Mike Christie directed Jo Brand's episode of Sky's anthology of short films Little Crackers, entitled "Goodbye Fluff".
Watch it on Sky 1 and Sky 1 HD, Wednesday Dec 22nd at 9pm.
Friday 17 December 2010
Mike Christie directs a "Little Cracker"
Mike Christie directed Jo Brand's episode of Sky's anthology of short films Little Crackers, entitled "Goodbye Fluff".
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Hunt down Mark Radice's WW2 doc this Saturday
Mark Radice's film Headhunters of World War II is showing on Channel 4 on Saturday 09 October at 8:15pm.
In 1945, as war rages across the world, an incredible drama is unfolding in the remote jungles of Borneo. It involves a group of stranded US airmen, the local tribe of Dayaks and Major Tom Harrisson – one of the most eccentric officers in the British Army, who revives the ancient custom of headhunting against the Japanese. What follows is a gripping and improbable tale of cat and mouse – as World War Two crashes headfirst into the isolated world of Borneo’s interior, where tribespeople still hunt with blowpipes and poison made from tree bark.
Thrown together in extraordinary circumstances, these ordinary people from diverse cultures will all be tested: the airmen – who must survive in dense inhospitable jungle for months; the Dayaks, who risk their lives to help and protect the airmen; and Harrisson – the anthropologist living out his fantasies, who commits what many consider to be a war crime but is decorated as a hero on his return to Britain.
In 1945, as war rages across the world, an incredible drama is unfolding in the remote jungles of Borneo. It involves a group of stranded US airmen, the local tribe of Dayaks and Major Tom Harrisson – one of the most eccentric officers in the British Army, who revives the ancient custom of headhunting against the Japanese. What follows is a gripping and improbable tale of cat and mouse – as World War Two crashes headfirst into the isolated world of Borneo’s interior, where tribespeople still hunt with blowpipes and poison made from tree bark.
Thrown together in extraordinary circumstances, these ordinary people from diverse cultures will all be tested: the airmen – who must survive in dense inhospitable jungle for months; the Dayaks, who risk their lives to help and protect the airmen; and Harrisson – the anthropologist living out his fantasies, who commits what many consider to be a war crime but is decorated as a hero on his return to Britain.
Tuesday 21 September 2010
An Idiot Abroad on Thursday 23rd September
An Idiot Abroad premieres on Sky1 HD on Thursday 23rd September at 9.30pm.
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their mate Karl Pilkington to see the Seven Wonders of the World. Krishnendu Majumdar is the series director and has directed episodes 1,5,6 and 8 (China, Egypt, Brazil and London). Richard Yee is the series producer and has directed episode 7 (Peru). Luke Campbell has directed episodes 2 and 3 (India and Jordan). Jamie Jay Johnson has directed episode 4 (Mexico). Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are executive producers on the series.
Ricky Gervais described it as "the funniest documentary I've ever seen". View the trailer here.
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their mate Karl Pilkington to see the Seven Wonders of the World. Krishnendu Majumdar is the series director and has directed episodes 1,5,6 and 8 (China, Egypt, Brazil and London). Richard Yee is the series producer and has directed episode 7 (Peru). Luke Campbell has directed episodes 2 and 3 (India and Jordan). Jamie Jay Johnson has directed episode 4 (Mexico). Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are executive producers on the series.
Ricky Gervais described it as "the funniest documentary I've ever seen". View the trailer here.
Monday 13 September 2010
Dancing with the Devil to screen at Riverside Studios
Jon Blair's Grierson short-listed feature documentary Dancing with the Devil will get a special screening at the Riverside in Hammersmith at 7pm on October 5th, as part of More4's fifth anniversary celebrations.
The filmmakers had unprecedented access to both Rio de Janeiro's heavily armed gangsters as well as the specialist police units that hunt down and kill them, offering an intimate look at one of the bloodiest urban conflicts on earth.
The Guardian called it "a harrowing documentary, filled with harrowing, unforgettable images", whilst the Times said it was "exceptional" and The Telegraph called it "a fine cinematic documentary".
For more, click here.
The filmmakers had unprecedented access to both Rio de Janeiro's heavily armed gangsters as well as the specialist police units that hunt down and kill them, offering an intimate look at one of the bloodiest urban conflicts on earth.
The Guardian called it "a harrowing documentary, filled with harrowing, unforgettable images", whilst the Times said it was "exceptional" and The Telegraph called it "a fine cinematic documentary".
For more, click here.
Thursday 9 September 2010
London Film Festival unveils line-up for 2010
The BFI London Film Festival has announced details of its programme for this year’s festival, with 11 world premieres and a host of hotly-anticipated pictures amongst its 197 films.
Opening with Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, a European premiere, and closing with 127 Hours, Danny Boyle’s follow-up to the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, the festival will showcase movies from a multitude of genres, nations and eras from October 13-28th.
To read more, visit our website.
Opening with Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, a European premiere, and closing with 127 Hours, Danny Boyle’s follow-up to the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, the festival will showcase movies from a multitude of genres, nations and eras from October 13-28th.
To read more, visit our website.
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Clive Donner passes away aged 84
British director Clive Donner, most renowned for his work in the sixties, has died at the age of 84.
Clive will be best remembered for his work on comedies such as Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush (1965) and What’s New Pussycat? (1968). He also directed a memorable adaptation of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker, and worked with such esteemed actors as Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, Sir Ian McKellen and Peter O’Toole.
For more, click here.
Clive will be best remembered for his work on comedies such as Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush (1965) and What’s New Pussycat? (1968). He also directed a memorable adaptation of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker, and worked with such esteemed actors as Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, Sir Ian McKellen and Peter O’Toole.
For more, click here.
Thursday 26 August 2010
Mike Christie takes a look Inside Incredible Athletes
Mike Christie has directed Inside Incredible Athletes for Channel 4.
A feature-length documentary which focuses on five paralympic sports as you’ve never seen them before, the show broadcasts on Sunday, August 29th at 9pm.
For more, click here.
A feature-length documentary which focuses on five paralympic sports as you’ve never seen them before, the show broadcasts on Sunday, August 29th at 9pm.
For more, click here.
Monday 23 August 2010
Manchevski's Mothers makes Toronto programme
Milcho Manchevski’s new film, Mothers, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, on September 12, in the Special Presentations program.
The film is a genre-bending look at the nature of truth. A Macedonian-French-Bulgarian co-production, it was written and directed by Manchevski and produced by Christina Kallas.
Remember: if you're a Directors UK member and would like to inform us of your recent project, please get in touch.
The film is a genre-bending look at the nature of truth. A Macedonian-French-Bulgarian co-production, it was written and directed by Manchevski and produced by Christina Kallas.
Remember: if you're a Directors UK member and would like to inform us of your recent project, please get in touch.
Monday 16 August 2010
Another year, another Robinson at NYC Film Fest
Two British directors will screen work at this year’s New York City Film Festival, the 48th to date.
From September 24th – October 10th 28 films will appear at the festival, with Mike Leigh’s Another Year and Patrick Keiller’s Robinson in Ruins amongst them. Another Year, which premiered at Cannes this May, features regular Leigh collaborators Lesley Manville and Jim Broadbent as a married couple who accept a struggling friend into their home. Meanwhile, Robinson in Ruins sees director Patrick Keiller reprise the titular Robinson from past films Robinson in Space and London, both of which were praised upon release.
Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter, of which parts were shot in London, will close the festival, whilst David Fincher’s The Social Network will open it.For more, click here.
From September 24th – October 10th 28 films will appear at the festival, with Mike Leigh’s Another Year and Patrick Keiller’s Robinson in Ruins amongst them. Another Year, which premiered at Cannes this May, features regular Leigh collaborators Lesley Manville and Jim Broadbent as a married couple who accept a struggling friend into their home. Meanwhile, Robinson in Ruins sees director Patrick Keiller reprise the titular Robinson from past films Robinson in Space and London, both of which were praised upon release.
Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter, of which parts were shot in London, will close the festival, whilst David Fincher’s The Social Network will open it.For more, click here.
Friday 13 August 2010
Boyle’s finest Hours to close the London Film Festival
Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle’s latest film 127 Hours, which stars James Franco, has been announced as the picture to close this year’s London Film Festival.
127 Hours recounts the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston, played by Franco, who became trapped under a boulder for five days. Incredibly, in order to free himself, Ralston amputated his own arm.
In a statement, Boyle said: "LFF played a vital role in the journey of Slumdog Millionaire in 2008 and it's great to be bringing new work here and renewing a happy partnership.” Sandra Hebron, the festival's artistic director, said, “127 Hours was the obvious choice for us”.
127 Hours opens in the UK in January 2011. For more, click here.
127 Hours recounts the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston, played by Franco, who became trapped under a boulder for five days. Incredibly, in order to free himself, Ralston amputated his own arm.
In a statement, Boyle said: "LFF played a vital role in the journey of Slumdog Millionaire in 2008 and it's great to be bringing new work here and renewing a happy partnership.” Sandra Hebron, the festival's artistic director, said, “127 Hours was the obvious choice for us”.
127 Hours opens in the UK in January 2011. For more, click here.
Dinard Festival going Nowhere with Sam Taylor-Wood
Sam Taylor Wood’s Nowhere Boy will open this year’s Dinard Film Festival, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of subject John Lennon’s birth.
Held on the 6th – 10th October, the 21st Dinard Film Festival will once again celebrate British cinema, hosting a number of French premieres of recent UK movies. This year’s titles include Four Lions by Chris Morris, Mike Leigh’s Another Year and Neds, directed by Peter Mullan.
For more, click here.
Held on the 6th – 10th October, the 21st Dinard Film Festival will once again celebrate British cinema, hosting a number of French premieres of recent UK movies. This year’s titles include Four Lions by Chris Morris, Mike Leigh’s Another Year and Neds, directed by Peter Mullan.
For more, click here.
Thursday 5 August 2010
Toronto announces line-up for 2010 festival
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its line-up for next month’s event, and a number of British directors are set to screen their films.
John Madden’s The Debt, which tells the story of three young Israeli Mossad agents on a secret mission to capture and kill a notorious Nazi war criminal in the Sixties, will premiere, alongside Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech, the real-life tale of how King George VI's attempted to overcome his nervous stammer upon taking to the throne. Mike Leigh’s Another Year and Stephen Frears’ Tamara Drewe, which both screened at Cannes, will have their North American premieres.
Richard Ayoade’s feature debut Submarine, a coming-of-age comedy drama, will be screened in the Special Presentations category, as will Rowan Joffe’s own first film, an adaptation of Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock. Nigel Cole’s Made in Dagenham, a dramatization of the 1968 strike by female workers at the Ford Dagenham car plant, and Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, will also screen, as will Kim Longinotto’s documentary Pink Saris.
Toronto Film Festival runs from 9 – 19 September 2010. For more, click here.
John Madden’s The Debt, which tells the story of three young Israeli Mossad agents on a secret mission to capture and kill a notorious Nazi war criminal in the Sixties, will premiere, alongside Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech, the real-life tale of how King George VI's attempted to overcome his nervous stammer upon taking to the throne. Mike Leigh’s Another Year and Stephen Frears’ Tamara Drewe, which both screened at Cannes, will have their North American premieres.
Richard Ayoade’s feature debut Submarine, a coming-of-age comedy drama, will be screened in the Special Presentations category, as will Rowan Joffe’s own first film, an adaptation of Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock. Nigel Cole’s Made in Dagenham, a dramatization of the 1968 strike by female workers at the Ford Dagenham car plant, and Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, will also screen, as will Kim Longinotto’s documentary Pink Saris.
