Netflix’s “Black Mirror” returns to the Emmy Awards after a four-year break with its sixth season that premiered back in June 2023. The trajectory of the Charlie Brooker anthology series at the Emmys has been a tumultuous journey, particularly in recent years. The science-fiction dystopia used to dominate the limited/movie genre, winning Best Television Movie for three consecutive years at its height, before the Television Academy ruled that it must compete for the drama categories for its fifth season in 2020, ending its streak. Then the following year, the top category for limited series was changed to Best Limited or Anthology Series, placing “Black Mirror” back into the genre, but in the more competitive limited series race rather than the standalone television movies.
Despite the many radical switches, the program has managed an impressive eight wins out of 14 nominations overall. With its new string of six anthology episodes that star various actors including Salma Hayek,...
Despite the many radical switches, the program has managed an impressive eight wins out of 14 nominations overall. With its new string of six anthology episodes that star various actors including Salma Hayek,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Christopher Tsang
- Gold Derby
Veteran episodic director Tim Southam (One Piece) has joined Season 3 of Foundation, the Apple TV+ series from Skydance TV. He will be taking over directing duties from series writer/executive producer David S. Goyer.
As Deadline reported, this is one of changes implemented by the series as part of efforts to bring the budget levels down, which led to a delay in the Season 3 restart of production.
Southam will complete Episodes 301-303, which Goyer had started. Approximately 80% of 301 is in the can; the other two episodes are approximately 50% half finished.
Filming is slated to begin March 6 in the Czech Republic capital Prague and four Polish cities, the capital Warsaw as well as Kraków, Lublin and Katowice.
Goyer will continue to write and executive produce from Los Angeles.
As Deadline previously reported,...
As Deadline reported, this is one of changes implemented by the series as part of efforts to bring the budget levels down, which led to a delay in the Season 3 restart of production.
Southam will complete Episodes 301-303, which Goyer had started. Approximately 80% of 301 is in the can; the other two episodes are approximately 50% half finished.
Filming is slated to begin March 6 in the Czech Republic capital Prague and four Polish cities, the capital Warsaw as well as Kraków, Lublin and Katowice.
Goyer will continue to write and executive produce from Los Angeles.
As Deadline previously reported,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Foundation, the Apple TV+ series from Skydance TV, is making more changes ahead of resuming production on its upcoming third season following a delay due to budgeting/physical production issues. As Deadline reported, filming is slated to begin March 6 in the Czech Republic capital Prague and four Polish cities, the capital Warsaw as well as Kraków, Lublin and Katowice.
Laurie Borg, who served as line producer/co-executive producer on Season 2 and the already completed portion of Season 3, is leaving. Doug Moreno, who had been credited as production controller on Season 3, is stepping into the line producer role.
Additionally, Foundation executive producer Bill Bost will be moving to Prague for the duration of principal photography. Bost oversaw the launch of Foundation as President of Skydance Television and before that the series’ development as SVP of Television. He remained an executive producer on the show after stepping down from his TV President...
Laurie Borg, who served as line producer/co-executive producer on Season 2 and the already completed portion of Season 3, is leaving. Doug Moreno, who had been credited as production controller on Season 3, is stepping into the line producer role.
Additionally, Foundation executive producer Bill Bost will be moving to Prague for the duration of principal photography. Bost oversaw the launch of Foundation as President of Skydance Television and before that the series’ development as SVP of Television. He remained an executive producer on the show after stepping down from his TV President...
- 2/24/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s a shakeup going on behind the scenes at Apple TV+’s lavish sci-fi drama Foundation.
Co-creator David S. Goyer is stepping back from his showrunner duties ahead of production resuming on the show’s upcoming third season. Goyer (Blade, The Dark Knight) will still be creatively involved with the show, contributing scripts from Los Angeles, while executive producer Bill Bost will be moving to Prague (where the show is filmed) to oversee the duration of season three photography. While sources say this means Goyer is effectively no longer serving as showrunner, a representative for the production says he will retain that title (contrary to an earlier version of this story).
The show previously went on a production hiatus due to the Hollywood strikes and is expected to resume shooting March 6. About half the show’s third season was shot before the break.
In addition, line producer Laurie Borg is stepping down,...
Co-creator David S. Goyer is stepping back from his showrunner duties ahead of production resuming on the show’s upcoming third season. Goyer (Blade, The Dark Knight) will still be creatively involved with the show, contributing scripts from Los Angeles, while executive producer Bill Bost will be moving to Prague (where the show is filmed) to oversee the duration of season three photography. While sources say this means Goyer is effectively no longer serving as showrunner, a representative for the production says he will retain that title (contrary to an earlier version of this story).
