HanWay Films represents sales on Leigh’s feature debut.
Curzon has picked up UK and Ireland rights to Leo Leigh’s debut feature, Sweet Sue, from HanWay Films.
UK filmmaker Leigh is a cinematographer and photographer whose work includes documentaries Beautiful Liverpool and Swansea Love Story. He has also written and directed shorts including Bifa-nominated Mother and Channel 4-commissioned Sometimes Chinese.
Sweet Sue is a comedy drama starring Maggie O’Neill, whose credits include the UK’s Shameless. She plays a woman who finds herself back on the dating scene. She meets a mysterious biker at her brother’s funeral,...
Curzon has picked up UK and Ireland rights to Leo Leigh’s debut feature, Sweet Sue, from HanWay Films.
UK filmmaker Leigh is a cinematographer and photographer whose work includes documentaries Beautiful Liverpool and Swansea Love Story. He has also written and directed shorts including Bifa-nominated Mother and Channel 4-commissioned Sometimes Chinese.
Sweet Sue is a comedy drama starring Maggie O’Neill, whose credits include the UK’s Shameless. She plays a woman who finds herself back on the dating scene. She meets a mysterious biker at her brother’s funeral,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Titles include ’Aftersun’, ’Enys Men’, ‘Birchanger Green’ and ‘A Gaza Weekend’.
Cannes premieres Aftersun, sold by Charades, and Enys Men, sold by Protagonist Pictures, are among the titles selected for year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The other six titles are all in post-production.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2022 Great 8 showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
Unseen footage from all of the titles will be introduced by their filmmakers and screened on May 12 exclusively to buyers and festival programmers during the online-only showcase,...
Cannes premieres Aftersun, sold by Charades, and Enys Men, sold by Protagonist Pictures, are among the titles selected for year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The other six titles are all in post-production.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2022 Great 8 showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
Unseen footage from all of the titles will be introduced by their filmmakers and screened on May 12 exclusively to buyers and festival programmers during the online-only showcase,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The BFI and British Council have revealed the line-up for this year’s Great8 showcase, which allows international distributors and festival programmers to get an early look at eight releases from emerging U.K. filmmakers in the run-up to Cannes Marché.
Now in its fifth year, the showcase on May 12 will allow filmmakers to screen unseen footage from the films, which will be available to buy during the market, which runs from May 17-28.
Of the eight films selected for the showcase, one has also been selected for the official Directors’ Fortnight and another for the Critics’ Week line-up. The remaining six films are in post-production.
The Great8 showcase is funded and organized by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4. It has previously presented films including “I Am Not A Witch” and “Calm with Horses.”
Neil Peplow, the BFI’s Director of Industry and International Affairs,...
Now in its fifth year, the showcase on May 12 will allow filmmakers to screen unseen footage from the films, which will be available to buy during the market, which runs from May 17-28.
Of the eight films selected for the showcase, one has also been selected for the official Directors’ Fortnight and another for the Critics’ Week line-up. The remaining six films are in post-production.
The Great8 showcase is funded and organized by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4. It has previously presented films including “I Am Not A Witch” and “Calm with Horses.”
Neil Peplow, the BFI’s Director of Industry and International Affairs,...
- 5/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
HanWay Films have picked up comedy drama “Sweet Sue” from newcomer Leo Leigh with sales set to commence at the European Film Market in Berlin.
Buyers will also be treated to footage at the market. A first look image of “White Line’s” Maggie O’Neill, who plays the starring role of Sue, is above.
In “Sweet Sue”, which wrapped production Dec. 2021, O’Neill plays a woman who embarks on a relationship with a mysterious biker called Ron after meeting at a funeral. But Ron’s son Anthony, a social media influencer who also has his own dance troupe, is more than she bargained for.
Tony Pitts (“Rogue One”) plays Ron in the film while Harry Trevaldwyn, who is set to appear on the upcoming U.K. adaptation of “Call My Agent,” takes on the role of Anthony.
Joining them are Nick Holder (“London Road”), Anna Calder-Marshall (“Last Christmas”), Paul Hilton...
Buyers will also be treated to footage at the market. A first look image of “White Line’s” Maggie O’Neill, who plays the starring role of Sue, is above.
In “Sweet Sue”, which wrapped production Dec. 2021, O’Neill plays a woman who embarks on a relationship with a mysterious biker called Ron after meeting at a funeral. But Ron’s son Anthony, a social media influencer who also has his own dance troupe, is more than she bargained for.
Tony Pitts (“Rogue One”) plays Ron in the film while Harry Trevaldwyn, who is set to appear on the upcoming U.K. adaptation of “Call My Agent,” takes on the role of Anthony.
Joining them are Nick Holder (“London Road”), Anna Calder-Marshall (“Last Christmas”), Paul Hilton...
- 1/20/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The film is directed by Mike Leigh’s son Leo Leigh.
HanWay Films has boarded world sales on Sweet Sue, the feature debut of UK writer-director Leo Leigh, now in post-production.
Screen can reveal a first look at the film, above. HanWay will debut it to buyers with first footage at next month’s online European Film Market (February 10-17).
The film is produced by Scott O’Donnell and Tim Nash for UK-us firm Somesuch, with 2015 Screen Star of Tomorrow Andy Brunskill through his Sums Film & Media.
BBC Film is backing the project by Leigh, who is the son of renowned UK director Mke Leigh.
HanWay Films has boarded world sales on Sweet Sue, the feature debut of UK writer-director Leo Leigh, now in post-production.
Screen can reveal a first look at the film, above. HanWay will debut it to buyers with first footage at next month’s online European Film Market (February 10-17).
The film is produced by Scott O’Donnell and Tim Nash for UK-us firm Somesuch, with 2015 Screen Star of Tomorrow Andy Brunskill through his Sums Film & Media.
BBC Film is backing the project by Leigh, who is the son of renowned UK director Mke Leigh.
- 1/20/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
“The opportunity to be more innovative has been interesting,” said Gff co-director Allison Gardner.
Sweetheart, the debut film by UK director Marley Morrison, has won the audience award at the closing event of the 2021 Glasgow Film Festival (Gff), which ran online-only from February 24 to March 7.
The film made its world premiere at the festival.
The coming-of-age story, charts the relationship between two young women during a summer holiday at a caravan park in Dorset. It is the final title to come out of the latest Film London Microwave slate of low-budget projects.
It is produced by Michelle Antoniades for Hazey Jane Films,...
