TCM
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is sponsoring Crime Scene 2003, the National Film Theatre’s annual festival of fiction and crime films taking place from 10 July to 13 July 2003. To follow TCM will air its Crime Wave season 14 to 20 July.
Crime Scene 2003 is the NFT’s fourth annual festival celebrating the crime genre in the movies and TCM is the main sponsor for the third year running. This year’s festival has a French theme and celebrates the work of legendary director Jean-Pierre Melville whose stylish thriller and gangster films have inspired a generation of contemporary moviemakers in this genre.
One of the festival highlights is the screening of John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle (1950) starring Sterling Hayden, Jean Hagen and featuring Marilyn Monroe in one of her earlier roles. The film, which inspired Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle rouge (1970) (The Red Circle), was considered unique at the time of release for showing the human side of its band of criminals. A version restored by TCM will air both during the festival and as part of the channel’s own Crime Wave season.
Michael Riley, VP and Channel Manager TCM Europe Middle East & Africa said: ‘TCM is delighted to be sponsoring the Crime Scene Festival for the third year in a row. It is a wonderful collaboration and has helped to highlight our wealth of unmissable movies to a wider audience.’
'TCM’s on-going relationship with the NFT includes a commitment to keeping cinema history alive through film restoration work, as in the case of Asphalt Jungle, and nurturing future movie talent with its annual Classic Shorts competition, held at the NFT in November as part of the London Film Festival’.
TCM’s Crime Wave Season
TCM’s Crime Wave season airs on the channel from 14 to 20 July and features a variety of genres from gangster films of the 30s (The Public Enemy, 1931, Little Caesar, 1930) through to noir (The Big Sleep, 1946, The Postman Always Rings Twice, 1946), heist films (The Asphalt Jungle, 1950, Ocean’s 11, 1960, The Getaway, 1972) and even detective movies (The Maltese Falcon, 1941, Dirty Harry, 1971). In addition, there will be a series of documentaries, close-ups and studio insiders on some of the stars of the season including Lana Turner, James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, to complement and give further background to these memorable movies.
Crime Scene is the 4th edition of the unique, international, annual festival of crime fiction and film held at the National Film Theatre. Crime Scene is programmed for the British Film Institute by Adrian Wootton, Head of Crime Scene and Maxim Jakubowski, Head of Crime Scene Literary programme. The British Film Institute was established in 1933 to promote greater understanding, appreciation and access to film and television culture. Find out more at www.bfi.org.uk/crimescene
JUDE LAW, RALPH FIENNES, BERNARDO BERTOLUCCI & BARRY NORMAN JOIN TCM IN SEARCH FOR BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM DIRECTOR FOR 2003!
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) announces the launch of the TCM Classic Shorts competition, which will hold the awards ceremony as part of The 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 to sit on the competition’s panel to find the best short film of 2003.
TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe offering £10,000 in prizes. It has been responsible for discovering some of the best new talent in the UK including 2001 winner Brian Percival, Director of the film About A Girl that went on to win the BAFTA for Best Short. This year, TCM is making a bigger commitment and expanding its involvement with the festival by sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the festival for the first time.
The Short Cuts and Animation strand premieres the very best of international short and animated films. The festival recognises the importance of this strand as it can act as a 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 2 June and all films must be received by 17 September to be eligible for the competition. The short-listed nominations will be aired on TCM and screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival.
The panel line up features some of the biggest names involved in the British film industry:
Jude Law Actor: Road to Perdition, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Ralph Fiennes Actor, Producer: The English Patient, Schindler’s List
Bernardo Bertolucci Actor, Director, Writer: Stealing Beauty, The Last Empire, Last Tango in Paris
Barry Norman TV Film Critic and journalist
Richard Eyre Director and Writer: Iris
Stephen Frears Actor, Director and Producer: Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity
Mark Herman Director, Writer: Brassed Off, Little Voice
Richard Jobson Film Critic, Writer, Producer, Director: Sixteen Years of Alcohol
John Madden Director: Mrs Brown, Shakespeare in Love
Ismail Merchant Actor Director, Producer: A Room With A View
Stephen Woolley Producer: The End of the Affair, Interview with the Vampire
Colin Kennedy Editor: Empire Film Magazine
Nick James Editor: Sight & Sound Film Magazine
Wendy Ide The Times bfi London Film Festival, short film programmer
Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe
Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk and for further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, log onto: www.lff.org.uk
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) announces the launch of the TCM Classic Shorts competition, which will hold the awards ceremony as part of The 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 to sit on the competition’s panel to find the best short film of 2003.
TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe offering £10,000 in prizes. It has been responsible for discovering some of the best new talent in the UK including 2001 winner Brian Percival, Director of the film About A Girl that went on to win the BAFTA for Best Short. This year, TCM is making a bigger commitment and expanding its involvement with the festival by sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the festival for the first time.
The Short Cuts and Animation strand premieres the very best of international short and animated films. The festival recognises the importance of this strand as it can act as a 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 2 June and all films must be received by 17 September to be eligible for the competition. The short-listed nominations will be aired on TCM and screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival.
The panel line up features some of the biggest names involved in the British film industry:
Jude Law Actor: Road to Perdition, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Ralph Fiennes Actor, Producer: The English Patient, Schindler’s List
Bernardo Bertolucci Actor, Director, Writer: Stealing Beauty, The Last Empire, Last Tango in Paris
Barry Norman TV Film Critic and journalist
Richard Eyre Director and Writer: Iris
Stephen Frears Actor, Director and Producer: Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity
Mark Herman Director, Writer: Brassed Off, Little Voice
Richard Jobson Film Critic, Writer, Producer, Director: Sixteen Years of Alcohol
John Madden Director: Mrs Brown, Shakespeare in Love
Ismail Merchant Actor Director, Producer: A Room With A View
Stephen Woolley Producer: The End of the Affair, Interview with the Vampire
Colin Kennedy Editor: Empire Film Magazine
Nick James Editor: Sight & Sound Film Magazine
Wendy Ide The Times bfi London Film Festival, short film programmer
Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe
Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk and for further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, log onto: www.lff.org.uk
Friday, May 23, 2003
Talking Pictures
Matrix Madness
Do you know what? "What?" I hear you answer. Well, I'm sick of broadsheets like The Times being full of features about films that you know for certain will be damned by their film critics as soon as they are released. And, guesss what? "What?" I hear you say. The Times has been full of stories about The Matrix Reloaded, and quite predictably their critic, Barbara Ellen, in the T2 section, 22 May 2003, calls it a good looking dud.
My solution is they sack these critics and get ones in-line with the rest of the paper's editorial policy, or they stop promoting films just because they know they are popular but beneath their critical contempt. It would be great if they gave as much exposure to films they really believed in.
Rant over...
