Cinema Management Group has reported brisk sales on Kensuke’s Kingdom featuring Cillian Murphy on the back of wins at the British Animation Awards for best picture, best screenplay and best original music.
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Jessie Buckley has lent her voice to “Three Hares,” the hand-drawn animated short film from BAFTA-winning filmmaker Paloma Baez.
The ecologically-focused film — which has now completed production — was directed and adapted by Baeza from an original story by Hanya Yanagihara, the author of “The People in the Trees,” “A Little Life,” “To Paradise,” and editor-in-chief of T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
As the film’s description goes, “Three Hares” weaves an enchanting creation myth and the mystical origin story of the ancient three hares symbol into an environmental tale about three sisters, who must remind mankind to respect the earth in order to protect their future.
Oscar and BAFTA nominee Buckley (“Wicked Little Letters”, “The Lost Daughter”) narrates the film, which also features an original score by two-time Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla and co-composer Juan Luqui (“The Last of Us”).
‘Three Hares’
The film’s all-female producing team...
The ecologically-focused film — which has now completed production — was directed and adapted by Baeza from an original story by Hanya Yanagihara, the author of “The People in the Trees,” “A Little Life,” “To Paradise,” and editor-in-chief of T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
As the film’s description goes, “Three Hares” weaves an enchanting creation myth and the mystical origin story of the ancient three hares symbol into an environmental tale about three sisters, who must remind mankind to respect the earth in order to protect their future.
Oscar and BAFTA nominee Buckley (“Wicked Little Letters”, “The Lost Daughter”) narrates the film, which also features an original score by two-time Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla and co-composer Juan Luqui (“The Last of Us”).
‘Three Hares’
The film’s all-female producing team...
- 4/17/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Gugu Mbatha-Raw will lead the voice cast of the animated short film “To My Daughter.”
The “Surface” star will narrate the movie, which is an adaptation of “This Thread of Gold,” the debut book by actor, writer, filmmaker and Un gender advisor Catherine Joy White.
“This Thread of Gold” is billed as a celebration of Black womanhood, weaving a story about resilience that connects Beyoncé, Nina Simone, Shirley Chisholm and Meghan Markle, as well as those throughout history “who resisted in secret through trusted networks.” The film is described as “part guidebook, part exuberant narrative and part poetry.”
White has adapted one chapter of the book, entitled “Daughter,” which is a letter written to her imagined daughter. Mbatha-Raw will voice the narrator who leads the audience through the film.
Mbatha-Raw said of the project: “I was immediately captivated by the poetry of Catherine Joy White’s ‘To My Daughter.’ Her words pulse with joy,...
The “Surface” star will narrate the movie, which is an adaptation of “This Thread of Gold,” the debut book by actor, writer, filmmaker and Un gender advisor Catherine Joy White.
“This Thread of Gold” is billed as a celebration of Black womanhood, weaving a story about resilience that connects Beyoncé, Nina Simone, Shirley Chisholm and Meghan Markle, as well as those throughout history “who resisted in secret through trusted networks.” The film is described as “part guidebook, part exuberant narrative and part poetry.”
White has adapted one chapter of the book, entitled “Daughter,” which is a letter written to her imagined daughter. Mbatha-Raw will voice the narrator who leads the audience through the film.
Mbatha-Raw said of the project: “I was immediately captivated by the poetry of Catherine Joy White’s ‘To My Daughter.’ Her words pulse with joy,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Lupus Films attending this week’s Annecy Film Festival with ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’.
UK-based sales agency WestEnd Films has boarded Las Dos Fridas, the new animated feature from UK producers Lupus Films.
WestEnd will sell the film under its WeLove label, launched to promote female talent and bring female-driven content of all genres to audiences.
Currently in development, Las Dos Fridas will be written and directed by UK filmmaker Paloma Baeza, who is of Mexican heritage. Inspired by the visual style of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the film will depict the key moments which changed Kahlo’s life, from the motor...
UK-based sales agency WestEnd Films has boarded Las Dos Fridas, the new animated feature from UK producers Lupus Films.
WestEnd will sell the film under its WeLove label, launched to promote female talent and bring female-driven content of all genres to audiences.
Currently in development, Las Dos Fridas will be written and directed by UK filmmaker Paloma Baeza, who is of Mexican heritage. Inspired by the visual style of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the film will depict the key moments which changed Kahlo’s life, from the motor...
- 6/12/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Project is directed by German animator Uli Meyer.
Gfm Animation has acquired Molesworth, the debut feature from animator Uli Meyer, for worldwide sales.
The UK-based firm will also provide production financing for the 2D-animated feature, working with production studio Lupus Films and producers Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.
Molesworth is based on the book series by Geoffrey Willans, illustrated by Ronald Searle. It tells the story of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident public schoolboy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for daydreams. Matt Lucas will voice the title character.
The film is German animator Meyer’s feature debut as director...
Gfm Animation has acquired Molesworth, the debut feature from animator Uli Meyer, for worldwide sales.
The UK-based firm will also provide production financing for the 2D-animated feature, working with production studio Lupus Films and producers Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.
Molesworth is based on the book series by Geoffrey Willans, illustrated by Ronald Searle. It tells the story of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident public schoolboy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for daydreams. Matt Lucas will voice the title character.
