MarketSaw have revealed that Romero's Night of the Living Dead is to be reinvented in a 3D format.
In an exclusive interview on their blog with Greg Passmore of Passmore Lab in San Diego (2D to 3D conversion experts) they scooped all the details about the project.
"MarketSaw: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is one of my all time favorites! How did you come to the decision to convert NOLD to 3D?
GP: I really love the film Jim. When I started talking about it around the office, much to my surprise, I found lots of other people here who also love the film. It just seemed like a natural. Legend has, by far, the best copy and colorization of the film. I pestered Legend for months to get them to agree to let us do it.
We have found some strong interest in European distribution and maybe even limited theatrical in the US. Ultimately however, the film is destined primarily for home entertainment."
See the full interview at MarketSaw.
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Disney opt out for Narnia 3
Poor box office figures for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian has led to Disney bailing out of the third movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter Disney and Walden Media confirmed last Tuesday that Disney would not be co-producing or co-financing the next installment due to budgetary and logistical reasons.
Walden Media will now have to find a new partner if the Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is to get it's May 2010 release.
According to The Hollywood Reporter Disney and Walden Media confirmed last Tuesday that Disney would not be co-producing or co-financing the next installment due to budgetary and logistical reasons.
Walden Media will now have to find a new partner if the Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is to get it's May 2010 release.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Cinema Review
Our favourite zoo escapee’s return in another wild adventure as they find themselves marooned far away from home once again in this sequel to the 2005 animated comedy.
Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe are all set to leave Madagascar with King Julien, Maurice, the chimps and the Penguin crew in an old plane repaired by the not-quite capable flippers of the penguins.
Our misfit group manage to stay airborne just long enough to leave the island before they find themselves crash-landing in the plains of Africa. There they encounter lost friends and relatives and have to look deep inside themselves to rediscover their instincts and to learn who they really are.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is full of fun and is a great watch for all the family. It doesn’t quite live up to the standards of the first film but, few sequels do so it definitely doesn’t stop it being a brilliant movie.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Mock the Week Christmas special
On Tuesday 23 December, hit satirical panel show Mock The Week returns to BBC Two for a one-off Christmas special.
Regular comedy supremos Frankie Boyle, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons join host Dara O'Briain for a sparkling half hour show featuring their unique thoughts on the festive season as well as some favourite moments from the last series.
The Mock The Week regulars are joined for this special by a host of top comedy talent including Michael McIntyre, Ed Byrne, David Mitchell, Gina Yashere, Lauren Laverne, Stephen K Amos, Greg Davies and Lucy Porter.
Only on Mock The Week this Christmas will you find talk of Russell Howard being sucked into a black hole, Hugh Dennis yearning for a game of Battling Tops and Frankie Boyle being crowned King of the Daleks.
Look out for bemused Aussie comedian Adam Hills who valiantly tries to bring some Christmas joy to a programme devoid of Christmas decorations, apart, that is, from a miserable Scot with a blower from a cracker.
After six hugely successful series, it's the perfect time for a Mock The Week Christmas special.
Mock The Week was created by Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson, the creative force behind iconic improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? which ran for ten years on British TV before successfully transferring to the United States.
Mock The Week is produced for BBC Two by independent production company Angst Productions.
BBC Press Release
Regular comedy supremos Frankie Boyle, Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons join host Dara O'Briain for a sparkling half hour show featuring their unique thoughts on the festive season as well as some favourite moments from the last series.
The Mock The Week regulars are joined for this special by a host of top comedy talent including Michael McIntyre, Ed Byrne, David Mitchell, Gina Yashere, Lauren Laverne, Stephen K Amos, Greg Davies and Lucy Porter.
Only on Mock The Week this Christmas will you find talk of Russell Howard being sucked into a black hole, Hugh Dennis yearning for a game of Battling Tops and Frankie Boyle being crowned King of the Daleks.
Look out for bemused Aussie comedian Adam Hills who valiantly tries to bring some Christmas joy to a programme devoid of Christmas decorations, apart, that is, from a miserable Scot with a blower from a cracker.
After six hugely successful series, it's the perfect time for a Mock The Week Christmas special.
Mock The Week was created by Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson, the creative force behind iconic improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? which ran for ten years on British TV before successfully transferring to the United States.
Mock The Week is produced for BBC Two by independent production company Angst Productions.
BBC Press Release
Journalists welcomed into family courts
Press Gazette have reported that Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced that family courts will be opened up to journalists from next April in an attempt to make them more transparent.
This change will mean that journalists will be able to sit in on all divorce, custody and care proceedings unless stated otherwise but, will obviously be subjected to certain reporting restrictions.
Press Gazette writes: '"He told the Commons: "Many argue that the current provisions to safeguard privacy and confidentiality go too far - leaving family courts unfairly open to accusations of bias or even injustice."
"The overall effect of these changes will be fundamentally to increase the openness of family courts while protecting the privacy of children and vulnerable adults."'
This is a huge change for the journalism industry and for the family court environment, I'm sure a lot of people won't be happy about the proposal but, it does seem a good move towards letting the general public know more about what goes on in court.
This change will mean that journalists will be able to sit in on all divorce, custody and care proceedings unless stated otherwise but, will obviously be subjected to certain reporting restrictions.
Press Gazette writes: '"He told the Commons: "Many argue that the current provisions to safeguard privacy and confidentiality go too far - leaving family courts unfairly open to accusations of bias or even injustice."
"The overall effect of these changes will be fundamentally to increase the openness of family courts while protecting the privacy of children and vulnerable adults."'
This is a huge change for the journalism industry and for the family court environment, I'm sure a lot of people won't be happy about the proposal but, it does seem a good move towards letting the general public know more about what goes on in court.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Body of Lies Cinema Review
Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe star in terrorist action film ‘Body of Lies’ as CIA agents trailing an Al-Qaeda leader in the Middle East.
Ferris (DiCaprio) is the ground-agent in Jordan tracking the terrorists with his boss, Hoffman (Crowe), supposedly watching his back via satellite but, Ferris starts to wonder if Hoffman has his own agenda as things don’t quite go the way he is expecting.
Ferris seeks out the help of Jordanian intelligence officer Hani (Mark Strong), a man not to be messed with, to trap the dangerous Al-Qaeda leader but, Hoffman just doesn’t seem to want to stick to Hani’s rules which jeopardizes the whole operation and puts the relationship between the three men under great strain.
DiCaprio and Crowe give strong performances throughout, they work great on-screen together in their rocky relationship and they carry the film forward well.
Body of Lies, based on the novel by Washington Post journalist David Ignatius, is an interesting film with plenty of action throughout, although the plot is quite complicated it is easy enough to follow. However, it does seem just a little bit too long and gives the impression that if a few more scenes had been edited out then it would have created a far more exciting movie.
Ferris (DiCaprio) is the ground-agent in Jordan tracking the terrorists with his boss, Hoffman (Crowe), supposedly watching his back via satellite but, Ferris starts to wonder if Hoffman has his own agenda as things don’t quite go the way he is expecting.
Ferris seeks out the help of Jordanian intelligence officer Hani (Mark Strong), a man not to be messed with, to trap the dangerous Al-Qaeda leader but, Hoffman just doesn’t seem to want to stick to Hani’s rules which jeopardizes the whole operation and puts the relationship between the three men under great strain.
DiCaprio and Crowe give strong performances throughout, they work great on-screen together in their rocky relationship and they carry the film forward well.
Body of Lies, based on the novel by Washington Post journalist David Ignatius, is an interesting film with plenty of action throughout, although the plot is quite complicated it is easy enough to follow. However, it does seem just a little bit too long and gives the impression that if a few more scenes had been edited out then it would have created a far more exciting movie.
Monday, 8 December 2008
The Violent Screen
Critics say that violence in films is a bad influence, it teaches people that it is ok to use violence, it desensitises people to real life violence, it glamorises violence and encourages copy cat crimes. Arguments say that children are particularly influenced by what they watch in films and it affects their attitudes and behaviour.
Perhaps this is all just speculation because scientific studies have provided little concrete evidence to back up the hypothesis that violent films have negative effects.
It is worth us pausing for a moment to take a look at the kind of films that are categorised as violent. Website, Film School Rejects, provide us with the top ten violent movies of all time and the top ten ultra-violent movies of all time. The website comments about both categories as follows: Violence – “Just as a keg of beer needs a bung hole to relieve pressure, we need violent movies to relieve the pressures of everyday life.” And Ultra-Violence – “this list is all about the most shocking, bloody and unbelievable gut-wrenching cinematic adventures in the history of film. It’s not just about slashing up unsuspecting victims; it is about leaving a lasting imprint of terror in the minds of audiences…”
Their definition of ultra-violence does little to quash fears that violence in films is a negative experience and the films that appear in both lists probably don’t help either.
At number ten in the list of top violent films we have ‘The Godfather’ which tells the story of the head of an organised crime dynasty (the Italian Mafia) and provides the audience with violence a plenty. FSR writes: “If guns and garrotting aren’t enough to convince you ‘The Godfather’ belongs on this list, how about punch-outs of Sonny’s pregnant sister or mass killings simultaneously shot with the latest Corleone baptism.” And that film is the supposed mildest of the bunch as we work up to the likes of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ (1991), ‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994),’Reservoir Dogs’ (1992) and coming in at number one ‘Scarface’ (1983) which chronicles the life of a fictional Cuban refugee who arrives in Florida and becomes a gangster who finds himself rising and falling in the criminal underworld. FSR writes: “Bloody killings with a chainsaw, mass slaughter of authorities, other gangsters and just about anyone close at hand; weapons galore and Pacino’s immortal “Meet my li’l fren,” this 1982 Brian de Palma film with story by Oliver Stone, has enough violence to insure its place in cinema history.”
As if that wasn’t enough, wait until you see what turns up in our ultra-violent list. Number ten is given to ‘The Hills Have Eyes’(2006) which pushed the violence and gore even further than the 1977 Wes Craven original, with a family being stalked by a psychotic group of desert-dwellers. The list goes on to give us the likes of ‘Saw’ (2004), ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971) – interestingly this appears midway in both the violent and the ultra-violent list, ‘Hostel’ (2005) and coming in at number one ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (1974). FSR writes: “After more than 30 years, very few films can stand up against Tobe Hooper’s terrifying trip into the Texas countryside. Inspired by the killings of Ed Gein, this film was actually shot with the hopes of a PG rating. By avoiding on-screen blood and graphic horror, ‘Chainsaw’ became one of the most disturbing films to watch because your imagination did all the work.”
All the above mentioned are enough to make anyone cringe but, perhaps critics of such films are looking too much into things. These are, after all, just films, made with the intent to entertain the audience and to bring in the money. The makers of such films don’t set out with the objective to corrupt the minds of the viewers with the hope that they will be influenced enough to carry out their own mad murders, they just want to produce a good piece of film that will be remembered as a gripping cinematic experience.
Theories such as ‘the hypodermic needle model’, the ‘social-learning theory’ (Bandura 1973) and Berkowitz’s ‘priming aggression’ theory from the 1960’s, all suggest that audiences are influenced by violent cinema. Bandura’s theory goes as far to suggest that people watching their role models carrying out violent behaviour on screen can teach them to do the same. All such theories assume a great degree of passivity on the audience’s part. They fail to assess the ability of film fans to interpret the meanings behind the violence and to be able to comprehend that what they are seeing is not intended to make them think it is ok to go out and have a go themselves. These theorists would have us believe that we view films in a vegetative state, passively absorbing everything we see without processing or thinking about it whatsoever but, we know that’s not true. I would argue that few people leave the cinema without thinking about what they have just seen and perhaps questioning aspects of the film. As a modern audience, we also have a good understanding of the film-making process which makes it virtually impossible to take on board everything we see in a film. We understand, to some extent, what goes on behind the scenes and so levitate ourselves from the passive position we have been branded as having.
Professionals who work with children are often also quick to criticise the influence of violence on screen. Play development Officer Joanne feels that a combination of violent media exposure definitely has a negative effect on children and agrees with Bandura’s theory, to a certain extent, that watching heroes act out violence will influence children: “you know, children, they want to be like their heroes so they will copy the behaviour that they see their heroes doing... you hear of some of these crimes with samurai swords and things and that is definitely down to, sort of, scenes they’re watching on the telly so, yeah I think it is down to heroes and media and TV.”
Critics argue that viewing too much violence can cause people to be de-sensitised to real-life crimes but, Joanne raises a valid point about the theory: “I think a lot of streets in Britain today do have violence and kids are hanging around in gangs, so I do think those children are de-sensitised but, then other children, who may watch perhaps a violent movie, because of their family values and where they’re being brought up, I don’t think they are de-sensitised, so I really do think it is about a number of factors.”
Violent films are often blamed for supposed ‘copy-cat’ crimes. The murder of James Bulger in 1993 caused a stir as the film, ‘Child’s Play 3’ about Chucky the evil, possessed doll was blamed for the behaviour of the two boys that kidnapped James. Allegations were made that the murder resembled a scene from the film and it was assumed that because one of the boy’s fathers had recently rented the film, the boys must have watched it. However, it was later revealed that the boys hadn’t seen it and they didn’t even like horror films. So, ‘Child’s Play 3’ was off the hook despite tabloid newspaper, The Sun, launching a campaign to burn the ‘video nasties’.
