Brosnan to … Bolt? Frank Mannion’s follow-up documentary to Quintessentially British presents a grab bag of interviews – some with distinctly un-Irish personalities
It features a definition of “the craic” but, frustratingly, this long, meandering documentary about Irishness contains only very small quantities of actual fun. It’s a follow-up from film-maker Frank Mannion to his 2022 doc Quintessentially British, but feels like a commission from Aer Lingus: something to watch inflight from Boston to Dublin, soothingly bland, relaxingly dull. Though to be fair, Mannion gets a big laugh when he archly asks a business expert: “What is it that brings international business to Ireland. The weather?”
The film is a series of interviews that contain, bizarrely, one or two with people in possession of very famous names but next to no connection to Ireland. Like Usain Bolt, who’s never set foot on Irish soil, but is fond of a...
It features a definition of “the craic” but, frustratingly, this long, meandering documentary about Irishness contains only very small quantities of actual fun. It’s a follow-up from film-maker Frank Mannion to his 2022 doc Quintessentially British, but feels like a commission from Aer Lingus: something to watch inflight from Boston to Dublin, soothingly bland, relaxingly dull. Though to be fair, Mannion gets a big laugh when he archly asks a business expert: “What is it that brings international business to Ireland. The weather?”
The film is a series of interviews that contain, bizarrely, one or two with people in possession of very famous names but next to no connection to Ireland. Like Usain Bolt, who’s never set foot on Irish soil, but is fond of a...
- 4/24/2024
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: UK production and distribution outfit Swipe Films has recently completed post-production on under-the-radar feature documentary Quintessentially Irish, which it has sold globally to Vision Films (ex UK & Ire).
The film celebrates what it is to be Irish with celebrities and politicians offering their take on the Emerald Isle. It explores some of Ireland’s most beautiful sights and famous exports, including the origins of whiskey (which the Scottish also lay claim to), Guinness, horseracing, Gaelic sports and Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle at Dunsany.
Interviewees include Navan-born Pierce Brosnan, Bob Geldof, Andrew Scott, Sharon Horgan, Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, discussing the Irish heritage of his mother, the Oscar winning actress Grace Kelly.
Rory Guinness — the great-great-great grandson of Guinness founder Arthur Guinness, former Man Utd owner John Magnier, Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, Celebrity Masterchef winner Riyadh Khalaf, and Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt are also interviewed.
The film celebrates what it is to be Irish with celebrities and politicians offering their take on the Emerald Isle. It explores some of Ireland’s most beautiful sights and famous exports, including the origins of whiskey (which the Scottish also lay claim to), Guinness, horseracing, Gaelic sports and Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle at Dunsany.
Interviewees include Navan-born Pierce Brosnan, Bob Geldof, Andrew Scott, Sharon Horgan, Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, discussing the Irish heritage of his mother, the Oscar winning actress Grace Kelly.
Rory Guinness — the great-great-great grandson of Guinness founder Arthur Guinness, former Man Utd owner John Magnier, Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, Celebrity Masterchef winner Riyadh Khalaf, and Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt are also interviewed.
- 2/27/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Frank Mannion’s uncritically bland documentary stays focused for the most part on posh, white English matters
Film-maker Frank Mannion has followed up his documentary on champagne with an amiable but frankly anodyne and uncritical study of what is supposed to be “quintessentially British” – by which he largely means posh English, because the Scots and the Welsh don’t get much of a look in.
The result is a ho-hum round of interviews, some with people outrageously flogging corporate branded merchandise, the filmic equivalent of an inflight magazine article about all the grandest places to go shopping or sightseeing in the UK – but also, weirdly, like the special interest segments from BBC TV’s old magazine programme, Nationwide. There are contributions from London’s grandest tailors, hatters, shoemakers and makers of sporting guns; there are interviews with footballers, taxi drivers, chefs and racing trainers. These are mainly white British but...
Film-maker Frank Mannion has followed up his documentary on champagne with an amiable but frankly anodyne and uncritical study of what is supposed to be “quintessentially British” – by which he largely means posh English, because the Scots and the Welsh don’t get much of a look in.
The result is a ho-hum round of interviews, some with people outrageously flogging corporate branded merchandise, the filmic equivalent of an inflight magazine article about all the grandest places to go shopping or sightseeing in the UK – but also, weirdly, like the special interest segments from BBC TV’s old magazine programme, Nationwide. There are contributions from London’s grandest tailors, hatters, shoemakers and makers of sporting guns; there are interviews with footballers, taxi drivers, chefs and racing trainers. These are mainly white British but...
- 12/6/2022
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
The film is directed and produced by Frank Mannion’s Swipe Films.
Quintessentially British, a feature documentary about British identity and industry, has completed post-production and secured theatrical distribution deals for UK-Ireland and Australia-New Zealand.
The film, which is directed and produced by Frank Mannion for his company Swipe Films, will be released by Signature Films in the UK and Ireland in December. Rialto Films has taken the film for Australia and New Zealand.
A North America deal was recently confirmed with Vision Films, which will release the film theatrically on October 12.
Quintessentially British celebrates the history and traditions of craftsmanship from Great Britain,...
Quintessentially British, a feature documentary about British identity and industry, has completed post-production and secured theatrical distribution deals for UK-Ireland and Australia-New Zealand.
The film, which is directed and produced by Frank Mannion for his company Swipe Films, will be released by Signature Films in the UK and Ireland in December. Rialto Films has taken the film for Australia and New Zealand.