The show previously went on a production hiatus due to the Hollywood strikes and is expected to resume shooting March 6. About half the show’s third season was shot before the break.
In addition, line producer Laurie Borg is stepping down,...
- 2/24/2024
- by James Hibberd and Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Apple TV Plus released a trailer for “The Shrink Next Door,” which premieres the first three episodes of the eight-episode series on Nov. 12, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through Dec. 17.
The series stars Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn and Casey Wilson and is inspired by true events and the podcast of the same name. “The Shrink Next Door” follows the decades-long manipulation and exploitation by psychiatrist Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf (Rudd) and his longtime patient Martin Markowitz (Ferrel). Dr. Ike is accompanied by his unsuspecting wife Bonnie Herschkopf (Wilson) and though Marty may be defenseless against Dr. Ike, his sister Phyllis is not (Hahn).
“The Shrink Next Door” is directed by Michael Showalter and Jesse Peretz and based on the script by Georgia Pritchett. Ferrell and Rudd also serve as executive producers, along with Jessica Elbaum and Brittney Segal for Gloria Sanchez Productions. Pritchett executive produces...
The series stars Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn and Casey Wilson and is inspired by true events and the podcast of the same name. “The Shrink Next Door” follows the decades-long manipulation and exploitation by psychiatrist Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf (Rudd) and his longtime patient Martin Markowitz (Ferrel). Dr. Ike is accompanied by his unsuspecting wife Bonnie Herschkopf (Wilson) and though Marty may be defenseless against Dr. Ike, his sister Phyllis is not (Hahn).
“The Shrink Next Door” is directed by Michael Showalter and Jesse Peretz and based on the script by Georgia Pritchett. Ferrell and Rudd also serve as executive producers, along with Jessica Elbaum and Brittney Segal for Gloria Sanchez Productions. Pritchett executive produces...
- 10/12/2021
- by Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
” The only thing we know for sure is that he’s *not* a vegetarian”
Mvd Entertainment Is Proud To Announce The North American High Definition Debut Of The 1992 Sci-fi Action Cult Classic “Split Second” On Blu-ray In An Ultimate Collector’S Edition.
In the year 2008, the cops are better armed than before, but nothing has prepared them for this. Swift, sharp-clawed and deadly, something moves among them on the streets, in the alleyways, on the rooftops, tearing out human hearts and devouring them. Maverick cop “Harley” Stone (Rutger Hauer) lost his partner to the beast, and now it looks like his girlfriend Michelle (Kim Cattrall) is next on the killer’s list. Even in the future, there aren’t guns big enough to stop the creature’s deadly force, but Stone has no choice. Teamed with rookie detective Durkin (Alastair Duncan), Stone must stalk the edge of his own sanity...
Mvd Entertainment Is Proud To Announce The North American High Definition Debut Of The 1992 Sci-fi Action Cult Classic “Split Second” On Blu-ray In An Ultimate Collector’S Edition.
In the year 2008, the cops are better armed than before, but nothing has prepared them for this. Swift, sharp-clawed and deadly, something moves among them on the streets, in the alleyways, on the rooftops, tearing out human hearts and devouring them. Maverick cop “Harley” Stone (Rutger Hauer) lost his partner to the beast, and now it looks like his girlfriend Michelle (Kim Cattrall) is next on the killer’s list. Even in the future, there aren’t guns big enough to stop the creature’s deadly force, but Stone has no choice. Teamed with rookie detective Durkin (Alastair Duncan), Stone must stalk the edge of his own sanity...
- 6/11/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The BBC has committed to a second season of Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials,” with the first season still in production.
“We are making two series of Philip Pullman’s ‘[His] Dark Materials,’” BBC director general Tony Hall said Tuesday during an appearance before a government committee. “The cost per episode is high – it’s really ambitious.”
Based on Pullman’s bestselling trilogy of young-adult fantasy novels, the show is produced by Bad Wolf with New Line Cinema for the BBC, in association with BBC Studios Distribution and Anton Capital Entertainment. It is currently in production at Bad Wolf’s studios in Cardiff, Wales. Like the first season, the second season will consist of eight episodes.
Hall revealed plans for a second season while speaking before lawmakers about the BBC’s finances. He was responding to a question about whether the pubcaster could be in danger of being priced out...
“We are making two series of Philip Pullman’s ‘[His] Dark Materials,’” BBC director general Tony Hall said Tuesday during an appearance before a government committee. “The cost per episode is high – it’s really ambitious.”
