Exclusive: It’s A Sin star Callum Scott Howells has been tapped to play flamboyant and rebellious aristocrat Henry Paget in indie film Madfabulous, which is due to shoot this summer.
The Mad As Birds (Poms) production will be directed by Celyn Jones (The Almond And The Seahorse) and will chart the true story of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey who in the late 19th Century eschewed societal protocols of class and gender with his theatrical expressions and lavish social life, spending a multi-million pound fortune before his untimely death aged 29.
The British peer, dubbed “the dancing marquess”, was known for wearing voluminous robes, cross-dressing and his fluid sexuality and gender identity, all of which contributed to him becoming the black sheep of his aristocratic family.
Filming is due to get underway on the island of Anglesey, North Wales in August.
Script comes from Anglesey-born Lisa Baker in her feature film debut.
The Mad As Birds (Poms) production will be directed by Celyn Jones (The Almond And The Seahorse) and will chart the true story of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey who in the late 19th Century eschewed societal protocols of class and gender with his theatrical expressions and lavish social life, spending a multi-million pound fortune before his untimely death aged 29.
The British peer, dubbed “the dancing marquess”, was known for wearing voluminous robes, cross-dressing and his fluid sexuality and gender identity, all of which contributed to him becoming the black sheep of his aristocratic family.
Filming is due to get underway on the island of Anglesey, North Wales in August.
Script comes from Anglesey-born Lisa Baker in her feature film debut.
- 5/29/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Josh Whitehouse, Natalia Tena, Simona Brown and Sienna Guillory have all joined the cast of Sean McConville’s thriller The Last Moon, with LevelK boarding world sales.
Production is scheduled for October 2024 in the UK, produced by Stephanie Joalland, Mat Braddy and McConville for their Frenzy Films.
The Last Moon takes place across one evening at a remote family home, as Max tries to trick his estranged brother Fred into shooting him to stop him transforming into a werewolf.
It has been selected for high-profile development labs including the European Genre Forum, London Production Finance Market, Frontieres, Naff It at...
Production is scheduled for October 2024 in the UK, produced by Stephanie Joalland, Mat Braddy and McConville for their Frenzy Films.
The Last Moon takes place across one evening at a remote family home, as Max tries to trick his estranged brother Fred into shooting him to stop him transforming into a werewolf.
It has been selected for high-profile development labs including the European Genre Forum, London Production Finance Market, Frontieres, Naff It at...
- 5/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Last Of Us and Game Of Thrones star Bella Ramsey is taking on a challenging and provocative role as they have been set to play the British terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite, aka the White Widow.
Celsius Entertainment has acquired world sales rights to movie Girl Next Door and is launching ahead of the Cannes market. The project is written and directed by Bruce Goodison with filming being lined up for October 2024.
The film is inspired by the true story of a 21 year old suburban mother of two who became radicalised. Lewthwaite (who took the first name Sherafiyah), the widow of a 7/7 London terrorist bomber, is accused of causing the deaths of more than 400 people. She is a fugitive from justice in Kenya, where she is wanted on charges of possession of explosives.
The film was BFI-backed for development. Kate Cook and Julia Berg produce for Indefinite Films, Andee Ryder...
Celsius Entertainment has acquired world sales rights to movie Girl Next Door and is launching ahead of the Cannes market. The project is written and directed by Bruce Goodison with filming being lined up for October 2024.
The film is inspired by the true story of a 21 year old suburban mother of two who became radicalised. Lewthwaite (who took the first name Sherafiyah), the widow of a 7/7 London terrorist bomber, is accused of causing the deaths of more than 400 people. She is a fugitive from justice in Kenya, where she is wanted on charges of possession of explosives.
The film was BFI-backed for development. Kate Cook and Julia Berg produce for Indefinite Films, Andee Ryder...
- 5/10/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Last of Us” star Bella Ramsey will take on the role of one of the U.K.’s most mysterious and infamous modern day figures in “Girl Next Door” from writer/director Bruce Goodison (“Leave to Remain”).
The film — which Celsius Entertainment has acquired world sales rights to and will launch in Cannes — is set to tell the story of Samantha Lewthwaite, who became known as ‘The White Widow’ and one of the world’s most wanted women.
As per the plot details, “Girl Next Door” centres on Lewthwaite (Ramsey), who fell in love with Islam long before being Muslim was politicised and militarised and became known as ‘The White Widow’. What began as teenage curiosity about an “exotic” and welcoming faith as embodied by her neighbours and best friend, ended with Samantha being consumed by its more radical fringes. We follow Sam in the days following the 7/7 attacks...
The film — which Celsius Entertainment has acquired world sales rights to and will launch in Cannes — is set to tell the story of Samantha Lewthwaite, who became known as ‘The White Widow’ and one of the world’s most wanted women.
As per the plot details, “Girl Next Door” centres on Lewthwaite (Ramsey), who fell in love with Islam long before being Muslim was politicised and militarised and became known as ‘The White Widow’. What began as teenage curiosity about an “exotic” and welcoming faith as embodied by her neighbours and best friend, ended with Samantha being consumed by its more radical fringes. We follow Sam in the days following the 7/7 attacks...
- 5/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Disney’s Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes leads the new titles at this weekend’s UK-Ireland box office, with the ape adventure starting in over 650 sites.
Directed by Wes Ball, Kingdom is the fourth film since the Planet Of The Apes series reboot in 2011; and 10thPlanet Of The Apes film overall since the series began with Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 classic starring Charlton Heston.
Set 300 years after the events of 2017’s War For The Planet Of The Apes, Kingdom sees a young chimpanzee hunter embark on a journey with a human woman, to a dangerous holdout ruled by an ambitious bonobo monarch.
Directed by Wes Ball, Kingdom is the fourth film since the Planet Of The Apes series reboot in 2011; and 10thPlanet Of The Apes film overall since the series began with Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 classic starring Charlton Heston.
Set 300 years after the events of 2017’s War For The Planet Of The Apes, Kingdom sees a young chimpanzee hunter embark on a journey with a human woman, to a dangerous holdout ruled by an ambitious bonobo monarch.
- 5/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Welsh actor, writer and director Celyn Jones has set “Madfabulous” as his next directorial venture.
The British indie is based on the true story of Henry Cyril Paget, fifth Marquess of Anglesey, who was once one of the richest men in Britain but died penniless and forgotten at the age of 29 in France.
“It’s full of pathos and humanity, it’s very much a character who wants to get the attention of his family who don’t want him and he keeps upping the ante with his spending, his flamboyance and his dancing,” Jones told Variety about the 1890s-set film. “What happens if you are a theatrical, and you are very gender fluid at a time when when people didn’t even know what that was? And you’ve got all the money in the world to do that. Well, of course, you buy a theater company, you buy...
The British indie is based on the true story of Henry Cyril Paget, fifth Marquess of Anglesey, who was once one of the richest men in Britain but died penniless and forgotten at the age of 29 in France.
“It’s full of pathos and humanity, it’s very much a character who wants to get the attention of his family who don’t want him and he keeps upping the ante with his spending, his flamboyance and his dancing,” Jones told Variety about the 1890s-set film. “What happens if you are a theatrical, and you are very gender fluid at a time when when people didn’t even know what that was? And you’ve got all the money in the world to do that. Well, of course, you buy a theater company, you buy...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Picnik Entertainment has acquired U.K. distribution rights for “The Almond and the Seahorse,” starring Rebel Wilson and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Based on Kaite O’Reilly’s play, film’s cast also includes Trine Dyrholm (“In a Better World”), Celyn Jones (“Swede Caroline”), Meera Syal (“Yesterday”), Ruth Madeley (“Years and Years”) and Alice Lowe (“Hot Fuzz”).
The Almond and the Seahorse are the nicknames given to the parts of human brains that lay down new memories and hold on to the old ones. After a Tbi (a traumatic brain injury) these parts can change and become new pathways. The film focuses on characters without brain damage, but have to carry the heart damage. Sarah (Wilson) is an archaeologist who loves her husband Joe (Jones) but after a Tbi their love is trapped in the past. Toni (Gainsbourg) is an architect and loves her partner Gwen (Dyrholm) but after a Tbi they have...
