Film London, global film streaming platform We Are Colony and Edge Hill University have announced the latest phase of an innovative research project which explores ways to capitalize on digital film releases, empower filmmakers and satisfy audiences’ appetite for exclusive content. Don't you wish you were British so you could partake in this project with your film?
Made possible by the Digital R&D fund for the Arts, the project examines the rapidly-evolving world of video on demand, and how the We Are Colony platform can engage fans who are keen to unlock exciting additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews, scripts and trailers. The seven titles selected for the year-long research project are the critically-acclaimed "Appropriate Behavior," Benedict Cumberbatch road movie "Third Star," feted Alternative Miss World documentary "The British Guide To Showing Off," Agyness Deyn’s breakout performance in "Electricity," uncompromising British drama "We Are Monster," high-concept thriller "Containment," and award-winning short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission , said: “Film London exists to help connect ideas, finance and talent at every stage of the filmmaking process, so a project which helps our industry capitalize on new technologies while exploring innovative ways to engage audiences is a perfect fit for us. By bringing together industry nous, entrepreneurial instincts and academic excellence this partnership is proving to be extremely exciting, and I’m looking forward to see how it develops and benefits the seven films we have selected.”
Sarah Tierney, founder of We Are Colony, comments: “We are pleased to be working with a group of forward-thinking and innovative producers, distributors and sales agents, keen to interrogate the potential of new digital models to engage an audience early and through additional content. In addition, with content being delivered to registered account holders in over 100 countries, We Are Colony is looking forward to sharing data from the beta launch, and the results of a significant user survey looking at viewing behaviors and attitudes to content.”
Working with a range of budgets and varying international appeal, the slate aims to reflect the reality of independent production in the UK. As Leeshon Alexander, writer, producer and star of "We Are Monster," comments: “'We Are Monster' is a truly independent film. As such, we feel it’s not only important to be a part of such a study, but a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a progressive screen agency such as Film London and a sector innovator such as We Are Colony.”
Cecilia Frugiuele of Parkville Pictures, producer of "Appropriate Behavior" and short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World" also comments: “The international reach of the platform is also a way for producers and Sales Agents to be in control of their film’s destiny offering new ways to exploit a title without a traditional distributor.”
Core to We Are Colony’s unique place in the VOD market is the release of ‘special edition bundles,' releasing quality films with a range of (often exclusive) additional and behind-the-scenes content. Franki Goodwin of Western Edge Pictures, who produced "Third Star," adds: “For us, the opportunity to partner with We Are Colony to bring additional content to our fans, and in turn to support a fantastic new VOD platform, was a no-brainer. This is a huge opportunity for film makers to offer their audiences more than just a movie.”
In addition, the platform works hands-on with licensors in a marketing role, delivering content and creative, plus organic and paid marketing. Cecilia Frugiuele states: “We Are Colony is an empowering tool for filmmakers. It encourages them to think of audience engagement earlier in production, helping them shape their future distribution strategy.”
Lastly, as part of the research phase, the We Are Colony platform will be trialing new windows, including an innovative pre-sale model where users pay early in exchange for instant fulfillment on extra content, ahead of general release. One title currently in pre-sales in the UK is Containment, and producer Christine Hartland states: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with We Are Colony for the release of 'Containment.' We will be able to offer audiences a deeper experience of the film and a chance to engage in its world in innovative ways. As independent filmmakers we’re very aware of the crowded marketplace for indie British thrillers, and are excited about the possibilities of offering our audience more than just a conventional cinema experience. By connecting with audiences early and building their investment in the film, we intend to build a fanbase even ahead of release”.
The report, lead by Prof. Philip Drake of Edge Hill University and researcher Michael Franklin, co-authored by the project partners, is due to release in Q4 2015.
About the seven films selected for the project:
"Appropriate Behavior," the sexually-frank romantic comedy written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan ("Girls"), produced by Cecilia Frugiuele, nominated in the Independent Spirit Awards 2014. The film was licensed from Peccadillo Pictures (UK), Gravitas Ventures (North America) and Transmission Films (Australia and New Zealand).
"The British Guide To Showing Off," the critically-acclaimed documentary which pays homage to the eccentric universe of the Alternative Miss World Show, directed by Jes Benstock and produced by Dorigen Hammond.
"Third Star," the critically-acclaimed British road movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Sherlock"), Tom Burke ( The Musketeers"), Jj Feild ("Captain America"), Adam Robertson and Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"), re-released internationally through the We Are Colony platform. The film was licensed from Independent Film Sales.
