Thursday 31 January 2013

The Golden Empire short review

"The path to power is stained with blood"

Set during the height of power of the most savage and feared empire on Earth, The Golden Empire is an epic adventure telling the rise and fall of the great Khan, leader of the Mongol Horde. 

When the Khan dynasty is beset by bloodshed, a brutal and bloody fight to crown a new leader erupts, threatening the very existence of their people and those they aim to conquer. 

This dramatic re-telling of the seizure of power makes The Golden Empire a gripping, barbaric story like no other...

Read the full review here.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Finding Nemo swims into 3D

"SEA" IT IN THE CINEMA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN BREATHTAKING DISNEY DIGITAL 3D ON 29 MARCH 2013!



Disney•PIXAR proudly announce that the Academy Award®-winning film "FINDING NEMO" will be diving back into cinemas nationwide this Easter for the first time ever in stunning Disney Digital 3D™ on March 29, .

The much loved underwater animation features the unforgettable Marlin, his forgetful friend Dory and the lovable young Nemo as they return to the big screen making a splash in spectacular 3D. Director Andrew Stanton says that the 3D version of the film is breathtaking-literally. "Watching the first few scenes from 'Finding Nemo' in 3D was like I'd never seen a 3D movie before," says Stanton. "It took my breath away. It felt like I was more underwater. It makes the scary moments scarier. It makes the beautiful moments more beautiful. It really drops you deeper into the story. It just amplifies everything."

Follow the momentous journey as never seen before in 3D as an overprotective clownfish named Marlin (voiced by ALBERT BROOKS) and his young son Nemo (ALEXANDER GOULD) become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home to a fish tank in a dentist's office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (ELLEN DEGENERES), a friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son. Teeming with memorable comedic characters and heartfelt emotion, this awe-inspiring adventure was first released in cinemas in 2003 and won an Oscar® for 'Best Animated Feature Film'.

So "grab shell dude" and "just keep swimming" in the search for P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way as the remarkable journey comes to cinemas in 3D in March, and remember "fish are friends, not food!"

The Sweeney hits London

A dramatic bank heist and car chase storms the City of London
  • Live theatre stunt first of its kind in the City
  • Staged to mark the release of British action film The Sweeney on Blu-ray and DVD

London, 22nd January: In blizzard-like conditions on Sunday January 20th, cops and robbers clashed in a dramatic car chase in the City of London.

In streets that are usually quiet after the hustle and bustle of the City stills for the weekend, the peace was disturbed by the screeching of car tyres, fists and faces clashing, and shouts of “you’re nicked” as the incredible action unfolded.

Staged and filmed to mark the Blu-ray and DVD release of British action flick The Sweeney, three violent and dangerous criminals were hunted down by the flying squad after they raided a bank, in the first live theatre stunt of its kind to be performed and filmed in City streets.

The robbers were trying to get their hands on Limited Edition Sweeney merchandise and DVDs, which was being held under lock and key at Lloyds TSB bank before its release on Monday.

Initially having thought they’d got away with the heist, the robbers were soon being pursued by The Sweeney – with both vehicles speeding and sliding through the City streets. The action came to a climax as The Sweeney apprehended the robbers.

Ashleigh Jones, who won a starring role in the stunt as one of The Sweeney, said: “Despite the weather it is up there with one of my favourite days ever – and I love the final cut of the Sweeney Heist!

Stephanie Don, Product Manager for The Sweeney, said: “The release of The Sweeney on Blu-ray and DVD gave us the perfect opportunity to go out “all guns blazing” and stage a quintessentially London car chase stunt against the backdrop of the Metropolitan Police Station. Everyone involved gave a huge effort, that resulted in some fantastic footage that really captures the adrenaline-fuelled themes of the film.

An adrenaline-pumping UK action blockbuster that took cinema audiences by storm, The Sweeney, a 21st Century update of the original TV series, follows Regan (Ray Winstone) and Carter (Ben Drew) as they navigate London’s criminal underworld. Out on Blu-ray and DVD now, it’s the “Best British action movie in years” according to The Sun.

Tearing up the streets of London, D.I. Jack Regan (Ray Winstone)and his partner George Carter(Ben Drew) from the Flying Squad have their own way of operating, and when an old enemy makes a re-appearance on the London crime scene, they will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Directed by Nick Love (The Firm), The Sweeney is a stylish, exhilarating action thriller also starring Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger)
Available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD now
Findd out more and join the conversation at twitter, via the hashtag, #SweeneyHeist, or on facebook.