Based on Kaite O’Reilly’s play, film’s cast also includes Trine Dyrholm (“In a Better World”), Celyn Jones (“Swede Caroline”), Meera Syal (“Yesterday”), Ruth Madeley (“Years and Years”) and Alice Lowe (“Hot Fuzz”).
The Almond and the Seahorse are the nicknames given to the parts of human brains that lay down new memories and hold on to the old ones. After a Tbi (a traumatic brain injury) these parts can change and become new pathways. The film focuses on characters without brain damage, but have to carry the heart damage. Sarah (Wilson) is an archaeologist who loves her husband Joe (Jones) but after a Tbi their love is trapped in the past. Toni (Gainsbourg) is an architect and loves her partner Gwen (Dyrholm) but after a Tbi they have...
- 3/21/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate horror Imaginary opens in 516 UK-Ireland cinemas this weekend, as the first challenger to Dune: Part Two’s box office supremacy.
Directed by Jeff Wadlow who wrote the screenplay with Greg Erb and Jason Oremland, Imaginary stars DeWanda Wise as a woman who returns to her childhood home, to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is real and unhappy at his abandonment.
It is the eighth feature from US filmmaker Wadlow, who has worked predominantly in the genre space with titles including 2018’s Truth Or Dare and 2020’s pandemic-afflicted Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island (£392,999; £763,958). His highest-grossing title is 2013’s Kick-Ass 2,...
Directed by Jeff Wadlow who wrote the screenplay with Greg Erb and Jason Oremland, Imaginary stars DeWanda Wise as a woman who returns to her childhood home, to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is real and unhappy at his abandonment.
It is the eighth feature from US filmmaker Wadlow, who has worked predominantly in the genre space with titles including 2018’s Truth Or Dare and 2020’s pandemic-afflicted Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island (£392,999; £763,958). His highest-grossing title is 2013’s Kick-Ass 2,...
- 3/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Swede Caroline, a British mockumentary starring Jo Hartley (After Life) and Aisling Bea from Nicola Pearcey, formerly President, Lionsgate UK & Europe, and now CEO of Picnik Entertainment, has landed both a theatrical and digital release.
Belstone Pictures, Deadbeat Studios, and Pearcey’s Picnik Entertainment will jointly send the pic into cinemas on April 19, with Sky Cinema set to premiere the film later this year. The deal with Sky was closed by Finn Bruce of Belstone on behalf of the filmmakers and by Rachel Trawicki and Alexander Wright for Sky.
Swede Caroline is the debut feature of directing duo Brook Driver and Finn Bruce, who previously collaborated on SXSW Special Jury Prize-winning Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break. Swede Caroline was penned by Driver. The story is centered around the eccentric world of competitive vegetable growing. The plot follows Caroline as she readies herself for the big championship when the...
Belstone Pictures, Deadbeat Studios, and Pearcey’s Picnik Entertainment will jointly send the pic into cinemas on April 19, with Sky Cinema set to premiere the film later this year. The deal with Sky was closed by Finn Bruce of Belstone on behalf of the filmmakers and by Rachel Trawicki and Alexander Wright for Sky.
Swede Caroline is the debut feature of directing duo Brook Driver and Finn Bruce, who previously collaborated on SXSW Special Jury Prize-winning Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break. Swede Caroline was penned by Driver. The story is centered around the eccentric world of competitive vegetable growing. The plot follows Caroline as she readies herself for the big championship when the...
- 2/23/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Morfydd Clark of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Saint Maud has signed on to join Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky) and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (His House) in the cast of the revenge thriller Uncle, Deadline reports.
Joe Marcantonio will be directing Uncle from a screenplay he crafted with Owynne Dawkins. Their story has the following synopsis: After the brutal murder of their family, barely teenage Millie and her Uncle John (Dìrísù) embark on a brutal mission of revenge and retribution. But as they get closer to the people responsible, Millie must decide if she is ready to follow the bloody path of vengeance… and its violent, premature journey into adulthood.
Details on the characters Clark and Marsan will be playing have not been revealed. We also don’t know who will be playing the Millie character, which sounds like it will be a great role for a young actor.
Joe Marcantonio will be directing Uncle from a screenplay he crafted with Owynne Dawkins. Their story has the following synopsis: After the brutal murder of their family, barely teenage Millie and her Uncle John (Dìrísù) embark on a brutal mission of revenge and retribution. But as they get closer to the people responsible, Millie must decide if she is ready to follow the bloody path of vengeance… and its violent, premature journey into adulthood.
Details on the characters Clark and Marsan will be playing have not been revealed. We also don’t know who will be playing the Millie character, which sounds like it will be a great role for a young actor.
- 5/26/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Eddie Marsan and Morfydd Clark have signed on to join Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (His House) in Uncle, a revenge thriller directed by Joe Marcantonio (Kindred).
Co-written by Joe Marcantonio and Owynne Dawkins, synopsis reads: After the brutal murder of their family, barely teenage Millie and her Uncle John (Dìrísù) embark on a brutal mission of revenge and retribution. But as they get closer to the people responsible, Millie must decide if she is ready to follow the bloody path of vengeance… and its violent, premature journey into adulthood.
Principal photography is set to begin in Autumn in the UK. WestEnd is handling worldwide sales.
The pic is produced by Auroral Pictures’ Rebecca Knapp and Matthew Wakeham. Nicola Pearcey of Picnik Entertainment is executive producing.
Co-written by Joe Marcantonio and Owynne Dawkins, synopsis reads: After the brutal murder of their family, barely teenage Millie and her Uncle John (Dìrísù) embark on a brutal mission of revenge and retribution. But as they get closer to the people responsible, Millie must decide if she is ready to follow the bloody path of vengeance… and its violent, premature journey into adulthood.
Principal photography is set to begin in Autumn in the UK. WestEnd is handling worldwide sales.
The pic is produced by Auroral Pictures’ Rebecca Knapp and Matthew Wakeham. Nicola Pearcey of Picnik Entertainment is executive producing.
- 5/18/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UK production company Mad As Birds (Mab) — best known for pics such as Six Minutes to Midnight, Poms, The Vanishing, and The Almond And The Seahorse — has landed a major cash injection from a private investor as it sets out a diverse slate of projects for the Cannes market.
We understand the investment is around the seven-figure mark. The investor, whose identity has been kept private, approached the UK-based indie headed by Celyn Jones, Andy Evans, and Sean Marley with the unique deal, which is set to supercharge the company’s work across film and TV, with several Mab projects heading to the Cannes market this week.
New Mab film projects hitting the market include:
Call Girls
Directed by veteran British filmmaker Catherine Morshead, the film comes from a screenplay by writers Paul Coleman and Brennan Reece. Coleman is the BAFTA-winning writer behind the BBC comedy Car Share,...
We understand the investment is around the seven-figure mark. The investor, whose identity has been kept private, approached the UK-based indie headed by Celyn Jones, Andy Evans, and Sean Marley with the unique deal, which is set to supercharge the company’s work across film and TV, with several Mab projects heading to the Cannes market this week.
New Mab film projects hitting the market include:
Call Girls
Directed by veteran British filmmaker Catherine Morshead, the film comes from a screenplay by writers Paul Coleman and Brennan Reece. Coleman is the BAFTA-winning writer behind the BBC comedy Car Share,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Harry Potter franchise alum Jason Isaacs will be joining Vanessa Redgrave and Freida Pinto in The Boy at the Back of the Class, the family feature based on the bestselling children’s book written by Onjali Q. Rauf. Stephen Herek is directing.
The story kicks off when a mysterious new boy called Ahmet enrolls at nine-year-old Alexa’s school and the two become friends. As Alexa learns that he is a refugee, separated from his family, she will do anything she can to help. With the grown-ups out of the way, Alexa and her school friends come up with a daring plan to reunite Ahmet with his family – marking the start of an extraordinary adventure that will take them all the way to Buckingham Palace.
The Boy at the Back of the Class has sold over a half a million copies in the UK.
