Film London, global film streaming platform We Are Colony and Edge Hill University have announced the latest phase of an innovative research project which explores ways to capitalize on digital film releases, empower filmmakers and satisfy audiences’ appetite for exclusive content. Don't you wish you were British so you could partake in this project with your film?
Made possible by the Digital R&D fund for the Arts, the project examines the rapidly-evolving world of video on demand, and how the We Are Colony platform can engage fans who are keen to unlock exciting additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews, scripts and trailers. The seven titles selected for the year-long research project are the critically-acclaimed "Appropriate Behavior," Benedict Cumberbatch road movie "Third Star," feted Alternative Miss World documentary "The British Guide To Showing Off," Agyness Deyn’s breakout performance in "Electricity," uncompromising British drama "We Are Monster," high-concept thriller "Containment," and award-winning short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission , said: “Film London exists to help connect ideas, finance and talent at every stage of the filmmaking process, so a project which helps our industry capitalize on new technologies while exploring innovative ways to engage audiences is a perfect fit for us. By bringing together industry nous, entrepreneurial instincts and academic excellence this partnership is proving to be extremely exciting, and I’m looking forward to see how it develops and benefits the seven films we have selected.”
Sarah Tierney, founder of We Are Colony, comments: “We are pleased to be working with a group of forward-thinking and innovative producers, distributors and sales agents, keen to interrogate the potential of new digital models to engage an audience early and through additional content. In addition, with content being delivered to registered account holders in over 100 countries, We Are Colony is looking forward to sharing data from the beta launch, and the results of a significant user survey looking at viewing behaviors and attitudes to content.”
Working with a range of budgets and varying international appeal, the slate aims to reflect the reality of independent production in the UK. As Leeshon Alexander, writer, producer and star of "We Are Monster," comments: “'We Are Monster' is a truly independent film. As such, we feel it’s not only important to be a part of such a study, but a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a progressive screen agency such as Film London and a sector innovator such as We Are Colony.”
Cecilia Frugiuele of Parkville Pictures, producer of "Appropriate Behavior" and short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World" also comments: “The international reach of the platform is also a way for producers and Sales Agents to be in control of their film’s destiny offering new ways to exploit a title without a traditional distributor.”
Core to We Are Colony’s unique place in the VOD market is the release of ‘special edition bundles,' releasing quality films with a range of (often exclusive) additional and behind-the-scenes content. Franki Goodwin of Western Edge Pictures, who produced "Third Star," adds: “For us, the opportunity to partner with We Are Colony to bring additional content to our fans, and in turn to support a fantastic new VOD platform, was a no-brainer. This is a huge opportunity for film makers to offer their audiences more than just a movie.”
In addition, the platform works hands-on with licensors in a marketing role, delivering content and creative, plus organic and paid marketing. Cecilia Frugiuele states: “We Are Colony is an empowering tool for filmmakers. It encourages them to think of audience engagement earlier in production, helping them shape their future distribution strategy.”
Lastly, as part of the research phase, the We Are Colony platform will be trialing new windows, including an innovative pre-sale model where users pay early in exchange for instant fulfillment on extra content, ahead of general release. One title currently in pre-sales in the UK is Containment, and producer Christine Hartland states: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with We Are Colony for the release of 'Containment.' We will be able to offer audiences a deeper experience of the film and a chance to engage in its world in innovative ways. As independent filmmakers we’re very aware of the crowded marketplace for indie British thrillers, and are excited about the possibilities of offering our audience more than just a conventional cinema experience. By connecting with audiences early and building their investment in the film, we intend to build a fanbase even ahead of release”.
The report, lead by Prof. Philip Drake of Edge Hill University and researcher Michael Franklin, co-authored by the project partners, is due to release in Q4 2015.
About the seven films selected for the project:
"Appropriate Behavior," the sexually-frank romantic comedy written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan ("Girls"), produced by Cecilia Frugiuele, nominated in the Independent Spirit Awards 2014. The film was licensed from Peccadillo Pictures (UK), Gravitas Ventures (North America) and Transmission Films (Australia and New Zealand).
"The British Guide To Showing Off," the critically-acclaimed documentary which pays homage to the eccentric universe of the Alternative Miss World Show, directed by Jes Benstock and produced by Dorigen Hammond.
"Third Star," the critically-acclaimed British road movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Sherlock"), Tom Burke ( The Musketeers"), Jj Feild ("Captain America"), Adam Robertson and Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"), re-released internationally through the We Are Colony platform. The film was licensed from Independent Film Sales.
"Electricity," the startling 'Alice in Wonderland' tale with a breakout performance by Agyness Deyn, directed by Bryn Higgins and produced by Clare Duggan. Licensed from Soda Pictures (UK).
