For his follow-up to Blue Story, Rapman is going big. The multi-talented creator announced himself as a filmmaker to watch with his hit debut feature film – earning sizeable box office and a raft of positive reviews, despite controversial cinema bans on his tale of childhood friends driven apart by gang violence. His latest project, Supacell, isn’t a film but a Netflix series – an original show about a group of South Londoners who develop superpowers, exploring how their lives are forever changed.
While the idea of ordinary people receiving extraordinary abilities is a familiar format, Rapman is bringing his own personal perspective to it – while drawing from what came before in beloved shows like Heroes and Misfits. “I loved Heroes,” he tells Empire. “It was the closest to my image of what I thought a show about superpowers should be like. It was a massive inspiration.” And while he’s bringing in genre elements,...
While the idea of ordinary people receiving extraordinary abilities is a familiar format, Rapman is bringing his own personal perspective to it – while drawing from what came before in beloved shows like Heroes and Misfits. “I loved Heroes,” he tells Empire. “It was the closest to my image of what I thought a show about superpowers should be like. It was a massive inspiration.” And while he’s bringing in genre elements,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - TV
Amazon UK MD Chris Bird was among the latest group of industry execs to appear in front of the UK’s British Film & High-End TV Inquiry this afternoon, during which he revealed how much cash the streamer has invested in content from UK broadcasters for the first time.
“We have spent more than $400 million licensing, co-producing, and co-commissioning content from the UK Public Service Broadcasters,” Bird said. “Not only to make bigger and better shows but we’ve also helped produce everything from Steve McQueen’s Small Axe and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag to the recently announced second and third seasons of The Night Manager with the BBC.”
Deadline was first to break news of The Night Manager returning with Tom Hiddleston signed on to star.
Prime Video doesn’t only help produce these hits but also distributes them to territories across the globe, Bird added. “Outside of America, British...
“We have spent more than $400 million licensing, co-producing, and co-commissioning content from the UK Public Service Broadcasters,” Bird said. “Not only to make bigger and better shows but we’ve also helped produce everything from Steve McQueen’s Small Axe and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag to the recently announced second and third seasons of The Night Manager with the BBC.”
Deadline was first to break news of The Night Manager returning with Tom Hiddleston signed on to star.
Prime Video doesn’t only help produce these hits but also distributes them to territories across the globe, Bird added. “Outside of America, British...
- 5/8/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The MCU is about to mutate. The arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine is set to bring an all-new flavour to the Marvel universe – teaming up Ryan Reynolds’ Merc With A Mouth and Hugh Jackman’s adamantium-clawed Logan for a mad, meta buddy movie. The new issue of Empire takes a world-exclusive deep-dive into the film speaking to its stars and filmmakers – and you’ll find it on newsstands from Thursday 9 May.
For now, take an early peek at what’s inside the magazine. Hold onto your chimichangas!
Deadpool & Wolverine
What happens when you team up two volatile agents of chaos, take them out of their respective worlds, and plunge them into the MCU? You get Wolverine & Deadpool, a no-holds-barred Marvel movie set to change the game. Empire speaks to Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, director Shawn Levy, Marvel boss Kevin Feige and more about unleashing mutant mayhem in the Marvel universe.
For now, take an early peek at what’s inside the magazine. Hold onto your chimichangas!
Deadpool & Wolverine
What happens when you team up two volatile agents of chaos, take them out of their respective worlds, and plunge them into the MCU? You get Wolverine & Deadpool, a no-holds-barred Marvel movie set to change the game. Empire speaks to Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, director Shawn Levy, Marvel boss Kevin Feige and more about unleashing mutant mayhem in the Marvel universe.
- 5/8/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Eric is coming to Netflix in late May.
Abi Morgan’s UK-produced, U.S.-shot drama series, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a desperate father searching for his son in 1980s New York, will launch globally on the streamer on May 30. You can see a first look at the show above.
Cumberbatch is an exec producer on the show, which is from Chernobyl producer Sister. The likes of Gaby Hoffman, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler and Phoebe Nicholls also star. Cast is rounded out by Clarke Peters, Ivan Howe, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar and Roberta Colindrez.
The six-part series from The Split writer Morgan was first unveiled as part of a five-strong Netflix UK drama slate that also included the recent One Day adaptation and Rahman’s London superhero series Supacell, which is slated to launch in June.
The emotional thriller follows puppeteer and children’s...
Abi Morgan’s UK-produced, U.S.-shot drama series, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a desperate father searching for his son in 1980s New York, will launch globally on the streamer on May 30. You can see a first look at the show above.
Cumberbatch is an exec producer on the show, which is from Chernobyl producer Sister. The likes of Gaby Hoffman, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler and Phoebe Nicholls also star. Cast is rounded out by Clarke Peters, Ivan Howe, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar and Roberta Colindrez.
The six-part series from The Split writer Morgan was first unveiled as part of a five-strong Netflix UK drama slate that also included the recent One Day adaptation and Rahman’s London superhero series Supacell, which is slated to launch in June.
The emotional thriller follows puppeteer and children’s...
- 3/22/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Goosebumps has upped its friend game.
David Schwimmer will star in Season 2 of the Disney+ anthology, Variety reports. He’ll play Anthony, a former botany professor whose life takes a hectic turn as he juggles the responsibilities of caring for an aging parent with having his teenage twins full-time for the summer.
More from TVLineX-Men '97 Review: A Confident, Kinetic Follow-Up to Original Animated SeriesTaylor Swift's Eras Tour Debuts as Disney+'s No. 1 Music Film, With Nearly 5 Million Views'Someone's Killing Jedi' in Star Wars: The Acolyte Trailer - Watch, Get Disney+ Release Date
Per the official synopsis, new...
David Schwimmer will star in Season 2 of the Disney+ anthology, Variety reports. He’ll play Anthony, a former botany professor whose life takes a hectic turn as he juggles the responsibilities of caring for an aging parent with having his teenage twins full-time for the summer.
More from TVLineX-Men '97 Review: A Confident, Kinetic Follow-Up to Original Animated SeriesTaylor Swift's Eras Tour Debuts as Disney+'s No. 1 Music Film, With Nearly 5 Million Views'Someone's Killing Jedi' in Star Wars: The Acolyte Trailer - Watch, Get Disney+ Release Date
Per the official synopsis, new...
- 3/20/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Supacell is a British superhero series heading to Netflix in June from Rapman, and here’s the trailer.
While America generally has the monopoly on superhero films, Britain has had its fair share of caped crusaders over the years.
The most recent example is Emma Moran’s Extraordinary, which is now available to watch on Itvx. From 2009 to 2013, Howard Overman achieved huge success with five series of irreverent comedy drama Misfits. Drew Pearce, who went on to co-write Iron Man 3 with Shane Black, began his career writing the little seen superhero sitcom No Heroics in 2008.
Perhaps the biggest shame, though, is that the film adaptation of clasic 1970s cartoon Bananaman, which was voiced by Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, also known as The Goodies, never materialised, though a stage musical premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2017.
Netflix drama Supacell is the next to have a go, and...
While America generally has the monopoly on superhero films, Britain has had its fair share of caped crusaders over the years.
The most recent example is Emma Moran’s Extraordinary, which is now available to watch on Itvx. From 2009 to 2013, Howard Overman achieved huge success with five series of irreverent comedy drama Misfits. Drew Pearce, who went on to co-write Iron Man 3 with Shane Black, began his career writing the little seen superhero sitcom No Heroics in 2008.
