The British film making industry could play a substantial role in improving the country’s economic outlook, according to the report published this week. The most recent British Film Policy Review suggests that schools should try a different approach to education on the film industry, and producers and directors should receive financial incentives to collaborate in the initial financing of film projects.
The report, commissioned by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and overseen by the former Culture Secretary Lord Chris Smith, also recommends that major broadcast networks ought to increase their levels of financial support for British films. Indeed, Lord Smith remarked that they (the broadcasters) “ don’t put any support into British film really at all”, a comment that raised some dander around ITV and Skye.
The intent of the latest recommendations is to help the British film industry play a stronger role in creating jobs, stimulating investment both inside and from abroad, and encouraging economic growth in general.
Lord Smith has placed the audience – be it cinema-goers, TV viewers or smartphone users – at the heart of the review which seeks to use public policy to maximise audience access to films of every kind. Although the average Briton watches over 80 films a year on big and small screens, the UK audience still gets to see too few British films – between 2001 and 2010 independent British films accounted for only 5.5per cent at the box office.
The series of recommendations in the review are intended to increase audience choice and grow the demand for British films in the UK and overseas. These recommendations complement policy measures to support the production of British films, helping ensure that those films reach appreciative audiences, stimulating cultural awareness and creativity.
Lord Smith said:
“British film is going through a golden period. A run of British-made and British-based movies has been taking audiences around the world by storm. But we cannot be complacent – this review highlights the things that the BFI, Government and industry can do to ensure that we continue to build on recent successes. British film is in prime position to make a major contribution to the growth of the UK’s economy, to the development of attractive and fulfilling careers for young people and to the creation of job opportunities across the country.”
The report contains a total of 56 recommendations to Government, industry and the British Film Institute (BFI) including:
A new programme to bring film education into every school, giving every pupil the chance to see, understand and learn about British film. Film education has a vital role to play in ensuring that everyone in the UK has the opportunity to engage with film. By enhancing the stock of knowledge and information about film, in particular among children and young people, film education can assist in growing the audience of today and tomorrow, ensuring that audiences have an improved understanding and appreciation of different kinds of film, whilst stimulating creativity.
A call for the major broadcasters to invest more in the screening, acquisition and production of independent British film. Given that the majority of people still watch most of the films they see on television, an increased commitment to screening British films would also have an important impact on the vitality of cultural life in the UK. Similarly, the broadcasters could be a powerful force for sharing information and knowledge about the breadth of film available – through increased programming about film, online content and mobile ‘apps’.
Incentives ensuring a more collaborative approach between producers, directors and distributors which in turn will facilitate financing of projects. If public funding was used to encourage distribution and production companies to approach the financing and distribution of projects as equal partners, their financial interests would be brought into alignment and valuable commercial knowledge could be exchanged to the wider long-term benefit of the industry.
A strong commitment to combat piracy and illegal exploitation of intellectual property. Copyright infringement and theft is one of the major factors behind declining revenues. The creative industries make the biggest use of copyright and design by contributing over £36 billion to the economy, supporting 1.5 million jobs. To maximise this important contribution to the economy, and to further economic growth, an effective strategy for significantly reducing copyright infringement and theft is vital.
A scheme to bring digital screens and projectors to village and community halls across the country. The Big Lottery Fund and BFI should work together to create a programme of assistance for local film clubs and societies in areas of rural deprivation or isolation, including the provision of screening facilities for village and community halls.
An annual celebration, focused on a British Film Week, to re-establish the brand of British film. The Panel would like to see the BFI working closely with distributors and exhibitors on an annual celebration which would provide audiences across the UK with access to the full spectrum of British film, giving them a greater insight into its breadth, depth and originality.
Stronger investment in training and skills development, especially to seize new technology opportunities. The development of skills and talent provides the backbone which underpins the success of the entire film sector in the UK; from production, sales, distribution, and exhibition to archive. If the UK is to maintain its competitive position in a digital age, it must continue to invest in the development of that talent and those skills.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said:
“I am committed to creating a more stable and successful film industry and I thank Chris Smith and the panel for the huge amount of work that has gone into preparing this report. I know the panel has worked very closely with representatives from the entire film community and I look forward to examining what the report recommends to government, industry and the BFI.”
Cirque du Soleil, the Quebec-based performing company of artists from all over the world, has been entrancing audiences since 1984 when it was formed with a core of about 20 performers and less than 50 ‘staff’. Today the company employs around 5,000, including more than 1,300 artists in every facet of performance that involves physical grace and dexterity as well as sheer daring and incredible showmanship.