A North America deal was recently confirmed with Vision Films, which will release the film theatrically on October 12.
Quintessentially British celebrates the history and traditions of craftsmanship from Great Britain,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Ratings
“A staggering 20.6 million of you watched England’s victory on BBC One last night,” tweeted “Match of the Day” host and English soccer legend Gary Lineker on Wednesday as the viewing numbers from Tuesday night’s UEFA European Football Championship round of 16 match between England and Germany came in. Those numbers make last night’s match the most-watched of the tournament in the U.K., surpassing the Home Nations derby between England and Scotland, which peaked at 19.4 million.
6.5 million live streams were also accessed across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online and set a new iPlayer live viewing record of 5.6m streams. In total, more than 27 million Brits tuned in or logged on to watch the game. Next up for the Three Lions is a trip to Rome where they will face Ukraine on Saturday evening.
First-look
ViacomCBS International Studios (Vis), a division of ViacomCBS, and AGC Television, the...
“A staggering 20.6 million of you watched England’s victory on BBC One last night,” tweeted “Match of the Day” host and English soccer legend Gary Lineker on Wednesday as the viewing numbers from Tuesday night’s UEFA European Football Championship round of 16 match between England and Germany came in. Those numbers make last night’s match the most-watched of the tournament in the U.K., surpassing the Home Nations derby between England and Scotland, which peaked at 19.4 million.
6.5 million live streams were also accessed across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online and set a new iPlayer live viewing record of 5.6m streams. In total, more than 27 million Brits tuned in or logged on to watch the game. Next up for the Three Lions is a trip to Rome where they will face Ukraine on Saturday evening.
First-look
ViacomCBS International Studios (Vis), a division of ViacomCBS, and AGC Television, the...
- 6/30/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The franchise title has topped the £1m mark from its opening day.
Universal’s Fast & Furious 9 leads the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, having recorded the highest takings for a weekday since before the Covid-19 pandemic on its Thursday 24 opening.
The film has brought in £1.2m already, and is playing in 597 locations from today.
As of last weekend, the highest-grossing title since cinemas were allowed to reopen in the UK on May 17 was Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway with £15.3m. While an opening weekend of that amount would be an extraordinary result with 50% audience caps still in place,...
Universal’s Fast & Furious 9 leads the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, having recorded the highest takings for a weekday since before the Covid-19 pandemic on its Thursday 24 opening.
The film has brought in £1.2m already, and is playing in 597 locations from today.
As of last weekend, the highest-grossing title since cinemas were allowed to reopen in the UK on May 17 was Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway with £15.3m. While an opening weekend of that amount would be an extraordinary result with 50% audience caps still in place,...
- 6/25/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Bolly or Veuve Cliquot? If you ever wanted to bluff your way through that baffling list of bubblies, then pick this warm-hearted film
Irish film producer and distribution executive Frank Mannion makes a genial host and guide to this polished survey of the highest of high-end sparkling wines; it’s entertaining in itself to watch Mannion gulping down giant goblets of the vintage under the guise of interviewing the heads of various champagne houses. There’s very much a wine-tour atmosphere to this documentary, particularly in the first half as Mannion wanders from one vineyard HQ to another, most of them located in gleaming perfume-factory type cubes perched oddly in the French countryside. If you ever thought champagnes were pretty much the same, whatever the label, well, this parade of beautifully turned-out old school champagne-makers will put you straight on the difference between Veuve Cliquot, Pol Roger, Bollinger, and the rest.
Irish film producer and distribution executive Frank Mannion makes a genial host and guide to this polished survey of the highest of high-end sparkling wines; it’s entertaining in itself to watch Mannion gulping down giant goblets of the vintage under the guise of interviewing the heads of various champagne houses. There’s very much a wine-tour atmosphere to this documentary, particularly in the first half as Mannion wanders from one vineyard HQ to another, most of them located in gleaming perfume-factory type cubes perched oddly in the French countryside. If you ever thought champagnes were pretty much the same, whatever the label, well, this parade of beautifully turned-out old school champagne-makers will put you straight on the difference between Veuve Cliquot, Pol Roger, Bollinger, and the rest.
- 6/24/2021
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Sparkling: The Story Of Champagne, Frank Mannion’s feature documentary about the popular beverage, has landed key territory deals.
Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios Company, has acquired North America and is lining up a release on August 13, Britbox has acquired UK (excluding theatrical rights), Smile Entertainment has Scandinavia (with Fidalgo in Norway) and Rialto will be releasing the film in 50 cinemas in Australia and New Zealand, while Canal+ has acquired France and Poland. Swipe Films handles sales rights and will release the pic in UK cinemas on June 25.
The doc features Stephen Fry and a host of notable figures from the champagne world, including: Taittinger President Vitalie Taittinger, Bollinger Chairman Etienne Bizot, Dom Perignon wine-maker Vincent Chaperon Nicholas Soames, the grand-son of Winston Churchill, the authors Oz Clarke, Don and Petie Kladstrup, and the Queen’s winemaker, Tony Laithwaite.
The film shot in France, England, New York and...
Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios Company, has acquired North America and is lining up a release on August 13, Britbox has acquired UK (excluding theatrical rights), Smile Entertainment has Scandinavia (with Fidalgo in Norway) and Rialto will be releasing the film in 50 cinemas in Australia and New Zealand, while Canal+ has acquired France and Poland. Swipe Films handles sales rights and will release the pic in UK cinemas on June 25.