Perhaps the biggest shame, though, is that the film adaptation of clasic 1970s cartoon Bananaman, which was voiced by Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, also known as The Goodies, never materialised, though a stage musical premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2017.
Netflix drama Supacell is the next to have a go, and...
- 3/20/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
"You can save her..." "How?" "You need all four. One dies, she dies." Netflix has unveiled a first look teaser trailer for a thriller series titled Supacell, arriving for streaming this summer. It's the next creation by the Blue Story director who goes under the moniker "Rapman", an urban London story about people with super powers who have to join together. "Find them, before it's too late." When a regular group of ordinary people from South London are gifted with superpowers, they find their new abilities have made them targets for a powerful entity. The series stars Tosin Cole as Michael, Nadine Mills as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa as Andre, Calvin Demba as Rodney, Josh Tedeku as Tazer, Adelayo Adedayo as Dionne, Rayxia Ojo as Sharleen, and Giacomo Mancini as Spud. There's only a little bit of footage in this first teaser, but enough to make me intrigued. Looks pretty cool.
- 3/19/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Netflix has debuted a teaser trailer for the series created by Rapman ‘Supacell’.
A regular group of people are unexpectedly gifted with superpowers. Before the group really get a chance to figure out how to use their powers they find their new special abilities have made them targets for the powerful agency that created them.
The group of five ordinary people unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together to save the woman he loves.
Rapman also serves as lead director while Sebastian Thiel also directs. The cast includes Tosin Cole as Michael, Nadine Mills as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa as Andre, Calvin Demba as Rodney, Josh Tedeku as Tazer, Adelayo Adedayo as Dionne, Rayxia Ojo as Sharleen, Giacomo Mancini as Spud and Eddie Marsan will play Ray.
A regular group of people are unexpectedly gifted with superpowers. Before the group really get a chance to figure out how to use their powers they find their new special abilities have made them targets for the powerful agency that created them.
The group of five ordinary people unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together to save the woman he loves.
Rapman also serves as lead director while Sebastian Thiel also directs. The cast includes Tosin Cole as Michael, Nadine Mills as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa as Andre, Calvin Demba as Rodney, Josh Tedeku as Tazer, Adelayo Adedayo as Dionne, Rayxia Ojo as Sharleen, Giacomo Mancini as Spud and Eddie Marsan will play Ray.
- 3/19/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The timing is perfect for Michael and Dionne. They’ve got a home, a car, each other and their whole lives ahead of them. Until out of nowhere, Michael develops superpowers and is tasked with an urgent mission to save Dionne’s life.
Michael, played by former Doctor Who companion Ryan actor Tosin Cole, isn’t the only Black Londoner suddenly afflicted with super-abilities. Four other unrelated people have also had their lives turned upside down by glowy-eyed trips to the future, and it’s up to Michael to unite them to change the course of fate. Can he do it in time to save Dionne?
That’s the question set by the very first teaser for Netflix’s six-episode fantasy drama Supacell:
Created by Blue Story creator Rapman (Andrew Onwubolu), and starring The Responder and Timewasters’ Adelayo Adedayo with The Power’s Eddie Marsan, Nadine Mills, and more,...
Michael, played by former Doctor Who companion Ryan actor Tosin Cole, isn’t the only Black Londoner suddenly afflicted with super-abilities. Four other unrelated people have also had their lives turned upside down by glowy-eyed trips to the future, and it’s up to Michael to unite them to change the course of fate. Can he do it in time to save Dionne?
That’s the question set by the very first teaser for Netflix’s six-episode fantasy drama Supacell:
Created by Blue Story creator Rapman (Andrew Onwubolu), and starring The Responder and Timewasters’ Adelayo Adedayo with The Power’s Eddie Marsan, Nadine Mills, and more,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Applications are now open for the 21st edition of Screen International’s Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland.
The submissions window is open for one month, from March 6 to April 5, 2024.
Applications are open to UK and Irish citizens and long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit, but applicants should be at an early stage in their film career, demonstrate exceptional promise and be ready to progress to the next level.
Applicants should use this Google Form and need to attach a brief bio, a headshot...
The submissions window is open for one month, from March 6 to April 5, 2024.
Applications are open to UK and Irish citizens and long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit, but applicants should be at an early stage in their film career, demonstrate exceptional promise and be ready to progress to the next level.
Applicants should use this Google Form and need to attach a brief bio, a headshot...
- 3/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Lights, camera, action. A whole new year is about to unspool – and as ever, it’s going to be packed with must-see movies. Step in :a[Empire’s 2024 Preview issue]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/empire-the-fall-guy-cover-2024-preview-issue/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, offering you a huge new look at the films we can’t wait to see in the next 12 months. And leading the way is :a[The Fall Guy]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-fall-guy-real-stunts-rather-than-cgi-exclusive/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, promising an action-packed romp from Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt and director David Leitch.
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 23 November – :a[available to order online here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/empire-january-2024?utm_source=dynamic&utm_medium=bws&utm_campaign=empire_singles&utm_content=empirejanuary2024' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} – but in the meantime, take a speak peek inside its pages below.
2024 Preview
With this year drawing to a close,...
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 23 November – :a[available to order online here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/empire-january-2024?utm_source=dynamic&utm_medium=bws&utm_campaign=empire_singles&utm_content=empirejanuary2024' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} – but in the meantime, take a speak peek inside its pages below.
2024 Preview
With this year drawing to a close,...
- 11/22/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Netflix growth in the UK Market has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, having recently revealed their commitment to the UK creative industry with a $6 billion investment.
Speaking on stage at See What’s Next, Anne Mensah, Vice President, Content, Netflix UK shared news of new productions for Netflix. Created and written by Joe Barton the Keira Knightley led ‘Black Doves. From Left Bank Pictures, ‘Department Q,’ an 8-part series, lead directed by multi-award-winning Scott Frank and adapted by Chandni Lakhani, based on the novels of the same name from Danish author, Jussi Adler-Olsen. Shooting will take place in Edinburgh, where the story is set. They will also deliver a ‘Bank of Dave’ sequel.
Netflix is known for its gems, and coming up over the next year it certainly looks like it’s the streamer is certainly going to deliver from documentaries on British Icons to...
Speaking on stage at See What’s Next, Anne Mensah, Vice President, Content, Netflix UK shared news of new productions for Netflix. Created and written by Joe Barton the Keira Knightley led ‘Black Doves. From Left Bank Pictures, ‘Department Q,’ an 8-part series, lead directed by multi-award-winning Scott Frank and adapted by Chandni Lakhani, based on the novels of the same name from Danish author, Jussi Adler-Olsen. Shooting will take place in Edinburgh, where the story is set. They will also deliver a ‘Bank of Dave’ sequel.
Netflix is known for its gems, and coming up over the next year it certainly looks like it’s the streamer is certainly going to deliver from documentaries on British Icons to...
- 5/2/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Good afternoon Insiders and welcome to this week’s newsletter, Max Goldbart here with my hand on the tiller. Netflix was in London this week and there was plenty else going on for you to digest over lunch. Read on. And sign up and subscribe here.
Netflix Goes Big
London calling: Netflix has been on a major European charm offensive this year and Wednesday night was the UK’s turn to host a no-expense-spared event. Held at the Battersea Power Station – once a giant south London coal-power generator and now a futuristic mall, residential complex and cinema – the Netflix See What’s Next shindig saw presenter Anita Rani host the likes of Blue Story creator Rapman, actor and filmmaker Daniel Kaluuya and Sam McAlister of Prince Andrew interview fame. Sex Education star Alistair Petrie helmed a panel comprising Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, The Witcher’s Joey Batey and The Crown’s Claudia Harrison,...