Sweetheart, the debut film by UK director Marley Morrison, has won the audience award at the closing event of the 2021 Glasgow Film Festival (Gff), which ran online-only from February 24 to March 7.
The film made its world premiere at the festival.
The coming-of-age story, charts the relationship between two young women during a summer holiday at a caravan park in Dorset. It is the final title to come out of the latest Film London Microwave slate of low-budget projects.
It is produced by Michelle Antoniades for Hazey Jane Films,...
- 3/8/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
‘The Drifters’ Lands Distribution
Exclusive: Starcross Entertainment’s latest feature The Drifters has been boarded for international sales by Media Luna and UK distribution by Central City Media. The film will have a virtual cinema release on April 3 and will be on demand from April 5. Streamer Urbanflix will release in the U.S.. The movie had its world premiere at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival. It is written and directed by Benjamin Bond and stars Lucie Bourdeu and Jonathan Ajayi in a love story about identity and place in a post-Brexit United Kingdom. Iona Sweeney produced. Executive producers include Andy Brunskill, Elinor Day, Paul Ashton, Evan Leighton-Davis, Ben Thompson and Patrick Milling-Smith.
Tom Felton To Host BIFAs
Former Harry Potter star Tom Felton will host this year’s British Independent Film Awards virtual ceremony, which will take place on February 18 with a live-streamed event from Wales, where the actor...
Exclusive: Starcross Entertainment’s latest feature The Drifters has been boarded for international sales by Media Luna and UK distribution by Central City Media. The film will have a virtual cinema release on April 3 and will be on demand from April 5. Streamer Urbanflix will release in the U.S.. The movie had its world premiere at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival. It is written and directed by Benjamin Bond and stars Lucie Bourdeu and Jonathan Ajayi in a love story about identity and place in a post-Brexit United Kingdom. Iona Sweeney produced. Executive producers include Andy Brunskill, Elinor Day, Paul Ashton, Evan Leighton-Davis, Ben Thompson and Patrick Milling-Smith.
Tom Felton To Host BIFAs
Former Harry Potter star Tom Felton will host this year’s British Independent Film Awards virtual ceremony, which will take place on February 18 with a live-streamed event from Wales, where the actor...
- 2/1/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Newly formed literary management company International Literary Properties – which represents the works of authors such as “Maigret’s” Georges Simenon – has signed a first-look deal with BBC Studios, allowing both BBC Studios Production and its team of independent producers the chance to adapt for television the intellectual property owned and managed by Ilp.
The London- and New York-based company, which was set up last year, holds the rights for authors including Simenon, Eric Ambler, Margery Allingham, Edmund Crispin, Dennis Wheatley, Robert Bolt, Richard Hull, George Bellairs, Nicolas Freeling, John Creasey and Michael Innes, as well as 20% of Evelyn Waugh’s estate.
This deal is the first major production partnership deal announced by Ilp and demonstrates its willingness to “pro-actively manage its estates, providing new opportunities for exploitation across all media platforms,” according to a statement.
The company is helmed in the U.K. by CEO Hilary Strong, formerly CEO of the Agatha Christie estate,...
The London- and New York-based company, which was set up last year, holds the rights for authors including Simenon, Eric Ambler, Margery Allingham, Edmund Crispin, Dennis Wheatley, Robert Bolt, Richard Hull, George Bellairs, Nicolas Freeling, John Creasey and Michael Innes, as well as 20% of Evelyn Waugh’s estate.
This deal is the first major production partnership deal announced by Ilp and demonstrates its willingness to “pro-actively manage its estates, providing new opportunities for exploitation across all media platforms,” according to a statement.
The company is helmed in the U.K. by CEO Hilary Strong, formerly CEO of the Agatha Christie estate,...
- 6/30/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
A few weeks after it acquired rights to 12 notable author estates, London/New York management outfit International Literary Properties has set a first-look deal with BBC Studios. Under the pact, both BBC Studios Production and its portfolio of independent producers will have the opportunity to explore the intellectual property owned and managed by Ilp for screen adaptation.
Formed in November 2019, Ilp was set up to acquire rights in literary estates from authors and their heirs and to exploit those rights through all media platforms including TV, film and theater. The BBC Studios deal is the first major production partnership announced by Ilp.
Ilp currently holds the rights for authors including Georges Simenon, Eric Ambler, Margery Allingham, Edmund Crispin, Dennis Wheatley, Robert Bolt, Richard Hull, George Bellairs, Nicolas Freeling, John Creasey and Michael Innes as well as 20% of Evelyn Waugh’s estate.
Chaired in the UK by CEO Hilary Strong (formerly...
Formed in November 2019, Ilp was set up to acquire rights in literary estates from authors and their heirs and to exploit those rights through all media platforms including TV, film and theater. The BBC Studios deal is the first major production partnership announced by Ilp.
Ilp currently holds the rights for authors including Georges Simenon, Eric Ambler, Margery Allingham, Edmund Crispin, Dennis Wheatley, Robert Bolt, Richard Hull, George Bellairs, Nicolas Freeling, John Creasey and Michael Innes as well as 20% of Evelyn Waugh’s estate.
Chaired in the UK by CEO Hilary Strong (formerly...
- 6/30/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
They include Hurricane Films’ Sid Vicious biopic ’Something Else’.
A drama about Sid Vicious and his mother is among four UK projects to receive a tranche of development funding from the European Union’s Creative Europe Media programme.
Something Else (aka Ma Vicious) will be written and directed by Justin Edgar of 104 Films and received €50,000 from Creative Europe.
The awards will be some of the last in the UK to receive support from the fund as the UK will not participate in the next Creative Europe programme, due to start in January 2021, as a result of the UK leaving...
A drama about Sid Vicious and his mother is among four UK projects to receive a tranche of development funding from the European Union’s Creative Europe Media programme.
Something Else (aka Ma Vicious) will be written and directed by Justin Edgar of 104 Films and received €50,000 from Creative Europe.
The awards will be some of the last in the UK to receive support from the fund as the UK will not participate in the next Creative Europe programme, due to start in January 2021, as a result of the UK leaving...
- 5/20/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
The film is the final one from the latest Microwave slate to wrap.
Production has wrapped on Marley Morrison’s feature debut Sweetheart, the final title from the latest Film London Microwave slate of low-budget projects.
Screen can exclusively reveal a first-look image from the film, which follows a socially awkward 17-year-old on a family trip to a Dorset caravan park, as she embarks on her first holiday romance.