What do you think? Email me at: valis23a@aol.com
Matrix Madness
Do you know what? "What?" I hear you answer. Well, I'm sick of broadsheets like The Times being full of features about films that you know for certain will be damned by their film critics as soon as they are released. And, guesss what? "What?" I hear you say. The Times has been full of stories about The Matrix Reloaded, and quite predictably their critic, Barbara Ellen, in the T2 section, 22 May 2003, calls it a good looking dud.
My solution is they sack these critics and get ones in-line with the rest of the paper's editorial policy, or they stop promoting films just because they know they are popular but beneath their critical contempt. It would be great if they gave as much exposure to films they really believed in.
Rant over...
What do you think? Email me at: valis23a@aol.com
Talking Pictures
Reel Madness Festival
Reel Madness the first national festival dedicated to film portrayals of madness and mental distress will be taking place at the ICA, The Mall, London from June 19-22nd 2003.
With Dame Judi Dench as its patron and organized by Mental Health Media, the Documentary Filmmakers Group and Rethink, Reel Madness brings together a diverse range of films and genres from around the world. Included in the four day festival are autobiographical films made by people about their experiences of mental distress, feature films and documentaries, dramas, short films and experimental animation.
The programme features seven UK premieres such as Completely Cuckoo, a documentary about the making of the groundbreaking One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and also award winners such as Kira's Reason which won awards for best film and actress in the 2002 Danish Bodil Awards.
Reel Madness includes uplifting stories of resilience and recovery, portrayals which don't flinch from recording painful realities and emotions, and films which challenge and expose the brutality with which society has responded to mental distress and madness.
For comprehensive details go to www.reelmadness.co.uk
Reel Madness Festival
Reel Madness the first national festival dedicated to film portrayals of madness and mental distress will be taking place at the ICA, The Mall, London from June 19-22nd 2003.
With Dame Judi Dench as its patron and organized by Mental Health Media, the Documentary Filmmakers Group and Rethink, Reel Madness brings together a diverse range of films and genres from around the world. Included in the four day festival are autobiographical films made by people about their experiences of mental distress, feature films and documentaries, dramas, short films and experimental animation.
The programme features seven UK premieres such as Completely Cuckoo, a documentary about the making of the groundbreaking One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and also award winners such as Kira's Reason which won awards for best film and actress in the 2002 Danish Bodil Awards.
Reel Madness includes uplifting stories of resilience and recovery, portrayals which don't flinch from recording painful realities and emotions, and films which challenge and expose the brutality with which society has responded to mental distress and madness.
For comprehensive details go to www.reelmadness.co.uk
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Talking Pictures
Tom Cruise Is Missing
Today's Times (21 May, 2003) notes that Kim Howells is in trouble for saying that Tom Cruise was too frightened to attend the Cannes Film Festival. That's strange since an article by James Christopher in The Times T2 section (15 May, 2003) wrote: 'The sight of Tom Cruise squiring Penelope Cruz...up the red carpet of the Festival Palais in a flashbulb blaze is the vital evidence that the madness has started.' Perhaps he was startled by the flashbulbs?
Tom Cruise Is Missing
Today's Times (21 May, 2003) notes that Kim Howells is in trouble for saying that Tom Cruise was too frightened to attend the Cannes Film Festival. That's strange since an article by James Christopher in The Times T2 section (15 May, 2003) wrote: 'The sight of Tom Cruise squiring Penelope Cruz...up the red carpet of the Festival Palais in a flashbulb blaze is the vital evidence that the madness has started.' Perhaps he was startled by the flashbulbs?
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Facts
X Men 2 - First Movie to Feature New Copyright Notice.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft Ltd (FACT) is working with Twentieth Century Fox to protect forthcoming Hollywood blockbusters from being copied, by pirates using camcorders in UK cinemas. As a new preventative measure, a 20 second copyright warning is being introduced as a trailer, the first of which appeared on screens nationwide when ‘X Men 2’ was released on 1 May 2003.
The warning message is the latest advancement in FACT’s drive against video and DVD piracy and serves to educate film viewers that cinema camcording is a crime. It also provides a hotline number to FACT investigators for those who wish to report illegal activities. The text will appear in static form across two screens, following the British Board of Film Classification censorship notice and read as follows:
WARNING FROM THE FEDERATION AGAINST COPYRIGHT THEFT LTD (FACT) "IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO COPY OR ATTEMPT TO COPY ANY FILM, OR FILM RELATED ARTICLE, SHOWN OR DISPLAYED IN THIS CINEMA. PUNISHMENT OR CONVICTION IS AN UNLIMITED FINE AND IMPRISONMENT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 10 YEARS. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING ANY CAMERA OR RECORDING EQUIPMENT INTO THIS CINEMA. THIS WILL BE TREATED AS AN ATTEMPT TO BREACH COPYRIGHT. ANY PERSON DOING SO CAN BE EJECTED AND THE POLICE MAY CONFISCATE SUCH ARTICLES. WE ASK THE AUDIENCE TO BE VIGILANT AGAINST ANY SUCH ACTIVITY AND REPORT ANY MATTERS AROUSING SUSPICION TO CINEMA STAFF. THANK YOU."
Spencer Mott, director of operations at FACT comments: "Other than the obvious illegality of using camcorders to copy films screened in the UK, the counterfeit products produced will be sub-standard and in most cases unwatchable. Whichever way you look at this, inevitably it will be the consumer who is defrauded as a result.
"The aim of the copyright warning trailer is to act as a deterrent to potential offenders and also to provide witnesses with the means to report such illegal activity. We expect a significant decrease in the number of perpetrators as a result of this new measure."
FACT estimates that UK counterfeiters are currently costing film retailers and distributors a combined loss of £400 million per year in sales, with a piracy infiltration rate of 20-30 per cent.
X Men 2 - First Movie to Feature New Copyright Notice.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft Ltd (FACT) is working with Twentieth Century Fox to protect forthcoming Hollywood blockbusters from being copied, by pirates using camcorders in UK cinemas. As a new preventative measure, a 20 second copyright warning is being introduced as a trailer, the first of which appeared on screens nationwide when ‘X Men 2’ was released on 1 May 2003.
The warning message is the latest advancement in FACT’s drive against video and DVD piracy and serves to educate film viewers that cinema camcording is a crime. It also provides a hotline number to FACT investigators for those who wish to report illegal activities. The text will appear in static form across two screens, following the British Board of Film Classification censorship notice and read as follows:
WARNING FROM THE FEDERATION AGAINST COPYRIGHT THEFT LTD (FACT) "IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO COPY OR ATTEMPT TO COPY ANY FILM, OR FILM RELATED ARTICLE, SHOWN OR DISPLAYED IN THIS CINEMA. PUNISHMENT OR CONVICTION IS AN UNLIMITED FINE AND IMPRISONMENT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 10 YEARS. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING ANY CAMERA OR RECORDING EQUIPMENT INTO THIS CINEMA. THIS WILL BE TREATED AS AN ATTEMPT TO BREACH COPYRIGHT. ANY PERSON DOING SO CAN BE EJECTED AND THE POLICE MAY CONFISCATE SUCH ARTICLES. WE ASK THE AUDIENCE TO BE VIGILANT AGAINST ANY SUCH ACTIVITY AND REPORT ANY MATTERS AROUSING SUSPICION TO CINEMA STAFF. THANK YOU."