Netflix Goes Big
London calling: Netflix has been on a major European charm offensive this year and Wednesday night was the UK’s turn to host a no-expense-spared event. Held at the Battersea Power Station – once a giant south London coal-power generator and now a futuristic mall, residential complex and cinema – the Netflix See What’s Next shindig saw presenter Anita Rani host the likes of Blue Story creator Rapman, actor and filmmaker Daniel Kaluuya and Sam McAlister of Prince Andrew interview fame. Sex Education star Alistair Petrie helmed a panel comprising Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, The Witcher’s Joey Batey and The Crown’s Claudia Harrison,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
During Netflix’s What’s Next Event, Rapman announced that production has now wrapped on his superpower series at Netflix ‘Supacell.’
With that announcement, Rapman also announced that Eddie Marsan is a part of the cast.
The 6 episode series is about a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves, it is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.
Also in news – Arnold Schwarzenegger set for Scott Waugh’s action thriller ‘Breakout’
Cast previously announced includes Tosin Cole (61st, Street, Till, Ear for Eye) as Michael, Nadine Mills (Sliced and The Weekend) as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa (Blue Story, Bmf) as Andre,...
With that announcement, Rapman also announced that Eddie Marsan is a part of the cast.
The 6 episode series is about a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves, it is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.
Also in news – Arnold Schwarzenegger set for Scott Waugh’s action thriller ‘Breakout’
Cast previously announced includes Tosin Cole (61st, Street, Till, Ear for Eye) as Michael, Nadine Mills (Sliced and The Weekend) as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa (Blue Story, Bmf) as Andre,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Eddie Marsan has joined the cast of Supacell, Blue Story director Rapman’s Netflix drama series about a group of South Londoners who develop superpowers.
Marsan will play a character named Ray in the show, which has now wrapped shooting in London. No launch date has been set.
The series will follow five ordinary Black South Londoners with little in common who unexpectedly develop superpowers. One man Michael Lasaki (Tosin Cole) has to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.
“Eddie has just got such a good energy,” said Rapman at a Netflix See What’s Next Event in London last night. “He is a legend, such a nice human. He was making me feel like Scorsese on set.” Watch him talk about the series in a behind-the-scenes promo tape below.
Marsan joins a cast that includes Cole, Nadine Mills as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa as Andre, Calvin Demba as Rodney, Josh Tedeku as Tazer, Adelayo Adedayo as Dionne, Rayxia Ojo as Sharleen and Giacomo Mancini as Spud.
Rapman (aka Andrew Onwubolu) serves as showrunner, creator and lead director on the six part series with Sebastian Thiel directing half the episodes.
Joanna Crow is series producer, with Sheila Nortley block 2 producer and associate producer. Geraldine Hawkins serves as Co-Producer. Rapman is executive producer alongside Anna Ferguson and Steve Searle for Netflix and Mouktar Mohammed of New Wave. Henrietta Lee is associate producer for New Wave.
“Do not forget the name Supacell.”
Writer/director @RealRapman takes us behind the scenes of his upcoming Netflix series following five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. pic.twitter.com/oizn8WKyv2
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) April 27, 2023...
Marsan will play a character named Ray in the show, which has now wrapped shooting in London. No launch date has been set.
The series will follow five ordinary Black South Londoners with little in common who unexpectedly develop superpowers. One man Michael Lasaki (Tosin Cole) has to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.
“Eddie has just got such a good energy,” said Rapman at a Netflix See What’s Next Event in London last night. “He is a legend, such a nice human. He was making me feel like Scorsese on set.” Watch him talk about the series in a behind-the-scenes promo tape below.
Marsan joins a cast that includes Cole, Nadine Mills as Sabrina, Eric Kofi Abrefa as Andre, Calvin Demba as Rodney, Josh Tedeku as Tazer, Adelayo Adedayo as Dionne, Rayxia Ojo as Sharleen and Giacomo Mancini as Spud.
Rapman (aka Andrew Onwubolu) serves as showrunner, creator and lead director on the six part series with Sebastian Thiel directing half the episodes.
Joanna Crow is series producer, with Sheila Nortley block 2 producer and associate producer. Geraldine Hawkins serves as Co-Producer. Rapman is executive producer alongside Anna Ferguson and Steve Searle for Netflix and Mouktar Mohammed of New Wave. Henrietta Lee is associate producer for New Wave.
“Do not forget the name Supacell.”
Writer/director @RealRapman takes us behind the scenes of his upcoming Netflix series following five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. pic.twitter.com/oizn8WKyv2
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) April 27, 2023...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has announced three new U.K. commissions while also trumpeting its — somewhat sizeable — spend in the British creative economies.
At an event in London, the streamer unveiled two new series and a feature film. Black Doves comes from in-demand writer Joe Barton (Sky’s The Lazarus Project and the untitled Cloverfield sequel) and production company Sister (Chernobyl, The Power) and will see Keira Knightley play a woman whose secret identity becomes endangered when she embarks on a passionate affair. Meanwhile, Department Q — from The Crown banner Left Bank Pictures — is an eight-part detective series based on the novels of Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, with Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit) set as lead director.
On the feature front, Netflix also announced Bank of Dave: The Sequel, a follow up to last year’s popular comedy-drama — based on a true story — about a British businessman (played by 007 star Rory Kinnear) who...
At an event in London, the streamer unveiled two new series and a feature film. Black Doves comes from in-demand writer Joe Barton (Sky’s The Lazarus Project and the untitled Cloverfield sequel) and production company Sister (Chernobyl, The Power) and will see Keira Knightley play a woman whose secret identity becomes endangered when she embarks on a passionate affair. Meanwhile, Department Q — from The Crown banner Left Bank Pictures — is an eight-part detective series based on the novels of Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, with Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit) set as lead director.
On the feature front, Netflix also announced Bank of Dave: The Sequel, a follow up to last year’s popular comedy-drama — based on a true story — about a British businessman (played by 007 star Rory Kinnear) who...
- 4/26/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It feels like we’re all sleeping on Supacell a bit. This new Netflix superhero series was first announced back in November 2021, has a super-strong cast, and has been filming since summer 2022, but there’s very little news about it. It doesn’t even have its own Wikipedia page yet.
Let’s put that right and get better acquainted with this fresh upcoming British superhero drama that could rival the likes of Misfits and Extraordinary:
Supacell Was Created By Pioneering Rapper-Turned-Filmmaker Rapman
Impressively, Rapman – real name Andrew Onwubolu – is only 33 but already has an MBE for services to drama and music. He’s known for dealing with socially conscious themes like suicide, blood donors, and domestic abuse.
You’ll most likely know Rapman for Blue Story, his critically-acclaimed 2019 film, told through the medium of rap, which starred Karla Simone-Spence (The Confessions of Frannie Langton) and Top Boy’s Michael Ward,...
Let’s put that right and get better acquainted with this fresh upcoming British superhero drama that could rival the likes of Misfits and Extraordinary:
Supacell Was Created By Pioneering Rapper-Turned-Filmmaker Rapman
Impressively, Rapman – real name Andrew Onwubolu – is only 33 but already has an MBE for services to drama and music. He’s known for dealing with socially conscious themes like suicide, blood donors, and domestic abuse.
You’ll most likely know Rapman for Blue Story, his critically-acclaimed 2019 film, told through the medium of rap, which starred Karla Simone-Spence (The Confessions of Frannie Langton) and Top Boy’s Michael Ward,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
The window opens today (March 1), 2023, and will close on March 31.