Newcomer Nell Barlow takes the lead role of A.J. alongside a supporting cast that includes Jo Hartley, Ella Rae Smith, Sophia Di Martino, Samuel Anderson and Tabitha Byron. Shooting took...
Production has wrapped on Marley Morrison’s feature debut Sweetheart, the final title from the latest Film London Microwave slate of low-budget projects.
Screen can exclusively reveal a first-look image from the film, which follows a socially awkward 17-year-old on a family trip to a Dorset caravan park, as she embarks on her first holiday romance.
Newcomer Nell Barlow takes the lead role of A.J. alongside a supporting cast that includes Jo Hartley, Ella Rae Smith, Sophia Di Martino, Samuel Anderson and Tabitha Byron. Shooting took...
- 10/18/2019
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
The film was backed by the BFI and Creative England.
Filming has wrapped in the UK on Ben Bond’s post-Brexit love story The Drifters, which is backed by Creative England and the BFI.
A quartet of rising stars head the cast: Lucie Bourdeu (Kings For A Day), Jonathan Ajayi (known for the stage play revival of Brothers Size by Moonlight’s Tarell Alvin McCraney), Tom Sweet (Childhood Of A Leader) and Ariyon Bakare (Star Wars: Rogue One).
The Drifters follows Kofi, an illegal African migrant, and Fanny, a French waitress, who both find themselves homeless.
The film is produced...
Filming has wrapped in the UK on Ben Bond’s post-Brexit love story The Drifters, which is backed by Creative England and the BFI.
A quartet of rising stars head the cast: Lucie Bourdeu (Kings For A Day), Jonathan Ajayi (known for the stage play revival of Brothers Size by Moonlight’s Tarell Alvin McCraney), Tom Sweet (Childhood Of A Leader) and Ariyon Bakare (Star Wars: Rogue One).
The Drifters follows Kofi, an illegal African migrant, and Fanny, a French waitress, who both find themselves homeless.
The film is produced...
- 7/19/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Independent handling sales in Cannes.
Screen can unveil an exclusive first look at Chubby Funny director Harry Michell’s upcoming comedy Ilkley.
The film, about an attempted assassination of a controversial secularist at a literary festival, stars Roger Allam (The Lady In The Van) Derek Jacobi (Tolkien) and Anna Maxwell-Martin (Philomena), alongside Harry Melling (The Lost City Of Z) and Tom Brooke (The Death Of Stalin). Vinette Robinson and Flora Spencer-Longhurst also star.
Michell (Chubby Funny) directed from a script he co-wrote with Jamie Fraser. Helen Simmons produced. The film is now in post-production after shooting in Yorkshire, UK.
Executive...
Screen can unveil an exclusive first look at Chubby Funny director Harry Michell’s upcoming comedy Ilkley.
The film, about an attempted assassination of a controversial secularist at a literary festival, stars Roger Allam (The Lady In The Van) Derek Jacobi (Tolkien) and Anna Maxwell-Martin (Philomena), alongside Harry Melling (The Lost City Of Z) and Tom Brooke (The Death Of Stalin). Vinette Robinson and Flora Spencer-Longhurst also star.
Michell (Chubby Funny) directed from a script he co-wrote with Jamie Fraser. Helen Simmons produced. The film is now in post-production after shooting in Yorkshire, UK.
Executive...
- 5/15/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Amber Heard will join “All the Money in the World” star Charlie Plummer in the indie drama “Gully,” sources tell Variety.
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jacob Latimore, Alice Eve, and Jonathan Majors are also on board. The movie marks the directorial debut of in-demand music video director Nabil Elderkin. Marcus Guillory penned the script.
The movie is set in a slightly dystopian version of Los Angeles. It follows three disaffected teenagers, all victims of childhood trauma, who are running a hedonistic riot. Heard plays Plummer’s mom.
The pic is being produced by Brad Feinstein of Romulus Entertainment, along with Tom Butterfield, Ben Pugh, Corey Smyth, and Alex Georgiou. It is executive produced by Joseph F. Ingrassia, Gabriela Revilla Lugo, Andy Brunskill, and Kweku Mandela. Romulus Entertainment is fully financing the effort. Endeavor Content is representing domestic rights on the film. Christopher Tricarico of Tricarico Chavez, Llp represents Romulus and is handling legal on finance,...
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jacob Latimore, Alice Eve, and Jonathan Majors are also on board. The movie marks the directorial debut of in-demand music video director Nabil Elderkin. Marcus Guillory penned the script.
The movie is set in a slightly dystopian version of Los Angeles. It follows three disaffected teenagers, all victims of childhood trauma, who are running a hedonistic riot. Heard plays Plummer’s mom.
The pic is being produced by Brad Feinstein of Romulus Entertainment, along with Tom Butterfield, Ben Pugh, Corey Smyth, and Alex Georgiou. It is executive produced by Joseph F. Ingrassia, Gabriela Revilla Lugo, Andy Brunskill, and Kweku Mandela. Romulus Entertainment is fully financing the effort. Endeavor Content is representing domestic rights on the film. Christopher Tricarico of Tricarico Chavez, Llp represents Romulus and is handling legal on finance,...
- 3/29/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Project is second film from Chubby Funny director Harry Michell.
Roger Allam, Derek Jacobi and Anna Maxwell-Martin will lead the cast of black comedy Ilkley, which Independent is introducing to buyers at this week’s European Film Market (Efm) in Berlin.
The film is the second feature from former Screen Star of Tomorrow Harry Michell, whose debut Chubby Funny saw the director nominated for the Most Promising Newcomer Bifa in 2016.
The film is set in an idyllic Yorkshire spa town during its annual literary festival. As the world’s most controversial secularist is set to make an appearance, two hapless evangelicals are tasked with killing him. Harry Melling, Vinette Robinson and Flora Spencer-Longhurst also star.
Michell co-wrote the screenplay with Jamie Fraser and the director is reuniting with his Chubby Funny producer Helen Simmons on the project. Executive producers are Independent’s Andrew Orr, Screen Yorkshire’s Hugo Heppell, Ivy Gate Films’ Roger Le Tissier and Frances...
Roger Allam, Derek Jacobi and Anna Maxwell-Martin will lead the cast of black comedy Ilkley, which Independent is introducing to buyers at this week’s European Film Market (Efm) in Berlin.
The film is the second feature from former Screen Star of Tomorrow Harry Michell, whose debut Chubby Funny saw the director nominated for the Most Promising Newcomer Bifa in 2016.