"We Are Monster," the critically-acclaimed, uncompromising British drama written, produced and starring Leeshon Alexander, directed by Antony Petrou, with producers including Noel Clarke ("Adulthood, Kidulthood"). The film was licensed from Metrodome Distribution (UK).
"Containment," the high-concept British thriller with an ensemble cast including Lee Ross ("The English Patient," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and Louise Brealey ("Sherlock"), directed by Neil Mcenery-West and produced by Christine Hartland, Casey Herbert and Pete Smyth. The film was licensed by Vision Films (international sales).
And "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World," the award-winning short film starring Theo Barklem-Biggs ("KIngsman: The Secret Service," "The Inbetweeners Movie") and Adrian Scarborough ("The King’s Speech," "Les Misérables").
For more information visit Here...
Made possible by the Digital R&D fund for the Arts, the project examines the rapidly-evolving world of video on demand, and how the We Are Colony platform can engage fans who are keen to unlock exciting additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews, scripts and trailers. The seven titles selected for the year-long research project are the critically-acclaimed "Appropriate Behavior," Benedict Cumberbatch road movie "Third Star," feted Alternative Miss World documentary "The British Guide To Showing Off," Agyness Deyn’s breakout performance in "Electricity," uncompromising British drama "We Are Monster," high-concept thriller "Containment," and award-winning short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission , said: “Film London exists to help connect ideas, finance and talent at every stage of the filmmaking process, so a project which helps our industry capitalize on new technologies while exploring innovative ways to engage audiences is a perfect fit for us. By bringing together industry nous, entrepreneurial instincts and academic excellence this partnership is proving to be extremely exciting, and I’m looking forward to see how it develops and benefits the seven films we have selected.”
Sarah Tierney, founder of We Are Colony, comments: “We are pleased to be working with a group of forward-thinking and innovative producers, distributors and sales agents, keen to interrogate the potential of new digital models to engage an audience early and through additional content. In addition, with content being delivered to registered account holders in over 100 countries, We Are Colony is looking forward to sharing data from the beta launch, and the results of a significant user survey looking at viewing behaviors and attitudes to content.”
Working with a range of budgets and varying international appeal, the slate aims to reflect the reality of independent production in the UK. As Leeshon Alexander, writer, producer and star of "We Are Monster," comments: “'We Are Monster' is a truly independent film. As such, we feel it’s not only important to be a part of such a study, but a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a progressive screen agency such as Film London and a sector innovator such as We Are Colony.”
Cecilia Frugiuele of Parkville Pictures, producer of "Appropriate Behavior" and short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World" also comments: “The international reach of the platform is also a way for producers and Sales Agents to be in control of their film’s destiny offering new ways to exploit a title without a traditional distributor.”
Core to We Are Colony’s unique place in the VOD market is the release of ‘special edition bundles,' releasing quality films with a range of (often exclusive) additional and behind-the-scenes content. Franki Goodwin of Western Edge Pictures, who produced "Third Star," adds: “For us, the opportunity to partner with We Are Colony to bring additional content to our fans, and in turn to support a fantastic new VOD platform, was a no-brainer. This is a huge opportunity for film makers to offer their audiences more than just a movie.”
In addition, the platform works hands-on with licensors in a marketing role, delivering content and creative, plus organic and paid marketing. Cecilia Frugiuele states: “We Are Colony is an empowering tool for filmmakers. It encourages them to think of audience engagement earlier in production, helping them shape their future distribution strategy.”
Lastly, as part of the research phase, the We Are Colony platform will be trialing new windows, including an innovative pre-sale model where users pay early in exchange for instant fulfillment on extra content, ahead of general release. One title currently in pre-sales in the UK is Containment, and producer Christine Hartland states: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with We Are Colony for the release of 'Containment.' We will be able to offer audiences a deeper experience of the film and a chance to engage in its world in innovative ways. As independent filmmakers we’re very aware of the crowded marketplace for indie British thrillers, and are excited about the possibilities of offering our audience more than just a conventional cinema experience. By connecting with audiences early and building their investment in the film, we intend to build a fanbase even ahead of release”.
The report, lead by Prof. Philip Drake of Edge Hill University and researcher Michael Franklin, co-authored by the project partners, is due to release in Q4 2015.
About the seven films selected for the project:
"Appropriate Behavior," the sexually-frank romantic comedy written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan ("Girls"), produced by Cecilia Frugiuele, nominated in the Independent Spirit Awards 2014. The film was licensed from Peccadillo Pictures (UK), Gravitas Ventures (North America) and Transmission Films (Australia and New Zealand).
"The British Guide To Showing Off," the critically-acclaimed documentary which pays homage to the eccentric universe of the Alternative Miss World Show, directed by Jes Benstock and produced by Dorigen Hammond.
"Third Star," the critically-acclaimed British road movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Sherlock"), Tom Burke ( The Musketeers"), Jj Feild ("Captain America"), Adam Robertson and Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"), re-released internationally through the We Are Colony platform. The film was licensed from Independent Film Sales.