Now the Cirque du Soleil will be partnering with Paramount Pictures on a feature film in 3D, to bring the live action of Cirque artists to a global audience. The film is called “Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away” and it is essentially the creation of Andrew Adamson and James Cameron .
Writer/Director Adamson, of “Shrek”, “Chronicles of Narnia” etc. and Cameron, Academy Award winner (“Titanic”) are joined by co-producers Aron Warner, Cary Granat, Ed Jones and Martin Bolduc from Cirque, with Vince Pace overseeing the 3D nuances of the film.
A number of production companies collaborated to bring the film to life. In addition to Cirque, Warner and Adamson’s Strange Weather Productions, Reel FX and Cameron Pace Group all contributed to this groundbreaking production.
“The coupling of filmmaker James Cameron’s groundbreaking 3D visual accomplishments and Andrew Adamson’s beautiful direction, combined with a timeless original story written especially for this movie, will make for a truly amazing moviegoeing experience for audiences of all ages ” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.
Said Jacques Méthé, Executive Producer, General Manager, Images, Events, Lifestyle of Cirque du Soleil, “This 3D event brings the spectator beyond what they could see at a show, it takes them on the stage. This unique point of view allows the audience to discover the artistic details of our productions and reveal the human spirit that our artists bring to the audience in their performances. Jim and Andrew have masterfully captured what a Cirque du Soleil 3D experience could offer and Paramount will present it to the world.
The Star Trek adventure goes on and on, with no limit to the galaxies that may be discovered. Paramount Pictures announced last Saturday that initial filming has commenced on the next chapter in that amazing voyage, another Star Trek movie as yet unnamed that will see many of the same crew at the helm of the Starship Enterprise. It’s director is J.J. Abrams, the one who re-launched the Star Trek franchise in 2009 to huge acclaim and box office success.
In partnership with Skydance Productions, Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot, the company formed by J.J. Abrams in 2001, the sequel is set to premier on May 17th, 2013. The 3-D production will star veteran cast members (in alphabetical order) John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban and Anton Yelchin.
They will be joined by some new cast members including, as of last report, Alice Eve, Benedict Cumberbatch, Noel Clarke, Nazneen Contractor and Peter Weller.
Based upon “Star Trek” created by Gene Roddenberry, the film is produced by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Damon Lindelof, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The script was written by Alex Kurtzman & Robert Orci & Damon Lindelof.
Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake are the executive producers. The director of photography is Dan Mindel, ASC, BSC. The production designer is Scott Chambliss. The film is edited by Maryann Brandon, A.C.E. and Mary Jo Markey, A.C.E. The costume designer is Michael Kaplan. The music is by Michael Giacchino.
Starring: Ashley Walters, Tulisa Contostavlos, Robert Sheehan, Reggie Yates, Jennie Jacques, Andrew Ellis, Emma Rigby, Shanika Warren-Markland, Femi Oyeniran, Jack Doolan and Jason Maza
Demons Never Die tells the story of two detectives from London, Bates and Mason, who are sent to a local high school to investigate a series of mysterious deaths. As they investigate they find a teenage gang hiding dark secrets becomes the focus of their interest.
The gang are led by Archie the misfit and the school psycho Kenny, and every member are battling against their own inner demons; violence, disorders, prejudice,bullying etc. These motives give them reasons to kill, and also reasons to die.
The film was directed and written by Arjun Rose, and executively produced by Idris Elba, a previous Golden Globe winner. Demons Never Die follows the lives of these 8 very different individuals who form an unlikely bond and friendship.
Set to a contemporary soundtrack featuring tracks by Jessie J, Wretch 32, Rizzle Kicks and with a haunting title track entitled ‘Ouch That Hurts’ by Dionne Bromfield featuring Mz Bratt, Demons Never Die is set for release on 20th February 2012 through Exile Media Group.
Demons Never Die will be available on DVD (RRP £17.99) and Blu-Ray (RRP £19.99) from Tesco, Asda, HMV and itunes Amazon.
Follow us on:
http://www.facebook.com/DemonsNeverDie
http://www.twitter.com/demonsneverdie
The DVD contains Special features including:
The official theatrical trailer.
Kenny’s teaser trailer.
Samantha’s teaser trailer.
Behind the scenes at the Demons Never Die Premiere, including interviews with the cast and special celebrity guests Dionne Bromfield, Iwan Rheon and Dynamo amongst a host of others
The Football Association have recently negotiated a new contract with ITV. The FA Cup and international games featuring England are going to be broadcast on the station, as are the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, as well as other selected games for the next two years.
ITV1 is going to be able to have the first pick of the games that it wants to broadcast from the FA Cup, all the way through from the first round until the final match. In addition to this first choice it is going to have the choice for the sixth and fifth round games that it wants to broadcast. It is also going to be able to have first pick of any replays for the sixth and third rounds.