The film is set in an idyllic Yorkshire spa town during its annual literary festival. As the world’s most controversial secularist is set to make an appearance, two hapless evangelicals are tasked with killing him. Harry Melling, Vinette Robinson and Flora Spencer-Longhurst also star.
Michell co-wrote the screenplay with Jamie Fraser and the director is reuniting with his Chubby Funny producer Helen Simmons on the project. Executive producers are Independent’s Andrew Orr, Screen Yorkshire’s Hugo Heppell, Ivy Gate Films’ Roger Le Tissier and Frances...
- 2/16/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Company reveals debut slate of comedy, horror projects.
Fledgling UK production outfit Bad Owl Films has launched its debut slate, including two features made with India’s Cinestaan.
Ben Bond [pictured], whose credits include Killing Bono as a writer and the upcoming The Hungry as executive producer, will head up the company as creative director, alongside producer Iona Sweeney.
Former Screen Star of Tomorrow Andy Brunskill will provide consulting services.
Bond is the co-founder of commercials and TV production outfit Hoot Comedy, where Sweeney is head of broadcast. Going forward, they will continue in their positions at both companies.
Their new outfit Bad Owl Films will aim to produce between one and two feature films a year, focused on comedy and horror, with budgets in the £1-15m range.
Films on the company’s initial slate include: The Hungry, made in collaboration with Film London and Cinestaan, which is a retelling of Shakespeare’s tragedy Titus Andronicus and stars...
Fledgling UK production outfit Bad Owl Films has launched its debut slate, including two features made with India’s Cinestaan.
Ben Bond [pictured], whose credits include Killing Bono as a writer and the upcoming The Hungry as executive producer, will head up the company as creative director, alongside producer Iona Sweeney.
Former Screen Star of Tomorrow Andy Brunskill will provide consulting services.
Bond is the co-founder of commercials and TV production outfit Hoot Comedy, where Sweeney is head of broadcast. Going forward, they will continue in their positions at both companies.
Their new outfit Bad Owl Films will aim to produce between one and two feature films a year, focused on comedy and horror, with budgets in the £1-15m range.
Films on the company’s initial slate include: The Hungry, made in collaboration with Film London and Cinestaan, which is a retelling of Shakespeare’s tragedy Titus Andronicus and stars...
- 6/29/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Caspar Lee hired by UK producers as part of a marketing drive to entice younger audiences.
The producers of UK drama-thriller Jet Trash have enlisted Youtube star Caspar Lee to take part in a comedy presentation which will follow UK screenings of the film this month.
The 15-minute video will feature Lee interviewing, and playing Christmas games with, the cast of the movie.
According to producers, the idea for the video came about following test screenings for 15-20 year olds who largely expressed approval for the film but admitted that they find it increasingly difficult to pull themselves away from online platforms and into cinemas.
British-born South African vlogger Lee has 6.9 million Youtube subscribers and 4.2m followers on Twitter.
Directed by former Screen Star of Tomorrow Charles Henri Belleville, the Edinburgh premiere stars Robert Sheehan (Mortal Instruments), Sofia Boutella (The Mummy) and Osy Ikhile (Heart of the Sea).
The film centres on Lee and Sol, who...
The producers of UK drama-thriller Jet Trash have enlisted Youtube star Caspar Lee to take part in a comedy presentation which will follow UK screenings of the film this month.
The 15-minute video will feature Lee interviewing, and playing Christmas games with, the cast of the movie.
According to producers, the idea for the video came about following test screenings for 15-20 year olds who largely expressed approval for the film but admitted that they find it increasingly difficult to pull themselves away from online platforms and into cinemas.
British-born South African vlogger Lee has 6.9 million Youtube subscribers and 4.2m followers on Twitter.
Directed by former Screen Star of Tomorrow Charles Henri Belleville, the Edinburgh premiere stars Robert Sheehan (Mortal Instruments), Sofia Boutella (The Mummy) and Osy Ikhile (Heart of the Sea).
The film centres on Lee and Sol, who...
- 12/6/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Caspar Lee hired by UK producers as part of a marketing drive to entice younger audiences.
The producers of UK drama-thriller Jet Trash have enlisted Youtube star Caspar Lee to take part in a comedy presentation which will follow UK screenings of the film this month.
The 15-minute video will feature Lee interviewing, and playing Christmas games with, the cast of the movie.
According to producers, the idea for the video came about following test screenings for 15-20 year olds who largely expressed approval for the film but admitted that they find it increasingly difficult to pull themselves away from online platforms and into cinemas.
British-born South African vlogger Lee has 6.9 million Youtube subscribers and 4.2m followers on Twitter.
Directed by former Screen Star of Tomorrow Charles Henri Belleville, the Edinburgh premiere stars Robert Sheehan (Mortal Instruments), Sofia Boutella (The Mummy) and Osy Ikhile (Heart of the Sea).
The film centres on Lee and Sol, who...
The producers of UK drama-thriller Jet Trash have enlisted Youtube star Caspar Lee to take part in a comedy presentation which will follow UK screenings of the film this month.
The 15-minute video will feature Lee interviewing, and playing Christmas games with, the cast of the movie.
According to producers, the idea for the video came about following test screenings for 15-20 year olds who largely expressed approval for the film but admitted that they find it increasingly difficult to pull themselves away from online platforms and into cinemas.
British-born South African vlogger Lee has 6.9 million Youtube subscribers and 4.2m followers on Twitter.
Directed by former Screen Star of Tomorrow Charles Henri Belleville, the Edinburgh premiere stars Robert Sheehan (Mortal Instruments), Sofia Boutella (The Mummy) and Osy Ikhile (Heart of the Sea).
The film centres on Lee and Sol, who...
- 12/6/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Screen International has revealed its Stars of Tomorrow, spotlighting the hottest up-and-coming actors and filmmakers.
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
- 10/5/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Screen International has revealed its Stars of Tomorrow, spotlighting the hottest up-and-coming actors and filmmakers.
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
- 10/5/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The UK firm will raise around $310,000 (£200,000) in UK production finance for Microwave International: Shakespeare India; projects, teams, mentors announced.
Media investment firm Bob & Co is the latest company to invest in Film London’s mentoring and development scheme Microwave International: Shakespeare India.
Bob & Co will raise UK production finance for the project through an Enterprise Investment Scheme (Eis).
