So what’s Nicolas Winding Refn been up to lately, besides advocating for WGA and SAG guild members to “burn it all down”? He’s hard at work in the UK shooting his next TV series after “Copenhagen Cowboy.” And it’s a strange project for Refn to do, to say the least. The Danish director is adapting Enid Blyton‘s “The Famous Book” children’s book series for the BBC.
Continue reading ‘The Famous Five’ First Look: Nicolas Winding Refn’s Adaptation Of UK Book Series Sees ‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Jack Gleeson Return To Acting at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Famous Five’ First Look: Nicolas Winding Refn’s Adaptation Of UK Book Series Sees ‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Jack Gleeson Return To Acting at The Playlist.
- 7/28/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
London, July 28 (Ians) Irish actor Jack Gleeson, who plays the cruel and sadistic King Joffrey Baratheon in ‘Game of Thrones’, is set to feature in the TV adaptation of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Famous Five’ novels, and by the first look of his character, it appears to be another villainous one.
Gleeson has transformed into Wentworth for a first-look at the BBC’s reboot of ‘The Famous Five’ and looks very different from his role as Joffrey Baratheon.
His fair golden hair, which was synonymous with the Lannisters in ‘Game of Thrones’ is gone and instead, Gleeson cuts a rather villainous figure, as per Express UK.
The actor sports short dark locks and a thin moustache as he shoots a terrifying look at the camera.
His character Wentworth is dressed in a blue pinstripe suit with white shirt and striped scarf, which is fastened in a bow.
Completing his evil look,...
Gleeson has transformed into Wentworth for a first-look at the BBC’s reboot of ‘The Famous Five’ and looks very different from his role as Joffrey Baratheon.
His fair golden hair, which was synonymous with the Lannisters in ‘Game of Thrones’ is gone and instead, Gleeson cuts a rather villainous figure, as per Express UK.
The actor sports short dark locks and a thin moustache as he shoots a terrifying look at the camera.
His character Wentworth is dressed in a blue pinstripe suit with white shirt and striped scarf, which is fastened in a bow.
Completing his evil look,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Spanish titles at MipTV:
“The Argonauts and the Golden Coin,” (Rtve)
A live action kids adventure, targeting 8-12s, from national public broadcaster Rtve and Galician powerhouse Portocabo as Rtve drives into regional co-production. Set over a summer in Galicia and inspired by the spirit of “The Famous Five” and “The Goonies,” translated to the 21st century.
“The Caravan,” (Cabal Films)
Selected for the inaugural MipDoc International Buyer Screenings, a first-person account of an eight-month pregnant woman in a caravan of Central American immigrants heading to the U.S.
“Dating in Barcelona,” (Filmax)
The latest from Filmax, behind “The Red Band Society” and “They All Lie,” following different romantic encounters of people who have met online.
“Dover: Die for Rock & Roll,” (Begin Again Films)
Doc feature on the Seattle/Jean Jett-inspired Spanish band, behind “Devil Came to Me,” and icon of late ‘90s Spanish alternative pop rock.
“Greenpeace,” (Zona Mixta...
“The Argonauts and the Golden Coin,” (Rtve)
A live action kids adventure, targeting 8-12s, from national public broadcaster Rtve and Galician powerhouse Portocabo as Rtve drives into regional co-production. Set over a summer in Galicia and inspired by the spirit of “The Famous Five” and “The Goonies,” translated to the 21st century.
“The Caravan,” (Cabal Films)
Selected for the inaugural MipDoc International Buyer Screenings, a first-person account of an eight-month pregnant woman in a caravan of Central American immigrants heading to the U.S.
“Dating in Barcelona,” (Filmax)
The latest from Filmax, behind “The Red Band Society” and “They All Lie,” following different romantic encounters of people who have met online.
“Dover: Die for Rock & Roll,” (Begin Again Films)
Doc feature on the Seattle/Jean Jett-inspired Spanish band, behind “Devil Came to Me,” and icon of late ‘90s Spanish alternative pop rock.
“Greenpeace,” (Zona Mixta...
- 4/14/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
“Forget My Name,” “Life” and “Stolen Kids” proved some of the big winners at the 2021 Conecta Fiction awards ceremony in Pamplona, northern Spain on Wednesday night as the Europe-Latin America co-production forum reached its climax.
A female spy drama-thriller charged emotionally by an effective mother-daughter relationship, “Forget My Name” won one of the most enticing awards on offer: A development contract with Spanish public broadcaster Rtve. Set up at Avi Films, the series represents the latest screenplay from Argentine but Spain-based Jesica Arán and partner Juan Lombardi at Spain’s Avi Films.
“‘ER’ meets ’24,’” says co-creator Alberto Macías at Mediacrest Entertainment, “Life” sees medics racing against the clock after a massive car crash to get organs to transplant patients in hospitals in Barcelona, Paris and Madrid. Its Spanish Film Commission prize repped the first of two statues on Wednesday night for go-ahead indie production-distribution house Mediacrest, its teen gender violence...
A female spy drama-thriller charged emotionally by an effective mother-daughter relationship, “Forget My Name” won one of the most enticing awards on offer: A development contract with Spanish public broadcaster Rtve. Set up at Avi Films, the series represents the latest screenplay from Argentine but Spain-based Jesica Arán and partner Juan Lombardi at Spain’s Avi Films.
“‘ER’ meets ’24,’” says co-creator Alberto Macías at Mediacrest Entertainment, “Life” sees medics racing against the clock after a massive car crash to get organs to transplant patients in hospitals in Barcelona, Paris and Madrid. Its Spanish Film Commission prize repped the first of two statues on Wednesday night for go-ahead indie production-distribution house Mediacrest, its teen gender violence...
- 9/15/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Spain’s Borja González Santaolalla, who co-penned Jaume Balagueró’s movie “Way Down,” and Ángel Agudo, a scribe on Atresmedia’s “Luimelia,” have boarded the family TV series project “Harrogate Detective Agency” as its director and co-scribe respectively.
Inspired by Agatha Christie novels, the TV series project has been created by C.J. Navas and Juan Galonce at Alicante-based outfit Fuera de Series Producciones.
“Harrogate” is a eight-episode, 25- minute series that narrates the summer mystery adventures of three little sisters at their widower grandfather’s house.
It features among five TV short-form series projects that will be pitched on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at Conecta Fiction, the international TV industry event whose fifth edition runs onsite in Pamplona Sept. 13-17. The event’s conference strand panels will also be available online.
Set in Cabezo de Oro, a town in Spain’s Valencia region, the series tells how the three sisters discover...
Inspired by Agatha Christie novels, the TV series project has been created by C.J. Navas and Juan Galonce at Alicante-based outfit Fuera de Series Producciones.
“Harrogate” is a eight-episode, 25- minute series that narrates the summer mystery adventures of three little sisters at their widower grandfather’s house.
It features among five TV short-form series projects that will be pitched on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at Conecta Fiction, the international TV industry event whose fifth edition runs onsite in Pamplona Sept. 13-17. The event’s conference strand panels will also be available online.
