Swiss film producers and financiers Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani have been Sundance regulars for more than 15 years, but this edition is special.
The pair, who were driving forces behind the Zurich Film Festival (Zff) up until 2019, are in Park City this year with Thelma, which is the first feature from their new company Zurich Avenue to make it into Sundance.
Josh Margolin’s action-comedy-drama, starring 94-year-old June Squibb as a L.A. grandmother who sets off on a friend’s mobility scooter on a mission to track down an Internet scammer, is proving one of the early hits of the festival.
“On a personal level, it’s very meaningful because Sundance was always a big influence for us at the Zurich Film Festival from the start,” says Vezzani.
“We always loved going as programmers so getting Thelma accepted at Sundance was a dream come true.”
Former Zff co-founder and...
The pair, who were driving forces behind the Zurich Film Festival (Zff) up until 2019, are in Park City this year with Thelma, which is the first feature from their new company Zurich Avenue to make it into Sundance.
Josh Margolin’s action-comedy-drama, starring 94-year-old June Squibb as a L.A. grandmother who sets off on a friend’s mobility scooter on a mission to track down an Internet scammer, is proving one of the early hits of the festival.
“On a personal level, it’s very meaningful because Sundance was always a big influence for us at the Zurich Film Festival from the start,” says Vezzani.
“We always loved going as programmers so getting Thelma accepted at Sundance was a dream come true.”
Former Zff co-founder and...
- 1/20/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Zurich Avenue, headed by producers and former Zurich Film Festival execs Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani, has quickly amassed an impressive slate of projects since launching last year, including Annette Bening starrer “Nyad.”
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s film, which chronicles the attempt by 64-year-old swimmer Diana Nyad to swim from Cuba to Florida, unspools at the Zurich Film Festival. Zurich Avenue co-developed the Netflix film, which was produced by Black Bear Pictures and Mad Chance.
Part of financing group SPG3 Entertainment, likewise co-founded by Spoerri along with Urs Wietlisbach and Alfred Gantner in 2020, Zurich Avenue has provided the producers with a more hands-on approach, allowing them to create their own slate. The company’s recent films include Bill Pohlad’s critically-acclaimed “Dreamin’ Wild,” starring Casey Affleck and Zooey Deschanel; Coky Giedroyc’s Take That musical “Greatest Days”; and the forthcoming Josh Margolin action-comedy “Thelma,” starring June Squibb...
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s film, which chronicles the attempt by 64-year-old swimmer Diana Nyad to swim from Cuba to Florida, unspools at the Zurich Film Festival. Zurich Avenue co-developed the Netflix film, which was produced by Black Bear Pictures and Mad Chance.
Part of financing group SPG3 Entertainment, likewise co-founded by Spoerri along with Urs Wietlisbach and Alfred Gantner in 2020, Zurich Avenue has provided the producers with a more hands-on approach, allowing them to create their own slate. The company’s recent films include Bill Pohlad’s critically-acclaimed “Dreamin’ Wild,” starring Casey Affleck and Zooey Deschanel; Coky Giedroyc’s Take That musical “Greatest Days”; and the forthcoming Josh Margolin action-comedy “Thelma,” starring June Squibb...
- 9/30/2023
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s the latest episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro-budget indie films to bigger-budget studio films and everything in between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dome Lenoir, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk about how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their filmmaking experiences from directors, writers, producers and screenwriters, to actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #346: ‘Greatest Days’ director Coky Giedroyc on how...
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro-budget indie films to bigger-budget studio films and everything in between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dome Lenoir, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk about how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their filmmaking experiences from directors, writers, producers and screenwriters, to actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #346: ‘Greatest Days’ director Coky Giedroyc on how...
- 7/6/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Stars: Aisling Bea, Alice Lowe, Matthew McNulty, Emma Amos, Lara McDonnell, Jayde Adams, Ziggy Heath, Marc Wootton, Eliza Dobson, Amaka Okafor, Carragon Guest, Barry O’Connor | Written by Tim Firth | Directed by Coky Giedroyc
With a career that began in 1990, survived a break-up, Robbie Williams’ solo success, and Jason Orange leaving, it’s safe to say that Take That have done rather well. Writer Tim Firth utilised the band’s music for a jukebox musical which took the Mamma Mia! approach, before its success led to Firth adapting the musical to a film directed by Coky Giedroyc.
The story flashes back to 1993, where five best friends are obsessed with a band called “The Boys” who are not Take That, despite having hits such as Relight My Fire, Pray, and Never Forget. These flashbacks are intercut around a main story taking place 25 years later, when the friends reunite after losing touch to...
With a career that began in 1990, survived a break-up, Robbie Williams’ solo success, and Jason Orange leaving, it’s safe to say that Take That have done rather well. Writer Tim Firth utilised the band’s music for a jukebox musical which took the Mamma Mia! approach, before its success led to Firth adapting the musical to a film directed by Coky Giedroyc.
The story flashes back to 1993, where five best friends are obsessed with a band called “The Boys” who are not Take That, despite having hits such as Relight My Fire, Pray, and Never Forget. These flashbacks are intercut around a main story taking place 25 years later, when the friends reunite after losing touch to...
- 7/4/2023
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
Also opening is ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Pretty Red Dress’.
UK musical Greatest Days is taking on Warner Bros’ superhero title The Flash at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend as the two open in 603 and 670 locations, respectively.
Elysian Film Group is distributing Greatest Days, a jukebox musical using songs from boyband Take That, which follows a group of friends who reconnect 25 years later for the reunion concert of their teenage selves’ favourite band. It’s directed by Coky Giedroyc and adapted from the stage musical (The Band), with Aisling Bea leading the cast.
The Flash is opening marginally wider than Warner...
UK musical Greatest Days is taking on Warner Bros’ superhero title The Flash at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend as the two open in 603 and 670 locations, respectively.
Elysian Film Group is distributing Greatest Days, a jukebox musical using songs from boyband Take That, which follows a group of friends who reconnect 25 years later for the reunion concert of their teenage selves’ favourite band. It’s directed by Coky Giedroyc and adapted from the stage musical (The Band), with Aisling Bea leading the cast.
The Flash is opening marginally wider than Warner...
- 6/16/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
To celebrate the release of Greatest Days, which opens this weekend in UK cinemas, we sat down with the film’s amazing cast and director to find out all about it.
Greatest Days follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them. Greatest Days is the feel-good, universal story of love and friendship featuring the hit songs of Take That. Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald are executive producers for the film.
Chatting to the extraordinary cast – Aisling Bea and Lara McDonnell, Jayde Adams and Carragon Guest, Alice Lowe and Eliza Dobson, Amaka Okafor, and Nandi Hudson and Jessie Mae Alonzo and...
Greatest Days follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them. Greatest Days is the feel-good, universal story of love and friendship featuring the hit songs of Take That. Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald are executive producers for the film.
Chatting to the extraordinary cast – Aisling Bea and Lara McDonnell, Jayde Adams and Carragon Guest, Alice Lowe and Eliza Dobson, Amaka Okafor, and Nandi Hudson and Jessie Mae Alonzo and...
- 6/16/2023
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Aisling Bea rounds up old school friends to watch the reunited boyband in Athens and, amid the laughs, confront what happened when they last saw them 25 years ago
A jukebox musical featuring the works of Take That might not ever be one for the cool kids; undoubtedly this is a bit broad, but it’s a splurge of feelgood from director Coky Giedroyc and screenwriter Tim Firth, adapting his own stage show, and it’s at least as enjoyable as the much-hyped Mamma Mia! movies.