Applications are now open for the landmark 20th edition of Screen International’s Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland.
The window opens today (March 1), 2023, and will close on March 31.
Applications are open to UK and Irish nationals and long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit.
Applicants should use the this Google Form and need to attach a brief bio, a headshot and contact details as well as a small statement about why they are applying.
Applications are now open for the landmark 20th edition of Screen International’s Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland.
The window opens today (March 1), 2023, and will close on March 31.
Applications are open to UK and Irish nationals and long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit.
Applicants should use the this Google Form and need to attach a brief bio, a headshot and contact details as well as a small statement about why they are applying.
- 3/1/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Click here to read the full article.
In a story likely to be repeated numerous times as his star continues its upward trajectory, when he first met his agent, a 19-year-old Micheal Ward was asked what sort of project he’d love to be a part of if it was possible.
“Something like Top Boy,” he said, referring to Ronan Bennett’s cult crime series — about rival drug gangs battling for domination in a deprived London neighborhood — that was abruptly canceled by British network Channel 4 in 2014 after two seasons.
It might as well have been a prophecy. Just a year on, Ward would be preparing not just to join Drake’s grand revival of the show on Netflix, but to play Jamie, the new top boy himself, igniting a dramatic ascent that would soon see some of the biggest names in the business drawn to the magnetic charm, confidence...
In a story likely to be repeated numerous times as his star continues its upward trajectory, when he first met his agent, a 19-year-old Micheal Ward was asked what sort of project he’d love to be a part of if it was possible.
“Something like Top Boy,” he said, referring to Ronan Bennett’s cult crime series — about rival drug gangs battling for domination in a deprived London neighborhood — that was abruptly canceled by British network Channel 4 in 2014 after two seasons.
It might as well have been a prophecy. Just a year on, Ward would be preparing not just to join Drake’s grand revival of the show on Netflix, but to play Jamie, the new top boy himself, igniting a dramatic ascent that would soon see some of the biggest names in the business drawn to the magnetic charm, confidence...
- 11/30/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Netflix’s Rapman-created Supacell series, about a group of regular people who gain superpowers, is up, up and away with Tosin Cole (61st Street) signed on to play lead character Michael Lasaki. Filming begins in South London on Monday.
Speaking exclusively to Deadline, Blue Story creator Rapman Aka Andrew Onwabolu said Cole’s Michael is a “van driver, an everyday working man, who’s deep in love” with Dionne, played by Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder).
The cast also includes Nadine Mills (The Weekend), Eric Kofi Abrefa, Calvin Demba (The Rig), Josh Tedeku (Moonhaven), Rayxia Ojo (Call The Midwife) and Giacomo Mancini (Top Boy).
Commissioned in 2021, the six-part superhero show sees a certain number of Black people in South London develop superpowers. Rapman is showrunner and lead director and Sebastian Thiel (Dreaming Whilst Black) will direct three of the episodes.
Cole’s casting...
Speaking exclusively to Deadline, Blue Story creator Rapman Aka Andrew Onwabolu said Cole’s Michael is a “van driver, an everyday working man, who’s deep in love” with Dionne, played by Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder).
The cast also includes Nadine Mills (The Weekend), Eric Kofi Abrefa, Calvin Demba (The Rig), Josh Tedeku (Moonhaven), Rayxia Ojo (Call The Midwife) and Giacomo Mancini (Top Boy).
Commissioned in 2021, the six-part superhero show sees a certain number of Black people in South London develop superpowers. Rapman is showrunner and lead director and Sebastian Thiel (Dreaming Whilst Black) will direct three of the episodes.
Cole’s casting...
- 8/11/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Key screen figures receive honours for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Actor Damian Lewis, actor-director Andrew Onwubolu, aka Rapman and Creative UK CEO Caroline Norbury are among the film and TV figures to receive honorary titles as part of the Queen’s birthday honours to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
Lewis, whose credits include Homeland, received a Cbe for his services to film and charity. He is also co-founder of the Feed NHS campaign, created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rapman created the YouTube series Shiro’s Story before directing his feature debut Blue Story in 2019. He has received an...
Actor Damian Lewis, actor-director Andrew Onwubolu, aka Rapman and Creative UK CEO Caroline Norbury are among the film and TV figures to receive honorary titles as part of the Queen’s birthday honours to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
Lewis, whose credits include Homeland, received a Cbe for his services to film and charity. He is also co-founder of the Feed NHS campaign, created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rapman created the YouTube series Shiro’s Story before directing his feature debut Blue Story in 2019. He has received an...
- 6/6/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
“Billions” actor Damian Lewis, actor-director Rapman (“Blue Story”), writer Salman Rushdie (“Midnight’s Children”) and All3Media CEO Jane Turton are among those in the arts and entertainment field recognized in the annual Queen’s birthday honors.
Lewis has been recognized as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Cbe) for services to drama and charity. Also accorded a Cbe is filmmaker Isaac Julien, Berlin winner for “Derek.”
Rushdie has been accorded the Member of the Order of the Companions of Honor accolade for services to literature alongside illustrator and writer Quentin Blake (“Jackanory”), for services to illustration.
Director Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to drama and music. Veteran “Coronation Street” actor Helen Worth Dawson has also been accorded an MBE for services to drama.
Ian Rankin, whose crime novels, including the...
Lewis has been recognized as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Cbe) for services to drama and charity. Also accorded a Cbe is filmmaker Isaac Julien, Berlin winner for “Derek.”
Rushdie has been accorded the Member of the Order of the Companions of Honor accolade for services to literature alongside illustrator and writer Quentin Blake (“Jackanory”), for services to illustration.
Director Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to drama and music. Veteran “Coronation Street” actor Helen Worth Dawson has also been accorded an MBE for services to drama.
Ian Rankin, whose crime novels, including the...
- 6/1/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Major role in UK film ecosystem is responsible for £11m yearly budget.
Eva Yates has been confirmed as the new director of BBC Film, taking on one of the major roles in the independent UK film ecosystem.
Yates has been acting director at the development and production body since the departure of Rose Garnett to join US firm A24, announced in early March this year. She will start immediately as director, and will be in Cannes.
Yates will oversee BBC Film’s £11m annual budget for development and production, which goes towards 12 to 15 films a year. Also under her remit is the Storyville documentary strand,...
Eva Yates has been confirmed as the new director of BBC Film, taking on one of the major roles in the independent UK film ecosystem.
Yates has been acting director at the development and production body since the departure of Rose Garnett to join US firm A24, announced in early March this year. She will start immediately as director, and will be in Cannes.
Yates will oversee BBC Film’s £11m annual budget for development and production, which goes towards 12 to 15 films a year. Also under her remit is the Storyville documentary strand,...
- 5/4/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Gharoro-Akpojotor was a 2020 Screen Star of Tomorrow, and produced ‘Blue Story’ and ‘Boxing Day’.
Ringside Studios, the London-based outfit backed by European media company and distributor Newen Studios, has acquired a minority stake via its investment arm Ringside Media in UK production outfit Joi Productions.
Joi Productions was founded by 2020 Screen Star of Tomorrow Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, who also received a BFI Vision award in 2020. Her production credits include Rapman’s Blue Story and Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day. She is producing TV series Champion for the BBC, written by Queenie author Candice Carty-Williams.
Tom Hawkins, head of development at Wildgaze,...
