Cinema Management Group has reported brisk sales on Kensuke’s Kingdom featuring Cillian Murphy on the back of wins at the British Animation Awards for best picture, best screenplay and best original music.
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Former senior BFI executive Lizzie Francke will replace Tricia Tuttle as head of the directing fiction department at the UK’s National Film and Television School.
Francke will take the helm from April 1, when Tuttle officially begins her new role as director of the Berlin International Film Festival.
Formerly editor-at-large at the then-BFI Film Fund, Francke helped develop and produce many notable films including Aftersun, Triangle Of Sadness and Rye Lane. She departed the organisation in March last year along with fellow executives Fiona Morham and Natascha Wharton.
Her extensive career also includes a stint as artistic director of...
Francke will take the helm from April 1, when Tuttle officially begins her new role as director of the Berlin International Film Festival.
Formerly editor-at-large at the then-BFI Film Fund, Francke helped develop and produce many notable films including Aftersun, Triangle Of Sadness and Rye Lane. She departed the organisation in March last year along with fellow executives Fiona Morham and Natascha Wharton.
Her extensive career also includes a stint as artistic director of...
- 2/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Ama Ampadu, Louise Ortega, Aoife Hayes, Phoebe Sutherland and Charley Fox all have expanded their remits within the fund.
Studiocanal’s Anna Hintzen has joined the British Film Institute (BFI) as senior production executive at the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund.
Hintzen will have oversight of all aspects of production on BFI-backed projects. She will initially engage with projects at application stage to advise on their viability, ensuring they are appropriately budgeted and scheduled, and will support filmmaking teams both practically and creatively through pre-production, shooting and post to help them maximise budgets and use the funding responsibly.
“We are...
Studiocanal’s Anna Hintzen has joined the British Film Institute (BFI) as senior production executive at the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund.
Hintzen will have oversight of all aspects of production on BFI-backed projects. She will initially engage with projects at application stage to advise on their viability, ensuring they are appropriately budgeted and scheduled, and will support filmmaking teams both practically and creatively through pre-production, shooting and post to help them maximise budgets and use the funding responsibly.
“We are...
- 11/20/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
”We are forming a new-look team to deliver the ambitious strategy,” said Filmmaking Fund director Mia Bays.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has appointed Vicki Brown as its senior executive for sales and distribution for the BFI Filmmaking Fund.
Brown joins from London and New York-based sales firm Together Films, where she was head of acquisitions, sales and distribution. She was also previously director of international sales at UK sales outfit Altitude Film Sales. She will be responsible for ensuring features awarded BFI National Lottery production funding are successfully delivered to the marketplace and to UK and international audiences.
This...
The British Film Institute (BFI) has appointed Vicki Brown as its senior executive for sales and distribution for the BFI Filmmaking Fund.
Brown joins from London and New York-based sales firm Together Films, where she was head of acquisitions, sales and distribution. She was also previously director of international sales at UK sales outfit Altitude Film Sales. She will be responsible for ensuring features awarded BFI National Lottery production funding are successfully delivered to the marketplace and to UK and international audiences.
This...
- 6/29/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The BFI has hired veteran sales exec Vicki Brown as Senior Executive for Sales and Distribution for the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund.
Brown, who joins from Together Films, where she was Head of Acquisitions, Sales, and Distribution, will be responsible for delivering features that are awarded BFI National Lottery production funding to the market as well as to UK and international audiences.
Her remit will include oversight and joint approval of production funding decisions from Discovery and Impact funds and inputting into and signing off sales, distribution, and commercial strategies for all titles. She will also be responsible for aligning her work supporting Filmmaking Fund titles with the UK Global Screen Fund, the BFI’s National Lottery International Fund, and working with other key stakeholders such as BBC Film, Film4, and other national, regional, and commercial funders.
In addition to Brown’s hire, the BFI said today that a...
Brown, who joins from Together Films, where she was Head of Acquisitions, Sales, and Distribution, will be responsible for delivering features that are awarded BFI National Lottery production funding to the market as well as to UK and international audiences.
Her remit will include oversight and joint approval of production funding decisions from Discovery and Impact funds and inputting into and signing off sales, distribution, and commercial strategies for all titles. She will also be responsible for aligning her work supporting Filmmaking Fund titles with the UK Global Screen Fund, the BFI’s National Lottery International Fund, and working with other key stakeholders such as BBC Film, Film4, and other national, regional, and commercial funders.
In addition to Brown’s hire, the BFI said today that a...
- 6/29/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
“Ouch,” said one UK independent producer.
UK producers have applauded the focus on transparency and clarity from the revamped British Film Institute (Bf) Filmmaking Fund unveiled earlier this week, but are increasingly concerned about the fall in funding for indie features and an apparent reduction in the number that will be supported through the National Lottery Funding.
“I appreciate their effort to have more transparency and formalise the application processes a bit more in terms of response time for instance,” said Hélène Sifre, producer at Kleio Films, who produced Bifa-winning Blue Jean, the debut feature from Georgia Oakley, which received...
UK producers have applauded the focus on transparency and clarity from the revamped British Film Institute (Bf) Filmmaking Fund unveiled earlier this week, but are increasingly concerned about the fall in funding for indie features and an apparent reduction in the number that will be supported through the National Lottery Funding.
“I appreciate their effort to have more transparency and formalise the application processes a bit more in terms of response time for instance,” said Hélène Sifre, producer at Kleio Films, who produced Bifa-winning Blue Jean, the debut feature from Georgia Oakley, which received...
- 3/23/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The British Film Institute has unveiled new plans to support the U.K. independent sector with four focused film funds.
Operating beneath the newly-launched BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund (the finances have come directly from the U.K.’s National Lottery), the new structure will see £36.6 million ($44.8 million) go towards the production and development of feature films via four individual funds over three years. Meanwhile, £17.4 million ($21.3 million) has also been dedicated to supporting documentaries, shorts, talent development and immersive filmmaking.
The bulk of the production and development support for features — $36 million — will be available via the BFI Discovery Fund for directorial debuts, aiming to support six features with budgets below £3.5 million ($4.3 million) per year, and the BFI Impact Fund, which will aim to provide production funding for five projects each year, either from second-time time filmmakers or beyond, or debuts budgeted at over £3.5 million ($4.3 million). The Impact Fund, which has criteria...
Operating beneath the newly-launched BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund (the finances have come directly from the U.K.’s National Lottery), the new structure will see £36.6 million ($44.8 million) go towards the production and development of feature films via four individual funds over three years. Meanwhile, £17.4 million ($21.3 million) has also been dedicated to supporting documentaries, shorts, talent development and immersive filmmaking.
The bulk of the production and development support for features — $36 million — will be available via the BFI Discovery Fund for directorial debuts, aiming to support six features with budgets below £3.5 million ($4.3 million) per year, and the BFI Impact Fund, which will aim to provide production funding for five projects each year, either from second-time time filmmakers or beyond, or debuts budgeted at over £3.5 million ($4.3 million). The Impact Fund, which has criteria...
- 3/21/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The British Film Institute (BFI) today announced that it will grant $44m (£36.6m) in cash awards over three years to support fiction feature films as part of its new National Lottery Filmmaking Fund.
The cash will be available through four distinct funds:
Discovery – The discovery fund will be dedicated to directorial debuts and aim to support six feature films per year, each budgeted below $4m (£3.5m). The first deadline for applications is April 24 for fully-developed projects seeking to shoot this year. Applications will reopen in July and November. Impact — The impact fund will be a rolling fund focused on projects from second-time filmmakers and beyond or debuts budgeted over £3.5m. The cash pot will aim to support five projects a year with an emphasis on scale and audience impact. Development — The development fund will cover costs at all stages of the development process. The fund will aim to support around 60-70 projects per year.