The film is German animator Meyer’s feature debut as director...
- 3/7/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The BAFTA has revealed nominations for its Children and Young People Awards, which are returning for the first time in three years.
The BBC’s “Dodger” and “The Snail and the Whale” lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations for “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Jamie Johnson,” “JoJo & Gran Gran” and “Silverpoint.”
The ceremony will take place in London on Nov. 27, where 14 categories will be awarded in recognition of craft, performance, and games. All awards are voted on by BAFTA’s membership of children’s industry professionals. The ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Lindsey Russell.
Faraz Osman, chair of the BAFTA Children and Young People Committee, said: “It is a real joy to bring together the industry and celebrate the creativity and craft behind its recent output, especially after the pandemic, where children’s programming played a monumental role in family support. Through the...
The BBC’s “Dodger” and “The Snail and the Whale” lead with three nominations each, followed by two nominations for “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Jamie Johnson,” “JoJo & Gran Gran” and “Silverpoint.”
The ceremony will take place in London on Nov. 27, where 14 categories will be awarded in recognition of craft, performance, and games. All awards are voted on by BAFTA’s membership of children’s industry professionals. The ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Lindsey Russell.
Faraz Osman, chair of the BAFTA Children and Young People Committee, said: “It is a real joy to bring together the industry and celebrate the creativity and craft behind its recent output, especially after the pandemic, where children’s programming played a monumental role in family support. Through the...
- 10/25/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Raymond Briggs, the British illustrator, cartoonist, graphic novelist and author best known for “The Snowman,” has died. He was 88.
“The Snowman,” a book without words and illustrated with pencil crayons, was created by Briggs in 1978. It was adapted as an animated television film for U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 in 1982, which is played on U.K. television every Christmas. It was nominated for the Academy Award for best animated short film and won a BAFTA TV Award for best children’s program.
“The Snowman” sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide. Briggs also created evergreen children’s books “Father Christmas,” “Fungus The Bogeyman” and “When The Wind Blows.”
His 1988 graphic novel “Ethel & Ernest,” which tells the story of the lives of Briggs’ parents from their first meeting in 1928 to their deaths in 1971, was adapted by British animation studio as an animated feature in 2016 that won awards at several animation festivals around the world.
“The Snowman,” a book without words and illustrated with pencil crayons, was created by Briggs in 1978. It was adapted as an animated television film for U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 in 1982, which is played on U.K. television every Christmas. It was nominated for the Academy Award for best animated short film and won a BAFTA TV Award for best children’s program.
“The Snowman” sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide. Briggs also created evergreen children’s books “Father Christmas,” “Fungus The Bogeyman” and “When The Wind Blows.”
His 1988 graphic novel “Ethel & Ernest,” which tells the story of the lives of Briggs’ parents from their first meeting in 1928 to their deaths in 1971, was adapted by British animation studio as an animated feature in 2016 that won awards at several animation festivals around the world.
- 8/10/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Benji Davies’ “Storm Whale” children’s books are getting an animated adaptation from Lupus Films, the studio behind the adaptation of Judith Kerr’s “The Tiger Who Came to Tea.”
Lupus are working on a series of three films based on the books, which are published by Simon and Schuster.
The three half-hour specials will be written and directed by Robin Shaw (“The Tiger Who Came to Tea”) and known as The Storm Whale Trilogy.
The books, which explore friendship, loneliness, love and courage, tell the story of a young boy called Noi. Everyday his father, a single parent and fisherman, goes out to catch fish in his boat while Noi is left to explore the small island on which they live. With only some sleepy cats and shy sea creatures for company, Noi finds he is lonely. So when a baby whale washes up on the island, Noi tries...
Lupus are working on a series of three films based on the books, which are published by Simon and Schuster.
The three half-hour specials will be written and directed by Robin Shaw (“The Tiger Who Came to Tea”) and known as The Storm Whale Trilogy.
The books, which explore friendship, loneliness, love and courage, tell the story of a young boy called Noi. Everyday his father, a single parent and fisherman, goes out to catch fish in his boat while Noi is left to explore the small island on which they live. With only some sleepy cats and shy sea creatures for company, Noi finds he is lonely. So when a baby whale washes up on the island, Noi tries...
- 6/15/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Titles include ’Aftersun’, ’Enys Men’, ‘Birchanger Green’ and ‘A Gaza Weekend’.
Cannes premieres Aftersun, sold by Charades, and Enys Men, sold by Protagonist Pictures, are among the titles selected for year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The other six titles are all in post-production.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2022 Great 8 showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
Unseen footage from all of the titles will be introduced by their filmmakers and screened on May 12 exclusively to buyers and festival programmers during the online-only showcase,...
Cannes premieres Aftersun, sold by Charades, and Enys Men, sold by Protagonist Pictures, are among the titles selected for year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The other six titles are all in post-production.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2022 Great 8 showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
Unseen footage from all of the titles will be introduced by their filmmakers and screened on May 12 exclusively to buyers and festival programmers during the online-only showcase,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The BFI and British Council have revealed the line-up for this year’s Great8 showcase, which allows international distributors and festival programmers to get an early look at eight releases from emerging U.K. filmmakers in the run-up to Cannes Marché.