As someone who works with children, Joanne doesn’t necessarily think that film violence causes copy-cat crimes: “I think children need to know the difference between right and wrong and, you know, I just think it’s just an excuse for their behaviour.”
A major issue with children viewing film violence is perhaps not the content of the film, which is obviously intended for an older audience but, the fact that these children are unsupervised and are gaining access to the aggressive content. When conducting my own research on the matter, I surveyed children on the types of films they are watching and was shocked to find that at ages 8-16, they had seen films like ‘The Exorcist’, ‘Saw’ and ‘The Boogeyman’, which are all intended for an older demographic.
Joanne has had first hand experience with this kind of situation: “I’ve also found that in the play centres I’ve worked with children aged 5 to 14 years but, if we had a film night, I can say that I’ve never seen an under 18 film come onto the play centre, they all just wanted the over 18s, particularly violence, which of course we could never play and yet these are children aged 5 to 14.”
A lot of the time, children are left unsupervised to view such content, meaning that they have no one to explain it to them and that for me is the real problem. We shouldn’t be blaming the films; certificates are there for a reason and it is a parent’s job to enforce them.
Moving back to violent films in general, we need to consider the creative aspects of them before we accuse film-makers of bombarding us with barbaric images. Let’s take Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction for example, which is packed with violence and gore pretty much from start to finish. To a critic, this would be damaging and would encourage aggression but, to anyone with a bit of film knowledge or an open mind, it is an innovative and gripping example of post-modern cinema. Pulp Fiction has an unconventional non-linear narrative and presents an ironic mix of violence and humour. It is a perfect example of how violent films shouldn’t be taken at face value. We must remember that violence in films is there to help tell the story and not as a piece of propaganda, it is part of everyday life and so should be able to be translated to the big screen.
Finally, why is film violence suddenly such an issue anyway when violence has been part of our story-telling culture for as far back as we can go? It can be traced right throughout history - from paintings, penny novels and theatre to the Bible and other such religious readings – and so is definitely no new occurrence or phenomenon.
Perhaps this is all just speculation because scientific studies have provided little concrete evidence to back up the hypothesis that violent films have negative effects.
It is worth us pausing for a moment to take a look at the kind of films that are categorised as violent. Website, Film School Rejects, provide us with the top ten violent movies of all time and the top ten ultra-violent movies of all time. The website comments about both categories as follows: Violence – “Just as a keg of beer needs a bung hole to relieve pressure, we need violent movies to relieve the pressures of everyday life.” And Ultra-Violence – “this list is all about the most shocking, bloody and unbelievable gut-wrenching cinematic adventures in the history of film. It’s not just about slashing up unsuspecting victims; it is about leaving a lasting imprint of terror in the minds of audiences…”
Their definition of ultra-violence does little to quash fears that violence in films is a negative experience and the films that appear in both lists probably don’t help either.
At number ten in the list of top violent films we have ‘The Godfather’ which tells the story of the head of an organised crime dynasty (the Italian Mafia) and provides the audience with violence a plenty. FSR writes: “If guns and garrotting aren’t enough to convince you ‘The Godfather’ belongs on this list, how about punch-outs of Sonny’s pregnant sister or mass killings simultaneously shot with the latest Corleone baptism.” And that film is the supposed mildest of the bunch as we work up to the likes of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ (1991), ‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994),’Reservoir Dogs’ (1992) and coming in at number one ‘Scarface’ (1983) which chronicles the life of a fictional Cuban refugee who arrives in Florida and becomes a gangster who finds himself rising and falling in the criminal underworld. FSR writes: “Bloody killings with a chainsaw, mass slaughter of authorities, other gangsters and just about anyone close at hand; weapons galore and Pacino’s immortal “Meet my li’l fren,” this 1982 Brian de Palma film with story by Oliver Stone, has enough violence to insure its place in cinema history.”
As if that wasn’t enough, wait until you see what turns up in our ultra-violent list. Number ten is given to ‘The Hills Have Eyes’(2006) which pushed the violence and gore even further than the 1977 Wes Craven original, with a family being stalked by a psychotic group of desert-dwellers. The list goes on to give us the likes of ‘Saw’ (2004), ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971) – interestingly this appears midway in both the violent and the ultra-violent list, ‘Hostel’ (2005) and coming in at number one ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (1974). FSR writes: “After more than 30 years, very few films can stand up against Tobe Hooper’s terrifying trip into the Texas countryside. Inspired by the killings of Ed Gein, this film was actually shot with the hopes of a PG rating. By avoiding on-screen blood and graphic horror, ‘Chainsaw’ became one of the most disturbing films to watch because your imagination did all the work.”
All the above mentioned are enough to make anyone cringe but, perhaps critics of such films are looking too much into things. These are, after all, just films, made with the intent to entertain the audience and to bring in the money. The makers of such films don’t set out with the objective to corrupt the minds of the viewers with the hope that they will be influenced enough to carry out their own mad murders, they just want to produce a good piece of film that will be remembered as a gripping cinematic experience.
Theories such as ‘the hypodermic needle model’, the ‘social-learning theory’ (Bandura 1973) and Berkowitz’s ‘priming aggression’ theory from the 1960’s, all suggest that audiences are influenced by violent cinema. Bandura’s theory goes as far to suggest that people watching their role models carrying out violent behaviour on screen can teach them to do the same. All such theories assume a great degree of passivity on the audience’s part. They fail to assess the ability of film fans to interpret the meanings behind the violence and to be able to comprehend that what they are seeing is not intended to make them think it is ok to go out and have a go themselves. These theorists would have us believe that we view films in a vegetative state, passively absorbing everything we see without processing or thinking about it whatsoever but, we know that’s not true. I would argue that few people leave the cinema without thinking about what they have just seen and perhaps questioning aspects of the film. As a modern audience, we also have a good understanding of the film-making process which makes it virtually impossible to take on board everything we see in a film. We understand, to some extent, what goes on behind the scenes and so levitate ourselves from the passive position we have been branded as having.
Professionals who work with children are often also quick to criticise the influence of violence on screen. Play development Officer Joanne feels that a combination of violent media exposure definitely has a negative effect on children and agrees with Bandura’s theory, to a certain extent, that watching heroes act out violence will influence children: “you know, children, they want to be like their heroes so they will copy the behaviour that they see their heroes doing... you hear of some of these crimes with samurai swords and things and that is definitely down to, sort of, scenes they’re watching on the telly so, yeah I think it is down to heroes and media and TV.”
Critics argue that viewing too much violence can cause people to be de-sensitised to real-life crimes but, Joanne raises a valid point about the theory: “I think a lot of streets in Britain today do have violence and kids are hanging around in gangs, so I do think those children are de-sensitised but, then other children, who may watch perhaps a violent movie, because of their family values and where they’re being brought up, I don’t think they are de-sensitised, so I really do think it is about a number of factors.”
Violent films are often blamed for supposed ‘copy-cat’ crimes. The murder of James Bulger in 1993 caused a stir as the film, ‘Child’s Play 3’ about Chucky the evil, possessed doll was blamed for the behaviour of the two boys that kidnapped James. Allegations were made that the murder resembled a scene from the film and it was assumed that because one of the boy’s fathers had recently rented the film, the boys must have watched it. However, it was later revealed that the boys hadn’t seen it and they didn’t even like horror films. So, ‘Child’s Play 3’ was off the hook despite tabloid newspaper, The Sun, launching a campaign to burn the ‘video nasties’.
As someone who works with children, Joanne doesn’t necessarily think that film violence causes copy-cat crimes: “I think children need to know the difference between right and wrong and, you know, I just think it’s just an excuse for their behaviour.”
A major issue with children viewing film violence is perhaps not the content of the film, which is obviously intended for an older audience but, the fact that these children are unsupervised and are gaining access to the aggressive content. When conducting my own research on the matter, I surveyed children on the types of films they are watching and was shocked to find that at ages 8-16, they had seen films like ‘The Exorcist’, ‘Saw’ and ‘The Boogeyman’, which are all intended for an older demographic.
Joanne has had first hand experience with this kind of situation: “I’ve also found that in the play centres I’ve worked with children aged 5 to 14 years but, if we had a film night, I can say that I’ve never seen an under 18 film come onto the play centre, they all just wanted the over 18s, particularly violence, which of course we could never play and yet these are children aged 5 to 14.”
A lot of the time, children are left unsupervised to view such content, meaning that they have no one to explain it to them and that for me is the real problem. We shouldn’t be blaming the films; certificates are there for a reason and it is a parent’s job to enforce them.
Moving back to violent films in general, we need to consider the creative aspects of them before we accuse film-makers of bombarding us with barbaric images. Let’s take Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction for example, which is packed with violence and gore pretty much from start to finish. To a critic, this would be damaging and would encourage aggression but, to anyone with a bit of film knowledge or an open mind, it is an innovative and gripping example of post-modern cinema. Pulp Fiction has an unconventional non-linear narrative and presents an ironic mix of violence and humour. It is a perfect example of how violent films shouldn’t be taken at face value. We must remember that violence in films is there to help tell the story and not as a piece of propaganda, it is part of everyday life and so should be able to be translated to the big screen.
Finally, why is film violence suddenly such an issue anyway when violence has been part of our story-telling culture for as far back as we can go? It can be traced right throughout history - from paintings, penny novels and theatre to the Bible and other such religious readings – and so is definitely no new occurrence or phenomenon.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Joe Swash is crowned King
It has just been announced that Eastenders star Joe Swash has been crowned King in this year's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, leaving tennis champion Martina Navratilova in second place and Star Trek's George Takei in third.
Joe, who has entertained ITV viewers from start to finish, is a deserved winner after enduring his fair share of trials and tribulations in the jungle and remaining down-to-earth throughout.
This year's I'm a Celeb has once again been fantastic and I will be sad to see it come to an end, three weeks just doesn't seem long enough!
Joe, who has entertained ITV viewers from start to finish, is a deserved winner after enduring his fair share of trials and tribulations in the jungle and remaining down-to-earth throughout.
This year's I'm a Celeb has once again been fantastic and I will be sad to see it come to an end, three weeks just doesn't seem long enough!
Branagh supports Welsh film-maker
BBC News have revealed that all-round actor, director and producer Kenneth Branagh is mentoring a Cardiff-based rising film-maker.
30-year-old Keri Collins was chosen for a one-year scheme for emerging talent. He was one of 25 chosen out of 500 applicants.
Branagh finds himself among other famous names set to mentor the up-and-coming film-makers, including Bourne director Paul Greengrass.
"All of the mentors are of that kind of level but some are not as well known as others because Kenneth Branagh is an actor as well," said Mr Collins.
Branagh, who has made a name for himself in films, on television and in the West End, says the scheme for rising talent is ‘important and helpful.’
Mr Collins said: "He’s going to read my screenplay and then he’s going to meet with me and give me comments and notes on how to improve the script."
BBC News writes: 'Mr Collins would like to work full time in the film industry but still has a "day job" working on graphic design at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Uwic).'
'The Guiding Lights mentoring scheme, which is in its second year, aims to help develop the skills of aspiring talent in the film industry.'
30-year-old Keri Collins was chosen for a one-year scheme for emerging talent. He was one of 25 chosen out of 500 applicants.
Branagh finds himself among other famous names set to mentor the up-and-coming film-makers, including Bourne director Paul Greengrass.
"All of the mentors are of that kind of level but some are not as well known as others because Kenneth Branagh is an actor as well," said Mr Collins.
Branagh, who has made a name for himself in films, on television and in the West End, says the scheme for rising talent is ‘important and helpful.’
Mr Collins said: "He’s going to read my screenplay and then he’s going to meet with me and give me comments and notes on how to improve the script."
BBC News writes: 'Mr Collins would like to work full time in the film industry but still has a "day job" working on graphic design at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Uwic).'
'The Guiding Lights mentoring scheme, which is in its second year, aims to help develop the skills of aspiring talent in the film industry.'
Norton to replace Wogan
After more than 30 years spent guiding viewers through the highs and lows, panache and pizzazz of the extraordinary world of the Eurovision Song Contest, Sir Terry Wogan, the doyen of the show is bowing out of the competition.
He will leave the prestigious BBC One presenting reins in the capable hands of Eurovision fan Graham Norton.
Terry says: "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television.
"From my first, in a small music-hall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun. The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all.
"I'll be sad to leave it all behind, but I'll be watching and listening, and happy to leave it in the witty hands of Graham.
"Let's hope that between him and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."
Graham says: "As a long time fan of the Eurovision this is an amazing job and a huge honour.
"Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow but somebody must and I just couldn't say no.
"I can't wait to get to Moscow – with a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?"
In the new year Graham hosts Your Country Needs You on BBC One – the UK public's chance to choose the act that will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's specially composed song in Moscow 2009.
Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, says: "Terry has enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision for many years and I would like to thank him for all of his work on the programmes.
"I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event."
Graham's association with the Eurovision title began with the Eurovision Dance Contest which he has presented for the last two years.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
He will leave the prestigious BBC One presenting reins in the capable hands of Eurovision fan Graham Norton.
Terry says: "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television.
"From my first, in a small music-hall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun. The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all.
"I'll be sad to leave it all behind, but I'll be watching and listening, and happy to leave it in the witty hands of Graham.
"Let's hope that between him and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."
Graham says: "As a long time fan of the Eurovision this is an amazing job and a huge honour.
"Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow but somebody must and I just couldn't say no.
"I can't wait to get to Moscow – with a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?"
In the new year Graham hosts Your Country Needs You on BBC One – the UK public's chance to choose the act that will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's specially composed song in Moscow 2009.
Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, says: "Terry has enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision for many years and I would like to thank him for all of his work on the programmes.
"I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event."
Graham's association with the Eurovision title began with the Eurovision Dance Contest which he has presented for the last two years.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Aled Jones and Terry Wogan to hit the charts
Sir Terry Wogan and Aled Jones' recording of the Bing Crosby and David Bowie classic, Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth, is set to be released as a single to help raise money for BBC Children in Need.
The track was originally recorded for Bandaged: With A Little Help From My Friends, an album of family favourites featuring the vocal talents of radio personalities including Ken Bruce, Mark Radcliffe and Eamonn Holmes, which was released online earlier this month to raise funds for Children in Need.
The enthusiastic support of BBC Radio 2's Drivetime host, Chris Evans, who believes the "magnificent" song is destined for chart greatness, helped lead to several offers from record companies and the track will now be released as a single on Monday 8 December 2008.
And this is not the first time the two Radio 2 presenters have enjoyed chart success.
Terry's Floral Dance reached number 21 in 1978, with a bouquet-wielding performance on Top Of The Pops that could have inspired Morrissey, whilst Aled Jones enjoyed a number three hit in 1985 with Walking In The Air.
As well as Little Drummer Boy, the single will feature three bonus tracks: Clare Teal's Swing On A Star; Puff The Magic Dragon by Sally "Traffic" Boazman and The Storys; and Mark Radcliffe's version of Right Said Fred.
Every single copy sold will help BBC Children in Need's total continue to rise above the record-breaking £20,991,216 reached at the end of the BBC One appeal show, with a minimum of £1 from the sale of each CD single benefiting the charity, as well as a minimum of 20p per download and 60p per bundled download.
Aled Jones says: "It was a fantastically surreal experience recording at Abbey Road Studios with Sir Terry Wogan and, with tremendous support from the Chris Evans Show, the song is gaining momentum daily.
"I don't know if this wave of support will take us all the way to Top Of The Pops but we're having a lot of fun helping raise money for Children in Need."
Terry Wogan says: "Aled Jones sings like the canary that he is but listeners may also detect my croaking in the background and wonder if it's a rumbling of the stomach!"
BBC Press Releases
The track was originally recorded for Bandaged: With A Little Help From My Friends, an album of family favourites featuring the vocal talents of radio personalities including Ken Bruce, Mark Radcliffe and Eamonn Holmes, which was released online earlier this month to raise funds for Children in Need.
The enthusiastic support of BBC Radio 2's Drivetime host, Chris Evans, who believes the "magnificent" song is destined for chart greatness, helped lead to several offers from record companies and the track will now be released as a single on Monday 8 December 2008.
And this is not the first time the two Radio 2 presenters have enjoyed chart success.
Terry's Floral Dance reached number 21 in 1978, with a bouquet-wielding performance on Top Of The Pops that could have inspired Morrissey, whilst Aled Jones enjoyed a number three hit in 1985 with Walking In The Air.
As well as Little Drummer Boy, the single will feature three bonus tracks: Clare Teal's Swing On A Star; Puff The Magic Dragon by Sally "Traffic" Boazman and The Storys; and Mark Radcliffe's version of Right Said Fred.
Every single copy sold will help BBC Children in Need's total continue to rise above the record-breaking £20,991,216 reached at the end of the BBC One appeal show, with a minimum of £1 from the sale of each CD single benefiting the charity, as well as a minimum of 20p per download and 60p per bundled download.
Aled Jones says: "It was a fantastically surreal experience recording at Abbey Road Studios with Sir Terry Wogan and, with tremendous support from the Chris Evans Show, the song is gaining momentum daily.
"I don't know if this wave of support will take us all the way to Top Of The Pops but we're having a lot of fun helping raise money for Children in Need."
Terry Wogan says: "Aled Jones sings like the canary that he is but listeners may also detect my croaking in the background and wonder if it's a rumbling of the stomach!"
BBC Press Releases
Monday, 24 November 2008
BBC Christmas specials 2008
The BBC promises the very best in entertainment for all the family this Christmas with a fabulous collection of seasonal specials from viewers' favourite programmes.
Christmas specials for Gavin And Stacey, The Royle Family, Strictly Come Dancing, Shooting Stars, My Family, Rab C Nesbitt, Peter Serafinowicz and Lead Balloon all feature in a talent-packed Christmas schedule, which also includes Top Of The Pops one-offs on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, and a Top Gear special from Vietnam.
Blackadder also returns for a one-off documentary – Blackadder Rides Again.
Mesmerising music and performance feature on BBC Two and BBC Four with sumptuous fairytale opera Hansel And Gretel; the New Year's Day Concert, live from Vienna; composer Howard Goodall exploring The Truth About Carols and acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale telling the story of one of the most popular pieces of sacred music ever written in Sacred Music: The Story Of Allegri's Misere.
Thrilling drama comes courtesy of The 39 Steps starring Rupert Penry Jones; a very special edition of Doctor Who; spine-tingling ghost story Crooked House; as well as an explosive Christmas cracker for the Mitchells in EastEnders.
Wallace And Gromit return to the small screen with a special new adventure for BBC One, A Matter Of Loaf and Death.
Lark Rise To Candleford is also back with a captivating seasonal tale and Alan Davies reprises his role as Jonathan Creek with an exciting new mystery to solve.
There's a spectacular selection of films, including the television premieres of Shark Tale, Wallace And Gromit In The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Superman Returns, The Chronicles Of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Pirates Of The Caribbean – Dead Man's Chest, Madagascar and Starter For Ten.
Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, says: "We've really pulled out all the stops this year to ensure a truly wonderful holiday schedule featuring the very best of British talent in a great line-up of exciting seasonal specials, from The Royle Family and Gavin And Stacey to Shooting Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
"With exciting drama including The 39 Steps and Wallace and Gromit's A Matter Of Loaf And Death as well as stunning performance from Hansel And Gretel to Sacred Music there really is something for everyone.
"The whole family will be able to sit back, relax and let the BBC entertain them.
"And, of course, viewers can always catch up on BBC iPlayer if they miss out – while many programmes will be shown on BBC HD."
Songs Of Praise on BBC One prepares for the season with four special advent programmes including a packed concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a celebration of Sir Cliff Richard's career and there's Carols From King's on Christmas Eve as well as Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Mass.
Other musical highlights include Doctor Who At The Proms, recorded this summer at the Royal Albert Hall; a look behind the scenes of hit summer series, Maestro, in Maestro: The Inside Story; celebrations of swing music and progressive music in The Swing Thing and Prog Rock Britannia and the return of TOTP2 with fabulous party guests including Wham!, Aretha Franklin and Culture Club.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales features as a guest in a special edition of the Antiques Roadshow from Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.
Nigella Lawson and the Hairy Bakers cook up a storm in the Christmas kitchen while there's a very different look at how your Christmas dinner really gets to your plate in BBC Three's Kill It Cook It Eat It Christmas special.
Younger viewers can enjoy powerful family drama Dustbin Baby, based on the novel by best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson – with a star-studded cast including Juliet Stevenson, Dakota Blue Richards and David Haig – as well as festive editions of ChuckleVision and Pinky & Perky.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Christmas specials for Gavin And Stacey, The Royle Family, Strictly Come Dancing, Shooting Stars, My Family, Rab C Nesbitt, Peter Serafinowicz and Lead Balloon all feature in a talent-packed Christmas schedule, which also includes Top Of The Pops one-offs on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, and a Top Gear special from Vietnam.
Blackadder also returns for a one-off documentary – Blackadder Rides Again.
Mesmerising music and performance feature on BBC Two and BBC Four with sumptuous fairytale opera Hansel And Gretel; the New Year's Day Concert, live from Vienna; composer Howard Goodall exploring The Truth About Carols and acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale telling the story of one of the most popular pieces of sacred music ever written in Sacred Music: The Story Of Allegri's Misere.
Thrilling drama comes courtesy of The 39 Steps starring Rupert Penry Jones; a very special edition of Doctor Who; spine-tingling ghost story Crooked House; as well as an explosive Christmas cracker for the Mitchells in EastEnders.
Wallace And Gromit return to the small screen with a special new adventure for BBC One, A Matter Of Loaf and Death.
Lark Rise To Candleford is also back with a captivating seasonal tale and Alan Davies reprises his role as Jonathan Creek with an exciting new mystery to solve.
There's a spectacular selection of films, including the television premieres of Shark Tale, Wallace And Gromit In The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Superman Returns, The Chronicles Of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Pirates Of The Caribbean – Dead Man's Chest, Madagascar and Starter For Ten.
Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, says: "We've really pulled out all the stops this year to ensure a truly wonderful holiday schedule featuring the very best of British talent in a great line-up of exciting seasonal specials, from The Royle Family and Gavin And Stacey to Shooting Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
"With exciting drama including The 39 Steps and Wallace and Gromit's A Matter Of Loaf And Death as well as stunning performance from Hansel And Gretel to Sacred Music there really is something for everyone.
"The whole family will be able to sit back, relax and let the BBC entertain them.
"And, of course, viewers can always catch up on BBC iPlayer if they miss out – while many programmes will be shown on BBC HD."
Songs Of Praise on BBC One prepares for the season with four special advent programmes including a packed concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a celebration of Sir Cliff Richard's career and there's Carols From King's on Christmas Eve as well as Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Mass.
Other musical highlights include Doctor Who At The Proms, recorded this summer at the Royal Albert Hall; a look behind the scenes of hit summer series, Maestro, in Maestro: The Inside Story; celebrations of swing music and progressive music in The Swing Thing and Prog Rock Britannia and the return of TOTP2 with fabulous party guests including Wham!, Aretha Franklin and Culture Club.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales features as a guest in a special edition of the Antiques Roadshow from Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.
Nigella Lawson and the Hairy Bakers cook up a storm in the Christmas kitchen while there's a very different look at how your Christmas dinner really gets to your plate in BBC Three's Kill It Cook It Eat It Christmas special.
Younger viewers can enjoy powerful family drama Dustbin Baby, based on the novel by best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson – with a star-studded cast including Juliet Stevenson, Dakota Blue Richards and David Haig – as well as festive editions of ChuckleVision and Pinky & Perky.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Blackadder cast back for Christmas
Rowan Atkinson and the cast of legendary comedy series Blackadder are back for a one-off documentary special this Christmas on BBC One.
Blackadder Rides Again will feature the iconic cast in a documentary to mark 25 years since the original BBC transmission of the much-loved sitcom, first broadcast in 1983.
Blackadder Rides Again will include the first ever in-depth interview with Rowan Atkinson, on his personal experience of playing Edmund Blackadder and being involved in the sitcom and its phenomenal success.
Set to join Rowan are the core cast and writing team who have gone on to become some of the greatest names in entertainment, both in the UK and US.
These include: Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnerny and Tony Robinson.
Ricky Kelehar, Executive Producer and Director of Factual Entertainment, Tiger Aspect, Productions, said: "We are extremely excited to have persuaded the entire creative team behind this iconic sitcom to appear in the same show for the very first time since they all worked together.
"Many of them have since gone on to become towering talents around the world, including Rowan – who has never before spoken in detail about playing the fantastic anti-hero, Edmund Blackadder."
Katie Taylor, Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment, said: "Blackadder is one of the BBC's most successful sitcoms of all time and how better to celebrate its 25th anniversary than a retrospective look at what makes this popular series so special.
"Featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes insight from its renowned cast and writers, Blackadder Rides Again is essential viewing this Christmas for all comedy fans."
Blackadder Rides Again is a 60-minute documentary made by Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One.
Matt O'Casey is producer and director, Ricky Kelehar is executive producer with John Lloyd (producer of Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not The Nine O'Clock News) as programme consultant.
The documentary was commissioned for BBC One by Katie Taylor, BBC Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Blackadder Rides Again will feature the iconic cast in a documentary to mark 25 years since the original BBC transmission of the much-loved sitcom, first broadcast in 1983.
Blackadder Rides Again will include the first ever in-depth interview with Rowan Atkinson, on his personal experience of playing Edmund Blackadder and being involved in the sitcom and its phenomenal success.
Set to join Rowan are the core cast and writing team who have gone on to become some of the greatest names in entertainment, both in the UK and US.
These include: Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnerny and Tony Robinson.
Ricky Kelehar, Executive Producer and Director of Factual Entertainment, Tiger Aspect, Productions, said: "We are extremely excited to have persuaded the entire creative team behind this iconic sitcom to appear in the same show for the very first time since they all worked together.
"Many of them have since gone on to become towering talents around the world, including Rowan – who has never before spoken in detail about playing the fantastic anti-hero, Edmund Blackadder."
Katie Taylor, Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment, said: "Blackadder is one of the BBC's most successful sitcoms of all time and how better to celebrate its 25th anniversary than a retrospective look at what makes this popular series so special.
"Featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes insight from its renowned cast and writers, Blackadder Rides Again is essential viewing this Christmas for all comedy fans."
Blackadder Rides Again is a 60-minute documentary made by Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One.
Matt O'Casey is producer and director, Ricky Kelehar is executive producer with John Lloyd (producer of Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not The Nine O'Clock News) as programme consultant.