Spencer Mott, director of operations at FACT comments: "Other than the obvious illegality of using camcorders to copy films screened in the UK, the counterfeit products produced will be sub-standard and in most cases unwatchable. Whichever way you look at this, inevitably it will be the consumer who is defrauded as a result.
"The aim of the copyright warning trailer is to act as a deterrent to potential offenders and also to provide witnesses with the means to report such illegal activity. We expect a significant decrease in the number of perpetrators as a result of this new measure."
FACT estimates that UK counterfeiters are currently costing film retailers and distributors a combined loss of £400 million per year in sales, with a piracy infiltration rate of 20-30 per cent.
Five Years of DVD
Cannes 21 May, 2003 - Commemorating the DVD format’s highly popular first five years in the marketplace, the DVD Entertainment Group Europe (DEGE) has released some ‘DVD at Five’ celebratory facts and figures.
The DVD phenomenon shows little sign of abating as increasing sales for both DVD software and hardware across Europe have confirmed its position as the home entertainment medium of customer choice (there was a 64% increase in software titles sold in Western Europe during January-March 2003 compared to the same quarter last year, according to GfK).
DVD is the fastest selling consumer technology of all time and these DVD Top Five Facts* prove it:
1. Sales of DVDs in Western Europe were nearly 3 times greater than sales of music CDs at the equivalent point in their history
2. After just 5 years on the market, the number of DVDs sold in Western Europe will actually overtake sales of pre-recorded VHS cassettes this year
3. Spending on DVD software has already overtaken spending on VHS software. VHS software spending in Western Europe last year (2002) totalled 3.5bn Euros compared to 5.5bn Euros spent on DVD
4. European DVD player owners are buying more than 3 times as many discs as VCR owners bought tapes at the peak of the VHS tape business
5. The number of DVDs sold grew by over 100 per cent last year in Europe
“DVD has revolutionised the home entertainment market. It is also giving life back to many movies with a number of classic films being restored and released on DVD,” said Jeff Brown, President, DVD Entertainment Group Europe and Senior Vice-President, Co-Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Warner Bros.
According to a pan-European consumer survey conducted by the National Research Group** the Top Five DVD Attributes are:
1. Picture quality
2. Sound quality
3. Special features available,
4. Durability of DVD discs
5. DVD disc size.
Cannes 21 May, 2003 - Commemorating the DVD format’s highly popular first five years in the marketplace, the DVD Entertainment Group Europe (DEGE) has released some ‘DVD at Five’ celebratory facts and figures.
The DVD phenomenon shows little sign of abating as increasing sales for both DVD software and hardware across Europe have confirmed its position as the home entertainment medium of customer choice (there was a 64% increase in software titles sold in Western Europe during January-March 2003 compared to the same quarter last year, according to GfK).
DVD is the fastest selling consumer technology of all time and these DVD Top Five Facts* prove it:
1. Sales of DVDs in Western Europe were nearly 3 times greater than sales of music CDs at the equivalent point in their history
2. After just 5 years on the market, the number of DVDs sold in Western Europe will actually overtake sales of pre-recorded VHS cassettes this year
3. Spending on DVD software has already overtaken spending on VHS software. VHS software spending in Western Europe last year (2002) totalled 3.5bn Euros compared to 5.5bn Euros spent on DVD
4. European DVD player owners are buying more than 3 times as many discs as VCR owners bought tapes at the peak of the VHS tape business
5. The number of DVDs sold grew by over 100 per cent last year in Europe
“DVD has revolutionised the home entertainment market. It is also giving life back to many movies with a number of classic films being restored and released on DVD,” said Jeff Brown, President, DVD Entertainment Group Europe and Senior Vice-President, Co-Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Warner Bros.
According to a pan-European consumer survey conducted by the National Research Group** the Top Five DVD Attributes are:
1. Picture quality
2. Sound quality
3. Special features available,
4. Durability of DVD discs
5. DVD disc size.
New Interactive Freeview Player
New free keyboard, new software, new functionality - at an all-new market-beating price...
Netgem's i-Player, the only set-top box which plugs into Freeview AND the Internet, is now available at a new price and with new software options - and a free wireless keyboard too! A one-off cost of only £129.99 gives you access to Freeview TV and radio, as well as to a host of online options.
The market-beating new Netgem i-Player package comes with a stylish cordless infra-red keyboard, so you can go online while watching TV and without even leaving the sofa!
The new software lets you:
- filter TV channels to create a 'personal favourite' list
- perform manual scanning and background scanning in stand-by mode
- enter your own ISP parameters for Internet access
- use your own existing email address
- connect to a home network and share a broadband ADSL connection via a USB-Ethernet adapter.
What's more, an optimised USB port provides connection to a range of storage devices, allowing the viewing of files and the playing of MP3 files or video clips stored on PCs or other devices. The port also increases support of webcams and other devices from leading manufacturers.
The i-Player's new user interface provides background images and semi-transparency, supports VCR programming, and offers new diagnostic pages to assist with trouble-shooting.
"We've put an awful lot of functionality into this box. This is our best-ever package, and the best deal you'll get anywhere!" said Joseph Haddad, CEO of Netgem.
In particular, the i-Player package is a must-see for the 60+% of Internet users who have unmetered access. They can now watch Freeview and access their favourite services simultaneously, using their own regular service provider and their own regular email address - and the free wireless keyboard gives them more interactive freedom and mobility.
Existing i-Player users will be able to download the new software release for free.
Joseph Haddad added, "The new software and the new keyboard that we are offering - and at a fantastic new price, too - makes the i-Player the best deal around. If you're an Internet user who wants to get more out of Freeview than TV and radio, this is definitely the box for you."
To order, call the freephone number 0870 366 7055 or visit www.netgem.com
New free keyboard, new software, new functionality - at an all-new market-beating price...
Netgem's i-Player, the only set-top box which plugs into Freeview AND the Internet, is now available at a new price and with new software options - and a free wireless keyboard too! A one-off cost of only £129.99 gives you access to Freeview TV and radio, as well as to a host of online options.
The market-beating new Netgem i-Player package comes with a stylish cordless infra-red keyboard, so you can go online while watching TV and without even leaving the sofa!