Detachment DVD quick Review

A stark look at the stresses and strains of all the occupants of the school, from the ones that crack Dr Doris Parker (Lucy Liu) to the ones that take medication to bend, Mr Charles Seaboldt (James Caan) and are there those that believe they have something to prove such as Andy, (Kwoade Cross) but most importantly there are those who try to remain detached, we introduce “Henry Barthes.”

As soon as this film opens you know it is going to be good, as a camera trains on Adrien Brody (King Kong 2005) Henry Barthes a supply teacher giving an interview to someone off screen, and these pop up throughout the film giving in-sites into his psyche in the various situations he finds himself in.

Read the full review here

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Dark Skies


From the producer of Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Sinister comes DARK SKIES: a supernatural thriller about a young family living in the suburbs. Daniel and Lacey Barret and their two young sons witness an escalating series of disturbing events involving their family. Unable to understand what is happening to them their safe and peaceful home quickly unravels and friends turn against them.

When it becomes clear they are being targeted by an unimaginably terrifying and deadly force, Daniel and Lacey take matters in their own hands to uncover the truth and protect what belongs to them.
Tearing into UK cinemas April 5, 2013

Monday 28 January 2013

Flight



CLIPS
Life in Prison:


Harling Visits Whip:


Uncontrolled Dive:


Make A Deal:


The Only One:


We Flown Together:


Whose God:

FEATURETTE
Zemeckis in the Pilot Seat:

In this action-packed mystery thriller, Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on board. After the crash, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on that plane?
Hitting cinemas in the UK & Ireland February 1, 2013

Piranha (1978) Synopsis

When two hiking teens go missing around Lost River Lake, private investigator Maggie McKeown teams up with the local drunk to look for clues. Their search takes them to a secret military base where they inadvertently let loose an experimental strain of mutant piranha. Now the guests at every resort downriver are on the menu! 

Producer Roger Corman, Director Joe Dante and Screenwriter John Sayles serve up one of the great gorefest cult classics of the 70's.

View our full review here.

Looper synopsis.

Looper is a cool action thriller set 31 years in the future where hit men kill victims from thirty years in their future, all is well until Joe's future self is sent back in time for execution.

Joe Joseph Gordon Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt all give a very believable performance about a future that is not to be proud of...

Read the full review here.

Sunday 27 January 2013

Lincon

We have been sent over som great things from Lincon. Not only do we have the new TV spot, below. We have also been sent a featurette and a ton of clips from the film.


Featurette – ‘Path to Freedom’


Robert pleads with Lincoln to enlist


Mary and Thaddeus at the Ball


Lincoln on Euclid


Steven Spielberg directs two-time Academy Award® winner Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln,” a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.
In UK cinemas NOW

Saturday 26 January 2013

The True Story of How Chile’s “Mad Men” Fought A Dictator with Happiness.

UK film distributor Network Releasing is delighted to announce a unique partnership with the human rights organisation Amnesty International centred around the Oscar-nominated drama NO, starring Gael Garcia Bernal, which opens in UK cinemas on 8 February 2013. The partnership will see former Chilean prisoners of conscience or human rights experts presenting the film at screenings at Picturehouse Cinemas across the UK on 12 February 2013.


The arrangement will last for the duration of the cinema and DVD releases of the award-winning film about the true story of bringing democracy to Chile in 1988 after Pinochet’s dictatorial rule, which stars critically-acclaimed Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal.

The resulting 'No' campaign succeeded in ending over 16 years of military dictatorship, and is a powerful representation of the change that can be achieved when people come together to stand against oppression. As well as joint editorial activity to spread the message of the film via traditional and digital media, an Amnesty expert or a former Chilean prisoner of conscience will be present at every screening of the film at Picturehouse Cinemas on 12 February 2013. Most of the cinemas have also arranged a post-film discussion to answer questions and discuss the situation in Chile both now and at the time of Pinochet’s rule. Participating cinemas are:
  • The Gate, Notting Hill
  • Ritzy Brixton
  • Hackney Picturehouse
  • Clapham Picturehouse
  • Greenwich Picturehouse
  • Stratford East
  • Belmont Aberdeen
  • Duke of York’s Brighton
  • Abbeygate, Bury St Edmunds
  • Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge
  • Cameo Edinburgh
  • Exeter Picturehouse
  • Regal, Henley
  • FACT, Liverpool
  • Norwich Picturehouse
  • Bath, Little Theatre
  • Phoenix, Oxford
  • York
  • Harbour Lights, Southampton
  • Stratford-Upon Avon
Garcia Bernal plays cynical young advertising executive, Rene Saavedra, who is asked to spearhead the “No” campaign for those opposing the Pinochet regime to bring democracy to Chile. With scant resources, constant scrutiny from individuals sympathetic to Pinochet’s totalitarian regime including ad agency colleagues and the secret police, this bold, enthralling film looks at how a team of Chile’s “Mad Men” and opponents of the dictatorial regime instigated change. Seamlessly blending scripted scenes with archive footage, NO is a compelling period piece making it the first essential film to see in 2013.
Tim Beddows, Network Releasing Managing Director commented, “We are delighted to be working with Amnesty International on the release of NO and fully support the values they stand for. They are the perfect cause-related partner for the film.