Aisling Bea gives it loads as Rachel, a hardworking NHS nurse who in her teen years was a massive Take That stan (as no one used to say in 1993) along with her four best mates from school. She is astonished one day to be phoned up by the local radio station and told she’s won a luxury all-inclusive deal for her and some guests...
A jukebox musical featuring the works of Take That might not ever be one for the cool kids; undoubtedly this is a bit broad, but it’s a splurge of feelgood from director Coky Giedroyc and screenwriter Tim Firth, adapting his own stage show, and it’s at least as enjoyable as the much-hyped Mamma Mia! movies.
Aisling Bea gives it loads as Rachel, a hardworking NHS nurse who in her teen years was a massive Take That stan (as no one used to say in 1993) along with her four best mates from school. She is astonished one day to be phoned up by the local radio station and told she’s won a luxury all-inclusive deal for her and some guests...
- 6/14/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
As the English summer settles into its brief annual pomp, so too arrives Greatest Days, the “official Take That musical”, adapted by Tim Frith from his own play and directed with a steady hand by Coky Giedroyc, and as wholesome, heady summer parties go you could do far worse. What could have been a jukebox retreade of some pop fluff here becomes a vibrant celebration of fandom’s sheer emotional transport. It’s very funny, very British, a little weird and extremely satisfying.
Aisling Bea is great as Rachel, a forty-something nurse who wins a golden ticket of sorts: a chance to see her teenage obsession, a nameless boyband, perform live in Athens. It sets in motion a reconnection with her old friends and themes, long since gone their separate ways since their time as screaming fans fantasising about life outside the seaside town of Clitheroe and living vicariously through some proper pop bangers.
Aisling Bea is great as Rachel, a forty-something nurse who wins a golden ticket of sorts: a chance to see her teenage obsession, a nameless boyband, perform live in Athens. It sets in motion a reconnection with her old friends and themes, long since gone their separate ways since their time as screaming fans fantasising about life outside the seaside town of Clitheroe and living vicariously through some proper pop bangers.
- 6/12/2023
- by Marc Burrows
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Elysian Film Group has dropped the trailer for ‘Greatest Days’, the official Take That musical.
The film follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them.
Directed by Coky Giedroyc, the cast includes Aisling Bea (This Way Up), Alice Lowe (Black Mirror), Jayde Adams (The Outlaws), Amaka Okafor (The Responder) and Marc Wootton (Nativity!). Lara McDonnell (Belfast), Jessie Mae Alonzo (Little Joe), Nandi Hudson (Army of Thieves), Carragon Guest and Eliza Dobson also star in the film, as well as Aaron Bryan (The Little Mermaid), Joshua Jung (Emma Bunton – Tour), Dalvin Cory (Wicked), Mark Samaras (Swan Lake), Mervin Noronha (What’s Love Got to Do with It?...
The film follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them.
Directed by Coky Giedroyc, the cast includes Aisling Bea (This Way Up), Alice Lowe (Black Mirror), Jayde Adams (The Outlaws), Amaka Okafor (The Responder) and Marc Wootton (Nativity!). Lara McDonnell (Belfast), Jessie Mae Alonzo (Little Joe), Nandi Hudson (Army of Thieves), Carragon Guest and Eliza Dobson also star in the film, as well as Aaron Bryan (The Little Mermaid), Joshua Jung (Emma Bunton – Tour), Dalvin Cory (Wicked), Mark Samaras (Swan Lake), Mervin Noronha (What’s Love Got to Do with It?...
- 4/20/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Is Take That back for good?
“Greatest Days” — the screen adaptation of the British pop act’s stage musical “The Band” — has unveiled its first trailer, with a U.K. and Ireland release date set for June 16.
News of the movie’s release comes just a week after the band was revealed as one of the acts set for King Charles’ coronation concert next month.
The group will also perform at a London premiere for “Greatest Days” on June 15. The performance will be broadcast alongside previews of the movie, which will screen at cinemas around the country on June 15.
Starring Aisling Bea (“The Way Up”), Alice Lowe (“Black Mirror”), Jayde Adams (“The Outlaws”) and Amaka Okafor (“The Responder”), “Greatest Days” follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favorite boy band in concert.
Twenty-five years later, their lives have changed in many different ways as...
“Greatest Days” — the screen adaptation of the British pop act’s stage musical “The Band” — has unveiled its first trailer, with a U.K. and Ireland release date set for June 16.
News of the movie’s release comes just a week after the band was revealed as one of the acts set for King Charles’ coronation concert next month.
The group will also perform at a London premiere for “Greatest Days” on June 15. The performance will be broadcast alongside previews of the movie, which will screen at cinemas around the country on June 15.
Starring Aisling Bea (“The Way Up”), Alice Lowe (“Black Mirror”), Jayde Adams (“The Outlaws”) and Amaka Okafor (“The Responder”), “Greatest Days” follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favorite boy band in concert.
Twenty-five years later, their lives have changed in many different ways as...
- 4/20/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on industry players outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week we’re talking to Heretic co-founder Giorgos Karnavas about the growth of his Athens-based production and sales house he started in 2013 with Konstantinos Kontovrakis. The company played a pivotal role in co-producing Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winner and Oscar contender Triangle of Sadness, its first English-language production.
Giorgos Karnavas is a little jet-lagged, but it’s been for the worthiest of causes. When Deadline sits down with the Heretic co-founder, he has just arrived back in Athens after a whirlwind trip to L.A. where he attended the Oscars for the first time with his co-production Triangle of Sadness. The Palme d’Or-winning title was up for Best Picture as well as Best Director for Ruben Östlund and, while it came away empty-handed,...
Giorgos Karnavas is a little jet-lagged, but it’s been for the worthiest of causes. When Deadline sits down with the Heretic co-founder, he has just arrived back in Athens after a whirlwind trip to L.A. where he attended the Oscars for the first time with his co-production Triangle of Sadness. The Palme d’Or-winning title was up for Best Picture as well as Best Director for Ruben Östlund and, while it came away empty-handed,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby and Erin Doherty have joined the cast of Disney+’s ‘A Thousand Blows,’ an epic new 12-part series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London.
The series follows Hezekiah (Kirby) and Alec – played by Francis Lovehall – two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr (Doherty), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson (Graham), a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.
Also in news – Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson reunite for AppleTV comedy series
Additional...
The series follows Hezekiah (Kirby) and Alec – played by Francis Lovehall – two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr (Doherty), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson (Graham), a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.
Also in news – Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson reunite for AppleTV comedy series
Additional...
- 3/16/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The cast includes Stephen Graham, Malachi Kirby and Erin Doherty.
Former Screen Star of Tomorrow Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc have joined Steven Knight’s Disney+ series A Thousand Blows as series directors.
The 12-part series is set in Victorian London and is currently filming in the UK.
Erin Doherty, Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Walters have also joined the cast alongside the previously announced Stephen Graham and former Screen Star of Tomorrow Malachi Kirby.
A Thousand Blows follows two friends from Jamaica who get caught up in east London’s illegal boxing scene.
Knight is lead...
Former Screen Star of Tomorrow Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc have joined Steven Knight’s Disney+ series A Thousand Blows as series directors.
The 12-part series is set in Victorian London and is currently filming in the UK.
Erin Doherty, Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Walters have also joined the cast alongside the previously announced Stephen Graham and former Screen Star of Tomorrow Malachi Kirby.
A Thousand Blows follows two friends from Jamaica who get caught up in east London’s illegal boxing scene.
Knight is lead...
- 3/16/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
The cast includes Stephen Graham, Malachi Kirby and Erin Doherty.
Former Screen Star of Tomorrow Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc have joined Steven Knight’s Disney+ series A Thousand Blows as series directors.
