Set in 2010 on the last day of school before summer, Darryl Foster’s directorial debut Hard To Reach sees a young man and his mentor share a cathartic experience they’ll never forget. Foster (who we saw in Oliver Goodrum’s Iniquity last year) tells the story of his two protagonists across a single day where their conflicting yet similar states of being reach boiling point. It’s a short that relies on its central performances and Foster’s background as an actor allows him to dive into and create fully-rounded, complex characters which combined with the talent of young actor Cory McClane allows the film’s central relationship to flourish in all its intricacies. Dn was fortunate enough to chat with Foster about Hard To Reach, which is currently amidst its festival run, about his experience making the film, from sourcing its budget through the BFI to balancing his...
- 9/14/2022
- by James Maitre
- Directors Notes
Stephen S. Thompson, writer of BAFTA-winning drama “Sitting In Limbo,” died from cancer on May 26. He was 56.
An acclaimed novelist of Jamaican descent, Thompson’s first novel “Toy Soldiers” was published in 2000. Further novels include “Missing Joe” (2012) and “No More Heroes” (2016).
Thompson wrote feature-length drama “Sitting In Limbo” in response to his brother Anthony Bryan’s fight against deportation amid the Windrush scandal, a British political scandal where many people who had come to the U.K. before 1973 from Caribbean countries were detained and deported. The film, directed by Stella Corradi, produced by Left Bank Pictures and starring Patrick Robinson, was broadcast on BBC One in June 2020, and won the BAFTA for Best Single Drama.
Thompson had written for The Observer, The Voice, Wasafiri, Five Dials and Arena Magazine amongst others, and was the editor and publisher of the online literary journal The Colverstone Review. He lectured on creative writing at Winchester University,...
An acclaimed novelist of Jamaican descent, Thompson’s first novel “Toy Soldiers” was published in 2000. Further novels include “Missing Joe” (2012) and “No More Heroes” (2016).
Thompson wrote feature-length drama “Sitting In Limbo” in response to his brother Anthony Bryan’s fight against deportation amid the Windrush scandal, a British political scandal where many people who had come to the U.K. before 1973 from Caribbean countries were detained and deported. The film, directed by Stella Corradi, produced by Left Bank Pictures and starring Patrick Robinson, was broadcast on BBC One in June 2020, and won the BAFTA for Best Single Drama.
Thompson had written for The Observer, The Voice, Wasafiri, Five Dials and Arena Magazine amongst others, and was the editor and publisher of the online literary journal The Colverstone Review. He lectured on creative writing at Winchester University,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Festival
The second edition of the Ponta Lopud Festival (June 22-27) on the island of Lopud, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, will feature masterclasses from Oscar winners Frances McDormand and Joel Coen. “At this point in our professional lives, we can’t think of a better way to spend the warm days of summer than in conversation about the process of filmmaking and the love of film watching with a group of other filmmakers on an island in the Adriatic Sea,” said McDormand and Coen.
Participants at this year’s edition include filmmakers Tamara Kotevska (“Honeyland”), Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović (“Murina), Una Gunjak (“Chicken”), and actor Gordan Bogdan (“Fargo”). There will also be lectures by director Juho Kuosmanen, producer Peter Spears and talent agent Brian Swardstrom and conversations between masters and participants moderated by special guests, directors Pawel Pawlikowski, Michel Franco, Lili Horvat, Danis Tanovic and Ognjen Glavonic.
The founders of the Ponta Lopud Festival are Miro Purivatra,...
The second edition of the Ponta Lopud Festival (June 22-27) on the island of Lopud, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, will feature masterclasses from Oscar winners Frances McDormand and Joel Coen. “At this point in our professional lives, we can’t think of a better way to spend the warm days of summer than in conversation about the process of filmmaking and the love of film watching with a group of other filmmakers on an island in the Adriatic Sea,” said McDormand and Coen.