The cash will be available through four distinct funds:
Discovery – The discovery fund will be dedicated to directorial debuts and aim to support six feature films per year, each budgeted below $4m (£3.5m). The first deadline for applications is April 24 for fully-developed projects seeking to shoot this year. Applications will reopen in July and November. Impact — The impact fund will be a rolling fund focused on projects from second-time filmmakers and beyond or debuts budgeted over £3.5m. The cash pot will aim to support five projects a year with an emphasis on scale and audience impact. Development — The development fund will cover costs at all stages of the development process. The fund will aim to support around 60-70 projects per year.
- 3/21/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Senior British Film Institute team members Editor-at-Large Lizzie Francke, Head of Production Fiona Morham and Head of Editorial Natascha Wharton have announced their decision to leave the BFI Film Fund later this year.
The trio has led the BFI’s National Lottery funding for the development and production of UK films, providing guidance and support to filmmakers and their teams throughout the life journey of a film and initiatives for developing emerging filmmaking talent.
They will step down in late spring to early summer 2023. In the interim, they will continue to support their slate of projects, working with the Filmmaking Fund team as it transitions to a new structure.
Francke, Morham and Wharton put out a joint statement saying: “It has been such a huge privilege to work for the Film Fund over the years and to champion an extraordinary range of filmmakers. With the 2023-33 strategy and the Filmmaking Fund being launched this week,...
The trio has led the BFI’s National Lottery funding for the development and production of UK films, providing guidance and support to filmmakers and their teams throughout the life journey of a film and initiatives for developing emerging filmmaking talent.
They will step down in late spring to early summer 2023. In the interim, they will continue to support their slate of projects, working with the Filmmaking Fund team as it transitions to a new structure.
Francke, Morham and Wharton put out a joint statement saying: “It has been such a huge privilege to work for the Film Fund over the years and to champion an extraordinary range of filmmakers. With the 2023-33 strategy and the Filmmaking Fund being launched this week,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Senior execs will step down later this year.
Three senior executives at the UK’s BFI Film Fund, editor-at-large Lizzie Francke, head of production Fiona Morham, and head of editorial Natascha Wharton, will step down later this year.
The trio has helped to lead the BFI’s National Lottery funding for the development and production of UK films, and supported films including Rye Lane, Aftersun, Girl, Triangle Of Sadness and Rocks.
The news comes ahead of details of the latest iteration of the fund, to be announced tomorrow (Tuesday March 20), which forms part of Screen Culture 2033, the BFI’s 10-year strategy.
Three senior executives at the UK’s BFI Film Fund, editor-at-large Lizzie Francke, head of production Fiona Morham, and head of editorial Natascha Wharton, will step down later this year.
The trio has helped to lead the BFI’s National Lottery funding for the development and production of UK films, and supported films including Rye Lane, Aftersun, Girl, Triangle Of Sadness and Rocks.
The news comes ahead of details of the latest iteration of the fund, to be announced tomorrow (Tuesday March 20), which forms part of Screen Culture 2033, the BFI’s 10-year strategy.
- 3/20/2023
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Senior execs will step down later this year.
Three senior executives at the UK’s BFI Film Fund, editor-at-large Lizzie Francke, head of production Fiona Morham, and head of editorial Natascha Wharton, will step down later this year.
The trio has helped to lead the BFI’s National Lottery funding for the development and production of UK films, and supported films including Rye Lane, Aftersun, Girl, Triangle Of Sadness and Rocks.
The news comes ahead of details of the latest iteration of the fund, to be announced tomorrow (Tuesday March 20), which forms part of Screen Culture 2033, the BFI’s 10-year strategy.
Three senior executives at the UK’s BFI Film Fund, editor-at-large Lizzie Francke, head of production Fiona Morham, and head of editorial Natascha Wharton, will step down later this year.
The trio has helped to lead the BFI’s National Lottery funding for the development and production of UK films, and supported films including Rye Lane, Aftersun, Girl, Triangle Of Sadness and Rocks.
The news comes ahead of details of the latest iteration of the fund, to be announced tomorrow (Tuesday March 20), which forms part of Screen Culture 2033, the BFI’s 10-year strategy.
- 3/20/2023
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Lizzie Francke, editor-at-large, Fiona Morham, head of production and Natascha Wharton, head of editorial will leave the BFI Film Fund later this year.
The three senior team members have led the BFI’s national lottery funding for the development and production of U.K. films. Acclaimed titles supported by them include “Rye Lane,” “Aftersun,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Blue Jean” and “After Love,” among many others.
Francke, Morham and Wharton will depart in late spring/early summer. They will continue to support their slate of projects, working with the filmmaking fund team as it transitions to a new structure. The news comes on the eve of details of the new fund, which will be revealed on March 21.
The BFI’s Screen Culture 2033 10-year strategy, published in 2022, earmarks £54 million ($66 million) over the next three years for filmmakers. The new BFI filmmaking fund is part of that. The BFI said it is is...
The three senior team members have led the BFI’s national lottery funding for the development and production of U.K. films. Acclaimed titles supported by them include “Rye Lane,” “Aftersun,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Blue Jean” and “After Love,” among many others.
Francke, Morham and Wharton will depart in late spring/early summer. They will continue to support their slate of projects, working with the filmmaking fund team as it transitions to a new structure. The news comes on the eve of details of the new fund, which will be revealed on March 21.
The BFI’s Screen Culture 2033 10-year strategy, published in 2022, earmarks £54 million ($66 million) over the next three years for filmmakers. The new BFI filmmaking fund is part of that. The BFI said it is is...
- 3/20/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The British Film Institute (BFI) has hired Ama Ampadu as a senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund.
Ampadu has worked as an independent producer across U.K. and international projects for over 12 years and produced Yared Zeleke’s “Lamb” (2015), the first Ethiopian film selected at Cannes.
Reporting to Natascha Wharton, the fund’s head of editorial, Ampadu will work alongside fellow senior production and development executive Louise Ortega, as well as editor-at-large Lizzie Francke. She replaces Kristin Irving, who joined BBC Film last year. With Ortega, Ampadu’s portfolio will have a focus on debuts, as well as working closely with BFI Network to ensure there is an effective crossover for new and emerging talent. Working on both development and production funds, Ampadu will assess applications, recommend funding decisions and provide support for filmmakers and film projects.
Mia Bays, director of the BFI Film Fund, said:...
Ampadu has worked as an independent producer across U.K. and international projects for over 12 years and produced Yared Zeleke’s “Lamb” (2015), the first Ethiopian film selected at Cannes.
Reporting to Natascha Wharton, the fund’s head of editorial, Ampadu will work alongside fellow senior production and development executive Louise Ortega, as well as editor-at-large Lizzie Francke. She replaces Kristin Irving, who joined BBC Film last year. With Ortega, Ampadu’s portfolio will have a focus on debuts, as well as working closely with BFI Network to ensure there is an effective crossover for new and emerging talent. Working on both development and production funds, Ampadu will assess applications, recommend funding decisions and provide support for filmmakers and film projects.
Mia Bays, director of the BFI Film Fund, said:...
- 1/20/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BFI has hired independent producer Ama Ampadu as the new senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund. Ampadu replaces Kristin Irving, who joined BBC Film late last year.