The doc features Stephen Fry and a host of notable figures from the champagne world, including: Taittinger President Vitalie Taittinger, Bollinger Chairman Etienne Bizot, Dom Perignon wine-maker Vincent Chaperon Nicholas Soames, the grand-son of Winston Churchill, the authors Oz Clarke, Don and Petie Kladstrup, and the Queen’s winemaker, Tony Laithwaite.
The film shot in France, England, New York and...
- 6/8/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Festivals
The Banff World Media Festival (Banff) has unveiled its masterclass lineup for this year’s online festival taking place June 14–July 16. Classes will be held by creative team members of major global programs including “It’s a Sin,” hosted by creator Russel T. Davies, director Peter Hoar and actor Nathaniel Curtis; Warner Bros. Television’s Peabody-winning series “David Makes Man,” led by creator Tarell Alvin McCraney; “Transplant” with creator and showrunner Joseph Kay; Finnish animated series “Moominvalley”; CBC’s “Sort Of”; and a previously announced presentation from the creative team behind FX’s new series “Reservation Dogs.”
*****
Thong Kay Wee has been appointed as program director of the Singapore International Film Festival, taking over from Kuo Ming-Jung. He will work alongside executive director Emily J. Hoe from June 21. Thong was previously program and outreach officer at the Asian Film Archive. There, he has presided over multiple film-centric programs with a...
The Banff World Media Festival (Banff) has unveiled its masterclass lineup for this year’s online festival taking place June 14–July 16. Classes will be held by creative team members of major global programs including “It’s a Sin,” hosted by creator Russel T. Davies, director Peter Hoar and actor Nathaniel Curtis; Warner Bros. Television’s Peabody-winning series “David Makes Man,” led by creator Tarell Alvin McCraney; “Transplant” with creator and showrunner Joseph Kay; Finnish animated series “Moominvalley”; CBC’s “Sort Of”; and a previously announced presentation from the creative team behind FX’s new series “Reservation Dogs.”
*****
Thong Kay Wee has been appointed as program director of the Singapore International Film Festival, taking over from Kuo Ming-Jung. He will work alongside executive director Emily J. Hoe from June 21. Thong was previously program and outreach officer at the Asian Film Archive. There, he has presided over multiple film-centric programs with a...
- 6/7/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Feature documentary includes Stephen Fry and leading names from the world of champagne.
UK independent outfit Swipe Films is to handle world sales on Sparkling: The Story Of Champagne, a feature documentary that will include Stephen Fry and leading names from the world of fine wine.
The film marks the directorial debut of Irish producer and Swipe Films managing director Frank Mannion, and is in post-production. The first footage will be shown to buyers at the European Film Market (Efm) in March, with the feature set to be completed in time for Cannes. Talks are underway with an agency to co-represent in the US.
UK independent outfit Swipe Films is to handle world sales on Sparkling: The Story Of Champagne, a feature documentary that will include Stephen Fry and leading names from the world of fine wine.
The film marks the directorial debut of Irish producer and Swipe Films managing director Frank Mannion, and is in post-production. The first footage will be shown to buyers at the European Film Market (Efm) in March, with the feature set to be completed in time for Cannes. Talks are underway with an agency to co-represent in the US.
- 1/13/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
In today’s Global Bulletin, Inclusive Cinema addresses racism; Swipe pops champagne documentary; BFI seeks film fund director; Sky goes green; Sovereign acquires “Verdict”; and Blackstone buys “Stars Wars” building.
The U.K.’s Inclusive Cinema project has launched a guide for improving the cinema experiences of ethnically diverse audiences and staff — a directive that challenges institutions to make good on their Black Lives Matter and anti-racism statements from 2020.
The guide, titled “Dismantling Structural Inequality in Your Cinema,” was commissioned from artist and freelancer Sadia Pineda Hameed, and is cited by its writer as “the last toolkit that cinemas should need.” The toolkit examines the role of cinemas in the context of systemic injustice and focuses on preventing harm towards people of color. From immediately actionable tools, to encouraging inner, reflective and dialogue-based work, towards undoing systemic injustice, the guide is intended to create lasting change for future generations, and...
The U.K.’s Inclusive Cinema project has launched a guide for improving the cinema experiences of ethnically diverse audiences and staff — a directive that challenges institutions to make good on their Black Lives Matter and anti-racism statements from 2020.
The guide, titled “Dismantling Structural Inequality in Your Cinema,” was commissioned from artist and freelancer Sadia Pineda Hameed, and is cited by its writer as “the last toolkit that cinemas should need.” The toolkit examines the role of cinemas in the context of systemic injustice and focuses on preventing harm towards people of color. From immediately actionable tools, to encouraging inner, reflective and dialogue-based work, towards undoing systemic injustice, the guide is intended to create lasting change for future generations, and...
- 1/12/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Buyers expressed optimism over a handful of titles amid London security concerns.
Despite at least one distributor cancelling their trip to the 13th edition of The Film London London Screenings (19-22 June) due to the recent UK terror attacks, organisers and buyers expressed optimism about this year’s lineup.
In the sweltering heat of one of the hottest months of June in recent memory, distributors watched films represented by British sales agents in the air-conditioned sanctuary of the BFI Southbank.