Participants at this year’s edition include filmmakers Tamara Kotevska (“Honeyland”), Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović (“Murina), Una Gunjak (“Chicken”), and actor Gordan Bogdan (“Fargo”). There will also be lectures by director Juho Kuosmanen, producer Peter Spears and talent agent Brian Swardstrom and conversations between masters and participants moderated by special guests, directors Pawel Pawlikowski, Michel Franco, Lili Horvat, Danis Tanovic and Ognjen Glavonic.
The founders of the Ponta Lopud Festival are Miro Purivatra,...
- 5/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, “Big Brother Canada” sets 10th season; Francesco Totti soccer documentary wins Rotterdam award; Dok Leipzig returns to cinemas in October; Bavaria Fiction, WarnerMedia, Production Guild of Great Britain appoint key personnel; BAFTA Breakthrough U.S., U.K., open for applications; Hulu buys Red Arrow factual series package; and BFI restores vintage Sherlock Holmes titles.
Banijay Rights has signed a deal for a tenth season of “Big Brother Canada” for Corus Entertainment’s Global channel in Canada.
The ninth season delivered its most diverse cast ever, with Tychon Carter-Newman (pictured) making history as the first Black winner of “Big Brother Canada.”
Produced by Insight Productions, a Boat Rocker company, in association with Corus Entertainment and Banijay, “Big Brother Canada” Season 10 will debut on Global in spring 2022. The deal was agreed by Banijay Rights.
The “Big Brother” format is represented internationally by Banijay, with over 60 adaptations and broadcast in more than 80 countries.
Banijay Rights has signed a deal for a tenth season of “Big Brother Canada” for Corus Entertainment’s Global channel in Canada.
The ninth season delivered its most diverse cast ever, with Tychon Carter-Newman (pictured) making history as the first Black winner of “Big Brother Canada.”
Produced by Insight Productions, a Boat Rocker company, in association with Corus Entertainment and Banijay, “Big Brother Canada” Season 10 will debut on Global in spring 2022. The deal was agreed by Banijay Rights.
The “Big Brother” format is represented internationally by Banijay, with over 60 adaptations and broadcast in more than 80 countries.
- 6/10/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Franco-uk event to include the European premiere of ‘Ammonite’.
The 31st Dinard Film Festival, the annual celebration of British cinema held in northern France, has unveiled its full line-up and secured the European premiere of Francis Lee’s Ammonite.
The festival is set to go ahead as a physical event from September 30-October 4 and its previews strand includes romantic drama Ammonite, which received a Cannes label and has its world premiere at TIFF today.
The six films in competition comprise Nick Rowland’s Calm With Horses; Thomas Clay’s Fanny Lye Deliver’d; Claire Oakley’s Make Up; Bassam Tariq’s...
The 31st Dinard Film Festival, the annual celebration of British cinema held in northern France, has unveiled its full line-up and secured the European premiere of Francis Lee’s Ammonite.
The festival is set to go ahead as a physical event from September 30-October 4 and its previews strand includes romantic drama Ammonite, which received a Cannes label and has its world premiere at TIFF today.
The six films in competition comprise Nick Rowland’s Calm With Horses; Thomas Clay’s Fanny Lye Deliver’d; Claire Oakley’s Make Up; Bassam Tariq’s...
- 9/11/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
British television industry event the Edinburgh TV Festival, which runs in a digital format this year from Aug. 24-27, has revealed the first sessions of its lineup, as well as revealing a pre-festival session that will look at how issues concerning race are tackled by filmmakers.
The BBC drama “Sitting in Limbo” will be the subject of a session exploring how Stephen S. Thompson, a writer new to TV, took his brother’s experience of the “Windrush controversy” – in which British people from the Caribbean were unlawfully threatened with deportation – to the TV screen. Thompson will be joined by the show’s director, Stella Corradi, and lead actor, Patrick Robinson, to discuss the impact the drama has had, and what it says about bringing Black British stories to TV.
Festival Masterclasses will include “Normal People” – the BBC’s hit drama, with stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal in conversation with...