Toronto Film Festival runs from 9 – 19 September 2010. For more, click here.
A Life in the Day for Kevin Macdonald
Published just before the date of filming, director Kevin Macdonald speaks to Cinematical about his role and expectations of Life in a Day, a user-generated film which will combine footage filmed on the same day from across the globe.
Read the interview here.
Read the interview here.
Thursday 22 July 2010
UK Film Council review shows record year for box office
The UK Film Council published its annual Statistical Yearbook today, with news that 2009 had been a record year at the box office. £944 million was taken across British cinemas, with 174 million visits overall, the highest number since 2002. As the review states, 2009 was the year cinema bucked the recession.
The rise of 3D and, in particular, Avatar were widely responsible for the unparalleled level of income generated, with James Cameron’s film generating more in 3D takings alone than the total gross of any other 2009 film. Closer to home, three UK films in particular enjoyed success last year, with David Yates’ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes coming second, fifth and eighth respectively in a list of the highest-grossing films in the UK and Ireland.
Regarding film production, the UK spend of inward investment films reached £753 million, the highest on record, while the total UK spend of £957 million was, after 2003, the second best year on record. However, the median budget of UK domestic films fell slightly, from £1.7 million to £1.5 million, whilst the number of domestic features released reduced from 77 in 2008 to 71.
"Low budget independent production is a tough business - it always has been," said UK Film Council Chief Executive John Woodward. But he also conceded that getting smaller, independent films off the ground here in the UK was becoming increasingly difficult, due both to the global economic problems and the "the increasingly tough transition from the analogue to the digital age".
After tax relief, the biggest public contributions to the British film industry came from Lottery funding and grant-in-aid from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. With public spending very much in the spotlight at present and a spending review expected in October, the film industry will hope these sources continue to invest at a similar level.
To read the UK Film Council Statistical Yearbook, click here.
The rise of 3D and, in particular, Avatar were widely responsible for the unparalleled level of income generated, with James Cameron’s film generating more in 3D takings alone than the total gross of any other 2009 film. Closer to home, three UK films in particular enjoyed success last year, with David Yates’ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes coming second, fifth and eighth respectively in a list of the highest-grossing films in the UK and Ireland.
Regarding film production, the UK spend of inward investment films reached £753 million, the highest on record, while the total UK spend of £957 million was, after 2003, the second best year on record. However, the median budget of UK domestic films fell slightly, from £1.7 million to £1.5 million, whilst the number of domestic features released reduced from 77 in 2008 to 71.
"Low budget independent production is a tough business - it always has been," said UK Film Council Chief Executive John Woodward. But he also conceded that getting smaller, independent films off the ground here in the UK was becoming increasingly difficult, due both to the global economic problems and the "the increasingly tough transition from the analogue to the digital age".
After tax relief, the biggest public contributions to the British film industry came from Lottery funding and grant-in-aid from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. With public spending very much in the spotlight at present and a spending review expected in October, the film industry will hope these sources continue to invest at a similar level.
To read the UK Film Council Statistical Yearbook, click here.
Monday 19 July 2010
Horror helmers give new life to the genre
British horror is making something of a comeback it seems, a fact not missed by the Guardian website this morning.
Joe Cornish, one half of comedy duo Adam and Joe, is directing his first feature Attack the Block, which will share producers with horror hit Shaun of the Dead. Meanwhile Hammer Films, the studio synonymous with British horror in the Sixties and Seventies, is on the comeback trail after a thirty year break from the genre, with a slate of productions that includes a 3D version of The Woman in Black.
The adaptation of the hit West End play will be directed by James Watkins, whose previous credits include the similarly chilling My Little Eye and Eden Lake. The Guardian credits Watkins’ work in the genre as key to its renewed success, along with the likes of Danny Boyle (28 Days Later), Neil Marshall (The Descent) and Christopher Smith (Creep).
To read the article, click here.
Joe Cornish, one half of comedy duo Adam and Joe, is directing his first feature Attack the Block, which will share producers with horror hit Shaun of the Dead. Meanwhile Hammer Films, the studio synonymous with British horror in the Sixties and Seventies, is on the comeback trail after a thirty year break from the genre, with a slate of productions that includes a 3D version of The Woman in Black.
The adaptation of the hit West End play will be directed by James Watkins, whose previous credits include the similarly chilling My Little Eye and Eden Lake. The Guardian credits Watkins’ work in the genre as key to its renewed success, along with the likes of Danny Boyle (28 Days Later), Neil Marshall (The Descent) and Christopher Smith (Creep).
To read the article, click here.
Friday 16 July 2010
DCMS announces Structural Reform Plan
Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced provisional details of the DCMS Structural Reform Plan, which will set out the department’s priorities from now until 2013.
Amongst the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s plans include a new Communications Bill – although not until 2012 at the earliest – and a reduced role for the regulating body Ofcom. Also included was the proposed launch of new local television stations in the summer of 2012, and the implementation of Europe’s leading universal and superfast broadband.
The government will also begin negotiating the terms of a new licence fee for the BBC, which is due to occur between July 2011-April 2012.
For more click here and here.
Amongst the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s plans include a new Communications Bill – although not until 2012 at the earliest – and a reduced role for the regulating body Ofcom. Also included was the proposed launch of new local television stations in the summer of 2012, and the implementation of Europe’s leading universal and superfast broadband.
The government will also begin negotiating the terms of a new licence fee for the BBC, which is due to occur between July 2011-April 2012.
For more click here and here.
Thursday 15 July 2010
Directors UK at the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival
Directors UK is hosting a panel session at this year's Rushes Soho Shorts Festival, which takes place from 21-31st July.
The session is entitled The Future of Short Film – are shorts becoming longer?, and will see a panel discuss what's next for the short film. The discussion will be chaired by Directors UK Board member Tim Sullivan, and the panel includes Tom Harper, director of Scouting Book for Boys, BAFTA nominated director Corinna Faith and BBC New Directors Award winner Martin Gooch.
It's being held at the Apple Store on Regent Street on Wednesday 28th July, from 5-6pm. It's free to attend, so why not come along?
The session is entitled The Future of Short Film – are shorts becoming longer?, and will see a panel discuss what's next for the short film. The discussion will be chaired by Directors UK Board member Tim Sullivan, and the panel includes Tom Harper, director of Scouting Book for Boys, BAFTA nominated director Corinna Faith and BBC New Directors Award winner Martin Gooch.
It's being held at the Apple Store on Regent Street on Wednesday 28th July, from 5-6pm. It's free to attend, so why not come along?
Bruce Webb's Film The Be All and End All for Karlovy Vary judges
Monday 12 July 2010
Cooke’s sloth film leaves viewers greedy for more
Lucy Cooke’s short film about her trip to a Costa Rican sloth orphanage has been a huge viral hit, with The Guardian picking up on her success on their website.
Cooke posted a 90-second clip about the sloths on the video platform Vimeo, and then spread the word via Facebook and Twitter. The film’s popularity was staggering, with 1 million views in the first ten days, and garnering praise on the Twitter pages of Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross.
The Guardian describe Cooke’s success as “just the kind of person that this year’s [Sheffield Doc/Fest] competition is hoping to attract”, with Cooke advising entrants to the festival to "choose a popular subject – look online at what videos and what subjects go viral".
For more, click here.
Cooke posted a 90-second clip about the sloths on the video platform Vimeo, and then spread the word via Facebook and Twitter. The film’s popularity was staggering, with 1 million views in the first ten days, and garnering praise on the Twitter pages of Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross.
The Guardian describe Cooke’s success as “just the kind of person that this year’s [Sheffield Doc/Fest] competition is hoping to attract”, with Cooke advising entrants to the festival to "choose a popular subject – look online at what videos and what subjects go viral".
For more, click here.
Friday 9 July 2010
Emmy nominations: another good year for the Brits
The Emmy nominations were announced yesterday in Los Angeles, and once again UK television more than held its own.
A number of programmes and people from Britain found themselves in the running for an award, with directors proving no exception. In Nonfiction Programming British directors’ work led the way, with Bill Jones and Ben Timlett nominated for their work on Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut). Dan Reed is also in the running, thanks to his direction on the BAFTA-winning Terror in Mumbai.
In the Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special category, British director Mick Jackson was nominated for his work on Temple Grandin, a biopic about an autistic woman who becomes a leading scientist. Richard Loncraine also had reason to celebrate, as his film The Special Relationship was nominated for the Outstanding Made for Television Movie award.
Outside of direction, Dame Judi Dench and Jonathan Pryce were both nominated for their performances in Cranford. Sir Ian McKellen (The Prisoner), Dame Maggie Smith (Capturing Mary), Sir Patrick Stewart (Hamlet), Sir Michael Gambon (Emma) and Hugh Laurie (House) are also all up for awards.
For more, click here.
A number of programmes and people from Britain found themselves in the running for an award, with directors proving no exception. In Nonfiction Programming British directors’ work led the way, with Bill Jones and Ben Timlett nominated for their work on Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut). Dan Reed is also in the running, thanks to his direction on the BAFTA-winning Terror in Mumbai.
In the Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special category, British director Mick Jackson was nominated for his work on Temple Grandin, a biopic about an autistic woman who becomes a leading scientist. Richard Loncraine also had reason to celebrate, as his film The Special Relationship was nominated for the Outstanding Made for Television Movie award.
Outside of direction, Dame Judi Dench and Jonathan Pryce were both nominated for their performances in Cranford. Sir Ian McKellen (The Prisoner), Dame Maggie Smith (Capturing Mary), Sir Patrick Stewart (Hamlet), Sir Michael Gambon (Emma) and Hugh Laurie (House) are also all up for awards.
For more, click here.
Macdonald to direct "user-generated documentary"
British directors Kevin Macdonald and Ridley Scott are teaming up with YouTube to create “a user-generated documentary”.
The film, which will be directed by Macdonald and produced by Scott, is to consist of footage filmed by YouTube users on July 24th 2010. Macdonald will then compile the best of the footage into the final film, with the filmmakers contributing to the finished article being credited as co-directors.
The film, entitled Life in a Day, will have its world premiere at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. For more, click here.
The film, which will be directed by Macdonald and produced by Scott, is to consist of footage filmed by YouTube users on July 24th 2010. Macdonald will then compile the best of the footage into the final film, with the filmmakers contributing to the finished article being credited as co-directors.
The film, entitled Life in a Day, will have its world premiere at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. For more, click here.
Belgium's EU Presidency to focus on film
Belgium has promised to prioritise discussion on cinema now it has began its presidency of the EU, with particular focus on national and regional film subsidies.
Each nation within the EU takes over the EU Council Presidency for a spell of six months, with Belgium beginning theirs on 1st July. Film policy under its stewardship was on the agenda at a three-day conference held in Mons last weekend.
"We want to discuss moving from a Cinema Communication document that concentrates on production aid to one that encompasses more broadly and exhaustively all the types of aid that we judge to be legitimate and necessary when it comes to the creation, production and promotion of European cinema," said Frederic Delcor, head of Belgium's French community government cinema center.
For more on this story, click here.
Each nation within the EU takes over the EU Council Presidency for a spell of six months, with Belgium beginning theirs on 1st July. Film policy under its stewardship was on the agenda at a three-day conference held in Mons last weekend.