The 12-part series is set in Victorian London and is currently filming in the UK.
Erin Doherty, Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Walters have also joined the cast alongside the previously announced Stephen Graham and former Screen Star of Tomorrow Malachi Kirby.
A Thousand Blows follows two friends from Jamaica who get caught up in east London’s illegal boxing scene.
Knight is lead...
Former Screen Star of Tomorrow Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc have joined Steven Knight’s Disney+ series A Thousand Blows as series directors.
The 12-part series is set in Victorian London and is currently filming in the UK.
Erin Doherty, Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Walters have also joined the cast alongside the previously announced Stephen Graham and former Screen Star of Tomorrow Malachi Kirby.
A Thousand Blows follows two friends from Jamaica who get caught up in east London’s illegal boxing scene.
Knight is lead...
- 3/16/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Erin Doherty, who broke out playing Princess Anne in the third and fourth seasons of The Crown, has joined the cast of Disney+ series A Thousand Blows.
First announced by The Hollywood Reporter last year, the 12-part series is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, and was created and written by Stephen Knight and exec produced by Stephen Graham, who also stars.
With filming now underway in London, also joining the cast are Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce, Hannah Walters, Nadia Albinam, Morgan Hilaire, Jemma Carlton and Caoilfhionn Dunne. Small Axe star Malachi Kirby was previously announced as playing a lead role.
A Thousand Blows — still a working title — follows Hezekiah (Kirby) and Alec (Lovehall), two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene,...
First announced by The Hollywood Reporter last year, the 12-part series is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, and was created and written by Stephen Knight and exec produced by Stephen Graham, who also stars.
With filming now underway in London, also joining the cast are Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce, Hannah Walters, Nadia Albinam, Morgan Hilaire, Jemma Carlton and Caoilfhionn Dunne. Small Axe star Malachi Kirby was previously announced as playing a lead role.
A Thousand Blows — still a working title — follows Hezekiah (Kirby) and Alec (Lovehall), two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Crown star Erin Doherty has boarded Steven Knight’s Disney+ period drama A Thousand Blows.
Doherty, who attracted plaudits for her portrayal of Princess Anne in the Netflix royal drama, will play Mary Carr, the leader of the Forty Elephants. She stars opposite Malachi Kirby, who Deadline revealed is leading the series several weeks ago, and Stephen Graham. Topboy‘s Ashley Walters has boarded as series director.
A Thousand Blows is set in the world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. Hezekiah (Kirby) and best friend Alec (Francis Lovehall) find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End, meeting Carr (Doherty) and seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson (Graham) along the way.
Doherty, who also led BBC/Amazon Prime Video drama Chloe, is joined by additional cast revealed today including Jason Tobin and James Nelson-Joyce, while Walters is unveiled as series director with Coky Giedroyc.
Doherty, who attracted plaudits for her portrayal of Princess Anne in the Netflix royal drama, will play Mary Carr, the leader of the Forty Elephants. She stars opposite Malachi Kirby, who Deadline revealed is leading the series several weeks ago, and Stephen Graham. Topboy‘s Ashley Walters has boarded as series director.
A Thousand Blows is set in the world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. Hezekiah (Kirby) and best friend Alec (Francis Lovehall) find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End, meeting Carr (Doherty) and seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson (Graham) along the way.
Doherty, who also led BBC/Amazon Prime Video drama Chloe, is joined by additional cast revealed today including Jason Tobin and James Nelson-Joyce, while Walters is unveiled as series director with Coky Giedroyc.
- 3/16/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Choreographer and director Drew McOnie (Greatest Days) is developing a stage version of Michel Hazanavicius’s 2011 Oscar-winning film The Artist about a Hollywood silent screen star whose career is upended with the advent of talking pictures.
McOnie told Deadline that he is co-writing the theater adaptation with playwright and screenwriter Lindsey Ferrentino (Amy and the Orphans). He will direct and choreograph the show, something he has wanted to do since first watching the film.
A series of workshops being held in London late next January and early February will determine how the show will progress. It’s hoped that the production will be ready to open late 2023, though McOnie insisted that “we won’t get locked into a trajectory” until he and his collaborators are happy with the show’s developement.
Hazanavicius’s film was an homage, shot in black and white, to Hollywood’s first golden age. Jean Dujardin...
McOnie told Deadline that he is co-writing the theater adaptation with playwright and screenwriter Lindsey Ferrentino (Amy and the Orphans). He will direct and choreograph the show, something he has wanted to do since first watching the film.
A series of workshops being held in London late next January and early February will determine how the show will progress. It’s hoped that the production will be ready to open late 2023, though McOnie insisted that “we won’t get locked into a trajectory” until he and his collaborators are happy with the show’s developement.
Hazanavicius’s film was an homage, shot in black and white, to Hollywood’s first golden age. Jean Dujardin...
- 11/17/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Commission
Wildlife and nature programmer Love Nature has greenlit five-part natural history series “Evolution Earth” in co-production with PBS and Arte. The series, produced by Passion Planet and shot in extreme locations around the world, is an examination of adaptation stories that illustrate the rapid pace of change happening across Earth, while providing a look at nature’s ability to thrive.
The series includes five films, each showcasing a different extreme landscape including Earth, Islands, Ice, Heat and Grasslands. It will debut across Love Nature’s branded linear and streaming platforms around the world, PBS in the U.S., Arte in France and Germany and on Sky Nature in the U.K. and Italy. Blue Ant International oversees international licensing opportunities outside of commissioning territories.
David Allen is the director of Passion Planet and series producer alongside Oliver Twinch. James Manfull executive produces the series on behalf of Love Nature.
Wildlife and nature programmer Love Nature has greenlit five-part natural history series “Evolution Earth” in co-production with PBS and Arte. The series, produced by Passion Planet and shot in extreme locations around the world, is an examination of adaptation stories that illustrate the rapid pace of change happening across Earth, while providing a look at nature’s ability to thrive.
The series includes five films, each showcasing a different extreme landscape including Earth, Islands, Ice, Heat and Grasslands. It will debut across Love Nature’s branded linear and streaming platforms around the world, PBS in the U.S., Arte in France and Germany and on Sky Nature in the U.K. and Italy. Blue Ant International oversees international licensing opportunities outside of commissioning territories.
David Allen is the director of Passion Planet and series producer alongside Oliver Twinch. James Manfull executive produces the series on behalf of Love Nature.
- 6/20/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: ‘Get Ready For It’! Man-band Take That have shot a cameo scene for the Greatest Days film that features hits from the group’s song book.
Take That members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald revealed exclusively to Deadline that they joined Greatest Days filmmaker Coky Giedroyc (Save Me) in Athens, Greece on Tuesday to shoot a short scene for producer Danny Perkins’ Elysian Film Group production.
It was a truly glamorous moment. “We play buskers,” Barlow joked.
Owen explained that the trio is seen busking at a train station in Athens. They perform the number “Shine”, a song from their 2006 comeback album Beautiful World.
”Yeah, we did the scene once Coky negotiated our ten-minute cameo down to about three seconds,” commented Barlow, to much hilarity from his bandmates who’d gathered in a suite at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes.
Owen’s tresses were being coiffed, Donald...
Take That members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald revealed exclusively to Deadline that they joined Greatest Days filmmaker Coky Giedroyc (Save Me) in Athens, Greece on Tuesday to shoot a short scene for producer Danny Perkins’ Elysian Film Group production.
It was a truly glamorous moment. “We play buskers,” Barlow joked.
Owen explained that the trio is seen busking at a train station in Athens. They perform the number “Shine”, a song from their 2006 comeback album Beautiful World.