Reporting to Natascha Wharton, the film fund’s Head of Editorial, Ampadu will work alongside Louise Ortega, who joined the organization last year as a Senior Production and Development Executive, as well as Editor-at-Large Lizzie Francke.
Ampadu’s brief will have a central focus on filmmaking debuts, as well as working closely with BFI Network to ensure there is a practical crossover for new and emerging talent.
Alongside Ortega and the rest of the team, Ampadu will also oversee the fund’s slate, which has projects at various stages of production, supporting filmmakers at each stage of the filmmaking process and beyond, as well as developing outreach strategies to engage filmmakers with the BFI.
The BFI said that...
Reporting to Natascha Wharton, the film fund’s Head of Editorial, Ampadu will work alongside Louise Ortega, who joined the organization last year as a Senior Production and Development Executive, as well as Editor-at-Large Lizzie Francke.
Ampadu’s brief will have a central focus on filmmaking debuts, as well as working closely with BFI Network to ensure there is a practical crossover for new and emerging talent.
Alongside Ortega and the rest of the team, Ampadu will also oversee the fund’s slate, which has projects at various stages of production, supporting filmmakers at each stage of the filmmaking process and beyond, as well as developing outreach strategies to engage filmmakers with the BFI.
The BFI said that...
- 1/20/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Ama Ampadu will report to Fund’s head of editorial Natascha Wharton.
UK producer Ama Ampadu has been appointed senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund.
Ampadu, who has worked as an independent producer across UK and international projects for over 12 years, started in her role this week.
She will work on both the development and production funds, assessing applications, recommending funding decisions and providing hands-on creative, production and holistic support for filmmakers and film projects.
Ampadu will report to Natascha Wharton, the Fund’s head of editorial. She will work alongside Louise Ortega, who joined the...
UK producer Ama Ampadu has been appointed senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund.
Ampadu, who has worked as an independent producer across UK and international projects for over 12 years, started in her role this week.
She will work on both the development and production funds, assessing applications, recommending funding decisions and providing hands-on creative, production and holistic support for filmmakers and film projects.
Ampadu will report to Natascha Wharton, the Fund’s head of editorial. She will work alongside Louise Ortega, who joined the...
- 1/20/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Acquisition
BBC Three has acquired 10 x 45′ hit HBO Max reality dating competition show “FBoy Island” from Warner Bros International Television production. Created by Elan Gale and hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, “FBoy Island” follows the adventures of Sarah, Nakia and C.J. – three women all looking to get into a serious relationship with men who really care about them. The good news is they have 24 guys to choose from, the bad news is only half of them are interested in forming a relationship, while the other half are self-confessed bad boys only there to win a cash prize.
Fiona Campbell, controller BBC Three, said: “This series completely flips the dating show concept on its head which makes it fun and captivating viewing. It has a lot of humor and heart and although it shouldn’t be taken too seriously, it does leaves enough room for real romance. It’s already...
BBC Three has acquired 10 x 45′ hit HBO Max reality dating competition show “FBoy Island” from Warner Bros International Television production. Created by Elan Gale and hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, “FBoy Island” follows the adventures of Sarah, Nakia and C.J. – three women all looking to get into a serious relationship with men who really care about them. The good news is they have 24 guys to choose from, the bad news is only half of them are interested in forming a relationship, while the other half are self-confessed bad boys only there to win a cash prize.
Fiona Campbell, controller BBC Three, said: “This series completely flips the dating show concept on its head which makes it fun and captivating viewing. It has a lot of humor and heart and although it shouldn’t be taken too seriously, it does leaves enough room for real romance. It’s already...
- 4/7/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BFI has named Louise Ortega as Senior Production and Development Executive for its Film Fund.
Ortega has had roles at companies including See-Saw Films, Vertigo Films and Slim Film and Television. At the BFI, she will work across both the development and production funds, accessing applications, recommending funding decisions and providing hands-on creative production support for filmmakers. Her portfolio will have a focus on debuts.
She will report to Natascha Wharton, the Fund’s Head of Editorial, and work alongside Senior Exec Kristin Irving, as well as Editor-at-Large Lizzie Francke and development executives Aoife Hayes and Phoebe Sutherland. The role replaces Farhana Bhula, who joined Film4 earlier this year.
Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Film Fund, said: “I am excited about Louise joining, bringing a wealth of experience and dynamism to round out the Film Fund team. She has a built up a real specialism around developing writers...
Ortega has had roles at companies including See-Saw Films, Vertigo Films and Slim Film and Television. At the BFI, she will work across both the development and production funds, accessing applications, recommending funding decisions and providing hands-on creative production support for filmmakers. Her portfolio will have a focus on debuts.
She will report to Natascha Wharton, the Fund’s Head of Editorial, and work alongside Senior Exec Kristin Irving, as well as Editor-at-Large Lizzie Francke and development executives Aoife Hayes and Phoebe Sutherland. The role replaces Farhana Bhula, who joined Film4 earlier this year.
Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Film Fund, said: “I am excited about Louise joining, bringing a wealth of experience and dynamism to round out the Film Fund team. She has a built up a real specialism around developing writers...
- 4/7/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The post was vacated by Farhana Bhula.
Louise Ortega has been appointed the new senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund.
She joins following a short-term contract at See-Saw Films, where she oversaw the film slate including Operation Mincemeat and upcoming projects A Special Relationship and One Life. Across a 20-year career she has worked in talent management, development and script editing, with previous roles at BBC Film, Vertigo Films and Slim Film And Television.
Ortega takes over from Farhana Bhula, who joined Film4 as a senior commissioning executive in January.
At the BFI Film Fund, Ortega...
Louise Ortega has been appointed the new senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund.
She joins following a short-term contract at See-Saw Films, where she oversaw the film slate including Operation Mincemeat and upcoming projects A Special Relationship and One Life. Across a 20-year career she has worked in talent management, development and script editing, with previous roles at BBC Film, Vertigo Films and Slim Film And Television.
Ortega takes over from Farhana Bhula, who joined Film4 as a senior commissioning executive in January.
At the BFI Film Fund, Ortega...
- 4/7/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The BFI has appointed Mia Bays as the new director of its Film Fund.
Joining for an initial three-year term, Bays will lead the strategic and cultural direction of the BFI’s investment of National Lottery funds into supporting U.K. feature film production. At approximately £30 million a year, it is the largest public fund in the UK for film and filmmakers, as well as new and emerging talent through BFI Network.
Bays is currently director-at-large for Birds’ Eye View, a U.K. charity that centres the female perspective in film and campaigns for gender equality in the industry. She will remain in a consultancy role with Birds’ Eye View and intends to return there at the end of her three-year contract with the BFI Film Fund.
Bays will take up her new role in October, based between London and Nottingham.
“I mark 30 years in film this year. What a...
Joining for an initial three-year term, Bays will lead the strategic and cultural direction of the BFI’s investment of National Lottery funds into supporting U.K. feature film production. At approximately £30 million a year, it is the largest public fund in the UK for film and filmmakers, as well as new and emerging talent through BFI Network.
Bays is currently director-at-large for Birds’ Eye View, a U.K. charity that centres the female perspective in film and campaigns for gender equality in the industry. She will remain in a consultancy role with Birds’ Eye View and intends to return there at the end of her three-year contract with the BFI Film Fund.
Bays will take up her new role in October, based between London and Nottingham.
“I mark 30 years in film this year. What a...