Ringside Studios, the London-based outfit backed by European media company and distributor Newen Studios, has acquired a minority stake via its investment arm Ringside Media in UK production outfit Joi Productions.
Joi Productions was founded by 2020 Screen Star of Tomorrow Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, who also received a BFI Vision award in 2020. Her production credits include Rapman’s Blue Story and Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day. She is producing TV series Champion for the BBC, written by Queenie author Candice Carty-Williams.
Tom Hawkins, head of development at Wildgaze,...
- 4/7/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
5Ringside Media, the investment arm of Newen-backed indie Ringside Studios, has taken a minority stake in Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s Joi Productions.
Joi Productions was founded by Gharoro-Akpojotor, and in 2020 received a BFI Vision award. Gharoro-Akpojotor, a BAFTA Breakthrough nominee, has had breakout hits producing Rapman’s “Blue Story” and “Boxing Day.” She is currently producing the BBC’s “Champion,” written by “Queenie” author and screenwriter Candice Carty-Williams. Joi Productions focuses on Black, queer and female-led stories. Joining Joy is Wildgaze’s head of development, Tom Hawkins.
Ringside Media was established in 2020 as part of parent company Newen’s strategy to expand into the English-speaking scripted market and the U.K. The boutique investment fund is making bespoke investments and partnerships with companies looking for the benefits of a larger international and domestic network. The companies will work closely with Newen Connect, Newen’s distribution arm.
Ringside Media has also invested in Fictionhouse,...
Joi Productions was founded by Gharoro-Akpojotor, and in 2020 received a BFI Vision award. Gharoro-Akpojotor, a BAFTA Breakthrough nominee, has had breakout hits producing Rapman’s “Blue Story” and “Boxing Day.” She is currently producing the BBC’s “Champion,” written by “Queenie” author and screenwriter Candice Carty-Williams. Joi Productions focuses on Black, queer and female-led stories. Joining Joy is Wildgaze’s head of development, Tom Hawkins.
Ringside Media was established in 2020 as part of parent company Newen’s strategy to expand into the English-speaking scripted market and the U.K. The boutique investment fund is making bespoke investments and partnerships with companies looking for the benefits of a larger international and domestic network. The companies will work closely with Newen Connect, Newen’s distribution arm.
Ringside Media has also invested in Fictionhouse,...
- 4/7/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ringside Studios, the outfit owned by European media company and distributor Newen, has closed its latest acquisition by taking a minority stake in UK company Joi Productions via its investment arm Ringside Media.
Set up by former BAFTA breakthrough nominee Joy Gharoro-Akpojoto, the company has credits including Rapman’s feature debut hit Blue Story, which was released by Paramount, and Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day, which was released by Warner Bros.
In 2020 Gharoro-Akpojoto received a BFI Vision Award to support growth and the company has now hired Tom Hawkins, formerly Wildgaze’s Head of Development. Joi Productions’ focus is on producing Black, queer and female-led stories. Next up it is producing Champion for the BBC, written by Candice Carty-Williams (Queenie).
Ringside was advised by the team at Lee & Thompson, and Joi by Grey Seal Media, for the deal.
Newen formed Ringside Studios with Gub Neal in 2020 in a...
Set up by former BAFTA breakthrough nominee Joy Gharoro-Akpojoto, the company has credits including Rapman’s feature debut hit Blue Story, which was released by Paramount, and Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day, which was released by Warner Bros.
In 2020 Gharoro-Akpojoto received a BFI Vision Award to support growth and the company has now hired Tom Hawkins, formerly Wildgaze’s Head of Development. Joi Productions’ focus is on producing Black, queer and female-led stories. Next up it is producing Champion for the BBC, written by Candice Carty-Williams (Queenie).
Ringside was advised by the team at Lee & Thompson, and Joi by Grey Seal Media, for the deal.
Newen formed Ringside Studios with Gub Neal in 2020 in a...
- 4/7/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations will close on April 18.
Screen International is delighted to announce that nominations are open for Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland, now heading into its 19th year.
Nominations open from March 20, 2022, and will close over the Easter bank holiday weekend, on April 18, in the drive to find new actors, directors, writers, producers and heads of department to present to the industry this summer.
Due to the increasing popularity of this talent portfolio, we ask that all submissions now use this Google Form. Applicants will need to attach a brief bio,...
Screen International is delighted to announce that nominations are open for Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland, now heading into its 19th year.
Nominations open from March 20, 2022, and will close over the Easter bank holiday weekend, on April 18, in the drive to find new actors, directors, writers, producers and heads of department to present to the industry this summer.
Due to the increasing popularity of this talent portfolio, we ask that all submissions now use this Google Form. Applicants will need to attach a brief bio,...
- 3/22/2022
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Further Christmas releases include ‘Silent Night’, ‘CBeebies Christmas Show’.
Aml Ameen’s romantic comedy Boxing Day heads the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office, as one of six Christmas-themed releases this weekend.
Released in 439 sites through Warner Bros, Boxing Day is inspired by Ameen’s own experiences, and follows a UK author who returns home from Los Angeles to introduce his US fiancée to his eccentric British-Caribbean family at Christmas.
The film is produced by Screen Star of Tomorrow 2020 Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, alongside Damian Jones of DJ Films, plus Ameen, Dominique Telson and Matthew G. Zamias; backing came from the BFI Film Fund and Film4.
Aml Ameen’s romantic comedy Boxing Day heads the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office, as one of six Christmas-themed releases this weekend.
Released in 439 sites through Warner Bros, Boxing Day is inspired by Ameen’s own experiences, and follows a UK author who returns home from Los Angeles to introduce his US fiancée to his eccentric British-Caribbean family at Christmas.
The film is produced by Screen Star of Tomorrow 2020 Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, alongside Damian Jones of DJ Films, plus Ameen, Dominique Telson and Matthew G. Zamias; backing came from the BFI Film Fund and Film4.
- 12/3/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Blanchett to portray documentarian with dark secret.
Alfonso Cuarón will write, direct and serve as executive producer on the AppleTV+ psychological thriller series Disclaimer to star Cate Blanchett and television debutant Kevin Kline.
Blanchett will also serve as executive producer on the series based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. She will star as Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful television documentary journalist who exposes the transgressions of institutions. When a novel written by a widower (Kline) appears on her bedside table, she realizes she is a key character in a story that reveals her darkest secret.
Disclaimer...
Alfonso Cuarón will write, direct and serve as executive producer on the AppleTV+ psychological thriller series Disclaimer to star Cate Blanchett and television debutant Kevin Kline.
Blanchett will also serve as executive producer on the series based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. She will star as Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful television documentary journalist who exposes the transgressions of institutions. When a novel written by a widower (Kline) appears on her bedside table, she realizes she is a key character in a story that reveals her darkest secret.
Disclaimer...
- 12/1/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
It will be in cinemas and available to stream on May 13 2022.
UK production and distribution company Bohemia Media has picked up Venice 2020 title Listen for UK and Ireland distribution in cinemas and on Bohemia Media’s new streaming platform, Bohemia Euphoria.
The first feature from actress-turned-director Ana Rocha de Sousa, Listen is a UK-Portugal co-production drama that premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti section in 2020, winning five awards at the festival. It tells the story of a Portuguese family living in the outskirts of London, grappling to keep the family together after the social services try to separate them. Love Actually’s Lucia Moniz stars.
UK production and distribution company Bohemia Media has picked up Venice 2020 title Listen for UK and Ireland distribution in cinemas and on Bohemia Media’s new streaming platform, Bohemia Euphoria.