”Yeah, we did the scene once Coky negotiated our ten-minute cameo down to about three seconds,” commented Barlow, to much hilarity from his bandmates who’d gathered in a suite at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes.
Owen’s tresses were being coiffed, Donald...
- 5/19/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Howard Donald, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen in Cannes Photo: Loic Thebaud Hit band Take That headed to Cannes yesterday for a photocall to promote their film The Greatest Days to international buyers.
Gary Barlow, Harold Donald and Mark Owen - the three remaining members of the band now that Jason Orange and Robbie Williams (who is among the film's producers) are focused on other projects - features plenty of Take That hits to tell the story of a boy band and the teenage girls who are obsessed with them.
Based on the stage musical The Band, the film is currently being shot by Coky Giedroyc (How To Be A Girl) and has been adapted for the big screen by Calendar Girls writer Tim Firth. The cast includes Jayde Adams, Aisling Bea and Alice Lowe and is due for release in 2023....
Gary Barlow, Harold Donald and Mark Owen - the three remaining members of the band now that Jason Orange and Robbie Williams (who is among the film's producers) are focused on other projects - features plenty of Take That hits to tell the story of a boy band and the teenage girls who are obsessed with them.
Based on the stage musical The Band, the film is currently being shot by Coky Giedroyc (How To Be A Girl) and has been adapted for the big screen by Calendar Girls writer Tim Firth. The cast includes Jayde Adams, Aisling Bea and Alice Lowe and is due for release in 2023....
- 5/19/2022
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Exclusive: Take That heart-throbs Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen are gearing up to conquer Cannes on Wednesday, the first time they’ve visited during the film festival. Let’s Pray that the sun will Shine and it will be their Greatest Day.
Fans of the (now middle-aged) boy band will know that Pray, Shine and Greatest Day are amongst the group’s biggest hits. It seems as if they wrote A Million Love Songs (that’s another one) that have stood the test of time since they formed over three decades ago.
The three remaining members of the band – Robbie Williams and Jason Orange do their own thing – will kick up their trendy trainers on the Majestic Pier to launch the exuberant promo for film Greatest Days, about a Take That -inspired 1990s boy band and the lives of five 16 year old girls who are obsessed with them.
Fans of the (now middle-aged) boy band will know that Pray, Shine and Greatest Day are amongst the group’s biggest hits. It seems as if they wrote A Million Love Songs (that’s another one) that have stood the test of time since they formed over three decades ago.
The three remaining members of the band – Robbie Williams and Jason Orange do their own thing – will kick up their trendy trainers on the Majestic Pier to launch the exuberant promo for film Greatest Days, about a Take That -inspired 1990s boy band and the lives of five 16 year old girls who are obsessed with them.
- 5/16/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Aisling Bea, Jayde Adams and Alice Lowe will star.
Canada’s Bron Releasing has taken worldwide sales rights to Coky Giedroyc’s UK feature Greatest Days, based on stage musical The Band, which is set to the music from boy band Take That.
Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani’s Switzerland and Los Angeles-based SPG3, is financing and producing the feature, alongside Danny Perkins’ nascent UK outfit Elysian Film Group.
Aisling Bea, Jayde Adams, Alice Lowe, Amaka Okafor and Marc Wootton will star, with the UK shoot taking place in London and Clitheroe, plus Athens.
Giedroyc’s credits include How To Build A Girl...
Canada’s Bron Releasing has taken worldwide sales rights to Coky Giedroyc’s UK feature Greatest Days, based on stage musical The Band, which is set to the music from boy band Take That.
Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani’s Switzerland and Los Angeles-based SPG3, is financing and producing the feature, alongside Danny Perkins’ nascent UK outfit Elysian Film Group.
Aisling Bea, Jayde Adams, Alice Lowe, Amaka Okafor and Marc Wootton will star, with the UK shoot taking place in London and Clitheroe, plus Athens.
Giedroyc’s credits include How To Build A Girl...
- 3/24/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Relight My Fire! It required a little Patience but Take That movie Greatest Days, which will star Aisling Bea, has set its cast and financiers ahead of shoot next month. The question now is: Could It Be Magic?
Cast confirmed for the feel-good UK comedy-musical includes comedian and 2020 BAFTA winner Bea (This Way Up), Alice Lowe (Black Mirror), Amaka Okafor (The Responder), Jayde Adams (Serious Black Jumper), Marc Wootton (Nativity), Lara McDonnell (Belfast), Jessie Mae Alonzo (Little Joe), Nandi Hudson (Army of Thieves), Carragon Guest and Eliza Dobson.
The film’s boy band, modeled on Take That, will comprise newcomers Aaron Bryan, Dalvin Cory, Joshua Jung, Mark Samaras and Mervin Noronha.
Bron Releasing has boarded worldwide sales on the project, which heralds from Danny Perkins’ Elysian Film Group. Filming is set to get underway next month on location in London, Lancashire (Clitheroe) and Athens.
Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani...
Cast confirmed for the feel-good UK comedy-musical includes comedian and 2020 BAFTA winner Bea (This Way Up), Alice Lowe (Black Mirror), Amaka Okafor (The Responder), Jayde Adams (Serious Black Jumper), Marc Wootton (Nativity), Lara McDonnell (Belfast), Jessie Mae Alonzo (Little Joe), Nandi Hudson (Army of Thieves), Carragon Guest and Eliza Dobson.
The film’s boy band, modeled on Take That, will comprise newcomers Aaron Bryan, Dalvin Cory, Joshua Jung, Mark Samaras and Mervin Noronha.
Bron Releasing has boarded worldwide sales on the project, which heralds from Danny Perkins’ Elysian Film Group. Filming is set to get underway next month on location in London, Lancashire (Clitheroe) and Athens.
Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani...
- 3/24/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The BAFTA TV Awards winners have been announced, and it was a big night for Michaela Coel, whose BBC and HBO series I May Destroy You scooped two of the biggest prizes of the evening.
During a pre-recorded ceremony at London’s iconic Television Centre, Coel walked away with best leading actress for her performance as sexual assault survivor Arabella, while I May Destroy You also scooped best mini-series, beating Steve McQueen’s Small Axe.
It follows I May Destroy You’s strong showing last month at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards, which celebrates the work of those working behind the scenes. Coel scored a BAFTA mask for best drama writer and best director at the ceremony.
After winning leading actress on Sunday, Coel collected her award in-person and thanked intimacy coach Ita O’Brien. Coel said O’Brien’s presence meant she could make a series about “exploitation, loss of respect,...
During a pre-recorded ceremony at London’s iconic Television Centre, Coel walked away with best leading actress for her performance as sexual assault survivor Arabella, while I May Destroy You also scooped best mini-series, beating Steve McQueen’s Small Axe.
It follows I May Destroy You’s strong showing last month at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards, which celebrates the work of those working behind the scenes. Coel scored a BAFTA mask for best drama writer and best director at the ceremony.
After winning leading actress on Sunday, Coel collected her award in-person and thanked intimacy coach Ita O’Brien. Coel said O’Brien’s presence meant she could make a series about “exploitation, loss of respect,...
- 6/6/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Steve McQueen’s anthology series leads the pack with 15 nominations.
Small Axe leads the nominations for this year’s Bafta Television and Bafta Craft awards, which take place on June 6 and May 24, respectively.
The BBC mini-series, created and directed by Steve McQueen, is up for 15 awards (six television and three craft), including best mini-series, John Boyega and Shaun Parkes for leading actor, Letitia Wright for leading actress, and Malachi Kirby and Michael Ward for supporting actor.