The BBC drama “Sitting in Limbo” will be the subject of a session exploring how Stephen S. Thompson, a writer new to TV, took his brother’s experience of the “Windrush controversy” – in which British people from the Caribbean were unlawfully threatened with deportation – to the TV screen. Thompson will be joined by the show’s director, Stella Corradi, and lead actor, Patrick Robinson, to discuss the impact the drama has had, and what it says about bringing Black British stories to TV.
Festival Masterclasses will include “Normal People” – the BBC’s hit drama, with stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal in conversation with...
- 6/11/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
When drama confronts you with your country’s racism, there’s usually a cushioning historical buffer. Wasn’t it terrible back then, you think. Thank God we’ve moved past that.
Sitting in Limbo covers a period from 2016 to 2018. The drama’s final caption takes us up to May 2020. There’s no consolation to be taken from historical distance; this is a snapshot of Britain now.
Written by novelist Stephen S. Thompson, the feature-length TV film tells the true story of Thompson’s brother Anthony Bryan, a Black British man who arrived in England from Jamaica in 1965, aged eight. Anthony and his mother were part of the Windrush Generation invited to settle in the UK after the Second World War.
Now a father and grandfather, Anthony grew up in London going to school and Scouts and supporting Spurs. He worked first in a factory and then as a builder and painter-decorator.
Sitting in Limbo covers a period from 2016 to 2018. The drama’s final caption takes us up to May 2020. There’s no consolation to be taken from historical distance; this is a snapshot of Britain now.
Written by novelist Stephen S. Thompson, the feature-length TV film tells the true story of Thompson’s brother Anthony Bryan, a Black British man who arrived in England from Jamaica in 1965, aged eight. Anthony and his mother were part of the Windrush Generation invited to settle in the UK after the Second World War.
Now a father and grandfather, Anthony grew up in London going to school and Scouts and supporting Spurs. He worked first in a factory and then as a builder and painter-decorator.
- 6/8/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Though you could enter this story from any number of angles, “Trigonometry” starts with Ray (Ariane Labed), a world-class synchronized swimmer who decides to change her life after a jarring accident. Moving out of her parents’ home and journeying to London, she finds a room in a flat, leasing from partners Gemma (Thalissa Teixeira) and Kieran (Gary Carr).
With Ray taking other jobs in the city, Kieran working as a paramedic, and Gemma trying to keep her humble cafe afloat, these three each have their own swirling lives distinct from each other. But as Gemma and Kieran start to consider the possibility of spending their lives together, they both find themselves drawn to the woman living in the next room.
So “Trigonometry” evolves in stages as these three start to navigate their feelings toward each other. Each chapter in this eight episode season (which originally aired on BBC Two earlier...
With Ray taking other jobs in the city, Kieran working as a paramedic, and Gemma trying to keep her humble cafe afloat, these three each have their own swirling lives distinct from each other. But as Gemma and Kieran start to consider the possibility of spending their lives together, they both find themselves drawn to the woman living in the next room.
So “Trigonometry” evolves in stages as these three start to navigate their feelings toward each other. Each chapter in this eight episode season (which originally aired on BBC Two earlier...
- 5/27/2020
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is expanding its ‘Breakthrough’ program for emerging talent across film, TV and games to the U.S., India and China.
Known in the U.K. as ‘Breakthrough Brits,’ the successful talent initiative has been in place since 2013 and has championed 110 creatives domestically, with recent alumni including “Misbehaviour” and “Wild Rose” star Jessie Buckley, “Gangs of London” actor Paapa Essiedu, “Black Panther’s” Letitia Wright and “Little Women’s” Florence Pugh, reality television producer Coco Jackson, composer Segun Akinola, game producer Dan Gray, and directors Rose Glass, Stella Corradi, Destiny Ekaragha and Michael Pearce.
BAFTA’s ‘Breakthrough’ — the first global talent initiative to span film, TV and games, according to BAFTA — will now expand into the U.S. as well as India and China. Streaming giant Netflix is the program’s official partner for the U.K. for a second consecutive year,...