"Electricity," the startling 'Alice in Wonderland' tale with a breakout performance by Agyness Deyn, directed by Bryn Higgins and produced by Clare Duggan. Licensed from Soda Pictures (UK).
"We Are Monster," the critically-acclaimed, uncompromising British drama written, produced and starring Leeshon Alexander, directed by Antony Petrou, with producers including Noel Clarke ("Adulthood, Kidulthood"). The film was licensed from Metrodome Distribution (UK).
"Containment," the high-concept British thriller with an ensemble cast including Lee Ross ("The English Patient," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and Louise Brealey ("Sherlock"), directed by Neil Mcenery-West and produced by Christine Hartland, Casey Herbert and Pete Smyth. The film was licensed by Vision Films (international sales).
And "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World," the award-winning short film starring Theo Barklem-Biggs ("KIngsman: The Secret Service," "The Inbetweeners Movie") and Adrian Scarborough ("The King’s Speech," "Les Misérables").
For more information visit Here...
- 8/25/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Updated: Giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered! You've got to be strong to face up to the issues raised in the prison drama We Are Monster, which hits iTunes today. Here's the official synopsis: On the night of 21 March 2000, in a cell at Feltham Young Offenders Institution, a white racist prisoner, Robert Stewart, battered his Asian cellmate, Zahid Mubarek, into a coma only five hours before Mubarek was due to be released. Mubarek never recovered from the injuries he had sustained and died a week later. We Are Monster is a psychological drama inspired by this true story. Antony Petrou directed from a script by Leeshon Alexander, who stars as Robert Stewart. Aymen Hamdouchi portrays Zahid Mubarek. If you're ready...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 6/23/2015
- Screen Anarchy
★★☆☆☆
The murder of Zahid Mubarek at Feltham Young Offenders' Institution in 2000 is the harrowing subject of British director Antony Petrou's We Are Monster (2014), a clumsy and facile character study into his killer, Robert Stewart; an apparently well-researched drama that feels more like a hopeless shot in the dark at reaching the inner psyche of a killer. Stewart was a known racist, mentally unstable and violent (with an Rip tattoo on his forehead), but after institutional failures was put in the same cell as the British Asian. Six weeks later, Mubarek was dead, bludgeoned to death with a wooden table leg hours before his intended release. All in all, it took six years for the victim's relatives to get answers.
The murder of Zahid Mubarek at Feltham Young Offenders' Institution in 2000 is the harrowing subject of British director Antony Petrou's We Are Monster (2014), a clumsy and facile character study into his killer, Robert Stewart; an apparently well-researched drama that feels more like a hopeless shot in the dark at reaching the inner psyche of a killer. Stewart was a known racist, mentally unstable and violent (with an Rip tattoo on his forehead), but after institutional failures was put in the same cell as the British Asian. Six weeks later, Mubarek was dead, bludgeoned to death with a wooden table leg hours before his intended release. All in all, it took six years for the victim's relatives to get answers.
- 5/13/2015
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Drama based on racially-motivated murder to get UK release.
True crime drama We Are Monster is to receive a limited theatrical release in the UK through Shear Entertainment on May 1 and will get a home entertainment release through Metrodome on May 11.
The film received its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival last June, where it played in competition for the Michael Powell Award.
Director Antony Petrou’s drama charts the true story of the murder of a young Asian inmate, Zahid Mubarak, by violent racist Robert Stewart at Feltham Young Offenders Institute in 2000.
Mubarek’s death was a national scandal and led to a House of Lords inquiry in 2006, which found a bewildering catalogue of both individual and systemic shortcomings at Feltham, naming and criticising 20 prison officials for failing to take action to prevent the death.
The film is written by and stars Leeshon Alexander with Aymen Hamdouchi co-starring.
Interview: [link=nm...
True crime drama We Are Monster is to receive a limited theatrical release in the UK through Shear Entertainment on May 1 and will get a home entertainment release through Metrodome on May 11.
The film received its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival last June, where it played in competition for the Michael Powell Award.
Director Antony Petrou’s drama charts the true story of the murder of a young Asian inmate, Zahid Mubarak, by violent racist Robert Stewart at Feltham Young Offenders Institute in 2000.
Mubarek’s death was a national scandal and led to a House of Lords inquiry in 2006, which found a bewildering catalogue of both individual and systemic shortcomings at Feltham, naming and criticising 20 prison officials for failing to take action to prevent the death.
The film is written by and stars Leeshon Alexander with Aymen Hamdouchi co-starring.
Interview: [link=nm...
- 3/6/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Ahead of the world premiere in Edinburgh of We Are Monster, writer and star Leeshon Alexander talked to Screen about bringing a harrowing true story back into the public eye.