Small Axe was produced by Turbine Studios and Lammas Park alongside the BBC and Amazon Studios. Two episodes – Mangrove and Lovers Rock – were picked...
Small Axe leads the nominations for this year’s Bafta Television and Bafta Craft awards, which take place on June 6 and May 24, respectively.
The BBC mini-series, created and directed by Steve McQueen, is up for 15 awards (six television and three craft), including best mini-series, John Boyega and Shaun Parkes for leading actor, Letitia Wright for leading actress, and Malachi Kirby and Michael Ward for supporting actor.
Small Axe was produced by Turbine Studios and Lammas Park alongside the BBC and Amazon Studios. Two episodes – Mangrove and Lovers Rock – were picked...
- 4/28/2021
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Steve McQueen’s Amazon and BBC “Small Axe” anthology leads the nominations at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ (BAFTA) Television and Craft Awards with 15 nods.
Netflix’s “The Crown” has 10 nominations, while BBC and HBO’s “I May Destroy You” has eight. BBC and Hulu’s “Normal People” has seven nominations, and Netflix’s “Sex Education” has six.
The Television Awards ceremony takes place June 6 on BBC One, and the Craft Awards will be streamed on BAFTA’s social channels on May 24.
Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards: Nominations
Comedy Entertainment Programme
“Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe” Charlie Brooker, Annabel Jones, Ali Marlow – Broke & Bones, Endemol Shine Group/BBC Two
“Rob & Romesh Vs” Jack Shillaker, David Taylor, Murray Boland, Danielle Lux, Bill Righton – Cpl Productions/Sky One
“The Big Narstie Show” Obi Kevin Akudike, Nathan Brown, Rina Dayalji, Ben Wicks, Toby Baker – Expectation, Dice Productions Entertainment/Channel 4...
Netflix’s “The Crown” has 10 nominations, while BBC and HBO’s “I May Destroy You” has eight. BBC and Hulu’s “Normal People” has seven nominations, and Netflix’s “Sex Education” has six.
The Television Awards ceremony takes place June 6 on BBC One, and the Craft Awards will be streamed on BAFTA’s social channels on May 24.
Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards: Nominations
Comedy Entertainment Programme
“Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe” Charlie Brooker, Annabel Jones, Ali Marlow – Broke & Bones, Endemol Shine Group/BBC Two
“Rob & Romesh Vs” Jack Shillaker, David Taylor, Murray Boland, Danielle Lux, Bill Righton – Cpl Productions/Sky One
“The Big Narstie Show” Obi Kevin Akudike, Nathan Brown, Rina Dayalji, Ben Wicks, Toby Baker – Expectation, Dice Productions Entertainment/Channel 4...
- 4/28/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The nominees for the BAFTA TV Awards have been unveiled, and it was good news for Small Axe and The Crown.
Steve McQueen’s BBC and Amazon anthology drama dominated with 15 nominations in total across the main awards and the craft prizes, while The Crown was next in line with 10 nominations. There were good showings for BBC/HBO’s I May Destroy You, which is up for eight prizes, and BBC/Hulu series Normal People has seven nominations.
Small Axe’s 15 nominations include recognition for John Boyega and Letitia Wright in the Leading Actor/Actress categories (both are first-time TV nominees), while the drama will compete for Mini-Series alongside Normal People, I May Destroy You, and Channel 4’s Adult Material.
Other major Small Axe nominations included Micheal Ward and Malachi Kirby for Supporting Actor, while Shaun Parkes will compete with Boyega for Leading Actor. The series is also up for nine craft awards,...
Steve McQueen’s BBC and Amazon anthology drama dominated with 15 nominations in total across the main awards and the craft prizes, while The Crown was next in line with 10 nominations. There were good showings for BBC/HBO’s I May Destroy You, which is up for eight prizes, and BBC/Hulu series Normal People has seven nominations.
Small Axe’s 15 nominations include recognition for John Boyega and Letitia Wright in the Leading Actor/Actress categories (both are first-time TV nominees), while the drama will compete for Mini-Series alongside Normal People, I May Destroy You, and Channel 4’s Adult Material.
Other major Small Axe nominations included Micheal Ward and Malachi Kirby for Supporting Actor, while Shaun Parkes will compete with Boyega for Leading Actor. The series is also up for nine craft awards,...
- 4/28/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Film4 exec described new post as Sue Bruce Smith’s “legacy”.
The UK’s Film4 has appointed Universal Pictures executive Stefanie Fahrion to its newly-created post of head of distribution and sales.
Fahrion will take up the role later this month, joining from London-based Universal Pictures Content Group (Upcg) where she is currently director, acquisitions and production.
Her new remit includes overseeing sales and distribution strategy on all Film4 productions, covering studio and streamer partnerships and independently- financed sales agent titles.
Fahrion will assess projects prior to greenlight; will lead on appointing sales agents and devising festival strategy; then will...
The UK’s Film4 has appointed Universal Pictures executive Stefanie Fahrion to its newly-created post of head of distribution and sales.
Fahrion will take up the role later this month, joining from London-based Universal Pictures Content Group (Upcg) where she is currently director, acquisitions and production.
Her new remit includes overseeing sales and distribution strategy on all Film4 productions, covering studio and streamer partnerships and independently- financed sales agent titles.
Fahrion will assess projects prior to greenlight; will lead on appointing sales agents and devising festival strategy; then will...
- 3/8/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Nick McKay joins to head up a planned release slate of 10-12 films a year.
Danny Perkins’ London-based production and distribution outfit Elysian Film Group has appointed Nick McKay, the former Picturehouse, Soda Pictures and StudioCanal executive, as head of theatrical distribution.
McKay – and Elysian’s - first release will be Studio Ghibli animation Earwig And The Witch which Elysian has picked up for the UK from Wild Bunch International. It aims to open the film in cinemas in early 2021.
Based on the children’s novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, the film is the studio’s first entirely 3Dcg animated film.
Danny Perkins’ London-based production and distribution outfit Elysian Film Group has appointed Nick McKay, the former Picturehouse, Soda Pictures and StudioCanal executive, as head of theatrical distribution.
McKay – and Elysian’s - first release will be Studio Ghibli animation Earwig And The Witch which Elysian has picked up for the UK from Wild Bunch International. It aims to open the film in cinemas in early 2021.
Based on the children’s novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, the film is the studio’s first entirely 3Dcg animated film.
- 12/3/2020
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
“What we want to do is expand Marv studios beyond the typically very successful one film a year.”
Zygi Kamasa, the newly appointed group CEO of Matthew Vaughn’s London-based film and TV outfit Marv has outlined the company’s commitment to UK production and raised the possibility Marv might eventually set up its own distribution arm.
“What we want to do is expand Marv studios beyond the typically very successful one film a year,” said Kamasa. “Part of that expansion is to look at more opportunities in British film and expanding into British television.”
Marv plans to make two to four films a year.
Zygi Kamasa, the newly appointed group CEO of Matthew Vaughn’s London-based film and TV outfit Marv has outlined the company’s commitment to UK production and raised the possibility Marv might eventually set up its own distribution arm.
“What we want to do is expand Marv studios beyond the typically very successful one film a year,” said Kamasa. “Part of that expansion is to look at more opportunities in British film and expanding into British television.”
Marv plans to make two to four films a year.
- 12/2/2020
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Mews will make comedy films for the local market.
Kris Thykier’s Archery Pictures and Danny Perkins’ Elysian Film Group are teaming to launch the UK comedy production outfit Mews Films. The new venture will be run by producer Kurban Kassam who joins as managing director.