Now in its fifth year, the showcase on May 12 will allow filmmakers to screen unseen footage from the films, which will be available to buy during the market, which runs from May 17-28.
Of the eight films selected for the showcase, one has also been selected for the official Directors’ Fortnight and another for the Critics’ Week line-up. The remaining six films are in post-production.
The Great8 showcase is funded and organized by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4. It has previously presented films including “I Am Not A Witch” and “Calm with Horses.”
Neil Peplow, the BFI’s Director of Industry and International Affairs,...
Now in its fifth year, the showcase on May 12 will allow filmmakers to screen unseen footage from the films, which will be available to buy during the market, which runs from May 17-28.
Of the eight films selected for the showcase, one has also been selected for the official Directors’ Fortnight and another for the Critics’ Week line-up. The remaining six films are in post-production.
The Great8 showcase is funded and organized by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4. It has previously presented films including “I Am Not A Witch” and “Calm with Horses.”
Neil Peplow, the BFI’s Director of Industry and International Affairs,...
- 5/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Voice cast includes Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films has released a first-look image from Kensuke’s Kingdom, directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.
The UK-Luxembourg-France co-production is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name, published in 1999. Morpurgo is also the author of War Horse.
The voice cast features Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Boyle is a director and animator who has previously worked on Ethel And Ernest and Space Jam. The screenplay has been penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
The film tells the...
UK sales outfit Bankside Films has released a first-look image from Kensuke’s Kingdom, directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.
The UK-Luxembourg-France co-production is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name, published in 1999. Morpurgo is also the author of War Horse.
The voice cast features Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Boyle is a director and animator who has previously worked on Ethel And Ernest and Space Jam. The screenplay has been penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
The film tells the...
- 10/28/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Supporting the U.K. animation industry is one of the key priorities for the recently launched £7 million ($9.77 million) U.K. Global Screen Fund (Ukgsf), which is being administered by the British Film Institute.
Each of the three key funding strands of the Ukgsf – international business development, co-production investment, and international distribution (see separate story for details) – are accessible to animation companies.
In many ways, the ambition of the Ukgsf to boost global exports of U.K. screen content and to foster international collaborations perfectly fits with the experience of the animation sector.
Often overlooked compared with its live action cousins, animation is one of the most internationally focused of the U.K.’s screen industries.
That’s very much out of necessity. At a time when animation producers can likely secure a maximum of 25% of budget for a commission from a U.K. broadcaster, companies have had to reach out...
Each of the three key funding strands of the Ukgsf – international business development, co-production investment, and international distribution (see separate story for details) – are accessible to animation companies.
In many ways, the ambition of the Ukgsf to boost global exports of U.K. screen content and to foster international collaborations perfectly fits with the experience of the animation sector.
Often overlooked compared with its live action cousins, animation is one of the most internationally focused of the U.K.’s screen industries.
That’s very much out of necessity. At a time when animation producers can likely secure a maximum of 25% of budget for a commission from a U.K. broadcaster, companies have had to reach out...
- 6/23/2021
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Former Umedia exec Adrian Politowski’s new company invests $6.5m into the animated feature.
Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance company Align has boarded Kensuke’s Kingdom, the animated adaptation of the best-selling 1999 novel by UK author Michael Morpurgo.
Sold by Bankside Films, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been put together as a UK-France-Luxembourg co-production. It is directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, and has Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy in the voice cast.
The film tells the story of a boy swept overboard with his dog during a storm while on a sailing trip with his family.
Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance company Align has boarded Kensuke’s Kingdom, the animated adaptation of the best-selling 1999 novel by UK author Michael Morpurgo.
Sold by Bankside Films, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been put together as a UK-France-Luxembourg co-production. It is directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, and has Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy in the voice cast.
The film tells the story of a boy swept overboard with his dog during a storm while on a sailing trip with his family.
- 4/16/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Titles include animation ’Kensuke’s Kingdom’ and Terence Davies’ next feature, ‘Benediction’.
The 10 biggest recipients of BFI production funding in 2020 received a total of £11.6m in support.
They include additional Covid-related production awards for BFI-backed projects interrupted at the start of pandemic such as Benediction, True Things and Pirates.
Nearly all 10 titles, with the exception of Earwig, also received £20,000 as part of pilot initiative BFI Step-up, which enabled productions to provide opportunities for production crew from under-represented groups to work on BFI-funded features
1. Kensuke’s Kingdom, Jigsaw Films (£1.62m)
Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe are among the English-language voice cast of this animated feature,...
The 10 biggest recipients of BFI production funding in 2020 received a total of £11.6m in support.
They include additional Covid-related production awards for BFI-backed projects interrupted at the start of pandemic such as Benediction, True Things and Pirates.
Nearly all 10 titles, with the exception of Earwig, also received £20,000 as part of pilot initiative BFI Step-up, which enabled productions to provide opportunities for production crew from under-represented groups to work on BFI-funded features
1. Kensuke’s Kingdom, Jigsaw Films (£1.62m)
Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Ken Watanabe are among the English-language voice cast of this animated feature,...
- 12/27/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The 2020 ceremony will be streamed online from Berlin.
The European Film Awards has selected the four animation nominees for its 2020 online edition.