The scheme’s aim is to finance one feature with significant Asian and British Asian involvement with up to $780,000 (£500,000) and to theatrically release the film in 2016.
Andy Brunskill, of Bob & Co’s subsidiary Sums London, brokered the deal and will executive produce the selected feature.
Bob & Co will raise money through the Eis scheme, along with India’s Cinestaan Film Company, who partnered with Film London on the initiative in April.
The project will involve six teams of Asian writers, directors and producers from the UK and India honing ideas for Shakespeare-themed features in an intensive week-long microschool, which...
Media investment firm Bob & Co is the latest company to invest in Film London’s mentoring and development scheme Microwave International: Shakespeare India.
Bob & Co will raise UK production finance for the project through an Enterprise Investment Scheme (Eis).
The scheme’s aim is to finance one feature with significant Asian and British Asian involvement with up to $780,000 (£500,000) and to theatrically release the film in 2016.
Andy Brunskill, of Bob & Co’s subsidiary Sums London, brokered the deal and will executive produce the selected feature.
Bob & Co will raise money through the Eis scheme, along with India’s Cinestaan Film Company, who partnered with Film London on the initiative in April.
The project will involve six teams of Asian writers, directors and producers from the UK and India honing ideas for Shakespeare-themed features in an intensive week-long microschool, which...
- 7/21/2015
- ScreenDaily
First Look: Shooting wraps in Goa on hedonistic backpacker thriller, starring Mortal Instruments star Robert Sheehan.
London-based production company Sums Film & Media has released the first image to emerge from the set of its new production Jet Trash, which has just completed filming in Goa, India.
The feature is directed by former Screen Star of Tomorrow Charles Henri Belleville whose previous feature The Inheritance won the inaugural Raindance Award at the BIFAs and whose latest production Mortlake starring Tom Hardy is in post-production.
Jet Trash stars Robert Sheehan, best known for his role in urban superhero series Misfits and the recent Mortal Instruments.
He stars alongside Osy Ikhile, who will be seen in Ron Howard’s upcoming Heart of the Sea, Sofia Boutella (Monsters 2: Dark Continent), Jasper Pääkkönen (Heart of a Lion) and Craig Parkinson (Control, Four Lions).
The film is written by Simon Lewis (The Anomaly, Tiger House) and Dan M Brown and is based...
London-based production company Sums Film & Media has released the first image to emerge from the set of its new production Jet Trash, which has just completed filming in Goa, India.
The feature is directed by former Screen Star of Tomorrow Charles Henri Belleville whose previous feature The Inheritance won the inaugural Raindance Award at the BIFAs and whose latest production Mortlake starring Tom Hardy is in post-production.
Jet Trash stars Robert Sheehan, best known for his role in urban superhero series Misfits and the recent Mortal Instruments.
He stars alongside Osy Ikhile, who will be seen in Ron Howard’s upcoming Heart of the Sea, Sofia Boutella (Monsters 2: Dark Continent), Jasper Pääkkönen (Heart of a Lion) and Craig Parkinson (Control, Four Lions).
The film is written by Simon Lewis (The Anomaly, Tiger House) and Dan M Brown and is based...
- 3/20/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Power to the Pixel has selected more than 30 participants for its cross-media workshop.
A total of 16 cross-media projects from across Europe have been chosen to take part in the annual Pixel Lab, taking place in Wallonia in Belgium at the end of the month.
Now in its fourth year, it offers media professionals a six-day workshop on how to create, produce and distribute cross-media stories that can engage audiences as well as monetise.
Participants include 16 international producers showcasing projects that incorporate film, gaming, mobile, publishing, live events, interactive, TV and online as well as 15 media professionals from across the industry.
Participants attending with a project include award-winning producers Holly Elson from Hark Pictures Ltd with Moondog: The Viking of 6th Avenue (UK), Agitrop’s Martichka Bozhilova with The Cars We Drove Into Capitalism (Bulgaria) and Robert Cibis from OVALfilm GmbH with Pop the Glock! (Germany).
Each project producer will be partnered with a participant not bringing a project...
A total of 16 cross-media projects from across Europe have been chosen to take part in the annual Pixel Lab, taking place in Wallonia in Belgium at the end of the month.
Now in its fourth year, it offers media professionals a six-day workshop on how to create, produce and distribute cross-media stories that can engage audiences as well as monetise.
Participants include 16 international producers showcasing projects that incorporate film, gaming, mobile, publishing, live events, interactive, TV and online as well as 15 media professionals from across the industry.
Participants attending with a project include award-winning producers Holly Elson from Hark Pictures Ltd with Moondog: The Viking of 6th Avenue (UK), Agitrop’s Martichka Bozhilova with The Cars We Drove Into Capitalism (Bulgaria) and Robert Cibis from OVALfilm GmbH with Pop the Glock! (Germany).
Each project producer will be partnered with a participant not bringing a project...
- 6/12/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Film London announces Lilting, the latest project from Film London Microwave, will be distributed by Curzon Film World’s Artificial Eye in the UK with Protagonist Pictures to manage international sales. A striking feature debut from director Hong Khaou with an all-star cast led by Ben Whishaw (Skyfall, Cloud Atlas) and Cheng Pei Pei (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon), Lilting explores love without a common language.
Written and directed by Khaou and produced by Dominic Buchanan, Lilting is the eighth film from the successful feature film fund Film London Microwave. Alongside Whishaw and Pei Pei, the film also stars Peter Bowles (Blow-Up, The Bank Job), Morven Christie (House of 9, The Young Victoria) and Andrew Leung (The List).
As part of Film London Microwave’s mentorship component, award-winning film-maker Michael Winterbottom acted as writer/director Khaou’s mentor, while producer Buchanan received guidance and support from his mentor Ken Marshall, the producer of London to Brighton, Filth and Song for Marion.
Curzon Film World’s Artificial Eye is known for its discerning taste in the best of European and world cinema. The label has released more winners of the Cannes Palme d'Or than any other UK distributor, with titles including The Class (2008) and The White Ribbon (2009).
Commercially-minded and creatively-spirited Protagonist Pictures is an international sales company committed to strong relationships with film-makers. Recent highlights in their catalogue include Searching for Sugar Man, Sightseers, The Imposter and Microwave’s Shifty. This year at Cannes they represent The Selfish Giant by Clio Barnard, screening in Directors’ Fortnight, and in the Critics’ Week, Paul Wright’s debut feature For Those In Peril.