"We want to discuss moving from a Cinema Communication document that concentrates on production aid to one that encompasses more broadly and exhaustively all the types of aid that we judge to be legitimate and necessary when it comes to the creation, production and promotion of European cinema," said Frederic Delcor, head of Belgium's French community government cinema center.
For more on this story, click here.
Wednesday 30 June 2010
Pawel Pawlikoski awarded 2010 MEDIA European Talent Prize
Director Pawel Pawlikowski received the 2010 MEDIA European Talent Prize at the last Cannes Film Festival, for his film Sister of Mercy.
The prize was given by Culture Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou who described the film as a “truly European work”.
Pawlikowski, whose previous credits include the critically-acclaimed My Summer of Love, is a director of Polish origin who lives in the United Kingdom. The annual MEDIA European Talent Prize is given to filmmakers with an outstanding European potential. For more, click here.
The prize was given by Culture Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou who described the film as a “truly European work”.
Pawlikowski, whose previous credits include the critically-acclaimed My Summer of Love, is a director of Polish origin who lives in the United Kingdom. The annual MEDIA European Talent Prize is given to filmmakers with an outstanding European potential. For more, click here.
Tuesday 29 June 2010
Ofcom publishes product placement proposals
This week Ofcom announced its proposals for the introduction of product placement on UK television screens.
Ofcom was given the go-ahead to begin making revisions to the broadcasting code under the Labour government in April, paving the way for the implementation of product placement.
It is now beginning its final consultation, after proposing to allow placement in drama, sports and light entertainment programming but excluding it from children's programmes, religious shows and current affairs. Ofcom has also suggested displaying symbols at the start and end of programmes containing product placement.
What's your view on product placement? Do you think other genres should be included or exempt from it? Are the proposed symbols adequate warning, or are they in fact unnecessary, or insufficient?
Click here to read more on the consultation.
Ofcom was given the go-ahead to begin making revisions to the broadcasting code under the Labour government in April, paving the way for the implementation of product placement.
It is now beginning its final consultation, after proposing to allow placement in drama, sports and light entertainment programming but excluding it from children's programmes, religious shows and current affairs. Ofcom has also suggested displaying symbols at the start and end of programmes containing product placement.
What's your view on product placement? Do you think other genres should be included or exempt from it? Are the proposed symbols adequate warning, or are they in fact unnecessary, or insufficient?
Click here to read more on the consultation.
Monday 28 June 2010
Skeletons wins Michael Powell award at Edinburgh Film Festival
Nick Whitfield’s Skeletons was recognised by judges as the best new British feature at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year, taking home the prestigious Michael Powell Award on Saturday night.
Skeletons, which has been described as a quirky ghost comedy, was victorious because it "exemplifies the spirit of Michael Powell in its original vision and dark humor”, according to the jury. Previous winners include Shane Meadows (for Somers Town) and Duncan Jones (Moon).
Other award winners included Ryan Piers Williams’s Dry Land, which won Best International Feature, while Gareth Edwards picked up this year's new directors award for his film Monsters. Laura Poitras won the Best Documentary award for The Oath.
Directors UK would like to congratulate all those nominated at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. For more on this story, click here.
28th June 2010
Skeletons, which has been described as a quirky ghost comedy, was victorious because it "exemplifies the spirit of Michael Powell in its original vision and dark humor”, according to the jury. Previous winners include Shane Meadows (for Somers Town) and Duncan Jones (Moon).
Other award winners included Ryan Piers Williams’s Dry Land, which won Best International Feature, while Gareth Edwards picked up this year's new directors award for his film Monsters. Laura Poitras won the Best Documentary award for The Oath.
Directors UK would like to congratulate all those nominated at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. For more on this story, click here.
28th June 2010
Justin Hardy reveals the Untold Battle of Trafalgar
Director Justin Hardy talked with the Daily Telegraph recently about his upcoming programme, The Untold Battle of Trafalgar.
The drama-documentary reveals that almost 10 per cent of Nelson’s sailors were foreigners lured in by huge rewards, and is being broadcast as part of Channel 4's Bloody Foreigners series, which "highlights the role played by foreigners at crucial moments in British history".
Click here to read more.
The drama-documentary reveals that almost 10 per cent of Nelson’s sailors were foreigners lured in by huge rewards, and is being broadcast as part of Channel 4's Bloody Foreigners series, which "highlights the role played by foreigners at crucial moments in British history".
Click here to read more.
Friday 25 June 2010
US makes plans for IP protection, and Hackford responds to Viacom court defeat
The US government has for the first time announced a strategic plan on intellectual property enforcement, in an attempt to better coordinate efforts to tackle piracy.
Vice-president Joe Biden, along with Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Victoria Espinol, released their report and recommendations for a new approach to ensuring the protection of intellectual property, including cooperating with foreign governments to go after foreign-based pirate sites.
"To state it very bluntly, piracy hurts," Vice President Biden said at the press conference on Tuesday. "It hurts our economy, our health and our safety." Meanwhile, Espinel, who was appointed by President Obama last year, sent out a warning to pirates, stating: "We have committed to putting you out of business”.
The announcement came in the same week Google won its court battle with media conglomerate Viacom, which claimed the Internet giant was guilty of copyright infringement through its video-sharing website YouTube.
Google argued successfully that YouTube was protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Viacom called the ruling “fundamentally flawed” in a statement, whilst Directors Guild of America president Taylor Hackford expressed his concern too. “We fear that the precedent established in this ruling, if not overturned by the appeals court, could result in a drastic rising tide of Internet theft that could decimate our members’ livelihoods”, Hackford stated yesterday.
For more on the US Administration's piracy crackdown, click here. To read the full statement from Taylor Hackford, click here.
Vice-president Joe Biden, along with Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Victoria Espinol, released their report and recommendations for a new approach to ensuring the protection of intellectual property, including cooperating with foreign governments to go after foreign-based pirate sites.
"To state it very bluntly, piracy hurts," Vice President Biden said at the press conference on Tuesday. "It hurts our economy, our health and our safety." Meanwhile, Espinel, who was appointed by President Obama last year, sent out a warning to pirates, stating: "We have committed to putting you out of business”.
The announcement came in the same week Google won its court battle with media conglomerate Viacom, which claimed the Internet giant was guilty of copyright infringement through its video-sharing website YouTube.
Google argued successfully that YouTube was protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Viacom called the ruling “fundamentally flawed” in a statement, whilst Directors Guild of America president Taylor Hackford expressed his concern too. “We fear that the precedent established in this ruling, if not overturned by the appeals court, could result in a drastic rising tide of Internet theft that could decimate our members’ livelihoods”, Hackford stated yesterday.
For more on the US Administration's piracy crackdown, click here. To read the full statement from Taylor Hackford, click here.
Thursday 24 June 2010
Government discards plans for BFI and UK Film Council merger
Culture minister Ed Vaizey has confirmed that plans formed by the previous government to merge BFI and the UK Film Council have been abandoned.
As previously reported, Vaizey announced he intends “to reassess fundamentally how the government supports film in this country... to make sure every pound of public money we spend gives maximum benefit."
John Woodward, CEO of the UK Film Council, was pleased that the emergency Budget this week made no mention of cuts to film funding, but said, “only when we get past October's public spending review will we know the full picture for public funding for film over the next few years."
The DCMS is to reduce spending by 25% or more over the next four years, which could mean cuts to the UKFC's Grant-in-Aid funding. About 60% of its Grant-in-Aid funding goes to the BFI.
For more, visit the IFTN website here
As previously reported, Vaizey announced he intends “to reassess fundamentally how the government supports film in this country... to make sure every pound of public money we spend gives maximum benefit."
John Woodward, CEO of the UK Film Council, was pleased that the emergency Budget this week made no mention of cuts to film funding, but said, “only when we get past October's public spending review will we know the full picture for public funding for film over the next few years."
The DCMS is to reduce spending by 25% or more over the next four years, which could mean cuts to the UKFC's Grant-in-Aid funding. About 60% of its Grant-in-Aid funding goes to the BFI.
For more, visit the IFTN website here
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
Director, producer writer and cinematographer Ronald Neame died on Friday 18th June, at the age of 99.
Born in 1911, Ronald’s career in film spanned over seven decades, and saw him work with some of the most famous names in cinema history. His father, Elwin Neame, was a film director, and his mother, Ivy Close, starred in films such as Abel Gance's La Roue. Ronald started his employment in cinema at Britain’s famous Elstree Studios in the 1920s, where he worked a number of jobs before becoming assistant cameraman to Alfred Hitchcock on the first British “talkie”, Blackmail.
Ronald then moved into cinematography in the 1930s, going on to work with Powell and Pressburger on One of Our Aircraft is Missing (for which he received one of his three Oscar nominations) and Noel Coward and David Lean (For Which We Serve). He maintained a working relationship with Lean for a few years, co-writing and co-producing two of Lean’s most revered and renowned works, Great Expectations and Brief Encounters, before the two fell out after Lean replaced him as director on The Passionate Friend.
Ronald Neame began directing in 1947 with Take My Life, and was prolific in this role throughout the 1950s and 60s. As a director he worked with several acting greats, including Alec Guinness on numerous occasions, Gregory Peck (The Million Pound Note), John Mills (Tunes of Glory), Judy Garland (I Could Go On Singing), David Niven (Prudence and the Pill), and many more besides.
His direction on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie earned Maggie Smith an Oscar win (1969), whilst his version of Scrooge won Albert Finney a Golden Globe (1970). However, he is perhaps best known for directing the disaster movie The Poseidon Adventure, which was a box office smash in 1973, making twice as much money as the second highest-grossing film that year (Deliverance).
He was formerly married to Beryl Heanley from 1932 until they divorced in 1973. They had one son together, producer Christopher Neame. Since 1993, Ronald had been married to Donna Friedberg. He was awarded the Commander of the British Empire in 1996.
Born in 1911, Ronald’s career in film spanned over seven decades, and saw him work with some of the most famous names in cinema history. His father, Elwin Neame, was a film director, and his mother, Ivy Close, starred in films such as Abel Gance's La Roue. Ronald started his employment in cinema at Britain’s famous Elstree Studios in the 1920s, where he worked a number of jobs before becoming assistant cameraman to Alfred Hitchcock on the first British “talkie”, Blackmail.
Ronald then moved into cinematography in the 1930s, going on to work with Powell and Pressburger on One of Our Aircraft is Missing (for which he received one of his three Oscar nominations) and Noel Coward and David Lean (For Which We Serve). He maintained a working relationship with Lean for a few years, co-writing and co-producing two of Lean’s most revered and renowned works, Great Expectations and Brief Encounters, before the two fell out after Lean replaced him as director on The Passionate Friend.
Ronald Neame began directing in 1947 with Take My Life, and was prolific in this role throughout the 1950s and 60s. As a director he worked with several acting greats, including Alec Guinness on numerous occasions, Gregory Peck (The Million Pound Note), John Mills (Tunes of Glory), Judy Garland (I Could Go On Singing), David Niven (Prudence and the Pill), and many more besides.
His direction on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie earned Maggie Smith an Oscar win (1969), whilst his version of Scrooge won Albert Finney a Golden Globe (1970). However, he is perhaps best known for directing the disaster movie The Poseidon Adventure, which was a box office smash in 1973, making twice as much money as the second highest-grossing film that year (Deliverance).
He was formerly married to Beryl Heanley from 1932 until they divorced in 1973. They had one son together, producer Christopher Neame. Since 1993, Ronald had been married to Donna Friedberg. He was awarded the Commander of the British Empire in 1996.