In February 2000, violent racist Robert Stewart was placed in a cell at Feltham Young Offenders Institute with Zahid Mubarek, an Asian teenager convicted of petty theft. Hours before Mubarek’s release, he was bludgeoned to death by Stewart.
It is a case that has largely been forgotten since 2006, when a public inquiry found the murder could have been prevented and named 14 prison officers – none of whom received disciplinary action.
Antony Petrou’s We Are Monster, which receives its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival tonight (June 20) and is nominated for the Michael Powell Award, is an attempt to bring the harrowing case back into the public consciousness and delivers a stylish, gripping prison drama that delves into the fractured mind of a killer.
The ‘monster...
In February 2000, violent racist Robert Stewart was placed in a cell at Feltham Young Offenders Institute with Zahid Mubarek, an Asian teenager convicted of petty theft. Hours before Mubarek’s release, he was bludgeoned to death by Stewart.
It is a case that has largely been forgotten since 2006, when a public inquiry found the murder could have been prevented and named 14 prison officers – none of whom received disciplinary action.
Antony Petrou’s We Are Monster, which receives its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival tonight (June 20) and is nominated for the Michael Powell Award, is an attempt to bring the harrowing case back into the public consciousness and delivers a stylish, gripping prison drama that delves into the fractured mind of a killer.
The ‘monster...
- 6/20/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Gerard Johnson’s follow-up to Tony to receive world premiere as opening film; contenders for Michael Powell Award also revealed, including six world premieres.
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) has revealed that corrupt cop drama Hyena will open the 68th edition of the festival on June 18.
The film reunites director Gerard Johnson with Peter Ferdinando, who played the lead in his debut feature Tony which received its world premiere at Eiff in 2009.
Producers include Stephen Woolley (Made in Dagenham, The Crying Game, Mona Lisa), Elizabeth Karlsen (Great Expectations, Ladies in Lavender) and Joanna Laurie. Hyena was developed by Film4. Sam Lavender and Katherine Butler exec produced the film for Film4 which was co-financed by Film4, BFI, Ingenious and Lipsync and will be released by Metrodome in the UK and distributed internationally by Independent.
Set in London, Hyena revolves around corrupt police officer Michael Logan (Ferdinando) who has to deal with an influx of ruthless Albanian gangsters...
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) has revealed that corrupt cop drama Hyena will open the 68th edition of the festival on June 18.
The film reunites director Gerard Johnson with Peter Ferdinando, who played the lead in his debut feature Tony which received its world premiere at Eiff in 2009.
Producers include Stephen Woolley (Made in Dagenham, The Crying Game, Mona Lisa), Elizabeth Karlsen (Great Expectations, Ladies in Lavender) and Joanna Laurie. Hyena was developed by Film4. Sam Lavender and Katherine Butler exec produced the film for Film4 which was co-financed by Film4, BFI, Ingenious and Lipsync and will be released by Metrodome in the UK and distributed internationally by Independent.
Set in London, Hyena revolves around corrupt police officer Michael Logan (Ferdinando) who has to deal with an influx of ruthless Albanian gangsters...
- 5/12/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Jason Maza and Noel Clarke produce film based on the murder of Zahid Mubarek at a Young Offenders Institute in 2000.
Unstoppable Entertainment and Terra Rossa Films Entertainment have wrapped principal photography on feature film We Are Monster. The picture was shot at Twickenham Studios and on location across London.
Producers are Noel Clarke (4.3.2.1, The Anomaly) and Jason Maza (The Knot, The Hooligan Factory).
We Are Monster is a psychological drama written by and starring Leeshon Alexander as Robert Stewart and also features Aymen Hamdouchi (Zero Dark Thirty), in the role of Zahid Mubarek, and Gethin Anthony (Game of Thrones). The film, which is based on a true story, is directed by Antony Petrou who also produces alongside Leeshon and Dean O’Toole.
The film is based around the pairing of Robert Stewart, a known violent racist, and Zahid Mubarek, a young Asian man convicted of petty theft who was due to be released from Feltham Young Offenders...
Unstoppable Entertainment and Terra Rossa Films Entertainment have wrapped principal photography on feature film We Are Monster. The picture was shot at Twickenham Studios and on location across London.
Producers are Noel Clarke (4.3.2.1, The Anomaly) and Jason Maza (The Knot, The Hooligan Factory).
We Are Monster is a psychological drama written by and starring Leeshon Alexander as Robert Stewart and also features Aymen Hamdouchi (Zero Dark Thirty), in the role of Zahid Mubarek, and Gethin Anthony (Game of Thrones). The film, which is based on a true story, is directed by Antony Petrou who also produces alongside Leeshon and Dean O’Toole.
The film is based around the pairing of Robert Stewart, a known violent racist, and Zahid Mubarek, a young Asian man convicted of petty theft who was due to be released from Feltham Young Offenders...
- 2/21/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
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.