The new software lets you:
- filter TV channels to create a 'personal favourite' list
- perform manual scanning and background scanning in stand-by mode
- enter your own ISP parameters for Internet access
- use your own existing email address
- connect to a home network and share a broadband ADSL connection via a USB-Ethernet adapter.
What's more, an optimised USB port provides connection to a range of storage devices, allowing the viewing of files and the playing of MP3 files or video clips stored on PCs or other devices. The port also increases support of webcams and other devices from leading manufacturers.
The i-Player's new user interface provides background images and semi-transparency, supports VCR programming, and offers new diagnostic pages to assist with trouble-shooting.
"We've put an awful lot of functionality into this box. This is our best-ever package, and the best deal you'll get anywhere!" said Joseph Haddad, CEO of Netgem.
In particular, the i-Player package is a must-see for the 60+% of Internet users who have unmetered access. They can now watch Freeview and access their favourite services simultaneously, using their own regular service provider and their own regular email address - and the free wireless keyboard gives them more interactive freedom and mobility.
Existing i-Player users will be able to download the new software release for free.
Joseph Haddad added, "The new software and the new keyboard that we are offering - and at a fantastic new price, too - makes the i-Player the best deal around. If you're an Internet user who wants to get more out of Freeview than TV and radio, this is definitely the box for you."
To order, call the freephone number 0870 366 7055 or visit www.netgem.com
Monday, May 19, 2003
Arkoff Film Library
I wonder if films like the X-Men and Matrix will be considered as kitsch and funny as the horror films being released on DVD and VHS from the Arkoff film library? I like these old movies just for their picture of life in the 1950s let alone for their cheap thrills and even cheaper monsters.
I wonder if films like the X-Men and Matrix will be considered as kitsch and funny as the horror films being released on DVD and VHS from the Arkoff film library? I like these old movies just for their picture of life in the 1950s let alone for their cheap thrills and even cheaper monsters.
The Sense and Sensationalism of Film Festivals
I've just posted this article to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival. Any comments please email me at: valis23a@aol.com
I've just posted this article to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival. Any comments please email me at: valis23a@aol.com
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Cannes Film Festival
For two weeks, Cannes becomes the centre of the filmmaking world. Anyone who is anyone in the film world heads to La Croisette for this fortnight of cinematic celebration. The festival this year takes place from 14th to 25th May 2003. This year's festival pays tribute to the great Italian director Federico Fellini on the 10th anniversary of his death. Throughout the festival Fellini's films will be screened and there will be a number of events including special interpretations of the music written for Fellini.
Aside from the prestigious Palme d'Or awarded by the jury, there are many other prizes, but perhaps more importantly the Festival serves as a platform for new talent and innovatitive filmmaking.
Past winners of the Palme d'Or are Polanski's The Pianist which went on to win 3 Oscars this year; Best Actor, Director and Adapted Screenplay. British director Mike Leigh's Secrets and Lies, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction and in 1960 Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita.
52 feature films will be presented during the festival this year.
There are 20 films competing In Competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or of the 2003 festival. The jury for 2003 is an international mix reflecting the various nationalities of the directors involved. Jury members include Aishwarya Rai, Bollywood star and a former Miss World, Chinese director Jiang Wen, a winner of the Grand Prix in the 2000 festival which then prompted a ban on him making films within China. The representatives from the United States are director Steven Soderbergh and actress Meg Ryan. The president of the jury is the French director Jean Rochefort.
Highlights of the films In Competition include:
Samira Makhmalbaf's A CINQ HEURES DE L'APRÈS-MIDI. This film, set in the aftermath of the downfall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, shows a young girl's attempts to make the best use of her new found freedom.
The resurgence of Brazilan Cinema is represented by CARANDIRU directed by Hector Babenco. The film is set in the largest and most overcrowded prison in South America. In the late 1980's a doctor enters the prison in Sao Paolo in order to implement an Aids prevention initiative but becomes more and more involved with the inmates. It is through the doctor that we learn about the experiences of the prisoners.
The only offering from an American director is from Hollywood veteran Clint Eastwood. MYSTIC RIVER stars Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins as three childhood friends reunited after the tragic death of one of their daughters.
DOGVILLE starring Nicole Kidman is the latest film from Danish director Lars Von Trier. The film will be the first part of a trilogy and is based around Kidman's arrival in a small town and the attitudes towards her from the established residents.
The other contenders for the Palme d'Or this year are: BRIGHT FUTURE (Kiyoshi Kurosawa) CE JOUR-LÀ ( Raoul Ruiz), ELEPHANT (Gus Van Sant), IL COURE ALTROVE ( Pupi Avati), LA PETITE LILI (Claude Miller), LES CÔTELETTES (Bertrand Blier), LES ÉGARÉS (André Téchiné), LES INVASIONS BARBARES (Denys Arcand), PÈRE ET FILS (Alexandre Sokourov), PURPLE BUTTERFLY (Ye Lou), SHARA (Naomi Kawase), SWIMMING POOL (François Ozon), THE BROWN BUNNY (Vincent Gallo), THE MOAB STORY (Peter Greenaway), TIRESIA (Bertrand Bonello) and UZAK (Nuri Bilge Ceylan).
The winner will be announced at the closing ceremony on 25th May.
For two weeks, Cannes becomes the centre of the filmmaking world. Anyone who is anyone in the film world heads to La Croisette for this fortnight of cinematic celebration. The festival this year takes place from 14th to 25th May 2003. This year's festival pays tribute to the great Italian director Federico Fellini on the 10th anniversary of his death. Throughout the festival Fellini's films will be screened and there will be a number of events including special interpretations of the music written for Fellini.
Aside from the prestigious Palme d'Or awarded by the jury, there are many other prizes, but perhaps more importantly the Festival serves as a platform for new talent and innovatitive filmmaking.
Past winners of the Palme d'Or are Polanski's The Pianist which went on to win 3 Oscars this year; Best Actor, Director and Adapted Screenplay. British director Mike Leigh's Secrets and Lies, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction and in 1960 Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita.
52 feature films will be presented during the festival this year.
There are 20 films competing In Competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or of the 2003 festival. The jury for 2003 is an international mix reflecting the various nationalities of the directors involved. Jury members include Aishwarya Rai, Bollywood star and a former Miss World, Chinese director Jiang Wen, a winner of the Grand Prix in the 2000 festival which then prompted a ban on him making films within China. The representatives from the United States are director Steven Soderbergh and actress Meg Ryan. The president of the jury is the French director Jean Rochefort.
Highlights of the films In Competition include:
Samira Makhmalbaf's A CINQ HEURES DE L'APRÈS-MIDI. This film, set in the aftermath of the downfall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, shows a young girl's attempts to make the best use of her new found freedom.