Set in Cabezo de Oro, a town in Spain’s Valencia region, the series tells how the three sisters discover...
- 9/13/2021
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Live By Night
Ben Affleck has posted the first photo from the set of "Live By Night", the adaptation of Dennis Lehane's Prohibition-era crime thriller which Affleck is both starring in and directing. The shot includes both Affleck and his cinematographer Robert Richardson in between takes conversing. The film itself is slated for release in 2017. [Source: Twitter]
The Serpent
Ciro Guerra ("Embrace Of The Serpent") has signed to make his English-language directing debut on the dystopian adventure "The Detainee" for Thunder Road Pictures and Film House Germany.
An adaptation of Peter Liney's trilogy by scribe Grant Myers ("The Maze Runner"), the story is set on an island from which there's no escape. Christian Angermayer and Basil Iwanyk will produce. [Source: Deadline]
The Ruins
Fox Searchlight and Joe Wright's Shoebox Films are teaming to develop the India-set supernatural thriller "The Ruins" with Jon Croker ("Desert Dancer," "The Woman In Black 2:...
Ben Affleck has posted the first photo from the set of "Live By Night", the adaptation of Dennis Lehane's Prohibition-era crime thriller which Affleck is both starring in and directing. The shot includes both Affleck and his cinematographer Robert Richardson in between takes conversing. The film itself is slated for release in 2017. [Source: Twitter]
The Serpent
Ciro Guerra ("Embrace Of The Serpent") has signed to make his English-language directing debut on the dystopian adventure "The Detainee" for Thunder Road Pictures and Film House Germany.
An adaptation of Peter Liney's trilogy by scribe Grant Myers ("The Maze Runner"), the story is set on an island from which there's no escape. Christian Angermayer and Basil Iwanyk will produce. [Source: Deadline]
The Ruins
Fox Searchlight and Joe Wright's Shoebox Films are teaming to develop the India-set supernatural thriller "The Ruins" with Jon Croker ("Desert Dancer," "The Woman In Black 2:...
- 2/24/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Working Title has tapped screenwriter Jon Croker ("The Woman in Black 2") to bring Enid Blyton's "The Famous Five" to the screen again, in the first live-action adaptation since the 1970s, when it aired as a TV series on Britain's ITV. (The Children's Film Foundation made two films based on the books, in 1957 and 1964, and an animated series set in the present aired in 2008.) The 21-book series, published between 1942 and 1963, follows an adventurous tomboy, Georgina—who prefers "George"—her dog, Timmy, and her three cousins as they swill ginger beer, search for lost treasure, and chase criminals while on holiday in the British countryside. (The "Famous Five" stories have much more in common with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys than they do Harry Potter, where Croker cut his teeth as an assistant to "Goblet of Fire" director Mike Newell.) Working Title's plans stand out in the crowded Ya marketplace,...
- 11/18/2015
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
Exclusive: Up-and-coming Brit scribe Jon Croker will adapt Enid Blyton’s classic tale of derring-do The Famous Five for UK production powerhouse Working Title. Blyton, akin to the Jk Rowling of her day, is one of the biggest-selling children's authors in history with global sales of over 600 million books. The Famous Five, with over 20 novels following the adventures of a group of four young children and their dog Timmy, is arguably her most iconic collection of books. It…...
- 11/17/2015
- Deadline
British scribe Jon Croker ("The Woman In Black 2: The Angel of Death," "Desert Dancer") will adapt Enid Blyton's classic novel characters "The Famous Five" into a new feature and potential franchise launcher for Working Title.
Blyton is one of the biggest-selling children's authors in history with global sales of over 600 million books. She penned over twenty novels featuring the five - a group of four young children and their dog Timmy.
The first novel debuted in 1942 and Blyton released a new one annually (aside from 1959) right up until 1963. The property was previously adapted into two films in 1957 & 1964, and two TV series in 1978 and 1995.
Working Title acquired the theatrical rights to Blyton's series last year. Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan will produce.
Source: Deadline...
Blyton is one of the biggest-selling children's authors in history with global sales of over 600 million books. She penned over twenty novels featuring the five - a group of four young children and their dog Timmy.
The first novel debuted in 1942 and Blyton released a new one annually (aside from 1959) right up until 1963. The property was previously adapted into two films in 1957 & 1964, and two TV series in 1978 and 1995.
Working Title acquired the theatrical rights to Blyton's series last year. Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan will produce.
Source: Deadline...
- 11/17/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Beta Cinema’s Cannes market titles Ghosthunters On Icy Trails and Sundance Audience Award winner Umrika have been selling briskly.
Ghosthunters has gone to Eone (USA/Canada), Altitude Distribution (UK), Transmission (Australia/New Zealand), Notorious (Italy), Gulf Film (Middle East), New Guys (Israel), Medyavizyon (Turkey), Pratama Films (Malaysia/Indonesia/Singapore) and Blitz (former Yugoslavia).
Meanwhile, Umrika has gone to France (Arp Selection), German Speaking Territories (Ascot Elite), Australia/New Zealand (Vendetta Films), South Korea (Focus Entertainment), Poland (Aurora Films), Portugal (Outsider Films), Taiwan (Swallow Wings), Former Yugoslavia (Discovery Film) and Israel (New Cinema).
Oliver Hirschbiegel’s Berlinale selection 13 Minutes, nominated for seven German Film Awards, has now gone to Portugal (Outsider Films), Turkey (Fabula Films), Former Yugoslavia (Blitz), Taiwan (Swallow Wings), Singapore (Lighthouse Pictures) and Hong Kong (First Distributors).
Berlinale competition entry and Romanian box-office hit Aferim! by Radu Jude was acquired by France (Eurozoom), Poland (Aurora Films), Hungary (Mozinet), Taiwan (Swallow Wings) and Former Yugoslavia (Discovery...
Ghosthunters has gone to Eone (USA/Canada), Altitude Distribution (UK), Transmission (Australia/New Zealand), Notorious (Italy), Gulf Film (Middle East), New Guys (Israel), Medyavizyon (Turkey), Pratama Films (Malaysia/Indonesia/Singapore) and Blitz (former Yugoslavia).
Meanwhile, Umrika has gone to France (Arp Selection), German Speaking Territories (Ascot Elite), Australia/New Zealand (Vendetta Films), South Korea (Focus Entertainment), Poland (Aurora Films), Portugal (Outsider Films), Taiwan (Swallow Wings), Former Yugoslavia (Discovery Film) and Israel (New Cinema).
Oliver Hirschbiegel’s Berlinale selection 13 Minutes, nominated for seven German Film Awards, has now gone to Portugal (Outsider Films), Turkey (Fabula Films), Former Yugoslavia (Blitz), Taiwan (Swallow Wings), Singapore (Lighthouse Pictures) and Hong Kong (First Distributors).
Berlinale competition entry and Romanian box-office hit Aferim! by Radu Jude was acquired by France (Eurozoom), Poland (Aurora Films), Hungary (Mozinet), Taiwan (Swallow Wings) and Former Yugoslavia (Discovery...