Based on Pullman’s bestselling trilogy of young-adult fantasy novels, the show is produced by Bad Wolf with New Line Cinema for the BBC, in association with BBC Studios Distribution and Anton Capital Entertainment. It is currently in production at Bad Wolf’s studios in Cardiff, Wales. Like the first season, the second season will consist of eight episodes.
Hall revealed plans for a second season while speaking before lawmakers about the BBC’s finances. He was responding to a question about whether the pubcaster could be in danger of being priced out...
- 9/11/2018
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
Louisa Mellor Jun 1, 2017
Some exciting new UK drama and comedy commissions are making their way to TV over the next year or so…
We know, we know. You still have two episodes of Fargo season two before you can think about starting season three. You’ve already fallen behind on American Gods. Your planner memory is chock-a-block with Big Little Lies and that Oj Simpson thing and some Spanish prison series your workmate bullied you into recording. You’re struggling to make time for Twin Peaks. New Game Of Thrones is just around the corner. And guess what, Netflix UK have just added a whole new season of It’s Always Sunny, those sods. You need a list of new TV show recommendations like you need a hole in the head.
See related Metroid: Other M Nintendo Wii review
And yet, as long as they keep making them, we’ll keep recommending them.
Some exciting new UK drama and comedy commissions are making their way to TV over the next year or so…
We know, we know. You still have two episodes of Fargo season two before you can think about starting season three. You’ve already fallen behind on American Gods. Your planner memory is chock-a-block with Big Little Lies and that Oj Simpson thing and some Spanish prison series your workmate bullied you into recording. You’re struggling to make time for Twin Peaks. New Game Of Thrones is just around the corner. And guess what, Netflix UK have just added a whole new season of It’s Always Sunny, those sods. You need a list of new TV show recommendations like you need a hole in the head.
See related Metroid: Other M Nintendo Wii review
And yet, as long as they keep making them, we’ll keep recommending them.
- 5/31/2017
- Den of Geek
It's back tonight! Peaky Blinders returns this evening, but we've been waiting for the Shelby family to get back on our screens for ages - and earlier this year we got so excited that we blagged our way onto the set to have a nosy.
It was all go - the cast and crew were filming the climactic scenes of the Derby, and with a whole bunch of extras to wrangle and some beautiful sets to prepare, it was a busy day up in Stockport. But we managed to pull some people aside to have a bit of a chat about what's happening this series... Read on for 14 juicy nuggets from our time on the Peaky Blinders set!
1. We're returning to the show "two years down the road" (in Cillian Murphy's words).
"I think the world has expanded," Murphy - who plays lead Tommy Shelby - said. "I think Tommy's ambitions have expanded,...
It was all go - the cast and crew were filming the climactic scenes of the Derby, and with a whole bunch of extras to wrangle and some beautiful sets to prepare, it was a busy day up in Stockport. But we managed to pull some people aside to have a bit of a chat about what's happening this series... Read on for 14 juicy nuggets from our time on the Peaky Blinders set!
1. We're returning to the show "two years down the road" (in Cillian Murphy's words).
"I think the world has expanded," Murphy - who plays lead Tommy Shelby - said. "I think Tommy's ambitions have expanded,...
- 10/2/2014
- Digital Spy
Juliette chats to Peaky Blinders producer Laurie Borg about series 2, Birmingham, Tom Hardy, violence, cocaine, music and more...
Peaky Blinders returns to our screens this autumn with some fresh faces behind the scenes as well as in front of the cameras, including Producer Laurie Borg and Director Colm McCarthy. We sat down with Laurie to chat about all things series 2.
Can you give us an overview of where we are, going into series 2?
It’s a much more expansive world. It’s a much bigger world than what Tommy Shelby’s had in the past. They go from Birmingham and they’ve now started to get their claws into London. So we’ve got into a much more cosmopolitan world, a bigger world, both in terms of set design and locations, and he’s got more successful.
I think the one thing which has really defined this series [as opposed to] the last...
Peaky Blinders returns to our screens this autumn with some fresh faces behind the scenes as well as in front of the cameras, including Producer Laurie Borg and Director Colm McCarthy. We sat down with Laurie to chat about all things series 2.
Can you give us an overview of where we are, going into series 2?
It’s a much more expansive world. It’s a much bigger world than what Tommy Shelby’s had in the past. They go from Birmingham and they’ve now started to get their claws into London. So we’ve got into a much more cosmopolitan world, a bigger world, both in terms of set design and locations, and he’s got more successful.
I think the one thing which has really defined this series [as opposed to] the last...
- 9/25/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
On the set of Peaky Blinders series 2, we chatted to Helen McCrory about Aunt Polly, and the women in the Peaky Blinders world...
Earlier this year, we sat down on the set of Peaky Blinders series two to chat with Helen McCrory about her character Aunt Polly, feminism and depicting mental health issues on screen...