NO opens at UK cinemas on 8 February 2013 courtesy of Network Releasing
www.facebook.com/NOthemovieUK ~ www.amnesty.org.uk/chile

Thursday 24 January 2013

The Evil Dead is back

When this hit my in box I was at first a bit sceptical as it could have been a re-imagined take on the film. It did mention a remake and that also can fill you with dread like when the remade the 80s classic Fright Night a couple of years ago to both critical and box office disappointment. This one, at least from the trailer, seems to be close to the original enough with a nod to the modern idea of what a horror / thriller should be like.


In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.
Screaming into UK cinemas April 19, 2013

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

Sony earlier released the first image for the upcoming Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs sequel. It's got quite a lot things to take in.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 picks up where Sony Pictures Animation's hit comedy left off. Inventor Flint Lockwood's genius is finally being recognized as he's invited by his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, where the best and brightest inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind. Chester's right-hand-gal - and one of his greatest inventions - is Barb (a highly evolved orangutan with a human brain, who is also devious, manipulative and likes to wear lipstick. It's always been Flint's dream to be recognized as a great inventor, but everything changes when he discovers that his most infamous machine (which turns water into food) is still operating and is now creating food-animal hybrids – “foodimals!” With the fate of humanity in his hands, Chester sends Flint and his friends on a dangerously delicious mission, battling hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons, double bacon cheespiders and other food creatures to save the world again!
Hitting UK cinemas October 25, 2013

Tuesday 22 January 2013

FIRST LIGHT AWARDS - NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED!

Martin Freeman, Matt Smith, Oona Chaplin, Holliday Grainger, Freddie Fox, Claire Foy, Matt Stokoe, Jason Maza, Jamie Blackley, Alicia Vikander, James Norton, Gabriella Wilde, Dawn Porter, Tom Riley, Warren Brown, Jack O’Connell, Damien Molony, Jenna Louise Coleman, Jonathan Bailey and Ralf Little

Now in their 11th successive year, First Light is proud to announce the nominees for the 2013 First Light Awards, which will take place at the Odeon Leicester Square on 19 March 2013. Known as the mini Oscars®, the ceremony is attended by a mix of film industry luminaries and celebrities who present the young people with awards across various categories, including Best Drama, Best Animation, Best Film by Under 12s, Best Film by Over 13s and FILMCLUB of the Year Award. The Awards is an uplifting celebration of young filmmakers from across the country which provides them with industry recognition and a platform to showcase their work.

Nominees hail from all over the UK, including Glasgow, Bradford, Sheffield, Nottingham, London, Liverpool and more, and their films explore a wide range of issues, such as bullying in school, mental health issues, young offenders revealing why they committed crimes, and a drug abuser getting back on track through music.

The young filmmakers come from a wide variety of social backgrounds and experiences – including those with learning difficulties, young offenders and those from deprived areas – with each filmmaker imparting a unique aspect of themselves into their films.

First Light helps young people from all backgrounds develop skills, talent, creativity and confidence by giving them opportunities to create their own short films with the help of industry professionals. The films the young people create cover many topics and genres, and make use of today’s accessible digital technologies to tell their stories with them in control. The roles of cast and crew would have been undertaken by various members of the young people in the group. Each would have had the opportunity to write, act, shoot, direct, light, edit, produce and screen their own film.

You can watch the nominated films on the site: firstlightonline.co.uk

FLIC Award

Pig
Bracknell Forest Youth Offending Team
Two boys fall out and the only way they can resolve their differences is to play a game of Pig with their scooters. However the story nearly ends in tragedy when one scooter is sabotaged and their relationship is tested.
Aged 12-13

This film was a collaborative production between a group of four young people from Bracknell Forest Youth Offending Service and guided by professional filmmakers from Big Up Films. All of the participants are young offenders who had expressed an interest in making their own film. Through this project, the young people have developed their communication skills, had the chance to use professional filmmaking equipment and are more willing to work with others.