Lilting tells the story of a Chinese mother (Pei Pei) as she grieves for her son (Leung) following his untimely death. He was her eyes and ears in the UK, their adopted country, and without him she is stranded. The only person left is his lover (Whishaw) – who she knows only as his flat mate. Together they are forced to overcome their differences and unite in sorrow whilst struggling against the absence of a shared language. An intimate and thoughtful film, Lilting addresses overcoming cultural and generational boundaries, the power of memory, and the lifelines and relationships formed in the face of grief.
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Lilting is a moving cinematic achievement and I am delighted that it will reach UK audiences through Curzon Film World and that Protagonist will be managing international sales. It is a testament to Microwave’s innovative approach to film-making that its projects attract high-calibre talent and prestigious commercial distributors and sales agents. The scheme’s successful track record is also a result of the Microwave team, who are integral to nurturing and guiding all our film-makers. I am proud to see another Microwave feature proving itself in the commercial marketplace and hope this is only the start of Lilting’s success.”
Louisa Dent, Managing Director of Curzon Film World said: "When we read the script, it was clear that this was something special. There is an emotional urgency that is compelling and honest. Hong is a real emerging talent and his short films marked him out. We knew that the Microwave/Film London team would be great partners on this and with a quality cast it seemed liked a perfect fit for us.”
Mike Goodridge, CEO of Protagonist Pictures said: “I had admired Hong's shorts so it was with great excitement that I watched his first feature Lilting. But Hong exceeds expectations: the film is an accomplished and mature portrait of love and loss, graced by two extraordinary lead performances. The whole Protagonist team was knocked out by it and we are confident it will be embraced by distributors around the world.”
Funded by Film London Microwave, additional finance came from production companies Stink Films and Andy Brunskill’s recently launched Sums Film and Media Ltd., supported by financier/producer Bob & Co, Lim Kay Sui and Neo Swee Lin.
Film London Microwave is a unique training-through-production scheme delivered in partnership with BBC Films and with support from Creative Skillset. Challenging London-based film-makers to shoot a feature film for up to £120,000, Film London Microwave enables talent to thrive in a limited budget with its integrated training programme which offers crucial guidance and mentoring throughout the film-making process.
The Film London Microwave team is made up of Creative Producer Mia Bays, who also acts as the Distribution/Marketing Consultant and Mike Kelly, Business and Finance Producer, alongside Film London’s Talent Development Manager Kevin Dolan and Development and Production Officer Tessa Inkelaar. Film London will soon be appointing a new Head of Talent Development and Production, who will head up the Microwave team.
Encompassing training and development from script to screen and beyond, Film London Microwave has enjoyed excellent results. Last year saw the successful UK theatrical releases of Ben Drew’s iLL Manors, released by Revolver, and Frances Lea’s Strawberry Fields, released through Soda Pictures’ New British Cinema Quarterly programme. Other films produced through the scheme include the BAFTA-nominated Shifty, award-winning horror Mum & Dad, documentary The British Guide to Showing Off, teen drama Freestyle and the yet to be release Borrowed Time which was awarded Best in Fest at the 2012 Edinburgh International Film Festival.
About Film London Microwave
Launched in 2006, Microwave is the acclaimed micro-budget feature film scheme set up by Film London with BBC Films, with support from Creative Skillset. Committed to discovering and investing in emerging London-based film-makers, Microwave backs talented teams with fresh voices and strong stories. A unique ‘apprenticeship’ scheme, it provides an intensive approach to film-making with the emphasis on original ideas, tightly focussed scripts and short production schedules. Film-makers are supported by an extensive training and mentoring programme from development, through production, all the way to the film’s release in the UK and internationally.
In pre production:
Seekers Written by Arinze Kene, directed by Nicole Volavka and produced by Rob Watson.
A thriller set in the world of London's underclass. An African single mother finds new happiness with Jean-Baptiste, a refugee from Rwanda, and their struggle to survive in the big city eases. But a chance sighting of a ghost from the past exposes long buried traumas, which puts their lives in danger and everything they have is threatened.
Completed features:
Mum & Dad (2008) Directed & written by Steven Sheil and produced by Lisa Trnovski. Released Boxing Day 2008 in the UK and Mother’s Day 2009 in North America courtesy of Revolver Entertainment
Shifty (2008) Directed & written by Eran Creevy and produced by Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh. Released on 24 April 2009 in the UK courtesy of Metrodome Distribution. Shifty received a BAFTA nomination for the Carl Foreman Award (Best Debut) in 2010 and 5 Bifa nominations in 2008
Freestyle (2009) a teen romance based around the world of freestyle basketball, directed by Kolton Lee and produced by Lincia Daniel. Released in London and key cities by Revolver in February 2010 and became the first Microwave film to receive a theatrical release in the Us through Phase 4
The British Guide to Showing Off, director Jes Benstock’s Alternative Miss World documentary produced by Dorigen Hammond. Distributed by Verve Pictures in autumn 2011
Strawberry Fields, directed by Frances Lea and produced by Liam Beatty and Lucie Wenigerova, is an intense rites of passage film bursting with energy, sex and humour set during a perfect English summer. It received its World Premiere at the 55th BFI London Film Festival and released by Soda Pictures on 6 July
iLL Manors, written and directed by Ben Drew and produced by Atif Ghani
A unique crime thriller set on the unforgiving streets of London, following six disparate lives, all struggling to survive the circles of violence that engulf them. Released by Revolver on 8 June 2012
Borrowed Time, a bittersweet comedy about growing up and rediscovering youth, written and directed by Jules Bishop and produced by Olivier Kaempfer, starring Philip Davis, Theo Barklem-Biggs and Perry Benson. The film received its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June 2012 and is set for release in 2013.
Lilting Written and directed by Hong Khaou and produced by Dominic Buchanan
Starring Ben Whishaw and Cheng Pei Pei, Lilting is an intimate and thoughtful film about communication, falling in love and forming relationships without a common language. A mother’s attempt at understanding who her son is after his untimely death, her emotions are stirred up by presence of his partner.
The Film London Microwave team includes Kevin Dolan, Talent Development Manager, Tessa Inkelaar, Development and Production Officer, Creative Producer Mia Bays, who also acts as the Distribution/Marketing Consultant, and Mike Kelly, Business and Finance Producer.
About Film London
Film London, as the capital’s film and media agency, aims to ensure London has a thriving film sector that enriches the city’s businesses and its people. The agency works with all the screen industries to sustain, promote and develop London as a major international production and film cultural capital, and it supports the development of the city’s new and emerging film-making talent. Film London is funded by the Mayor of London, the National Lottery through the BFI, and receives significant support from Arts Council England and Creative Skillset.