"Electricity," the startling 'Alice in Wonderland' tale with a breakout performance by Agyness Deyn, directed by Bryn Higgins and produced by Clare Duggan. Licensed from Soda Pictures (UK).
"We Are Monster," the critically-acclaimed, uncompromising British drama written, produced and starring Leeshon Alexander, directed by Antony Petrou, with producers including Noel Clarke ("Adulthood, Kidulthood"). The film was licensed from Metrodome Distribution (UK).
"Containment," the high-concept British thriller with an ensemble cast including Lee Ross ("The English Patient," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and Louise Brealey ("Sherlock"), directed by Neil Mcenery-West and produced by Christine Hartland, Casey Herbert and Pete Smyth. The film was licensed by Vision Films (international sales).
And "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World," the award-winning short film starring Theo Barklem-Biggs ("KIngsman: The Secret Service," "The Inbetweeners Movie") and Adrian Scarborough ("The King’s Speech," "Les Misérables").
For more information visit Here...
Made possible by the Digital R&D fund for the Arts, the project examines the rapidly-evolving world of video on demand, and how the We Are Colony platform can engage fans who are keen to unlock exciting additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews, scripts and trailers. The seven titles selected for the year-long research project are the critically-acclaimed "Appropriate Behavior," Benedict Cumberbatch road movie "Third Star," feted Alternative Miss World documentary "The British Guide To Showing Off," Agyness Deyn’s breakout performance in "Electricity," uncompromising British drama "We Are Monster," high-concept thriller "Containment," and award-winning short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission , said: “Film London exists to help connect ideas, finance and talent at every stage of the filmmaking process, so a project which helps our industry capitalize on new technologies while exploring innovative ways to engage audiences is a perfect fit for us. By bringing together industry nous, entrepreneurial instincts and academic excellence this partnership is proving to be extremely exciting, and I’m looking forward to see how it develops and benefits the seven films we have selected.”
Sarah Tierney, founder of We Are Colony, comments: “We are pleased to be working with a group of forward-thinking and innovative producers, distributors and sales agents, keen to interrogate the potential of new digital models to engage an audience early and through additional content. In addition, with content being delivered to registered account holders in over 100 countries, We Are Colony is looking forward to sharing data from the beta launch, and the results of a significant user survey looking at viewing behaviors and attitudes to content.”
Working with a range of budgets and varying international appeal, the slate aims to reflect the reality of independent production in the UK. As Leeshon Alexander, writer, producer and star of "We Are Monster," comments: “'We Are Monster' is a truly independent film. As such, we feel it’s not only important to be a part of such a study, but a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a progressive screen agency such as Film London and a sector innovator such as We Are Colony.”
Cecilia Frugiuele of Parkville Pictures, producer of "Appropriate Behavior" and short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World" also comments: “The international reach of the platform is also a way for producers and Sales Agents to be in control of their film’s destiny offering new ways to exploit a title without a traditional distributor.”
Core to We Are Colony’s unique place in the VOD market is the release of ‘special edition bundles,' releasing quality films with a range of (often exclusive) additional and behind-the-scenes content. Franki Goodwin of Western Edge Pictures, who produced "Third Star," adds: “For us, the opportunity to partner with We Are Colony to bring additional content to our fans, and in turn to support a fantastic new VOD platform, was a no-brainer. This is a huge opportunity for film makers to offer their audiences more than just a movie.”
In addition, the platform works hands-on with licensors in a marketing role, delivering content and creative, plus organic and paid marketing. Cecilia Frugiuele states: “We Are Colony is an empowering tool for filmmakers. It encourages them to think of audience engagement earlier in production, helping them shape their future distribution strategy.”
Lastly, as part of the research phase, the We Are Colony platform will be trialing new windows, including an innovative pre-sale model where users pay early in exchange for instant fulfillment on extra content, ahead of general release. One title currently in pre-sales in the UK is Containment, and producer Christine Hartland states: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with We Are Colony for the release of 'Containment.' We will be able to offer audiences a deeper experience of the film and a chance to engage in its world in innovative ways. As independent filmmakers we’re very aware of the crowded marketplace for indie British thrillers, and are excited about the possibilities of offering our audience more than just a conventional cinema experience. By connecting with audiences early and building their investment in the film, we intend to build a fanbase even ahead of release”.