- 5/15/2015
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Beta wins My Special Prize for the Best Berlin Lineup of all the International Sales Agents
From the producer of 2013 Golden Bear winner “Child’s Pose” comes “Aferim!” playing in Berlinale Competition. Policeman Costandin, a charismatic mixture of a funny Stalin and a somewhat more pragmatic Don Quixote, and his shy and introverted son ride through the rural countryside In search of a fugitive Gypsy slave. Meeting hundreds of characters, delivering a surprise in every scene, this is an ingenious Western in a very wild East of 19th century Romania directed by Radu Jude (“Everybody in our Family”) and produced by HiFilm’s Ada Solomon, Klas, Endorfilm and Mulberry Development, and stars Teodor Corban (“Child’s Pose”, “Beyond the Hills”), Mihai Comãnoiu and Cuzin Toma.
Forum entry “Zurich," Oliver Hirschbiegel’s "13 Minutes" (Competition - Out of Competition) plus this year’s Sundance Audience Award winner “Umrika” and the new Sky Italia series “1992" kicking off the Berlinale Special Series section make this a banner Berlin for Beta Cinema.
In official selection/out of competition bows Nazi resistance drama "13 Minutes" about failed Hitler assassin Georg Elser. Oliver Hirschbiegel, whose Academy Award nominated “Downfall” is one of the most successful Beta Cinema titles ever with 145 sold territories, presents a stunning, emotional portrait of the resistance fighter and his attack on the Munich Bürgerbräukeller on November 8th 1939. Georg Elser was a man who could have changed world history and saved millions of human lives, but his bomb, built to tear Adolf Hitler apart, exploded 13 minutes late. Produced by Lucky Bird’s Oliver Schündler and Boris Ausserer, who just recently won the Bavarian Film Award for "13 Minutes", and written by Fred Breinersdorfer (“Sophie Scholl”), the feature stars Christian Friedel (“The White Ribbon”), Katharina Schüttler (“Generation of War” ) and Burghart Klaussner (“The White Ribbon”).
Dutch filmmaker Sacha Polak, who received the prestigious Fipresci-award at the 2012 Berlinale for Hemel, presents with "Zurich" her second feature film, a road movie starring famous Dutch singer and performance artist Wende Snijders. "Zurich" (Viking Film/Rohfilm/Private View/Nrt/Zdf/arte) revolves around Nina, who is wandering along Europe’s motorways in a desperate attempt to leave the past behind. Slowly it becomes clear that Nina’s drive to hang around in the truckers’ scene is a result of the pain caused by the ultimate betrayal that has befallen her. Sacha Polak developed the script by author Helena van der Meulen during last year’s Berlinale Residency program.
Kicking off the Berlinale Special Series, designated to promote outstanding international TV-series, is the political thriller "1992" from Sky Italia ("Gomorrah"), La 7 and Wildside. Over 20 years ago, on February 17th 1992, the first arrest within the so-called Mani Pulite (Clean Hands) maxi-investigation was made in Italy. It was the symbolic start of a revolution. "1992" revolves around six ordinary people whose lives are intertwined with the country's political, civil and social earthquake. The 10xone hour series stars Stefano Accorsi (idea), Guido Caprino and Miriam Leone; director is Giuseppe Gagliardi.
Celebrating its Berlin Market Premiere is Prashant Nair’s Indian drama "Umrika," which just recently received the Audience Award at Sundance, starring world-renowned, up-and-coming young actors Suraj Sharma ("Life of Pi") and Tony Revolori ("The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Dope"). "Umrika" (Hindi for America) is about a small village in India that is invigorated when one of their own travels to America, sharing his adventures and inspiring hope through letters home. But when the letters mysteriously stop coming, his brother sets out on a journey to find him.
Also premiering at the market is the fourth adventure of "The Famous Five" (Sam Film/Constantin), in which Enid Blyton’s teenager gang venture thousands of miles and thousands of years back in time to solve yet another nail-biting mystery. Prolific maverick filmmaker Detlev Buck ("Hands off Mississippi") presents as international market premiere "Bibi & Tina 2," an inventive live-action adaptation of the teen-adventure and romance in the beloved “Bibi & Tina” universe.
Amongst the upcoming titles, "Colonia" is heading the slate, starring Emma Watson in her first lead role since "Harry Potter" alongside Daniel Brühl ("Rush") as her abducted boyfriend and opposite a very sinister Mikael Nykvist ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"). The $15 million production wrapped shooting mid-January and is being presold at the European Film Market.
"Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails" marks another English-language presales highlight for the Efm. This witty and charming Family Entertainment movie sees Milo Parker ("Robot Overlords") team up with the animated Asg, the “Averagely Spooky Ghost” Hugo, to save the world from the “Ancient Ice Ghost”. A promo will be made available for buyers.
From the producer of 2013 Golden Bear winner “Child’s Pose” comes “Aferim!” playing in Berlinale Competition. Policeman Costandin, a charismatic mixture of a funny Stalin and a somewhat more pragmatic Don Quixote, and his shy and introverted son ride through the rural countryside In search of a fugitive Gypsy slave. Meeting hundreds of characters, delivering a surprise in every scene, this is an ingenious Western in a very wild East of 19th century Romania directed by Radu Jude (“Everybody in our Family”) and produced by HiFilm’s Ada Solomon, Klas, Endorfilm and Mulberry Development, and stars Teodor Corban (“Child’s Pose”, “Beyond the Hills”), Mihai Comãnoiu and Cuzin Toma.
Forum entry “Zurich," Oliver Hirschbiegel’s "13 Minutes" (Competition - Out of Competition) plus this year’s Sundance Audience Award winner “Umrika” and the new Sky Italia series “1992" kicking off the Berlinale Special Series section make this a banner Berlin for Beta Cinema.
In official selection/out of competition bows Nazi resistance drama "13 Minutes" about failed Hitler assassin Georg Elser. Oliver Hirschbiegel, whose Academy Award nominated “Downfall” is one of the most successful Beta Cinema titles ever with 145 sold territories, presents a stunning, emotional portrait of the resistance fighter and his attack on the Munich Bürgerbräukeller on November 8th 1939. Georg Elser was a man who could have changed world history and saved millions of human lives, but his bomb, built to tear Adolf Hitler apart, exploded 13 minutes late. Produced by Lucky Bird’s Oliver Schündler and Boris Ausserer, who just recently won the Bavarian Film Award for "13 Minutes", and written by Fred Breinersdorfer (“Sophie Scholl”), the feature stars Christian Friedel (“The White Ribbon”), Katharina Schüttler (“Generation of War” ) and Burghart Klaussner (“The White Ribbon”).
Dutch filmmaker Sacha Polak, who received the prestigious Fipresci-award at the 2012 Berlinale for Hemel, presents with "Zurich" her second feature film, a road movie starring famous Dutch singer and performance artist Wende Snijders. "Zurich" (Viking Film/Rohfilm/Private View/Nrt/Zdf/arte) revolves around Nina, who is wandering along Europe’s motorways in a desperate attempt to leave the past behind. Slowly it becomes clear that Nina’s drive to hang around in the truckers’ scene is a result of the pain caused by the ultimate betrayal that has befallen her. Sacha Polak developed the script by author Helena van der Meulen during last year’s Berlinale Residency program.