About BBC Films
BBC Films is the feature filmmaking arm of the BBC. It aims to make strong British films with range and ambition, bringing the best of British talent to audiences. BBC Films is firmly established at the forefront of British independent filmmaking and co-produces around eight films a year, working in partnership with major international and UK distributors. Christine Langan is the Head of BBC Films, responsible for the development and production slate, strategy and business operations.
Recent releases include Sally Potter’s reflection on troubled friendship Ginger and Rosa currently in cinemas, Ol Parker’s teen romance Now is Good, Fernando Meirelles’ stylish and contemporary drama 360, James Marsh’s heart-wrenching thriller Shadow Dancer, Julien Temple’s documentary feature London – The Modern Babylon, Lasse Hallström’s romantic comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Max and Dania’s kinetic 3D film StreetDance 2, Ralph Fiennes’ contemporary Shakespeare adaptation Coriolanus, Simon Curtis’ comedy drama My Week with Marilyn, Nick Murphy’s supernatural mystery The Awakening, Lynne Ramsay’s adaptation of the Winner for the Orange Prize for Fiction We Need to Talk About Kevin, David Mackenzie’s romantic thriller Perfect Sense, Cary Fukunaga’s modern retelling of Jane Eyre, and James Marsh’s moving documentary Project Nim.
Forthcoming films include Mike Newell’s sumptuous Dickens classic Great Expectations in cinemas 30 November and Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, the wickedly comic Quartet, which will be in cinemas 4 January 2013, and in March Terri Hooley biopic Good Vibrations from directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn will feature in cinemas. Also set for a Spring release is Nick Murphy’s gripping thriller Blood.
BBC Films has an impressive back catalogue, which includes titles such as Nigel Cole’s Made in Dagenham, Lone Scherfig’s Academy Award® nominated and BAFTA award-winning An Education; Armando Iannucci’s Academy Award® and BAFTA award-nominated In the Loop; Jane Campion’s Academy Award®nominated Bright Star; and Andrea Arnold’s BAFTA award-winning Fish Tank.
Twitter @BBCFilms...
Written and directed by Khaou and produced by Dominic Buchanan, Lilting is the eighth film from the successful feature film fund Film London Microwave. Alongside Whishaw and Pei Pei, the film also stars Peter Bowles (Blow-Up, The Bank Job), Morven Christie (House of 9, The Young Victoria) and Andrew Leung (The List).
As part of Film London Microwave’s mentorship component, award-winning film-maker Michael Winterbottom acted as writer/director Khaou’s mentor, while producer Buchanan received guidance and support from his mentor Ken Marshall, the producer of London to Brighton, Filth and Song for Marion.
Curzon Film World’s Artificial Eye is known for its discerning taste in the best of European and world cinema. The label has released more winners of the Cannes Palme d'Or than any other UK distributor, with titles including The Class (2008) and The White Ribbon (2009).
Commercially-minded and creatively-spirited Protagonist Pictures is an international sales company committed to strong relationships with film-makers. Recent highlights in their catalogue include Searching for Sugar Man, Sightseers, The Imposter and Microwave’s Shifty. This year at Cannes they represent The Selfish Giant by Clio Barnard, screening in Directors’ Fortnight, and in the Critics’ Week, Paul Wright’s debut feature For Those In Peril.
Lilting tells the story of a Chinese mother (Pei Pei) as she grieves for her son (Leung) following his untimely death. He was her eyes and ears in the UK, their adopted country, and without him she is stranded. The only person left is his lover (Whishaw) – who she knows only as his flat mate. Together they are forced to overcome their differences and unite in sorrow whilst struggling against the absence of a shared language. An intimate and thoughtful film, Lilting addresses overcoming cultural and generational boundaries, the power of memory, and the lifelines and relationships formed in the face of grief.
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Lilting is a moving cinematic achievement and I am delighted that it will reach UK audiences through Curzon Film World and that Protagonist will be managing international sales. It is a testament to Microwave’s innovative approach to film-making that its projects attract high-calibre talent and prestigious commercial distributors and sales agents. The scheme’s successful track record is also a result of the Microwave team, who are integral to nurturing and guiding all our film-makers. I am proud to see another Microwave feature proving itself in the commercial marketplace and hope this is only the start of Lilting’s success.”
Louisa Dent, Managing Director of Curzon Film World said: "When we read the script, it was clear that this was something special. There is an emotional urgency that is compelling and honest. Hong is a real emerging talent and his short films marked him out. We knew that the Microwave/Film London team would be great partners on this and with a quality cast it seemed liked a perfect fit for us.”
Mike Goodridge, CEO of Protagonist Pictures said: “I had admired Hong's shorts so it was with great excitement that I watched his first feature Lilting. But Hong exceeds expectations: the film is an accomplished and mature portrait of love and loss, graced by two extraordinary lead performances. The whole Protagonist team was knocked out by it and we are confident it will be embraced by distributors around the world.”
Funded by Film London Microwave, additional finance came from production companies Stink Films and Andy Brunskill’s recently launched Sums Film and Media Ltd., supported by financier/producer Bob & Co, Lim Kay Sui and Neo Swee Lin.
Film London Microwave is a unique training-through-production scheme delivered in partnership with BBC Films and with support from Creative Skillset. Challenging London-based film-makers to shoot a feature film for up to £120,000, Film London Microwave enables talent to thrive in a limited budget with its integrated training programme which offers crucial guidance and mentoring throughout the film-making process.
The Film London Microwave team is made up of Creative Producer Mia Bays, who also acts as the Distribution/Marketing Consultant and Mike Kelly, Business and Finance Producer, alongside Film London’s Talent Development Manager Kevin Dolan and Development and Production Officer Tessa Inkelaar. Film London will soon be appointing a new Head of Talent Development and Production, who will head up the Microwave team.
Encompassing training and development from script to screen and beyond, Film London Microwave has enjoyed excellent results. Last year saw the successful UK theatrical releases of Ben Drew’s iLL Manors, released by Revolver, and Frances Lea’s Strawberry Fields, released through Soda Pictures’ New British Cinema Quarterly programme. Other films produced through the scheme include the BAFTA-nominated Shifty, award-winning horror Mum & Dad, documentary The British Guide to Showing Off, teen drama Freestyle and the yet to be release Borrowed Time which was awarded Best in Fest at the 2012 Edinburgh International Film Festival.