Friday 18 June 2010
Government cuts funding to BFI Film Centre
Plans for a new BFI Film Centre on London’s Southbank were dealt a huge blow yesterday, as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced they were withdrawing the £45 million funding originally promised by the previous government. The cut is part of £73million of savings announced by the DCMS as further contribution to reducing the national deficit.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for the Creative Industries, conceded that the withdrawal was “obviously disappointing”, but said in a statement, “I want to make sure that we are supporting the film industry so that it is ready for the challenges it will face in the decade to come, and that we make sure every pound of public money we spend gives the maximum benefit.”
The BFI had announced its intentions of building the Centre last year, with plans for five cinema screens, spaces for exhibitions and research facilities at a cost of £166 million in total. The organisation released a statement yesterday saying the cut had been anticipated, and that it was committed to continuing the project.
A further £2.5 million is also being removed by the DCMS from a BFI project to improve digital access to its extensive archive. But the government will still fund the creation of a new film store to safeguard the National Film Archive.
The BFI said it was "relieved that vital monies to save the BFI National Collections are secure”, but was concerned that film was "bearing the brunt" of the cuts. "Over 50% of the department's cuts that have been announced are coming from film”, according to the organisation.
It was also revealed that Ed Vaizey will undertake a reassessment of government support for film, including the impact of National Lottery funding and film tax relief, although it is understood that neither will be affected financially by this.
Roger Michell, Chair of Directors UK Film Group commented: “We deeply regret the cuts that have been announced, but understand that the Arts in general, and Film in particular, cannot be exempted from the forthcoming onslaught upon public spending. However, as a major new report published by Oxford Economics last week makes abundantly clear, the UK film industry contributes a total of over £4.5 billion a year to UK GDP and more than £1.2 billion to the exchequer, and that, crucially, every £1 invested through the Tax Credit system generates an extra £13 in GDP."
"As Ed Vaizey commented at the time, "this report is evidence of how important British film is - to our economy as well as promoting our cultural life, our identity and diversity on the international stage", and we trust that he will be mindful of these conclusions when making his assessment of our industry and particularly the tax credit. We need and expect him to be a strong and compelling voice on our behalf in Cabinet and at the Treasury.”
To read more from the DCMS, click here, and here to read the BFI statement.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for the Creative Industries, conceded that the withdrawal was “obviously disappointing”, but said in a statement, “I want to make sure that we are supporting the film industry so that it is ready for the challenges it will face in the decade to come, and that we make sure every pound of public money we spend gives the maximum benefit.”
The BFI had announced its intentions of building the Centre last year, with plans for five cinema screens, spaces for exhibitions and research facilities at a cost of £166 million in total. The organisation released a statement yesterday saying the cut had been anticipated, and that it was committed to continuing the project.
A further £2.5 million is also being removed by the DCMS from a BFI project to improve digital access to its extensive archive. But the government will still fund the creation of a new film store to safeguard the National Film Archive.
The BFI said it was "relieved that vital monies to save the BFI National Collections are secure”, but was concerned that film was "bearing the brunt" of the cuts. "Over 50% of the department's cuts that have been announced are coming from film”, according to the organisation.
It was also revealed that Ed Vaizey will undertake a reassessment of government support for film, including the impact of National Lottery funding and film tax relief, although it is understood that neither will be affected financially by this.
Roger Michell, Chair of Directors UK Film Group commented: “We deeply regret the cuts that have been announced, but understand that the Arts in general, and Film in particular, cannot be exempted from the forthcoming onslaught upon public spending. However, as a major new report published by Oxford Economics last week makes abundantly clear, the UK film industry contributes a total of over £4.5 billion a year to UK GDP and more than £1.2 billion to the exchequer, and that, crucially, every £1 invested through the Tax Credit system generates an extra £13 in GDP."
"As Ed Vaizey commented at the time, "this report is evidence of how important British film is - to our economy as well as promoting our cultural life, our identity and diversity on the international stage", and we trust that he will be mindful of these conclusions when making his assessment of our industry and particularly the tax credit. We need and expect him to be a strong and compelling voice on our behalf in Cabinet and at the Treasury.”
To read more from the DCMS, click here, and here to read the BFI statement.
Thursday 17 June 2010
Directors Boyle, Daldry and Hamilton join Olympics 2012 creative team
Oscar winner Danny Boyle has been announced as the Artistic Director of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. Stephen Daldry, another Oscar-winner, will executive produce, alongside BAFTA and Grammy-nominated director Hamish Hamilton and two others.
Boyle, who won the Best Director and Best Feature Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire in 2009, said he was “honoured” to be asked. He described the role as a "unique opportunity to contribute to what I'm sure are going to be a fantastic Games".
For more on this story, click here.
Boyle, who won the Best Director and Best Feature Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire in 2009, said he was “honoured” to be asked. He described the role as a "unique opportunity to contribute to what I'm sure are going to be a fantastic Games".
For more on this story, click here.
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Edinburgh Film Festival kicks off today
Edinburgh International Film Festival gets underway today, and the Telegraph has picked out its five to watch this year. Two of which are from Great Britain - Mr Nice, directed by Bernard Rose and Hattie Dalton’s Third Star - whilst another two come from Irish directors (Shimmy Marcus’s Soul Boy and Karl Golden’s Pelican Blood).
Meanwhile, over at Variety, there is a list of the films (and directors) in the running for the festival’s prestigious Michael Powell Award. Nominees include Ashley Horner’s brilliantlove, Paul Andrew Williams’ Cherry Tree Lane and Nick Moran’s The Kid.
Meanwhile, over at Variety, there is a list of the films (and directors) in the running for the festival’s prestigious Michael Powell Award. Nominees include Ashley Horner’s brilliantlove, Paul Andrew Williams’ Cherry Tree Lane and Nick Moran’s The Kid.
Monday 14 June 2010
Directors UK members invited to LFS events this summer
Directors UK members have been offered tickets to some great events taking place at London Film School this week and beyond.
For more details, click here (you will need your login details: if you don't have yours, please contact the Directors UK office).
For more details, click here (you will need your login details: if you don't have yours, please contact the Directors UK office).
Marking makes impression on pupils with Afghan Star
Director Havana Marking was interviewed on the Guardian website this morning, speaking about her experience of participating in a Filmclub screening and Q & A.
Marking’s award-winning documentary Afghan Star, based on the Afghanistan version of X Factor, was shown to 150 11-12 year-old children at a school in Kilburn, London. “The kids didn't ask anything about me as a filmmaker”, Marking said. “They were completely swept up in the characters – they asked how Setara felt, why she did things like take off her headscarf and dance, which is really the point”.
Filmclub was founded by the director Beeban Kidron and the journalist Lindsay Mackie to give children greater access to cinema. Its current Behind the Headlines series focuses on films about countries making news, including Afghan Star, Iraq In Fragments, Hotel Rwanda, Burma VJ, and Persepolis. To read more from Havana, or about Filmclub, click here.
Marking’s award-winning documentary Afghan Star, based on the Afghanistan version of X Factor, was shown to 150 11-12 year-old children at a school in Kilburn, London. “The kids didn't ask anything about me as a filmmaker”, Marking said. “They were completely swept up in the characters – they asked how Setara felt, why she did things like take off her headscarf and dance, which is really the point”.
Filmclub was founded by the director Beeban Kidron and the journalist Lindsay Mackie to give children greater access to cinema. Its current Behind the Headlines series focuses on films about countries making news, including Afghan Star, Iraq In Fragments, Hotel Rwanda, Burma VJ, and Persepolis. To read more from Havana, or about Filmclub, click here.
Vaizey to examine kids’ television amidst fears for its future
Ed Vaizey promised last week to review children’s television funding, according to The Guardian website. There has been rising concern for a while that the current spending on new productions for Britain’s kids is inadequate, with around £50m a year less is being invested now compared with 2004.
ITV has “virtually withdrawn” from investing in new children’s content, whilst the BBC’s plan to increase CBBC and CBeebies spending by £10 million a year from 2013 has been deemed insufficient by some. To read the article, click here.
ITV has “virtually withdrawn” from investing in new children’s content, whilst the BBC’s plan to increase CBBC and CBeebies spending by £10 million a year from 2013 has been deemed insufficient by some. To read the article, click here.
Friday 11 June 2010
Directors UK announces new CEO
Directors UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Chowns as its new CEO. He will be joining Directors UK on 1st September 2010.
Andrew is currently Chief Operating Officer and Director of Business Affairs at PACT, the UK trade association representing and promoting the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, digital, children's and animation media companies. In his role as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Business Affairs, Andrew Chowns was responsible for overseeing the terms of trade with broadcasters, negotiations with unions and collecting societies and other major business affairs matters.
Andrew said of his appointment: “It is a great time to be joining Directors UK as it builds on its new position as the professional body for directors and as a major collecting society.
I want to help Directors UK and its members to play a leading role in the future of creative industries and to continue to work to improve the conditions and the influence of directors in the UK.”
Andrew replaces Suzan Dormer who has been CEO of both Directors UK and before it the Directors and Producers Rights Society (DPRS). Paul Unwin, Chair of the TV Fiction committee and Directors UK Board Member said of the outgoing CEO: “Over the last twenty years directors – both in TV and film – have had their position eroded. Suzan Dormer has often been a lone voice fighting for directors’ rights. First at DPRS and then at Directors UK she has been tireless and our thanks go out to her.”
For more on Andrew’s appointment, and to read comments from Chairman Charles Sturridge and President Paul Greengrass, click here. To read the Broadcast article, click here.
Andrew is currently Chief Operating Officer and Director of Business Affairs at PACT, the UK trade association representing and promoting the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, digital, children's and animation media companies. In his role as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Business Affairs, Andrew Chowns was responsible for overseeing the terms of trade with broadcasters, negotiations with unions and collecting societies and other major business affairs matters.
Andrew said of his appointment: “It is a great time to be joining Directors UK as it builds on its new position as the professional body for directors and as a major collecting society.
I want to help Directors UK and its members to play a leading role in the future of creative industries and to continue to work to improve the conditions and the influence of directors in the UK.”
Andrew replaces Suzan Dormer who has been CEO of both Directors UK and before it the Directors and Producers Rights Society (DPRS). Paul Unwin, Chair of the TV Fiction committee and Directors UK Board Member said of the outgoing CEO: “Over the last twenty years directors – both in TV and film – have had their position eroded. Suzan Dormer has often been a lone voice fighting for directors’ rights. First at DPRS and then at Directors UK she has been tireless and our thanks go out to her.”
For more on Andrew’s appointment, and to read comments from Chairman Charles Sturridge and President Paul Greengrass, click here. To read the Broadcast article, click here.
UK television dominates Rose d’Or once more
UK programmes have made a big impression on the Rose d’Or judges yet again, earning a staggering 48 nominations in total in the prestigious, global television awards.
The United Kingdom dominates across many of the categories, not least in Sitcom, where nine of the ten nominations are from here. Matt Lipsey’s Psychoville, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin’s Outnumbered: Christmas Special and BAFTA-winning The Inbetweeners, directed by Ben Palmer, are all in the running for the award.
The UK was similarly unstoppable in the Comedy category, with another nine nominations making that shortlist too. Facejacker, directed by Kayvan Novak and Ed Tracy, The Kevin Bishop Show, which had Dominic Brigstocke and Elliot Hegarty as its directors, and another recent BAFTA winner - The Armstrong and Miller Show, also directed by Dominic Brigstocke – are just some of the nominees.