Known in the U.K. as ‘Breakthrough Brits,’ the successful talent initiative has been in place since 2013 and has championed 110 creatives domestically, with recent alumni including “Misbehaviour” and “Wild Rose” star Jessie Buckley, “Gangs of London” actor Paapa Essiedu, “Black Panther’s” Letitia Wright and “Little Women’s” Florence Pugh, reality television producer Coco Jackson, composer Segun Akinola, game producer Dan Gray, and directors Rose Glass, Stella Corradi, Destiny Ekaragha and Michael Pearce.
BAFTA’s ‘Breakthrough’ — the first global talent initiative to span film, TV and games, according to BAFTA — will now expand into the U.S. as well as India and China. Streaming giant Netflix is the program’s official partner for the U.K. for a second consecutive year,...
- 5/27/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Athina Rachel Tsangari directs five episodes of ‘Trigonometry’ for Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell’s House Productions.
When UK producer Tessa Ross was talking to Greek filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari about a film project, she decided to, as Ross puts it, “take my life slightly into my hands”.
Ross had enjoyed her conversations with the director of festival favourites Attenberg and Chevalier so much she wondered if Tsangari would be interested in taking on a TV series she was also developing.
“Would you think about television?” Ross asked Tsangari.
The “television” in question is Trigonometry, an eight-part drama series set in London,...
When UK producer Tessa Ross was talking to Greek filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari about a film project, she decided to, as Ross puts it, “take my life slightly into my hands”.
Ross had enjoyed her conversations with the director of festival favourites Attenberg and Chevalier so much she wondered if Tsangari would be interested in taking on a TV series she was also developing.
“Would you think about television?” Ross asked Tsangari.
The “television” in question is Trigonometry, an eight-part drama series set in London,...
- 2/25/2020
- by 88¦Louise Tutt¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
New members include filmmakers Lynne Ramsay, Haifaa al-Mansour, Fox Searchlight’s Kate Gardiner and Screen Scotland’s Isabel Davis.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed its 2019 intake of new members drawn from the film, TV and games industry.
Among the record 558 new members are filmmakers and writers Haifaa al-Mansour (Wadjda), Laszlo Nemes (Son Of Saul), Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here), Lee Unkrich (Coco) and former Screen Star of Tomorrow Rose Glass (Saint Maud).
New executives on the list include Kate Gardiner (head of Fox Searchlight UK); Jason Maza (Unstoppable), Emma Hewitt (BBC Films...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed its 2019 intake of new members drawn from the film, TV and games industry.
Among the record 558 new members are filmmakers and writers Haifaa al-Mansour (Wadjda), Laszlo Nemes (Son Of Saul), Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here), Lee Unkrich (Coco) and former Screen Star of Tomorrow Rose Glass (Saint Maud).
New executives on the list include Kate Gardiner (head of Fox Searchlight UK); Jason Maza (Unstoppable), Emma Hewitt (BBC Films...
- 12/4/2019
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
Honourees include ‘Dirty God’ actress Vicky Knight and ‘Saint Maud’ writer-director Rose Glass.
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
- 10/30/2019
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Honourees include ‘Dirty God’ actress Vicky Knight and ‘Saint Maud’ writer-director Rose Glass.
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
- 10/30/2019
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Sex Education creator Laurie Nunn, Pure creator Kirstie Swain and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina actor Chance Perdomo are among the latest crop of BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits.
The award, presented by the TV and film body in association with Netflix, consists of the most promising future stars of film, TV and gaming from the UK. Full list below.
Nunn, who created the Netflix comedy drama Sex Education, is currently in post-production for the second series, having become an exec producer. Swain wrote Channel 4 comedy drama Pure and is developing a raft of projects in the UK and U.S., while Perdomo plays Ambrose Spellman in the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Others on the list include Raised By Wolves star Abubakar Salim, In My Skin writer Kayleigh Llewellyn, Chernobyl Production Designer Luke Hull and Trigonometry director Stella Corradi.