The first feature from actress-turned-director Ana Rocha de Sousa, Listen is a UK-Portugal co-production drama that premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti section in 2020, winning five awards at the festival. It tells the story of a Portuguese family living in the outskirts of London, grappling to keep the family together after the social services try to separate them. Love Actually’s Lucia Moniz stars.
- 12/1/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
All five will shoot in the UK in 2022.
Netflix has commissioned five series for its UK slate to start shooting in 2022, including new projects from Rapman, Abi Morgan and Left Bank Pictures.
All five series will shoot in the UK; they have been commissioned by Anne Mensah, vp, UK series, and her team.
The new shows include Supacell, a six-part sci-fi written by 2019 Screen Star of Tomorrow Rapman. The series will follow a random group of ordinary people from South London who unexpectedly develop superpowers, with the only connection between them being they are all Black.
Netflix will produce the series,...
Netflix has commissioned five series for its UK slate to start shooting in 2022, including new projects from Rapman, Abi Morgan and Left Bank Pictures.
All five series will shoot in the UK; they have been commissioned by Anne Mensah, vp, UK series, and her team.
The new shows include Supacell, a six-part sci-fi written by 2019 Screen Star of Tomorrow Rapman. The series will follow a random group of ordinary people from South London who unexpectedly develop superpowers, with the only connection between them being they are all Black.
Netflix will produce the series,...
- 11/30/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Netflix Commissions Five UK Series: Rapman Superhero Show; ‘One Day’ Adaptation; Abi Morgan Thriller
Netflix has announced five new scripted series that it has commissioned out of the UK, all of which will shoot in the country in 2022.
On the list is Supacell, a superhero drama following a group of seemingly ordinary people from South London who unexpectedly develop super powers, with no connection between them aside from them all being Black. The six-part show is written by Rapman (aka Andrew Onwubolu), of Blue Story fame, who will also direct. Mouktar Mohammed and Henrietta Lee of New Wave are executive producer and associate producer respectively.
The streamer has also commissioned an adaptation of David Nicholls’s romance novel One Day. It will follow protagonists Em and Dex as they meet up on one particular day year after year. The show is a Drama Republic Production with Universal International Studios and Focus Features. One Day was previously made into a feature starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.
On the list is Supacell, a superhero drama following a group of seemingly ordinary people from South London who unexpectedly develop super powers, with no connection between them aside from them all being Black. The six-part show is written by Rapman (aka Andrew Onwubolu), of Blue Story fame, who will also direct. Mouktar Mohammed and Henrietta Lee of New Wave are executive producer and associate producer respectively.
The streamer has also commissioned an adaptation of David Nicholls’s romance novel One Day. It will follow protagonists Em and Dex as they meet up on one particular day year after year. The show is a Drama Republic Production with Universal International Studios and Focus Features. One Day was previously made into a feature starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.
- 11/30/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sky Studios and Dbk Studios are partnering on a five-part short film series that will spotlight the UK’s emerging black and diverse talent, with filmmakers including an assistant on Rapman’s Blue Story and the lead actress from E4’s Russel T Davies show Banana.
The producers said Unearthed Narratives will share a common theme of hard-hitting yet relatable stories, set across different generations and on a wide range of subjects: care work, sickle cell anaemia, social media culture, ‘middle-class hobbies’ in the black community, racism in 1950’s England, and the culture within London housing estates.
The filmmakers, who were mentored through production, are: Edem Wornoo, a well-established music video director who has worked on Dave’s Black and most recently Clash (ft. Stormzy); Charlene Wango who worked assisting Rapman while he directed his debut feature Blue Story with Paramount Pictures and BBC Films; Teniola Zara King who...
The producers said Unearthed Narratives will share a common theme of hard-hitting yet relatable stories, set across different generations and on a wide range of subjects: care work, sickle cell anaemia, social media culture, ‘middle-class hobbies’ in the black community, racism in 1950’s England, and the culture within London housing estates.
The filmmakers, who were mentored through production, are: Edem Wornoo, a well-established music video director who has worked on Dave’s Black and most recently Clash (ft. Stormzy); Charlene Wango who worked assisting Rapman while he directed his debut feature Blue Story with Paramount Pictures and BBC Films; Teniola Zara King who...
- 10/13/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Helen Simmons and Rienkje Attoh were taking part in the Restart conference.
Film and TV productions should have lines in the budget for mental health services and childcare provision, according to a panel of emerging producers.
“On Boxing Day [Aml Ameen’s debut feature which shot in December 2020] we had a wellbeing practitioner,” said producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, who produced Rapman’s debut feature Blue Story in 2019. “This is somebody available who is independent from us – if you were struggling, you could book a session.
“We covered it – it was a little line in the budget, we could get 10-15 sessions out of it,...
Film and TV productions should have lines in the budget for mental health services and childcare provision, according to a panel of emerging producers.
“On Boxing Day [Aml Ameen’s debut feature which shot in December 2020] we had a wellbeing practitioner,” said producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, who produced Rapman’s debut feature Blue Story in 2019. “This is somebody available who is independent from us – if you were struggling, you could book a session.
“We covered it – it was a little line in the budget, we could get 10-15 sessions out of it,...
- 5/21/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Nominations will close in one month’s time on May 1.
Screen International is delighted to announce that nominations are open for Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland, now heading into its 18th year.
Nominations open from April 1, 2021, and will close one month later on May 1 in the drive to find new actors, directors, writers, producers and heads of department to present to the industry later this year.
Although confined to the UK and Ireland, Screen’s Stars of Tomorrow talent initiative has proved itself to be the global film industry’s...
Screen International is delighted to announce that nominations are open for Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland, now heading into its 18th year.
Nominations open from April 1, 2021, and will close one month later on May 1 in the drive to find new actors, directors, writers, producers and heads of department to present to the industry later this year.
Although confined to the UK and Ireland, Screen’s Stars of Tomorrow talent initiative has proved itself to be the global film industry’s...
- 4/1/2021
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Screen Star of Tomorrow Isabella Odoffin cast ’Blue Story’.
Casting directors from Blue Story and The Personal History Of David Copperfield won the film prizes at the UK’s third Casting Directors’ Guild awards on Tuesday February 16.
2019 Screen UK & Ireland Star of Tomorrow Isabella Odoffin won best casting for an independent film for Rapman’s debut feature Blue Story, which grossed £4.5m in the UK through Paramount in November 2019.
Sarah Crowe won best casting in a film for Armando Iannucci’s The Personal History Of David Copperfield, which she cast with casting associate Xanthe Spencer-Davidson. It made £6.4m in the UK through Lionsgate,...
Casting directors from Blue Story and The Personal History Of David Copperfield won the film prizes at the UK’s third Casting Directors’ Guild awards on Tuesday February 16.
2019 Screen UK & Ireland Star of Tomorrow Isabella Odoffin won best casting for an independent film for Rapman’s debut feature Blue Story, which grossed £4.5m in the UK through Paramount in November 2019.
Sarah Crowe won best casting in a film for Armando Iannucci’s The Personal History Of David Copperfield, which she cast with casting associate Xanthe Spencer-Davidson. It made £6.4m in the UK through Lionsgate,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Michole Briana White (Songbird), Ajiona Alexus (Empire), Eric Kofi-Abrefa (Blue Story) and Myles Truitt (Kin) are set as series regulars opposite Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. and Da’Vinchi in Starz’s drama series Black Mafia Family, from executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and writer/executive producer and Detroit native Randy Huggins. Black Mafia Family is produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television in association with Starz and Lionsgate Television. The series begins filming in Atlanta and Detroit this month.