The documentary was commissioned for BBC One by Katie Taylor, BBC Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Pensioner's problems faced on Vanessa Feltz show
Calls made to Vanessa Feltz's programme on BBC London 94.9FM have led to a special edition of her programme next week highlighting problems the over-sixties are facing in London.
Teresa in Hackney called into Vanessa's programme earlier this month, disgusted she is being penalised in her old age for contributing to a pension, and saying that she has cut down on food and eaten sandwiches when she has had a large bill for heating.
She says: "When I retired I got both my pensions and I worked out that, by the time I paid my rent and council tax only, my living expenses that I had to live on was less than somebody that's never worked, and what the Government says an old age pensioner should have to live on."
She adds: "I went to my local authorities to ask for some help with my rent and what they did was put aside the national amount the Government says I should have to live on, which is £124 a week at the moment, and they swallowed the rest up in rent and council tax."
Vanessa says: "Teresa called my programme because she feels she is being penalised for working her whole life.
"She told me that sometimes she doesn't have a meal in the evening, she has a sandwich instead, because she is terrified of not being able to pay her bills."
Vanessa hopes BBC London 94.9FM will be able to help: "My programme on Monday will be a special programme looking at the problems over-sixties are facing today.
"Dame Joan Bakewell, appointed a champion of the elderly by the Government, and Mervin Kohler, special adviser for Help the Aged, will be joining me in the studio, and we'll also have a reporter at Teresa's home in Hackney to speak further to her and also to one of her friends also experiencing similar problems.
"I hope the programme will be able to help them, and other over-sixties across London facing similar problems, so that Teresa won't live in fear of her bills, and ensure she can have a proper meal at night."
Hear Vanessa Feltz on BBC London 94.9FM on Monday 24 November 2008, 9.00am to midday.
Listeners can call 020 7224 2000, text 07786 200949 or email vanessa@bbc.co.uk to have their say on the issue.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Teresa in Hackney called into Vanessa's programme earlier this month, disgusted she is being penalised in her old age for contributing to a pension, and saying that she has cut down on food and eaten sandwiches when she has had a large bill for heating.
She says: "When I retired I got both my pensions and I worked out that, by the time I paid my rent and council tax only, my living expenses that I had to live on was less than somebody that's never worked, and what the Government says an old age pensioner should have to live on."
She adds: "I went to my local authorities to ask for some help with my rent and what they did was put aside the national amount the Government says I should have to live on, which is £124 a week at the moment, and they swallowed the rest up in rent and council tax."
Vanessa says: "Teresa called my programme because she feels she is being penalised for working her whole life.
"She told me that sometimes she doesn't have a meal in the evening, she has a sandwich instead, because she is terrified of not being able to pay her bills."
Vanessa hopes BBC London 94.9FM will be able to help: "My programme on Monday will be a special programme looking at the problems over-sixties are facing today.
"Dame Joan Bakewell, appointed a champion of the elderly by the Government, and Mervin Kohler, special adviser for Help the Aged, will be joining me in the studio, and we'll also have a reporter at Teresa's home in Hackney to speak further to her and also to one of her friends also experiencing similar problems.
"I hope the programme will be able to help them, and other over-sixties across London facing similar problems, so that Teresa won't live in fear of her bills, and ensure she can have a proper meal at night."
Hear Vanessa Feltz on BBC London 94.9FM on Monday 24 November 2008, 9.00am to midday.
Listeners can call 020 7224 2000, text 07786 200949 or email vanessa@bbc.co.uk to have their say on the issue.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
BBC management statement on Brand show
BBC Management have submitted a comprehensive report to the BBC Trust on how two editions of The Russell Brand Show on Radio 2, which caused widespread offence, came to be broadcast.
The report, which again makes clear that the BBC Management regards this content as a very serious breach of its editorial standards, highlights unacceptable failures in editorial judgement and compliance which led to the offending broadcasts on the network.
A range of actions proposed by BBC management has been approved by the Trust. In addition, two very senior managers and a presenter have resigned and a major presenter has been suspended without pay for 12 weeks.
The BBC is determined to act on the lessons learnt from this incident, in particular to reinforce adherence to the BBC's compliance systems. This will be a major priority within the BBC's Audio & Music division.
The BBC Management accepts in full all the findings published by the BBC Trust today, including the decision of the BBC Trust to uphold the complaint against an edition of Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, broadcast on 2 May 2008.
In particular we will consider carefully the BBC Trust's ruling on the use of language and audience expectations. Management will reinforce due consideration of the editorial guidelines, a strict adherence to the editorial referral process and will exercise considerable care over the use of language, especially of the most offensive words or phrases.
BBC Press Office
The report, which again makes clear that the BBC Management regards this content as a very serious breach of its editorial standards, highlights unacceptable failures in editorial judgement and compliance which led to the offending broadcasts on the network.
A range of actions proposed by BBC management has been approved by the Trust. In addition, two very senior managers and a presenter have resigned and a major presenter has been suspended without pay for 12 weeks.
The BBC is determined to act on the lessons learnt from this incident, in particular to reinforce adherence to the BBC's compliance systems. This will be a major priority within the BBC's Audio & Music division.
The BBC Management accepts in full all the findings published by the BBC Trust today, including the decision of the BBC Trust to uphold the complaint against an edition of Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, broadcast on 2 May 2008.
In particular we will consider carefully the BBC Trust's ruling on the use of language and audience expectations. Management will reinforce due consideration of the editorial guidelines, a strict adherence to the editorial referral process and will exercise considerable care over the use of language, especially of the most offensive words or phrases.
BBC Press Office
Friday, 21 November 2008
Burn After Reading Cinema Review
Burn After Reading is a bizarre film with a whole smorgasbord of top actors and actresses.Two gym employees, Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt) land themselves in an unlikely situation when a disk containing the memoirs of a CIA official who has recently left his job, finds its way into their hands. They attempt to blackmail CIA official, Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) but, it doesn't quite go to plan.
Meanwhile, Ozzie's wife Katie (Tilda Swinton) is having an affair with Treasury agent Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney) who is a bit of a love rat, to say the least. He later finds himself meeting up with Linda Litzke as she attempts to find herself the perfect man.
Burn After Reading is an interesting, clever and funny film. It develops at a steady pace and, despite all the madness going on in each of the characters lives, their story lines intertwine with one another with ease.
It is a weird and random story filled with weird and random characters but, it is a brilliant watch nonetheless.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
TOTP back for Christmas and New Year
The BBC announced today that Top Of The Pops will be returning to BBC One this Christmas with two special, one-off shows – one on Christmas Day and one on New Year's Eve.
The Top Of The Pops Christmas Special is an hour-long celebration of all things pop.
Hosted by Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates and filmed in BBC Television Centre, it will feature exclusive performances from some of the year's biggest stars and will count down the chart to the all important Christmas number one.
The Top Of The Pops New Year's Eve Special is a brand new show that will review the year in pop.
Fearne and Reggie will take in the year's smash hits, highlights from music festivals such as BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and Glastonbury, as well as unique performances from BBC sessions.
This hour-long special marks the first time BBC One has shown a New Year's Eve edition of Top Of The Pops.
Both shows are part of an extended musical line-up on the BBC this Christmas, which includes TOTP2 and Jools Holland's annual Hootenanny on BBC Two alongside The Big Finish on BBC One.
Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One, said: "With shows on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, Top Of The Pops has never been bigger.
"The shows will form the centrepiece of a massive musical offering during the festive season that we hope viewers are really going to enjoy."
TOTP host Fearne Cotton added: "I am beyond excited at the thought of a return to the mighty TOTP studios for these one-off shows.
"Reggie and I feel truly honoured to be able to introduce this year's number one – both shows are going to be huge!"
The Christmas and New Year's Eve specials are one off programmes. There are no plans to bring back TOTP full-time.
(BBC Press Release)
The Top Of The Pops Christmas Special is an hour-long celebration of all things pop.
Hosted by Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates and filmed in BBC Television Centre, it will feature exclusive performances from some of the year's biggest stars and will count down the chart to the all important Christmas number one.
The Top Of The Pops New Year's Eve Special is a brand new show that will review the year in pop.
Fearne and Reggie will take in the year's smash hits, highlights from music festivals such as BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and Glastonbury, as well as unique performances from BBC sessions.
This hour-long special marks the first time BBC One has shown a New Year's Eve edition of Top Of The Pops.
Both shows are part of an extended musical line-up on the BBC this Christmas, which includes TOTP2 and Jools Holland's annual Hootenanny on BBC Two alongside The Big Finish on BBC One.
Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One, said: "With shows on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, Top Of The Pops has never been bigger.
"The shows will form the centrepiece of a massive musical offering during the festive season that we hope viewers are really going to enjoy."
TOTP host Fearne Cotton added: "I am beyond excited at the thought of a return to the mighty TOTP studios for these one-off shows.
"Reggie and I feel truly honoured to be able to introduce this year's number one – both shows are going to be huge!"
The Christmas and New Year's Eve specials are one off programmes. There are no plans to bring back TOTP full-time.
(BBC Press Release)
John Seargent leaves Strictly
After the controversy surrounding the popularity voting in Strictly Come Dancing and the risk that John Sergeant might unfairly win the competition over the more talented dancers, he decided to step out of the limelight and leave the BBC show.
Sergeant yesterday made a statement about his decision. He said: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible."
"The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition." he added, "Even for me that would be a joke too far. I would like to thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."
Jay Hunt, Controller at BBC One said: "John has told us of his plans to leave Strictly Come Dancing and we are very sad to see him go. He has been an entertaining contestant and is hugely popular with the viewers. We would have liked him to stay but we respect his decision to leave. John and Kristina will be performing a farewell dance this Saturday on the show."
(Statements courtesy of BBC Press Office)
Sergeant yesterday made a statement about his decision. He said: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible."
"The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition." he added, "Even for me that would be a joke too far. I would like to thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."
Jay Hunt, Controller at BBC One said: "John has told us of his plans to leave Strictly Come Dancing and we are very sad to see him go. He has been an entertaining contestant and is hugely popular with the viewers. We would have liked him to stay but we respect his decision to leave. John and Kristina will be performing a farewell dance this Saturday on the show."
(Statements courtesy of BBC Press Office)
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Blink 182 set for comeback?
Mark Hoppus, former bassist of Blink 182, has revealed on his site, 'hi my name is mark', that Travis Barker's near-fatal plane crash has put a whole new perspective on things.
He wrote: "In the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis, and I have all spoken together. First through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. they’ve all been great, very positive conversations. We’re just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking. It’s a good thing."
He added: "Obviously the first question for a lot of people will be “does this mean a blink-182 reunion?” the answer is none of us know. We haven’t talked about it at all. Right now it’s just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect, and let the past be the past. The events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. Life is too short."
This is a positive step for the former bandmates and fans can only hope that good things will come of this.
A Blink 182 reunion? Please say it's so!
He wrote: "In the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis, and I have all spoken together. First through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. they’ve all been great, very positive conversations. We’re just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking. It’s a good thing."
He added: "Obviously the first question for a lot of people will be “does this mean a blink-182 reunion?” the answer is none of us know. We haven’t talked about it at all. Right now it’s just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect, and let the past be the past. The events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. Life is too short."
This is a positive step for the former bandmates and fans can only hope that good things will come of this.
A Blink 182 reunion? Please say it's so!
Monday, 17 November 2008
Another new Harry Potter 6 trailer
Warner Bros have released a new Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer to offer us a taste of what we are in for next July.
The trailer gives us a different bit of the story to the previous trailer, so take a look at it at MuggleNet.
Enjoy!
The trailer gives us a different bit of the story to the previous trailer, so take a look at it at MuggleNet.
Enjoy!
Happy Feet 2
The Age have revealed that Happy Feet 2 is due to be made in a new digital production facility in Sydney.
George Miller will be back to direct the sequel to the Oscar-winning Australian blockbuster about a dancing penguin.
Happy Feet 2 will be one of the first of many productions to be made in the new 'Dr. D' studio.
The Age writes: "The new digital production facility is expected to provide a significant boost to the local movie industry, which has been criticised for a lack of investment in recent years."
NSW Minister of State Development Ian Macdonald "said Happy Feet 2 and the new "Dr D" digital production facility, which he said were secured through a payroll tax assistance package, have put Sydney 'once again front and centre of the national film industry.'"
The project is expected to require some 438 staff over three years, including 230 computer-generated imaging artists.
George Miller will be back to direct the sequel to the Oscar-winning Australian blockbuster about a dancing penguin.
Happy Feet 2 will be one of the first of many productions to be made in the new 'Dr. D' studio.
The Age writes: "The new digital production facility is expected to provide a significant boost to the local movie industry, which has been criticised for a lack of investment in recent years."
NSW Minister of State Development Ian Macdonald "said Happy Feet 2 and the new "Dr D" digital production facility, which he said were secured through a payroll tax assistance package, have put Sydney 'once again front and centre of the national film industry.'"
The project is expected to require some 438 staff over three years, including 230 computer-generated imaging artists.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Holiday feature
I was just browsing the net for local news sites when I stumbled upon this piece of writing I did for the South Wales Echo back in March.
It's a short feature about holiday preferences.
Take a look at WalesOnline.
It's a short feature about holiday preferences.
Take a look at WalesOnline.