About Film London Microwave
Launched in 2006, Microwave is the acclaimed micro-budget feature film scheme set up by Film London with BBC Films, with support from Creative Skillset. Committed to discovering and investing in emerging London-based film-makers, Microwave backs talented teams with fresh voices and strong stories. A unique ‘apprenticeship’ scheme, it provides an intensive approach to film-making with the emphasis on original ideas, tightly focussed scripts and short production schedules. Film-makers are supported by an extensive training and mentoring programme from development, through production, all the way to the film’s release in the UK and internationally.
In pre production:
Seekers Written by Arinze Kene, directed by Nicole Volavka and produced by Rob Watson.
A thriller set in the world of London's underclass. An African single mother finds new happiness with Jean-Baptiste, a refugee from Rwanda, and their struggle to survive in the big city eases. But a chance sighting of a ghost from the past exposes long buried traumas, which puts their lives in danger and everything they have is threatened.
Completed features:
Mum & Dad (2008) Directed & written by Steven Sheil and produced by Lisa Trnovski. Released Boxing Day 2008 in the UK and Mother’s Day 2009 in North America courtesy of Revolver Entertainment
Shifty (2008) Directed & written by Eran Creevy and produced by Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh. Released on 24 April 2009 in the UK courtesy of Metrodome Distribution. Shifty received a BAFTA nomination for the Carl Foreman Award (Best Debut) in 2010 and 5 Bifa nominations in 2008
Freestyle (2009) a teen romance based around the world of freestyle basketball, directed by Kolton Lee and produced by Lincia Daniel. Released in London and key cities by Revolver in February 2010 and became the first Microwave film to receive a theatrical release in the Us through Phase 4
The British Guide to Showing Off, director Jes Benstock’s Alternative Miss World documentary produced by Dorigen Hammond. Distributed by Verve Pictures in autumn 2011
Strawberry Fields, directed by Frances Lea and produced by Liam Beatty and Lucie Wenigerova, is an intense rites of passage film bursting with energy, sex and humour set during a perfect English summer. It received its World Premiere at the 55th BFI London Film Festival and released by Soda Pictures on 6 July
iLL Manors, written and directed by Ben Drew and produced by Atif Ghani
A unique crime thriller set on the unforgiving streets of London, following six disparate lives, all struggling to survive the circles of violence that engulf them. Released by Revolver on 8 June 2012
Borrowed Time, a bittersweet comedy about growing up and rediscovering youth, written and directed by Jules Bishop and produced by Olivier Kaempfer, starring Philip Davis, Theo Barklem-Biggs and Perry Benson. The film received its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June 2012 and is set for release in 2013.
Lilting Written and directed by Hong Khaou and produced by Dominic Buchanan
Starring Ben Whishaw and Cheng Pei Pei, Lilting is an intimate and thoughtful film about communication, falling in love and forming relationships without a common language. A mother’s attempt at understanding who her son is after his untimely death, her emotions are stirred up by presence of his partner.
The Film London Microwave team includes Kevin Dolan, Talent Development Manager, Tessa Inkelaar, Development and Production Officer, Creative Producer Mia Bays, who also acts as the Distribution/Marketing Consultant, and Mike Kelly, Business and Finance Producer.
About Film London
Film London, as the capital’s film and media agency, aims to ensure London has a thriving film sector that enriches the city’s businesses and its people. The agency works with all the screen industries to sustain, promote and develop London as a major international production and film cultural capital, and it supports the development of the city’s new and emerging film-making talent. Film London is funded by the Mayor of London, the National Lottery through the BFI, and receives significant support from Arts Council England and Creative Skillset.
About BBC Films
BBC Films is the feature filmmaking arm of the BBC. It aims to make strong British films with range and ambition, bringing the best of British talent to audiences. BBC Films is firmly established at the forefront of British independent filmmaking and co-produces around eight films a year, working in partnership with major international and UK distributors. Christine Langan is the Head of BBC Films, responsible for the development and production slate, strategy and business operations.
Recent releases include Sally Potter’s reflection on troubled friendship Ginger and Rosa currently in cinemas, Ol Parker’s teen romance Now is Good, Fernando Meirelles’ stylish and contemporary drama 360, James Marsh’s heart-wrenching thriller Shadow Dancer, Julien Temple’s documentary feature London – The Modern Babylon, Lasse Hallström’s romantic comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Max and Dania’s kinetic 3D film StreetDance 2, Ralph Fiennes’ contemporary Shakespeare adaptation Coriolanus, Simon Curtis’ comedy drama My Week with Marilyn, Nick Murphy’s supernatural mystery The Awakening, Lynne Ramsay’s adaptation of the Winner for the Orange Prize for Fiction We Need to Talk About Kevin, David Mackenzie’s romantic thriller Perfect Sense, Cary Fukunaga’s modern retelling of Jane Eyre, and James Marsh’s moving documentary Project Nim.
Forthcoming films include Mike Newell’s sumptuous Dickens classic Great Expectations in cinemas 30 November and Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, the wickedly comic Quartet, which will be in cinemas 4 January 2013, and in March Terri Hooley biopic Good Vibrations from directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn will feature in cinemas. Also set for a Spring release is Nick Murphy’s gripping thriller Blood.
BBC Films has an impressive back catalogue, which includes titles such as Nigel Cole’s Made in Dagenham, Lone Scherfig’s Academy Award® nominated and BAFTA award-winning An Education; Armando Iannucci’s Academy Award® and BAFTA award-nominated In the Loop; Jane Campion’s Academy Award®nominated Bright Star; and Andrea Arnold’s BAFTA award-winning Fish Tank.
Twitter @BBCFilms...
- 5/27/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
British Independent Film Awards To Honor Michael Gambon, Jude Law Sir Michael Gambon is to receive the Richard Harris Award at the British Independent Film Awards next month. The prize recognizes outstanding contribution to British film by an actor. Last year’s recipient was Ralph Fiennes. Gambon’s career spans six decades in theater, TV and film and includes such titles as The Singing Detective; The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover; Gosford Park; The King’s Speech and six of the eight Harry Potter films. Gambon took over the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore when Richard Harris died in 2002 after completing Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. Jude Law will also be honored at the BIFAs with The Variety Award which recognizes an actor, director, writer or producer who has helped focus international attention on the UK. Kenneth Branagh was the honoree last year. Law is...
- 11/22/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
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