Black Mafia Family is inspired by the true story of two brothers who rose from the decaying streets of southwest Detroit in the late 1980’s and gave birth to one of the most influential crime families in this country. Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory’s (Flenory Jr.) charismatic leadership, Terry “Southwest T” Flenory’s (Da’Vinchi) business acumen and the...
Black Mafia Family is inspired by the true story of two brothers who rose from the decaying streets of southwest Detroit in the late 1980’s and gave birth to one of the most influential crime families in this country. Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory’s (Flenory Jr.) charismatic leadership, Terry “Southwest T” Flenory’s (Da’Vinchi) business acumen and the...
- 1/15/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The hottest up-and-coming actors, filmmakers, and heads of department in the UK and Ireland.
Scroll down for the full list
For the first year, Screen has partnered with a headline sponsor, Amazon Prime Video, alongside returning partners ScreenSkills and the BFI London Film Festival.
Screen International has a highly regarded track record of spotting talent early, and this year’s UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow will be following in the footsteps of some of today’s biggest names in film and television, many of whom are BAFTA and Oscar winners and nominees.
From Emily Blunt and Benedict Cumberbatch in the...
Scroll down for the full list
For the first year, Screen has partnered with a headline sponsor, Amazon Prime Video, alongside returning partners ScreenSkills and the BFI London Film Festival.
Screen International has a highly regarded track record of spotting talent early, and this year’s UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow will be following in the footsteps of some of today’s biggest names in film and television, many of whom are BAFTA and Oscar winners and nominees.
From Emily Blunt and Benedict Cumberbatch in the...
- 9/28/2020
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
The 2020 cohort for our annual talent showcase is being revealed on Monday, September 28.
Screen International is proud to welcome Amazon Prime Video as headline sponsor for the UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow, its annual showcase of up-and-coming actors, writers, directors, producers and heads of department from the UK and Ireland.
Amazon Prime Video becomes the first headline sponsor for Screen’s long-running talent initiative, which was launched in 2004. In the ensuing years, Screen’s Stars of Tomorrow showcase has highlighted some of the biggest names working in film and television, from Emily Blunt and Benedict Cumberbatch in the inaugural selection...
Screen International is proud to welcome Amazon Prime Video as headline sponsor for the UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow, its annual showcase of up-and-coming actors, writers, directors, producers and heads of department from the UK and Ireland.
Amazon Prime Video becomes the first headline sponsor for Screen’s long-running talent initiative, which was launched in 2004. In the ensuing years, Screen’s Stars of Tomorrow showcase has highlighted some of the biggest names working in film and television, from Emily Blunt and Benedict Cumberbatch in the inaugural selection...
- 9/24/2020
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Stephen Odubola, star of Rapman’s acclaimed “Blue Story,” will headline prison drama “Ire,” alongside Craig Fairbrass (“Villain”), Jason Flemyng (“Pennyworth”) and Ulrich Thomsen (“Banshee”).
The film, which marks the directorial debut of actor Ross McCall (“About Us”), follows the prison life of an institutionalized criminal incarcerated for murdering his wife. His routine life is disrupted when his estranged daughter asks to meet him, and further complicated when a 19-year-old serving his first sentence in a maximum-security prison is placed inside as his cell mate.
Samahoma Media Advisors has negotiated financing for the film from Insight Media Fund. The Fund previously provided completion money for “Boiling Point,” Philip Barantini’s one-take feature film of his own short, by U.K. outfits Ascendant Films and Burton Fox Films alongside star Stephen Graham’s Matriarch Productions, in association with Bromantics and Three Little Birds Pictures. That project wrapped in a two-day schedule just before lockdown,...
The film, which marks the directorial debut of actor Ross McCall (“About Us”), follows the prison life of an institutionalized criminal incarcerated for murdering his wife. His routine life is disrupted when his estranged daughter asks to meet him, and further complicated when a 19-year-old serving his first sentence in a maximum-security prison is placed inside as his cell mate.
Samahoma Media Advisors has negotiated financing for the film from Insight Media Fund. The Fund previously provided completion money for “Boiling Point,” Philip Barantini’s one-take feature film of his own short, by U.K. outfits Ascendant Films and Burton Fox Films alongside star Stephen Graham’s Matriarch Productions, in association with Bromantics and Three Little Birds Pictures. That project wrapped in a two-day schedule just before lockdown,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: If Beale Street Could Talk star Stephan James is in final negotiations to co-star with Russell Crowe in Paramount’s thriller American Son, which is based on the critically acclaimed French film A Prophet.
Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu is on board to direct the movie from a screenplay by Dennis Lehane. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing through Original Film.
Rapman landed the job after his film Blue Story, which caught the eye of Paramount execs during the directing search.
The film centers around a man (James), who, after falling under the control of a ruthless mobster (played by Crowe) while in prison, builds a multiracial crime syndicate, takes down his mentor, and earns a place for his crew alongside the Italian and Russian mafias.
The original pic, directed by Jacques Audiard, follows an Arab man (played by Tahar Rahim), who’s sent to a French prison, where he becomes a mafia kingpin.
Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu is on board to direct the movie from a screenplay by Dennis Lehane. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing through Original Film.
Rapman landed the job after his film Blue Story, which caught the eye of Paramount execs during the directing search.
The film centers around a man (James), who, after falling under the control of a ruthless mobster (played by Crowe) while in prison, builds a multiracial crime syndicate, takes down his mentor, and earns a place for his crew alongside the Italian and Russian mafias.
The original pic, directed by Jacques Audiard, follows an Arab man (played by Tahar Rahim), who’s sent to a French prison, where he becomes a mafia kingpin.
- 8/28/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 3,500 members of the U.K.’s film and TV industry have signed an open letter calling on gatekeepers to make a number of “strategic commitments” to reshape the landscape and improve representation.
Organizers of the letter — which comes just one week after the U.S. Black Film Collective issued a similar open letter to Hollywood — include “The Boy with the Topknot” producer Nisha Parti, actor and writer Meera Syal, “Patrick Melrose” actor Indira Varma, playwright Tanika Gupta, actor-director Pooja Ghai and presenter Anita Rani.
The group credits the U.S. Black Film Collective’s initial “powerful and eloquent” open letter, sent last week and signed by hundreds of supporters. “As the U.K. TV and Film industry suffers from the same lack of diverse representation in front of and behind the camera, we, a group of women of color working in the industry, have revised it to address...
Organizers of the letter — which comes just one week after the U.S. Black Film Collective issued a similar open letter to Hollywood — include “The Boy with the Topknot” producer Nisha Parti, actor and writer Meera Syal, “Patrick Melrose” actor Indira Varma, playwright Tanika Gupta, actor-director Pooja Ghai and presenter Anita Rani.
The group credits the U.S. Black Film Collective’s initial “powerful and eloquent” open letter, sent last week and signed by hundreds of supporters. “As the U.K. TV and Film industry suffers from the same lack of diverse representation in front of and behind the camera, we, a group of women of color working in the industry, have revised it to address...
- 6/21/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Director Rapman endured the unthinkable around the U.K. release of his feature film debut, “Blue Story,” about warring South London gangs. After a brawl broke out at a Birmingham cinema following the film’s release, exhibitors Vue and Showcase temporarily pulled “Blue Story” from screens claiming a spate of other incidents, and sparking a national debate about their motivations for doing so.
But after U.S. protests around George Floyd’s death in police custody reignited the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement and the need to amplify Black voices, Rapman is determined his experience won’t befall another Black director again.