Kicking off the Berlinale Special Series, designated to promote outstanding international TV-series, is the political thriller "1992" from Sky Italia ("Gomorrah"), La 7 and Wildside. Over 20 years ago, on February 17th 1992, the first arrest within the so-called Mani Pulite (Clean Hands) maxi-investigation was made in Italy. It was the symbolic start of a revolution. "1992" revolves around six ordinary people whose lives are intertwined with the country's political, civil and social earthquake. The 10xone hour series stars Stefano Accorsi (idea), Guido Caprino and Miriam Leone; director is Giuseppe Gagliardi.
Celebrating its Berlin Market Premiere is Prashant Nair’s Indian drama "Umrika," which just recently received the Audience Award at Sundance, starring world-renowned, up-and-coming young actors Suraj Sharma ("Life of Pi") and Tony Revolori ("The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Dope"). "Umrika" (Hindi for America) is about a small village in India that is invigorated when one of their own travels to America, sharing his adventures and inspiring hope through letters home. But when the letters mysteriously stop coming, his brother sets out on a journey to find him.
Also premiering at the market is the fourth adventure of "The Famous Five" (Sam Film/Constantin), in which Enid Blyton’s teenager gang venture thousands of miles and thousands of years back in time to solve yet another nail-biting mystery. Prolific maverick filmmaker Detlev Buck ("Hands off Mississippi") presents as international market premiere "Bibi & Tina 2," an inventive live-action adaptation of the teen-adventure and romance in the beloved “Bibi & Tina” universe.
Amongst the upcoming titles, "Colonia" is heading the slate, starring Emma Watson in her first lead role since "Harry Potter" alongside Daniel Brühl ("Rush") as her abducted boyfriend and opposite a very sinister Mikael Nykvist ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"). The $15 million production wrapped shooting mid-January and is being presold at the European Film Market.
"Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails" marks another English-language presales highlight for the Efm. This witty and charming Family Entertainment movie sees Milo Parker ("Robot Overlords") team up with the animated Asg, the “Averagely Spooky Ghost” Hugo, to save the world from the “Ancient Ice Ghost”. A promo will be made available for buyers.
- 2/8/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree series of books will be made into a film for the first time.
The children's novels are being developed for a live action film from Sam Mendes's production company Neal Street Productions.
The Magic Faraway Tree follows a group of children and their adventures at the top of an enchanted tree.
Blyton wrote four books in the series from 1939 to 1951. Characters included Moonface, Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot and Silky the fairy.
"The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children's books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations," said Neal Street Productions' Pippa Harris.
"To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting."
Marlene Johnson, head of the Enid Blyton Estate, said: "Enid Blyton was a passionate advocate of children's storytelling, and The Magic Faraway Tree is a fantastic example of her creative imagination.
The children's novels are being developed for a live action film from Sam Mendes's production company Neal Street Productions.
The Magic Faraway Tree follows a group of children and their adventures at the top of an enchanted tree.
Blyton wrote four books in the series from 1939 to 1951. Characters included Moonface, Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot and Silky the fairy.
"The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children's books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations," said Neal Street Productions' Pippa Harris.
"To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting."
Marlene Johnson, head of the Enid Blyton Estate, said: "Enid Blyton was a passionate advocate of children's storytelling, and The Magic Faraway Tree is a fantastic example of her creative imagination.
- 10/22/2014
- Digital Spy
"Penny Dreadful" producers Neal Street Productions have unveiled plans for a feature film adaptation of Enid Blyton's "The Magic Faraway Tree" book series. Written between 1939 and 1951, all four books in the series have been optioned
Each story takes place in an enchanted forest in which The Magic Faraway Tree grows a tree tall enough to reach the clouds and large enough to contain small houses. The child heroes of the book series discover the tree and forest which is the background for their adventures.
Neal Street's Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris will likely produce the project, but that has not been confirmed as yet. Blyton wrote numerous book series include "Noddy" and "The Famous Five," with more than 500 million copies of her works having been sold.
Source: Variety...
Each story takes place in an enchanted forest in which The Magic Faraway Tree grows a tree tall enough to reach the clouds and large enough to contain small houses. The child heroes of the book series discover the tree and forest which is the background for their adventures.
Neal Street's Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris will likely produce the project, but that has not been confirmed as yet. Blyton wrote numerous book series include "Noddy" and "The Famous Five," with more than 500 million copies of her works having been sold.
Source: Variety...
- 10/21/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Follow us through the mural on a trip to Pelamar, to look back at BBC Look And Read fantasy adventure, Through The Dragon’s Eye…
If you attended a UK primary school in the last forty years, then the sight of two white, animated eyes on a black screen turning into the heart of the word ‘Look’ is likely to trigger all sorts of pink custard and plimsoll memories. Those moving eyes signalled the start of an adventure (albeit one delivered in twenty minute instalments designed to teach you about literacy, apostrophe usage and the joys of magic, magic E).
The first Look And Read television programme, Bob And Carol Look For Treasure was broadcast in 1967, a ten-part story about two children’s clue-filled search for swag and eventual capture of a thief. Each episode was divided in two by an educational section, the material for which - puzzles, songs and reading challenges,...
If you attended a UK primary school in the last forty years, then the sight of two white, animated eyes on a black screen turning into the heart of the word ‘Look’ is likely to trigger all sorts of pink custard and plimsoll memories. Those moving eyes signalled the start of an adventure (albeit one delivered in twenty minute instalments designed to teach you about literacy, apostrophe usage and the joys of magic, magic E).
The first Look And Read television programme, Bob And Carol Look For Treasure was broadcast in 1967, a ten-part story about two children’s clue-filled search for swag and eventual capture of a thief. Each episode was divided in two by an educational section, the material for which - puzzles, songs and reading challenges,...
- 7/31/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Over here in the UK, we know how to make great writers. We gave the world J.K Rowling with her Harry Potter series and, among many others, we gave the world the author that Rowling is often compared to – Enid Blyton. We are also, apparently, about to give the world Blyton’s work on film, as Working Title has acquired the theatrical rights to The Famous Five. You’re welcome.
With global sales estimated at over 600 million books, Enid Blyton is one of the biggest-selling children’s authors in history. The Famous Five series first appeared in 1942 – with the first book entitled Five On A Treasure Island – and eventually ran to 21 full-length novels. The stories focus on a group of children and the adventures they have during each school holiday, when they return from boarding school. The group – comprising of three siblings, their cousin and her dog – find themselves...
With global sales estimated at over 600 million books, Enid Blyton is one of the biggest-selling children’s authors in history. The Famous Five series first appeared in 1942 – with the first book entitled Five On A Treasure Island – and eventually ran to 21 full-length novels. The stories focus on a group of children and the adventures they have during each school holiday, when they return from boarding school. The group – comprising of three siblings, their cousin and her dog – find themselves...