- 4/21/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The BFI has announced Mia Bays as the new Director of BFI Film Fund for an initial three-year term.
Bays will lead the strategic and cultural direction of the BFI’s investment of National Lottery funds into supporting UK feature film production – which at about £30 million a year represents the largest public fund in the UK for film and filmmakers – as well as new and emerging talent through BFI Network. She will take up the position in October, based between London and Nottingham.
In other changes at the fund, BFI vets Natascha Wharton and Lizzie Francke, formerly Senior Production & Development Executives, are segueing to the new roles of Head of Editorial and Editor-at-Large, respectively. Farhana Bhula and Kristin Irving are promoted to Senior Production & Development Executives. Fiona Morham has taken on expanded responsibilities in her Head of Production role.
Bays said: “I mark 30 years in film this year. What a...
Bays will lead the strategic and cultural direction of the BFI’s investment of National Lottery funds into supporting UK feature film production – which at about £30 million a year represents the largest public fund in the UK for film and filmmakers – as well as new and emerging talent through BFI Network. She will take up the position in October, based between London and Nottingham.
In other changes at the fund, BFI vets Natascha Wharton and Lizzie Francke, formerly Senior Production & Development Executives, are segueing to the new roles of Head of Editorial and Editor-at-Large, respectively. Farhana Bhula and Kristin Irving are promoted to Senior Production & Development Executives. Fiona Morham has taken on expanded responsibilities in her Head of Production role.
Bays said: “I mark 30 years in film this year. What a...
- 4/21/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Bays will take over for an initial three-year term.
The British Film Institute has appointed Mia Bays as the new director of the BFI Film Fund, filling the role vacated last year by CEO Ben Roberts.
Bays is presently director-at-large at female-focused film charity Birds’ Eye View. She will take over the position in October for an initial three-year term, and will be based between London and Nottingham.
In the role – one of the most influential in the UK filmmaking scene – Bays will lead the strategic and cultural direction of the BFI’s investment of National Lottery funds into supporting UK feature film production.
The British Film Institute has appointed Mia Bays as the new director of the BFI Film Fund, filling the role vacated last year by CEO Ben Roberts.
Bays is presently director-at-large at female-focused film charity Birds’ Eye View. She will take over the position in October for an initial three-year term, and will be based between London and Nottingham.
In the role – one of the most influential in the UK filmmaking scene – Bays will lead the strategic and cultural direction of the BFI’s investment of National Lottery funds into supporting UK feature film production.
- 4/21/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Bankside is selling Prasanna Puwanarajah’s debut, which stars Seána Kerslake and Patrick Kielty.
Filming has finished on location in Northern Ireland on Ballywalter, the feature directorial debut of doctor-turned-director Prasanna Puwanarajah.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first-look at the film.
Ballywalter follows a university drop-out living with her mum and making money as an unlicensed minicab driver, who picks up a budding stand-up comic whose marriage has recently broken up.
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish comedian and TV personality Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role. The script was written by Stacey Gregg,...
Filming has finished on location in Northern Ireland on Ballywalter, the feature directorial debut of doctor-turned-director Prasanna Puwanarajah.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first-look at the film.
Ballywalter follows a university drop-out living with her mum and making money as an unlicensed minicab driver, who picks up a budding stand-up comic whose marriage has recently broken up.
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish comedian and TV personality Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role. The script was written by Stacey Gregg,...
- 1/28/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Job will be a three-year fixed term, with potential for two more years.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has opened applications for the vacant position of director of the BFI Film Fund.
It will accept applications starting from this evening, for the role vacated by Ben Roberts, who became CEO of the institute last year.
The job is being advertised as a three-year fixed term role at a salary of around £100,000 per year including pension and benefits, with potential to extend for a further 1-2 years.
This fixed term is a new element to the Fund director position, introduced ’given...
The British Film Institute (BFI) has opened applications for the vacant position of director of the BFI Film Fund.
It will accept applications starting from this evening, for the role vacated by Ben Roberts, who became CEO of the institute last year.
The job is being advertised as a three-year fixed term role at a salary of around £100,000 per year including pension and benefits, with potential to extend for a further 1-2 years.
This fixed term is a new element to the Fund director position, introduced ’given...
- 1/11/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
This week’s major BIFA nominees were all shut out by the European Film Awards.
UK producers have emphasised their commitment to European co-production on the eve of the European Film Awards (EFAs), in which UK films are conspicuous by their absence.
Two non-uk actors in UK-European productions are the sole representatives in the Efa nominations: Viggo Mortensen for Falling and Natasha Berezhnaya for Dau. Natasha.
“From a filmmaker’s point of view, we mostly are very pro-European,” said Andrea Cornwell, the producer of Rose Glass’s Saint Maud. This week the low-budget horror film received a record 17 Bifa nominations...
UK producers have emphasised their commitment to European co-production on the eve of the European Film Awards (EFAs), in which UK films are conspicuous by their absence.
Two non-uk actors in UK-European productions are the sole representatives in the Efa nominations: Viggo Mortensen for Falling and Natasha Berezhnaya for Dau. Natasha.
“From a filmmaker’s point of view, we mostly are very pro-European,” said Andrea Cornwell, the producer of Rose Glass’s Saint Maud. This week the low-budget horror film received a record 17 Bifa nominations...
- 12/11/2020
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Aleem Khan’s UK drama world premiered at the BFI London Film Festival
Paris-based The Bureau Sales has unveiled more deals on Aleem Khan’s UK drama After Love, which received its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
It has been acquired for Italy (Teodora), Switzerland (Frenetic), Greece (Strada), Australia (Madman), Greece (Strada) and South Korea (Pancinema).
Previous deals include to France (Rezo Films) and UK-Ireland (BFI Distribution).
The feature has won praise for UK actress Joanna Scanlan’s performance as a recently widowed Muslim convert who discovers her husband had a secret life in the northern French port of Calais,...
Paris-based The Bureau Sales has unveiled more deals on Aleem Khan’s UK drama After Love, which received its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
It has been acquired for Italy (Teodora), Switzerland (Frenetic), Greece (Strada), Australia (Madman), Greece (Strada) and South Korea (Pancinema).
Previous deals include to France (Rezo Films) and UK-Ireland (BFI Distribution).
The feature has won praise for UK actress Joanna Scanlan’s performance as a recently widowed Muslim convert who discovers her husband had a secret life in the northern French port of Calais,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
After Love will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
BFI Distribution has secured UK and Ireland rights to Aleem Khan’s After Love from Paris-based The Bureau Sales.
The UK drama will receive its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival (Lff) next month after previously being selected for Cannes Critics’ Week and Telluride Film Festival – both of which were cancelled due to the pandemic. It also received an industry screening at Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
BFI Distribution is planning a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland in spring...
BFI Distribution has secured UK and Ireland rights to Aleem Khan’s After Love from Paris-based The Bureau Sales.
The UK drama will receive its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival (Lff) next month after previously being selected for Cannes Critics’ Week and Telluride Film Festival – both of which were cancelled due to the pandemic. It also received an industry screening at Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
BFI Distribution is planning a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland in spring...
- 9/22/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Among an impressive list of U.K. projects to debut at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, two of the most high-profile are TV dramas — underscoring how British scripted series are now rivalling the country’s proud tradition for indie cinema in terms of creativity, and — some might argue — even eclipsing it.