They are Rémy Chayé’s Calamity, A Childhood Of Martha Jane Cannary (Fr-Den); Aurel’s Josep (Fr-Bel-Sp); Sergio Pablos’ Klaus (Sp), and Andrey Khrzhanovsky’s The Nose Or The Conspiracy Of Mavericks (Rus).
Chayé’s Calamity, A Childhood Of Martha Jane Cannary depicts a young girl in the American Wild West in 1863 who is forced to grow up quickly and take care of her family. The film won the Cristal for best feature at Annecy Animation Festival in June.
The European Film Awards has selected the four animation nominees for its 2020 online edition.
They are Rémy Chayé’s Calamity, A Childhood Of Martha Jane Cannary (Fr-Den); Aurel’s Josep (Fr-Bel-Sp); Sergio Pablos’ Klaus (Sp), and Andrey Khrzhanovsky’s The Nose Or The Conspiracy Of Mavericks (Rus).
Chayé’s Calamity, A Childhood Of Martha Jane Cannary depicts a young girl in the American Wild West in 1863 who is forced to grow up quickly and take care of her family. The film won the Cristal for best feature at Annecy Animation Festival in June.
- 10/20/2020
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Josep, Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary, Klaus and The Nose or the Conspiracy of Mavericks are vying for the European Animated Feature Film award. The European Film Awards have announced the nominations for the award category European Animated Feature Film 2020. The nominations were determined by a committee comprised of Efa Board Member Béatrice Thiriet (France), director Anca Damian (Romania), producer Antonio Saura (Spain) and, representing Cartoon, the European Association of Animation Film, producer Diogo Carvalho (Portugal), producer Camilla Deakin (UK) and institutional representative Norbert Laporte (Luxembourg). The nominees are: European Animated Feature FilmJosep - Aurel (France/Belgium/Spain)Calamity: A Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary - Rémi Chayé (France/Denmark)The Nose or the Conspiracy of Mavericks - Andrey Khrzhanovsky (Russia)Klaus - Sergio Pablos (Spain) The nominated films will soon be submitted to the more than 3,800 Efa Members to elect the winner. The European Animated Feature Film 2020 will then be.
- 10/20/2020
- Cineuropa - The Best of European Cinema
Voice cast includes Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, which includes Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy among its voice cast, has secured fresh finance and animation partners as it goes into production.
UK-based Lupus Films, whose credits include Ethel & Ernest, will receive backing from the BFI, Ffilm Cymru, Creative Wales and Film Fund Luxembourg on the adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling children’s novel.
Cardiff-based firm BumpyBox has come on board as the production’s Welsh animation partner. Previously announced production partners include Luxembourg-based Melusine Productions and French production company Le Pacte.
Animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, which includes Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy among its voice cast, has secured fresh finance and animation partners as it goes into production.
UK-based Lupus Films, whose credits include Ethel & Ernest, will receive backing from the BFI, Ffilm Cymru, Creative Wales and Film Fund Luxembourg on the adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling children’s novel.
Cardiff-based firm BumpyBox has come on board as the production’s Welsh animation partner. Previously announced production partners include Luxembourg-based Melusine Productions and French production company Le Pacte.
- 9/7/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
New projects from Fernando Trueba, ‘Loving Vincent’ filmmakers and a ”Nordic Sex Education”.
Screen has been on the ground at animation pitching event Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux this week, hearing about 66 feature film projects at various stages of concept, development and production.
Here are five which generated particular buzz among attendees:
Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary (Fr-Den)
With Cartoon Movie tracking the attendance of its delegates to each pitch, the most popular – by a decent 10% margin – was this France-Denmark co-production with 316 audience members from the 800 people at the event. The second feature from French director Rémi Chayé, it...
Screen has been on the ground at animation pitching event Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux this week, hearing about 66 feature film projects at various stages of concept, development and production.
Here are five which generated particular buzz among attendees:
Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary (Fr-Den)
With Cartoon Movie tracking the attendance of its delegates to each pitch, the most popular – by a decent 10% margin – was this France-Denmark co-production with 316 audience members from the 800 people at the event. The second feature from French director Rémi Chayé, it...
- 3/6/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
The Tribeca Film Festival announced its 2020 Shorts Program lineup Thursday including the world premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s To Gerard and projects with Benedict Cumberbatch, Dennis Quaid and Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
As cancellations and postponements rock the entertainment landscape, Tribeca said it’s still a go. “We are tracking the COVID19 (coronavirus) situation closely. If we receive pertinent information that requires us to make any changes to the Tribeca Film Festival taking place from April 15-26, we will provide an updated statement. As of right now, there are no direct impacts to our festival.” a spokesperson said Thursday.
The shorts roster for the 19th annual fest has 64 shorts from 20 countries, including 46 world premieres, selected from a record 6,100 submissions, organizers said.
Whoopi Goldberg again curated the animated portion. And back for a second year are two portrayals of diverse women from the Queen Collective by Procter & Gamble in partnership with Queen Latifah.
As cancellations and postponements rock the entertainment landscape, Tribeca said it’s still a go. “We are tracking the COVID19 (coronavirus) situation closely. If we receive pertinent information that requires us to make any changes to the Tribeca Film Festival taking place from April 15-26, we will provide an updated statement. As of right now, there are no direct impacts to our festival.” a spokesperson said Thursday.