- 7/25/2014
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
Deadline reports that Working Title Films has acquired the theatrical rights to Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series, paving the way for a possible family-friendly film franchise. The deal was settled through the publisher Holder, a subsidiary of Hachette.
In the pre-j.K. Rowling days, Enid Blyton was the great British children’s novelist; her series, which began with Five on a Treasure Island in 1942 and followed the adventures of five kids of various school holidays, ran through 21 novels and received immense critical success.
There have been several film and television adaptations of the Famous Five series, including two British...
In the pre-j.K. Rowling days, Enid Blyton was the great British children’s novelist; her series, which began with Five on a Treasure Island in 1942 and followed the adventures of five kids of various school holidays, ran through 21 novels and received immense critical success.
There have been several film and television adaptations of the Famous Five series, including two British...
- 7/25/2014
- by Jackson McHenry
- EW - Inside Movies
Enid Blyton’s work is among the most famous in the UK's – and, to an extent, the world's – publishing history. Her Famous Five books in particular have been devoured by eager readers for decades. Following a raft of different adaptations, primarily for the small screen, Working Title has decided the time is right for the Five to hit the cinema in a new version.The company has grabbed the cinematic rights to the entire Five library of more than 20 novels featuring the young adventurers who investigate mysteries, solve crimes and go exploring in between lashings of good grub and fun times while they’re on holiday from boarding school.Working Title is busy meeting with directors to launch a proper development period and figure out what shape the characters will hit the screen in. According to Deadline, no decisions have been announced as to whether they will stay in a...
- 7/25/2014
- EmpireOnline
Filming rights to Enid Blyton's Famous Five series have reportedly been snapped up by Working Title.
According to Deadline, Working Title has purchased movie rights to the full Famous Five library spanning more than 20 novels.
Working Title is reportedly planning to launch a live-action franchise based on the books, and will fast-track production.
Working Title's Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan are believed to be producing the series.
The news comes after Old Vic Productions purchased the theatre rights to the novels. A musical version is expected to launch in the next two years.
The series follows a childhood gang - Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina (George) and their dog Timmy - on different adventures while on holiday.
According to Deadline, Working Title has purchased movie rights to the full Famous Five library spanning more than 20 novels.
Working Title is reportedly planning to launch a live-action franchise based on the books, and will fast-track production.
Working Title's Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan are believed to be producing the series.
The news comes after Old Vic Productions purchased the theatre rights to the novels. A musical version is expected to launch in the next two years.
The series follows a childhood gang - Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina (George) and their dog Timmy - on different adventures while on holiday.
- 7/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Efm: Brisk business for Beta Cinema; Pandastorm buys five.
Beta Cinema’s two Competition titles – Dietrich Brüggemann’s Stations Of The Cross and Edward Berger’s Jack – were the Munich-based sales company’s top-selling titles at this year’s European Film Market (Efm).
Stations Of The Cross has been sold to France (Memento), Italy (Satine Film), Spain (Caramel), Poland (Aurora), Benelux (Wild Bunch), Portugal (Vendetta Films), Greece (7 Films), Scandinavia and the Baltic States (Nonstop), Ex-Yugoslavia (Discovery) and Hungary (Circo).
As reported by ScreenDaily yesterday, the UK (Arrow) has also taken the drama, which had been the top-rated film of the Screen jury before Richard Linklater’s Boyhood was screened.
Further interest has been shown from the Us and Australia for the Ufa Fiction production, which received the Silver Bear for Best Script and the Ecumenical Jury’s prize for the best film in the Competition..
Jack has been acquired for France (Diaphana), Japan (Showgate), Norway (Europa...
Beta Cinema’s two Competition titles – Dietrich Brüggemann’s Stations Of The Cross and Edward Berger’s Jack – were the Munich-based sales company’s top-selling titles at this year’s European Film Market (Efm).
Stations Of The Cross has been sold to France (Memento), Italy (Satine Film), Spain (Caramel), Poland (Aurora), Benelux (Wild Bunch), Portugal (Vendetta Films), Greece (7 Films), Scandinavia and the Baltic States (Nonstop), Ex-Yugoslavia (Discovery) and Hungary (Circo).
As reported by ScreenDaily yesterday, the UK (Arrow) has also taken the drama, which had been the top-rated film of the Screen jury before Richard Linklater’s Boyhood was screened.
Further interest has been shown from the Us and Australia for the Ufa Fiction production, which received the Silver Bear for Best Script and the Ecumenical Jury’s prize for the best film in the Competition..
Jack has been acquired for France (Diaphana), Japan (Showgate), Norway (Europa...
- 2/19/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Tonight’s season 17 performance finale is also the dreaded (by pros) and revered (by fans) Freestyle Round — when all bets are Off, weirder costumes than usual are barely On, and the smoke machine is Out to sweep up as much glittery blood, sweat, and tears it can wrap its chemically enhanced tendrils around. (What?!?) The point is, Dancing With the Stars freestyles are important. In most seasons, the couple with the best freestyle wins the Coveted Mirrorball Trophy the next night.
So which DWTS couple has had the best freestyle Ever? Dance pros Derek Hough, Karina Smirnoff, Peta Murgatroyd, Mark Ballas,...
So which DWTS couple has had the best freestyle Ever? Dance pros Derek Hough, Karina Smirnoff, Peta Murgatroyd, Mark Ballas,...
- 11/25/2013
- by Annie Barrett
- EW.com - PopWatch
German sales-outfit Beta Films has inked a string of deals on its Oscar contenders Two Lives [pictured] (Germany), The Notebook (Le Grand Cahier) (Hungary) and Child’s Pose (Romania).
Two Lives, starring Liv Ullmann and Juliane Koehler has been picked up by Cdi Films for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, Strada Films for Greece and Swallow Wings for Taiwan.
Sundance Selects recently picked up Us rights.
The Notebook, based on Agota Kristof’s anti-war story, will be released in theaters in Sweden/Denmark by Njuta Films, Portugal by Films4You, Taiwan by Catchplay and South Korea by Sponge.
Argentina’s Alfa Films secured the rights of Berlinale winner Child’s Pose.
Venice Orizzonti Best Director-winner Still Life has sold to France (Version Originale/Condor), Sweden (Folkets Bio), Norway (Arthaus), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Switzerland (Filmcoopi) as well as to Korea (Dreamwest Pictures).
Italy’s Academy Two and Mexico’s Gussi acquired the rights for Bernhard Rose’s The Devil’s Violinist...
Two Lives, starring Liv Ullmann and Juliane Koehler has been picked up by Cdi Films for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, Strada Films for Greece and Swallow Wings for Taiwan.
Sundance Selects recently picked up Us rights.
The Notebook, based on Agota Kristof’s anti-war story, will be released in theaters in Sweden/Denmark by Njuta Films, Portugal by Films4You, Taiwan by Catchplay and South Korea by Sponge.
Argentina’s Alfa Films secured the rights of Berlinale winner Child’s Pose.