Psychological thriller “The Third Day” stars Jude Law and Naomi Harris, and is set on a mysterious British Island. With backing by HBO and Sky, the inventive six-parter is created by Felix Barrett, the founder and artistic director of renowned theater group Punchdrunk, and Dennis Kelly, the writer of “Matilda the Musical” and cult TV show “Utopia.”
Meanwhile, BBC-backed “A Suitable Boy” sees “Monsoon Wedding” and “The Namesake” director Mira Nair make her television debut with the adaptation of Vikram Seth’s classic novel set in 1950s India. Adapted by Andrew Davies, the doyen of period TV drama, “A Suitable Boy...
Psychological thriller “The Third Day” stars Jude Law and Naomi Harris, and is set on a mysterious British Island. With backing by HBO and Sky, the inventive six-parter is created by Felix Barrett, the founder and artistic director of renowned theater group Punchdrunk, and Dennis Kelly, the writer of “Matilda the Musical” and cult TV show “Utopia.”
Meanwhile, BBC-backed “A Suitable Boy” sees “Monsoon Wedding” and “The Namesake” director Mira Nair make her television debut with the adaptation of Vikram Seth’s classic novel set in 1950s India. Adapted by Andrew Davies, the doyen of period TV drama, “A Suitable Boy...
- 9/10/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Shout! Studios has secured all North American distribution rights to Misbehavior, the Philippa Lowthorpe-directed beauty pageant drama starring Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley, Keeley Hawes, Lesley Manville, Rhys Ifans, and Greg Kinnear. The Pathé International pic will get a theatrical day-and-date release sometime this year followed by a rollout across all major entertainment platforms.
Written by Rebecca Frayn and Gaby Chiappe, the film is based on a true story set in 1970 when the Miss World competition took place in London, hosted by the Us comedy legend, Bob Hope. It follows the newly-formed Women’s Liberation Movement that achieved overnight fame by invading the stage and disrupting the live broadcast of the competition. Not only that, when the show resumed,...
Written by Rebecca Frayn and Gaby Chiappe, the film is based on a true story set in 1970 when the Miss World competition took place in London, hosted by the Us comedy legend, Bob Hope. It follows the newly-formed Women’s Liberation Movement that achieved overnight fame by invading the stage and disrupting the live broadcast of the competition. Not only that, when the show resumed,...
- 3/16/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
This year’s ceremony will take place on November 28 at The Ballroom Southbank in London
The second group of judges have been announced for this year’s Screen Awards – the 10th edition of the event.
Click here to enter
The new Screen Awards judges include Bertrand Faivre, managing director at The Bureau, Louisa Dent, managing director at Curzon Artificial Eye, and Natascha Wharton, senior development and production executive for the BFI Film Fund.
Also among those now confirmed are Carla Quarto di Palo, director of international sales at Cornerstone Films, producers Damian Jones of DJ Films and Lee Magiday of Sleeper Films,...
The second group of judges have been announced for this year’s Screen Awards – the 10th edition of the event.
Click here to enter
The new Screen Awards judges include Bertrand Faivre, managing director at The Bureau, Louisa Dent, managing director at Curzon Artificial Eye, and Natascha Wharton, senior development and production executive for the BFI Film Fund.
Also among those now confirmed are Carla Quarto di Palo, director of international sales at Cornerstone Films, producers Damian Jones of DJ Films and Lee Magiday of Sleeper Films,...
- 9/4/2019
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
The Bureau is producing the feature, with backing from BFI and BBC Films.
Joanna Scanlan has signed to star in After Love, the debut feature from writer-director Aleem Khan, a former Screen UK Star of Tomorrow, which is now in production in Kent, London and Calais.
It is produced by Matthieu de Braconier of London and Paris-based outfit The Bureau and is backed by BBC Films and the BFI.
Scanlan plays a woman who, having converted to Islam after meeting her future husband, suffers an identity crisis following his sudden death. When she uncovers details of his secret family in the French town of Calais,...
Joanna Scanlan has signed to star in After Love, the debut feature from writer-director Aleem Khan, a former Screen UK Star of Tomorrow, which is now in production in Kent, London and Calais.
It is produced by Matthieu de Braconier of London and Paris-based outfit The Bureau and is backed by BBC Films and the BFI.
Scanlan plays a woman who, having converted to Islam after meeting her future husband, suffers an identity crisis following his sudden death. When she uncovers details of his secret family in the French town of Calais,...
- 7/23/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Film will be released through Universal Pictures International.
Focus Features has picked up a host of international rights to Normal People, the drama shot in Northern Ireland starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville.
The film will be distributed through Universal Pictures International (Upi) in the UK and further international territories, though the distributor declined to specify where it would release. Upi works across countries including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Russia, Korea, and Australia. The deal was struck with sales agent Bankside Films.
Bleecker Street previously acquired Us rights. The film is now completely sold out worldwide aside from Canada,...
Focus Features has picked up a host of international rights to Normal People, the drama shot in Northern Ireland starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville.
The film will be distributed through Universal Pictures International (Upi) in the UK and further international territories, though the distributor declined to specify where it would release. Upi works across countries including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Russia, Korea, and Australia. The deal was struck with sales agent Bankside Films.
Bleecker Street previously acquired Us rights. The film is now completely sold out worldwide aside from Canada,...
- 3/26/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Here’s a first look at Belle and Fast Color star Gugu Mbatha-Raw in comedy-drama Misbehaviour, based on the true story behind the disruption of the 1970 Miss World contest by the newly-formed Women’s Liberation Movement. Production has now wrapped in the UK.
Mbatha-Raw plays Miss Grenada, Jennifer Hosten, who was the first black woman to win the Miss World title. Cast comprises Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley, Greg Kinnear, Lesley Manville, Keeley Hawes, Rhys Ifans and Phyllis Logan, Suki Waterhouse, Clara Rosager, Loreece Harrison, Emma Corin, Lily Newmark, Emma D’Arcy, Ruby Bentall and Alexa Davies.
Philippa Lowthorpe directs from a script written by Rebecca Frayn (The Lady) with revisions by Gaby Chiappe (Their Finest). Producers are Suzanne Mackie (The Crown) and by Sarah-Jane Wheale. Executive producers are Andy Harries and Rebecca Frayn for Left Bank; Cameron McCracken and Jenny Borgars for Pathé; Rose Garnett for BBC Films,...
Mbatha-Raw plays Miss Grenada, Jennifer Hosten, who was the first black woman to win the Miss World title. Cast comprises Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley, Greg Kinnear, Lesley Manville, Keeley Hawes, Rhys Ifans and Phyllis Logan, Suki Waterhouse, Clara Rosager, Loreece Harrison, Emma Corin, Lily Newmark, Emma D’Arcy, Ruby Bentall and Alexa Davies.
Philippa Lowthorpe directs from a script written by Rebecca Frayn (The Lady) with revisions by Gaby Chiappe (Their Finest). Producers are Suzanne Mackie (The Crown) and by Sarah-Jane Wheale. Executive producers are Andy Harries and Rebecca Frayn for Left Bank; Cameron McCracken and Jenny Borgars for Pathé; Rose Garnett for BBC Films,...
- 1/29/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Feature shot in Northern Ireland, currently in post-production.
Bleecker Street has acquired Us rights from Bankside Films to Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn’s drama Normal People starring Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson.
The third feature from the directing duo behind Good Vibrations and Cherrybomb centres on an everyday couple who must summon their strength and call on their extraordinary love to navigate a year of adversity.
Owen McCafferty wrote the screenplay, and producers are Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest. Natascha Wharton served as executive producer for the BFI, alongside Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films,...