The story kicks off when a mysterious new boy called Ahmet enrolls at nine-year-old Alexa’s school and the two become friends. As Alexa learns that he is a refugee, separated from his family, she will do anything she can to help. With the grown-ups out of the way, Alexa and her school friends come up with a daring plan to reunite Ahmet with his family – marking the start of an extraordinary adventure that will take them all the way to Buckingham Palace.
The Boy at the Back of the Class has sold over a half a million copies in the UK.
- 5/10/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Vanessa Redgrave and Freida Pinto have boarded the family feature “The Boy at the Back of the Class,” based on the acclaimed children’s book.
Directed by Stephen Herek (“101 Dalmations”), the film centers on a mysterious new boy called Ahmet who joins nine-year-old Alexa’s school. As Alexa learns that he is a refugee, separated from his family, she will do anything she can to help. With the adults out of the way, Alexa and her school friends come up with a daring plan to reunite Ahmet with his family – the start of an adventure that will take them all the way to Buckingham Palace.
The film is penned by “A Street Cat Named Bob” screenwriter Tim John. Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite at Studio Pictures are producing. Nicola Pearcey of Picnik Entertainment and Paul Grindey are executive producing. Casting director is BAFTA nominee Carolyn McLeod.
“The Boy at the Back of the Class,...
Directed by Stephen Herek (“101 Dalmations”), the film centers on a mysterious new boy called Ahmet who joins nine-year-old Alexa’s school. As Alexa learns that he is a refugee, separated from his family, she will do anything she can to help. With the adults out of the way, Alexa and her school friends come up with a daring plan to reunite Ahmet with his family – the start of an adventure that will take them all the way to Buckingham Palace.
The film is penned by “A Street Cat Named Bob” screenwriter Tim John. Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite at Studio Pictures are producing. Nicola Pearcey of Picnik Entertainment and Paul Grindey are executive producing. Casting director is BAFTA nominee Carolyn McLeod.
“The Boy at the Back of the Class,...
- 2/19/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Herek is to direct, with Laura Haddock starring.
The UK’s WestEnd Films has come on board to launch worldwide sales at AFM on family feature The Boy At The Back Of The Class, based on Onjali Q Rauf’s 2018 children’s book of the same name. Stephen Herek – the US filmmaker behind 101 Dalmatians and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – is to direct.
The screenplay will be penned by A Streetcat Named Bob screenwriter Tim John. Guardians Of The Galaxy actor Laura Haddock is attached to star.
When a mysterious new boy called Ahmet joins nine-year-old Alexa’s school,...
The UK’s WestEnd Films has come on board to launch worldwide sales at AFM on family feature The Boy At The Back Of The Class, based on Onjali Q Rauf’s 2018 children’s book of the same name. Stephen Herek – the US filmmaker behind 101 Dalmatians and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – is to direct.
The screenplay will be penned by A Streetcat Named Bob screenwriter Tim John. Guardians Of The Galaxy actor Laura Haddock is attached to star.
When a mysterious new boy called Ahmet joins nine-year-old Alexa’s school,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Stephen Herek is to direct, with Laura Haddock starring.
UK sales outfit WestEnd Films has boarded worldwide sales for family feature The Boy At The Back Of The Class, based on Onjali Q Rauf’s 2018 children’s book of the same name. Stephen Herek – the US filmmaker behind 101 Dalmatians and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – is to direct.
The screenplay will be penned by A Streetcat Named Bob screenwriter Tim John. Guardians Of The Galaxy actor Laura Haddock is attached to star.
When a mysterious new boy called Ahmet joins nine-year-old Alexa’s school, Alexa and her group of classmates befriend him.
UK sales outfit WestEnd Films has boarded worldwide sales for family feature The Boy At The Back Of The Class, based on Onjali Q Rauf’s 2018 children’s book of the same name. Stephen Herek – the US filmmaker behind 101 Dalmatians and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – is to direct.
The screenplay will be penned by A Streetcat Named Bob screenwriter Tim John. Guardians Of The Galaxy actor Laura Haddock is attached to star.
When a mysterious new boy called Ahmet joins nine-year-old Alexa’s school, Alexa and her group of classmates befriend him.
- 10/25/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
“The Never Ending Murder,” an investigative true crime docu-series about the disappearance of 18-year-old British woman Nicola Payne (pictured above right), has been picked up by Signature Entertainment.
Signature have acquired the global rights to the series, which was made by Fulwell 73, StudioPOW and Picnik Entertainment, and will be selling international rights at upcoming major markets.
The series will be released in the U.K. and Ireland in 2023.
“The Never Ending Murder” re-examines Payne’s disappearance in 1991 in Coventry, U.K., which led to one of the West Midlands Police Force’s largest ever investigations. The series includes interviews with family and friends, including her father John Payne (pictured above left) and eldest brother (and family spokesperson) Nigel Payne, as well as those closely involved with the case, including retired detective Malcolm Ross and Martin Slevin, both of whom were lead investigators at one time.
Mark Radice directs while Venita Kidza produces.
Signature have acquired the global rights to the series, which was made by Fulwell 73, StudioPOW and Picnik Entertainment, and will be selling international rights at upcoming major markets.
The series will be released in the U.K. and Ireland in 2023.
“The Never Ending Murder” re-examines Payne’s disappearance in 1991 in Coventry, U.K., which led to one of the West Midlands Police Force’s largest ever investigations. The series includes interviews with family and friends, including her father John Payne (pictured above left) and eldest brother (and family spokesperson) Nigel Payne, as well as those closely involved with the case, including retired detective Malcolm Ross and Martin Slevin, both of whom were lead investigators at one time.
Mark Radice directs while Venita Kidza produces.
- 10/17/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Separately, Sony Pictures Classics picks up Tribeca doc It Ain’t Over about baseball legend Yogi Berra.
IFC Films has acquired North American rights to The Almond And The Seahorse starring Rebel Wilson in her first dramatic role ahead of the world premiere at Zurich Film Festival.
Bafta-winning Celyn Jones and Tom Stern directed the film from a screenplay by Jones and award-winning playwright Kaite O’Reilly, based on her theatre production of the same name.
The story deals with two couples where one partner has survived Traumatic Brain Injury. Trine Dyrholm plays Gwen, who has not recognised herself or her partner,...
IFC Films has acquired North American rights to The Almond And The Seahorse starring Rebel Wilson in her first dramatic role ahead of the world premiere at Zurich Film Festival.
Bafta-winning Celyn Jones and Tom Stern directed the film from a screenplay by Jones and award-winning playwright Kaite O’Reilly, based on her theatre production of the same name.
The story deals with two couples where one partner has survived Traumatic Brain Injury. Trine Dyrholm plays Gwen, who has not recognised herself or her partner,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
IFC Films has acquired the North American rights to “The Almond and the Seahorse,” a drama that marks the first dramatic role for “Pitch Perfect” star Rebel Wilson.
“The Almond and the Seahorse” will make its world premiere at the upcoming Zurich Film Festival, and IFC Films has already set its release date for both in theaters and on demand for Dec. 16.
Celyn Jones and cinematographer Tom Stern (“American Sniper”) co-directed the film from a script by playwright Kaite O’Reilly, based on her own play.
Also Read:
‘The People’s Joker,’ Queer Film Set in Batman Universe, Pulled From TIFF Lineup Due to ‘Rights Issues’
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Trine Dyrholm, Meera Syal and Jones also star in the film alongside Wilson. Here’s the full synopsis:
“For Gwen (Trine Dyrholm), it’s always 1999. The face in the mirror is unfamiliar and her partner, Toni (Charlotte Gainsbourg), isn’t recognisable to her despite waking up together every day.
“The Almond and the Seahorse” will make its world premiere at the upcoming Zurich Film Festival, and IFC Films has already set its release date for both in theaters and on demand for Dec. 16.
Celyn Jones and cinematographer Tom Stern (“American Sniper”) co-directed the film from a script by playwright Kaite O’Reilly, based on her own play.
Also Read:
‘The People’s Joker,’ Queer Film Set in Batman Universe, Pulled From TIFF Lineup Due to ‘Rights Issues’
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Trine Dyrholm, Meera Syal and Jones also star in the film alongside Wilson. Here’s the full synopsis:
“For Gwen (Trine Dyrholm), it’s always 1999. The face in the mirror is unfamiliar and her partner, Toni (Charlotte Gainsbourg), isn’t recognisable to her despite waking up together every day.