What have you just been filming?
Peaky Blinders moves to London, and when it moves to London it moves to the world of Noah [Taylor] and Tom Hardy and different gangs and so it all has a much more epic scope. I think that Steve [Knight, the writer] established so much in the first six episodes that you don’t need to do it any more, so there’s a much faster pace. The scene I’ve just been doing is set in the Shelbys’ new offices, which are quite a step up from what it was, as we start to earn more money,...
Earlier this year, we sat down on the set of Peaky Blinders series two to chat with Helen McCrory about her character Aunt Polly, feminism and depicting mental health issues on screen...
What have you just been filming?
Peaky Blinders moves to London, and when it moves to London it moves to the world of Noah [Taylor] and Tom Hardy and different gangs and so it all has a much more epic scope. I think that Steve [Knight, the writer] established so much in the first six episodes that you don’t need to do it any more, so there’s a much faster pace. The scene I’ve just been doing is set in the Shelbys’ new offices, which are quite a step up from what it was, as we start to earn more money,...
- 9/24/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Idris Elba [pictured] will be one of the producers of new UK feature One Square Mile.
Michael Caton-Jones (Shooting Dogs, The Jackal, Rob Roy) will direct the film, which will shoot in London at the end of the year.
The other producesr are Ros Hubbard (The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman), Laurie Borg (Made In Dagenham) and Leon F. Butler.
Butler has also written the original drama script, about four people with four extraordinary storise who live within one square mile of each other.
Elba, star of TV hits Luther and The Wire, also stars in hotly anticipated biopic feature Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Michael Caton-Jones (Shooting Dogs, The Jackal, Rob Roy) will direct the film, which will shoot in London at the end of the year.
The other producesr are Ros Hubbard (The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman), Laurie Borg (Made In Dagenham) and Leon F. Butler.
Butler has also written the original drama script, about four people with four extraordinary storise who live within one square mile of each other.
Elba, star of TV hits Luther and The Wire, also stars in hotly anticipated biopic feature Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
- 6/13/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
A mix of North American and British talent will topline an untitled BBC/Science Channel movie about the search for what caused the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle explosion. William Hurt and Bruce Greenwood will star as physicist Richard Feynman and Air Force General Donald Kutyna, respectively. Feynman, a Nobel Prize winner who also assisted on the Manhattan Project, was instrumental in uncovering the truth, as was Kutyna whom he befriended in the process. Brian Dennehy is also on board as William Rogers, the chair of the presidential commission and Joanne Whalley will play Feynman’s wife. British actors Kevin McNally (Downton Abbey), Henry Goodman (The Damned United) and Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) also star. Shooting starts this month on the TV movie that James Hawes is directing from a script by Kate Gartside. Great Expectations’ Laurie Borg is producing. Exec producers are Mark Hedgecoe, Cassian Harrison and Rocky Collins.
- 10/23/2012
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
This Saturday, Syfy will be airing both parts of the very popular British TV updated adaptation of Treasure Island, produced by Rhi, the same company that brought us Tin Man, Alice, and Neverland. It ain’t no Disney version, that’s for sure:
Click here to view the embedded video.
Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood
And Donald Sutherland Lead All Star Cast In Syfy’S
New Adaptation Of Treasure Island
Premieres Saturday, May 5 From 7-11Pm In
Special One Night Movie Event
New York – March 21, 2012 – In a special, one night only movie event, Syfy will present a fresh, new spin on the classic tale, Treasure Island, featuring an all-star cast led by Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland. Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling adventure story about fantastical treasure, youthful courage and murderous greed will premiere Saturday, May 5 from 7-11Pm (Et/Pt) on Syfy.
Izzard (The Riches, Oceans 12) stars as Long John Silver,...
Click here to view the embedded video.
Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood
And Donald Sutherland Lead All Star Cast In Syfy’S
New Adaptation Of Treasure Island
Premieres Saturday, May 5 From 7-11Pm In
Special One Night Movie Event
New York – March 21, 2012 – In a special, one night only movie event, Syfy will present a fresh, new spin on the classic tale, Treasure Island, featuring an all-star cast led by Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland. Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling adventure story about fantastical treasure, youthful courage and murderous greed will premiere Saturday, May 5 from 7-11Pm (Et/Pt) on Syfy.
Izzard (The Riches, Oceans 12) stars as Long John Silver,...
- 5/2/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
With such a great cast, I must admit my expectations are exceptionally and excitedly high. Syfy will be premiering its four-hour Treasure Island on one night, May 5, so make sure you have your evening clear. Starring Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit), Donald Sutherland (The Hunger Games), , and Eddie Izzard (Mockingbird Lane), I really can’t wait to see this.