Pirates at Pets at Home
Pets at Home will be joining in the spirit of raising money for Children in Need this Saturday as the staff at the Newport Rd store host a swashbuckling pirate event.
The ship mates will be holding fun and games for all the family between 11am and 4pm and there will be treasures a plenty to win.
Attractions will include a raffle, tombola, piratey games and a cake stall.
Buccaneers of all ages are encouraged to come along and join in...remember it’s for a good cause so don’t forget your pieces of eight.
The ship mates will be holding fun and games for all the family between 11am and 4pm and there will be treasures a plenty to win.
Attractions will include a raffle, tombola, piratey games and a cake stall.
Buccaneers of all ages are encouraged to come along and join in...remember it’s for a good cause so don’t forget your pieces of eight.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Monopoly the movie
The Hollywood Reporter have revealed that Universal will be turning the much loved family money game Monopoly into a film...yes, you heard me right.
Ridley Scott has been unveiled as director and Pamela Pettler is set to pen the script.
The Hollywood Reporter writes: "'Monopoly' marks the latest Hasbro property to look to pass go and head to the big screen. Board games and branded properties have become more attractive as studios look to mitigate risk by finding built-in audiences."
They add: "Universal is working with Hasbro on several projects as part of a long-term development deal. Platinum Dunes is producing its feature adaptation of "Ouija Board," while the maritime classic "Battleship" is also in development. Elsewhere at Hasbro, Paramount this summer is set to release Stephen Sommers' feature based on its "G.I. Joe" character. And "Trivial Pursuit: America Plays" is now airing as a syndicated television program. "
I've heard of video games taking to the big screen but, never board games so, it's hard not to question what this madness is all about. It will be interesting to see where they take the plot for such films.
Ridley Scott has been unveiled as director and Pamela Pettler is set to pen the script.
The Hollywood Reporter writes: "'Monopoly' marks the latest Hasbro property to look to pass go and head to the big screen. Board games and branded properties have become more attractive as studios look to mitigate risk by finding built-in audiences."
They add: "Universal is working with Hasbro on several projects as part of a long-term development deal. Platinum Dunes is producing its feature adaptation of "Ouija Board," while the maritime classic "Battleship" is also in development. Elsewhere at Hasbro, Paramount this summer is set to release Stephen Sommers' feature based on its "G.I. Joe" character. And "Trivial Pursuit: America Plays" is now airing as a syndicated television program. "
I've heard of video games taking to the big screen but, never board games so, it's hard not to question what this madness is all about. It will be interesting to see where they take the plot for such films.
Student sets his sights on short film festival circuit
Film student, Tom Walker, who has been making films since the tender age of 11, hopes to enter the short film circuit with his latest piece.
Tom, who studies Documentary Film and Television Production at the International Film School of Wales in Caerleon, Newport, is in the process of producing a short 10 minute film, as part of his course, based on an extract from a book called "Another Sky.” The project is still in the production stages but, it has already sparked interest.
Tom said: “It’s a Diary extract called "A minor mistake in Evin prison" by Reza Baraheni. I am making a dramatic reconstruction of the night when the author was almost accidentally shot for standing in the wrong queue. The fact that it is a true story and one that is still not uncommon today makes it more relevant.”
“It is a harrowing story about how badly things can go wrong in this sort of situation and one mans struggle through this difficult time. I just think that it’s a story that needs telling, basically I want to do the story the justice that it deserves.”
The charity PEN, who work on behalf of writers and poets who have been imprisoned unjustly and who are behind the book, have shown interest in the end product: “The charity that wrote the book are interested in it if it turns out well and also I would like to see it on the short film festival circuit.”
Tom said that he hasn’t had an easy ride with this film, locations have been a particular problem for him but he said: “If all goes well I will be filming in a derelict lunatic asylum.”
The project has been self-funded and as an independent filmmaker, Tom commented: “I think people can be far too pretentious about it, there are a lot of good films out there privately made or studio based. Especially with this particular medium which obviously relies heavily on opinion, what appeals to one person will not to another.”
“There's something to be gained from all facets of film, it doesn't really matter where it comes from. It is nice however to see what can be achieved without financial backing.”
Tom adds that this isn’t his first attempt at independent filmmaking by a long shot: “I've worked on things from one girl’s obsession with makeup to a film about terrorism with an ex Gatwick armed response unit. Over the summer I worked on a film about a boy who was scared of Santa and one on an accidental child. I've been doing this sort of thing since I was 11 so the list goes on and on.”
The film, which has ‘A Voice of Conscience’ as its working title, is due for screening on 17th December.
Tom, who studies Documentary Film and Television Production at the International Film School of Wales in Caerleon, Newport, is in the process of producing a short 10 minute film, as part of his course, based on an extract from a book called "Another Sky.” The project is still in the production stages but, it has already sparked interest.
Tom said: “It’s a Diary extract called "A minor mistake in Evin prison" by Reza Baraheni. I am making a dramatic reconstruction of the night when the author was almost accidentally shot for standing in the wrong queue. The fact that it is a true story and one that is still not uncommon today makes it more relevant.”
“It is a harrowing story about how badly things can go wrong in this sort of situation and one mans struggle through this difficult time. I just think that it’s a story that needs telling, basically I want to do the story the justice that it deserves.”
The charity PEN, who work on behalf of writers and poets who have been imprisoned unjustly and who are behind the book, have shown interest in the end product: “The charity that wrote the book are interested in it if it turns out well and also I would like to see it on the short film festival circuit.”
Tom said that he hasn’t had an easy ride with this film, locations have been a particular problem for him but he said: “If all goes well I will be filming in a derelict lunatic asylum.”
The project has been self-funded and as an independent filmmaker, Tom commented: “I think people can be far too pretentious about it, there are a lot of good films out there privately made or studio based. Especially with this particular medium which obviously relies heavily on opinion, what appeals to one person will not to another.”
“There's something to be gained from all facets of film, it doesn't really matter where it comes from. It is nice however to see what can be achieved without financial backing.”
Tom adds that this isn’t his first attempt at independent filmmaking by a long shot: “I've worked on things from one girl’s obsession with makeup to a film about terrorism with an ex Gatwick armed response unit. Over the summer I worked on a film about a boy who was scared of Santa and one on an accidental child. I've been doing this sort of thing since I was 11 so the list goes on and on.”
The film, which has ‘A Voice of Conscience’ as its working title, is due for screening on 17th December.
Emma Thompson won't be back as Trelawney
MTV Movies Blog has revealed that Emma Thompson has chosen a sequel for Nanny McPhee over Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and so will not be returning as Proff Trelawney for the final installments.
The actress said: “I’m making my own ‘Nanny McPhee’ next year. They mean much more to me.”
“The Harry Potters are great big franchises that are something I’m not emotionally attached to or necessarily particularly creatively attached to,” Thompson explained. “That’s more like doing a turn, whereas the Nanny McPhees are something I’ve written. The art is in those films, they’re very handmade, they’re something that’s very close to me. Those are the ones I really care about.”
"The working title is ‘Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang’,” she revealed. “It’s not a sequel, actually, it’s a new story."
It is thought that Emma Thompson not returning as Trelawney for the final Harry Potter film will have little impact as her character plays only a small role in the final book.
Fans speculate that if Dumbledore can be replaced during the series without too much disruption then, the same can be done for Trelawney.
Filming for the final Harry Potter films is due to start around February of next year ready for Part 1 to get a UK film release in November 2010.
The actress said: “I’m making my own ‘Nanny McPhee’ next year. They mean much more to me.”
“The Harry Potters are great big franchises that are something I’m not emotionally attached to or necessarily particularly creatively attached to,” Thompson explained. “That’s more like doing a turn, whereas the Nanny McPhees are something I’ve written. The art is in those films, they’re very handmade, they’re something that’s very close to me. Those are the ones I really care about.”
"The working title is ‘Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang’,” she revealed. “It’s not a sequel, actually, it’s a new story."
It is thought that Emma Thompson not returning as Trelawney for the final Harry Potter film will have little impact as her character plays only a small role in the final book.
Fans speculate that if Dumbledore can be replaced during the series without too much disruption then, the same can be done for Trelawney.
Filming for the final Harry Potter films is due to start around February of next year ready for Part 1 to get a UK film release in November 2010.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Death at a Funeral remake
Variety have announced that Chris Rock is looking to remake the 2007 British comedy Death at a Funeral in an Urban American context.
The remake will follow the plot lines of the original film with secrets being unveiled and strange situations unfolding at a family funeral.
Rock will both star in and co-write the film with writer Ayesha Carr.
No one has currently been named as director but, the project production is planned to begin next spring.
My personal opinion is that this probably won't be half as good as the original because of the American context. The beauty of Death at a Funeral was that it was packed with British humour, I'm just not sure it will translate to Urban America very successfully.
The remake will follow the plot lines of the original film with secrets being unveiled and strange situations unfolding at a family funeral.
Rock will both star in and co-write the film with writer Ayesha Carr.
No one has currently been named as director but, the project production is planned to begin next spring.
My personal opinion is that this probably won't be half as good as the original because of the American context. The beauty of Death at a Funeral was that it was packed with British humour, I'm just not sure it will translate to Urban America very successfully.
Friday, 7 November 2008
Smith and Spielberg to re-do Oldboy?
Variety have announced that Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in talks to join forces for a remake of Oldboy (2003).
Dreamworks are currently attempting to secure the film rights and if they succeed, Universal will be named as distributor.
I am not entirely sure that a Spielberg and Smith adaptation of a film like Oldboy will really work but, I guess we will have to wait and see.
Dreamworks are currently attempting to secure the film rights and if they succeed, Universal will be named as distributor.
I am not entirely sure that a Spielberg and Smith adaptation of a film like Oldboy will really work but, I guess we will have to wait and see.
BBC apology
On 30 October 2008, the BBC Trust announced a range of actions it required of BBC management in relation to a serious editorial breach on the Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2 broadcast on 18 October.
The BBC Trust instructed that a broadcast apology be made to licence fee payers on BBC Radio 2 for the serious breaches, the terms of which it was to approve, and at a time of its direction.
The Trust's Editorial Standards Committee yesterday approved the following apology to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 8 November 2008 at 10.03am and 9.03pm:
"On 18 October, the BBC broadcast an exchange between Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross on the Russell Brand show on Radio 2. This concerned the actor Andrew Sachs and his granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. Some of this exchange was left on the voicemail of Mr Sachs. The conversation was grossly offensive and an unacceptable intrusion into the private lives of both Mr Sachs and Ms Baillie. It was a serious breach of editorial standards, and should never have been recorded or broadcast. The BBC would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Sachs, Ms Baillie and to our audiences as licence fee payers."
The timing of the apology relates to the times when the Russell Brand show (9.03pm) and the Jonathan Ross Radio 2 show (10.03am) would normally be broadcast on Radio 2.
(courtesy of the BBC Press Office)
The BBC Trust instructed that a broadcast apology be made to licence fee payers on BBC Radio 2 for the serious breaches, the terms of which it was to approve, and at a time of its direction.
The Trust's Editorial Standards Committee yesterday approved the following apology to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 8 November 2008 at 10.03am and 9.03pm:
"On 18 October, the BBC broadcast an exchange between Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross on the Russell Brand show on Radio 2. This concerned the actor Andrew Sachs and his granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. Some of this exchange was left on the voicemail of Mr Sachs. The conversation was grossly offensive and an unacceptable intrusion into the private lives of both Mr Sachs and Ms Baillie. It was a serious breach of editorial standards, and should never have been recorded or broadcast. The BBC would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Sachs, Ms Baillie and to our audiences as licence fee payers."
The timing of the apology relates to the times when the Russell Brand show (9.03pm) and the Jonathan Ross Radio 2 show (10.03am) would normally be broadcast on Radio 2.
(courtesy of the BBC Press Office)
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Ghost Town Cinema Review
Ricky Gervais is Bertram Pincus, a dentist who is not much of a people-person, in this romantic comedy Ghost Town.Pincus dies briefly in hospital during a standard procedure but, is brought back to life after just a few minutes. This experience leaves him with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, much to his dismay, and they all want some sort of favour from him.
Recently deceased Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) is particularly hard to shake off as he pesters Pincus around the clock, until he agrees to help split up Frank’s widow from her new man.
Bertram Pincus finds his life changing as he falls in love and realises that he needs to change his attitude towards others if he doesn’t want to spend the rest of his life alone.
I’m not much of a Ricky Gervais fan but, he is great in this film. He is very funny as the anti-social dentist and Ghost Town is hardly the conventional rom-com, which makes it all the more entertaining. It definitely stands out against many of the run-of-the-mill rom-coms that hit the big screen.
The plot is fun and engaging and there is plenty of humour to keep the audience amused throughout. I would definitely recommend this film to all comedy fans.
Jack Black set for Travels
Variety have revealed that Jack Black is set to star as Gulliver in a screen adaption of Jonathan Swift's tale 'Gulliver's Travels.'
Twentieth Century Fox are taking on the project with Rob Letterman ('Shark Tale') directing.
Variety write: "'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' helmer Nicholas Stoller and Joe Stillman ('Shrek') penned the screenplay."
They add: "Fox has kept development of the project under wraps -- a common practice with public domain-based material -- even though Letterman has been attached to helm for some time. But the studio quickly greenlit the film once Black committed."
It is thought that shooting will begin in March.