The multi-year agreement will see the new outfit develop a slate of commercial comedy projects aimed at the UK market. Mews Films is launching with a stated ambition to work with “Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and female talent, whom are currently significantly underrepresented in the mainstream theatrical comedy marketplace, to the fore”, as well...
Kris Thykier’s Archery Pictures and Danny Perkins’ Elysian Film Group are teaming to launch the UK comedy production outfit Mews Films. The new venture will be run by producer Kurban Kassam who joins as managing director.
The multi-year agreement will see the new outfit develop a slate of commercial comedy projects aimed at the UK market. Mews Films is launching with a stated ambition to work with “Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and female talent, whom are currently significantly underrepresented in the mainstream theatrical comedy marketplace, to the fore”, as well...
- 11/11/2020
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
Indie veteran lining up development and production fund.
Rose Ganguzza, the New York producer of summer release Fatima, has unveiled a Rose Pictures development slate that includes new work from the directors of How To Build A Girl and Grudge.
Ganguzza, a veteran of the independent space whose producing credits include Margin Call and Kill Your Darlings, has partnered on the content pipeline for 2021 with Max Born, a producer The Devil All The Time, and Jake Alden Falconer, a producer on summer horror film 1Br.
As Fatima – the film released by Bob and Jeanne Berney’s Picturehouse – ranks in the...
Rose Ganguzza, the New York producer of summer release Fatima, has unveiled a Rose Pictures development slate that includes new work from the directors of How To Build A Girl and Grudge.
Ganguzza, a veteran of the independent space whose producing credits include Margin Call and Kill Your Darlings, has partnered on the content pipeline for 2021 with Max Born, a producer The Devil All The Time, and Jake Alden Falconer, a producer on summer horror film 1Br.
As Fatima – the film released by Bob and Jeanne Berney’s Picturehouse – ranks in the...
- 11/4/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Indie veteran lining up development and production fund.
Rose Ganguzza, the New York producer of summer release Fatima, has unveiled a Rose Pictures development slate that includes new work from the directors of How To Build A Girl and Grudge.
Ganguzza, a veteran of the independent space whose producing credits include Margin Call and Kill Your Darlings, has partnered on the content pipeline for 2021 with Max Born, a producer The Devil All The Time, and Jake Alden Falconer, a producer on summer horror film 1Br.
As Fatima – the film released by Bob and Jeanne Berney’s Picturehouse – ranks in the...
Rose Ganguzza, the New York producer of summer release Fatima, has unveiled a Rose Pictures development slate that includes new work from the directors of How To Build A Girl and Grudge.
Ganguzza, a veteran of the independent space whose producing credits include Margin Call and Kill Your Darlings, has partnered on the content pipeline for 2021 with Max Born, a producer The Devil All The Time, and Jake Alden Falconer, a producer on summer horror film 1Br.
As Fatima – the film released by Bob and Jeanne Berney’s Picturehouse – ranks in the...
- 11/4/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
When Sherlock debuted a decade ago on the BBC, it was unlike anything else on television. For one, the format was a bit odd: one season of three 90-minute episodes. For another, it didn’t look like anything else on TV: Text messages that appear as part of the mise-en-scène. Edits and scene transitions that move us elegantly and efficiently through space and time. All part of a visual language that brings us into the mind of one of the cleverest characters in all of pop culture as he does what he does best: solves mysteries.
While TV is famously more of a writer’s than a director’s medium, the filmmaker behind the camera for a series pilot has an immense impact on the tone of the show. They are the creator who crafts the visual language for the series, the one whose style all subsequent series directors will...
While TV is famously more of a writer’s than a director’s medium, the filmmaker behind the camera for a series pilot has an immense impact on the tone of the show. They are the creator who crafts the visual language for the series, the one whose style all subsequent series directors will...
- 8/5/2020
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
Like all the best TV opening titles, Harlots’ comical, brazen credits sequence announces its personality in miniature. A collage-style animation set to modern music, it shows cut-out characters from William Hogarth’s 18th-century painting series A Harlot’s Progress clustered around a giant, luridly colored female nude. They tuck into her crevices, canoodle on her mountainous behind, nestle between her buttocks, and peep out over the top of two plump hillock breasts. In the shadow between her thighs, female prisoners toil (just another day at the mine), and finally, she’s on her back, legs spread wide as the show’s title appears dead centre: Harlots. Come on in.
It’s a bold start that announces Harlots’ defiantly effervescent approach to a period and industry – sex work in the 18th century – that could in other hands be wall-to-wall syphilis and woe. It uses Hogarth’s instructive moralism for its own ends,...
It’s a bold start that announces Harlots’ defiantly effervescent approach to a period and industry – sex work in the 18th century – that could in other hands be wall-to-wall syphilis and woe. It uses Hogarth’s instructive moralism for its own ends,...
- 8/5/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Caitlin Moran is kind of a big deal. A multi-award winning journalist, a highly influential feminist after her non-fiction book How To Be A Woman, and now a successful movie screenwriter as her novel How To Build A Girl Comes to the big screen. Or rather it would have, were it not for COVID19, instead the movie lands on Amazon Prime after it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year.
How To Build A Girl is the semi-autobiographical story of Johanna Morrigan, a 16-year-old from a big family growing up in Wolverhampton in the ‘90s. With How To Be A Woman and the TV series Raised By Wolves Moran has told stories of her childhood before but this particular version is centred on her early career as a music journalist. Johanna, played with considerable charm by Beanie Feldstein, is an idealistic teenager who is close to her musician father...
How To Build A Girl is the semi-autobiographical story of Johanna Morrigan, a 16-year-old from a big family growing up in Wolverhampton in the ‘90s. With How To Be A Woman and the TV series Raised By Wolves Moran has told stories of her childhood before but this particular version is centred on her early career as a music journalist. Johanna, played with considerable charm by Beanie Feldstein, is an idealistic teenager who is close to her musician father...
- 7/24/2020
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
To celebrate the release of How To Build A Girl, which makes its way to Amazon Prime Video, we sat down with some of the cast and filmmakers to chat about bringing the best-selling book to the screen.
Based on Moran’s novel of the same name, the semi-autobiographical film sees a gutsy, working-class teenager from Wolverhampton, Johanna Morrigan, played by Beanie Feldstein, enter the world of early 90s music journalism where she is forced to learn industry ropes and how to be a decent person.
Chatting to us, Giedroyc about translating the book to the screen with Moran’s complete involvement, filming in Wolverhampton and the challenges they faced, while Feldstein talks about the challenges of the accent and being the “perfect” choice for the lead role, something she was desperate to throw herself into. Indeed, they all agree that the film, while funny, has an important message for...
Based on Moran’s novel of the same name, the semi-autobiographical film sees a gutsy, working-class teenager from Wolverhampton, Johanna Morrigan, played by Beanie Feldstein, enter the world of early 90s music journalism where she is forced to learn industry ropes and how to be a decent person.
Chatting to us, Giedroyc about translating the book to the screen with Moran’s complete involvement, filming in Wolverhampton and the challenges they faced, while Feldstein talks about the challenges of the accent and being the “perfect” choice for the lead role, something she was desperate to throw herself into. Indeed, they all agree that the film, while funny, has an important message for...
- 7/23/2020
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In the middle of our conversation with journalist and author Caitlin Moran, she turns around to reveal a storyboard for her next project – a utopian sci-fi described as a cross between Weird Science and The Handmaid’s Tale. Whether that sounds appealing will depend largely on whether you’ve found yourself enraptured by Moran’s unique blend of whimsy and wit before.
“All sci-fi films are dystopian. It’s always about the future and how technology has bombed us and we’re all fucked. I think that’s because generally, men make them, but technology is amazing, particularly for women,” she says.