Here’s the press release:
Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood And Donald Sutherland Lead All Star Cast In Syfy’S New Adaptation Of Treasure Island
Premieres Saturday, May 5 From 7-11Pm In Special One Night Movie Event
New York – March 21, 2012 – In a special, one night only movie event, Syfy will present a fresh, new spin on the classic tale, Treasure Island, featuring an all-star cast led by Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland. Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling adventure story about fantastical treasure, youthful courage and murderous greed will premiere Saturday,...
Here’s the press release:
Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood And Donald Sutherland Lead All Star Cast In Syfy’S New Adaptation Of Treasure Island
Premieres Saturday, May 5 From 7-11Pm In Special One Night Movie Event
New York – March 21, 2012 – In a special, one night only movie event, Syfy will present a fresh, new spin on the classic tale, Treasure Island, featuring an all-star cast led by Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland. Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling adventure story about fantastical treasure, youthful courage and murderous greed will premiere Saturday,...
- 3/26/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
So happy and yet so sad at the same time. Syfy has just announced its spring schedule, and surprise! The final season of fan favorite Eureka will premiere not in the summer as it usually does, but on April 16. The sooner the better, we say, and we can’t wait.
According to the announcement there are some great shows coming our way, including the second season of Lost Girl, a Treasure Island miniseries, the premieres of Monster Man, Dream Machines, and Total Blackout, the return of Ghost Hunters, Hollywood Treasure, and Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files, and of course some Saturday Original Movies. Here are the details:
Syfy’S Spring 2012 To Feature More Original Series And Original Hours Of Programming Than Any Spring Season In Channel’S History
February 16, 2012
Syfy’S Spring 2012 To Feature More Original Series And Original Hours Of Programming Than Any Spring Season In Channel’S History...
According to the announcement there are some great shows coming our way, including the second season of Lost Girl, a Treasure Island miniseries, the premieres of Monster Man, Dream Machines, and Total Blackout, the return of Ghost Hunters, Hollywood Treasure, and Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files, and of course some Saturday Original Movies. Here are the details:
Syfy’S Spring 2012 To Feature More Original Series And Original Hours Of Programming Than Any Spring Season In Channel’S History
February 16, 2012
Syfy’S Spring 2012 To Feature More Original Series And Original Hours Of Programming Than Any Spring Season In Channel’S History...
- 2/16/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
SyFy and Rhi Entertainment is taking on a new television adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Treasure Island. This television movie is off to a great start with the casting of Elijah Wood (Wilfred, Lord of the Rings) as Ben Gunn, Donald Sutherland (The Pillars of the Earth, Dirty Sexy Money) as Flint, and Eddie Izzard (United States of Tara, Mystery Men) as Long John Silver.
Toby Regbo will play Jim Hawkins and Phillip Glenister, Rupert-Penry-Jones, David Harewood and Keith Allen have also been cast in Treasure Island. The project set to film in Puerto Rice and Ireland. Check out the press release for more details below:
“Treasure Island,” the special two-part movie event from Rhi Entertainment, will premiere on Syfy, the home of imagination-based entertainment, in early 2012. The production stars Eddie Izzard (“The Riches,” “Oceans 12,” “Oceans 13″) as Long John Silver. Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings,” “Everything Is Illuminated...
Toby Regbo will play Jim Hawkins and Phillip Glenister, Rupert-Penry-Jones, David Harewood and Keith Allen have also been cast in Treasure Island. The project set to film in Puerto Rice and Ireland. Check out the press release for more details below:
“Treasure Island,” the special two-part movie event from Rhi Entertainment, will premiere on Syfy, the home of imagination-based entertainment, in early 2012. The production stars Eddie Izzard (“The Riches,” “Oceans 12,” “Oceans 13″) as Long John Silver. Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings,” “Everything Is Illuminated...
- 2/7/2011
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
The winners of the BAFTA TV awards held on Sunday, June 6th include Northern Irish born actor, Kenneth Branagh, Northern Ireland filmed drama 'Occupation' and other productions with strong Irish connections such as Julie Walters for her role in BBC One's 'Mo' and Channel 4's 'Misfits'. Sunday evening saw BBC One and Kudos Film and Television walk away with the BAFTA TV award for Drama Serial for 'Occupation'. The drama from Peter Bowker, Derek Wax, Nick Murphy and Laurie Borg was shot on location in Northern Ireland and Iraq in 2008 and stars James Nesbitt (Five Minutes of Heaven, Bloody Sunday), Stephen Graham and Warren Brown.