Around 150 delegates (roughly 125 international buyers and a number of UK distributors, festival directors and programmers) attended the event, which showcases completed films and works in progress.
Alongside the usual smattering of European buyers, there were several Us distributors in attendance, among then Magnolia, The Weinstein Company, AMC, Film Movement and Screen Media. Buyers also came from as far afield as Taiwan and Brazil.
“It was a concern of mine whether the recent events (in London) would have an...
Despite at least one distributor cancelling their trip to the 13th edition of The Film London London Screenings (19-22 June) due to the recent UK terror attacks, organisers and buyers expressed optimism about this year’s lineup.
In the sweltering heat of one of the hottest months of June in recent memory, distributors watched films represented by British sales agents in the air-conditioned sanctuary of the BFI Southbank.
Around 150 delegates (roughly 125 international buyers and a number of UK distributors, festival directors and programmers) attended the event, which showcases completed films and works in progress.
Alongside the usual smattering of European buyers, there were several Us distributors in attendance, among then Magnolia, The Weinstein Company, AMC, Film Movement and Screen Media. Buyers also came from as far afield as Taiwan and Brazil.
“It was a concern of mine whether the recent events (in London) would have an...
- 6/23/2017
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Read More: Watch: Bonnie and Clyde Meet Martin Scorsese in Gangster-Fueled 'The Wannabe' Trailer UK distributor Swipe Films has acquired the UK rights to Belfast-born director Maeve Murphy's latest feature, "Taking Stock," and has announced that it will release the indie feature on February 12, 2016. Featuring Kelly Brook in a starring role, Murphy's newest film won four Angel Film Awards at its international premiere at the 13th Annual Monaco International Film Festival, held in in Monte Carlo last weekend. The decision was made thanks to an all-female jury, which included the executive producer of "Beasts of No Nation," Elika Portnoy. In total, "Taking Stock" won the Independent Spirit Award, co-star Junichi Kajioka won the Best Supporting Actor Award, Gerry Vasbenter won Best Cinematographer and Maeve Murphy, Frank Mannion and Richard Yetzes won for Best Producer. Murphy is an award-winning writer/director...
- 12/9/2015
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Independent film distributor to offer a real diamond to UK cinemagoers as part of marketing campaign.
Swipe Films has acquired the UK and Irish rights to The Last Diamond (Le Dernier Diamant) from Other Angle Pictures and All About Them (A Trois on Y Va) from Versatile Films .
Eric Barbier’s The Last Diamond stars Berenice Bejo (The Artist) as a gem expert in charge of auctioning a 137-carat diamond while Yvan Attal plays a con-man.
Swipe is offering a real diamond that has been specially designed for the UK campaign and every cinemagoer who goes to see the film on its opening weekend has a chance to win it.
The acquisition was negotiated by Swipe Films’ Frank Mannion and Other Angle Pictures’ Olivier Albou.
Speaking about the unique marketing campaign, Mannion said: “The Last Diamond is an original thriller about a spectacular diamond heist, so we felt that we had to come up with something...
Swipe Films has acquired the UK and Irish rights to The Last Diamond (Le Dernier Diamant) from Other Angle Pictures and All About Them (A Trois on Y Va) from Versatile Films .
Eric Barbier’s The Last Diamond stars Berenice Bejo (The Artist) as a gem expert in charge of auctioning a 137-carat diamond while Yvan Attal plays a con-man.
Swipe is offering a real diamond that has been specially designed for the UK campaign and every cinemagoer who goes to see the film on its opening weekend has a chance to win it.
The acquisition was negotiated by Swipe Films’ Frank Mannion and Other Angle Pictures’ Olivier Albou.
Speaking about the unique marketing campaign, Mannion said: “The Last Diamond is an original thriller about a spectacular diamond heist, so we felt that we had to come up with something...
- 11/25/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s film centres on a dictator’s final days in a country taken over by revolutionists.
Independent film distributor Swipe Films has acquired the UK and Irish rights to UK-French-Georgian-German co-production The President, from Bac Films International
The film is directed by Iranian film-maker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who lives in exile in London and Paris.
Makhmalbaf was tortured and spent five years in prison in Tehran as a teenager when he was shot by a policeman while protesting the dictatorship of the Shah of Iran.
The President was shot entirely in Georgia and tells the story of a revolution and the collapse of a dictatorship. It is inspired by the different revolutions taking place in Iran and the Middle East in recent years.
“It is a modern fable about power, reconciliation, and the hope for breaking a never ending circle of violence, exploring the possibility of stopping the violence after a revolution in search of freedom...
Independent film distributor Swipe Films has acquired the UK and Irish rights to UK-French-Georgian-German co-production The President, from Bac Films International
The film is directed by Iranian film-maker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who lives in exile in London and Paris.
Makhmalbaf was tortured and spent five years in prison in Tehran as a teenager when he was shot by a policeman while protesting the dictatorship of the Shah of Iran.
The President was shot entirely in Georgia and tells the story of a revolution and the collapse of a dictatorship. It is inspired by the different revolutions taking place in Iran and the Middle East in recent years.
“It is a modern fable about power, reconciliation, and the hope for breaking a never ending circle of violence, exploring the possibility of stopping the violence after a revolution in search of freedom...
- 8/14/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Cinema Management Group founder Edward Noeltner has struck a deal for Arc Entertainment to distribute the credit card scam thriller in North America.