The report, lead by Prof. Philip Drake of Edge Hill University and researcher Michael Franklin, co-authored by the project partners, is due to release in Q4 2015.
About the seven films selected for the project:
"Appropriate Behavior," the sexually-frank romantic comedy written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan ("Girls"), produced by Cecilia Frugiuele, nominated in the Independent Spirit Awards 2014. The film was licensed from Peccadillo Pictures (UK), Gravitas Ventures (North America) and Transmission Films (Australia and New Zealand).
"The British Guide To Showing Off," the critically-acclaimed documentary which pays homage to the eccentric universe of the Alternative Miss World Show, directed by Jes Benstock and produced by Dorigen Hammond.
"Third Star," the critically-acclaimed British road movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Sherlock"), Tom Burke ( The Musketeers"), Jj Feild ("Captain America"), Adam Robertson and Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"), re-released internationally through the We Are Colony platform. The film was licensed from Independent Film Sales.
"Electricity," the startling 'Alice in Wonderland' tale with a breakout performance by Agyness Deyn, directed by Bryn Higgins and produced by Clare Duggan. Licensed from Soda Pictures (UK).
"We Are Monster," the critically-acclaimed, uncompromising British drama written, produced and starring Leeshon Alexander, directed by Antony Petrou, with producers including Noel Clarke ("Adulthood, Kidulthood"). The film was licensed from Metrodome Distribution (UK).
"Containment," the high-concept British thriller with an ensemble cast including Lee Ross ("The English Patient," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and Louise Brealey ("Sherlock"), directed by Neil Mcenery-West and produced by Christine Hartland, Casey Herbert and Pete Smyth. The film was licensed by Vision Films (international sales).
And "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World," the award-winning short film starring Theo Barklem-Biggs ("KIngsman: The Secret Service," "The Inbetweeners Movie") and Adrian Scarborough ("The King’s Speech," "Les Misérables").
For more information visit Here...
- 8/25/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Chicago – Though Benedict Cumberbatch has been delivering fine work in film and television for the past decade, he hadn’t received a great deal of attention until last year, when he played strikingly diverse characters in Oscar bait such as “War Horse” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” while earning legions of fans on BBC’s “Sherlock.” He’s such a deft chameleon that it’s easy for audiences to overlook his formidable body of work.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In Hattie Dalton’s “Third Star,” which is currently available via On Demand, Cumberbatch delivers the sort of performance that would be considered a Best Actor front-runner this awards season—had it been delivered by George Clooney. As James, a 29-year-old man stricken with cancer, Cumberbatch is utterly wrenching without ever once settling for easy clichés. Though he says early on that, “The sickness may be mine but the tragedy is there’s,” referring to his loved ones,...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In Hattie Dalton’s “Third Star,” which is currently available via On Demand, Cumberbatch delivers the sort of performance that would be considered a Best Actor front-runner this awards season—had it been delivered by George Clooney. As James, a 29-year-old man stricken with cancer, Cumberbatch is utterly wrenching without ever once settling for easy clichés. Though he says early on that, “The sickness may be mine but the tragedy is there’s,” referring to his loved ones,...
- 8/22/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Later this month, actor Jj Feild will be courting fame as one of Captain America's sidekicks.
Feild plays Montgomery Falsworth, a British peer and secret agent who, in the comics at least, takes the codename Union Jack and wears a costume with the national flag emblazoned across the front (see picture right). In World War II, Falsworth fought alongside Captain America as part of a team called the Invaders.
But before the $140million Hollywood blockbuster is released, Feild was on screen in British movie Third Star, shot on location in Pembrokeshire with an ensemble cast of four for just $650,000.
The actor, who joined co-stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Burke and Adam Robertson in the low-key film, is well aware of the gulf between the two movies.
The actor, who finished filming on Captain America in early May, said: "I play one of the Captain's sidekicks, so I've been running around,...
Feild plays Montgomery Falsworth, a British peer and secret agent who, in the comics at least, takes the codename Union Jack and wears a costume with the national flag emblazoned across the front (see picture right). In World War II, Falsworth fought alongside Captain America as part of a team called the Invaders.
But before the $140million Hollywood blockbuster is released, Feild was on screen in British movie Third Star, shot on location in Pembrokeshire with an ensemble cast of four for just $650,000.
The actor, who joined co-stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Burke and Adam Robertson in the low-key film, is well aware of the gulf between the two movies.
The actor, who finished filming on Captain America in early May, said: "I play one of the Captain's sidekicks, so I've been running around,...