- 6/8/2010
- IFTN
ABC Family is sticking with its strategy of focusing on original telefilms with plans to unveil three new movies in the first four months of 2006. If Only highlights the story of a British man whose girlfriend is killed in a taxi crash before his eyes following a lovers' spat. To air in January, it stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Paul Nicholls and Tom Wilkinson and is executive produced by Laurie Borg and Mortiz Borman. "This is a great, smart movie," ABC Family president Paul Lee told reporters Friday during ABC Family's portion of the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton.
- 7/17/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There is no real messing about with "Fanny and Elvis" -- it's a film that proudly wears its heart on its sleeve. Written and directed by theatrical newcomer Kay Mellor, the British film is an appealing mixture of drama, comedy and open emotion. Although a little naive at times, the film exudes a warm charm and a sense of compassion for its characters.
Screening at the London Film Festival, it opens soon in the United Kingdom via UIP. With the increasing profile of lead Ray Winstone, it could make for an attractive -- if low-key -- draw for distributors.
Mellor has established a reputation in the United Kingdom for her work on acclaimed television dramas "Band of Gold" and "Playing the Field" and her movie script "Girls' Night", starring Brenda Blethyn and Julie Walters.
Mellor sticks to her geographical roots here, setting "Fanny and Elvis" in an attractive Yorkshire town. The setting also allows her to develop links between Kate (Kerry Fox), an aspiring romantic novelist, and Cathy from "Wuthering Heights".
No sooner does Kate wrap up her book than she finds her lecturer husband Rob (David Morrissey) is leaving her for Samantha, one of his students (played by Gaynor Faye, who is one of Mellor's daughters). As fate would have it, Samantha's husband Dave (Winstone) is the same person whose car Kate has recently crashed into.
After a rocky start to Kate and Dave's relationship, he eventually ends up a lodger at Kate's house as they both struggle to get money together. All of this coincides with Kate's realization that she wants a baby!
After much trying, Kate eventually becomes pregnant (there are also several fights and separations along the way) and the story sees them rushing to the hospital on New Year's Eve 1999 for twins to be delivered just as the clock ushers in the new millennium. The Fanny and Elvis of the title comes from the "discussion" they have on what to name the two children.
Some U.K. critics have dismissed the film as 'too television, ' and though the story may be telegraphed a little at times, there is a fundamental compassion and joy about the performances and story.
What "Fanny and Elvis" also confirms is that Winstone is a truly fine actor. In films like "Nil By Mouth" and "The War Zone", we've seen his capacity for drama and violence. But here he shows a warmth and tenderness.
Fox is impressive as the often neurotic Kate, suddenly faced with her biological clock, and Ben Daniels is appealing as her gay lodger. Also featured are Jennifer Saunders, playing a virtual cameo as Kate's cliched London literary agent, and Colin Salmon as a banker coming out of the closet.
The technical credits are fine, and great use is made of the Yorkshire locations.
FANNY AND ELVIS
A Scala Production
Producers: Laurie Borg, Marina Gefter
Writer-director: Kay Mellor
Executive producers: Nik Powell, Georges Benayoun
Director of photography: John Daly
Production designer: Maria Djurkovic
Editor: Christopher Blunden
Music: Stephen Warbeck
Color/stereo
Cast:
Kate: Kerry Fox
Dave: Ray Winstone
Andrew: Ben Daniels
Rob: David Morrissey
Rosanna: Jennifer Saunders
Alan: Colin Salmon
Samantha: Gaynor Faye
Rick: William Ash
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Screening at the London Film Festival, it opens soon in the United Kingdom via UIP. With the increasing profile of lead Ray Winstone, it could make for an attractive -- if low-key -- draw for distributors.
Mellor has established a reputation in the United Kingdom for her work on acclaimed television dramas "Band of Gold" and "Playing the Field" and her movie script "Girls' Night", starring Brenda Blethyn and Julie Walters.
Mellor sticks to her geographical roots here, setting "Fanny and Elvis" in an attractive Yorkshire town. The setting also allows her to develop links between Kate (Kerry Fox), an aspiring romantic novelist, and Cathy from "Wuthering Heights".
No sooner does Kate wrap up her book than she finds her lecturer husband Rob (David Morrissey) is leaving her for Samantha, one of his students (played by Gaynor Faye, who is one of Mellor's daughters). As fate would have it, Samantha's husband Dave (Winstone) is the same person whose car Kate has recently crashed into.
After a rocky start to Kate and Dave's relationship, he eventually ends up a lodger at Kate's house as they both struggle to get money together. All of this coincides with Kate's realization that she wants a baby!