The shorts roster for the 19th annual fest has 64 shorts from 20 countries, including 46 world premieres, selected from a record 6,100 submissions, organizers said.
Whoopi Goldberg again curated the animated portion. And back for a second year are two portrayals of diverse women from the Queen Collective by Procter & Gamble in partnership with Queen Latifah.
- 3/5/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
DreamWorks Animation’s latest short, “To: Gerard,” a love letter to Manhattan and magic, directed by storyboard artist Taylor Meacham (“Trolls”), will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 18. It’s about a mailman named Gerard who dreams of becoming a magician with the help of a young girl, a legendary master named The Great Vivonti, and a very special coin.
“New York has such a historical wealth of great filmmakers that have deeply inspired me while growing up, and Manhattan is where I first got my foot in the door within the film industry,” said Meacham, who was also inspired by his father and how he helped unify his love of animation and the art of illusion. “Because of my relation to this city, it feels like such a gift to be able to come back to New York and the Tribeca Film Festival to share a part...
“New York has such a historical wealth of great filmmakers that have deeply inspired me while growing up, and Manhattan is where I first got my foot in the door within the film industry,” said Meacham, who was also inspired by his father and how he helped unify his love of animation and the art of illusion. “Because of my relation to this city, it feels like such a gift to be able to come back to New York and the Tribeca Film Festival to share a part...
- 3/5/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
British comedian and actor Matt Lucas will voice the lead role in “Molesworth,” an animated film adaptation of the best-selling series of boarding school books written by Geoffrey Willans and illustrated by Ronald Searle.
Lupus Films and Melusine Productions, the producers behind the acclaimed animated feature “Ethel & Ernest,” will team up with Uli Meyer Studios to produce the 2D, hand-drawn feature, based on “The Compleet Molesworth” series. The film will be pitched next month at Cartoon Movie, Europe’s leading animated movie co-production forum, which takes place in Bordeaux, France.
Lucas will voice the role of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident, tousle-haired public school boy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for power. The character was first drawn by Ronald Searle for his Punch magazine comic strip and later developed into a series of books, first published in 1953.
Commenting on his role as the less than scholarly school boy,...
Lupus Films and Melusine Productions, the producers behind the acclaimed animated feature “Ethel & Ernest,” will team up with Uli Meyer Studios to produce the 2D, hand-drawn feature, based on “The Compleet Molesworth” series. The film will be pitched next month at Cartoon Movie, Europe’s leading animated movie co-production forum, which takes place in Bordeaux, France.
Lucas will voice the role of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident, tousle-haired public school boy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for power. The character was first drawn by Ronald Searle for his Punch magazine comic strip and later developed into a series of books, first published in 1953.
Commenting on his role as the less than scholarly school boy,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
“Post-Brexit we may want to be doing more of this.”
British producers who attended the recent Ventana Sur market with the UK’s first delegation to Buenos Aires have cited Latin American co-productions as a model for independent filmmakers with international aspirations.
The vibrant event has also offered hope to one prominent Brazilian producer in search of funds at a time when Latin America continues to be plagued by political and economic unrest.
“We met lots of producers and directors and writers – not just from Argentina,” said Origin Pictures founder David Thompson. “It opens up one’s vision of the region.
British producers who attended the recent Ventana Sur market with the UK’s first delegation to Buenos Aires have cited Latin American co-productions as a model for independent filmmakers with international aspirations.
The vibrant event has also offered hope to one prominent Brazilian producer in search of funds at a time when Latin America continues to be plagued by political and economic unrest.
“We met lots of producers and directors and writers – not just from Argentina,” said Origin Pictures founder David Thompson. “It opens up one’s vision of the region.
- 12/20/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
A whole host of stars including Benedict Cumberbatch and David Oyelowo have come together to voice characters for Channel 4’s adaptation of Judith Kerr’s children’s novel ‘The Tiger Who Came To Tea.
Based on the classic children’s book by the much-loved Judith Kerr OBE, who sadly died in May this year, the half-hour film will bring to life the vivid images and irresistible story of this classic picture book turning it into a festive family treat.
Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse will join Cumberbatch and Oyelowo to portray the familiar characters of Daddy, Mummy, Tiger, Narrator and Milkman while seven-year-old newcomer, Clara Ross, makes her TV debut as Sophie.
Also in news – The Losers Club invites you to experience the terrifying world of Pennywise in new ‘It Chapter Two’ immersive experience
The Tiger Who Came to Tea tells the delightful story of what happens...
Based on the classic children’s book by the much-loved Judith Kerr OBE, who sadly died in May this year, the half-hour film will bring to life the vivid images and irresistible story of this classic picture book turning it into a festive family treat.
Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse will join Cumberbatch and Oyelowo to portray the familiar characters of Daddy, Mummy, Tiger, Narrator and Milkman while seven-year-old newcomer, Clara Ross, makes her TV debut as Sophie.
Also in news – The Losers Club invites you to experience the terrifying world of Pennywise in new ‘It Chapter Two’ immersive experience
The Tiger Who Came to Tea tells the delightful story of what happens...