Bleecker Street has acquired Us rights from Bankside Films to Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn’s drama Normal People starring Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson.
The third feature from the directing duo behind Good Vibrations and Cherrybomb centres on an everyday couple who must summon their strength and call on their extraordinary love to navigate a year of adversity.
Owen McCafferty wrote the screenplay, and producers are Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest. Natascha Wharton served as executive producer for the BFI, alongside Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films,...
- 12/3/2018
- by Jeremy Kay & Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Bleecker Street has secured U.S. distribution rights to “Normal People,” a drama starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville.
The company plans to release the film in 2019. Manville and Neeson portray an everyday couple with an extraordinary love, who must find the humor and grace to face a year of adversity. The film is directed by the team of Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their work on “Good Vibrations” and “Cherry Bomb.”
Irish playwright Owen McCafferty wrote “Normal People,” produced by Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest. Executive producers are Natascha Wharton for the BFI, Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films, Jo Bamford for Tempo Productions, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films/Metrol Technology and Mark Huffam.
“This is such a beautiful story of love and commitment as portrayed between two of the world’s most talented actors,” Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street said.
The company plans to release the film in 2019. Manville and Neeson portray an everyday couple with an extraordinary love, who must find the humor and grace to face a year of adversity. The film is directed by the team of Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their work on “Good Vibrations” and “Cherry Bomb.”
Irish playwright Owen McCafferty wrote “Normal People,” produced by Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest. Executive producers are Natascha Wharton for the BFI, Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films, Jo Bamford for Tempo Productions, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films/Metrol Technology and Mark Huffam.
“This is such a beautiful story of love and commitment as portrayed between two of the world’s most talented actors,” Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street said.
- 12/3/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to “Normal People,” a romance starring Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson.
Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (“Cherrybomb”), the film follows as an everyday couple with an extraordinary love, who must find the humor and grace to face a year of adversity.
Also Read: Liam Neeson Is Mr. Plow With a Vengeance in 'Cold Pursuit' First Trailer (Video)
“This is such a beautiful story of love and commitment as portrayed between two of the world’s most talented actors,” said Bleecker Street CEO Andrew Karpen. “It’s magical to watch as they find strength and an ever-deepening connection.”
Shot in Northern Ireland, the film is slated to be released in 2019. Owen McCafferty wrote the screenplay for the film, which is produced by Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest. Executive producers are Natascha Wharton for the BFI,...
Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (“Cherrybomb”), the film follows as an everyday couple with an extraordinary love, who must find the humor and grace to face a year of adversity.
Also Read: Liam Neeson Is Mr. Plow With a Vengeance in 'Cold Pursuit' First Trailer (Video)
“This is such a beautiful story of love and commitment as portrayed between two of the world’s most talented actors,” said Bleecker Street CEO Andrew Karpen. “It’s magical to watch as they find strength and an ever-deepening connection.”
Shot in Northern Ireland, the film is slated to be released in 2019. Owen McCafferty wrote the screenplay for the film, which is produced by Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest. Executive producers are Natascha Wharton for the BFI,...
- 12/3/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Normal People, the Northern Ireland-shot drama starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, A 2019 theatrical release is planned for the film, co-directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn and penned by Irish playwright Owen McCafferty.
Manville and Neeson play an everyday couple with an extraordinary love who must find the humor and grace to face a year of adversity. Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest are producers, and Natascha Wharton for the BFI, Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films, Jo Bamford for Tempo Productions, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films/Metrol Technology and Mark Huffam are executive producers.
The deal was negotiated with CAA Media Finance and Bankside Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
Manville and Neeson play an everyday couple with an extraordinary love who must find the humor and grace to face a year of adversity. Brian J. Falconer, David Holmes and Piers Tempest are producers, and Natascha Wharton for the BFI, Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films, Jo Bamford for Tempo Productions, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films/Metrol Technology and Mark Huffam are executive producers.
The deal was negotiated with CAA Media Finance and Bankside Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
- 12/3/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Greg Kinnear (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Lesley Manville (“Phantom Thread”), Keeley Hawes (“Bodyguard”), Rhys Ifans (“Notting Hill”) and Phyllis Logan (“Downton Abbey”) have joined the cast of “Misbehaviour,” alongside the previously announced Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha Raw and Jessie Buckley.
Principal photography began Monday on the dramedy, based on the true story of the 1970 Miss World contest and its disruption by the newly founded Women’s Liberation Movement. The film, which will shoot in and around London over the next nine weeks, is directed by Philippa Lowthorpe (“Three Girls”) from an original script written by Rebecca Frayn (“The Lady”) with revisions by Gaby Chiappe (“Their Finest”).
The action takes place in 1970, as the Miss World competition takes place in London, hosted by Bob Hope, to be played by Kinnear. (Manville plays Dolores Hope.) At the time, Miss World was the most-watched TV show in the world, with more than 100 million viewers.
Principal photography began Monday on the dramedy, based on the true story of the 1970 Miss World contest and its disruption by the newly founded Women’s Liberation Movement. The film, which will shoot in and around London over the next nine weeks, is directed by Philippa Lowthorpe (“Three Girls”) from an original script written by Rebecca Frayn (“The Lady”) with revisions by Gaby Chiappe (“Their Finest”).
The action takes place in 1970, as the Miss World competition takes place in London, hosted by Bob Hope, to be played by Kinnear. (Manville plays Dolores Hope.) At the time, Miss World was the most-watched TV show in the world, with more than 100 million viewers.
- 11/26/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
must The Miss World comedy drama also stars Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha Raw and Jessie Buckley.
Lesley Manville, Keeley Hawes, Greg Kinnear, Rhys Ifans and Phyllis Logan have joined the cast of Philippa Lowthorpe’s UK comedy drama Misbehaviour.
The film, which starts shooting around London over the next nine weeks, co-stars the previously announced Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha Raw and Jessie Buckley, It tells the story of the 1970 Miss World contest which was disrupted by the newly founded Women’s Liberation Movement.
Lowthorpe is an award-winning UK feature and TV director whose credits include the BAFTA TV-winning Three Girls and Call The Midwife.
Lesley Manville, Keeley Hawes, Greg Kinnear, Rhys Ifans and Phyllis Logan have joined the cast of Philippa Lowthorpe’s UK comedy drama Misbehaviour.
The film, which starts shooting around London over the next nine weeks, co-stars the previously announced Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha Raw and Jessie Buckley, It tells the story of the 1970 Miss World contest which was disrupted by the newly founded Women’s Liberation Movement.
Lowthorpe is an award-winning UK feature and TV director whose credits include the BAFTA TV-winning Three Girls and Call The Midwife.
- 11/26/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine), Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard), Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill) and Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey) are joining leads Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha Raw and Jessie Buckley in dramedy Misbehaviour.
Kinnear and Manville will play Bob and Dolores Hope in the film, which is based on the true story of the 1970 Miss World contest — hosted by comedian Hope — and its disruption by the newly founded Women’s Liberation Movement. Shoot is underway today in London.
Philippa Lowthorpe (Three Girls) directs from an original script written by Rebecca Frayn (The Lady) with revisions by Gaby Chiappe (Their Finest). The creative team includes production designer, Cristina Casali (The Death Of Stalin); make-up and hair designer, Jill Sweeney (The Theory Of Everything); costume designer, Charlotte Walter (The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Society); director of photography, Zac Nicholson (The Death of Stalin); and editor, Una Ni Dhonghaile (Three Girls...