- 7/4/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
“From Britain with Love” – a curated program of six independent UK films will screen across ten Us cities from June 11 – July 9, 2011, as part of a partnership between Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures.
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
- 5/12/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
“From Britain with Love” – a curated program of six independent UK films will screen across ten Us cities from June 11 – July 9, 2011, as part of a partnership between Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures.
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
- 5/12/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council & Emerging Pictures presents From Britain With Love
June 11 . July 9
6 indie UK films will screen in 10 Us cities launching with Toast starring Helena Bonham Carter
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures announced the details today for plans to showcase six recent independent films produced in the United Kingdom for a release in more than ten cities stateside from June 11 . July 9.
Curated by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and in partnership with Emerging Pictures – the largest all-digital specialty film and alternate content theatre network in the United States – the showcase will premiere at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on June 11 as part of the opening celebration for its state-of-the art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. Each of the films will be shown once at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and once downtown at the IFC Center.
June 11 . July 9
6 indie UK films will screen in 10 Us cities launching with Toast starring Helena Bonham Carter
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures announced the details today for plans to showcase six recent independent films produced in the United Kingdom for a release in more than ten cities stateside from June 11 . July 9.
Curated by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and in partnership with Emerging Pictures – the largest all-digital specialty film and alternate content theatre network in the United States – the showcase will premiere at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on June 11 as part of the opening celebration for its state-of-the art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. Each of the films will be shown once at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and once downtown at the IFC Center.
- 5/12/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Independent Films have released the first trailer and poster for comedy-drama Third Star.
Directed by BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Hattie Dalton, Third Star stars Hugh Bonneville, Tom Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jj Feild, Rupert Frazer, Nia Roberts, Adam Robertson and Eros Vlahos.
James (Cumberbatch) and his three closest lifelong friends go on an ill-advised trip to the stunning coastal area of Barafundle Bay in West Wales. What follows is a touching and comical adventure dealing with friendship, heroism and love.
Third Star closed the 64th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival last year, and will be released nationwide on May 20.
Check out the poster below, then head over to The Guardian to watch the trailer premiere:...
Directed by BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Hattie Dalton, Third Star stars Hugh Bonneville, Tom Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jj Feild, Rupert Frazer, Nia Roberts, Adam Robertson and Eros Vlahos.
James (Cumberbatch) and his three closest lifelong friends go on an ill-advised trip to the stunning coastal area of Barafundle Bay in West Wales. What follows is a touching and comical adventure dealing with friendship, heroism and love.
Third Star closed the 64th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival last year, and will be released nationwide on May 20.
Check out the poster below, then head over to The Guardian to watch the trailer premiere:...
- 4/22/2011
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
London -- This year's Edinburgh International Film Festival will close with the world premiere of "Third Star," a British tragicomedy from newcomer Hattie Dalton starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Burke, Jj Feild and Adam Robertson.
The movie will bookend the Scottish shindig with the previously announced opening gala of Sylvain Chomet's "The Illusionist" at the festival boasting 133 movies from 34 countries, organizers said Tuesday.
British galas competing for the U.K. Film Council sponsored Michael Powell Award for best British feature include world debuts for Paul Andrew Williams' "Cherry Tree Lane," "Huge" by Ben Miller, Edward McHenry and Rory McHenry's "Jackboots On Whitehall," Nick Moran's "The Kid," Viv Fongenie's "Ollie Kepler's Expanding Purple World," "Pelican Blood," by Karl Golden and "Soulboy" by Shimmy Marcus.
Organizers picked Ryan Piers Williams' "The Dry Land," Werner Herzog's "My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?," Floria Sigismondi's...
The movie will bookend the Scottish shindig with the previously announced opening gala of Sylvain Chomet's "The Illusionist" at the festival boasting 133 movies from 34 countries, organizers said Tuesday.
British galas competing for the U.K. Film Council sponsored Michael Powell Award for best British feature include world debuts for Paul Andrew Williams' "Cherry Tree Lane," "Huge" by Ben Miller, Edward McHenry and Rory McHenry's "Jackboots On Whitehall," Nick Moran's "The Kid," Viv Fongenie's "Ollie Kepler's Expanding Purple World," "Pelican Blood," by Karl Golden and "Soulboy" by Shimmy Marcus.
Organizers picked Ryan Piers Williams' "The Dry Land," Werner Herzog's "My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?," Floria Sigismondi's...
- 6/1/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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