- 7/29/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Benedict Cumberbatch, Tamsin Greig, David Oyelowo To Voice ‘The Tiger Who Came To Tea’ For Channel 4
Benedict Cumberbatch, Tamsin Greig, David Oyelowo, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse have been set as voice cast for Channel 4’s animated Christmas special, The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Lupus Films is producing after striking a deal last year with HarperCollins Children’s Books to adapt the classic story by the late Judith Kerr. Joanna Harrison penned the half-hour screen transfer.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea has sold over 5M copies since it was first published in 1968. Inspired by Kerr’s daughter, the story will be adapted in Lupus’ distinctive, hand-drawn animated style and air this holiday season.
The tale looks at what happens when the doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea in the kitchen. Confronted with a very unexpected guest — a big, furry, striped tiger — they invite...
The Tiger Who Came To Tea has sold over 5M copies since it was first published in 1968. Inspired by Kerr’s daughter, the story will be adapted in Lupus’ distinctive, hand-drawn animated style and air this holiday season.
The tale looks at what happens when the doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea in the kitchen. Confronted with a very unexpected guest — a big, furry, striped tiger — they invite...
- 7/29/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The life and work of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo will be the subject of a new animated film from U.K.-based Lupus Films and Universal Content Group. Paloma Baeza has signed on to direct the as-yet-untitled, female-led project.
Salma Hayek produced and starred in a biopic of Kahlo, “Frida,” which scored six Oscar noms. The animated feature will, the producers said, depict Frida Kahlo’s life in a celebratory way, offering an accurate representation of her as an artist and a woman. The film will use 2D animation with some live-action elements.
Baeza, herself of Mexican descent, was one of the Variety Animators to Watch last year, and landed a best animated short BAFTA for “Poles Apart.” She is currently helming Alex Garland’s animation and live-action hybrid movie “The Toymaker’s Secret” for Sony Tristar.
“Frida Kahlo approached life with such vibrant energy, and was ahead of her time in many ways,...
Salma Hayek produced and starred in a biopic of Kahlo, “Frida,” which scored six Oscar noms. The animated feature will, the producers said, depict Frida Kahlo’s life in a celebratory way, offering an accurate representation of her as an artist and a woman. The film will use 2D animation with some live-action elements.
Baeza, herself of Mexican descent, was one of the Variety Animators to Watch last year, and landed a best animated short BAFTA for “Poles Apart.” She is currently helming Alex Garland’s animation and live-action hybrid movie “The Toymaker’s Secret” for Sony Tristar.
“Frida Kahlo approached life with such vibrant energy, and was ahead of her time in many ways,...
- 4/30/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sally Hawkins (The Shape Of Water), Cillian Murphy (Inception), Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai) and Raffey Cassidy (The Killing Of A Sacred Deer) are to voice the animated adaptation of War Horse scribe Michael Morpurgo’s novel Kensuke’s Kingdom.
The children’s book tells the story of Michael, who is taken by his family on a round-the-world sailing trip. When a storm strikes he is washed overboard and ends up on a remote island in the Pacific where he struggles to survive on his own. He soon realizes there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive.
Sherlock Gnomes animator Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry (Junk) will direct the adventure story with an ecological message whose script comes from Frank Cottrell-Boyce (The Railway Man). Bankside is handling sales at the Efm and has previously closed pre-sales in France (Le Pacte...
The children’s book tells the story of Michael, who is taken by his family on a round-the-world sailing trip. When a storm strikes he is washed overboard and ends up on a remote island in the Pacific where he struggles to survive on his own. He soon realizes there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive.
Sherlock Gnomes animator Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry (Junk) will direct the adventure story with an ecological message whose script comes from Frank Cottrell-Boyce (The Railway Man). Bankside is handling sales at the Efm and has previously closed pre-sales in France (Le Pacte...
- 2/7/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Camilla Deakin remembers ”considerate, collaborative and respectful” animator.
Roger Mainwood, the UK filmmaker and animator, has died after an illness at the age of 65.
His credits included the feature animation Ethel & Ernest, which chronicles the lives of the parents of The Snowman illustrator Raymond Briggs. It was nominated for mutiple awards including best animated feaure at the European Film Awards in 2017.
The film was a passion project for Mainwood, who spent eight years developing it, adapting the screenplay from Briggs’ own graphic novel and drawing the majority of the storyboard himself. He then spent a further two years...
Roger Mainwood, the UK filmmaker and animator, has died after an illness at the age of 65.
His credits included the feature animation Ethel & Ernest, which chronicles the lives of the parents of The Snowman illustrator Raymond Briggs. It was nominated for mutiple awards including best animated feaure at the European Film Awards in 2017.
The film was a passion project for Mainwood, who spent eight years developing it, adapting the screenplay from Briggs’ own graphic novel and drawing the majority of the storyboard himself. He then spent a further two years...
- 9/24/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Bankside Films boards feature animation from Ethel & Ernest producers.
Kensuke’s Kingdom, the feature animation based on a Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s novel from the team behind Ethel & Ernest, has secured a sales deal ahead of Cannes with UK outfit Bankside Films.
The Railway Man screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce has adapted Morpurgo’s novel for the screen. Producers are Sarah Radclyffe, who co-founded UK powerhouse Working Title, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding, the co-founders of Ethel & Ernest animation studio Lupus Films, with Barnaby Spurrier (Somers Town) and Stephan Roelants (Ernest & Celestine).