The resurgence of Brazilan Cinema is represented by CARANDIRU directed by Hector Babenco. The film is set in the largest and most overcrowded prison in South America. In the late 1980's a doctor enters the prison in Sao Paolo in order to implement an Aids prevention initiative but becomes more and more involved with the inmates. It is through the doctor that we learn about the experiences of the prisoners.
The only offering from an American director is from Hollywood veteran Clint Eastwood. MYSTIC RIVER stars Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins as three childhood friends reunited after the tragic death of one of their daughters.
DOGVILLE starring Nicole Kidman is the latest film from Danish director Lars Von Trier. The film will be the first part of a trilogy and is based around Kidman's arrival in a small town and the attitudes towards her from the established residents.
The other contenders for the Palme d'Or this year are: BRIGHT FUTURE (Kiyoshi Kurosawa) CE JOUR-LÀ ( Raoul Ruiz), ELEPHANT (Gus Van Sant), IL COURE ALTROVE ( Pupi Avati), LA PETITE LILI (Claude Miller), LES CÔTELETTES (Bertrand Blier), LES ÉGARÉS (André Téchiné), LES INVASIONS BARBARES (Denys Arcand), PÈRE ET FILS (Alexandre Sokourov), PURPLE BUTTERFLY (Ye Lou), SHARA (Naomi Kawase), SWIMMING POOL (François Ozon), THE BROWN BUNNY (Vincent Gallo), THE MOAB STORY (Peter Greenaway), TIRESIA (Bertrand Bonello) and UZAK (Nuri Bilge Ceylan).
The winner will be announced at the closing ceremony on 25th May.
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Friday, April 11, 2003
Talking Pictures
Bag it up with the X Film Quiz Rally
(I didn't write that headline - honest)
The X Appeal charity is testing your little grey cells every month with a series of quizzes, and April’s prize has been donated by Bike-in-a-Bag.com
On the 1st of March this year the X Appeal, the official charity of the Royal College of Radiologists, began the X Quiz Rally. The monthly quizzes cover various topics, challenging you to answer 50 questions on every subject from kids TV shows to Indonesian cuisine. April’s quiz is all about films, and Bike-in-a-Bag.com has donated its innovative and aptly named Bike-in-a-Bag as the prize.
Retailing at around £175.00, the bike transforms into a compact package that fits in the tiniest car boot, such as a Porsche or even the little Smart car. It's so compact and lightweight it can be taken on a bus, train or even a plane as easily as any other piece of luggage.
In only a few seconds it opens into the nippiest of cycles, transporting a six-footer and his briefcase at speeds of around 10mph with minimum effort. A two-mile journey in the city can be completed in no time, so you arrive on time, every time. With the current congestion charges in force, this could be the best solution for public-transport weary city workers.
Allan Byrne, speaking on behalf of Bike-in-a-Bag.com, said; “The X Appeal is a great cause and I’m delighted that we can help in some way.”
The X Appeal plans to hold 12 quizzes over the course of the “X Quiz Rally” and so far other generous donations have included a Quick Kick Scooter and Digital Binoculars.
The X Appeal is predominantly concerned with funding research projects to develop imaging studies and benefit the science of diagnosis. It is also committed to fighting cancer and eliminating children’s diseases.
If you know Ginger Rogers real name, or which newspaper Clark Kent worked for, then this quiz is for you! You can find full details of how to enter the quizzes by visiting www.x-appeal.com/
Visit Bike-in-a-Bag.com at www.bike-in-a-bag.com/
Bag it up with the X Film Quiz Rally
(I didn't write that headline - honest)
The X Appeal charity is testing your little grey cells every month with a series of quizzes, and April’s prize has been donated by Bike-in-a-Bag.com
On the 1st of March this year the X Appeal, the official charity of the Royal College of Radiologists, began the X Quiz Rally. The monthly quizzes cover various topics, challenging you to answer 50 questions on every subject from kids TV shows to Indonesian cuisine. April’s quiz is all about films, and Bike-in-a-Bag.com has donated its innovative and aptly named Bike-in-a-Bag as the prize.
Retailing at around £175.00, the bike transforms into a compact package that fits in the tiniest car boot, such as a Porsche or even the little Smart car. It's so compact and lightweight it can be taken on a bus, train or even a plane as easily as any other piece of luggage.
In only a few seconds it opens into the nippiest of cycles, transporting a six-footer and his briefcase at speeds of around 10mph with minimum effort. A two-mile journey in the city can be completed in no time, so you arrive on time, every time. With the current congestion charges in force, this could be the best solution for public-transport weary city workers.
Allan Byrne, speaking on behalf of Bike-in-a-Bag.com, said; “The X Appeal is a great cause and I’m delighted that we can help in some way.”
The X Appeal plans to hold 12 quizzes over the course of the “X Quiz Rally” and so far other generous donations have included a Quick Kick Scooter and Digital Binoculars.
The X Appeal is predominantly concerned with funding research projects to develop imaging studies and benefit the science of diagnosis. It is also committed to fighting cancer and eliminating children’s diseases.
If you know Ginger Rogers real name, or which newspaper Clark Kent worked for, then this quiz is for you! You can find full details of how to enter the quizzes by visiting www.x-appeal.com/
Visit Bike-in-a-Bag.com at www.bike-in-a-bag.com/
Friday, April 04, 2003
Talking Pictures
Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone‘s dramatic and haunting (often very weird) soundtrack music is now available in a New Mid Price Collection. It incorporates 7 highly collectable original soundtracks:
A GUN FOR RINGO
THE RETURN OF RINGO
DEATH RIDES A HORSE
Label: Camden Deluxe
2CD:82876 511372 4
SVEGLIATE E UCCIDI
SACCO E VANZETTI
Label: Camden Deluxe
CD: 82876 511352 6
GENTE DI RISPETTO
SPASMO
Label: Camden
CD: 82876 511362 5
Film Fund Appeal
FILM directors of tomorrow learning their craft at Plymouth College of Art and Design are appealing for funds to complete work on their final year major project.
The BA (Hons) Photomedia Design and Communication students are currently filming ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’ before they graduate and search for their first jobs in the UK and international film and video industry.
The six-minute film is a promotional video for James Lucas ‘theboylucas’, a Bristol-based musician known to Max Windows, 22, one of ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’s’ three co-directors.
The other two directors are Rupert Morrison, 21, and Nathan Kendall, 23. The film is being shot at the East End Café in Coxside, Plymouth, using a local actress, Sonya Lees, and David Watkins, a camera operator of 40 years experience who has worked with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick on projects as diverse as The Saint and most recently, the James Bond film, ‘Goldeneye’.
Rupert said: “The promotional video is being shot in colour on 16 millimetre film, which is pretty unique as most final year students tend to shoot their films on digital video. We wanted to use a more professional format, but this means the post-production process will be more complex and the costs will be higher.