There are seven programmes from the United Kingdom up for the Reality and Factual Entertainment award, including One Born Every Minute – another BAFTA winner, with direction from James House, Emma Tutty and Lisa Smith – and Coach Trip, directed by Keely van Dyke. The UK also has four nominations in Drama and Mini Series, with yet another BAFTA winner Misfits – which included Tom Harper, Tom Green and Amanda Harper as its directors – competing with the likes of Richard Laxton’s An Englishman in New York and Royal Wedding, by director James Griffiths.
Directors UK would like to congratulate all those who have been nominated for a Rose d’Or award. The award ceremony will be held at the Rose d'Or Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland, which runs from September 18 to 22. For a full list of nominations, please click here.
The United Kingdom dominates across many of the categories, not least in Sitcom, where nine of the ten nominations are from here. Matt Lipsey’s Psychoville, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin’s Outnumbered: Christmas Special and BAFTA-winning The Inbetweeners, directed by Ben Palmer, are all in the running for the award.
The UK was similarly unstoppable in the Comedy category, with another nine nominations making that shortlist too. Facejacker, directed by Kayvan Novak and Ed Tracy, The Kevin Bishop Show, which had Dominic Brigstocke and Elliot Hegarty as its directors, and another recent BAFTA winner - The Armstrong and Miller Show, also directed by Dominic Brigstocke – are just some of the nominees.
There are seven programmes from the United Kingdom up for the Reality and Factual Entertainment award, including One Born Every Minute – another BAFTA winner, with direction from James House, Emma Tutty and Lisa Smith – and Coach Trip, directed by Keely van Dyke. The UK also has four nominations in Drama and Mini Series, with yet another BAFTA winner Misfits – which included Tom Harper, Tom Green and Amanda Harper as its directors – competing with the likes of Richard Laxton’s An Englishman in New York and Royal Wedding, by director James Griffiths.
Directors UK would like to congratulate all those who have been nominated for a Rose d’Or award. The award ceremony will be held at the Rose d'Or Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland, which runs from September 18 to 22. For a full list of nominations, please click here.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
UK Film Industry contributes over £4.5 billion a year to economy, research shows
According to major new research commissioned by the UK Film Council, the film industry contributes more £4.5 billion a year to the UK GDP, over £1.2 billion to the Exchequer and is responsible for supporting 100,000 jobs.
The research, which was undertaken by independent organisation Oxford Economics, proves the value both economically and culturally of UK film to the nation as a whole, and identifies the significance of tax relief to the health of the sector.
You can read the report here. To read a more detailed summary from Directors UK, please visit our website.
The research, which was undertaken by independent organisation Oxford Economics, proves the value both economically and culturally of UK film to the nation as a whole, and identifies the significance of tax relief to the health of the sector.
You can read the report here. To read a more detailed summary from Directors UK, please visit our website.
Online Movie Week in the UK
This week is Online Movie Week in the UK, and VoD website Blinkbox is allowing film fans the chance to stream the likes of Avatar and Sherlock Holmes from now until 13th June.
Full Stream Ahead is offering visitors £20 worth of credit to spend at Blinkbox, in an attempt to halt the practice of the illegal downloading and filesharing of films. It has the backing of Hollywood film studios, and comes after research showed that a major reason for unlawful filesharing sites was that internet users were unable to find the content elsewhere. It is also supported by the BFI and the UK Film Council.
To access your £20 credit, please click here.
Full Stream Ahead is offering visitors £20 worth of credit to spend at Blinkbox, in an attempt to halt the practice of the illegal downloading and filesharing of films. It has the backing of Hollywood film studios, and comes after research showed that a major reason for unlawful filesharing sites was that internet users were unable to find the content elsewhere. It is also supported by the BFI and the UK Film Council.
To access your £20 credit, please click here.
Misfits and The Unloved find approval at BAFTAs
Misfits, The Unloved and Wounded were amongst the winners at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards, which were held on Sunday at the London Palladium. Inside Nature's Giants, Britain's Got Talent and EastEnders also picked up awards on the night.
To read a full report of the awards, visit our website
To read a full report of the awards, visit our website
Deadline for Encounters Festival approaching
The 16th Encounters International Short Film Festival, which takes place between 16-21 November 2010, will stop accepting submissions on the 30th June.
Whilst the standard entry rate has gone up to £25 per submission, the festival is still offering the reduced rate of £15 for digitally submitted films via YouSendIt, and if you are submitting 2 or more there are heavily reduced rates.
For further information visit their website or contact info@encounters-festival.org.uk.
Whilst the standard entry rate has gone up to £25 per submission, the festival is still offering the reduced rate of £15 for digitally submitted films via YouSendIt, and if you are submitting 2 or more there are heavily reduced rates.
For further information visit their website or contact info@encounters-festival.org.uk.
Monday 7 June 2010
Abigail Priddle directs Make Me a New Face: Hope for Africa's Hidden Children
Director Abigail Priddle recently travelled to Africa with Ben Fogle for her film Make Me a New Face: Hope for Africa's Hidden Children. She sent us the following details:
In 2008, Ben Fogle caught a flesh-eating disease called Leishmaniasis which, if untreated, would have destroyed his face. In this film, Ben investigates a sickness that's far worse but virtually unheard of - Noma, which eats away the faces of thousands of Africa's poorest children. Up to ninety percent of Noma victims die, while survivors are left terribly disfigured.
Ben journeys to Ethiopia, where he meets three children whose lives have been blighted by this terrible disease: teenager Rashid, forced to hide his face in public; Asnake, aged 11, whose misshapen mouth makes him dribble constantly; and 10-year-old Mestikma, abandoned by her family because of her deformity.
Ben watches as visiting surgeons carry out amazing transformative surgery. A month later, he returns to Ethiopia to visit the recovering patients. For them, a new face means a new life.
Make Me a New Face: Hope for Africa's Hidden Children has received numerous positive reviews, and is broadcast on BBC2 Wednesday 9th June at 9pm
In 2008, Ben Fogle caught a flesh-eating disease called Leishmaniasis which, if untreated, would have destroyed his face. In this film, Ben investigates a sickness that's far worse but virtually unheard of - Noma, which eats away the faces of thousands of Africa's poorest children. Up to ninety percent of Noma victims die, while survivors are left terribly disfigured.
Ben journeys to Ethiopia, where he meets three children whose lives have been blighted by this terrible disease: teenager Rashid, forced to hide his face in public; Asnake, aged 11, whose misshapen mouth makes him dribble constantly; and 10-year-old Mestikma, abandoned by her family because of her deformity.
Ben watches as visiting surgeons carry out amazing transformative surgery. A month later, he returns to Ethiopia to visit the recovering patients. For them, a new face means a new life.
Make Me a New Face: Hope for Africa's Hidden Children has received numerous positive reviews, and is broadcast on BBC2 Wednesday 9th June at 9pm
Watch two new works from Martin Gooch
Martin Gooch got in touch to tell us he recently completed work on a music video for Will Kevans, which stars Russell Tovey and can be seen here.
He also wrote, directed and starred in a short film based on the Cannes Film Festival, called The Dream Eater. You can see it here. If you've directed any new works recently, in whatever medium, we'd love to hear from you.
He also wrote, directed and starred in a short film based on the Cannes Film Festival, called The Dream Eater. You can see it here. If you've directed any new works recently, in whatever medium, we'd love to hear from you.
Friday 4 June 2010
Good ideas welcome at Good Pitch UK
Applications to Good Pitch UK are open from now until Monday 28th June.
According to the BritDoc website, which is involved in running it here in the UK, "the Good Pitch brings together inspiring social-purpose film projects and a group of expert participants from charities, foundations, brands and media to form powerful alliances around groundbreaking films."
The 2010 event is the second edition of the session, which is held on September 7th. Read more here
According to the BritDoc website, which is involved in running it here in the UK, "the Good Pitch brings together inspiring social-purpose film projects and a group of expert participants from charities, foundations, brands and media to form powerful alliances around groundbreaking films."
The 2010 event is the second edition of the session, which is held on September 7th. Read more here
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Edinburgh announces line-up for 2010
The Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced its line-up for 2010, and having rebranded itself “the festival of discovery”, includes pictures from a number of first and second-time filmmakers.
EIFF kicks off on June 16, and will screen 22 world premieres, including debut features by directors Ben Miller (Huge) and Hattie Dalton (Third Star), and the latest film from London to Brighton director Paul Andrew Williams (Cherry Tree Lane). There is also a retrospective of “lost” British films from the Sixties and Seventies, with Stephen Frears’ debut Gumshoe, Ken Russell’s Savage Messiah and Horace Ove’s Pressure, the first British film by a black director, all screening.
In all, the festival will screen 21 new British films, along with several from more established directors from years gone by. Hannah Gill, the festival's artistic director, commented, ""It will be really interesting to have these new young directors around with Mike [Hodges], Stephen [Frears] and Sean Connery...it's different generations of British cinema."
For more information about the festival, please click here, or read the Guardian article here.
EIFF kicks off on June 16, and will screen 22 world premieres, including debut features by directors Ben Miller (Huge) and Hattie Dalton (Third Star), and the latest film from London to Brighton director Paul Andrew Williams (Cherry Tree Lane). There is also a retrospective of “lost” British films from the Sixties and Seventies, with Stephen Frears’ debut Gumshoe, Ken Russell’s Savage Messiah and Horace Ove’s Pressure, the first British film by a black director, all screening.
In all, the festival will screen 21 new British films, along with several from more established directors from years gone by. Hannah Gill, the festival's artistic director, commented, ""It will be really interesting to have these new young directors around with Mike [Hodges], Stephen [Frears] and Sean Connery...it's different generations of British cinema."
For more information about the festival, please click here, or read the Guardian article here.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
The Walking Wounded wins at the Celtic Media Festival
Stephen Bennett was awarded ‘Best Factual Single’ at the Celtic Media Festival for directing The Walking Wounded; an emotionally charged and uncompromising look at the experiences of young former soldiers struggling with PTSD as they adapt to civilian life.
Directors UK would like to congratulate him for this achievement. If you're a member and would like to share similar news with other members, please get in touch. For more on the awards, please click here.
Directors UK would like to congratulate him for this achievement. If you're a member and would like to share similar news with other members, please get in touch. For more on the awards, please click here.
Ofcom publishes draft Code of Practice for online copyright infringement
Ofcom has published the draft Code of Practice for the Online Infringement of Copyright, and is now seeking views from external parties as part of its consultation over the code’s content.
Ofcom was tasked with drawing up the code, which is expected to come into force at the start of 2011, after the Digital Economy Act was passed earlier this year. The code addresses provisions made in the Act regarding illegal file-sharing, which stated that internet users from the UK who illegally download films, music and TV programmes will have their details collected by internet service providers, and receive warning letters ordering them to cease. Any individual who receives three letters within the space of a year will have their details passed on to the owner of the copyrighted material they are accused of downloading, and may face legal action.
The move has received support from rights holders and creative groups but met with criticism from some ISPs and consumer groups.
To read more about the OFCOM Code of Practice click here and here. For more information about the Digital Economy Act, click here.