Twentieth Century Fox are taking on the project with Rob Letterman ('Shark Tale') directing.
Variety write: "'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' helmer Nicholas Stoller and Joe Stillman ('Shrek') penned the screenplay."
They add: "Fox has kept development of the project under wraps -- a common practice with public domain-based material -- even though Letterman has been attached to helm for some time. But the studio quickly greenlit the film once Black committed."
It is thought that shooting will begin in March.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Saw V Cinema Review
It seems the gore will never end as the fifth instalment of the brutal Saw series hits our screens.
Jigsaw died in the last film, so that should really have been a perfect reason to conclude the series at Saw IV but, that hasn’t turned out to be the case. Even without the main instigator, the show must go on and the blood must flow.
Saw V interchanges between the past and the present, it backtracks through the previous plot lines to reveal hidden aspects that we’ve never been shown before, whilst also giving us a taste of how Jigsaw’s work is being carried on in his memory by an accomplice in the present day.
The film gives us a bit more background as to Jigsaw’s reasoning behind the things he does and although this does feel a bit like one Saw film too many, it is still entertaining and of course incredibly gruesome.
Saw has definitely not lost its ability to make audiences squirm and cringe and it will have many people sat on the edge of their seats awaiting the next bloody task for the victims to endure.
One piece of advice though…don’t go to see this film with a full stomach!
Jigsaw died in the last film, so that should really have been a perfect reason to conclude the series at Saw IV but, that hasn’t turned out to be the case. Even without the main instigator, the show must go on and the blood must flow.
Saw V interchanges between the past and the present, it backtracks through the previous plot lines to reveal hidden aspects that we’ve never been shown before, whilst also giving us a taste of how Jigsaw’s work is being carried on in his memory by an accomplice in the present day.
The film gives us a bit more background as to Jigsaw’s reasoning behind the things he does and although this does feel a bit like one Saw film too many, it is still entertaining and of course incredibly gruesome.
Saw has definitely not lost its ability to make audiences squirm and cringe and it will have many people sat on the edge of their seats awaiting the next bloody task for the victims to endure.
One piece of advice though…don’t go to see this film with a full stomach!
Zombies of the future
It appears that evolution has not escaped our zombie friends; recently they seem to have been blessed with the ability to run which, of course, makes life a hell of a lot easier for them but, it's a bit of a frightening concept for the rest of us.
Ok, so zombies aren't real but, they are so set into our consumption of modern horror that I can't help but pick up on how much they have changed.
The traditional notion of the zombie (as seen in the likes of Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’) is of an un-dead moaning corpse with a bit of a fetish for flesh and/or brains. They drag themselves along looking for their next victim and fleshy feast but, they never pick up great speed in their quest which has always made them pretty easy to get away from.
Now they have this new tendency to break into a swift run in pursuit of their victims which turns them into a whole new and more foreboding enemy. Admittedly they are still a bit stupid (I’m sure we would all be if we found ourselves in their predicament) but, they’re altogether not so comical now that they can give chase.
This idea has got me musing about what else they might have hidden up their blood-stained sleeves for their race to evolve…perhaps they will start climbing, swimming or driving zombie vehicles. Maybe they could even learn to fly, use a gun or invent some new piece of technology especially for them to eliminate the living (but, I suppose that would spoil their flesh-eating fun).
It seems that I’m not the only one who has noticed this sudden change in the speed and dexterity of the un-dead, actor Simon Pegg has today written an article for the Guardian after seeing Channel 4’s Dead Set with its sprinting corpses. Take a look at his article here.
Although zombies running in Dead Set and in films like 28 Weeks Later (they aren’t technically traditional zombies as they are infected but, they are very zombie-like nonetheless) moves us away from the conventions of the horror genre and causes avid fans to moan, I must admit that this new breed of flesh-eating threat does add a lot of excitement and edge for the viewer. It could entice a whole new audience into watching zombie flicks because they know it's going to be more frightening for them.
It seems to me that the zombies of the future will most certainly be a force to be reckoned with.
Ok, so zombies aren't real but, they are so set into our consumption of modern horror that I can't help but pick up on how much they have changed.
The traditional notion of the zombie (as seen in the likes of Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’) is of an un-dead moaning corpse with a bit of a fetish for flesh and/or brains. They drag themselves along looking for their next victim and fleshy feast but, they never pick up great speed in their quest which has always made them pretty easy to get away from.
Now they have this new tendency to break into a swift run in pursuit of their victims which turns them into a whole new and more foreboding enemy. Admittedly they are still a bit stupid (I’m sure we would all be if we found ourselves in their predicament) but, they’re altogether not so comical now that they can give chase.
This idea has got me musing about what else they might have hidden up their blood-stained sleeves for their race to evolve…perhaps they will start climbing, swimming or driving zombie vehicles. Maybe they could even learn to fly, use a gun or invent some new piece of technology especially for them to eliminate the living (but, I suppose that would spoil their flesh-eating fun).
It seems that I’m not the only one who has noticed this sudden change in the speed and dexterity of the un-dead, actor Simon Pegg has today written an article for the Guardian after seeing Channel 4’s Dead Set with its sprinting corpses. Take a look at his article here.
Although zombies running in Dead Set and in films like 28 Weeks Later (they aren’t technically traditional zombies as they are infected but, they are very zombie-like nonetheless) moves us away from the conventions of the horror genre and causes avid fans to moan, I must admit that this new breed of flesh-eating threat does add a lot of excitement and edge for the viewer. It could entice a whole new audience into watching zombie flicks because they know it's going to be more frightening for them.
It seems to me that the zombies of the future will most certainly be a force to be reckoned with.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Wallace and Gromit this Christmas
This Christmas Wallace And Gromit fans will be treated to the duo's latest adventure in the BBC One premiere of A Matter Of Loaf And Death.
After the incredible success of Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Nick Park is pleased to be returning to the 30-minute format.
"I love making films for the cinema but the production of Chicken Run and Curse Of The Were-Rabbit were virtually back to back and each film took five years to complete," he says.
"A Matter Of Loaf And Death will be so much quicker to make. I'm delighted to be back into production and back with BBC One with Wallace and Gromit.
"Over the years the BBC has been incredibly supportive of Wallace and Gromit, this film feels like their homecoming."
The new film reunites Nick Park with writer Bob Baker who co-wrote both The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave.
Sally Lindsay (Coronation Street) will be the voice of Piella Bakewell, alongside Peter Sallis who voices Wallace.
In this new masterpiece, viewers will catch up with Wallace and Gromit, who have opened a new bakery – Top Bun.
Business is booming, not least because a deadly Cereal Killer is targeting all the bakers in town and so competition is drying up.
Gromit is worried that they may be the next victims but Wallace couldn't care – he's fallen head over heels in love with Piella Bakewell, former star of the Bake-O-Lite bread commercials.
So Gromit is left to run things on his own when he'd much rather be getting better acquainted with Piella's lovely pet poodle Fluffles.
Before long Gromit makes a shocking discovery which points to the killer's true identity. Can he save his master from becoming the next baker to be butchered? And does Fluffles know more than she is saying?
It's a classic "who-doughnut" mystery, as four-time Academy Award-winning director Nick Park creates a hilarious new masterpiece in the tradition of the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.
Commenting on the new film, Controller, BBC One, Jay Hunt said: "I am delighted Wallace and Gromit will be part of our Christmas schedule on BBC One. A Matter Of Loaf And Death is just the sort of unmissable family entertainment that epitomises the channel at its very best."
A Matter Of Loaf And Death is an Aardman Animations production for BBC One, and was commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction.
Aardman is a world leader in model animation, and the production company behind such favourites as Shaun The Sheep, Creature Comforts and the feature Curse Of The Were-Rabbit which topped box office charts in the UK and the US and won many awards including a BAFTA for Best British Film and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
(Courtesy of BBC Press Releases)
After the incredible success of Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Nick Park is pleased to be returning to the 30-minute format.
"I love making films for the cinema but the production of Chicken Run and Curse Of The Were-Rabbit were virtually back to back and each film took five years to complete," he says.
"A Matter Of Loaf And Death will be so much quicker to make. I'm delighted to be back into production and back with BBC One with Wallace and Gromit.
"Over the years the BBC has been incredibly supportive of Wallace and Gromit, this film feels like their homecoming."
The new film reunites Nick Park with writer Bob Baker who co-wrote both The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave.
Sally Lindsay (Coronation Street) will be the voice of Piella Bakewell, alongside Peter Sallis who voices Wallace.
In this new masterpiece, viewers will catch up with Wallace and Gromit, who have opened a new bakery – Top Bun.
Business is booming, not least because a deadly Cereal Killer is targeting all the bakers in town and so competition is drying up.
Gromit is worried that they may be the next victims but Wallace couldn't care – he's fallen head over heels in love with Piella Bakewell, former star of the Bake-O-Lite bread commercials.
So Gromit is left to run things on his own when he'd much rather be getting better acquainted with Piella's lovely pet poodle Fluffles.
Before long Gromit makes a shocking discovery which points to the killer's true identity. Can he save his master from becoming the next baker to be butchered? And does Fluffles know more than she is saying?
It's a classic "who-doughnut" mystery, as four-time Academy Award-winning director Nick Park creates a hilarious new masterpiece in the tradition of the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.
Commenting on the new film, Controller, BBC One, Jay Hunt said: "I am delighted Wallace and Gromit will be part of our Christmas schedule on BBC One. A Matter Of Loaf And Death is just the sort of unmissable family entertainment that epitomises the channel at its very best."
A Matter Of Loaf And Death is an Aardman Animations production for BBC One, and was commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction.
Aardman is a world leader in model animation, and the production company behind such favourites as Shaun The Sheep, Creature Comforts and the feature Curse Of The Were-Rabbit which topped box office charts in the UK and the US and won many awards including a BAFTA for Best British Film and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
(Courtesy of BBC Press Releases)
More zombies from Romero
I am disheartened to hear that George. A. Romero will be bringing yet another zombie horror to our screens.
After the disaster of Diary of the Dead, I had hoped that Romero might lay his zombies to rest but, that is not the case.
Island of the Dead (this is thought to be the title) will tell the story of a group of Islanders off the coast of North America, who have to fight a zombie epidemic and look for a cure to save their un-dead relatives.
Images from the new film have been released to USA Today and BloodyDisgusting.com as a 'Halloween treat.'
The film is thought to be due for release in 2009 and we can only hope that it's better than Diary of the Dead.
After the disaster of Diary of the Dead, I had hoped that Romero might lay his zombies to rest but, that is not the case.
Island of the Dead (this is thought to be the title) will tell the story of a group of Islanders off the coast of North America, who have to fight a zombie epidemic and look for a cure to save their un-dead relatives.
Images from the new film have been released to USA Today and BloodyDisgusting.com as a 'Halloween treat.'
The film is thought to be due for release in 2009 and we can only hope that it's better than Diary of the Dead.
Transformers sequel - it's a wrap
Michael Bay has finished filming for his upcoming Transformers sequel, 'Revenge of the Fallen.'
Writing from Michael Bay's personal blog, team member Nelson said: "Nelson here. As of this week, principal photography for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has ended. Congrats to Michael and his team."
The film is now heading into the editing suite and will be ready for release on June 26th 2009.
Writing from Michael Bay's personal blog, team member Nelson said: "Nelson here. As of this week, principal photography for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has ended. Congrats to Michael and his team."
The film is now heading into the editing suite and will be ready for release on June 26th 2009.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Ben Fogle battles bug
The BBC have reported that Ben Fogle, famous for his appearances in Animal Park, Castaway and Countryfile, has fallen victim to a mysterious flesh-eating bug.
It is thought that he contracted the bug whilst filming a BBC TV series 'Extreme Dreams' in the Peruvian jungles.
The BBC writes: "The star, 34, has a hole at least an inch wide on his right arm... He has had a biopsy to determine the strain of the infection, which is believed to be the potentially life-threatening leishmaniasis."
"After 13 expeditions to remote parts of the world, I would consider myself lucky. This is the first time I'm ill," said Fogle, who will be treated at London's Hospital of Tropical Diseases.
He added: "I have every confidence in the specialists treating me."
I wish Ben well and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
See the full story at BBC News.
It is thought that he contracted the bug whilst filming a BBC TV series 'Extreme Dreams' in the Peruvian jungles.
The BBC writes: "The star, 34, has a hole at least an inch wide on his right arm... He has had a biopsy to determine the strain of the infection, which is believed to be the potentially life-threatening leishmaniasis."
"After 13 expeditions to remote parts of the world, I would consider myself lucky. This is the first time I'm ill," said Fogle, who will be treated at London's Hospital of Tropical Diseases.
He added: "I have every confidence in the specialists treating me."
I wish Ben well and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
See the full story at BBC News.
McFly to perform Children in Need single
BBC Children in Need is delighted to announce that the 2008 Children in Need single will be performed by McFly, who will be donating all profits from the single to the charity's 2008 appeal.
This double-A sided single features the track Do Ya, from their current album Radio:ACTIVE, and a cover version of Rod Stewart and The Faces' Seventies hit Stay With Me.
Both songs will be performed for BBC Children in Need viewers on BBC One on Friday 14 November 2008.
Tom from McFly says: "We're so honoured to be releasing the official single for Children in Need.