“Going forward, I don’t think any cinema chain will ban [a film] without massive evidence,” Rapman, whose real name is Andrew Onwubolu, tells Variety.
“They will never do something like that again, because they were literally shamed. For the next filmmakers coming through and telling similar stories,...
But after U.S. protests around George Floyd’s death in police custody reignited the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement and the need to amplify Black voices, Rapman is determined his experience won’t befall another Black director again.
“Going forward, I don’t think any cinema chain will ban [a film] without massive evidence,” Rapman, whose real name is Andrew Onwubolu, tells Variety.
“They will never do something like that again, because they were literally shamed. For the next filmmakers coming through and telling similar stories,...
- 6/4/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The successful talent showcase will announce its 2020 selection later this year.
Submissions for Screen’s 2020 edition of Stars of Tomorrow have been extended by one day, and will close at 00.01 on Saturday, May 23.
The annual talent showcase will profile a selection of actors, directors, writers, producers, and heads of department from the UK and Ireland.
Informal industry submissions and recommendations are welcome, and should be emailed to screenstarsoftomorrow@gmail.com. These should include a brief bio; contact details; and an endorsement. Applications are open to UK and Irish nationals who are long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit,...
Submissions for Screen’s 2020 edition of Stars of Tomorrow have been extended by one day, and will close at 00.01 on Saturday, May 23.
The annual talent showcase will profile a selection of actors, directors, writers, producers, and heads of department from the UK and Ireland.
Informal industry submissions and recommendations are welcome, and should be emailed to screenstarsoftomorrow@gmail.com. These should include a brief bio; contact details; and an endorsement. Applications are open to UK and Irish nationals who are long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit,...
- 5/22/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
The successful talent showcase will announce its 2020 selection later this year.
Submissions for Screen’s 2020 edition of Stars of Tomorrow have been extended by one day, and will close at 00.01 on Saturday, May 23.
The annual talent showcase will profile a selection of actors, directors, writers, producers, and heads of department from the UK and Ireland.
Informal industry submissions and recommendations are welcome, and should be emailed to screenstarsoftomorrow@gmail.com. These should include a brief bio; contact details; and an endorsement. Applications are open to UK and Irish nationals who are long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit,...
Submissions for Screen’s 2020 edition of Stars of Tomorrow have been extended by one day, and will close at 00.01 on Saturday, May 23.
The annual talent showcase will profile a selection of actors, directors, writers, producers, and heads of department from the UK and Ireland.
Informal industry submissions and recommendations are welcome, and should be emailed to screenstarsoftomorrow@gmail.com. These should include a brief bio; contact details; and an endorsement. Applications are open to UK and Irish nationals who are long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit,...
- 5/21/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Enemies, a Love Story: Rapman Rides the Waves of a Street War in Familiar Fashion
Although it’s not quite West Side Story (1961), either in style or substance, the melding of musical interludes, blossoming romance and rival gangs tearing their neighborhoods asunder are also the trademarks of Blue Story, the Southeast London set debut from director/writer/producer Rapman (aka Andrew Onwubolu).
Although its narrative features the universal underpinnings of Shakespearean tragedy, the well-performed but familiar through line, developed from Rapman’s previous YouTube series, is often a bit too on-the-nose.…...
Although it’s not quite West Side Story (1961), either in style or substance, the melding of musical interludes, blossoming romance and rival gangs tearing their neighborhoods asunder are also the trademarks of Blue Story, the Southeast London set debut from director/writer/producer Rapman (aka Andrew Onwubolu).
Although its narrative features the universal underpinnings of Shakespearean tragedy, the well-performed but familiar through line, developed from Rapman’s previous YouTube series, is often a bit too on-the-nose.…...
- 5/15/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Russell Crowe will headline American Son, a mob thriller that was previously set up at Sony, but is now at Paramount.
Based on Jacques Audiard’s French movie A Prophet, American Son will be directed by Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu with Dennis Lehane writing the screenplay. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing through Original Film.
Pic follows a man who builds a multiracial crime syndicate after falling under the control of a mobster, played by Crowe. He takes down his mentor, and earns a spot alongside the Italian and Russian mafias.
The original movie, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for a 2010 foreign language film Oscar. In that pic, the protagonist is sent to a French prison where he becomes a kingpin.
Variety first had the news.
Based on Jacques Audiard’s French movie A Prophet, American Son will be directed by Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu with Dennis Lehane writing the screenplay. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing through Original Film.
Pic follows a man who builds a multiracial crime syndicate after falling under the control of a mobster, played by Crowe. He takes down his mentor, and earns a spot alongside the Italian and Russian mafias.
The original movie, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for a 2010 foreign language film Oscar. In that pic, the protagonist is sent to a French prison where he becomes a kingpin.
Variety first had the news.
- 5/14/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Russell Crowe is set to star in Paramount’s thriller “American Son,” which is based on the critically acclaimed French film “A Prophet.”
Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu is on board to direct the movie from a screenplay by Dennis Lehane. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing through Original Film.
Rapman landed the job after his film “Blue Story,” which caught the eye of Paramount execs during the directing search.
“American Son” centers around a man, who, after falling under the control of a ruthless mobster (played by Crowe) while in prison, builds a multiracial crime syndicate, takes down his mentor, and earns a place for his crew alongside the Italian and Russian mafias.
Paramount will now look to find the film’s protagonist with sources tell Variety the studio going the discovery route with casting to begin shortly.
The original pic, directed by Jacques Audiard, follows an Arab man...
Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu is on board to direct the movie from a screenplay by Dennis Lehane. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing through Original Film.
Rapman landed the job after his film “Blue Story,” which caught the eye of Paramount execs during the directing search.
“American Son” centers around a man, who, after falling under the control of a ruthless mobster (played by Crowe) while in prison, builds a multiracial crime syndicate, takes down his mentor, and earns a place for his crew alongside the Italian and Russian mafias.
Paramount will now look to find the film’s protagonist with sources tell Variety the studio going the discovery route with casting to begin shortly.
The original pic, directed by Jacques Audiard, follows an Arab man...
- 5/13/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman, spoke to uInterview about his new movie Blue Story, and why it was banned from theaters in the UK. “I’ll say the plot of the film is a Romeo and Juliet style bromance between two really good friends,” said Onwubolu. “They both live in separate area codes that are in a […]
The post Video Exclusive: Rapman Explains Why His Movie ‘Blue Story’ Was Banned By Some U.K. Theaters appeared first on uInterview.
The post Video Exclusive: Rapman Explains Why His Movie ‘Blue Story’ Was Banned By Some U.K. Theaters appeared first on uInterview.
- 5/8/2020
- by Marie Fiero
- Uinterview
Who could have guessed that U.K. rapper, Rapman (a.k.a Andrew Onwubolu), would direct one of the year’s finest films? Set against the backdrop of gang wars in South-East London, “Blue Story ” is a cautionary tale of two young men—Timmy and Marco—who are best friends and future cross-town rivals. Love, loss, family, and friendship ferociously collide in between, without distracting us from either its fun or energy. It’s a balancing act only a rapper could pull off.
Continue reading ‘Blue Story’: Hip-Hop & Shakespearean Drama Blend Beautifully In Rapman’s Lyrical Debut [Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Blue Story’: Hip-Hop & Shakespearean Drama Blend Beautifully In Rapman’s Lyrical Debut [Review] at The Playlist.
- 5/8/2020
- by Asher Luberto
- The Playlist
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