- 9/14/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: IFC Films has acquired North American rights to The Almond and the Seahorse, prior to the film making its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival. The film stars Rebel Wilson in her first dramatic role.
Directed by BAFTA winner Celyn Jones (Six Minutes to Midnight) and BAFTA nominee Tom Stern, the film also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Trine Dyrholm, Meera Syal and Celyn Jones. The script is by Jones and playwright Kaite O’Reilly, based on the latter’s play.
IFC Films will release the film December 16 in theaters and on-demand.
For Gwen (Dyrholm), it’s always 1999. The face in the mirror is unfamiliar, and her partner, Toni (Gainsbourg), isn’t recognizable to her despite waking up together every day. For Joe (Jones), his past is coming undone, and his partner, Sarah (Wilson), fears she will be forgotten. A doctor refuses to give up on them, determined not to let them all unravel.
Directed by BAFTA winner Celyn Jones (Six Minutes to Midnight) and BAFTA nominee Tom Stern, the film also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Trine Dyrholm, Meera Syal and Celyn Jones. The script is by Jones and playwright Kaite O’Reilly, based on the latter’s play.
IFC Films will release the film December 16 in theaters and on-demand.
For Gwen (Dyrholm), it’s always 1999. The face in the mirror is unfamiliar, and her partner, Toni (Gainsbourg), isn’t recognizable to her despite waking up together every day. For Joe (Jones), his past is coming undone, and his partner, Sarah (Wilson), fears she will be forgotten. A doctor refuses to give up on them, determined not to let them all unravel.
- 9/14/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicholas Pinnock (“For Life”) will play world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali in “A God Amongst Men.”
The film, co-written and to be directed by James Newton (“2:Hrs”), also stars Christopher Eccleston (“Dodger”), and is based on the true story of Ali’s visit to Tyneside, U.K., in 1977. The film is co-written by Ian Skelton (“Hey Duggee”).
Newton said: ” ‘A God Amongst Men’ is based upon the true story of how one man, Johnny Walker, outrageously claimed that he would bring Muhammad Ali to Tyneside in 1977 to save a boxing club from closure. Johnny was instantly ridiculed and he became a laughing stock. But Johnny didn’t give up on his dream. He found the people to help make the impossible possible.”
The film is produced by Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite for Studio Pictures (“A Street Cat Named Bob”) with Bob Clarke (“Boiling Point”) and Picnik Entertainment’s...
The film, co-written and to be directed by James Newton (“2:Hrs”), also stars Christopher Eccleston (“Dodger”), and is based on the true story of Ali’s visit to Tyneside, U.K., in 1977. The film is co-written by Ian Skelton (“Hey Duggee”).
Newton said: ” ‘A God Amongst Men’ is based upon the true story of how one man, Johnny Walker, outrageously claimed that he would bring Muhammad Ali to Tyneside in 1977 to save a boxing club from closure. Johnny was instantly ridiculed and he became a laughing stock. But Johnny didn’t give up on his dream. He found the people to help make the impossible possible.”
The film is produced by Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite for Studio Pictures (“A Street Cat Named Bob”) with Bob Clarke (“Boiling Point”) and Picnik Entertainment’s...
- 5/18/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Filming on Beatles manager movie Midas Man did not restart last month as planned.
The plan was for filming to recommence in late November but the restart has been pushed to late January as new director Sara Sugarman gets acclimatized and the production has a planned pause over Christmas. The film’s original director Jonas Akerlund left the project in mid-November. Some of the original crew also left.
The independent movie will have had a three-month break from filming by the time cameras roll again and multiple people working on the film have now expressed concern to us about the project’s funding. We understand the feature has not been bonded.
However, the production tells us there are no funding or scheduling issues: “There is no delay. Midas Man filming remains very much on schedule to complete the movie. The new production team is now on board. U.S.
The plan was for filming to recommence in late November but the restart has been pushed to late January as new director Sara Sugarman gets acclimatized and the production has a planned pause over Christmas. The film’s original director Jonas Akerlund left the project in mid-November. Some of the original crew also left.
The independent movie will have had a three-month break from filming by the time cameras roll again and multiple people working on the film have now expressed concern to us about the project’s funding. We understand the feature has not been bonded.
However, the production tells us there are no funding or scheduling issues: “There is no delay. Midas Man filming remains very much on schedule to complete the movie. The new production team is now on board. U.S.
- 12/13/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The actors portraying the Fab Four have been revealed for Beatles manager movie Midas Man.
Jonah Lees (The Letter For The King) will play John Lennon, musician Blake Richardson (of band New Hope Club) will be Paul McCartney, Leo Harvey Elledge (Creation Stories) is George Harrison, and Campbell Wallace will play Ringo Starr. Here are some first-look images of the newcomer actors as the iconic quartet at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
Adam Lawrence (Peaky Blinders) has joined cast as Pete Best and, as we revealed earlier this week, Jay Leno (The Tonight Show) has joined as Ed Sullivan.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) plays the lead role of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Emily Watson is Epstein’s mother Malka “Queenie” Epstein, Eddie Marsan portrays Brian’s father and successful businessman Harry, Omari Douglas is Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant, and Rosie Day plays Merseybeat star Cilla Black.
Jonah Lees (The Letter For The King) will play John Lennon, musician Blake Richardson (of band New Hope Club) will be Paul McCartney, Leo Harvey Elledge (Creation Stories) is George Harrison, and Campbell Wallace will play Ringo Starr. Here are some first-look images of the newcomer actors as the iconic quartet at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
Adam Lawrence (Peaky Blinders) has joined cast as Pete Best and, as we revealed earlier this week, Jay Leno (The Tonight Show) has joined as Ed Sullivan.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) plays the lead role of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Emily Watson is Epstein’s mother Malka “Queenie” Epstein, Eddie Marsan portrays Brian’s father and successful businessman Harry, Omari Douglas is Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant, and Rosie Day plays Merseybeat star Cilla Black.
- 11/25/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jay Leno is set to make a rare feature appearance in Midas Man — the film about Beatles manager Brian Epstein — playing another celebrated TV personality: Ed Sullivan.
The former Tonight Show host last appeared in a live-action movie as a character other than himself way back in the ’90s. He has voiced a number of animations, however, and small-screen roles include ABC’s Last Man Standing.
Midas Man, currently in production, stars The Queen’s Gambit‘s Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as the late Beatles manager. The project charts Epstein’s role in the creative explosion of the 1960s and his sizable influence on pop music.
The Fab Four made several appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, including three in February 1964 that were among their first appearances in front of an American audience. Their first appearance, on February 9, was seen by a then-record 73 million viewers and came to be regarded as a...
The former Tonight Show host last appeared in a live-action movie as a character other than himself way back in the ’90s. He has voiced a number of animations, however, and small-screen roles include ABC’s Last Man Standing.
Midas Man, currently in production, stars The Queen’s Gambit‘s Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as the late Beatles manager. The project charts Epstein’s role in the creative explosion of the 1960s and his sizable influence on pop music.
The Fab Four made several appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, including three in February 1964 that were among their first appearances in front of an American audience. Their first appearance, on February 9, was seen by a then-record 73 million viewers and came to be regarded as a...
- 11/22/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Sara Sugarman is set to replace Jonas Åkerlund on “Midas Man,” the biopic of The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, Variety understands.
“Midas Man” tells the story of Brian Epstein, the man who is considered responsible for launching The Beatles into the stratosphere. He also managed other hit musical acts from the 1960s including Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black before tragically succumbing to an overdose at the age of 32.
During his lifetime Epstein was also forced to hide the fact that he was gay due to societal attitudes towards at the time.
“The Queen’s Gambit” star Jacob Fortune Lloyd (above right) has been cast as wunderkind Epstein in the film, with “Outlander’s” Rosie Day set to play Cilla Black.
Sugarman has previously directed “Vinyl,” “House of Versace” and “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” with Lindsay Lohan. She recently wrapped on feature film “Save the Cinema” with...