Cmg handles worldwide sales and struck a previously reported UK deal with Paramount that saw Plastic reach the top 10 earlier in the month.
Noeltner and his team licensed Scandinavian rights to Another World on top of previously reported business in Cannes for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland (Palatin Media), Japan (Interfilm) and Australia and New Zealand (Anchor Bay).
Julian Gilbey directed Plastic and co-wrote with his brother Will and Chris Howard the screenplay about a gang of university student fraudsters who plan a jewel heist in Miami to repay a mobster.
Ed Speleers of Downton Abbey stars alongside Will Poulter, Alfie Allen, Sebastian De Souza, Emma Rigby, Thomas Kretschmann and Graham McTavish.
Alessandro Forte, Howard, Frank Mannion, Terry Stone and Daniel Toland produced and the executive producer roster comprises Nick Gamble, Brian Gray, [link...
Cmg handles worldwide sales and struck a previously reported UK deal with Paramount that saw Plastic reach the top 10 earlier in the month.
Noeltner and his team licensed Scandinavian rights to Another World on top of previously reported business in Cannes for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland (Palatin Media), Japan (Interfilm) and Australia and New Zealand (Anchor Bay).
Julian Gilbey directed Plastic and co-wrote with his brother Will and Chris Howard the screenplay about a gang of university student fraudsters who plan a jewel heist in Miami to repay a mobster.
Ed Speleers of Downton Abbey stars alongside Will Poulter, Alfie Allen, Sebastian De Souza, Emma Rigby, Thomas Kretschmann and Graham McTavish.
Alessandro Forte, Howard, Frank Mannion, Terry Stone and Daniel Toland produced and the executive producer roster comprises Nick Gamble, Brian Gray, [link...
- 5/29/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Cinema Management Group founder Edward Noeltner has struck a deal for Arc Entertainment to distribute the credit card scam thriller in North America.
Cmg handles worldwide sales and struck a previously reported UK deal with Paramount that saw the film reach the top 10 earlier in the month.
Noeltner and his team licensed Scandinavian rights to Another World on top of previously reported business in Cannes for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland (Palatin Media), Japan (Interfilm) and Australia and New Zealand (Anchor Bay).
Julian Gilbey directed Plastic and co-wrote with his brother Will and Chris Howard the screenplay about a gang of university student fraudsters who plan a jewel heist in Miami to repay a mobster.
Ed Speleers of Downton Abbey stars alongside Will Poulter, Alfie Allen, Sebastian De Souza, Emma Rigby (pictured), Thomas Kretschmann and Graham McTavish.
Alessandro Forte, Howard, Frank Mannion, Tony Stone and Daniel Toland produced and the executive producer roster comprises Nick Gamble, [link...
Cmg handles worldwide sales and struck a previously reported UK deal with Paramount that saw the film reach the top 10 earlier in the month.
Noeltner and his team licensed Scandinavian rights to Another World on top of previously reported business in Cannes for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland (Palatin Media), Japan (Interfilm) and Australia and New Zealand (Anchor Bay).
Julian Gilbey directed Plastic and co-wrote with his brother Will and Chris Howard the screenplay about a gang of university student fraudsters who plan a jewel heist in Miami to repay a mobster.
Ed Speleers of Downton Abbey stars alongside Will Poulter, Alfie Allen, Sebastian De Souza, Emma Rigby (pictured), Thomas Kretschmann and Graham McTavish.
Alessandro Forte, Howard, Frank Mannion, Tony Stone and Daniel Toland produced and the executive producer roster comprises Nick Gamble, [link...
- 5/29/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Chilean film Las niñas Quispe (The Quispe Girls) had its world premiere at the International Critics Week at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. The independent section of the festival groups together seven debut feature films from all over the world. It has garnered some positive reviews and also managed to grab some distribution deals from Frank Mannion's Swipe Films. Also today, Fabula (the production company that brought us films like No and Gloria) released three brand new clips that show us how the visual style of the film will be, and you can watch them below.The synopsis of the film reads as follows:Based on facts that happened on 1974, Las niñas Quispe tells the story of the sisters Justa, Lucía and Luciana Quispe, sheperds...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 9/1/2013
- Screen Anarchy
Swipe Films is releasing Mike Figgis’ new erotic thriller Suspension of Disbelief with a promotional tie-in with lingerie boutique Coco De Mer.
Everyone who goes to see the film during its opening week in the UK (July 19-25) will have the chance to win a £200 voucher at Coco de Mer, the luxury erotic store in Covent Garden.
The film, which blurs fiction and reality, is about a professor who is implicated in the murder of a young French woman. Sebastian Koch, Lotte Verbeek, Emilia Fox, Julian Sands, Kenneth Cranham and Frances De La Tour star.
Frank Mannion of Swipe Films said: “The big release this weekend is Edgar Wright’s The World’s End, which is bound to attract a male dominated audience. As counter-programming, we thought we would try and incentivise women (and their boyfriends) to see a classy thriller, with the added attraction of a fantastic prize of a stunning makeover at Coco de Mer...
Everyone who goes to see the film during its opening week in the UK (July 19-25) will have the chance to win a £200 voucher at Coco de Mer, the luxury erotic store in Covent Garden.
The film, which blurs fiction and reality, is about a professor who is implicated in the murder of a young French woman. Sebastian Koch, Lotte Verbeek, Emilia Fox, Julian Sands, Kenneth Cranham and Frances De La Tour star.