Venice Orizzonti Best Director-winner Still Life has sold to France (Version Originale/Condor), Sweden (Folkets Bio), Norway (Arthaus), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Switzerland (Filmcoopi) as well as to Korea (Dreamwest Pictures).
Italy’s Academy Two and Mexico’s Gussi acquired the rights for Bernhard Rose’s The Devil’s Violinist...
- 11/8/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Review Frances Roberts 27 Aug 2013 - 19:30
Under the Dome finally delivers a decent episode. Here’s Frances’ review of Let The Games Begin…
This review contains spoilers.
1.10 Let The Games Begin
Who knew? Under the Dome is capable of suspense, pacey plotting, and dialogue that doesn’t necessarily make you want to pull out each of your teeth. Let the Games Begin took three plot threads - Big Jim and Barbie investigating Max, Linda and Julia investigating Duke, and the Famous Five, sorry four, investigating the mini dome - and made a roundly entertaining forty-odd minutes of television out of them.
So what if the narrative leaps were still on the shonky side, the hours-dead mother was ignored in favour of a magic egg, and a clue was literally found under Duke’s hat? Under the Dome played a decent-ish innings this week, and long may it continue.
Since Natalie Zea...
Under the Dome finally delivers a decent episode. Here’s Frances’ review of Let The Games Begin…
This review contains spoilers.
1.10 Let The Games Begin
Who knew? Under the Dome is capable of suspense, pacey plotting, and dialogue that doesn’t necessarily make you want to pull out each of your teeth. Let the Games Begin took three plot threads - Big Jim and Barbie investigating Max, Linda and Julia investigating Duke, and the Famous Five, sorry four, investigating the mini dome - and made a roundly entertaining forty-odd minutes of television out of them.
So what if the narrative leaps were still on the shonky side, the hours-dead mother was ignored in favour of a magic egg, and a clue was literally found under Duke’s hat? Under the Dome played a decent-ish innings this week, and long may it continue.
Since Natalie Zea...
- 8/27/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Review Frances Roberts 2 Jul 2013 - 15:00
CBS’ summer Stephen King adaptation keeps the action and the entertainment coming in its eventful second instalment…
This review contains spoilers.
1.2 The Fire
I needn’t have worried that Under the Dome had played its ‘cool stuff’ card too early, as episode two had action and entertainment value up the wazoo. There were explosions, daring rescues, punch-ups, and the rare but exhilarating opportunity to see a man fight fire using a mechanical excavator (water’s just too sissy for Big Jim Rennie).
Kudos to the series too, for deftly avoiding the tedious traps other such mystery shows fall into by not dragging its feet with minor revelations. In a lesser show, the question mark as to what went down between Barbie and Julia’s husband would have been left dangling, but not in Under the Dome. We saw what happened in the opening minutes and motored the hell on.
CBS’ summer Stephen King adaptation keeps the action and the entertainment coming in its eventful second instalment…
This review contains spoilers.
1.2 The Fire
I needn’t have worried that Under the Dome had played its ‘cool stuff’ card too early, as episode two had action and entertainment value up the wazoo. There were explosions, daring rescues, punch-ups, and the rare but exhilarating opportunity to see a man fight fire using a mechanical excavator (water’s just too sissy for Big Jim Rennie).
Kudos to the series too, for deftly avoiding the tedious traps other such mystery shows fall into by not dragging its feet with minor revelations. In a lesser show, the question mark as to what went down between Barbie and Julia’s husband would have been left dangling, but not in Under the Dome. We saw what happened in the opening minutes and motored the hell on.
- 7/2/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
The first footage from Lars Von Trier's eight chapter sex-addict film, Nymphomaniac, has gone online. What did you make of it?
Yesterday, we shared the first chapter of Nymphomaniac, the opening instalment of Lars Von Trier's new film, about a self-diagnosed sex addict (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who recounts her life to a man who saves her after an assault (Stellan Skarsgard). It was an elliptical piece of literature – half Larkin, half Famous Five – and its context is made more explicit when read retrospectively, after a gander at the first clip of the film, which has just launched on the official film site.
The clip has young Joe (Stacy Martin) and her pimpy pal B (Sophie Kennedy Clark) preparing to seduce a couple of chaps on a train. A bag of choccies is at stake. Joe seems uncertain at first; B offers some fairly on-the-button advice: "Just taken them to...
Yesterday, we shared the first chapter of Nymphomaniac, the opening instalment of Lars Von Trier's new film, about a self-diagnosed sex addict (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who recounts her life to a man who saves her after an assault (Stellan Skarsgard). It was an elliptical piece of literature – half Larkin, half Famous Five – and its context is made more explicit when read retrospectively, after a gander at the first clip of the film, which has just launched on the official film site.
The clip has young Joe (Stacy Martin) and her pimpy pal B (Sophie Kennedy Clark) preparing to seduce a couple of chaps on a train. A bag of choccies is at stake. Joe seems uncertain at first; B offers some fairly on-the-button advice: "Just taken them to...
- 6/28/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
A still from Alegalu
Kannada film Alegalu or Waves, directed by Prithvi Konanur, will screen at the Tiff Kids International Film Festival in Toronto.
The 16th edition of the festival, to be held from April 9 – 21, 2013, will host 117 films from 40 countries.
In the action-adventure Alegalu, Putta and Basu, both nine years old, decide to solve their problems by making offering to the spirit of Panjurli in the nearby island. But soon they realize that they cannot escape their responsibilities easily.
The festival will open with Canadian 3D animated feature, The Legend of Sarila by Nancy Florence Savard and close with German film Famous Five 2 by Mike Marzuk.
The Tiff Kids International Film Festival is an annual festival for children aged three to thirteen and is supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto.
Kannada film Alegalu or Waves, directed by Prithvi Konanur, will screen at the Tiff Kids International Film Festival in Toronto.
The 16th edition of the festival, to be held from April 9 – 21, 2013, will host 117 films from 40 countries.
In the action-adventure Alegalu, Putta and Basu, both nine years old, decide to solve their problems by making offering to the spirit of Panjurli in the nearby island. But soon they realize that they cannot escape their responsibilities easily.
The festival will open with Canadian 3D animated feature, The Legend of Sarila by Nancy Florence Savard and close with German film Famous Five 2 by Mike Marzuk.
The Tiff Kids International Film Festival is an annual festival for children aged three to thirteen and is supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto.
- 3/7/2013
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
London, November 5: The likes of Famous Five and Topsy and Tim, who seem sadly distant from the sedentary lives of today's children with their tales of secret dens and scraped knees, are to be revived on television for a new generation rather than being forgotten, it has been revealed.
According to producers, as children spend more and more time inside, rather than going out to play, there is an increasing 'demand for adventure stories'.
Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' books are.
According to producers, as children spend more and more time inside, rather than going out to play, there is an increasing 'demand for adventure stories'.
Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' books are.
- 11/5/2012
- by Rahul Kapoor
- RealBollywood.com
Years ago, in ancient Rome, a clever method was devised to find wealth beyond people's wildest imaginings – the Romans headed to streams and mountainsides to pan for gold. You'd separate the grit from the gold and bingo! One or two nuggets of worth to be had – of course, the only problem is making your way through the dirt and grit to find anything of value.