“Midas Man” tells the story of Brian Epstein, the man who is considered responsible for launching The Beatles into the stratosphere. He also managed other hit musical acts from the 1960s including Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black before tragically succumbing to an overdose at the age of 32.
During his lifetime Epstein was also forced to hide the fact that he was gay due to societal attitudes towards at the time.
“The Queen’s Gambit” star Jacob Fortune Lloyd (above right) has been cast as wunderkind Epstein in the film, with “Outlander’s” Rosie Day set to play Cilla Black.
Sugarman has previously directed “Vinyl,” “House of Versace” and “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” with Lindsay Lohan. She recently wrapped on feature film “Save the Cinema” with...
- 11/18/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Midas Man, the biopic of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, has hired a new director as it looks to get back into production as soon as possible.
Sara Sugarman, known for directing movies including music comedy Vinyl, Lifetime’s House Of Versace and Disney’s Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen, is newly aboard.
As we revealed earlier this month, the movie entered hiatus as producers sought to replace director Jonas Akerlund.
Akerlund told us today: “I regret that things haven’t turned out as we had planned on Midas Man. I wish Jacob [Fortune-Lloyd] and the team the best with the film.”
The Queen’s Gambit co-star Jacob Fortune-Lloyd stars as Epstein in the biopic, alongside Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Rosie Day and Bill Milner. The project charts Epstein’s role in the creative explosion of the 1960s and his sizable influence on pop music.
We understand exit terms...
Sara Sugarman, known for directing movies including music comedy Vinyl, Lifetime’s House Of Versace and Disney’s Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen, is newly aboard.
As we revealed earlier this month, the movie entered hiatus as producers sought to replace director Jonas Akerlund.
Akerlund told us today: “I regret that things haven’t turned out as we had planned on Midas Man. I wish Jacob [Fortune-Lloyd] and the team the best with the film.”
The Queen’s Gambit co-star Jacob Fortune-Lloyd stars as Epstein in the biopic, alongside Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Rosie Day and Bill Milner. The project charts Epstein’s role in the creative explosion of the 1960s and his sizable influence on pop music.
We understand exit terms...
- 11/18/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Midas Man, the biopic of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, has shut down mid-shoot with director Jonas Akerlund unlikely to continue, we can reveal.
Filming on the project began last month in Liverpool with cast including The Queen’s Gambit star Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein, Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Rosie Day and Bill Milner.
The production has issued us with the following statement: “The director of Midas Man Jonas Akerlund is taking a break from the film. Until some matters become clearer we are not able to add any further comment to this statement. In the meantime we can confirm that filming of Midas Man will continue in London in November before breaking for Christmas. Filming will restart in early January in Los Angeles.”
Sources close to the production have told us it is unlikely Swedish filmmaker Akerlund returns to direct the project and we understand there are...
Filming on the project began last month in Liverpool with cast including The Queen’s Gambit star Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein, Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Rosie Day and Bill Milner.
The production has issued us with the following statement: “The director of Midas Man Jonas Akerlund is taking a break from the film. Until some matters become clearer we are not able to add any further comment to this statement. In the meantime we can confirm that filming of Midas Man will continue in London in November before breaking for Christmas. Filming will restart in early January in Los Angeles.”
Sources close to the production have told us it is unlikely Swedish filmmaker Akerlund returns to direct the project and we understand there are...
- 11/2/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
“Midas Man,” the biopic about legendary music manager Brian Epstein, has begun shooting in Liverpool, U.K., giving fans the first look at Jacob Fortune-Lloyd’s transformation into the title role (above left).
The actor, who has starred in “Medici” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” will portray the always dapper Epstein in the StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie Films production alongside Emily Watson (“Everest”) as Epstein’s mother, Eddie Marsan (“Ridley Road”) as his father Harry, Lukas Gage (“Euphoria”) as his lover Tex Ellington and Charley Palmer Rothwell (“Jack Ryan”) who will play The Beatles’ record producer George Martin
The film has also cast “Outlander” star Rosie Day as another one of Epstein’s acts, singer Cilla Black. Jonas Åkerlund (“Lords of Chaos”) directs.
The film will shoot across Liverpool, London and the U.S. this fall.
Epstein, who died of an overdose at the age of 32, was responsible for discovering and...
The actor, who has starred in “Medici” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” will portray the always dapper Epstein in the StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie Films production alongside Emily Watson (“Everest”) as Epstein’s mother, Eddie Marsan (“Ridley Road”) as his father Harry, Lukas Gage (“Euphoria”) as his lover Tex Ellington and Charley Palmer Rothwell (“Jack Ryan”) who will play The Beatles’ record producer George Martin
The film has also cast “Outlander” star Rosie Day as another one of Epstein’s acts, singer Cilla Black. Jonas Åkerlund (“Lords of Chaos”) directs.
The film will shoot across Liverpool, London and the U.S. this fall.
Epstein, who died of an overdose at the age of 32, was responsible for discovering and...
- 10/22/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Cast is rounding out on Midas Man, a feature film telling the story of visionary music manager Brian Epstein.
Joining the previously announced Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein are Emily Watson, who will play his mother, Eddie Marsan as his father, and It’s a Sin breakout Omari Douglas as Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant and friend.
Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing the pic, which comes from producers Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films.
Jonathan Wakeham wrote the screenplay based on a story by Brigit Grant. The plot tracks how Epstein shot to fame at the age of 25 by discovering a series of artists including The Beatles, Cilla Black and Gerry and The Pacemakers, before his life ended tragically at just 32.
Peter Dunne, Nicola Pearcey and Mark Borkowski are executive producers. Twickenham Studios Chairman and co-owner Sunny Vohra...
Joining the previously announced Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein are Emily Watson, who will play his mother, Eddie Marsan as his father, and It’s a Sin breakout Omari Douglas as Lonnie Trimble, Epstein’s ever-trusted confidant and friend.
Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing the pic, which comes from producers Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films.
Jonathan Wakeham wrote the screenplay based on a story by Brigit Grant. The plot tracks how Epstein shot to fame at the age of 25 by discovering a series of artists including The Beatles, Cilla Black and Gerry and The Pacemakers, before his life ended tragically at just 32.
Peter Dunne, Nicola Pearcey and Mark Borkowski are executive producers. Twickenham Studios Chairman and co-owner Sunny Vohra...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Brisk business has been concluded on Midas Man, the feature about the life of The Beatles manager Brian Epstein, by sales outfit Mister Smith Entertainment.
Signature Entertainment has picked up rights for UK and Ireland following the recent Cannes virtual market. Deals have also been concluded for Australia/Nz (Transmission Films), Baltics (Acme), Benelux (WW Entertainment), Cis (Exponenta), Ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), France (Metropolitan), Italy (Eagle Pictures), Poland (Monolith Films), Portugal (Nos Lusomundo), Scandinavia (Mislabel), Spain (Tripictures), Switzerland (Ascot Elite).
The project will shoot in Liverpool and London for release in 2022. Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing. Starring are The Queen’s Gambit’s Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein, with further cast to be confirmed.
The screenplay has been written by Jonathan Wakeham from a story by Brigit Grant. It will follow Epstein’s tumultuous life which saw him shoot to fame at the tender age of 25 but ended in tragedy...
Signature Entertainment has picked up rights for UK and Ireland following the recent Cannes virtual market. Deals have also been concluded for Australia/Nz (Transmission Films), Baltics (Acme), Benelux (WW Entertainment), Cis (Exponenta), Ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz), France (Metropolitan), Italy (Eagle Pictures), Poland (Monolith Films), Portugal (Nos Lusomundo), Scandinavia (Mislabel), Spain (Tripictures), Switzerland (Ascot Elite).
The project will shoot in Liverpool and London for release in 2022. Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing. Starring are The Queen’s Gambit’s Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein, with further cast to be confirmed.
The screenplay has been written by Jonathan Wakeham from a story by Brigit Grant. It will follow Epstein’s tumultuous life which saw him shoot to fame at the tender age of 25 but ended in tragedy...
- 7/29/2021
- by Tom Grater and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Braman and Ruth Sharp will join the board as new co-chairs.