Kinnear and Manville will play Bob and Dolores Hope in the film, which is based on the true story of the 1970 Miss World contest — hosted by comedian Hope — and its disruption by the newly founded Women’s Liberation Movement. Shoot is underway today in London.
Philippa Lowthorpe (Three Girls) directs from an original script written by Rebecca Frayn (The Lady) with revisions by Gaby Chiappe (Their Finest). The creative team includes production designer, Cristina Casali (The Death Of Stalin); make-up and hair designer, Jill Sweeney (The Theory Of Everything); costume designer, Charlotte Walter (The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Society); director of photography, Zac Nicholson (The Death of Stalin); and editor, Una Ni Dhonghaile (Three Girls...
- 11/26/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has picked up Chiwetel Ejiofor’s directorial debut, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the story of a real-life Malawian boy named William Kamkwamba who built a windmill that helped save his village from famine.
The streamer acquired global rights to the film excluding Japan, China and U.K. free TV rights, and plans to launch the film worldwide next year — including in select theaters in the U.S. and U.K.
Ejiofor, the Oscar-nominated star of 12 Years a Slave, also co-stars and wrote the script, adapted from the best-selling book of the same name by Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.
The film follows 13-year-old William Kamkwamba (newcomer Maxwell Simba) who is thrown out of the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. Sneaking back into the school library, he...
The streamer acquired global rights to the film excluding Japan, China and U.K. free TV rights, and plans to launch the film worldwide next year — including in select theaters in the U.S. and U.K.
Ejiofor, the Oscar-nominated star of 12 Years a Slave, also co-stars and wrote the script, adapted from the best-selling book of the same name by Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.
The film follows 13-year-old William Kamkwamba (newcomer Maxwell Simba) who is thrown out of the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. Sneaking back into the school library, he...
- 11/14/2018
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Netflix has picked up global rights (excluding Japan, China and UK free TV rights) to Chiwetel Ejiofor’s (12 Year’s A Slave) directorial debut The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.
Ejiofor scripted the British film, which is based on the book of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Maxwell Simba stars with Ejiofor in the Malawi-shot story about a boy who can’t afford to go to school but dreams of building a windmill to save his village from famine.
Potboiler’s Andrea Calderwood and Gail Egan produce; executive producers including Joe Oppenheimer, Rose Garnett, Natascha Wharton, Jeff Skoll, Jonathan King, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Peter Hampden and Norman Merry.
The film will launch in 2019 on Netflix and in select cinemas in the U.S. and UK. Backing came from BFI and BBC Films with Head Gear, Metrol Technology and LipSync, in partnership with Participant Media. Cornerstone was the international sales agent.
Ejiofor scripted the British film, which is based on the book of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Maxwell Simba stars with Ejiofor in the Malawi-shot story about a boy who can’t afford to go to school but dreams of building a windmill to save his village from famine.
Potboiler’s Andrea Calderwood and Gail Egan produce; executive producers including Joe Oppenheimer, Rose Garnett, Natascha Wharton, Jeff Skoll, Jonathan King, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Peter Hampden and Norman Merry.
The film will launch in 2019 on Netflix and in select cinemas in the U.S. and UK. Backing came from BFI and BBC Films with Head Gear, Metrol Technology and LipSync, in partnership with Participant Media. Cornerstone was the international sales agent.
- 11/14/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Embankment Films has sold British rights to Lionsgate U.K. for romantic drama “Summerland,” starring Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Variety has been given the exclusive first-look image for the film, which has just wrapped production.
The pic is the feature debut of British playwright Jessica Swale, who won an Olivier Award for her play “Nell Gwynn,” in which Arterton and Mbatha-Raw both starred. Swale won BAFTA’s Jj Screenwriting Bursary for “Summerland” in 2012.
The film centers on fiercely independent writer Alice (Arterton) who “secludes herself in her clifftop study, debunking myths using science to disprove the existence of magic,” according to a statement.
When a spirited young man, Frank, an evacuee from the London Blitz, is placed in her care, “his innocence and curiosity awaken Alice’s buried emotions… perhaps magic really does exist.”
The cast includes Penelope Wilton (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”) and Tom Courtenay (“45 Years...
The pic is the feature debut of British playwright Jessica Swale, who won an Olivier Award for her play “Nell Gwynn,” in which Arterton and Mbatha-Raw both starred. Swale won BAFTA’s Jj Screenwriting Bursary for “Summerland” in 2012.
The film centers on fiercely independent writer Alice (Arterton) who “secludes herself in her clifftop study, debunking myths using science to disprove the existence of magic,” according to a statement.
When a spirited young man, Frank, an evacuee from the London Blitz, is placed in her care, “his innocence and curiosity awaken Alice’s buried emotions… perhaps magic really does exist.”
The cast includes Penelope Wilton (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”) and Tom Courtenay (“45 Years...
- 11/1/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Principal photography will commence in early July in Belfast.
Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List) and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) are to star in Normal People, a Northern Ireland-set love story based on a script from Irish playwright Owen McCafferty.
Principal photography on the film will start on location in Belfast in early July.
Normal People will be directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, who helmed another recent Northern Ireland pic, the punk rock record store feature Good Vibrations.
Produced by Canderblinks Films and Out Of Orbit, CAA arranged financing for the project and is representing domestic distribution rights,...
Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List) and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) are to star in Normal People, a Northern Ireland-set love story based on a script from Irish playwright Owen McCafferty.
Principal photography on the film will start on location in Belfast in early July.
Normal People will be directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, who helmed another recent Northern Ireland pic, the punk rock record store feature Good Vibrations.
Produced by Canderblinks Films and Out Of Orbit, CAA arranged financing for the project and is representing domestic distribution rights,...
- 4/11/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: In what is sure to be one of the prestige titles on sale at Cannes next month, I can reveal that screen heavyweights Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville are to star in upcoming love story Normal People, which is due to get underway in early July on location in Belfast, Northern Ireland. CAA, which packaged the movie, reps domestic distribution, with Bankside Films on board for international sales.
This is one of the buzziest projects of its type from this side of the pond ahead of the Cannes Marché and it features two meaty acting roles which have been flagged by those in the know as potential awards contenders. The project represents an on-screen return to his homeland for Schindler’s List and Michael Collins star Neeson but also to more sensitive drama climes after a lengthy spell of pitting his wits against terrorists and renegades in a slew of often lucrative action movies.
This is one of the buzziest projects of its type from this side of the pond ahead of the Cannes Marché and it features two meaty acting roles which have been flagged by those in the know as potential awards contenders. The project represents an on-screen return to his homeland for Schindler’s List and Michael Collins star Neeson but also to more sensitive drama climes after a lengthy spell of pitting his wits against terrorists and renegades in a slew of often lucrative action movies.
- 4/11/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Toronto Film Festival buzz film Beast has unleashed its trailer in anticipation of its May 11 theatrical release. Roadside Attractions is teaming with 30West on Michael Pearce’s psychological drama, which made its U.S. premiere in the Spotlight section this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Beast was one of several splashy rights acquisitions at the Toronto fest by 30West, the new outfit co-founded by Dan Friedkin and Micah Green. Marking the feature-length debut of writer-director Pearce, it stars Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn and Geraldine James and centers on a small island community where a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape from her oppressive family. When he comes under suspicion for a series of brutal murders, she defends him at all costs and learns her capabilities.
Beast is a Film4 and BFI presentation of an Agile Films and Stray Bear Films Production. The...