Transition Day
North Walsham High School
Starting High School can be a scary time. What if there are bullies? What about all the homework? What if you don't like the food? Transition tells the story of the Super Awesomeness Gang, as they work together to overcome their fears.
Aged 11-12

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 12 young people from North Walsham High School and guided by professional filmmakers from C Media. All of the participants had just finished primary school and had been selected as part of a government initiative to narrow the gap in disadvantaged during the transition to secondary school. Through this project, the young people have developed their literacy and communication skills, explored and addressed their fears for starting secondary school and made new friends.

Fork In The Road
Wrexham Youth Justice Service
Two friends get involved in a violent incident but when they get caught, will they choose to redeem themselves or dig their hole even deeper.
Aged 16-17

This film was a collaborative production between a group of three young people from Wrexham Youth Justice Service and guided by professional filmmaker, Dion Thorpe. All of the participants are young offenders and the film is inspired by their own experiences of the youth justice system. Through this project, the young people have developed their communication skills; have a greater understanding of their own abilities, which has led to them all continuing to engage in filmmaking activity. 

Watch Your Language
Fosse Way School
Has someone said anything that you found confusing? Sometimes words mean exactly what they say and sometimes words or phrases have a different meaning. These are called Figures or Speech or Idioms and can be mystifying. Watch You Language explores words and phrases we use every day that can lead to a misunderstanding.
Aged 11-14

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 32 young people from Fosse Way School and guided by professional filmmaker, Kari Nygård. All of the young people have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and teachers had previously found it difficult to engage such a large group in the same activity. Through this project, the young people have developed their communication and teamwork skills, they are more confident in their abilities and better behaved in group activities.

Young Voice Award

I’m Here
Film City Production Agency
Taking a cue from the Olympic and Paralympic values of friendship, courage and equality, young people living together in a children’s home introduce their “home”. They dispel stereotypes and misconceptions and discuss the highs and lows of their lives in care, the strong friendships that are built & the heart wrenching break up of those relationships.
Age 13-17

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 14 young people from Derby Children in Care Services and guided by professional filmmakers at the Film City Production Agency. All of the participants are in care and often had difficulty in maintaining attendance. Through this project, the young people have developed a clearer sense of focus and ambition which has led to increases in school attendance and willingness to listen to career advice and guidance.

Work Experience: It’s A Journey
Furze Down School
This film follows special needs students as they undertake work experience.

Joshua is having a taster day at a local theatre, Kieron is helping out in a local charity shops for a few weeks and Ellie has been working at the Dog’s Trust for over two years.
Aged 16-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 15 young people from Furze Down School and guided by professional filmmakers at Sixth Sense Media. All of this group have various special needs. Communication & interaction were the major issues for the group and this project gave them the opportunity to practice communicating with each other. This in turn developed their self-confidence and they demonstrated a greater ability to work as a team.

Dream Land
Medb Fiilms Ltd
With 68 different languages being spoken in Margate today, this documentary investigates the integration difficulties the Roma and local teenagers face. Looking at community violence, in particular the knife fights that started in Dalby Square, young teenagers discuss the myths surrounding immigration.            
Aged 12-24

This film was a collaborative production with a group of 46 young people from Kent Community Organisation and guided by professional filmmakers at Medb Fiilms. The documentary allowed the participants to openly discuss the racism in the area.  The project was designed to improve relations between the Eastern European migrants, Gypsies and local British residents, through the creative means of film production, this has been achieved.

Days That Made Us
Somerset Film
We all make choices. Some choices move us on, some move us back to places best left behind. In this frank and powerful documentary, a group of young offenders reveal the decisions they took that led them to committing crime.
Aged 16-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 15 young people from Somerset Youth Offending and Bridgwater YMCA and guided by professional filmmakers Somerset Film. The group were difficult to engage due their chaotic lives. Many of them had very low confidence, were depressed and disengaged. They said that getting up knowing that they were doing something constructive that day felt good.

The project gave them a focus and a chance to be creative and to be involved in something positive.

Best Documentary

Charming Southwark
The Cuming Museum
What do charms mean to you?

Inspired by the Lovett Collection at Southward’s Cuming Museum, this mixed media documentary examines how the meanings of charms have changed for people over the years. In the past, they were used for protection and good luck but nowadays they are more often simply fashion accessories. Using interviews from people with different cultural backgrounds, the young people leant that some charms have personal significance.
Aged 13-17

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 16 young women from Cuming Museum Youth Panel and guided by professional filmmakers at Chocolate Films. All felt an enormous sense of achievement along with improved teamwork, confidence and self-esteem. They believed the project would have a positive impact on their school work especially ICT, media and photography.