Ofcom was tasked with drawing up the code, which is expected to come into force at the start of 2011, after the Digital Economy Act was passed earlier this year. The code addresses provisions made in the Act regarding illegal file-sharing, which stated that internet users from the UK who illegally download films, music and TV programmes will have their details collected by internet service providers, and receive warning letters ordering them to cease. Any individual who receives three letters within the space of a year will have their details passed on to the owner of the copyrighted material they are accused of downloading, and may face legal action.
The move has received support from rights holders and creative groups but met with criticism from some ISPs and consumer groups.
To read more about the OFCOM Code of Practice click here and here. For more information about the Digital Economy Act, click here.
Applications for Sheffield Doc/Fest's MeetMarket now open
Applications for Sheffield Doc/Fest's MeetMarket are now open, and will remain so until Wednesday 1st September.
MeetMarket is described as "a pitching initiative designed to match documentary, factual and cross-platform makers' most innovative project ideas with UK and international buyers". Approximately 60 projects are to be picked to pitch, and there are no rules regarding a production's level of development.
Sheffield Doc/Fest is the UK's most renowned documentary festival, and takes place this year between 3-7 November. For more info, please click here.
MeetMarket is described as "a pitching initiative designed to match documentary, factual and cross-platform makers' most innovative project ideas with UK and international buyers". Approximately 60 projects are to be picked to pitch, and there are no rules regarding a production's level of development.
Sheffield Doc/Fest is the UK's most renowned documentary festival, and takes place this year between 3-7 November. For more info, please click here.
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Ireland's illegal filesharers could face internet ban
According to the BBC, the Irish government is taking measures to crack down on internet piracy, in a move that could see offenders banned from the web for a year.
Eircom, the nation's largest Internet Service Provider, has begun writing to those guilty of illegal file-sharing - with specific emphasis on those who share rather than simply download copyrighted material - requesting that they cease doing so, which will then be followed by further warnings if necessary. If after four warnings the individual is still persisting with illegal activities, they will be cut off for a year.
The BBC writes:
"It is the first nation to implement such a system. France is also planning to introduce a similar policy. UK watchdog Ofcom is due to publish its code of conduct for how UK ISPs should deal with net pirates later this week."
Read more here.
Eircom, the nation's largest Internet Service Provider, has begun writing to those guilty of illegal file-sharing - with specific emphasis on those who share rather than simply download copyrighted material - requesting that they cease doing so, which will then be followed by further warnings if necessary. If after four warnings the individual is still persisting with illegal activities, they will be cut off for a year.
The BBC writes:
"It is the first nation to implement such a system. France is also planning to introduce a similar policy. UK watchdog Ofcom is due to publish its code of conduct for how UK ISPs should deal with net pirates later this week."
Read more here.
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Iranian director Panahi released on bail
Jafar Panahi, the acclaimed Iranian director imprisoned for more than two months by his government, has been released on bail today. The director had been on hunger strike for over a week in protest at his arrest and subsequent incarceration.
A vocal critic of the Iranian regime, Panahi’s films portray everyday life in Iran, paying special attention to its women and their struggles in the conservative Islamic state. He is a previous recipient of the Camera d’Or at Cannes (for The White Balloon) and was invited to sit on the jury at this year’s festival. Instead, he was a symbolic guest of honour, and his detainment was criticised by award-winning actress Juliette Binoche in her acceptance speech at the festival’s closing ceremony.
According to the Iranian Culture Minister Mohammad Hosseini, Panahi was arrested for directing an “anti-regime” film about the disputed election result last year that saw President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reinstated under a cloud of controversy. He is one of thousands to have been detained as a result of the protests that followed, and although most have since been freed, a number were sentenced to lengthy prison spells, whilst two of those put on trial were executed.
A vocal critic of the Iranian regime, Panahi’s films portray everyday life in Iran, paying special attention to its women and their struggles in the conservative Islamic state. He is a previous recipient of the Camera d’Or at Cannes (for The White Balloon) and was invited to sit on the jury at this year’s festival. Instead, he was a symbolic guest of honour, and his detainment was criticised by award-winning actress Juliette Binoche in her acceptance speech at the festival’s closing ceremony.
According to the Iranian Culture Minister Mohammad Hosseini, Panahi was arrested for directing an “anti-regime” film about the disputed election result last year that saw President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reinstated under a cloud of controversy. He is one of thousands to have been detained as a result of the protests that followed, and although most have since been freed, a number were sentenced to lengthy prison spells, whilst two of those put on trial were executed.
Monday 24 May 2010
BBC4's night at the opera
The Opera Italia series kicks off on BBC4 tonight at 9pm with Beginnings, followed next week by Viva Verdi, and Flavia Rittner is responsible for directing both episodes.
The programme sees Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera, trace the history of Italian opera, and explore the central role it plays in the country's history and culture. For more info, click here.
The programme sees Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera, trace the history of Italian opera, and explore the central role it plays in the country's history and culture. For more info, click here.
A look at Longinotto's career in C21Media
C21Media recently published an article focussing on the career of acclaimed British filmmaker Kim Longinotto, chronicling her work so far and speaking to the director about her past and present projects.
Longinotto’s films, which include Rough Aunties and The Day I Will Never Forget, are renowned for speaking out about women’s issues across the globe, and latest documentary Pink Saris, which centres on a group of female vigilantes looking to bring greater social justice to India, is a good example of this.
The director spoke to C21Media about what attracted her to this project, how she is developing as a filmmaker and how she believes a director’s gender is having less influence on the films they make.
""Men are starting to make very sensitive, very beautiful films and women - like, say, Kathryn Bigelow - are making manly films. So maybe that question of gender is gradually becoming obsolete."
To read more, click here.
Longinotto’s films, which include Rough Aunties and The Day I Will Never Forget, are renowned for speaking out about women’s issues across the globe, and latest documentary Pink Saris, which centres on a group of female vigilantes looking to bring greater social justice to India, is a good example of this.
The director spoke to C21Media about what attracted her to this project, how she is developing as a filmmaker and how she believes a director’s gender is having less influence on the films they make.
""Men are starting to make very sensitive, very beautiful films and women - like, say, Kathryn Bigelow - are making manly films. So maybe that question of gender is gradually becoming obsolete."
To read more, click here.
Catch The Curse of the Hope Diamond tonight
The Curse of the Hope Diamond, which was directed by Mark Radice, is to be broadcast tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.
Filmed in Europe, India and the US, the documentary tells the story of the largest blue diamond in the world: its history, owners and infamous curse - and its mysterious physical properties, which include a red glow that has baffled scientists for decades.
For more info, click here. If you're a Directors UK member and would like to tell us about your recent project, why not get in touch?
Filmed in Europe, India and the US, the documentary tells the story of the largest blue diamond in the world: its history, owners and infamous curse - and its mysterious physical properties, which include a red glow that has baffled scientists for decades.
For more info, click here. If you're a Directors UK member and would like to tell us about your recent project, why not get in touch?
Thai film surprise recipient of 2010 Palme d’Or
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives was the winner of this year’s Palme d’Or – the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival – beating the favourite Another Year by British director Mike Leigh.
Uncle Boonmee..., directed by Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, is a supernatural drama which tells the story of a dying man visited by his deceased wife and missing son, who has taken the form of an ape.
Weerasethakul’s film had received mostly positive reviews, but was seen as an outsider to former Palme d’Or winner Leigh’s latest feature. Another Year, featuring long-time Leigh collaborators Jim Broadbent and Lesley Manville, was similarly lauded by Cannes’ critics, but lost out to the esteemed Thai director.
For all the other winners, please click here.
Uncle Boonmee..., directed by Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, is a supernatural drama which tells the story of a dying man visited by his deceased wife and missing son, who has taken the form of an ape.
Weerasethakul’s film had received mostly positive reviews, but was seen as an outsider to former Palme d’Or winner Leigh’s latest feature. Another Year, featuring long-time Leigh collaborators Jim Broadbent and Lesley Manville, was similarly lauded by Cannes’ critics, but lost out to the esteemed Thai director.
For all the other winners, please click here.
Martin wins with Mo and Forbes for The Force at the BAFTA Craft Awards
Directors Philip Martin and Patrick Forbes were celebrating last night, after triumphing at the prestigious BAFTA Television Craft Awards in London.
Martin was awarded Best Director (Fiction) for his work on Mo, the acclaimed drama starring Julie Walters as the late Mo Mowlam. He prevailed in a strong category that also featured James Hawes, for his work on Enid, Yann Demange, who was nominated for the second series of Criminal Justice, and Wallander director Aisling Walsh.
In Factual, Forbes secured the BAFTA for his direction on The Force, a three-part documentary on modern policing. Forbes beat off tough competition in his category too, with Nick Read (The Slumdog Children of Mumbai), Dan Reed (Dispatches: Terror in Mumbai) and Annabel Gillings (How the Earth Made Us: Water) also nominated.
Directors UK would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees at this year’s BAFTA Television Craft Awards. For a full list of winners, click here.
Martin was awarded Best Director (Fiction) for his work on Mo, the acclaimed drama starring Julie Walters as the late Mo Mowlam. He prevailed in a strong category that also featured James Hawes, for his work on Enid, Yann Demange, who was nominated for the second series of Criminal Justice, and Wallander director Aisling Walsh.
In Factual, Forbes secured the BAFTA for his direction on The Force, a three-part documentary on modern policing. Forbes beat off tough competition in his category too, with Nick Read (The Slumdog Children of Mumbai), Dan Reed (Dispatches: Terror in Mumbai) and Annabel Gillings (How the Earth Made Us: Water) also nominated.
Directors UK would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees at this year’s BAFTA Television Craft Awards. For a full list of winners, click here.
Friday 21 May 2010
Dispatches documentary-making at its best, says Guardian
The latest episode of Dispatches, The Lost Children of South Africa has been praised by The Guardian website today, as a stand-out episode in what the writer calls an impressive, “heart-rending” series.
This week’s film has been made by director Brian Woods’ company True Vision, and the episode directed by his wife Deborah Shipley. What was commissioned as a World Cup-related film developed into a shocking and moving tale of young school girls living in fear of abuse.
It was reported at the start of 2010 that Channel 4 would be cutting back on the number of episodes of Dispatches it produce, although new chief executive David Abraham is currently considering future programming. The Guardian called the documentary “a good example of the drive to inform, alive and kicking, that harks back to Channel 4's founding principles, when it vowed to back committed documentary makers”.
This week’s film has been made by director Brian Woods’ company True Vision, and the episode directed by his wife Deborah Shipley. What was commissioned as a World Cup-related film developed into a shocking and moving tale of young school girls living in fear of abuse.
It was reported at the start of 2010 that Channel 4 would be cutting back on the number of episodes of Dispatches it produce, although new chief executive David Abraham is currently considering future programming. The Guardian called the documentary “a good example of the drive to inform, alive and kicking, that harks back to Channel 4's founding principles, when it vowed to back committed documentary makers”.
Cuts coming say Conservatives, but culture no "soft target"
Jeremy Hunt gave his first public speech since taking over as culture secretary, and though he conceded spending cuts were necessary, “culture will not be a soft target”.
Hunt delivered his speech at the Roundhouse in London, in front of an audience of invited guests from various quangos, museums, theatres and arts organisations. He announced that a larger portion of lottery profits will be allocated to the arts, but that probable cuts would result in a gap in spending next year.
Meanwhile, there is speculation on website The Knowledge that the new coalition government – albeit one which has only Conservatives in the DCMS – may look to limit Ofcom’s role, and review the Digital Economy Bill.
Read more here and here.