“Every time we have a piece of technology that allows us to compete on an equal field because it’s just about your brains rather than the physicality or whether we’re looking after children or parents or are a carer that’s a benefit for us and I...
“All sci-fi films are dystopian. It’s always about the future and how technology has bombed us and we’re all fucked. I think that’s because generally, men make them, but technology is amazing, particularly for women,” she says.
“Every time we have a piece of technology that allows us to compete on an equal field because it’s just about your brains rather than the physicality or whether we’re looking after children or parents or are a carer that’s a benefit for us and I...
- 7/23/2020
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Jonathan Kier hails indie buyer response during ”incredibly productive” market.
Sierra/Affinity has finalised a raft of major territory deals on its Cannes virtual market slate in the latest encouraging show of strength by independent international buyers.
Sierra/Affinity president Jonathan Kier noted a “robust and enthusiastic” reaction from distributors to The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, Arthur The King, and Greatest Days.
Rights to Lee Daniels’ The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, which is in post-production and will get an Oscar-qualifying Us release via Paramount in the upcoming awards cycle, have gone to eOne in the UK and Spain,...
Sierra/Affinity has finalised a raft of major territory deals on its Cannes virtual market slate in the latest encouraging show of strength by independent international buyers.
Sierra/Affinity president Jonathan Kier noted a “robust and enthusiastic” reaction from distributors to The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, Arthur The King, and Greatest Days.
Rights to Lee Daniels’ The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, which is in post-production and will get an Oscar-qualifying Us release via Paramount in the upcoming awards cycle, have gone to eOne in the UK and Spain,...
- 7/13/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Ruth Wilson (The Affair), Cush Jumbo (The Good Fight), and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) are in negotiations to star in Greatest Days, the film adaptation of the hit stage musical The Band, about record-breaking UK pop group Take That.
Sierra/Affinity has come on board to handle international sales on the film and will be introducing it for the first time at this week’s Cannes virtual market. Domestic rights of the film are being handled by CAA Media Finance.
Inspired by the songs of Take That, one of the world’s biggest pop acts, the feel-good film has been developed with the support of Universal Music Group so will include a number of Take That songs. The story focuses on five schoolgirls who have the night of their lives at a concert from their favorite boy band. 25 years later their lives have changed in a myriad of ways...
Sierra/Affinity has come on board to handle international sales on the film and will be introducing it for the first time at this week’s Cannes virtual market. Domestic rights of the film are being handled by CAA Media Finance.
Inspired by the songs of Take That, one of the world’s biggest pop acts, the feel-good film has been developed with the support of Universal Music Group so will include a number of Take That songs. The story focuses on five schoolgirls who have the night of their lives at a concert from their favorite boy band. 25 years later their lives have changed in a myriad of ways...
- 6/23/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Ruth Wilson, Cush Jumbo and Rosamund Pike are in negotiations to star in Greatest Days, the film adaptation of the stage musical The Band.
Sierra/Affinity is shopping the music-driven project about the English boy band Take That to international buyers starting at the Cannes virtual market. Coky Giedroyc is directing Greatest Days from a script by Tim Firth.
Danny Perkins and Kate Solomon will produce alongside Damian Jones. Take That, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers will executive produce the feel-good project.
"Greatest Days is a captivating story featuring the iconic music of Take That that we know will transport and resonate with audiences ...
Sierra/Affinity is shopping the music-driven project about the English boy band Take That to international buyers starting at the Cannes virtual market. Coky Giedroyc is directing Greatest Days from a script by Tim Firth.
Danny Perkins and Kate Solomon will produce alongside Damian Jones. Take That, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers will executive produce the feel-good project.
"Greatest Days is a captivating story featuring the iconic music of Take That that we know will transport and resonate with audiences ...
- 6/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ruth Wilson, Cush Jumbo and Rosamund Pike are in negotiations to star in Greatest Days, the film adaptation of the stage musical The Band.
Sierra/Affinity is shopping the music-driven project about the English boy band Take That to international buyers starting at the Cannes virtual market. Coky Giedroyc is directing Greatest Days from a script by Tim Firth.
Danny Perkins and Kate Solomon will produce alongside Damian Jones. Take That, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers will executive produce the feel-good project.
"Greatest Days is a captivating story featuring the iconic music of Take That that we know will transport and resonate with audiences ...
Sierra/Affinity is shopping the music-driven project about the English boy band Take That to international buyers starting at the Cannes virtual market. Coky Giedroyc is directing Greatest Days from a script by Tim Firth.
Danny Perkins and Kate Solomon will produce alongside Damian Jones. Take That, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers will executive produce the feel-good project.
"Greatest Days is a captivating story featuring the iconic music of Take That that we know will transport and resonate with audiences ...
- 6/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beanie Feldstein is following stay-at-home orders at her parents’ house in Los Angeles.
When she’s not watching “Ozark,” she’s hanging out with the family’s 90-pound English bulldog Jackie or Zoom-ing with friends.
“We’ve been doing some trivia in my friend group,” Feldstein says on Thursday’s episode of the Variety and iHeart podcast “The Big Ticket.” “Two people have to come up with a quiz and then we all take it — and you have to show up in costume — and then the losing teams have to donate to the charity of the game masters’ choice.”
“It’s like nice to see all your friends, and to have an activity, and have it be fun,” she continues. “And then it’s always like, whenever we’re losing, we’re like, ‘But then we get to give to charity.’ It’s great. It’s all good losing methods because you’re like,...
When she’s not watching “Ozark,” she’s hanging out with the family’s 90-pound English bulldog Jackie or Zoom-ing with friends.
“We’ve been doing some trivia in my friend group,” Feldstein says on Thursday’s episode of the Variety and iHeart podcast “The Big Ticket.” “Two people have to come up with a quiz and then we all take it — and you have to show up in costume — and then the losing teams have to donate to the charity of the game masters’ choice.”
“It’s like nice to see all your friends, and to have an activity, and have it be fun,” she continues. “And then it’s always like, whenever we’re losing, we’re like, ‘But then we get to give to charity.’ It’s great. It’s all good losing methods because you’re like,...
- 5/14/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that IFC Films has set Aug. 7 for the release of the Liam Neeson and Micheál Richardson heart-warming movie Made in Italy. The pic, which reps the feature directorial debut of Dunkirk actor James D’Arcy, will hit drive-ins, those theaters that are open, and on-demand.
IFC Films is arguably the only distributor out there that’s making fresh titles available to those theaters that are open right now during some states’ early reopenings as the Covid-19 crisis calms. To date IFC has put five titles in drive-ins since March – Swallow, Resistance, True History of the Kelly Gang, How To Build A Girl, and The Wretched.
IFC took U.S. rights to HanWay Films’ Made in Italy back in February. In the pic, Liam Neeson plays Robert, a bohemian London artist who returns to Tuscany, Italy with his estranged son played by Micheál Richardson, to sell the house...
IFC Films is arguably the only distributor out there that’s making fresh titles available to those theaters that are open right now during some states’ early reopenings as the Covid-19 crisis calms. To date IFC has put five titles in drive-ins since March – Swallow, Resistance, True History of the Kelly Gang, How To Build A Girl, and The Wretched.
IFC took U.S. rights to HanWay Films’ Made in Italy back in February. In the pic, Liam Neeson plays Robert, a bohemian London artist who returns to Tuscany, Italy with his estranged son played by Micheál Richardson, to sell the house...