After much trying, Kate eventually becomes pregnant (there are also several fights and separations along the way) and the story sees them rushing to the hospital on New Year's Eve 1999 for twins to be delivered just as the clock ushers in the new millennium. The Fanny and Elvis of the title comes from the "discussion" they have on what to name the two children.
Some U.K. critics have dismissed the film as 'too television, ' and though the story may be telegraphed a little at times, there is a fundamental compassion and joy about the performances and story.
What "Fanny and Elvis" also confirms is that Winstone is a truly fine actor. In films like "Nil By Mouth" and "The War Zone", we've seen his capacity for drama and violence. But here he shows a warmth and tenderness.
Fox is impressive as the often neurotic Kate, suddenly faced with her biological clock, and Ben Daniels is appealing as her gay lodger. Also featured are Jennifer Saunders, playing a virtual cameo as Kate's cliched London literary agent, and Colin Salmon as a banker coming out of the closet.
The technical credits are fine, and great use is made of the Yorkshire locations.
FANNY AND ELVIS
A Scala Production
Producers: Laurie Borg, Marina Gefter
Writer-director: Kay Mellor
Executive producers: Nik Powell, Georges Benayoun
Director of photography: John Daly
Production designer: Maria Djurkovic
Editor: Christopher Blunden
Music: Stephen Warbeck
Color/stereo
Cast:
Kate: Kerry Fox
Dave: Ray Winstone
Andrew: Ben Daniels
Rob: David Morrissey
Rosanna: Jennifer Saunders
Alan: Colin Salmon
Samantha: Gaynor Faye
Rick: William Ash
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 11/17/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Little Voice, a shy, repressed young woman, does not have a voice of her own -- she has the classic vocal chords of Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe.
This bittersweet story of one woman's transformation from a wounded recluse to a vital being will delight mature movie audiences. The Miramax film was a hit among the opening-night high-rollers here at the 34th annual Chicago Film Festival. With tangy performances by Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine and Jane Horrocks as the nightingale-throated lead, "Little Voice" should resound quite nicely on the art house circuit.
With the same basic thematic tune as "Brassed Off", the tart England-set tale of a few years back in which music revitalized a depressed mining community, "Little Voice" follows that same refrain. In this working-class England yarn, Mari (Blethyn), a lusty hag and her withdrawn daughter eke out a living selling music memorabilia, a business Mari's late husband, whom she loathed and did not appreciate, has left them. Unlike her mother, Little Voice (Horrocks) worships the memory of her father, paying tribute to him daily by playing his old, classic record collection of show tunes and love songs.
Alone in her room with a photo of her late father and the music that she worships, Little Voice is, sadly, one very wounded young lady. Her salvation, like real life, comes in a most dubious form, namely with one Ray Say (Caine), a dissipated, small-time agent who inadvertently hears her sing while on a boozy bang with her mum. Pencil in three measures of "Rocky" in a "Shine" key and, basically, you've got this minor-key but resonant narrative.
While screenwriter-director Mark Herman's stage-play adaptation is utterly predictable, it's ripe with peculiar moments and particularity. In short, it's best in its vivid depiction of the messiness of ordinary life as each character struggles with inner conflicts and needs that are not necessarily in sync with their grimy outside world.
For the most part, "Little Voice" registers as real-life -- although, at times, its structural, movie seams tend to show. What lifts it above formulaic melodramatics are the keen performances. Blethyn is particularly outstanding as the blowsy, bellicose woman who is heart-wrenchingly vulnerable. Blethyn's performance never stoops to softening the character's venal nastiness, which makes it all the more credible.
Similarly, Caine never glossies up the pathetic down-spiral of his character, a braggart and a boozer who is terminally small-time. Caine's performance as this bellicose loser is hard-forged and perfectly edged.
As Little Voice, Horrocks brings us a one-woman, superstar show of high entertainment. Her renditions of Garland, Holiday, Dietrich and Monroe are fabulous, as is her portrayal of a deeply troubled and withdrawn young woman. Ian McGregor adds a sympathetic turn as a telephone technician whose own solitary nature lends him, somewhat magically, to find Little Voice. Jim Broadbent is entertaining and consistently believable as a paltry club owner who fancies himself in show biz.
"Little Voice" is most eloquent in its smaller moments, a tribute to Mark Herman's writing and direction. He is to be commended for the film's gritty and earthy tones, smartly rejecting opportunities to "Hollywood-ize" it. Technical contributions are smartly realized, namely cinematographer Andy Collins shrewdly small scopings and composer-arranger John Altman's nervy melodies.