Which brings me onto Doctor Who's latest escapade – if you'd already seen the many trailers on BBC1, you'll know that it's called Dinosaurs!!! On. A. Spaceship!!! Yes, Doctor, thanks for stating the obvious. As far as titles go, it's not exactly the best. What next? Killer Robots On A Sandminer? Spaghetti Monsters In A Nuclear Reactor? Crappy Giant Chicken In A Dutch Crypt?
There are good things to be said about Dinosaurs On A Spaceship – it's the first of two this season from Chris Chibnall,...
Which brings me onto Doctor Who's latest escapade – if you'd already seen the many trailers on BBC1, you'll know that it's called Dinosaurs!!! On. A. Spaceship!!! Yes, Doctor, thanks for stating the obvious. As far as titles go, it's not exactly the best. What next? Killer Robots On A Sandminer? Spaghetti Monsters In A Nuclear Reactor? Crappy Giant Chicken In A Dutch Crypt?
There are good things to be said about Dinosaurs On A Spaceship – it's the first of two this season from Chris Chibnall,...
- 9/10/2012
- Shadowlocked
To mark the DVD release of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five Series 1 on May 21st, we’ve been given three copies of the show to give away. The release includes all 13 episodes of the classic 70’s TV show and has been released to celebrate 70 years of Enid Blyton.
The series was originally broadcast on ITV over two series in 1978 and 1979 and this year marks the 70th anniversary of the release of the Famous Five series of books.
Meet the Famous Five: Julian (Marcus Harris), Dick (Gary Russell), Anne (Jennifer Thanisch), their cousin George (Michelle Gallagher) and her dog Timmy. Ruined castles and rolling moors; mysterious islands and hidden caves: the five can find adventure wherever they are. Join them at Kirrin Cottage, or away on their holidays as they encounter smugglers, scoundrels and spies. Thankfully, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny are always around to offer lashings of ginger beer.
The series was originally broadcast on ITV over two series in 1978 and 1979 and this year marks the 70th anniversary of the release of the Famous Five series of books.
Meet the Famous Five: Julian (Marcus Harris), Dick (Gary Russell), Anne (Jennifer Thanisch), their cousin George (Michelle Gallagher) and her dog Timmy. Ruined castles and rolling moors; mysterious islands and hidden caves: the five can find adventure wherever they are. Join them at Kirrin Cottage, or away on their holidays as they encounter smugglers, scoundrels and spies. Thankfully, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny are always around to offer lashings of ginger beer.
- 5/15/2012
- by Competitons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
At a ceremony held yesterday at Tiff Bell Lightbox, the award winners for the 15th annual Tiff Kids International Film Festival were announced. In addition to Audience Choice Awards, three Young People.s Juries weighed in on the recipients of the coveted Golden Sprocket Awards. Winners of the Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase were also announced, as determined by a jury of film industry professionals. Tiff Kids is committed to involving children in the critical assessment of films, in support of the Tiff mission to transform the way people see the world through film. The Festival continues to provide a forum where young voices can be heard, a life-long love of cinema is formed, and media literacy skills are strengthened.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tiff Kids Audience Choice Award . Best Feature Film</span><br style="font-weight: bold;" />Cool Kids Don.t Cry (Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet), director: Dennis Bots, The NetherlandsGrade eight student Akkie has only two concerns: going...
- 4/23/2012
- Filmicafe
Actor and children's television writer known for Catweazle, Robin of Sherwood and The Borrowers
Richard Carpenter, who has died of a blood clot aged 82, brought intelligent, imaginative entertainment to generations of young television viewers through the fantasy series he created. After almost two decades as an actor, he found his first success as a writer with Catweazle (1970-71), starring Geoffrey Bayldon as a dishevelled, eccentric, 11th-century magician transported to the 20th century. Comic misunderstandings were mixed with slapstick as Catweazle befriended a farmer's son, Carrot (played by Robin Davies), who unravelled for him modern-day mysteries such as "electrickery" and the "telling-bone".
In the second series, Carpenter had Catweazle searching for symbols of the 13 signs of the Magic Zodiac and being taken in by another boy, Cedric (Gary Warren), at his parents' country estate. "I've always been interested in the person who is outside society," said Carpenter in a 1990 interview with the magazine Time Screen.
Richard Carpenter, who has died of a blood clot aged 82, brought intelligent, imaginative entertainment to generations of young television viewers through the fantasy series he created. After almost two decades as an actor, he found his first success as a writer with Catweazle (1970-71), starring Geoffrey Bayldon as a dishevelled, eccentric, 11th-century magician transported to the 20th century. Comic misunderstandings were mixed with slapstick as Catweazle befriended a farmer's son, Carrot (played by Robin Davies), who unravelled for him modern-day mysteries such as "electrickery" and the "telling-bone".
In the second series, Carpenter had Catweazle searching for symbols of the 13 signs of the Magic Zodiac and being taken in by another boy, Cedric (Gary Warren), at his parents' country estate. "I've always been interested in the person who is outside society," said Carpenter in a 1990 interview with the magazine Time Screen.
- 3/5/2012
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
Film director whose work included the wartime masterpiece Western Approaches
The director Pat Jackson, who has died aged 95, was best known for the semi-documentary war film Western Approaches (1944). This neglected classic – a feature-length portrait of the Battle of the Atlantic – was shot under the auspices of the Ministry of Information's Crown Film Unit and predominantly filmed at sea under hazardous conditions. The shoot's logistical nightmares were compounded by the vast size of the Technicolor camera. Jackson himself devised the story of the imminent convergence of a German U-boat and an English ship which is on the way to save a group of comrades in a lifeboat.
Jackson was in his late 20s when he shot Western Approaches with the outstanding cameraman Jack Cardiff and a cast of amateur actors. It was a remarkable achievement that remained unsurpassed throughout the writer-director's lengthy career. The film was well received in Britain and...
The director Pat Jackson, who has died aged 95, was best known for the semi-documentary war film Western Approaches (1944). This neglected classic – a feature-length portrait of the Battle of the Atlantic – was shot under the auspices of the Ministry of Information's Crown Film Unit and predominantly filmed at sea under hazardous conditions. The shoot's logistical nightmares were compounded by the vast size of the Technicolor camera. Jackson himself devised the story of the imminent convergence of a German U-boat and an English ship which is on the way to save a group of comrades in a lifeboat.
Jackson was in his late 20s when he shot Western Approaches with the outstanding cameraman Jack Cardiff and a cast of amateur actors. It was a remarkable achievement that remained unsurpassed throughout the writer-director's lengthy career. The film was well received in Britain and...