Fans will welcome this move as it allows them to watch the games for free but the games that are being played abroad are not part of this agreement because they are being sold by associations separate from The Football Association. The Community Shield is also covered under this new deal and is going to return to free television for this year and the next. ITV will also be broadcasting games from the FA Youth Cup on one of its other channels.
Here is a trailer of Intruders starring Juan (Izan Corchero) and Mia (Ella Purnell), two children living in different countries, who are visited each night by a faceless intruder, a terrifying being who wants to take possession of them.
There are two important reasons to go to the theatre in February: one is for love, and the other is to keep the kids happy: yes it’s half term again!
The fact that Valentine’s Day is slap bang in the middle of half term this year might mean that the only option is to take the kids to see Shrek – the Musical, but if the kids are on holiday it does mean that it will be easier to get midweek babysitters… so there is no excuse not to go for a romantic theatre break.
But what to see… and what not to see. There is generally a lot of love in your average musical. Let’s face it, there are not many other emotions that will prompt you to sing (although if you heard me sing you may think that indigestion would rightly have a place on that list).
But is it the right sort of love? The hero may fall for his heroine, but if it is her big green ears that attract him to her, what does that say about the person you are treating to a night on the town?
Mamma Mia is a great night out – set on a Greek isle, just before a wedding, but although the ending is romantic, maybe it is not the thing to go to see if you are recently affianced.
And Phantom of the Opera – One of the most famous shows and truly a lover’s treat but isn’t there something of the stalker about the whole thing?
So What are the five sure fire shows to treat your loved one to on Valentine’s night?
Ghost – the Musical – Just like the film – a real weepy and great for the potter in your life. Crazy For You – a guy finds love in the wild west Midnight Tango – Vincent and Flavia from Strictly Come Dancing show us how to do it standing up! Rock of Ages – Love in an LA Rock venue – what’s the line? Our civets
rub together throwing sparks into the night. Not from this show but apt nonetheless! Singin’ in the Rain – Classic old black and white love
And if you want to push the boat out – literally – Dirty Dancing is on in Dublin!
And just to make my point, here are 4 shows you DO NOT want to take your loved one to.
Hay Fever The Heresy of Love The Taming of the Shrew The Lady Killers
And if you are not feeling brave you could add Shrek to that list too!
Lionsgate films are the film studio responsible for the creation of the Twilight films and many fans of the films have expressed disappointment at the latest film being the last movie to be produced based on the bestselling books by Stephanie Meyer.
However, they have recently been given slight hope as the head of the studio has stated, “This latest film is expected to gross over $700 million which is an incredible amount for any film. When we consider the film franchise has this much value right now it is very hard to see that it doesn’t have a future.
The franchise has been a success since the very beginning and interest in the films has not waned at all. We are very much hoping that we will be able to create additional films based on the franchise.” It has also been recently rumoured that a television series based on the Twilight books and films is going to be made by Lionsgate, however, it is unlikely that such big names as Robert Pattinson would sign on for a small screen adaptation.
Universal Studios celebrates 100 years of filmmaking
Universal Studios are marking their centenary anniversary in 2012, and will be commemorating their 100th birthday with a year long celebration to honour the cultural legacy and rich film history of this iconic studio. The event is drawing inspiration from the extraordinary and diverse Universal library of films, and many of these will be showcased during the year, and has been designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of film making.
One of the most significant elements of the celebrations will be the extensive restoration of 13 of Universal’s much loved titles including All Quiet on the Western Front, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Sting, Jaws, Schindler’s List, Out of Africa and Frankenstein.
The celebration will be kicking off in January when Universal Studios Home Entertainments release a special 50th Anniversary edition of the classic To Kill A MockingBird on blu-ray, the first time it has ever appeared on this format. Through the year, tributes will be paid to other influential Universal films, seeing blu-ray releases of classics such as Jaws and ET, itself celebrating its 30th birthday, and other special events.
Universal will also be revealing an updated and animate logo that will tie in with the centennial celebrations, and this will make its first appearance before the premier of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax in February, and for its release in US theatres on the 2nd March. The static version of this logo has just been revealed to the public.
Other activities that will surround the studio’s 100th Anniversary celebrations will include a social media campaign, them park activities, special events, promotions, and loads of other surprises that will keep their fans engaged and entertained throughout the year long celebrations.
“This is a proud moment for all of us who’ve had the privilege of working at Universal Pictures,” said Ron Meyer, Universal Studios President and COO. “Our centennial is designed to bring special memories back to longtime movie lovers and fans, and to engage new audiences with our extraordinary library of films for the first time. Our goal, 100 years later, is to preserve, restore and continue the iconic legacy of this studio for generations to come.”