The Digital Entertainment Group International (Degi), the not-for-profit industry association that represents the home entertainment sector in Europe, has appointed Joe Braman and Ruth Sharp as the new co-chairs of its board of directors.
Braman is VP, international account management at NBCUniversal and Ruth Sharp is VP and head of digital distribution at Warner Media UK and Ireland. The duo replace former co-chairs, Chris Duffy and Nicola Pearcey.
Former Lionsgate UK president Pearcey, who steps down after 10 years in the post, will move to a senior independent director role on the board.
The Digital Entertainment Group International (Degi), the not-for-profit industry association that represents the home entertainment sector in Europe, has appointed Joe Braman and Ruth Sharp as the new co-chairs of its board of directors.
Braman is VP, international account management at NBCUniversal and Ruth Sharp is VP and head of digital distribution at Warner Media UK and Ireland. The duo replace former co-chairs, Chris Duffy and Nicola Pearcey.
Former Lionsgate UK president Pearcey, who steps down after 10 years in the post, will move to a senior independent director role on the board.
- 7/6/2021
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
UK actor to lead a biopic of The Beatles’ late manager.
Jonas Åkerlund’s upcoming biopic of music manager Brian Epstein has cast The Queen’s Gambit breakout Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role.
Midas Man will begin shooting this autumn, Screen has confirmed. It will film in the UK at Twickenham Studios and on location in London and Liverpool as well as the US.
Nicola Pearcey, former president of Lionsgate UK and Europe, has also joined the project as executive producer through Picnik Entertainment.
Swedish director Åkerlund will also have creative input on the film’s soundtrack. His previous...
Jonas Åkerlund’s upcoming biopic of music manager Brian Epstein has cast The Queen’s Gambit breakout Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role.
Midas Man will begin shooting this autumn, Screen has confirmed. It will film in the UK at Twickenham Studios and on location in London and Liverpool as well as the US.
Nicola Pearcey, former president of Lionsgate UK and Europe, has also joined the project as executive producer through Picnik Entertainment.
Swedish director Åkerlund will also have creative input on the film’s soundtrack. His previous...
- 4/16/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The Queen’s Gambit break-out Jacob Fortune-Lloyd is to star as Beatles manager Brian Epstein in biopic Midas Man.
As previously announced, filmmaker and acclaimed music director Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing and will have an input on the soundtrack.
The film will chart Epstein’s (aka Eppy) role in the cultural revolution and creative explosion of the 1960s, and his sizable yet often unheralded influence on pop music, and its colossal impact worldwide.
Shoot will take place at Twickenham Studios and on location in London, Liverpool, and the U.S. Dates have not yet been revealed.
Rising Brit actor Fortune-Lloyd, whose credits also include Wolf Hall and Medici, played chess prodigy-turned-journalist Townes, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, in Netflix’s hit series The Queen’s Gambit.
The film is being produced by Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW (Funny Cow) and Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films...
As previously announced, filmmaker and acclaimed music director Jonas Akerlund (Lords Of Chaos) is directing and will have an input on the soundtrack.
The film will chart Epstein’s (aka Eppy) role in the cultural revolution and creative explosion of the 1960s, and his sizable yet often unheralded influence on pop music, and its colossal impact worldwide.
Shoot will take place at Twickenham Studios and on location in London, Liverpool, and the U.S. Dates have not yet been revealed.
Rising Brit actor Fortune-Lloyd, whose credits also include Wolf Hall and Medici, played chess prodigy-turned-journalist Townes, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, in Netflix’s hit series The Queen’s Gambit.
The film is being produced by Kevin Proctor and Perry Trevers at StudioPOW (Funny Cow) and Trevor Beattie and Jeremy Chatterton at Trevor Beattie Films...
- 4/16/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has taken UK distribution rights on Living, the Bill Nighy-starring English-language adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic Ikiru.
Nobel and Booker Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro has written the screenplay. Moffie filmmaker Oliver Hermanus is helming. Producers are Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen at Number 9 Films. Production is being lined up for the spring.
Set in London 1952, Living focuses on Williams (Nighy) a veteran civil servant, who has become a cog in the bureaucracy of rebuilding post WWII England. As paperwork piles up on his desk, Williams learns he has seven months to live. Thus begins his quest to find meaning in his life before it slips away.
The deal marks the first since Lionsgate’s UK office underwent a major reshuffle following the departure of top execs Zygi Kamasa and Nicola Pearcey, with the latter set to leave by the end of the year. As we revealed,...
Nobel and Booker Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro has written the screenplay. Moffie filmmaker Oliver Hermanus is helming. Producers are Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen at Number 9 Films. Production is being lined up for the spring.
Set in London 1952, Living focuses on Williams (Nighy) a veteran civil servant, who has become a cog in the bureaucracy of rebuilding post WWII England. As paperwork piles up on his desk, Williams learns he has seven months to live. Thus begins his quest to find meaning in his life before it slips away.
The deal marks the first since Lionsgate’s UK office underwent a major reshuffle following the departure of top execs Zygi Kamasa and Nicola Pearcey, with the latter set to leave by the end of the year. As we revealed,...
- 12/21/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Evidence the sector is well-positioned to thrive in a post-pandemic, SVoD-driven market.
Producers dependent on UK independent distributors to finance their work and get it into cinemas have had a particularly anxious year. The pandemic has acclimatised audiences to watching films at home rather than in a cinema, and there have been major changes at some of the companies renowned for their commitment to the local film sector.
Zygi Kamasa has left Lionsgate UK, the company he co-founded as Redbus in 1997. Under Kamasa, Lionsgate UK was a staunch supporter of UK film, backing titles such as Bend It Like Beckham,...
Producers dependent on UK independent distributors to finance their work and get it into cinemas have had a particularly anxious year. The pandemic has acclimatised audiences to watching films at home rather than in a cinema, and there have been major changes at some of the companies renowned for their commitment to the local film sector.
Zygi Kamasa has left Lionsgate UK, the company he co-founded as Redbus in 1997. Under Kamasa, Lionsgate UK was a staunch supporter of UK film, backing titles such as Bend It Like Beckham,...
- 12/10/2020
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Venice Critics’ Week Names New Head
Venice Film Festival independent sidebar Critics’ Week has hired Beatrice Fiorentino as its new General Delegate, replacing Giona A. Nazzaro who left earlier this year to take the reins at Locarno. Fiorentino is a journalist, critic and teacher who has been a member of the Critics’ Week selection committee since 2016. “I proudly and with great enthusiasm take on this challenge, aware of the responsibility that was trusted on me. Together with the selection committee and the new programming team we will work in continuity with the path of those who preceded us. We don’t have to create anything new. We will keep our gaze well focused on the present and the future of cinema,” she said.
Nick Manzi Among Lionsgate UK Departures
Nick Manzi, head of productions and acquisitions at Lionsgate UK, is set to leave the company, we can confirm. As we revealed earlier this month,...
Venice Film Festival independent sidebar Critics’ Week has hired Beatrice Fiorentino as its new General Delegate, replacing Giona A. Nazzaro who left earlier this year to take the reins at Locarno. Fiorentino is a journalist, critic and teacher who has been a member of the Critics’ Week selection committee since 2016. “I proudly and with great enthusiasm take on this challenge, aware of the responsibility that was trusted on me. Together with the selection committee and the new programming team we will work in continuity with the path of those who preceded us. We don’t have to create anything new. We will keep our gaze well focused on the present and the future of cinema,” she said.
Nick Manzi Among Lionsgate UK Departures
Nick Manzi, head of productions and acquisitions at Lionsgate UK, is set to leave the company, we can confirm. As we revealed earlier this month,...
- 11/30/2020
- by Tom Grater, Andreas Wiseman and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
His departure follows the exits of Zygi Kamasa and Nicola Pearcey.
Nick Manzi, the highly-respected head of productions and acquisitions at Lionsgate UK, is set to leave the company.
Lionsgate declined to comment but sources have confirmed Manzi’s departure is imminent. His exit will follow that of former Lionsgate Europe CEO Zygi Kamasa, who joined UK outfit Marv Films as group CEO earlier this year. It was also recently confirmed Nicola Pearcey will be stepping down as president of Lionsgate UK and Europe by the end of the year.