"We've performed several times on the live show in the past and it's always been an amazing night with a fantastic atmosphere.
"Hopefully our single can help raise more money than ever for what is such a great cause."
For fans eager to be amongst the first to get their hands on the new single, it will be available to pre-order on the night of the 14 November as a two-track download from 7Digital.
The single will be available to download from Sunday 23 November and commercially available in stores from Monday 24 November.
Every single copy sold will help BBC Children in Need in its aim to raise over £30million to help disadvantaged children across the UK.
McFly will also be switching on the Regent Street Christmas lights from outside Hamleys in Regent Street, London W1 on Thursday 6 November 2008 from 5.45pm onwards. This is a traffic free event.
(Courtesy of BBC Press Releases)
David Tenant steps out of the Tardis
David Tennant announced at the National Television Awards, last night, that he will leave the award winning BBC One drama Doctor Who when he has completed the filming of four special episodes which will be screened in 2009 and early in 2010.
David Tennant first appeared as The Doctor in 2005 and has gone on to star in three series and three Christmas specials as the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord.
The BBC has confirmed that David will continue to play The Doctor in the four specials that will make up the 2009 series before a new Doctor takes over for Series 5.
Tennant will also star in the Doctor Who Christmas special, titled The Next Doctor, this year.
David Tennant comments: "I've had the most brilliant, bewildering and life changing time working on Doctor Who.
"I have loved every day of it.. It would be very easy to cling on to the Tardis console forever and I fear that if I don't take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will. You would be prising the Tardis key out of my cold dead hand.
"This show has been so special to me, I don't want to outstay my welcome.
"This is all a long way off, of course. I'm not quitting, I'm back in Cardiff in January to film four special episodes which will take Doctor Who all the way through 2009.
"I'm still the Doctor all next year but when the time finally comes I'll be honoured to hand on the best job in the world to the next lucky git – whoever that may be.
"I'd always thought the time to leave would be in conjunction with Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner who have been such a huge part of it all for me.
"Steven Moffat is the most brilliant and exciting writer, the only possible successor to Russell and it was sorely tempting to be part of his amazing new plans for the show. I will be there, glued to my TV when his stories begin in 2010.
"I feel very privileged to have been part of this incredible phenomenon, and whilst I'm looking forward to new challenges I know I'll always be very proud to be the Tenth Doctor."
Russell T Davies, Executive Producer of Doctor Who, comments: ""I've been lucky and honoured to work with David over the past few years – and it's not over yet, the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left!
"After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano.
"But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching!"
David expands upon his decision in a taped interview which can be found at bbc.co.uk/doctorwho.
Doctor Who returns to our screens on BBC this Christmas. The Next Doctor starring David Tennant, David Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan will be screened on 25 December 2008 on BBC One.
(BBC Press Release)
David Tennant first appeared as The Doctor in 2005 and has gone on to star in three series and three Christmas specials as the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord.
The BBC has confirmed that David will continue to play The Doctor in the four specials that will make up the 2009 series before a new Doctor takes over for Series 5.
Tennant will also star in the Doctor Who Christmas special, titled The Next Doctor, this year.
David Tennant comments: "I've had the most brilliant, bewildering and life changing time working on Doctor Who.
"I have loved every day of it.. It would be very easy to cling on to the Tardis console forever and I fear that if I don't take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will. You would be prising the Tardis key out of my cold dead hand.
"This show has been so special to me, I don't want to outstay my welcome.
"This is all a long way off, of course. I'm not quitting, I'm back in Cardiff in January to film four special episodes which will take Doctor Who all the way through 2009.
"I'm still the Doctor all next year but when the time finally comes I'll be honoured to hand on the best job in the world to the next lucky git – whoever that may be.
"I'd always thought the time to leave would be in conjunction with Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner who have been such a huge part of it all for me.
"Steven Moffat is the most brilliant and exciting writer, the only possible successor to Russell and it was sorely tempting to be part of his amazing new plans for the show. I will be there, glued to my TV when his stories begin in 2010.
"I feel very privileged to have been part of this incredible phenomenon, and whilst I'm looking forward to new challenges I know I'll always be very proud to be the Tenth Doctor."
Russell T Davies, Executive Producer of Doctor Who, comments: ""I've been lucky and honoured to work with David over the past few years – and it's not over yet, the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left!
"After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano.
"But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching!"
David expands upon his decision in a taped interview which can be found at bbc.co.uk/doctorwho.
Doctor Who returns to our screens on BBC this Christmas. The Next Doctor starring David Tennant, David Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan will be screened on 25 December 2008 on BBC One.
(BBC Press Release)
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Joaquin Phoenix quits films for music
Joaquin Phoenix announced to 'Extra' at the Paul Newman Benefit that he won't be making anymore films and will be pursuing a career in music, following the success of his performance in Walk the Line as legend Johnny Cash.
The Oscar nominee said: "I want to take this opportunity... also to give you the exclusive and just talk a little bit about the fact that this will be my last performance as an actor... I'm not doing films anymore."
He added: "I'm working on my music. I'm done. I've been through that."
His announcement was later confirmed by his representative.
Director Michael Bay not happy with Transformers ride
Michael Bay, director of Transformers, has announced on his personal blog that he is not yet supporting the Transformers theme park ride , despite a Universal Studios press release stating that he has approved the project.
He said: "The Transformer Ride at Universal making all the press rounds - not sure yet - they had me in a press release saying I supported it - but Universal has a long way to go in my mind. I don't support it yet - I'm not involved and not sure the story of the ride works, and I know Optimus is not going to just show up to be directed by some new people that have never worked with him. I hate when people bullshit a quote from me that I never said."
He added: "I'll keep you informed. Maybe the guy making the rides at Universal will direct Transformers 3?"
He said: "The Transformer Ride at Universal making all the press rounds - not sure yet - they had me in a press release saying I supported it - but Universal has a long way to go in my mind. I don't support it yet - I'm not involved and not sure the story of the ride works, and I know Optimus is not going to just show up to be directed by some new people that have never worked with him. I hate when people bullshit a quote from me that I never said."
He added: "I'll keep you informed. Maybe the guy making the rides at Universal will direct Transformers 3?"
Another helping of American Pie
We may be due to receive another slice of American Pie as rumours say that Universal will be bringing us a fourth theatrical feature film, scrapping the straight-to-DVD spin offs.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, no script has been written and no cast or production date has been announced but, it is expected that the film will catch up with the films newlyweds Jim and Michelle (Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan) who tied the not in American Wedding.
BBC responds to prank calls of Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross
The BBC today issued a statement from Mark Thompson, Director-General.
"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.
"BBC audiences accept that, in comedy, performers attempt to push the line of taste. However, this is not a marginal case. It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.
"Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue. The investigation that I instructed Tim Davie to conduct is nearing completion, and I am returning to London to review the findings and, in the coming days, announce what action we will take.
"In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.
"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers. I am determined that we satisfy them that any lessons will be learnt and appropriate action taken. I have been asked to report to the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee before the end of this week and will discuss with the Trust the findings of the report and the actions I propose."
(BBC Press Release)
"I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.
"BBC audiences accept that, in comedy, performers attempt to push the line of taste. However, this is not a marginal case. It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.
"Since Sunday, I have been in regular contact with the senior executives I tasked with handling this issue. The investigation that I instructed Tim Davie to conduct is nearing completion, and I am returning to London to review the findings and, in the coming days, announce what action we will take.
"In the meantime, I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned.
"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers. I am determined that we satisfy them that any lessons will be learnt and appropriate action taken. I have been asked to report to the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee before the end of this week and will discuss with the Trust the findings of the report and the actions I propose."
(BBC Press Release)
New Harry Potter 6 trailer
A new Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince trailer has been released and what a trailer it is too.
It's fast and exciting and makes me wish the film were being released tomorrow but, sadly we still have to wait until next July to see the end product.
Here's the trailer, hope you like it:
It's fast and exciting and makes me wish the film were being released tomorrow but, sadly we still have to wait until next July to see the end product.
Here's the trailer, hope you like it:
Friday, 24 October 2008
Doctor Who preview
This year's BBC Children in Need show on BBC One is to feature an exclusive preview of the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas special.
The clip, from the special entitled The Next Doctor, will show the first two minutes of a brand new episode for the Time Lord, played by David Tennant.
This never-seen-before footage is a worldwide exclusive and will keep fans all over the globe wondering what's in store for the Doctor's next adventure.
Starring David Tennant and David Morrissey, the two-minute piece will broadcast as part of the BBC Children in Need show on Friday 14 November, BBC One, 7.00pm.
(Courtesy of the BBC Press Office)
The clip, from the special entitled The Next Doctor, will show the first two minutes of a brand new episode for the Time Lord, played by David Tennant.
This never-seen-before footage is a worldwide exclusive and will keep fans all over the globe wondering what's in store for the Doctor's next adventure.
Starring David Tennant and David Morrissey, the two-minute piece will broadcast as part of the BBC Children in Need show on Friday 14 November, BBC One, 7.00pm.
(Courtesy of the BBC Press Office)
A completely pointless but amusing study
Psychologists have carried out a study which has found that holding a hot drink can make people feel more friendly towards others.
The Guardian writes: "Holding a warm cup of coffee was enough to make people think strangers were more welcoming and trustworthy, while a cold drink had the opposite effect, a study found."
"The warmth of a drink also influenced whether people were more likely to be selfish or give to others, researchers report in the journal Science. A team led by John Bargh at the University of Colorado set about testing whether hot and iced drinks influenced perceptions of others after noting how frequently "warm" and "cold" are used to describe personalities."
This seems a rather random study and while it is amusing, it is probably a bit of a waste of time. Once again it seems that the money used for these kinds of studies would be better spent elsewhere, especially in our current climate.
However, on the positive side, we now have a new, cheap and easy way to get on someones 'warmer' side, give them a hot drink and all will be well.
Take a look at the full article at the Guardian.
The Guardian writes: "Holding a warm cup of coffee was enough to make people think strangers were more welcoming and trustworthy, while a cold drink had the opposite effect, a study found."
"The warmth of a drink also influenced whether people were more likely to be selfish or give to others, researchers report in the journal Science. A team led by John Bargh at the University of Colorado set about testing whether hot and iced drinks influenced perceptions of others after noting how frequently "warm" and "cold" are used to describe personalities."
This seems a rather random study and while it is amusing, it is probably a bit of a waste of time. Once again it seems that the money used for these kinds of studies would be better spent elsewhere, especially in our current climate.
However, on the positive side, we now have a new, cheap and easy way to get on someones 'warmer' side, give them a hot drink and all will be well.
Take a look at the full article at the Guardian.
Ripley's Believe It or Not
Rumour has it that Paramount is in talks with Chris Columbus to direct Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Tim Burton was originally rumoured to be directing the film in China in 2007 but, Variety say it will now be "getting a complete overhaul, based on a concept that Columbus pitched."
When Columbus is successfully on board, Paramount will hire a writer for the project, which they hope to release in 2011.
Paramount also have hopes of making Ripley's Believe It or Not a franchise.
Tim Burton was originally rumoured to be directing the film in China in 2007 but, Variety say it will now be "getting a complete overhaul, based on a concept that Columbus pitched."
When Columbus is successfully on board, Paramount will hire a writer for the project, which they hope to release in 2011.
Paramount also have hopes of making Ripley's Believe It or Not a franchise.
Daniel Craig and Jonathan Ross talk Bond
Daniel Craig joins Jonathan Ross on his BBC One show, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, and tells how he was afraid of failure as Bond.
He says: "I thought I might fail miserably... I thought it was going to change my life and I was unsure that I wanted it to... now I'm growing into it, I'm genuinely excited about a third [Bond] movie."
Daniel added: "I love every day, it's a rare experience. I get a big thrill out of it."
Daniel Craig will return as Bond in Quantum of Solace which is due to hit our screens at the end of the month.
Catch the rest of his interview on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, 10.35 pm, Friday 24 October 2008, BBC One.
(Quotes courtesy of BBC Press Office)
Yet another video game to film adaption
Variety have revealed that Universal Pictures have gained the screen rights to EA video game 'Army of Two.'
The Bourne Ultimatum co-writer, Scott Z. Burns, has been attached to write the script for the film which is due to begin production in 2009 and Scott Scuber will produce with EA.
The game, which has sold more than 1 million copies since its release in March, is a two-player action game where a pair of military contractors fight side by side throughout.
With the duo player format, it may be hard to see how it can be successfully transformed to a big screen hit but, Burns says: "Because people experience the game in pairs, playing two guys who go against the world, Scott and I agreed this format presented an opportunity to make a great buddy film."
Burns added: "The ambiguity of these private military corporations lends weight to an intelligent thriller with relevance to what’s going on in the world right now. You have contractors with their own agendas, and two guys whose friendship supersedes all the politics. I told EA right off the bat I wasn’t a gamer, and that appealed to them because they didn’t want to simply replicate the game."
'Army of Two' marks the third EA game to enter the film world recently. Universal are thought to be taking on Sci-Fi game 'Mass Effect' and also 'Bioshock' which is due to be directed by Gore Verbinski. Even 'The Sims' is getting the movie treatment as 20th Century Fox takes on the challenge.
The Bourne Ultimatum co-writer, Scott Z. Burns, has been attached to write the script for the film which is due to begin production in 2009 and Scott Scuber will produce with EA.