Nunn said, “Being a Breakthrough Brit makes me feel more secure,...
The award, presented by the TV and film body in association with Netflix, consists of the most promising future stars of film, TV and gaming from the UK. Full list below.
Nunn, who created the Netflix comedy drama Sex Education, is currently in post-production for the second series, having become an exec producer. Swain wrote Channel 4 comedy drama Pure and is developing a raft of projects in the UK and U.S., while Perdomo plays Ambrose Spellman in the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Others on the list include Raised By Wolves star Abubakar Salim, In My Skin writer Kayleigh Llewellyn, Chernobyl Production Designer Luke Hull and Trigonometry director Stella Corradi.
Nunn said, “Being a Breakthrough Brit makes me feel more secure,...
- 10/30/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
BAFTA and Netflix have raised the curtain on the 2019 class of Breakthrough Brits. The 20-strong cohort, spanning talent from film, TV and games, includes “Sex Education” writer Laurie Nunn, “The Virtues” actress Niamh Algar, “Chernobyl” production designer Luke Hull, and “Saint Maud” director Rose Glass.
The Breakthrough scheme has been run by BAFTA since 2013; this year is the first that the initiative has also had the backing of Netflix. The Breakthrough Brits receive mentoring and networking opportunities as well as entry to BAFTA events. Previous honorees include actors Florence Pugh and Josh O’Connor and director Michael Pearce.
Nunn, who has just seen the second season of Netflix’s “Sex Education” finish shooting, told Variety that being chosen was a sign that her career is on the right track and a moment to reflect on a busy past few years as well on what happens next.
She said she has...
The Breakthrough scheme has been run by BAFTA since 2013; this year is the first that the initiative has also had the backing of Netflix. The Breakthrough Brits receive mentoring and networking opportunities as well as entry to BAFTA events. Previous honorees include actors Florence Pugh and Josh O’Connor and director Michael Pearce.
Nunn, who has just seen the second season of Netflix’s “Sex Education” finish shooting, told Variety that being chosen was a sign that her career is on the right track and a moment to reflect on a busy past few years as well on what happens next.
She said she has...
- 10/30/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
More than 20 filmmaking teams recieve London Calling and London Calling Plus commissions.Scroll down for full list
Film London has awarded 21 filmmaking teams across the capital with funds to make short films through its London Calling and London Calling Plus initiatives. A record 620 applications were received this year.
The scheme invests more than $300,000 (£200,000) in London’s short filmmakers with production funding, training and a platform to showcase the films to the industry.
Last year’s slate included Riz Ahmad’s Daytimer, which premiered at Sundance; the BAFTA-nominated Three Brothers; and Loco Award-winning Two Dosas.
This year’s slate includes Chick or Treat from rising internet stars Mandem On The Wall; The Monster, which will star Richard Glover (A Field In England, Sightseers); Rainbow Party, which marks the directorial debut of BAFTA-nominated producer Eva Sigurdardottir; and Above, which was scripted by award-winning playwright Michael Bhim.
Chick or Treat is one of the projects selected by London Calling Plus, now...
Film London has awarded 21 filmmaking teams across the capital with funds to make short films through its London Calling and London Calling Plus initiatives. A record 620 applications were received this year.
The scheme invests more than $300,000 (£200,000) in London’s short filmmakers with production funding, training and a platform to showcase the films to the industry.
Last year’s slate included Riz Ahmad’s Daytimer, which premiered at Sundance; the BAFTA-nominated Three Brothers; and Loco Award-winning Two Dosas.
This year’s slate includes Chick or Treat from rising internet stars Mandem On The Wall; The Monster, which will star Richard Glover (A Field In England, Sightseers); Rainbow Party, which marks the directorial debut of BAFTA-nominated producer Eva Sigurdardottir; and Above, which was scripted by award-winning playwright Michael Bhim.
Chick or Treat is one of the projects selected by London Calling Plus, now...
- 3/5/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
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