Further redundancies are understood to be taking place in the company’s London office.
Nick Manzi, the highly-respected head of productions and acquisitions at Lionsgate UK, is set to leave the company.
Lionsgate declined to comment but sources have confirmed Manzi’s departure is imminent. His exit will follow that of former Lionsgate Europe CEO Zygi Kamasa, who joined UK outfit Marv Films as group CEO earlier this year. It was also recently confirmed Nicola Pearcey will be stepping down as president of Lionsgate UK and Europe by the end of the year.
Further redundancies are understood to be taking place in the company’s London office.
- 11/27/2020
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Happy Friday readers and welcome to the latest edition of International Insider. Tom Grater here with a rundown of this week’s top international news.
That’s A Wrap
Unprecedented shoot: Universal and co wrapped their $165M blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion this week; back in July the film became the first major studio production to resume shooting in the UK during the pandemic. My colleague Andreas Wiseman had an exclusive interview with director Colin Trevorrow and Universal chair Donna Langley in which they discussed the unprecedented shoot, which encompassed 40,000 Covid tests and millions of dollars spent on safety protocols.
Rocky road: Jurassic World resumed at UK facility Pinewood in mid-July and early reports of positive Covid tests were taken in stride, with affected crew kept away from set. The production was forced to scale back in Malta, however, after a number of Covid infections on the island. The film then...
That’s A Wrap
Unprecedented shoot: Universal and co wrapped their $165M blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion this week; back in July the film became the first major studio production to resume shooting in the UK during the pandemic. My colleague Andreas Wiseman had an exclusive interview with director Colin Trevorrow and Universal chair Donna Langley in which they discussed the unprecedented shoot, which encompassed 40,000 Covid tests and millions of dollars spent on safety protocols.
Rocky road: Jurassic World resumed at UK facility Pinewood in mid-July and early reports of positive Covid tests were taken in stride, with affected crew kept away from set. The production was forced to scale back in Malta, however, after a number of Covid infections on the island. The film then...
- 11/13/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate is shedding between 15-20 staff from its UK office as part of recently announced Global Motion Picture Group cuts, we can reveal.
Lionsgate has been a stalwart financier-distributor in the UK for more than a decade, backing and acquiring a host of Brit movies, often early in their production, and steering strong results for Lionsgate’s U.S. acquisitions and productions.
Much of that UK strategy and direction was driven by former UK & Europe CEO Zygi Kamasa who left the mini-major over the summer. Lionsgate’s current UK President of Film and TV Nicola Pearcey, who worked for 14 years under Kamasa, is set to leave at the end of this year after only a few months at the helm.
Going forward, we hear it’s likely Lionsgate will be less involved in early UK film production investments as the company centralises more control and strategy in the U.
Lionsgate has been a stalwart financier-distributor in the UK for more than a decade, backing and acquiring a host of Brit movies, often early in their production, and steering strong results for Lionsgate’s U.S. acquisitions and productions.
Much of that UK strategy and direction was driven by former UK & Europe CEO Zygi Kamasa who left the mini-major over the summer. Lionsgate’s current UK President of Film and TV Nicola Pearcey, who worked for 14 years under Kamasa, is set to leave at the end of this year after only a few months at the helm.
Going forward, we hear it’s likely Lionsgate will be less involved in early UK film production investments as the company centralises more control and strategy in the U.
- 11/12/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
AGC Studios CEO Stuart Ford has a number of UK film and TV projects in development.
As AGC Studios kicks off talks at AFM 2020 Online this week on Dave Bautista sci-fi Universe’s Most Wanted and updates buyers on Doug Liman’s recent London production Lockdown, first details have emerged of the company’s ambitious UK slate.
Since founder and CEO Stuart Ford launched the company two years ago, he and his European team have been quietly assembling a robust film and TV production and development roster alongside the US titles.
The burgeoning pipeline features a rare directorial outing from Richard E. Grant,...
As AGC Studios kicks off talks at AFM 2020 Online this week on Dave Bautista sci-fi Universe’s Most Wanted and updates buyers on Doug Liman’s recent London production Lockdown, first details have emerged of the company’s ambitious UK slate.
Since founder and CEO Stuart Ford launched the company two years ago, he and his European team have been quietly assembling a robust film and TV production and development roster alongside the US titles.
The burgeoning pipeline features a rare directorial outing from Richard E. Grant,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Welcome to International Insider, I’m Jake Kanter. In the week in which the world tried to get its head around the contortions of the U.S. electoral college system, allow me to walk you through a busy few days of film and TV news. Any tips or stories can be sent to jkanter@deadline.com, or my DMs are open.
‘His Dark Materials’ Exclusive
Cracking open the alethiometer: His Dark Materials is back for a second season this weekend and to mark the occasion, we sat down with Ruth Wilson, who plays the dastardly Mrs Coulter in the sweeping Philip Pullman adaptation, and the show’s executive producer, Bad Wolf boss Jane Tranter. You can read the full piece here, but let me pick out a couple of highlights:
The spectre of coronavirus: Season 2, based on Pullman’s The Subtle Knife, was edited during the pandemic and Tranter said...
‘His Dark Materials’ Exclusive
Cracking open the alethiometer: His Dark Materials is back for a second season this weekend and to mark the occasion, we sat down with Ruth Wilson, who plays the dastardly Mrs Coulter in the sweeping Philip Pullman adaptation, and the show’s executive producer, Bad Wolf boss Jane Tranter. You can read the full piece here, but let me pick out a couple of highlights:
The spectre of coronavirus: Season 2, based on Pullman’s The Subtle Knife, was edited during the pandemic and Tranter said...
- 11/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
On the day of its earnings call, Lionsgate has made the tough decision to cut 15% of its Global Motion Picture Group workforce. Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, just revealed the bad news to employees and you can read his memo below.
The cuts announced Thursday follow those that hit marketing and distribution last March soon after cinemas closed around the world, forcing Lionsgate’s theatrical releases to either be delayedon the calendar to 2021 (Spiral) or segue into the home on PVOD. They also sold domestic rights to the Sarah Paulson thriller Run to Hulu.
Since Drake’s return to the studio 36 months ago, Lionsgate has been strategically reimagining the Motion Picture Group to meet the challenge of viewers’ changing viewing habits. The plan is to combine like-minded business units across marketing, distribution, content and business strategy to create a streamlined business that is...
The cuts announced Thursday follow those that hit marketing and distribution last March soon after cinemas closed around the world, forcing Lionsgate’s theatrical releases to either be delayedon the calendar to 2021 (Spiral) or segue into the home on PVOD. They also sold domestic rights to the Sarah Paulson thriller Run to Hulu.
Since Drake’s return to the studio 36 months ago, Lionsgate has been strategically reimagining the Motion Picture Group to meet the challenge of viewers’ changing viewing habits. The plan is to combine like-minded business units across marketing, distribution, content and business strategy to create a streamlined business that is...
- 11/5/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Beverly Hills-based production and finance company Enderby Entertainment is expanding into Canada with the launch of a film and television production office.
Enderby Entertainment CEO Rick Dugdale said on Wednesday (November 4) that screenwriter Todd Ireland will serve as executive vice-president for Enderby Entertainment Canada, based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Dugdale also announced the new division has acquired effects house Chariotdrive, which is in the process of relocating operations to British Columbia and will be run under the auspices of Enderby Entertainment Canada.
“We’ve fortunately been able to see the growth of the Okanagan region and all the work Jon Summerland...
Enderby Entertainment CEO Rick Dugdale said on Wednesday (November 4) that screenwriter Todd Ireland will serve as executive vice-president for Enderby Entertainment Canada, based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Dugdale also announced the new division has acquired effects house Chariotdrive, which is in the process of relocating operations to British Columbia and will be run under the auspices of Enderby Entertainment Canada.
“We’ve fortunately been able to see the growth of the Okanagan region and all the work Jon Summerland...
- 11/4/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Nicola Pearcey, president of Lionsgate’s film and TV operations in the UK, will be leaving the company to pursue new opportunities at the end of the year.
Pearcey and Lionsgate made the announcement Tuesday, which did not include specifics about her future plans.