- 7/12/2011
- by Brian Baxter
- The Guardian - Film News
No, it’s not a slightly more violent outing for Enid Blyton’s child adventurers The Famous Five.* But Sony us now in talks to pick up action thriller Five Against a Bullet, which packs the producing power of Transformers/ G.I. Joe overlord Lorenzo di Bonaventura.Five Against a Bullet will follow a Mexican politician whose father is slaughtered by a drug cartel. In order to protect him during a campaign to clean up his local area, the canny politico hires the five best bodyguards available. We hate to make uneducated stabs in the dark, but we’re also going to guess that a few rounds of ammo will be spent during the running time…The script is by Alex Litvak, who was one of the screenwriting team for Predators and is responsible for Paul Ws Anderson’s upcoming take on The Three Musketeers. So take that as either...
- 7/8/2011
- EmpireOnline
Well, here we go again. After a long, long, long decade of film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s phenomenally successful Harry Potter stories, the final home stretch looms into view with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). The film marks the beginning of the end for the series, drawing on a maturing cast and lively action sequences to deliver what promises to be at least a satisfying finale.
Rowling’s final novel in the series distinguished itself from its predecessors with a darker tone and adult feel, and the film’s sparse soundtrack and muted colour palette certainly reflect the strange melancholic loneliness which characterised the books’ conclusion. As Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) face increasing danger in an increasingly hostile magical world, they retreat, not into the familiar ritual comfort of Hogwarts, but instead into the open spaces and the weirdly empty highways...
Rowling’s final novel in the series distinguished itself from its predecessors with a darker tone and adult feel, and the film’s sparse soundtrack and muted colour palette certainly reflect the strange melancholic loneliness which characterised the books’ conclusion. As Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) face increasing danger in an increasingly hostile magical world, they retreat, not into the familiar ritual comfort of Hogwarts, but instead into the open spaces and the weirdly empty highways...
- 4/10/2011
- Shadowlocked
Pixar's latest film overtakes Shrek 2 to become biggest-ever animated film in UK and continues climb up all-time UK box office pantheon
The winner
After just three weeks on release, and with £51.52m in takings, Toy Story 3 is now the biggest animated film of all time at the UK box-office, overtaking previous title holder Shrek 2 (£48.24m). But Pixar's latest film achieved this record so speedily, there was scant drama in the success. Ever since Toy Story 3 opened with £21.19m in its first seven days, Shrek 2's hold on the summit of the all-time animated chart has looked distinctly doomed. The question now is how far TS3 can go.
Shrek 2 had held the animated UK box-office crown since 2004. Now that Disney/Pixar have seized it back from rival DreamWorks Animation, the latter studio may wait a while to regain it, especially since no new Shrek movies are planned.
The winner
After just three weeks on release, and with £51.52m in takings, Toy Story 3 is now the biggest animated film of all time at the UK box-office, overtaking previous title holder Shrek 2 (£48.24m). But Pixar's latest film achieved this record so speedily, there was scant drama in the success. Ever since Toy Story 3 opened with £21.19m in its first seven days, Shrek 2's hold on the summit of the all-time animated chart has looked distinctly doomed. The question now is how far TS3 can go.
Shrek 2 had held the animated UK box-office crown since 2004. Now that Disney/Pixar have seized it back from rival DreamWorks Animation, the latter studio may wait a while to regain it, especially since no new Shrek movies are planned.
- 8/10/2010
- by Charles Gant
- The Guardian - Film News
Is it a spin on Magnificent Seven? Or The Famous Five? We can’t tell, but the fourth Fast and the Furious sequel has been given its official working title: Fast Five. Yeah, um… Moving on. Vin Diesel is apparently psyched to be back (as we revealed a few weeks ago) but now Paul Walker has also signed on for more motoring madness. Writer Chris Morgan and director Justin Lin are onboard as well, rounding out the Furious family. The plot apparently follows Dom (Diesel) and Brian (Walker, scary names guys) as they run...
.
.
- 2/4/2010
- by Josh Winning
- TotalFilm
He was the first new global superhero of the 21st century - a character with universal appeal
Both statistically and artistically, it's unlikely, in any given decade, that a new British fictional character will emerge to match the name-recognition, sales and cinematic bankability of Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. But Harry Potter became the first new global superhero of the 21st century, with Jk Rowling following Jm Barrie, Arthur Conan Doyle and Ian Fleming as a writer who has created a character with universal appeal.
I should point out that this authorial quartet share an intriguing biographical detail: Barrie and Conan Doyle were born in Scotland, Fleming was Anglo-Scottish and Rowling wrote most of the Potter books in Edinburgh. So perhaps the key to an immortal protagonist is a Caledonian connection.
But there must be other reasons that Harry Potter was able to rewrite so many rules of...
Both statistically and artistically, it's unlikely, in any given decade, that a new British fictional character will emerge to match the name-recognition, sales and cinematic bankability of Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. But Harry Potter became the first new global superhero of the 21st century, with Jk Rowling following Jm Barrie, Arthur Conan Doyle and Ian Fleming as a writer who has created a character with universal appeal.
I should point out that this authorial quartet share an intriguing biographical detail: Barrie and Conan Doyle were born in Scotland, Fleming was Anglo-Scottish and Rowling wrote most of the Potter books in Edinburgh. So perhaps the key to an immortal protagonist is a Caledonian connection.
But there must be other reasons that Harry Potter was able to rewrite so many rules of...
- 12/22/2009
- by Mark Lawson
- The Guardian - Film News
Once the hippest name in music videos, the 40-year-old director will this week terrify children with his adaption of Maurice Sendak's adored tale
A large rubber-band ball sits on the bedside table of the wilful young Max, hero of the new Spike Jonze film, while overhead, on a shelf, sits a bird's nest. Early shots of these odd objects cleverly prelude the virtuoso visual style of this audacious adaptation of a children's classic: the 1963 picture book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
In the hands of the Oscar-nominated Jonze the island of fearful monsters that Max discovers one night when he has been sent to bed without supper becomes a perilous wasteland dotted with spherical wickerwork huts, nest-like forts and rounded boulders. Although Max, along with his ugly, untamed group of new friends, is clearly recognisable from Sendak's book, any parent who returns to their nursery copy...
A large rubber-band ball sits on the bedside table of the wilful young Max, hero of the new Spike Jonze film, while overhead, on a shelf, sits a bird's nest. Early shots of these odd objects cleverly prelude the virtuoso visual style of this audacious adaptation of a children's classic: the 1963 picture book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
In the hands of the Oscar-nominated Jonze the island of fearful monsters that Max discovers one night when he has been sent to bed without supper becomes a perilous wasteland dotted with spherical wickerwork huts, nest-like forts and rounded boulders. Although Max, along with his ugly, untamed group of new friends, is clearly recognisable from Sendak's book, any parent who returns to their nursery copy...
- 12/7/2009
- by Vanessa Thorpe
- The Guardian - Film News
Actress Helena Bonham-Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) has been cast (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article2302852.ece) as novelist Enid Blyton in a BBC4 biopic, author of such famed children's tales as The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, Malory Towers and Noddy. On choosing to accept the role, Helena had this to say: ---Quote--- “It’s a long time since I have read such a well-written script with as complex and fascinating a character as Enid.” ---End Quote--- The film is in production now and will air on BBC4 at the end of the year. We will have more information on it when it is made available.
- 3/6/2009
- by masterofmystery
- Snitchseeker.com
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