Ghost Girl
Thomas Adams Media Arts Programme
The face of a young girl appears in the flames of a great fire. Is it the infamous Wem ghost?

This short film uses archive footage and animation to reveal the truth behind the notorious Wem Town Hall Ghost photograph. Are ghosts real? Spooky stories of ghost cats and scary anecdotes of strange goings on add to the mystery.
Aged 12-16

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 20 young people from Thomas Adams School & Sir John Talbots School and guided by professional filmmakers Thomas Adams Media Arts Programme. One participant had a significant stammer during script development but this disappeared after some coaching. He was determined to fix his stammer as he now wants to pursue a career in the media. All of those involved in the filmmaking elements are very keen to continue and are already working on new ideas for projects.

Echoes of Substance Abuse
Twin Vision
An insight into the effects of substance abuse.

Following Mike, aka Rapper Innuendo’s journey from drug abuse to musician, we learn how he turned his life around to develop a successful music career free from drugs.
Aged 15-25

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 17 young people from Sefton Youth Service and guided by professional filmmakers at Twin Vision.

At first, most of the group wished to stay behind the scenes but as their confidence grew so did their participation. Meeting inspiring professionals fully engaged those low achievers and those with low attention spans. All involved grown emotionally, dealing with challenging and sensitive issues with great care.  They learnt the professional language of film, and were able to deconstruct a visual narrative. Several are now pursuing careers in film and media studies.

Hopeless or Courageous?
The Lighthouse Group
Read the real label.

Some groups of young people can be typically viewed as growing up to be hopeless cases. An onlooker watches a group of young people and labels them mugger, vandal, shoplifter and drunk. However, a closer look reveals something altogether more courageous.
Aged 12-18

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 35 young people from TLG and Hanson School and guided by professional filmmakers at The Lighthouse Group.

The group are from a variety of complex backgrounds. Through the project, all improved their team building skills as well as self-confidence, meeting new people and talking to adults. Challenging behaviours were replaced with enquiries about continuing filmmaking with diplomas and media studies at Bradford College. One young woman with a particularly difficult history grew enormously, finding her passion for filming, helping her concentration levels which had a positive impact in other areas of her life.

Best Animation
It Will Be Fine
Somerset Film
A busy life online might mean you miss what’s happening around you.

A young woman chats with her friends online failing to notice that her pet mouse is about to drown. Will she sacrifice social media to save her pet’s life?
Aged 13-14

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 14 young parents from Avonbourne School and guided by professional filmmakers Somerset Film. The group had great resistance to thinking and discussing climate change and the environment.  The project drew them into this topic and gave them a chance to explore why they don’t like to talk or think about it. By the last session the young people said that their attitude to the environment had changed and that they were now interested in being involved in issues around climate change.

High Above The Sky
S.P.I.D. Theatre Company
Little Leo loves sweeties but when he steals a whole jar, he soon regrets having to go on the run.

Little Leo helps himself to a jar of sweeties in the supermarket. His Dad tells him off so he goes on the run. However, when he finds himself heading for the moon, he starts to wish he’d never been naughty.
Age 5-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 58 young people from Kensal Youth and guided by professional filmmakers at Mew Lab and Twisted Noodle. This group came from very diverse backgrounds, young offenders, young refugees and care homes. All of them were inspired by the project feeling very proud of their first achievement in film. The young offenders said the project made them see learning in a different light. They were all far more technically adept than first thought, lending to a very professional animation.

Olympic Fortunes
Wind & Foster
Clairvoyant, Mystic Maggie, loses patience with her overly superstitious customers.

The year is 2012 and it is only a few days before the Games. Unfortunately for Britain, there is a crisis of confidence; Olympians everywhere are looking for more than lucky shorts.
Aged 10-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 23 young people from Northamptonshire Bangladeshi Association and Tag Youth and guided by professional filmmakers at Wind & Foster. The majority of participants are excluded or at risk from being excluded from school. Usually working in single sex groups, this project ran mixed sex workshops which boosted confidence in both sexes in talking to each other & in turn their creativity. Animation proved an incredible tool for working with young people with behaviour problems. The group spent lots of time working on the script.

Stargazer
GMAC
A bitter sweet tale of love and loss.

Matt stargazes, searching the sky every night looking for signs of his departed wife. Keeping him company is his plucky companion, Jockie the dog. Matt is planning a surprise for his Grandson Tony. Overnight something changes; Will Tony ever find out what his Grandfather had planned?
Aged 10-22

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 28 young people aged 10-22 from The Arches Youth Club, Solar Bear and Hillhead High School and guided by professional filmmakers at GMAC. Working creatively together as a mixed ability group - some of the participants are deaf or hard of hearing - but all participants expressed an increase in confidence and made new friends both hearing & deaf. One participant is now studying product design at Glasgow School of Art.