The game, which has sold more than 1 million copies since its release in March, is a two-player action game where a pair of military contractors fight side by side throughout.
With the duo player format, it may be hard to see how it can be successfully transformed to a big screen hit but, Burns says: "Because people experience the game in pairs, playing two guys who go against the world, Scott and I agreed this format presented an opportunity to make a great buddy film."
Burns added: "The ambiguity of these private military corporations lends weight to an intelligent thriller with relevance to what’s going on in the world right now. You have contractors with their own agendas, and two guys whose friendship supersedes all the politics. I told EA right off the bat I wasn’t a gamer, and that appealed to them because they didn’t want to simply replicate the game."
'Army of Two' marks the third EA game to enter the film world recently. Universal are thought to be taking on Sci-Fi game 'Mass Effect' and also 'Bioshock' which is due to be directed by Gore Verbinski. Even 'The Sims' is getting the movie treatment as 20th Century Fox takes on the challenge.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Tropic Thunder
There was quite a lot of hype surrounding this film and I'm not quite sure that it is all it was cracked up to be.
It is an entertaining and funny film nonetheless and is typical of what we would expect from Ben Stiller.
My full review can be found at movieriot.co.uk.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
Simon Pegg stars in this hit comedy about a journalist who is trying to fit in in a top New York magazine.
It is a fab film, with plenty of comedy throughout.
Take a look at my full review at movieriot.co.uk.
And...take a look at the trailer below...
Friday, 17 October 2008
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a moving representation of the holocaust through the eyes of a small boy.I was a bit apprehensive about going to see this film, but I definitely didn't regret the decision and I am not ashamed to say that I was in tears by the closing credits.
I would definitely recommend this film but, make sure you have your tissues handy.
For my full review go to Movieriot.co.uk.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Burton's Immortal Award
Legendary cult director, Tim Burton, is due to attend the Scream 2008 Awards at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles this Saturday where he will be accepting his 'Immortal Award'.
The award will mark Burton's contributions to horror, sci-fi and fantasy genres as the Scream people say he has "contributed more to the genres of fantasy, sci-fi and horror than any other filmmaker of his generation."
The Los Angeles Times have scooped a brilliant exclusive interview with Burton on the set of his new film, Alice in Wonderland, take a look at it here.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Co-writer denies Pirate rumours
Co-writer of the three Pirates of the Caribbean movies has quashed some of the rumours circulating about the fourth edition to the series of swashbuckling adventures.
Rumours have said that Depp is set to make a huge $56 million for Pirates 4 and that Sacha Baron Cohen and Russel Brand will co-star while Tim Burton is on board to direct.
He revealed on Wordplay Forums: 'For the record, none of the recent Pirates 4 rumors have any truth, including the so-called record 50 million dollar payday for Depp.'
He added: 'Some pretty funny stuff, though. Sacha Cohen? Tim Burton? Studios are way too protective of their franchises for that sort of thing. '
It has been confirmed that Depp will return as loveable rogue Captain Jack Sparrow but, it is thought that Keria Knightley will not be returning as Elizabeth, Terry writes: 'All I know is what I read, which is that Keira is not interested in doing another Pirates film, so that means the Elizabeth character cannot come back.'
So it looks as though Pirates 4 is not going to be Sweeney Todd incarnate and that it will probably stick to what we are used to, which is for the best really.
No production date has been set yet.
Rumours have said that Depp is set to make a huge $56 million for Pirates 4 and that Sacha Baron Cohen and Russel Brand will co-star while Tim Burton is on board to direct.
He revealed on Wordplay Forums: 'For the record, none of the recent Pirates 4 rumors have any truth, including the so-called record 50 million dollar payday for Depp.'
He added: 'Some pretty funny stuff, though. Sacha Cohen? Tim Burton? Studios are way too protective of their franchises for that sort of thing. '
It has been confirmed that Depp will return as loveable rogue Captain Jack Sparrow but, it is thought that Keria Knightley will not be returning as Elizabeth, Terry writes: 'All I know is what I read, which is that Keira is not interested in doing another Pirates film, so that means the Elizabeth character cannot come back.'
So it looks as though Pirates 4 is not going to be Sweeney Todd incarnate and that it will probably stick to what we are used to, which is for the best really.
No production date has been set yet.
Monday, 13 October 2008
Face your fears on new SAW ride
Empire have announced that popular theme park Thorpe Park are due to launch a ride based on the horror movie series 'SAW' next spring.
It will mark the worlds first horror movie based roller coaster and it is thought that it will be one of the scariest rides around as visitors face their fears.
Empire write: 'With a ‘beyond vertical’ drop of 100º from a height of 100ft, SAW – The Ride will be the steepest free fall drop in the world, and riders will endure three inversions to fuel the adrenaline-drenched fun for thrill seekers. Visitors will be at the mercy of the series’ master manipulator, Jigsaw who will test the nerve of all who dare ride it.'
The people responsible for the horror series, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, are on board to help bring the ride to life.
Take a look at the rides website to keep updated on its progress.
In the meantime, the next frightening film in the series, Saw V, is due to hit our screens at the end of the month, just in time to spook us all for Halloween.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Cast of Alice in Wonderland announced
Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter have joined the cast for Tim Burton's take on the original Disney hit Alice in Wonderland.
Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada, Get Smart) will star as the White Queen while Burton's partner Helena Bonham Carter (Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd) will appear as her formidable sister, the Red Queen, who has a tendency to shout the infamous line 'off with their heads' and who deposes and banishes the White Queen.
Johnny Depp will star as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska will play Alice.
The film will use a combination of live action and performance-capture technology and is due for release in 2010.
Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada, Get Smart) will star as the White Queen while Burton's partner Helena Bonham Carter (Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd) will appear as her formidable sister, the Red Queen, who has a tendency to shout the infamous line 'off with their heads' and who deposes and banishes the White Queen.
Johnny Depp will star as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska will play Alice.
The film will use a combination of live action and performance-capture technology and is due for release in 2010.
Tom Thumb the film
Little English folklore character,Tom Thumb, is set to make a big appearance on the film scene.
Enchanted's Kevin Lima has been attached to direct the film staring the miniature hero.
The production will be brought to our screens by Warner Bros and Red Wagon and screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) will re-invent Tom as an arrogant knight who is shrunk to a mere 6 inches tall and has to discover what it means to be a true hero.
It is thought that the film will be shot as a live action movie with Tom Thumb being a CG animation.
The production date is yet to be announced.
Enchanted's Kevin Lima has been attached to direct the film staring the miniature hero.
The production will be brought to our screens by Warner Bros and Red Wagon and screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) will re-invent Tom as an arrogant knight who is shrunk to a mere 6 inches tall and has to discover what it means to be a true hero.
It is thought that the film will be shot as a live action movie with Tom Thumb being a CG animation.
The production date is yet to be announced.
Monday, 6 October 2008
Dracula's Back
It seems that Dracula is not dead yet and is in fact due back on our screens next year.
It has been revealed that the sequel to Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) is to be called Dracula: The Undead and is due to start filming next June.
Empire online writes: 'Holt and Stoker used Bram Stoker's original notes and found characters and plot threads written by him but cut from the original novel. Even the title of this one is Bram's original title, so with a bit of luck it will feel like a real sequel and not just another spin on the myth.'
So have your garlic at the ready because Dracula is back!
It has been revealed that the sequel to Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) is to be called Dracula: The Undead and is due to start filming next June.
Empire online writes: 'Holt and Stoker used Bram Stoker's original notes and found characters and plot threads written by him but cut from the original novel. Even the title of this one is Bram's original title, so with a bit of luck it will feel like a real sequel and not just another spin on the myth.'
So have your garlic at the ready because Dracula is back!
Mosley attempts to change the face of journalism
I am outraged to hear that Formula One chief Max Mosley is attempting to change the way journalism works in this country.
Reports say that he has launched a bid to re-write English privacy law so that editors are required to inform the people who they're writing about before the article is published. The person in question then has the chance to request an injunction against the article.
Press Gazette writes: 'Mosley is arguing that English law is in breach of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, the right to privacy, by not requiring editors to inform people that their private lives are being written about.'
Whilst I agree that everyone has a right to privacy, I don't feel there is any need to go to such extremes as practically gagging the press. There are plenty of options available for those who feel they have been wronged by the press without having to jeopardise the freedom of speech our press have in this country.
Mosley was awarded £60,000 in damages against the News of the World earlier this year after their reports that he was taking part in a Nazi-themed sex orgy in London were rejected in court. That is a higher amount of damages than is usually awarded for a case of invasion of privacy but, Mosley doesn't seem content with that as he is now trying to completely reform the newspaper industry as we know it.
If his bid is successful, we will be subjected to a far more restricted press, much like that found in other countries. I don't think the possible effect of this has quite been contemplated on all parts and so we can only hope that the bid is unsuccessful and that we can retain the freedom of our press.
See the full story at Press Gazette.
Reports say that he has launched a bid to re-write English privacy law so that editors are required to inform the people who they're writing about before the article is published. The person in question then has the chance to request an injunction against the article.
Press Gazette writes: 'Mosley is arguing that English law is in breach of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, the right to privacy, by not requiring editors to inform people that their private lives are being written about.'
Whilst I agree that everyone has a right to privacy, I don't feel there is any need to go to such extremes as practically gagging the press. There are plenty of options available for those who feel they have been wronged by the press without having to jeopardise the freedom of speech our press have in this country.
Mosley was awarded £60,000 in damages against the News of the World earlier this year after their reports that he was taking part in a Nazi-themed sex orgy in London were rejected in court. That is a higher amount of damages than is usually awarded for a case of invasion of privacy but, Mosley doesn't seem content with that as he is now trying to completely reform the newspaper industry as we know it.
If his bid is successful, we will be subjected to a far more restricted press, much like that found in other countries. I don't think the possible effect of this has quite been contemplated on all parts and so we can only hope that the bid is unsuccessful and that we can retain the freedom of our press.
See the full story at Press Gazette.
Friday, 3 October 2008
Pineapple Express
Seth Rogen is ever improving his popularity on the big screen as he rolls out brilliantly funny performance after brilliantly funny performance.
His most recent film, Pineapple Express, stands shoulder to shoulder with his previous hits Knocked Up and Superbad for entertainment and humour.
It is a great film, ram-packed with comedy from beginning to end, not to be missed by comedy fans.
For my full review, take a look at Movieriot.co.uk.
His most recent film, Pineapple Express, stands shoulder to shoulder with his previous hits Knocked Up and Superbad for entertainment and humour.
It is a great film, ram-packed with comedy from beginning to end, not to be missed by comedy fans.
For my full review, take a look at Movieriot.co.uk.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Yogi Bear hits Hollywood
The hit cartoon series Yogi Bear, is taking to the big screen thanks to Warner Bros and Surf's Up co-writer Ash Brannon.
According to MovieWeb, the film will follow the likes of Alvin and the Chipmunks in presenting a live action film with elements of CGI. Yogi Bear and sidekick Boo Boo will of course be CG animations with the 'real world' around them.
The series, which has been running since 1961, depicts Yogi and Boo Boo getting into trouble and forever causing strife for Ranger Smith.
According to MovieWeb, the film will follow the likes of Alvin and the Chipmunks in presenting a live action film with elements of CGI. Yogi Bear and sidekick Boo Boo will of course be CG animations with the 'real world' around them.
The series, which has been running since 1961, depicts Yogi and Boo Boo getting into trouble and forever causing strife for Ranger Smith.
Depp's new Disney projects revealed
Hollywood heart throb, Johnny Depp, has been signed to three new Disney projects on top of his already busy filming schedule.
Variety (the entertainment industry newspaper) revealed last week that Depp will be returning as the obscure yet, lovable Captain Jack Sparrow for a fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Pirates of the Caribbean producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, will also be working with Depp on a separate project as he produces a new take on the Lone Ranger where Depp will star as the Ranger's sidekick Tonto.
Depp will be collaborating once again with his old friend Tim Burton for an adaptation of the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland. Depp will star as the Mad Hatter in a film that will be made up of 3D animation and performance capture technology.
Dispatch Online writes: 'The announcements for Ranger, Wonderland and “an additional role” were made before a crowd of roaring fans in Hollywood last week when Depp appeared at the Walt Disney Showcase, a preview of the studio’s productions over the next few years.'
Depp is currently signed up or filming for the likes of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, The Rum Diary and Sin City 3 (to name but a few), so we can expect to see a lot more of the actor on our screens during the next few years.
Variety (the entertainment industry newspaper) revealed last week that Depp will be returning as the obscure yet, lovable Captain Jack Sparrow for a fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Pirates of the Caribbean producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, will also be working with Depp on a separate project as he produces a new take on the Lone Ranger where Depp will star as the Ranger's sidekick Tonto.
Depp will be collaborating once again with his old friend Tim Burton for an adaptation of the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland. Depp will star as the Mad Hatter in a film that will be made up of 3D animation and performance capture technology.
Dispatch Online writes: 'The announcements for Ranger, Wonderland and “an additional role” were made before a crowd of roaring fans in Hollywood last week when Depp appeared at the Walt Disney Showcase, a preview of the studio’s productions over the next few years.'
Depp is currently signed up or filming for the likes of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, The Rum Diary and Sin City 3 (to name but a few), so we can expect to see a lot more of the actor on our screens during the next few years.
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