“We are appealing to the local business community and anyone with an interest in music and film to help sponsor ‘The Coffee Stays Strong. All we need is another £200 to complete post-production work on the film.”
The trio are shooting ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’ using their name of their film production company, The Rilis Creatives. ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’ is one of the songs on James ‘theboylucas’s’ latest as yet untitled album, which he is recording in Bristol.
They have already raised £1,500 from friends and from their own finances to shoot 30 minutes of footage, which will then be edited and produced for their final year major project. Plymouth College of Art and Design has also helped the trio by providing some of the resources and materials they needed, including film and camera equipment.
Rupert said: “The Coffee Stays Strong’ will be screened at the Warner Village Cinema in May and hopefully on the music television channel MTV2 later this year to promote one of the songs on theboylucas’s latest album. We’re confident it will provide a springboard to launch our careers in the film and music video industry when we finish our course in June.”
Rupert, Max and Nathan decided to study at Plymouth College of Art and Design because its BA (Hons) Photomedia Design and Communication degree is recognised by two of the leading industry bodies, the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph & Theatre Union (BECTU), and the British Kinematograph Sound & Television Society (BKSTS).
Some of their work on the Foundation Degree course in Moving Image has already been featured in Plymouth College of Art and Design’s higher education prospectus.
“Plymouth College of Art and Design is a great place to study at because they have all the equipment and facilities that we need and a fantastic reputation within the industry,” Rupert said. “We are all actively seeking work in the industry. It looks as if I will have to relocate to Bristol or London if I can’t find a job with film and video companies in Devon or Cornwall.”
For more information about studying at Plymouth College of Art and Design please ring 01752 203434, e-mail enquiries@pcad.ac.uk or log on to www.pcad.ac.uk.
Max Windows is from Bristol. He completed a Foundation Media course at the University of the West of England in Bristol and has honed his skills in the film industry through a variety of work experience projects, including a video for ‘Posh Spice’ Victoria Beckham.
Nathan Kendall is from London. He worked for 3 years in the film and video industry in London and Cambridge before studying at PCAD. He has travelled extensively in Europe and the Far East, and while in Vietnam was an extra in the film ‘The Beach’, starring opposite Leonardo di Caprio. Besides studying for his degree, Nathan also teaches Steadicam Techniques and Sound Design at PCAD, on equipment he has obtained for the college from the industry.
Rupert Morrison is from Totnes. He acquired a National Certificate of Further Education in Lens Based Media at Plymouth College of Art and Design and progressed to the Foundation Degree in Moving Image and now the BA (Hons) in Photomedia Design and Communication. He has also worked as a freelance web designer.
Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone‘s dramatic and haunting (often very weird) soundtrack music is now available in a New Mid Price Collection. It incorporates 7 highly collectable original soundtracks:
A GUN FOR RINGO
THE RETURN OF RINGO
DEATH RIDES A HORSE
Label: Camden Deluxe
2CD:82876 511372 4
SVEGLIATE E UCCIDI
SACCO E VANZETTI
Label: Camden Deluxe
CD: 82876 511352 6
GENTE DI RISPETTO
SPASMO
Label: Camden
CD: 82876 511362 5
Film Fund Appeal
FILM directors of tomorrow learning their craft at Plymouth College of Art and Design are appealing for funds to complete work on their final year major project.
The BA (Hons) Photomedia Design and Communication students are currently filming ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’ before they graduate and search for their first jobs in the UK and international film and video industry.
The six-minute film is a promotional video for James Lucas ‘theboylucas’, a Bristol-based musician known to Max Windows, 22, one of ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’s’ three co-directors.
The other two directors are Rupert Morrison, 21, and Nathan Kendall, 23. The film is being shot at the East End Café in Coxside, Plymouth, using a local actress, Sonya Lees, and David Watkins, a camera operator of 40 years experience who has worked with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick on projects as diverse as The Saint and most recently, the James Bond film, ‘Goldeneye’.
Rupert said: “The promotional video is being shot in colour on 16 millimetre film, which is pretty unique as most final year students tend to shoot their films on digital video. We wanted to use a more professional format, but this means the post-production process will be more complex and the costs will be higher.
“We are appealing to the local business community and anyone with an interest in music and film to help sponsor ‘The Coffee Stays Strong. All we need is another £200 to complete post-production work on the film.”
The trio are shooting ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’ using their name of their film production company, The Rilis Creatives. ‘The Coffee Stays Strong’ is one of the songs on James ‘theboylucas’s’ latest as yet untitled album, which he is recording in Bristol.
They have already raised £1,500 from friends and from their own finances to shoot 30 minutes of footage, which will then be edited and produced for their final year major project. Plymouth College of Art and Design has also helped the trio by providing some of the resources and materials they needed, including film and camera equipment.
Rupert said: “The Coffee Stays Strong’ will be screened at the Warner Village Cinema in May and hopefully on the music television channel MTV2 later this year to promote one of the songs on theboylucas’s latest album. We’re confident it will provide a springboard to launch our careers in the film and music video industry when we finish our course in June.”
Rupert, Max and Nathan decided to study at Plymouth College of Art and Design because its BA (Hons) Photomedia Design and Communication degree is recognised by two of the leading industry bodies, the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph & Theatre Union (BECTU), and the British Kinematograph Sound & Television Society (BKSTS).
Some of their work on the Foundation Degree course in Moving Image has already been featured in Plymouth College of Art and Design’s higher education prospectus.
“Plymouth College of Art and Design is a great place to study at because they have all the equipment and facilities that we need and a fantastic reputation within the industry,” Rupert said. “We are all actively seeking work in the industry. It looks as if I will have to relocate to Bristol or London if I can’t find a job with film and video companies in Devon or Cornwall.”
For more information about studying at Plymouth College of Art and Design please ring 01752 203434, e-mail enquiries@pcad.ac.uk or log on to www.pcad.ac.uk.
Max Windows is from Bristol. He completed a Foundation Media course at the University of the West of England in Bristol and has honed his skills in the film industry through a variety of work experience projects, including a video for ‘Posh Spice’ Victoria Beckham.
Nathan Kendall is from London. He worked for 3 years in the film and video industry in London and Cambridge before studying at PCAD. He has travelled extensively in Europe and the Far East, and while in Vietnam was an extra in the film ‘The Beach’, starring opposite Leonardo di Caprio. Besides studying for his degree, Nathan also teaches Steadicam Techniques and Sound Design at PCAD, on equipment he has obtained for the college from the industry.
Rupert Morrison is from Totnes. He acquired a National Certificate of Further Education in Lens Based Media at Plymouth College of Art and Design and progressed to the Foundation Degree in Moving Image and now the BA (Hons) in Photomedia Design and Communication. He has also worked as a freelance web designer.