The project is being directed by Neil Boyle,...
Kensuke’s Kingdom, the feature animation based on a Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s novel from the team behind Ethel & Ernest, has secured a sales deal ahead of Cannes with UK outfit Bankside Films.
The Railway Man screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce has adapted Morpurgo’s novel for the screen. Producers are Sarah Radclyffe, who co-founded UK powerhouse Working Title, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding, the co-founders of Ethel & Ernest animation studio Lupus Films, with Barnaby Spurrier (Somers Town) and Stephan Roelants (Ernest & Celestine).
The project is being directed by Neil Boyle,...
- 5/1/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Script from The Railway Man writer will be produced by the Ethel & Ernest team and Working Title co-founder Sarah Radclyffe.
Lupus Films and Melusine Productions, two of the companies behind critically-praised feature animation Ethel & Ernest, have identified their next project.
They are joining forces with producers Sarah Radclyffe and Barnaby Spurrier on Kensuke’s Kingdom, an animated feature adaptation of War Horse author Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s novel.
Directors Neil Boyle (whose credits as an animator include Space Jam and Ethel & Ernest) and Kirk Hendry (who directed 2011 Bifa-nominated short Junk) will oversee the project from a script by The Railway Man writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding of Lupus Films are producing with Sarah Radclyffe, who co-founded UK production outfit Working Title Films, as well as Stéphan Roelants of Melusine Productions and Barnaby Spurrier.
The film’s plot follows the adventures of a young boy and his dog who are shipwrecked on a remote...
Lupus Films and Melusine Productions, two of the companies behind critically-praised feature animation Ethel & Ernest, have identified their next project.
They are joining forces with producers Sarah Radclyffe and Barnaby Spurrier on Kensuke’s Kingdom, an animated feature adaptation of War Horse author Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 children’s novel.
Directors Neil Boyle (whose credits as an animator include Space Jam and Ethel & Ernest) and Kirk Hendry (who directed 2011 Bifa-nominated short Junk) will oversee the project from a script by The Railway Man writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding of Lupus Films are producing with Sarah Radclyffe, who co-founded UK production outfit Working Title Films, as well as Stéphan Roelants of Melusine Productions and Barnaby Spurrier.
The film’s plot follows the adventures of a young boy and his dog who are shipwrecked on a remote...
- 3/7/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Two of this year’s participants discuss opening doors to transatlantic co-productions, and the event’s organisers explain why the Lab will be taking a break next year.
Since launching in 2010, Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 8-18) industry event Producers Lab Toronto – run by European Film Promotion (Efp) in collaboration with the Ontario Media Development Corporation (Omdc) – has been bringing together producers from Europe, Canada and more recently Australia and New Zealand, with a goal of fostering transatlantic relationships and projects. Previous films that have been pitched at the lab include Alan Gilsenan’s Catherine Keener-starring drama Unless, which world premieres in Tiff’s Special Presentations this year, and Martin Koolhoven’s Guy Pearce-starring Western Brimestone, which also plays in Special Presentations.
This year, 24 producers attended the event, taking part in a series of meetings, talks and sessions on funding and how to approach international co-productions. “Sometimes producers find it difficult to think of new...
Since launching in 2010, Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 8-18) industry event Producers Lab Toronto – run by European Film Promotion (Efp) in collaboration with the Ontario Media Development Corporation (Omdc) – has been bringing together producers from Europe, Canada and more recently Australia and New Zealand, with a goal of fostering transatlantic relationships and projects. Previous films that have been pitched at the lab include Alan Gilsenan’s Catherine Keener-starring drama Unless, which world premieres in Tiff’s Special Presentations this year, and Martin Koolhoven’s Guy Pearce-starring Western Brimestone, which also plays in Special Presentations.
This year, 24 producers attended the event, taking part in a series of meetings, talks and sessions on funding and how to approach international co-productions. “Sometimes producers find it difficult to think of new...
- 9/11/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s Camilla Deakin, Ireland’s Kathryn Kennedy and Germany’s Amir Hamz are among those selected.
The 24 participants of the 2016 Producers Lab Toronto have been unveiled.
The selected producers include Camilla Deakin from the UK, who is currently in post-production on the Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn-voiced animation feature Ethel And Ernest [pictured].
Kathryn Kennedy from Ireland also makes the cut, having produced 2015 drama My Name Is Emily starring Evanna Lynch and Michael Smiley.
Also participating is Germany’s Amir Hamz - who produced surreal drama Der Nachtmahr, which played at Toronto last year - and France’s Hélène Cases, who was a Producer On The Move in 2012 and has feature credits including 2014 Venice-winning The Last Hammer Blow and 2010 César-nominated Angel & Tony.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative for emerging producers is run by European Film Promotion in collaboration with Ontario Media Development Corporation and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff).
Taking place September 6-9 at...
The 24 participants of the 2016 Producers Lab Toronto have been unveiled.
The selected producers include Camilla Deakin from the UK, who is currently in post-production on the Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn-voiced animation feature Ethel And Ernest [pictured].
Kathryn Kennedy from Ireland also makes the cut, having produced 2015 drama My Name Is Emily starring Evanna Lynch and Michael Smiley.