- 5/11/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Girl Most Likely To…: Giedroyc Returns with Novel Coming-of-Age Dramedy
In several respects, the trajectory of How to Build a Girl isn’t inherently new—a cross between Louisa May Alcott and Amy Schumer in Trainwreck as it deliberates on female authorship and a young woman learning to find her authentic self. Based on the novel/memoir by Caitlin Moran, the project is a return to narrative filmmaking for Coky Giedroyc, who has worked in television for the past two decades, last on hand in the cinema with 1999’s Women Talking Dirty (a title which could have worked here also based on a novel concerning an outspoken woman who transforms those around her) and presents Beanie Feldstein with a novel opportunity to play a 1990s British teen outsider who breaks into music journalism with a bombastic alter ego.…...
In several respects, the trajectory of How to Build a Girl isn’t inherently new—a cross between Louisa May Alcott and Amy Schumer in Trainwreck as it deliberates on female authorship and a young woman learning to find her authentic self. Based on the novel/memoir by Caitlin Moran, the project is a return to narrative filmmaking for Coky Giedroyc, who has worked in television for the past two decades, last on hand in the cinema with 1999’s Women Talking Dirty (a title which could have worked here also based on a novel concerning an outspoken woman who transforms those around her) and presents Beanie Feldstein with a novel opportunity to play a 1990s British teen outsider who breaks into music journalism with a bombastic alter ego.…...
- 5/9/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Theaters have been closed long enough now due to Covid-19 that distributors are starting to figure out how to launch their limited-release movies via streaming services instead. May 8 brings more than two dozen new releases, including a handful that can be seen on drive-in screens, and a high-profile Netflix original in the form of Michelle Obama documentary “Becoming.” Here are the week’s new releases, with excerpts from reviews and links to where you can watch them.
Playing in extremely limited release, and widely on demand:
How to Build a Girl (Coky Giedroyc)
Distributor: IFC Films
Where to Find It: Select drive-in theaters, or rent via digital and on-demand platforms.
Playing a budding rock critic, today’s go-to cannonball Beanie Feldstein rampages through high school hallways and nightclubs like she’s terrified that if she stops moving, she’ll be stuck. The film races at her pace, leaving the audience frantic to keep up.
Playing in extremely limited release, and widely on demand:
How to Build a Girl (Coky Giedroyc)
Distributor: IFC Films
Where to Find It: Select drive-in theaters, or rent via digital and on-demand platforms.
Playing a budding rock critic, today’s go-to cannonball Beanie Feldstein rampages through high school hallways and nightclubs like she’s terrified that if she stops moving, she’ll be stuck. The film races at her pace, leaving the audience frantic to keep up.
- 5/8/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
by Chris Feil
Beanie Feldstein has spent her time in coming-of-age comedies sharing the screen, whether in a tandem spotlight in Booksmart or stealing scenes in smaller doses in Lady Bird. With Coky Giedroyc’s early-90s-rock infused How to Build a Girl, she gets her own showcase this time. While the actress makes good on her potential to carry her own vehicle, the film itself offers more modest results.
From Caitlin Moran’s popular and semi-autobiographical novel, Feldstein stars as Johanna Morrigan, a teenage music obsessive and writer with dreams outsized to her family’s low income. After an embarrassing public attempt at sharing her writing, she adopts a brash exterior as Dolly Wilde to pursue a journalism career and sexual liberation. As she is confronted by the ingrained sexism of a male dominated industry, Johanna develops Dolly’s voice into caustic extreme to establish herself, reaping success through persona.
Beanie Feldstein has spent her time in coming-of-age comedies sharing the screen, whether in a tandem spotlight in Booksmart or stealing scenes in smaller doses in Lady Bird. With Coky Giedroyc’s early-90s-rock infused How to Build a Girl, she gets her own showcase this time. While the actress makes good on her potential to carry her own vehicle, the film itself offers more modest results.
From Caitlin Moran’s popular and semi-autobiographical novel, Feldstein stars as Johanna Morrigan, a teenage music obsessive and writer with dreams outsized to her family’s low income. After an embarrassing public attempt at sharing her writing, she adopts a brash exterior as Dolly Wilde to pursue a journalism career and sexual liberation. As she is confronted by the ingrained sexism of a male dominated industry, Johanna develops Dolly’s voice into caustic extreme to establish herself, reaping success through persona.
- 5/8/2020
- by Chris Feil
- FilmExperience
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on May 5th, 2020, discussing new releases “The Half of It” and “How to Build a Girl.”
The Half of Us, the recent Best U.S. Narrative at the online 2020 Tribeca Film Festival is the second feature film by Alice Wu, and creates a tasty palette combining teenage coming-of-age films, love triangles and fluid genderism without preaching or being trite.
How to Build a Girl is released through IFC Films, and available on May 8th for rental on various streaming platforms (see below).
“The Half of It” is currently streaming on Netflix. Featuring Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer and Alexxis Lemire. Written and directed by Alice Wu. Rated “PG-13” “How to Build a Girl” is available for download May 8th on Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu, Xfinity, Xbox and more. Featuring Beanie Feldstein, Alfie Allen, Paddy Considine,...
The Half of Us, the recent Best U.S. Narrative at the online 2020 Tribeca Film Festival is the second feature film by Alice Wu, and creates a tasty palette combining teenage coming-of-age films, love triangles and fluid genderism without preaching or being trite.
How to Build a Girl is released through IFC Films, and available on May 8th for rental on various streaming platforms (see below).
“The Half of It” is currently streaming on Netflix. Featuring Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer and Alexxis Lemire. Written and directed by Alice Wu. Rated “PG-13” “How to Build a Girl” is available for download May 8th on Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu, Xfinity, Xbox and more. Featuring Beanie Feldstein, Alfie Allen, Paddy Considine,...
- 5/8/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and an archive of past round-ups here.
Beanpole (Kantemir Balagov)
The horrors of war are often told through male-centric narratives. Heroes who go through hell on the battlefield, brothers who sacrifice everything for each other, soldiers who return home scarred for life etc., all of which we’ve seen put on the big screen time and again. But wars are of course collective nightmares, tears in the fabric of history that leave no one–men, women, children–unscathed. This is the premise of Russian writer–director Kantemir Balagov’s second feature Beanpole, a radical relationship drama that examines the trauma of war from a distinctly female perspective. – Zhuo-Ning Su (full review)
Where to...
Beanpole (Kantemir Balagov)
The horrors of war are often told through male-centric narratives. Heroes who go through hell on the battlefield, brothers who sacrifice everything for each other, soldiers who return home scarred for life etc., all of which we’ve seen put on the big screen time and again. But wars are of course collective nightmares, tears in the fabric of history that leave no one–men, women, children–unscathed. This is the premise of Russian writer–director Kantemir Balagov’s second feature Beanpole, a radical relationship drama that examines the trauma of war from a distinctly female perspective. – Zhuo-Ning Su (full review)
Where to...
- 5/8/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
In the long, inglorious catalog of cheap tricks used by filmmakers to signify a character’s colorful inner life—and by proxy denote their movie as equally creative—having the protagonist carry on conversations with imaginary figures is near the bottom. But to be fair, director Coky Giedroyc’s “How to Build a Girl” had numerous strikes against it without even considering the protagonist’s bedroom wall covered in pictures of her heroes, who come to life just long enough for you to say, “Hey, is that Michael Sheen playing Sigmund Freud?
Continue reading ‘How To Build A Girl’: Beanie Feldstein’s Charm Saves This Derivative Teen Comedy [Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘How To Build A Girl’: Beanie Feldstein’s Charm Saves This Derivative Teen Comedy [Review] at The Playlist.
- 5/7/2020
- by Chris Barsanti
- The Playlist
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.