Hunt delivered his speech at the Roundhouse in London, in front of an audience of invited guests from various quangos, museums, theatres and arts organisations. He announced that a larger portion of lottery profits will be allocated to the arts, but that probable cuts would result in a gap in spending next year.
Meanwhile, there is speculation on website The Knowledge that the new coalition government – albeit one which has only Conservatives in the DCMS – may look to limit Ofcom’s role, and review the Digital Economy Bill.
Read more here and here.
Tuesday 18 May 2010
TV leads the way in piracy fight, according to The Economist
Two interesting article appeared in The Economist last month, detailing the impact of piracy on television compared to film and music.
Whilst piracy is similarly rife in all three industries, and the availability of torrents for popular shows such as Lost widespread, The Economist believes measures taken by the television industry – such as broadcasting shows to foreign audiences faster, and embracing services like Hulu - coupled with the nature of the medium in comparison to film and music, means there is cause for (cautious) optimism for the future.
The article also notes that, unlike with film, audiences have often already paid for programmes through subscription services such as Sky, so have no need to watch illegally. “Television has”, according to The Economist, “endured because it has responded better to such threats than other media businesses...and other outfits are learning from [it]”.
Read more here and here.
Whilst piracy is similarly rife in all three industries, and the availability of torrents for popular shows such as Lost widespread, The Economist believes measures taken by the television industry – such as broadcasting shows to foreign audiences faster, and embracing services like Hulu - coupled with the nature of the medium in comparison to film and music, means there is cause for (cautious) optimism for the future.
The article also notes that, unlike with film, audiences have often already paid for programmes through subscription services such as Sky, so have no need to watch illegally. “Television has”, according to The Economist, “endured because it has responded better to such threats than other media businesses...and other outfits are learning from [it]”.
Read more here and here.
Candid at Cannes: Frears and Walker speak about their new films
Two articles and interviews with two very different British directors showing films at this year’s Cannes appeared in the press today.
Firstly, Stephen Frears spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about his latest film Tamara Drewe, which had its debut screening at the festival (out of competition). Frears talks about how he took Tamara Drewe from the pages of The Guardian to the big screen, and what it is people love about British films.
"What people really like about British film is the loonies on screen. Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, maybe John Cleese -- that's what people like in British films, the dottiness...It's good, because personally I have dottiness in spades." (More here
In The Times, documentary-maker Lucy Walker gives an interview about her shocking new film Countdown to Zero. The doc, which explores the threat of nuclear warfare facing the world today, features interviews with a notorious nuclear smuggler from Russia now in a Georgian prison, and Walker explains how she managed to gain access.
" To get into the prison, she had to spend many nights in the bars and restaurants of Tbilisi, drinking wine out of animal horns and making endless toasts about things she couldn’t understand, and can’t remember, with Georgia’s nuclear investigators and top cops. “Drinking in Georgia goes on all night long until people start falling over,” she notes."
Read the rest of the article here.
Firstly, Stephen Frears spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about his latest film Tamara Drewe, which had its debut screening at the festival (out of competition). Frears talks about how he took Tamara Drewe from the pages of The Guardian to the big screen, and what it is people love about British films.
"What people really like about British film is the loonies on screen. Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, maybe John Cleese -- that's what people like in British films, the dottiness...It's good, because personally I have dottiness in spades." (More here
In The Times, documentary-maker Lucy Walker gives an interview about her shocking new film Countdown to Zero. The doc, which explores the threat of nuclear warfare facing the world today, features interviews with a notorious nuclear smuggler from Russia now in a Georgian prison, and Walker explains how she managed to gain access.
" To get into the prison, she had to spend many nights in the bars and restaurants of Tbilisi, drinking wine out of animal horns and making endless toasts about things she couldn’t understand, and can’t remember, with Georgia’s nuclear investigators and top cops. “Drinking in Georgia goes on all night long until people start falling over,” she notes."
Read the rest of the article here.
Monday 17 May 2010
Landis and Fiennes show two sides of British cinema
A tale of two filmmakers appeared in the press over the weekend, with American John Landis and Brit Sophie Fiennes recounting differing experiences of the UK film industry.
Whilst Landis struggled to get Hollywood to finance any of his films, he found British indies were more receptive, "because they still take risks and make interesting movies." Landis was offered the opportunity to remake Burke and Hare, which is released later this year.
Fiennes’s experience was less satisfying however, with the director unable to secure British funding for her documentary Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow, which is now at Cannes. She instead turned to France and the Netherlands, and said in an interview, “there is nowhere to go in Britain”.
Read more here and here.
Whilst Landis struggled to get Hollywood to finance any of his films, he found British indies were more receptive, "because they still take risks and make interesting movies." Landis was offered the opportunity to remake Burke and Hare, which is released later this year.
Fiennes’s experience was less satisfying however, with the director unable to secure British funding for her documentary Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow, which is now at Cannes. She instead turned to France and the Netherlands, and said in an interview, “there is nowhere to go in Britain”.
Read more here and here.
Thursday 13 May 2010
Jeremy Hunt appointed as Culture Secretary
Jeremy Hunt has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport.
Mr Hunt, who is a member of the Conservative party, takes over from Labour's Ben Bradshaw.
In an interview on the DCMS website, Mr Hunt spoke of his delight at taking on the role - having previously held the same position in the Shadow cabinet - and gave his views on the creative sector.
“Our sectors – particularly creative industries, culture and tourism – are vital elements in the UK’s economic recovery. I know there is an incredible appetite for change across the country and I want the department to be at the forefront of making it happen.”
More here.
Mr Hunt, who is a member of the Conservative party, takes over from Labour's Ben Bradshaw.
In an interview on the DCMS website, Mr Hunt spoke of his delight at taking on the role - having previously held the same position in the Shadow cabinet - and gave his views on the creative sector.
“Our sectors – particularly creative industries, culture and tourism – are vital elements in the UK’s economic recovery. I know there is an incredible appetite for change across the country and I want the department to be at the forefront of making it happen.”
More here.
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Julie Noon documents Tobacco's Child Workers
Channel 4's Unreported World is renowned for uncovering global issues that would otherwise go unnoticed, and this week the series focuses on the illegal employment of Malawian children in the tobacco industry.
Julie Noon, the director of Tobacco's Child Workers travelled to the impoverished African country with reporter Jenny Kleeman, to discover how children as young as three are producing tobacco, which is then bought by British tobacco companies and smoked by British smokers. Julie sent us some pictures from her time filming there, which we are including here.
Tobacco's Child Workers is broadcast at 7:35pm on Friday 14th May. Click here to find out more. If you've directed a programme you'd like to tell us about, please get in touch.
Julie Noon, the director of Tobacco's Child Workers travelled to the impoverished African country with reporter Jenny Kleeman, to discover how children as young as three are producing tobacco, which is then bought by British tobacco companies and smoked by British smokers. Julie sent us some pictures from her time filming there, which we are including here.
Tobacco's Child Workers is broadcast at 7:35pm on Friday 14th May. Click here to find out more. If you've directed a programme you'd like to tell us about, please get in touch.
Slumdog success, but who are the Millionaires?
Just how British is Robin Hood? Or Slumdog Millionaire? The Independent explores the issue today in an article that reveals the relationship between British productions and the American money that funds them.
The feature, which includes an interview with director J Blakeson, deconstructs the distribution of profits from co-pros such as Slumdog..., and what it is that constitutes a "British film".
Blakeson, whose film The Disappearance of Alice Creed is in cinemas now, said: "We just have lots of little companies: producers rarely actually make any money. British film technicians often work on blockbusters to pay the mortgage, then British films for fun."
Read more here.
The feature, which includes an interview with director J Blakeson, deconstructs the distribution of profits from co-pros such as Slumdog..., and what it is that constitutes a "British film".
Blakeson, whose film The Disappearance of Alice Creed is in cinemas now, said: "We just have lots of little companies: producers rarely actually make any money. British film technicians often work on blockbusters to pay the mortgage, then British films for fun."
Read more here.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Director Ben Anthony on mental health doc
BBC4 is to broadcast a new documentary following three people that have been sectioned for mental health reasons, and MediaGuardian today spoke to its director.
The programme, entitled Sectioned, has been described as "groundbreaking" for its subject manner, and for the access the programme-makers were able to obtain. Ben Anthony, the director, speaks in the interview about how they secured the consent of the three individuals battling with mental illness, and his reasons for making the show.
"It was a big issue because obviously people with mental health problems that are so ill they are around a hospital environment, the question was about do they have the capability to understand? With people as vulnerable as this we have to be especially careful."
Sectioned is broadcast on Wednesday 19th May. To read the full article, click here.
The programme, entitled Sectioned, has been described as "groundbreaking" for its subject manner, and for the access the programme-makers were able to obtain. Ben Anthony, the director, speaks in the interview about how they secured the consent of the three individuals battling with mental illness, and his reasons for making the show.
"It was a big issue because obviously people with mental health problems that are so ill they are around a hospital environment, the question was about do they have the capability to understand? With people as vulnerable as this we have to be especially careful."
Sectioned is broadcast on Wednesday 19th May. To read the full article, click here.
Monday 10 May 2010
Directors UK seek Part-time Events and Sponsorship Organiser
Directors UK is seeking to appoint a PART-TIME EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIP ORGANISER.
Directors UK is the organisation representing the interests of film and television directors in the UK. The role involves devising and organising a programme of events for Directors UK members e.g. socials, screenings and workshops and where appropriate seeking sponsorship for these activities.
This appointment is for 3 days a week (or equivalent hours) to be flexible as necessary and will require some evening work. Salary: £14,000 pa. The initial contract period is 6 months.
To apply please send a covering letter and a full CV by email to recruitment@directors.uk.com. The closing date for applications is Friday 28th May.
Directors UK is the organisation representing the interests of film and television directors in the UK. The role involves devising and organising a programme of events for Directors UK members e.g. socials, screenings and workshops and where appropriate seeking sponsorship for these activities.
This appointment is for 3 days a week (or equivalent hours) to be flexible as necessary and will require some evening work. Salary: £14,000 pa. The initial contract period is 6 months.
To apply please send a covering letter and a full CV by email to recruitment@directors.uk.com. The closing date for applications is Friday 28th May.
BAFTA nominations in for 2010 Television Awards
The nominations for the 2010 BAFTA Television Awards were announced this morning, with a wealth of big names and big talent recognised by the academy.
Dramas such as The Street, A Short Stay in Switzerland and Occupation are all up for awards, whilst in Factual the likes of Yellowstone and Katie: My Beautiful Face are amongst the nominees.
For a more in-depth look at this year's nominations, visit our website.
Dramas such as The Street, A Short Stay in Switzerland and Occupation are all up for awards, whilst in Factual the likes of Yellowstone and Katie: My Beautiful Face are amongst the nominees.
For a more in-depth look at this year's nominations, visit our website.
The Auteurs looks forward to best of British
Neil Young, writer for online publication The Auteurs, has listed the twenty most-anticipated British films for the rest of 2010.
As Young states, the list is of course subjective, but it highlights the wealth of British talent currently making films, from experienced heads such as Mike Leigh, to the less familiar, like Clio Bernard.
See the list here and let us know which of them you're most looking forward to.
As Young states, the list is of course subjective, but it highlights the wealth of British talent currently making films, from experienced heads such as Mike Leigh, to the less familiar, like Clio Bernard.
See the list here and let us know which of them you're most looking forward to.