Frank Mannion of Swipe Films said: “The big release this weekend is Edgar Wright’s The World’s End, which is bound to attract a male dominated audience. As counter-programming, we thought we would try and incentivise women (and their boyfriends) to see a classy thriller, with the added attraction of a fantastic prize of a stunning makeover at Coco de Mer...
- 7/17/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Swipe Films has boarded Mike Figgis’ erotic thriller, Suspension of Disbelief, as UK theatrical distributor.
The film stars Sebastian Koch (The Lives of Others), Lotte Verbeek (The Borgias), Emilia Fox, Julian Sands, Kenneth Cranham and Frances De la Tour.
For production details visit
Suspension of Disbelief
The feature will have its UK premiere at London’s East End Film Festival on July 6. Swipe will release it in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on July 19. To promote the film, Figgis will conduct a series of Q&As across the country
Blurring lines between fiction and reality, the story is about a literature professor who becomes implicated in the murder of a mysterious young French woman.
The film had its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival.
Content Media is the international sales agent on the film. Producers are Vito di Rosa of Sosho and Mike Figgis of Red Mullet. The film was...
The film stars Sebastian Koch (The Lives of Others), Lotte Verbeek (The Borgias), Emilia Fox, Julian Sands, Kenneth Cranham and Frances De la Tour.
For production details visit
Suspension of Disbelief
The feature will have its UK premiere at London’s East End Film Festival on July 6. Swipe will release it in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on July 19. To promote the film, Figgis will conduct a series of Q&As across the country
Blurring lines between fiction and reality, the story is about a literature professor who becomes implicated in the murder of a mysterious young French woman.
The film had its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival.
Content Media is the international sales agent on the film. Producers are Vito di Rosa of Sosho and Mike Figgis of Red Mullet. The film was...
- 6/28/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Swipe Films boards sales on comedy-drama which shoots July 1.
Kelly Brook is to star in comedy-drama Taking Stock, written and directed by Maeve Murphy.
The Bonnie and Clyde-inspired feature, set in London and Paris, begins shoot on July 1.
Swipe Films has boarded sales during Luff.
Scot Williams, Georgia Groome, Jay Brown, Xavier Alcan and Femi Oyeniran round out the cast. Gerry Vasbenter is DoP.
For full production credits visit
Taking Stock
The film was developed by Northern Ireland Screen and is based on the short Sushi, also written and directed by Murphy, which won the Sub-Ti International Short Film Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2011.
Co-financiers are Prime Focus and producers are Geoff Austin and Maeve Murphy, with Frank Mannion of Swipe Films as executive producer.
Brook said: “I am excited to start filming Taking Stock. It’s a hilarious film full of twists and turns. It is so important that we continue to support...
Kelly Brook is to star in comedy-drama Taking Stock, written and directed by Maeve Murphy.
The Bonnie and Clyde-inspired feature, set in London and Paris, begins shoot on July 1.
Swipe Films has boarded sales during Luff.
Scot Williams, Georgia Groome, Jay Brown, Xavier Alcan and Femi Oyeniran round out the cast. Gerry Vasbenter is DoP.
For full production credits visit
Taking Stock
The film was developed by Northern Ireland Screen and is based on the short Sushi, also written and directed by Murphy, which won the Sub-Ti International Short Film Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2011.
Co-financiers are Prime Focus and producers are Geoff Austin and Maeve Murphy, with Frank Mannion of Swipe Films as executive producer.
Brook said: “I am excited to start filming Taking Stock. It’s a hilarious film full of twists and turns. It is so important that we continue to support...
- 6/25/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Gary Oldman on why his character Bex from the 1989 movie The Firm says everything about the Thatcher years
Maggie at the movies
There isn't a section of society or the media that hasn't reflected on what Margaret Thatcher meant. Film, football, sport, cookery – they've all weighed in with their Thatcher memories when, it seems to me, all we're really doing is basically remembering the 1980s. The nation has become a nostalgia radio station, like a giant Capital Gold, over the past week. Still, I'm not going to let that stop Trash going off on one. Maggie, we know, cared little for the arts — why should she, when every play, film or standup comedian was basically slagging her off? Hate figure she may have been, but it didn't half make for a lively antagonism for writers and directors. Don't we miss having such a big target these days? The only equivalent...
Maggie at the movies
There isn't a section of society or the media that hasn't reflected on what Margaret Thatcher meant. Film, football, sport, cookery – they've all weighed in with their Thatcher memories when, it seems to me, all we're really doing is basically remembering the 1980s. The nation has become a nostalgia radio station, like a giant Capital Gold, over the past week. Still, I'm not going to let that stop Trash going off on one. Maggie, we know, cared little for the arts — why should she, when every play, film or standup comedian was basically slagging her off? Hate figure she may have been, but it didn't half make for a lively antagonism for writers and directors. Don't we miss having such a big target these days? The only equivalent...
- 4/13/2013
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
Irish actor Aidan Gillen (Love/Hate, The Wire) has received British Independent Film Award nomination in the Best Actor category for his performance in Jamie Thraves' 'Treacle Junior'. The film has also been named among the shortlist for the Raindance Award alongside 'Jackboots On Whitehall' – a film written and directed by brothers Edward & Rory McHenry and exec-produced by Irishman Frank Mannion. The Raindance Award honours exceptional achievement for filmmakers working against the odds, often with little or no industry support.