Best Film By Under 12s

ScalesWest Ham United (WHU) Inspire Learning Centre
A somnambulist with a sea obsession sleepwalks through reality into a nightmare stop motion ocean.

Charlie, a young somnambulist with a sea obsession sleepwalks from his bedroom and falls into the darkness of a swimming pool. The pool becomes a nightmare ocean filled with talking fish and a deadly shark. When Charlie wakes up all seems well but it is really?
Aged 9-11

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 17 young people from Sandringham Primary School and guided by professional filmmakers at Beautness Animation.

Over half the group use English as their second language. The children felt working with professionals made them feel more confident whilst using the equipment. Several of them excelled in various aspects of the process, such as directing, acting and camerawork showing leadership, responsibility and determination. The school now runs its own film and animation club.

Time Report
Signals Media Arts Centre
 A futuristic news show set that explores the history of Earth’s ecological problems.

In a galaxy far, far away, the Time report is broadcast live from a battered old space station. The roving Time Reporter jumps through space and time to bring viewers the latest information on Earth’s ecological problems, whilst the studio director struggles to keep the show going. Featuring interviews with a dinosaur, a Tudor farmer and an alien, this is a whimsical look at global warming.
Aged 7-10

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 61 young people from Perryfields Junior School and guided by professional filmmakers at Signals Media. The participants were made of those pupils with learning difficulties or seen as underachieving. All gained additional skills in literacy due to the extensive scriptwriting process. One participant with Downs Syndrome showed a remarkable increase in his vocabulary as well as socialising more with the group.

Strange Playground
Heymann Primary School
Who’s coming out to play?

On her first playtime at her new school, Sam imagines the worst as she wanders through footballers, nerds, cool kids and zombies, searching for a friend.
Aged 10-11

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 28 young people from Heymann Primary School and guided by professional filmmakers at Nottingham Trent University.

Working with professional equipment gave the participants a real sense of pride & achievement, even sacrificing playtime to continue filming. Each child blossomed differently at different stages of filming. One boy was able to see very quickly how the story could be told in meaningful scenes and shots. Two girls who didn’t engage with the scriptwriting were totally absorbed during rehearsals and filming.

The Spaghetti Tree
Stocksbridge Nursery Infant School
Spaghetti growing on trees? Don’t be ridiculous!

After insisting spaghetti grows on trees, a cheeky crow listens to the words of a wise scarecrow as he explains where spaghetti really comes from.
Aged 6-7

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 20 young people from Stocksbridge Nursery Infant School and guided by professional filmmakers at Big Voice Media. The high level of autonomy afforded the children has led to a real sense of achievement and a deep feeling of pride in the end product.

Best Drama

CoinsRed Dog Film
Redemption takes time.

In Victorian England a young man learns a hard lesson when he steals from his friends. He still has to protect his mother and his brother. Can he manage or will he end trying to steal his way out of trouble?
Aged 13-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 16 young people from Lincoln and guided by professional filmmakers Red Dog Film. The participants showed a high level of commitment to this project. One person is now engaged on a media apprenticeship with Red Dog Film. Other members of the team said they have media ambitions too.

Mutiny
Fairbridge in Scotland
A group of young people board the Spirit of Fairbridge to crew for the week, setting sail to develop their skills and confidence as well as an adventure on the high seas. However it soon becomes clear to one of the crew that they are not alone. This ghostly sea voyage explores themes of dislocation and paranoia against a haunting soundtrack.
Aged 14-25

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 47 young people from Fairbridge in Scotland and guided by professional filmmakers at The Forest of Black. All participants have reported an increase in confidence and self esteem and staff noticed an improvement in team work and behaviour as the project progressed. They are mostly young people disengaged from education and include some young offenders from around the UK.

The Woodland
Blind Ditch
A grieving girl is helped to find a new sense of perspective after a transformative experience.

Rachel is running away from her problems in the woodland. Suffering a bump to the head, she has an extraordinary experience in which she sees the world from a different perspective.
Aged 6-17

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 17 young people from Devon Integration Support Services and guided by professional filmmakers Blind Ditch. The young people showed a great deal of attention to detail, extraordinary listening skills, the ability to review and critique what they had recorded as well as really enjoying the opportunity to listen so closely to the sounds around them.  Pride in the final film was evident at screenings where at one time, the film was played six times.