Fans and film enthusiasts can start celebrating online today at the official Universal Centennial website,http://Universal100th.com, a one-stop destination dedicated to Universal’s 100 years. The site, as well as a number of social media platforms, will bring the centennial to life online.
Universal will be sharing archival content on its brand new Tumblr (http://universal100.tumblr.com/); fans of Universal classics on Facebook will find exclusives and special opportunities across their favorite pages; followers of @UniversalPics on Twitter can find the activities using the hashtag #Universal100; Foursquare users who check in at iconic Universal locations such as the studio and theme parks will be able to unlock special behind-the-scenes tips and content; and for those who are followers of fashion, Universal’s Pinterest account (www.pinterest.com/universal) will be drawing inspiration from favorite films for everyone’s Pinboards, starting with 10 inaugural titles of pop-culture classics such as The Breakfast Club, Scarface, Sixteen Candles, Bridget Jones‘s Diary and Bridesmaids. These online initiatives will roll out throughout various times of the year and will tie back to the Universal Centennial official site.
In the spring, select fans will have the opportunity to attend a special gala anniversary celebration on the lot featuring many of the filmmakers and artists who shaped the studios history. In addition, the studio will spotlight the 100th Anniversary throughout various worldwide film festivals and other featured events, panels and activities.
On April 30, 1912, Universal Film Manufacturing Company filed its certificate of incorporation with the state of New York. In 1915, Carl Laemmle officially opened UniversalCity, the largest film production facility in the world. Throughout Universal’s 100 years, the studio has served as a home for many of the most talented filmmakers of all time (such as Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Peter Jackson, Spike Lee, John Hughes and Judd Apatow) and created films that have touched the hearts of millions and fueled culture’s fascination with cinema. To share the profound legacy of its artists, the studio will highlight their careers with touching personal stories from filmmakers, talent, crews, employees and fans.
Universal’s key centennial activities included throughout the anniversary year are as follows:
Major Film Restoration Commitment
Universal will restore 13 films over the course of the centennial year. The restoration effort includes the following films: All Quiet on the Western Front,The Birds,Buck Privates,Dracula (1931),Dracula Spanish (1931),Frankenstein, Jaws,Schindler’s List,Out of Africa,Pillow Talk,Bride of Frankenstein,The Sting andTo Kill a Mockingbird.
Unveiling of New Logo
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo at the February premiere of the upcoming feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and at that film’sU.S. theatrical debut on March 2, 2012. The updated logo will be used on all Universal Pictures films going forward, and will be integrated into all aspects of the company’s business as well.
Home Entertainment
Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing a limited edition 100th Anniversary Collector’s Series featuring some of the aforementioned film restorations on Blu-rayTM in collectible, book-style packaging showcasing rare movie memorabilia and brand new 10-minute video featurettes. In addition, special collections will be released throughout the year, culminating in the highly anticipated Blu-rayTM releases of Universal’s Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series. A selection of movies that have shaped Universal’s legacy will also be released in commemorative packaging, many of them on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever.
Theme Park Celebrations
Universal’s Parks and Resorts will help highlight the campaign with centennial specific content and merchandise throughout both the Orlando and Hollywood locations. TheOrlandoresort will soon announce a specially themed entertainment experience that will celebrate Universal’s heritage. At the iconic Hollywood park, the world-famous Studio Tour features expert guides that will take guests on a tour through 100 years of moviemaking history on the Universal Studios production backlot. Tours are conducted daily, visiting TV and movie sets ranging from the early Universal Studios monster film classics to current productions.
Website and Social Media Campaign
Universal will be engaging fans across multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr (http://universal100.tumblr.com/) and Pinterest. At the center of all online initiatives lies a rich, robust website dedicated to all things related to the yearlong celebration of Universal’s 100th Anniversary. For more information, please visithttp://Universal100th.com.
The British film making industry could play a substantial role in improving the country’s economic outlook, according to the report published this week. The most recent British Film Policy Review suggests that schools should try a different approach to education on the film industry, and producers and directors should receive financial incentives to collaborate in the initial financing of film projects.
British films could help the UK economy 
Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away 3D
Star Trek, new movie begins filming
Ferris Bueller Trailer For The Super Bowl
Demons Never Die released 20th February 2012
ITV sets future World Cup football coverage
There may be more Twilight movies after all
Universal Studios celebrates 100 years of filmmaking
Sherlock will return with third series
Alien returns with Prometheus trailer
Beauty and the Beast 3D