- 11/1/2010
- IFTN
LONDON -- Ewan McGregor and Richard Griffiths have joined the voice cast of Jackboots On Whitehall, U.K. production, sales and distribution banner Swipe Films said Tuesday.
The duo join a cast that includes Tom Wilkinson, Alan Cumming, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant and Timothy Spall in the World War II spoof that uses action figures to imagine what would have happened if the Germans had won the Battle of Britain (HR 12/7/06).
McGregor will take the lead role as a heroic Scottish farmhand who leads the resistance against the invaders and wins the girl (Pike).
Griffiths, who won a BAFTA nomination for his role in The History Boys, will play Luftwaffe leader Hermann Goering.
Using specially designed GI Joe-style action figures, producer Frank Mannion (Grand Theft Parsons) said the $2 million-budgeted movie is in the vein of Team America without the strings.
It marks the feature debut of director Edward McHenry, who also co-wrote the script with his brother Rory. The project is being co-produced by Jamie English and executive produced by casting agent Debbie McWilliams.
The duo join a cast that includes Tom Wilkinson, Alan Cumming, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant and Timothy Spall in the World War II spoof that uses action figures to imagine what would have happened if the Germans had won the Battle of Britain (HR 12/7/06).
McGregor will take the lead role as a heroic Scottish farmhand who leads the resistance against the invaders and wins the girl (Pike).
Griffiths, who won a BAFTA nomination for his role in The History Boys, will play Luftwaffe leader Hermann Goering.
Using specially designed GI Joe-style action figures, producer Frank Mannion (Grand Theft Parsons) said the $2 million-budgeted movie is in the vein of Team America without the strings.
It marks the feature debut of director Edward McHenry, who also co-wrote the script with his brother Rory. The project is being co-produced by Jamie English and executive produced by casting agent Debbie McWilliams.
- 1/16/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- A stellar cast including Tom Wilkinson, Alan Cumming, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant and Timothy Spall has assembled to add their voices to what promises to be one the most unusual movies made on U.K. shores in recent years.
U.K. production, sales and distribution banner Swipe Films began recording the all-star cast's vocal contributions Thursday for "Jackboots On Whitehall", billed as a comedy spoof set during World War II.
The script imagines what would have happened had Germany invaded Britain but were then defeated by the Scots at the border with England.
Using specially designed GI Joe-type action figures, producer Frank Mannion ("Grand Theft Parsons") said the $2 million-budgeted movie is in the vein of "Team America" -- minus the strings.
"It's one of the funniest scripts I have read in a long time with a delightful twist at the end," Mannion said.
The movie has benefited from the help of top British casting director Debbie McWilliams -- she cast "Casino Royale" and the previous six James Bond outings -- who takes an executive producer credit on "Jackboots".
The voice cast also includes Sanjeev Bhaskar, Richard O'Brien, Neil Newbon, Pam Ferris, Tobias Menzies and Hugh Fraser, Mannion said.
U.K. production, sales and distribution banner Swipe Films began recording the all-star cast's vocal contributions Thursday for "Jackboots On Whitehall", billed as a comedy spoof set during World War II.
The script imagines what would have happened had Germany invaded Britain but were then defeated by the Scots at the border with England.
Using specially designed GI Joe-type action figures, producer Frank Mannion ("Grand Theft Parsons") said the $2 million-budgeted movie is in the vein of "Team America" -- minus the strings.
"It's one of the funniest scripts I have read in a long time with a delightful twist at the end," Mannion said.
The movie has benefited from the help of top British casting director Debbie McWilliams -- she cast "Casino Royale" and the previous six James Bond outings -- who takes an executive producer credit on "Jackboots".
The voice cast also includes Sanjeev Bhaskar, Richard O'Brien, Neil Newbon, Pam Ferris, Tobias Menzies and Hugh Fraser, Mannion said.
- 12/7/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Mad Cows" harks back to a style of British comedy long thought extinct. With its broad humor, occasional overacting and love of guest appearances by different sorts of "celebrities," it is more in tune with the "Carry On ..". films than with the more sophisticated humor of "Notting Hill" or the funnier insights of social-based films like "The Full Monty".
Often the film's comedy hits its targets, though there are just as many times it is wide of the mark.
The astute casting of hot, young actress Anna Friel ("William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream") in the lead role is well balanced by having the much-loved Joanna Lumley from TV's "Absolutely Fabulous" play her best friend Gillian. The strong U.K. promotional campaign linked to the accessibility of the stars points to local success, while there is much to interest an American audience looking for a fresh dose of British humor. The U.S. distribution rights have not been sold.
Although very much a British film, it's based on a popular book by Australian author Kathy Lette and much of the humor comes from having a good go at the dubious morals and attitudes of the Brits. Friel plays Maddy, an unwed and forthright Australian, who comes to London to reconcile with Alex (Greg Wise, in a nice contrast to his role in "Sense and Sensibility"), her ex-lover and father of her 6-week-old son Jack.
While shopping at Harrods department store, she decides to relieve the ache of her lactating breasts by borrowing a pack of frozen peas from the food department and inserting them into her bra. After leaving the store, she is promptly arrested for shoplifting and sent to prison.
After some dubious counseling by Dwina Phelps (Anna Massey), a distraught Maddy signs Jack away for adoption. But after realizing she has been conned, she convinces her Gillian to smuggle the baby out of prison.