The company said that during her 14-year tenure as a member of Lionsgate UK’s leadership team, she had helped shepherd the UK releases of “The Hunger Games”, “John Wick” and “The Expendables” franchises along with “La La Land,” “Knives Out” and locally-acquired films “Military Wives,” “Fighting With My Family,” “Eddie The Eagle” and “McQueen.”
Lionsgate also asserted that Pearcey had been instrumental in growing Lionsgate’s television business in the UK with “The Goes Wrong Show” on BBC One, the comedy series “Motherland” and “The Pact” with Little Door Productions, BBC Cymru Wales and Great Point Media.
“My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding...
Pearcey and Lionsgate made the announcement Tuesday, which did not include specifics about her future plans.
The company said that during her 14-year tenure as a member of Lionsgate UK’s leadership team, she had helped shepherd the UK releases of “The Hunger Games”, “John Wick” and “The Expendables” franchises along with “La La Land,” “Knives Out” and locally-acquired films “Military Wives,” “Fighting With My Family,” “Eddie The Eagle” and “McQueen.”
Lionsgate also asserted that Pearcey had been instrumental in growing Lionsgate’s television business in the UK with “The Goes Wrong Show” on BBC One, the comedy series “Motherland” and “The Pact” with Little Door Productions, BBC Cymru Wales and Great Point Media.
“My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding...
- 11/3/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Nicola Pearcey, President of Lionsgate’s film and TV operations in the UK, is to leave the company “to pursue new opportunities” at the end of the year, the mini-major has announced. Pearcey has only been in the role since August.
A successor has not been named and Lionsgate was unavailable for comment. Our sources indicate that the studio’s UK structure may look a little different going forward. There is likely to be clarity in coming weeks.
This is Lionsgate’s second European chief to depart in the space of six months, following Zygi Kamasa’s exit in July. As the realities of Covid and shifting viewing habits take hold, we are seeing significant restructuring and downsizing across most traditional studios.
During her 14-year tenure at Lionsgate UK, Pearcey helped shepherd the UK releases of blockbuster franchises The Hunger Games, John Wick and The Expendables and critically-acclaimed successes including the multiple La La Land,...
A successor has not been named and Lionsgate was unavailable for comment. Our sources indicate that the studio’s UK structure may look a little different going forward. There is likely to be clarity in coming weeks.
This is Lionsgate’s second European chief to depart in the space of six months, following Zygi Kamasa’s exit in July. As the realities of Covid and shifting viewing habits take hold, we are seeing significant restructuring and downsizing across most traditional studios.
During her 14-year tenure at Lionsgate UK, Pearcey helped shepherd the UK releases of blockbuster franchises The Hunger Games, John Wick and The Expendables and critically-acclaimed successes including the multiple La La Land,...
- 11/3/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive has spent 14 years at the studio.
Nicola Pearcey, longtime president of Lionsgate UK and Europe, is leaving the company after 14 years to “pursue new opportunities”.
A replacement has yet to be announced for Pearcey, who will step down from her role at the end of 2020. The moves comes less than four months since Lionsgate revealed Zygi Kamasa was to exit his role as CEO of Lionsgate UK and Europe after 15 years, with Pearcey taking on his duties.
The brace of high-profile departures indicate Lionsgate may be moving away from the UK production space to instead focus on handling major releases for its parent company.
Nicola Pearcey, longtime president of Lionsgate UK and Europe, is leaving the company after 14 years to “pursue new opportunities”.
A replacement has yet to be announced for Pearcey, who will step down from her role at the end of 2020. The moves comes less than four months since Lionsgate revealed Zygi Kamasa was to exit his role as CEO of Lionsgate UK and Europe after 15 years, with Pearcey taking on his duties.
The brace of high-profile departures indicate Lionsgate may be moving away from the UK production space to instead focus on handling major releases for its parent company.
- 11/3/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Nicola Pearcey, president of Lionsgate’s film and TV operations in the U.K., will be leaving the Hollywood studio to “pursue new opportunities” at the end of the year, it was announced on Tuesday.
During her 14 years with Lionsgate, Pearcey helped release studio film titles like The Hunger Games, John Wick, The Expendables, La La Land, Knives Out and Military Wives.
“My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding, but the time has come for me to pursue an expanding range of new opportunities. It has been a privilege to help grow this company and to help build ...
During her 14 years with Lionsgate, Pearcey helped release studio film titles like The Hunger Games, John Wick, The Expendables, La La Land, Knives Out and Military Wives.
“My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding, but the time has come for me to pursue an expanding range of new opportunities. It has been a privilege to help grow this company and to help build ...
- 11/3/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Nicola Pearcey, president of Lionsgate’s film and TV operations in the U.K., will be leaving the Hollywood studio to “pursue new opportunities” at the end of the year, it was announced on Tuesday.
During her 14 years with Lionsgate, Pearcey helped release studio film titles like The Hunger Games, John Wick, The Expendables, La La Land, Knives Out and Military Wives.
“My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding, but the time has come for me to pursue an expanding range of new opportunities. It has been a privilege to help grow this company and to help build ...
During her 14 years with Lionsgate, Pearcey helped release studio film titles like The Hunger Games, John Wick, The Expendables, La La Land, Knives Out and Military Wives.
“My tenure at Lionsgate has been deeply rewarding, but the time has come for me to pursue an expanding range of new opportunities. It has been a privilege to help grow this company and to help build ...
- 11/3/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hello International Insider friends, and happy Friday. In the week in which Netflix said its coronavirus boom could be over, here are the seven things you need to know about the global film and TV business. If you want to subscribe to get this alert in a timely fashion, sign up here.
1. Scoop: Sky Steps Up Restarts
Sky soars again: After we brought you news last week of War Of The Worlds becoming the UK’s first pandemic-era TV drama series shoot, industry chatter around restarts is intensifying. Sky is among those leading the charge, with August being a key month in its planning. Dramas Britannia and Temple (pictured), and comedies Breeders and Code 404 are all set to begin shooting again, while the likes of A Discovery Of Witches will follow soon after. Here’s the full story.
A gamechanger? Sky was one of the UK broadcasters that fed...
1. Scoop: Sky Steps Up Restarts
Sky soars again: After we brought you news last week of War Of The Worlds becoming the UK’s first pandemic-era TV drama series shoot, industry chatter around restarts is intensifying. Sky is among those leading the charge, with August being a key month in its planning. Dramas Britannia and Temple (pictured), and comedies Breeders and Code 404 are all set to begin shooting again, while the likes of A Discovery Of Witches will follow soon after. Here’s the full story.
A gamechanger? Sky was one of the UK broadcasters that fed...
- 7/17/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Zygi Kamasa, longtime CEO of Lionsgate’s film and TV operations in the United Kingdom, is stepping down at the end of July to pursue a new film and television business opportunity.
Kamasa, who made the announcement on Wednesday, did not disclose specifics of the new opportunity. He has served at the helm of Lionsgate UK since he sold his own company, Redbus Film Distributors, to Lionsgate in 2005. The company said its UK business has grown tenfold since then.
“I’ve had an amazing tenure growing the UK business from the foundations of my own indie film distributor, Redbus, into a world-class platform overseeing franchises such as ‘The Hunger Games,’ executive producing over 30 local British films and expanding into UK TV production with shows like BBC’s ‘Motherland’ and ‘The Goes Wrong Show,’” said Kamasa.
Lionsgate’s Nicola Pearcey will remain president of business in the U.K. and will...
Kamasa, who made the announcement on Wednesday, did not disclose specifics of the new opportunity. He has served at the helm of Lionsgate UK since he sold his own company, Redbus Film Distributors, to Lionsgate in 2005. The company said its UK business has grown tenfold since then.
“I’ve had an amazing tenure growing the UK business from the foundations of my own indie film distributor, Redbus, into a world-class platform overseeing franchises such as ‘The Hunger Games,’ executive producing over 30 local British films and expanding into UK TV production with shows like BBC’s ‘Motherland’ and ‘The Goes Wrong Show,’” said Kamasa.
Lionsgate’s Nicola Pearcey will remain president of business in the U.K. and will...
- 7/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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