Crystal ClearGMAC
Three generations of witches in a modern day world.

Crystal is a very curious thirteen year old girl. Her enquiring mind turns to that around her. She becomes increasingly aware of her Grandmother and Mother’s special powers. One bright day Crystal’s inquisitiveness gets the better of her. Crystal decides to do a little more investigation, against her Mother’s will. What will Crystal discover?
Aged 10-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 38 young people from The Get Into Media Youth Group and guided by professional filmmakers at GMAC.

Many young people were directly inspired by working with industry professionals. One participant has aspirations to become a First AD, another to become a camera assistant, whilst 2 others have applied to the BBC Scotland Apprenticeship. None of which were previously in education or employment.

Best Film By 13s & Over

Cat In The Box
Evil Twin Artworks
One crazy lady, one weird cat, one strange day.

A lady who lives alone painting cats receives a mysterious package and her life is never the same again...
Aged 13-17

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 16 young women from Swindon Borough Council’s Integrated Youth Support and guided by professional filmmakers at Evil Twin Artworks. Nearly half this group are excluded from school. Confidence was an issue and some of the girls took quite a while to allow themselves to try the camera or work on the computer. However by post production their sense of self esteem and confidence had noticeably grown! They have all expressed an interest in taking the animation side of things further.

Your Future Home
Chocolate Films
A home so perfect you’ll never want to leave.

A chilling drama where David thinks he is being offered a new home but instead ends up somewhere much less homely.
Aged 16-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 12 young people from St Basil’s and guided by professional filmmakers at Chocolate Films.

All the participants are young homeless residents at St Basils & at risk of offending. One young man was crucial to the development stage and as an actor. He is now an intern at Prince’s Trust & has attended several First Light workshops and master-classes. One young woman who really took to editing, is studying media at college. Another young woman who has a history of violence and was finishing her parole at the time, wanted to use the project as a platform to educate others at risk of offending. All the participants came from difficult backgrounds but have benefited greatly from the experience, growing in confidence, team building and self-esteem.

The Envelope
FACT
A comic strip comedy surrounding a very sought after envelope...

The protagonist is given an envelope that appears to be sought after in many circles. Follow our girl to find out what exactly is in that envelop and solve the mystery.
Aged 13-18

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 12 young people from Liverpool Youth Service and guided by professional filmmakers at FACT.

Trust was an issue to start with but soon the participants felt confident talking to & working with adults. This meant they had a longer attention span and less disruptive behaviour. One normally aggressive girl has become more attentive and calm whilst a boy with Downs Syndrome has shown a marked improvement at school. Parents have reported improved behaviour and a thirst for a career in the film industry.

Not Just A Diagnosis
Ideal Films Ltd
For some people, this nightmare is real

A young woman finds herself in a nightmare world where her feelings of being branded because of her mental health issues are made very real. Can she find the strength to break the cycle?
Aged 13-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 30 young people from Swindon Youth Forum and guided by professional filmmakers at Ideal Films. Most of the participants have mental health issues ranging from Aspergers to self-harming. Everyone felt the set design was a real triumph so the group decided to create their own soundtrack too. One person said “Working with all the pro equipment makes me feel more creative.”

Best Comedy

H.B.
My Pockets
A pencil sharpener tries to seduce a shy pencil but will he shape up 2B like her much harder boyfriends?
Aged 15

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 12 young people from Tiverton High School and guided by professional filmmakers My Pockets. All the skills, including recording sound, camera skills, puppet making and Final Cut Pro were learnt because the young people were enjoying themselves. The project enabled a difficult subject to be tackled through humour and the transferable skills came from the laughter and enjoyment from frank discussions about sex and relationships.

Accidently in Daventry
Cobblers Study Centre
The quest for intelligent life.

Three aliens are sent on a mission to Earth to determine whether there is indeed human intelligence and if not, blow it up!
Aged 11-16

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 16 young men from Danetre Secondary School and guided by professional filmmakers at the same organisation. Most of the participants are on the ASD spectrum so their level of perfection was very high. Since completing their film, many have gone to further their filmmaking skills: Two have enquired about studying film production at University,

three are planning on taking media at GCSE level and one student has been making detailed plans for taking a gap year to make a feature film of his own.

RoboCarer
CTVC
A young carer finds an ingenious way of releasing his caring duties, but is this what he really wants?

Joe is a young carer. He loves his mum but wishes he had more time to play with his friends. He comes up with an inventive plan that he thinks will give him the best of both worlds...
Aged 6-15

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 12 young people from Blackpool Young Carers and guided by professional filmmakers at CTVC.