LITTLE VOICE
Miramax Films
Miramax Films presents and Scala Prods. present
a Scala production
A film by Mark Herman
Producer: Elizabeth Karlsen
Screenwriter-director: Mark Herman
Based on the stage play "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" by: Jim Cartwright
Executive producers: Nik Powell, Stephen Woolley
Co-executive producers: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Paul Webster
Co-producer: Laurie Borg
Director of photography: Andy Collins
Production designer: Don Taylor
Editor: Mike Ellis
Music supervisor: Bob Last
Music and arrangements: John Altman
Costume designer: Lindy Hemming
Casting director: Priscilla John
Sound recordist: Peter Lindsay
Supervising sound editor: Dennis McTaggart
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mari: Brenda Blethyn
Little Voice: Jane Horrocks
Billy: Ewan McGregor
George: Philip Jackson
Sadie: Annette Badland
Ray Say: Michael Caine
Mr. Boo: Jim Broadbent
Running time -- 99 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
This bittersweet story of one woman's transformation from a wounded recluse to a vital being will delight mature movie audiences. The Miramax film was a hit among the opening-night high-rollers here at the 34th annual Chicago Film Festival. With tangy performances by Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine and Jane Horrocks as the nightingale-throated lead, "Little Voice" should resound quite nicely on the art house circuit.
With the same basic thematic tune as "Brassed Off", the tart England-set tale of a few years back in which music revitalized a depressed mining community, "Little Voice" follows that same refrain. In this working-class England yarn, Mari (Blethyn), a lusty hag and her withdrawn daughter eke out a living selling music memorabilia, a business Mari's late husband, whom she loathed and did not appreciate, has left them. Unlike her mother, Little Voice (Horrocks) worships the memory of her father, paying tribute to him daily by playing his old, classic record collection of show tunes and love songs.
Alone in her room with a photo of her late father and the music that she worships, Little Voice is, sadly, one very wounded young lady. Her salvation, like real life, comes in a most dubious form, namely with one Ray Say (Caine), a dissipated, small-time agent who inadvertently hears her sing while on a boozy bang with her mum. Pencil in three measures of "Rocky" in a "Shine" key and, basically, you've got this minor-key but resonant narrative.
While screenwriter-director Mark Herman's stage-play adaptation is utterly predictable, it's ripe with peculiar moments and particularity. In short, it's best in its vivid depiction of the messiness of ordinary life as each character struggles with inner conflicts and needs that are not necessarily in sync with their grimy outside world.
For the most part, "Little Voice" registers as real-life -- although, at times, its structural, movie seams tend to show. What lifts it above formulaic melodramatics are the keen performances. Blethyn is particularly outstanding as the blowsy, bellicose woman who is heart-wrenchingly vulnerable. Blethyn's performance never stoops to softening the character's venal nastiness, which makes it all the more credible.
Similarly, Caine never glossies up the pathetic down-spiral of his character, a braggart and a boozer who is terminally small-time. Caine's performance as this bellicose loser is hard-forged and perfectly edged.
As Little Voice, Horrocks brings us a one-woman, superstar show of high entertainment. Her renditions of Garland, Holiday, Dietrich and Monroe are fabulous, as is her portrayal of a deeply troubled and withdrawn young woman. Ian McGregor adds a sympathetic turn as a telephone technician whose own solitary nature lends him, somewhat magically, to find Little Voice. Jim Broadbent is entertaining and consistently believable as a paltry club owner who fancies himself in show biz.
"Little Voice" is most eloquent in its smaller moments, a tribute to Mark Herman's writing and direction. He is to be commended for the film's gritty and earthy tones, smartly rejecting opportunities to "Hollywood-ize" it. Technical contributions are smartly realized, namely cinematographer Andy Collins shrewdly small scopings and composer-arranger John Altman's nervy melodies.
LITTLE VOICE
Miramax Films
Miramax Films presents and Scala Prods. present
a Scala production
A film by Mark Herman
Producer: Elizabeth Karlsen
Screenwriter-director: Mark Herman
Based on the stage play "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" by: Jim Cartwright
Executive producers: Nik Powell, Stephen Woolley
Co-executive producers: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Paul Webster
Co-producer: Laurie Borg
Director of photography: Andy Collins
Production designer: Don Taylor
Editor: Mike Ellis
Music supervisor: Bob Last
Music and arrangements: John Altman
Costume designer: Lindy Hemming
Casting director: Priscilla John
Sound recordist: Peter Lindsay
Supervising sound editor: Dennis McTaggart
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mari: Brenda Blethyn
Little Voice: Jane Horrocks
Billy: Ewan McGregor
George: Philip Jackson
Sadie: Annette Badland
Ray Say: Michael Caine
Mr. Boo: Jim Broadbent
Running time -- 99 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 10/12/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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