Much of the best humor comes from the scenes where Gillian checks into a posh hotel and tries her best to deal with the needy infant. Her skill lies with use of rich men's credit cards rather than maternal abilities.
Meanwhile, Maddy escapes from prison and, unable to find Gillian, hooks up again with Alex. Despite a night of passion, he still refuses to help. Maddy and Gillian finally hook up and make their way to a party hosted by Alex's mother Lady Drake (Phyllida Law).
"Mad Cows" is directed by Sara Sugarman with a plethora of unusual camera angles and sharp editing. The film boasts an eclectic cast, which includes expert character actors Law, Prunella Scales, Massey and John Standing. There are also cameo roles (who will often mean more to Brits than overseas audiences) by Harrods' owner Mohamed Al Fayed (who plays a Harrods doorman), much-photographed society girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and models Jodie Kidd, Sophie Dahl and Susie Bick (all of whom play prisoners).
Friel does a fine job of her Australian accent and plays her character with gusto. Lumley, though, is the real star of the film, further developing her Patsy character from "Absolutely Fabulous" and achieving a wonderful balance between humor and tenderness.
"Mad Cows" is easy viewing humor that takes nothing seriously and succeeds in showing there is much more variety of product coming from the British film industry than there was a few years ago.
MAD COWS
Newmarket Capital Group, Capitol Films
and Entertainment Film Distributors
A Flashlight production
Producers: Frank Mannion, Aaron Simpson
Director: Sara Sugarman
Screenwriters: Sara Sugarman, Sasha Halis
Director of photography: Pierre Aim
Production designer: Jospeh Nemec III
Music: Mark Thomas
Co-producer: Liz Bunton
Costume designer: Trisha Biggar
Editor: John Jympson
Color/stereo
Cast:
Maddy: Anna Friel
Gillian: Joanna Lumley
Alex: Greg Wise
Dwina Phelps: Anna Massey
Lady Drake: Phyllida Law
Johnny Vaguelawn: John Standing
Petronella: Hermione Norris
Dr. Minny Stinkler: Prunella Scales
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Often the film's comedy hits its targets, though there are just as many times it is wide of the mark.
The astute casting of hot, young actress Anna Friel ("William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream") in the lead role is well balanced by having the much-loved Joanna Lumley from TV's "Absolutely Fabulous" play her best friend Gillian. The strong U.K. promotional campaign linked to the accessibility of the stars points to local success, while there is much to interest an American audience looking for a fresh dose of British humor. The U.S. distribution rights have not been sold.
Although very much a British film, it's based on a popular book by Australian author Kathy Lette and much of the humor comes from having a good go at the dubious morals and attitudes of the Brits. Friel plays Maddy, an unwed and forthright Australian, who comes to London to reconcile with Alex (Greg Wise, in a nice contrast to his role in "Sense and Sensibility"), her ex-lover and father of her 6-week-old son Jack.
While shopping at Harrods department store, she decides to relieve the ache of her lactating breasts by borrowing a pack of frozen peas from the food department and inserting them into her bra. After leaving the store, she is promptly arrested for shoplifting and sent to prison.
After some dubious counseling by Dwina Phelps (Anna Massey), a distraught Maddy signs Jack away for adoption. But after realizing she has been conned, she convinces her Gillian to smuggle the baby out of prison.
Much of the best humor comes from the scenes where Gillian checks into a posh hotel and tries her best to deal with the needy infant. Her skill lies with use of rich men's credit cards rather than maternal abilities.
Meanwhile, Maddy escapes from prison and, unable to find Gillian, hooks up again with Alex. Despite a night of passion, he still refuses to help. Maddy and Gillian finally hook up and make their way to a party hosted by Alex's mother Lady Drake (Phyllida Law).
"Mad Cows" is directed by Sara Sugarman with a plethora of unusual camera angles and sharp editing. The film boasts an eclectic cast, which includes expert character actors Law, Prunella Scales, Massey and John Standing. There are also cameo roles (who will often mean more to Brits than overseas audiences) by Harrods' owner Mohamed Al Fayed (who plays a Harrods doorman), much-photographed society girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and models Jodie Kidd, Sophie Dahl and Susie Bick (all of whom play prisoners).
Friel does a fine job of her Australian accent and plays her character with gusto. Lumley, though, is the real star of the film, further developing her Patsy character from "Absolutely Fabulous" and achieving a wonderful balance between humor and tenderness.
"Mad Cows" is easy viewing humor that takes nothing seriously and succeeds in showing there is much more variety of product coming from the British film industry than there was a few years ago.
MAD COWS
Newmarket Capital Group, Capitol Films
and Entertainment Film Distributors
A Flashlight production
Producers: Frank Mannion, Aaron Simpson
Director: Sara Sugarman
Screenwriters: Sara Sugarman, Sasha Halis
Director of photography: Pierre Aim
Production designer: Jospeh Nemec III
Music: Mark Thomas
Co-producer: Liz Bunton
Costume designer: Trisha Biggar
Editor: John Jympson
Color/stereo
Cast:
Maddy: Anna Friel
Gillian: Joanna Lumley
Alex: Greg Wise
Dwina Phelps: Anna Massey
Lady Drake: Phyllida Law
Johnny Vaguelawn: John Standing
Petronella: Hermione Norris
Dr. Minny Stinkler: Prunella Scales
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 11/5/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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