Also participating is Germany’s Amir Hamz - who produced surreal drama Der Nachtmahr, which played at Toronto last year - and France’s Hélène Cases, who was a Producer On The Move in 2012 and has feature credits including 2014 Venice-winning The Last Hammer Blow and 2010 César-nominated Angel & Tony.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative for emerging producers is run by European Film Promotion in collaboration with Ontario Media Development Corporation and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff).
Taking place September 6-9 at...
- 8/23/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Voice cast of Raymond Briggs’ adaptation also includes Luke Treadaway and Virginia McKenna.
Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn are to voice the lead characters of Ethel & Ernest, a new hand-drawn animated feature based on Raymond Briggs’ classic graphic novel and tribute to his parents.
Production is underway on the film, set for theatrical release in 2016, and the cast also includes Luke Treadaway as Raymond, Olivier award winner for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and star of Fortitude; Virginia McKenna (Born Free, A Town Like Alice), June Brown (EastEnders), Pam Ferris (Matilda), Simon Day and Roger Allam.
The film will also showcase the voice of 11-year-old Harry Collett as young Raymond, who provides the voice of Buzzbee in Disney Junior’s animated series The Hive.
Ethel & Ernest marks the feature debut of Roger Mainwood, who worked as an animator on Briggs’ classic short The Snowman and was lead animator on the 2012 sequel, [link...
Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn are to voice the lead characters of Ethel & Ernest, a new hand-drawn animated feature based on Raymond Briggs’ classic graphic novel and tribute to his parents.
Production is underway on the film, set for theatrical release in 2016, and the cast also includes Luke Treadaway as Raymond, Olivier award winner for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and star of Fortitude; Virginia McKenna (Born Free, A Town Like Alice), June Brown (EastEnders), Pam Ferris (Matilda), Simon Day and Roger Allam.
The film will also showcase the voice of 11-year-old Harry Collett as young Raymond, who provides the voice of Buzzbee in Disney Junior’s animated series The Hive.
Ethel & Ernest marks the feature debut of Roger Mainwood, who worked as an animator on Briggs’ classic short The Snowman and was lead animator on the 2012 sequel, [link...
- 8/3/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Sunray Films MD and former Focus Features International co-president to give address.
Alison Thompson, managing director of Sunray Films, is to deliver this year’s keynote address at the Film London Production Finance Market (Pfm) (Oct 15-16).
Opening the eighth Pfm in London on 15 October, Thompson will provide the 200 plus delegates and industry guests an insight into successfully financing, packaging, selling and positioning a diverse range of independent feature films across low and high budget ranges.
Thompson will also share her experience of spotting and nurturing talent and her move from indie sales companies to working for a studio-owned company.
As a sales agent, Thompson has represented films such as The Crying Game, The Motorcycle Diaries and Blue Jasmine. Recently formed sales-production company Sunray Films launched its first feature film production, Alone In Berlin starring Emma Thompson and Daniel Brühl, at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and is also representing Mike Leigh’s Mr Turner.
Pfm...
Alison Thompson, managing director of Sunray Films, is to deliver this year’s keynote address at the Film London Production Finance Market (Pfm) (Oct 15-16).
Opening the eighth Pfm in London on 15 October, Thompson will provide the 200 plus delegates and industry guests an insight into successfully financing, packaging, selling and positioning a diverse range of independent feature films across low and high budget ranges.
Thompson will also share her experience of spotting and nurturing talent and her move from indie sales companies to working for a studio-owned company.
As a sales agent, Thompson has represented films such as The Crying Game, The Motorcycle Diaries and Blue Jasmine. Recently formed sales-production company Sunray Films launched its first feature film production, Alone In Berlin starring Emma Thompson and Daniel Brühl, at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and is also representing Mike Leigh’s Mr Turner.
Pfm...
- 10/2/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
British heavyweights Jim Broadbentand Brenda Blethyn are to lend their voices to the new animated feature based on the graphic novel by English author and illustrator Raymond Briggs.
Ethel & Ernest will trace the life story of two ordinary londoners (Briggs' parents) and their four-decade long marriage from their first meeting in 1928 to their deaths in 1971, experiencing the Great Depression, World War II, the advent of television and other events. That's a lot of voicing!
According to The Hollywood Reporter John Coates will produce the feature with Camilla Deakin as executive-producer. Hopefully Coates will be bringing the same magic to Ernest & Ethel as he did with previous Briggs adaptation and oscar nominated animation The Snowman.
Will the story work as an animation? What do you think?
Vl
>> Real the whole article | on Screenrush - Wednesday 15 September 2010...
Ethel & Ernest will trace the life story of two ordinary londoners (Briggs' parents) and their four-decade long marriage from their first meeting in 1928 to their deaths in 1971, experiencing the Great Depression, World War II, the advent of television and other events. That's a lot of voicing!
According to The Hollywood Reporter John Coates will produce the feature with Camilla Deakin as executive-producer. Hopefully Coates will be bringing the same magic to Ernest & Ethel as he did with previous Briggs adaptation and oscar nominated animation The Snowman.
Will the story work as an animation? What do you think?
Vl
>> Real the whole article | on Screenrush - Wednesday 15 September 2010...
- 9/15/2010
- Screenrush
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