Talking Pictures
The Little Polar Bear
The Little Polar Bear will be scampering onto screens nationwide on April 11th 2003, when the first feature length animated version of the much loved series is released!
Official site: www.thelittlepolarbear.co.uk
Join Lars and his friends as they try to uncover the mystery of why fish are vanishing from the Arctic, and end up embarking on an adventure that takes them all the way to Africa!! Ideal for kids this Easter, whilst you can sneak off to a CPA Track Day...
The Little Polar Bear
The Little Polar Bear will be scampering onto screens nationwide on April 11th 2003, when the first feature length animated version of the much loved series is released!
Official site: www.thelittlepolarbear.co.uk
Join Lars and his friends as they try to uncover the mystery of why fish are vanishing from the Arctic, and end up embarking on an adventure that takes them all the way to Africa!! Ideal for kids this Easter, whilst you can sneak off to a CPA Track Day...
Talking Pictures
CPA Track Days
Have your ever dreamt of driving a top flight Supercar around a race circuit ? If so then a CPA Track Day will make your dreams come true, plus they give you an opportunity to get out of the cinema for a few minutes!
CPA Track Days are a unique concept, designed to let you experience some of the world’s finest performance cars at top UK Race Circuits.
High Quality, Fun, Safety and Value for Money.
Throughout Spring/Summer 2003 we will be running a number of professionally organised events catering for drivers of all abilities – at affordable prices. Their first event is on the 28th of April and we still have a number of spaces available.
Prices start at £170 (plus VAT) - a very significant saving on normal rates.
A typical day
CPA Supercar Trackdays are held at prestigious motor racing circuits throughout the UK away from Police, on-coming traffic and speed cameras – in performance cars many of us can only dream of.
Every event is organised to the highest standard to help you get most out of the day - you’ll be looked after by their experienced team of instructors and co-ordinators. Starting with a driver/safety briefing.
They aim to bring you more than just high-speed enjoyment, as fun on the track is not just about driving quickly! By learning the right line through corners, when, where and how to use braking, together with understanding handling characteristic’s, you will acquire a higher degree of driving skills resulting in heightened enjoyment of your own road car.
Free professional tuition is an integral part of the CPA Supercar Trackday package.
A minimum of 4 types of car will be available including the 535bhp Ultima GTR and the new BMW M3. Safety Helmets are also provided.
Book Now!
Whether it’s a company event, personal gift or you simply would like to experience the thrill of piloting up to 600 horsepower, their Supercar Trackday provides fun and excitement for all in a relaxed environment.
To learn more or book an event please visit their website www.coulsonpritchard.com/trackdays.asp/ or call 01480 470220 - give Talking Pictures a mention as well!
CPA Track Days
Have your ever dreamt of driving a top flight Supercar around a race circuit ? If so then a CPA Track Day will make your dreams come true, plus they give you an opportunity to get out of the cinema for a few minutes!
CPA Track Days are a unique concept, designed to let you experience some of the world’s finest performance cars at top UK Race Circuits.
High Quality, Fun, Safety and Value for Money.
Throughout Spring/Summer 2003 we will be running a number of professionally organised events catering for drivers of all abilities – at affordable prices. Their first event is on the 28th of April and we still have a number of spaces available.
Prices start at £170 (plus VAT) - a very significant saving on normal rates.
A typical day
CPA Supercar Trackdays are held at prestigious motor racing circuits throughout the UK away from Police, on-coming traffic and speed cameras – in performance cars many of us can only dream of.
Every event is organised to the highest standard to help you get most out of the day - you’ll be looked after by their experienced team of instructors and co-ordinators. Starting with a driver/safety briefing.
They aim to bring you more than just high-speed enjoyment, as fun on the track is not just about driving quickly! By learning the right line through corners, when, where and how to use braking, together with understanding handling characteristic’s, you will acquire a higher degree of driving skills resulting in heightened enjoyment of your own road car.
Free professional tuition is an integral part of the CPA Supercar Trackday package.
A minimum of 4 types of car will be available including the 535bhp Ultima GTR and the new BMW M3. Safety Helmets are also provided.
Book Now!
Whether it’s a company event, personal gift or you simply would like to experience the thrill of piloting up to 600 horsepower, their Supercar Trackday provides fun and excitement for all in a relaxed environment.
To learn more or book an event please visit their website www.coulsonpritchard.com/trackdays.asp/ or call 01480 470220 - give Talking Pictures a mention as well!
Monday, March 24, 2003
Talking Pictures
BBC Two Broadcasts New Animated Film of Janacek Opera
BBC Two broadcasts a magical new version of Janacek’s much loved opera, The Cunning Little Vixen over the Easter season. The film has been specially created for BBC Television and combines the talents of international conductor Kent Nagano and acclaimed animation designer and director, Geoff Dunbar. The visual style is derived from the drawings by Stanislav Lolek in the original 1920’s newspaper strip which inspired Janacek to write the opera. Spellbinding animation has been created by using hand drawn techniques, combined with computer generated imagery.
Kent Nagano and Christophe Durrant have created a new edition of the music, which is performed by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. The international cast of young soloists, the stars of tomorrow, were selected by the European Opera Centre, following extensive auditions and they are joined by singers from the New London Children’s Choir and the BBC Singers. The title role of Vixen Sharp-Ears is sung by soprano Christine Buffle, baritone Grant Doyle is the Forester, Richard Coxon is the Vixen’s lover, Dashwood Fox and Keel Watson is the poacher while Blue Peter presenter, Matt Baker, sings the role of Lapáák the Dog.
Peter Maniura, Head of Classical Music Television says: “We are thrilled with this new special television version of Janacek’s much loved opera. The story of Vixen Sharpears is a dramatic tale guaranteed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Like all good fairy tales, there is a dark side to the narrative, redeemed by Janacek’s affirmation of humanity within the natural order and the cycle of life and death. We are also delighted to be joined by Opus Arte and The Los Angeles Opera in co-producing the film."
Geoff Dunbar has received international acclaim for his work, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Lautrec. He is particularly well-known for his collaborations with Sir Paul McCartney on film projects, such as the Bafta winning Rupert And The Frog Song and Daumier’s Law. Geoff was very involved with The Cunning Little Vixen project, visiting Janacek’s home in Huckvaldy, in the Czech Republic, where the action takes place and attending the vocal recordings to ensure the animation expressed the singing as vividly as possible.
The Cunning Little Vixen is a co-production between the BBC, Opus Arte and Los Angeles Opera.
Transmission date: Sunday April 20th, subject to change.
BBC Two Broadcasts New Animated Film of Janacek Opera
BBC Two broadcasts a magical new version of Janacek’s much loved opera, The Cunning Little Vixen over the Easter season. The film has been specially created for BBC Television and combines the talents of international conductor Kent Nagano and acclaimed animation designer and director, Geoff Dunbar. The visual style is derived from the drawings by Stanislav Lolek in the original 1920’s newspaper strip which inspired Janacek to write the opera. Spellbinding animation has been created by using hand drawn techniques, combined with computer generated imagery.