Beast was one of several splashy rights acquisitions at the Toronto fest by 30West, the new outfit co-founded by Dan Friedkin and Micah Green. Marking the feature-length debut of writer-director Pearce, it stars Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn and Geraldine James and centers on a small island community where a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape from her oppressive family. When he comes under suspicion for a series of brutal murders, she defends him at all costs and learns her capabilities.
Beast is a Film4 and BFI presentation of an Agile Films and Stray Bear Films Production. The...
- 4/5/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Ejiofor also stars alongside Maxwell Simba.
Screen can unveil this exclusive first look at Chiwetel Ejiofor’s directorial debut The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Maxwell Simba stars as William Kamkwamba with Chiwetel Ejiofor as his father Trywell in the film directed and written by Ejiofor based on the book of the same title.
The Malawi-shot story is about a boy who can’t afford to go to school but dreams of building a windmill to save his village from famine.
Potboiler’s Andrea Calderwood and Gail Egan produce, with executive producers Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, BBC Films’ Joe Oppenheimer, the BFI’s Natascha Wharton, Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt and Compton Ross, and the book’s authors William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Head Gear Films and Metrol Technology are financing.
Cornerstone handles international sales and is showing footage in Berlin. Participant is handling North America.
Econet will handle Sub-Saharan African distribution.
Screen can unveil this exclusive first look at Chiwetel Ejiofor’s directorial debut The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Maxwell Simba stars as William Kamkwamba with Chiwetel Ejiofor as his father Trywell in the film directed and written by Ejiofor based on the book of the same title.
The Malawi-shot story is about a boy who can’t afford to go to school but dreams of building a windmill to save his village from famine.
Potboiler’s Andrea Calderwood and Gail Egan produce, with executive producers Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, BBC Films’ Joe Oppenheimer, the BFI’s Natascha Wharton, Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt and Compton Ross, and the book’s authors William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Head Gear Films and Metrol Technology are financing.
Cornerstone handles international sales and is showing footage in Berlin. Participant is handling North America.
Econet will handle Sub-Saharan African distribution.
- 2/15/2018
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Roadside Attractions will partner with 30West to distribute the Michael Pearce-directed drama Beast in the U.S.
Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn and Geraldine James star in the drama, which was acquired by 30West after its Tiff debut, and centers on a small island community where a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape from her oppressive family.
Stray Bear Films’ Ivana MacKinnon and Lauren Dark produced, along with Kristian Brodie of Agile Films. Film4’s Sam Lavender, BFI’s Natascha Wharton, Agile Films’ Myles Payne and David Staniland exec produced, along with David Kosse.
Beast will have its U.S. debut in...
Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn and Geraldine James star in the drama, which was acquired by 30West after its Tiff debut, and centers on a small island community where a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape from her oppressive family.
Stray Bear Films’ Ivana MacKinnon and Lauren Dark produced, along with Kristian Brodie of Agile Films. Film4’s Sam Lavender, BFI’s Natascha Wharton, Agile Films’ Myles Payne and David Staniland exec produced, along with David Kosse.
Beast will have its U.S. debut in...
- 12/1/2017
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Romantic thriller from Michael Pearce debuts in official selection.
Protagonist Pictures has boarded worldwide sales to romantic thriller Beast, written and directed by former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Michael Pearce.
The feature debut will make its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival in the Platform section.
Beast follows a small island community, where a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape her oppressive family. When he comes under suspicion for a series of brutal murders she defends him at all costs and learns what she is capable of.
The film is headlined by Jessie Buckley (Taboo) who plays the young woman and Johnny Flynn (Clouds of Sils Maria).
Protagonist’s CEO Dave Bishop commented: “Michael Pearce is without doubt one the UK’s most talented new filmmakers and the team at Protagonist couldn’t be more thrilled to present his incredible debut feature in the Platform Section at the...
Protagonist Pictures has boarded worldwide sales to romantic thriller Beast, written and directed by former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Michael Pearce.
The feature debut will make its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival in the Platform section.
Beast follows a small island community, where a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape her oppressive family. When he comes under suspicion for a series of brutal murders she defends him at all costs and learns what she is capable of.
The film is headlined by Jessie Buckley (Taboo) who plays the young woman and Johnny Flynn (Clouds of Sils Maria).
Protagonist’s CEO Dave Bishop commented: “Michael Pearce is without doubt one the UK’s most talented new filmmakers and the team at Protagonist couldn’t be more thrilled to present his incredible debut feature in the Platform Section at the...
- 8/8/2017
- ScreenDaily
Pathe International represents international sales on Hugh Bonneville starrer.
IFC Films has acquired Us rights to Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s House.
Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson star alongside Manish Dayal, Michael Gambon, Huma Qureshi, Simon Callow and Om Puri.
Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges and Moria Buffini co-wrote Viceroy’s House, which takes place at the birth of modern India in 1947 as Lord Mountbatten is dispatched with his wife to New Delhi to oversee the country’s transition from British rule to independence.
Taking his place in the resplendent titular mansion, Mountbatten arrives hopeful for a peaceful transition. But ending centuries of colonial rule in a country divided by religion and culture proves challenging, setting off a struggle that threatens to tear India apart.
Chadha, Berges and Deepak Nayak served as producers and Cameron McCracken, Shibasish Sarkar, Christine Langan, Natascha Wharton and Tim O’Shea served as executive producers.
IFC Films plans a September release.
“Viceroy’s House...
IFC Films has acquired Us rights to Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s House.
Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson star alongside Manish Dayal, Michael Gambon, Huma Qureshi, Simon Callow and Om Puri.
Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges and Moria Buffini co-wrote Viceroy’s House, which takes place at the birth of modern India in 1947 as Lord Mountbatten is dispatched with his wife to New Delhi to oversee the country’s transition from British rule to independence.
Taking his place in the resplendent titular mansion, Mountbatten arrives hopeful for a peaceful transition. But ending centuries of colonial rule in a country divided by religion and culture proves challenging, setting off a struggle that threatens to tear India apart.
Chadha, Berges and Deepak Nayak served as producers and Cameron McCracken, Shibasish Sarkar, Christine Langan, Natascha Wharton and Tim O’Shea served as executive producers.
IFC Films plans a September release.
“Viceroy’s House...
- 6/13/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Screen considers potential runners and riders.
The BBC is likely to announce its new head of film within the next two weeks, according to sources close to the process.
Scroll down for potential candidates and the original job spec
That timetable should come as a relief to those under consideration for the role and to wider industry who will want to begin building or growing their relationship with the new boss.
The job, which is considered one of the UK’s most prestigious posts, became vacant in autumn 2016 following the departure of long-time chief Christine Langan. BBC Films veteran Joe Oppenheimer has been serving as acting head of film since then.
The incoming head of film is expected to have an annual war chest of around £12m for production, cementing BBC Films’ position as one the three mainstays of public funding in the UK along with the BFI and Film4.
The organisation advertised the position (as ‘director...
The BBC is likely to announce its new head of film within the next two weeks, according to sources close to the process.
Scroll down for potential candidates and the original job spec
That timetable should come as a relief to those under consideration for the role and to wider industry who will want to begin building or growing their relationship with the new boss.
The job, which is considered one of the UK’s most prestigious posts, became vacant in autumn 2016 following the departure of long-time chief Christine Langan. BBC Films veteran Joe Oppenheimer has been serving as acting head of film since then.
The incoming head of film is expected to have an annual war chest of around £12m for production, cementing BBC Films’ position as one the three mainstays of public funding in the UK along with the BFI and Film4.
The organisation advertised the position (as ‘director...
- 2/15/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.