Thursday 6 May 2010
C21 directing season continues with Burma VJ
Part 2 in C21 Media's focus on documentary directors was published today, with the attention shifting to Danish director Anders Østergaard's struggle to make the Oscar-nominated Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country.
In an interview with the online publication, Østergaard talks about the difficulties of obtaining footage from such a restricted place, and how despite not filming large chunks of the film, he was still very much the director.
"There's a big element of re-enactment involved in this, which was very much organised and scripted. We are following Joshua in Thailand in re-enacted scenes. We have a number of telephone conversations that are re-enacted, although with real people, and they are reliving things that they actually went through. So to me it's as directed as anything else I've done.".
Read more here.
In an interview with the online publication, Østergaard talks about the difficulties of obtaining footage from such a restricted place, and how despite not filming large chunks of the film, he was still very much the director.
"There's a big element of re-enactment involved in this, which was very much organised and scripted. We are following Joshua in Thailand in re-enacted scenes. We have a number of telephone conversations that are re-enacted, although with real people, and they are reliving things that they actually went through. So to me it's as directed as anything else I've done.".
Read more here.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Film4 funds more
Some welcome news for British cinema today, as Film4 announced it is increasing its film financing budget by 20%.
Film4, the production and financing company owned by Channel 4, has a budget of £10 million for 2010, and films from the likes of Danny Boyle, Chris Morris and debut director Paddy Considine are all set to benefit.
Tessa Ross, the controller of both Film4 and Channel 4, said in a statement:
"Film has always been in the DNA of Channel 4, but this added protection, through the extended remit, comes at a time when this significant part of our British culture is in particular need of protection.
"To be able to commit an extra £2 million each year to filmmakers and to work that we care about gives us all great hope for the future."
Click here for more.
Film4, the production and financing company owned by Channel 4, has a budget of £10 million for 2010, and films from the likes of Danny Boyle, Chris Morris and debut director Paddy Considine are all set to benefit.
Tessa Ross, the controller of both Film4 and Channel 4, said in a statement:
"Film has always been in the DNA of Channel 4, but this added protection, through the extended remit, comes at a time when this significant part of our British culture is in particular need of protection.
"To be able to commit an extra £2 million each year to filmmakers and to work that we care about gives us all great hope for the future."
Click here for more.
Tuesday 4 May 2010
C21 Media begins season on documentary filmmakers
C21 Media is dedicating a season to documentary directors, in which it profiles and interviews some of the most important filmmakers working in the field today. It also highlights some of the difficulties facing directors making documentaries in the present climate, and how they have dealt with problems of funding, access and more besides.
The season began with a study into how, increasingly, documentaries are moving away from the conventional format and looking to other genres to tell stories. Thrillers such as The Bourne Identity and the James Bond movies are influencing how directors think about their documentaries, with James Marsh's "heist thriller" Man on Wire used as an example of how this new approach can bring success.
The article includes interviews with Rick Goldsmith (co-director, The Most Dangerous Man In America: Daniel Ellsberg And The Pentagon Papers), Oscar-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos (The Cove) and others too.
Click here to read what is a fascinating article.
The season began with a study into how, increasingly, documentaries are moving away from the conventional format and looking to other genres to tell stories. Thrillers such as The Bourne Identity and the James Bond movies are influencing how directors think about their documentaries, with James Marsh's "heist thriller" Man on Wire used as an example of how this new approach can bring success.
The article includes interviews with Rick Goldsmith (co-director, The Most Dangerous Man In America: Daniel Ellsberg And The Pentagon Papers), Oscar-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos (The Cove) and others too.
Click here to read what is a fascinating article.
Friday 30 April 2010
Deadlines for Grierson and Rose d'Or entries confirmed
Directors can now enter their programmes for this year's Grierson Awards, and the Rose d'Or Award too.
The Grierson 2010 British Documentary Awards accept entries until 1st June 2010, and have a range of categories available. Click here for further details.
The Rose d'Or, known as "the festival for entertainment television programming" and held in Switzerland, will accept programmes up until May 14th. Further details can be found here.
The Grierson 2010 British Documentary Awards accept entries until 1st June 2010, and have a range of categories available. Click here for further details.
The Rose d'Or, known as "the festival for entertainment television programming" and held in Switzerland, will accept programmes up until May 14th. Further details can be found here.
Creative industries create column inches in press
A number of Britain's most established directors have put their name to a letter expressing gratitude for what they see as a "significant and valuable impact" the Labour government has had on the UK's film industry.
The letter, signed by the likes of Paul Greengrass, Gurinder Chadha and Danny Boyle, was published in today's Guardian, and highlights how through tax relief and financial support, the British film industry is now "a global success story". The paper also published an article drawing attention to the letter here.
In a separate letter published in The Times, the CEO of UK Music Feargal Sharkey expressed his belief that the creative industries - and those who work in them - need support through "straightforward and affordable actions" if they are to continue to thrive in the UK.
The letter, signed by the likes of Paul Greengrass, Gurinder Chadha and Danny Boyle, was published in today's Guardian, and highlights how through tax relief and financial support, the British film industry is now "a global success story". The paper also published an article drawing attention to the letter here.
In a separate letter published in The Times, the CEO of UK Music Feargal Sharkey expressed his belief that the creative industries - and those who work in them - need support through "straightforward and affordable actions" if they are to continue to thrive in the UK.
Thursday 29 April 2010
Ridley talks Robin in Telegraph interview
An interview with British director Ridley Scott was published on the Daily Telegraph website today.
In it, Scott talks about his latest blockbuster Robin Hood, his relationship with the film's star Russell Crowe, and how he found the transition from advertisements to film.
“English advertising was in its heyday and it was influencing everything. We – Alan Parker, Adrian Lyne, then my brother Tony five years later --- were doing huge commercials and I think they honestly influenced the way films were cut and the way films looked. I’d done a couple of thousand of them by the time I did my first film and I thought, 'Wow, that was easy.’”
Read the whole thing here.
In it, Scott talks about his latest blockbuster Robin Hood, his relationship with the film's star Russell Crowe, and how he found the transition from advertisements to film.
“English advertising was in its heyday and it was influencing everything. We – Alan Parker, Adrian Lyne, then my brother Tony five years later --- were doing huge commercials and I think they honestly influenced the way films were cut and the way films looked. I’d done a couple of thousand of them by the time I did my first film and I thought, 'Wow, that was easy.’”
Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Nominations for Best Directors announced in BAFTA Craft Awards
A number of Directors UK members had reason to celebrate last night, as the nominations for the BAFTA Television Craft Awards were announced.
The Director categories, which are split into Fiction and Factual, are as ever highly competitive, with nominations for four directors in each field. In Fiction, James Hawes (Enid), Yann Demange (Criminal Justice), Philip Martin (Mo) and Aisling Walsh (Wallander: The Fifth Woman) will compete, whilst in Factual Patrick Forbes (The Force), Annabel Gillings (How Earth Made Us: Water), Nick Read (The Slumdog Children of Mumbai) and Dan Reed (Dispatches: Terror in Mumbai) are in the running.
In other categories, Channel 4's dark trilogy Red Riding picked up seven nominations, whilst there is a special award for Coronation Street's Production Team, as the soap celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
For a full list of nominations, click here.
The Director categories, which are split into Fiction and Factual, are as ever highly competitive, with nominations for four directors in each field. In Fiction, James Hawes (Enid), Yann Demange (Criminal Justice), Philip Martin (Mo) and Aisling Walsh (Wallander: The Fifth Woman) will compete, whilst in Factual Patrick Forbes (The Force), Annabel Gillings (How Earth Made Us: Water), Nick Read (The Slumdog Children of Mumbai) and Dan Reed (Dispatches: Terror in Mumbai) are in the running.
In other categories, Channel 4's dark trilogy Red Riding picked up seven nominations, whilst there is a special award for Coronation Street's Production Team, as the soap celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
For a full list of nominations, click here.
Endemol choose Buenos Aires over Britain for Total Wipeout
The Sunday Times interviewed Endemol boss Ynon Kreiz on the weekend, where they spoke about, among other things, how popular BBC gameshow Total Wipeout is produced in Argentina.
Their decision to film in Buenos Aires rather than Britain is down to a combination of weather-related and financial issues, but is slightly concerning for production staff back here in the UK.
The article also gives mention to the rise of "event" television and the decline of Big Brother in the UK.
Read more here.
Their decision to film in Buenos Aires rather than Britain is down to a combination of weather-related and financial issues, but is slightly concerning for production staff back here in the UK.
The article also gives mention to the rise of "event" television and the decline of Big Brother in the UK.
Read more here.
Leading directors urge voters to protect BBC at election
Some of Britain's most renowned film, television and theatre talent put their signatures to an open letter published in The Observer, to urge voters to consider the significance of the BBC on May 6th in the wake of what they describe as "attacks [on] the BBC to serve the interests of its commercial rivals" by opposition politicians.
Directors such as Stephen Frears, Stephen Merchant and Terry Jones signed the letter, which was published last Sunday (25th April). In response, David Cameron has claimed he is the "most pro-BBC Conservative leader" and that he would "never do anything to put the BBC at risk".
Read more here and here.
Directors such as Stephen Frears, Stephen Merchant and Terry Jones signed the letter, which was published last Sunday (25th April). In response, David Cameron has claimed he is the "most pro-BBC Conservative leader" and that he would "never do anything to put the BBC at risk".
Read more here and here.
Friday 23 April 2010
Neil Marshall and Kevin Macdonald take on the Roman Army
Two British directors are currently working on separate films based on the famous Roman Ninth Legion: Neil Marshall (The Descent) with Centurion and Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) with The Eagle of the Ninth.
The Guardian caught up with the two filmmakers to ask what attracted them to the subject of the Ancient Romans, and how they relocated the sword and sandals epic to British shores.
Read the article here.
The Guardian caught up with the two filmmakers to ask what attracted them to the subject of the Ancient Romans, and how they relocated the sword and sandals epic to British shores.
Read the article here.
Susanna White talks to Directors UK
After much success in television, BAFTA-winning director Susanna White recently made the transition from the small screen to the silver one, with the popular family movie Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
Having worked in a range of genres before - including period dramas (Bleak House), documentary (Forty Minutes) and an HBO war serial (Generation Kill) - we spoke to her about making yet another transition, and how she found the experience.
Read our interview with her here.
Having worked in a range of genres before - including period dramas (Bleak House), documentary (Forty Minutes) and an HBO war serial (Generation Kill) - we spoke to her about making yet another transition, and how she found the experience.
Read our interview with her here.
Welcome to the Directors UK blog
This is the first of what we hope will be many posts here on the Directors UK blog. We will use this site to share stories and issues affecting directors, along with interviews from across the web and from our own site too. We hope this blog will serve as a platform for discussion and we encourage responses to articles, so if you'd like to comment on any of the posts here we'd love to hear from you.
We are also keen to communicate with non-members here too, to further inform them about the craft of directing, and to (hopefully) provide an insight into the industry they work in. We of course welcome comments from too.
Directors are responsible for what audiences the world over see on their screens; if you want to find out more about the world they inhabit, then take a look around our blog.
For more information about Directors UK, visit our website, or follow us on Facebook.
We are also keen to communicate with non-members here too, to further inform them about the craft of directing, and to (hopefully) provide an insight into the industry they work in. We of course welcome comments from too.
Directors are responsible for what audiences the world over see on their screens; if you want to find out more about the world they inhabit, then take a look around our blog.
For more information about Directors UK, visit our website, or follow us on Facebook.
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