Kent Nagano and Christophe Durrant have created a new edition of the music, which is performed by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. The international cast of young soloists, the stars of tomorrow, were selected by the European Opera Centre, following extensive auditions and they are joined by singers from the New London Children’s Choir and the BBC Singers. The title role of Vixen Sharp-Ears is sung by soprano Christine Buffle, baritone Grant Doyle is the Forester, Richard Coxon is the Vixen’s lover, Dashwood Fox and Keel Watson is the poacher while Blue Peter presenter, Matt Baker, sings the role of Lapáák the Dog.
Peter Maniura, Head of Classical Music Television says: “We are thrilled with this new special television version of Janacek’s much loved opera. The story of Vixen Sharpears is a dramatic tale guaranteed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Like all good fairy tales, there is a dark side to the narrative, redeemed by Janacek’s affirmation of humanity within the natural order and the cycle of life and death. We are also delighted to be joined by Opus Arte and The Los Angeles Opera in co-producing the film."
Geoff Dunbar has received international acclaim for his work, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Lautrec. He is particularly well-known for his collaborations with Sir Paul McCartney on film projects, such as the Bafta winning Rupert And The Frog Song and Daumier’s Law. Geoff was very involved with The Cunning Little Vixen project, visiting Janacek’s home in Huckvaldy, in the Czech Republic, where the action takes place and attending the vocal recordings to ensure the animation expressed the singing as vividly as possible.
The Cunning Little Vixen is a co-production between the BBC, Opus Arte and Los Angeles Opera.
Transmission date: Sunday April 20th, subject to change.
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Talking Pictures
Hull Film - call for entries
Calling all filmmakers - Hull Film is now accepting entries for the 3rd Hull International Short Film Festival - The Mark of the Particular, which this year runs from 15-19th October.
All films submitted should be in VHS format and sent to the Hull Film
Office, Danish Buildings, 44-46 High Street, Hull, HU1 1PS. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Hull Film website - wwww.hullfilm.co.uk
- or, applicants can obtain forms directly from the Hull Film
office. Please call 01482 381512.
Festival Director Catherine Litchfield says, 'We are looking for short films from all filmmakers of any age or background. The festival is both dynamic and diverse and we like to see a wide range of thoughts and ideas expressed in the short form'.
Last year's festival was a five-day extravaganza that showcased around 180 of the best short films from around the globe, comprising 26 screenings, including premieres; guest speakers, our industry programme Shortsighted, discussion forums with audience and filmmakers, competitions, parties and give-away cameras and dinners for two.
Hull Film was established September 2000. Its conception was due to a successful screening of short films from Channel 4's Shooting Gallery
earlier in the year. The outcome of this event saw the development of a
pilot project and a three-day taster weekend screening short films was held October 2000. The event attracted an audience of 405. Organisers felt the success of the pilot project indicated a strong potential audience for short films, and sufficient to develop the path to establish an annual international short film festival in Hull. To ensure the success, continual growth, improvement of the festival, and to further utilise the role of short film, a yearly programme of activity was initiated. This continues to be developed. Thus far, the yearly programme comprises; regular short film screenings at venues across the city, Community Outreach and Audience Development Programme, Film in Learning Programme, Filmmakers Forum, and the Hull International Short Film Festival.
The first Hull International Short Film Festival was held October 2001.
Nicolas Roeg opened the festival and screened his latest short film. The festival programme was both diverse in content and location. 120 short films screened from around the world and features were; 6 premieres, 1 world premiere, 20 guest speakers, 24 hour filmmaking challenge, industry event, 5 touring programmes, 18 screenings, 5 mixed traditional and non-traditional cinema venues. The first festival attracted a direct audience attendance of 1110.
Following another successful year in 2002, we are now planning the 2003 festival. While busy preparing for the festival, we are also developing a year-round programme of film activity, including youth film apprenticeships, GCSE study days, filmmakers support units and a unique film production support programme.
The festival programme will feature premieres, guest filmmakers, industry events, press shows, critical focus, competitions, the Short Film Video Library, prints from the periphery and European Eye. Screenings for all ages and special interests assured.
Hull Film - call for entries
Calling all filmmakers - Hull Film is now accepting entries for the 3rd Hull International Short Film Festival - The Mark of the Particular, which this year runs from 15-19th October.
All films submitted should be in VHS format and sent to the Hull Film
Office, Danish Buildings, 44-46 High Street, Hull, HU1 1PS. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Hull Film website - wwww.hullfilm.co.uk
- or, applicants can obtain forms directly from the Hull Film
office. Please call 01482 381512.
Festival Director Catherine Litchfield says, 'We are looking for short films from all filmmakers of any age or background. The festival is both dynamic and diverse and we like to see a wide range of thoughts and ideas expressed in the short form'.
Last year's festival was a five-day extravaganza that showcased around 180 of the best short films from around the globe, comprising 26 screenings, including premieres; guest speakers, our industry programme Shortsighted, discussion forums with audience and filmmakers, competitions, parties and give-away cameras and dinners for two.
Hull Film was established September 2000. Its conception was due to a successful screening of short films from Channel 4's Shooting Gallery
earlier in the year. The outcome of this event saw the development of a
pilot project and a three-day taster weekend screening short films was held October 2000. The event attracted an audience of 405. Organisers felt the success of the pilot project indicated a strong potential audience for short films, and sufficient to develop the path to establish an annual international short film festival in Hull. To ensure the success, continual growth, improvement of the festival, and to further utilise the role of short film, a yearly programme of activity was initiated. This continues to be developed. Thus far, the yearly programme comprises; regular short film screenings at venues across the city, Community Outreach and Audience Development Programme, Film in Learning Programme, Filmmakers Forum, and the Hull International Short Film Festival.
The first Hull International Short Film Festival was held October 2001.
Nicolas Roeg opened the festival and screened his latest short film. The festival programme was both diverse in content and location. 120 short films screened from around the world and features were; 6 premieres, 1 world premiere, 20 guest speakers, 24 hour filmmaking challenge, industry event, 5 touring programmes, 18 screenings, 5 mixed traditional and non-traditional cinema venues. The first festival attracted a direct audience attendance of 1110.
Following another successful year in 2002, we are now planning the 2003 festival. While busy preparing for the festival, we are also developing a year-round programme of film activity, including youth film apprenticeships, GCSE study days, filmmakers support units and a unique film production support programme.
The festival programme will feature premieres, guest filmmakers, industry events, press shows, critical focus, competitions, the Short Film Video Library, prints from the periphery and European Eye. Screenings for all ages and special interests assured.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)