All of the participants involved are young carers who often lead chaotic lives, leading to tiredness and missed sessions due to commitments at home. Filmmaking focussed their attention and they flourished exceeding in costume and set design. This film was a very personal story to its creators.

Justin The Party Animal
Arpeggio Films
The adventures of Justin the Bellboy at Hotel Talk To The Hand!

Justin has NOT been invited to the party but undeterred he tries several creative techniques to sneak in unnoticed....
Aged 16-19

This film was a collaborative production between a group of 19 young people from Beacon Hill Sixth Form and guided by professional filmmakers at Arpeggio Films. All participants have learning difficulties and complex needs so conventional communication such as writing and speaking is challenging. Filmmaking frees their creativity engaging them in devising characters, locations and props. Two young women spent a day at a professional edit studio & showed such competencies that they were left alone for a time. Another two members with a fantastic flare for filmmaking are now working alongside an Employment Support Mentor learning about locations, budgeting and exhibition.

Monday 21 January 2013

EDITH BOWMAN RETURNS TO HOST BBC THREE RED CARPET SHOW FOR THE EE BRITISH ACADEMYFILM AWARDS

London, 21 January: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is delighted to announce that Edith Bowman willhost the BBC Three coverage of the EE British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 10 February. This is Edith’s third year hosting the show.

Edith said: “I'm so excited to be hosting the pre-show for BBC Three at this year’s EE British Academy Film Awards once again. It’s the most important date in the British film calendar and to be part of it is thrilling; chatting to the great and good of the film world, celebrating what another fantastic year it has been for the men and women both in front of and behind the camera.”

Edith will be chatting to the nominees as well as other A-list celebrities as they arrive on Britain’s most prestigious red carpet. The programme will also feature highlights from the awards over the years, including the funniest acceptance speeches, red carpet successes and disasters, along with all the unexpected moments that happen on live television.

The show will be broadcast on Sunday 10 February on BBC Three before the ceremony, which will be broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC One HD andhosted by Stephen Fry. The ceremony is also broadcast in all major territories around the world. On the night, www.bafta.org will feature redcarpet highlights, photography and winners interviews, as well as dedicated coverage on its social networks including Facebook, Twitter (@BAFTA / #EEBAFTAs), Tumblr and Pinterest.

Saturday 19 January 2013

Tarantino is back

With the release of the new Tarantino film, Django Unchained, We have been sent over a set of Infographics with information about his earlier films and the history of BOunty hunting.





Set in the South two years before the Civil War, DJANGO UNCHAINED stars Academy Award®-winner Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Academy Award®-winner Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive. Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago.
In UK cinemas now

Thursday 17 January 2013

Beautiful Creatures


Small-town teen ETHAN WATE (Alden Ehrenreich) dreams of escaping his ordinary life until the day he meets LENA DUCHANNES (Alice Englert). His attraction is intense: this is the girl he has been dreaming of—literally. They have the same sense of humor. They have both lost their mothers. And unbeknownst to them, they are inextricably linked by supernatural events that took place long before they were born.

Even when Lena confesses to being a “Caster,” a witch, and warns him that he could be hurt just by being with her, Ethan’s affections are unwavering. But as Lena’s 16th birthday approaches, everything spins desperately out of control. Knowing the forces of Light and Dark will soon converge to claim her for good or evil, Lena fears for Ethan’s safety. So she makes an incredible sacrifice: she erases their love from Ethan’s memory. But their connection is inescapable, and as Darkness closes in on Lena, she will have to choose between saving Ethan and holding on to everything else she cares about.

Imaginative, dark and funny, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES is a haunting, supernatural love story about an ordinary boy in love with a powerful sorceress who wants to be normal—and the dangerous secret that changes their lives forever.
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES is in cinemas February 13, 2013

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is a music documentary that is premiering at Sundance and features a huge array of rock stars talking about the music studio and city in Alabama, Muscle Shoals.


Located alongside the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, Alabama is the unlikely breeding ground for some of America's most creative and defiant music. Under the spiritual influence of the "Singing River" as Native Americans called it, the music of Muscle Shoals has helped create some of the most important and resonant songs of all time. At its heart is Rick Hall who founded FAME Studios. Overcoming crushing poverty and staggering tragedies, he brought black and white together in Alabama's cauldron of racial hostility to create music for the generations. He is responsible for creating the "Muscle Shoals sound" and The Swampers, the house band at FAME that eventually left to start their own successful studio, known as Muscle Shoals Sound. Greg Allman, Bono, Clarence Carter, Mick Jagger, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Keith Richards, Percy Sledge and others bear witness to Muscle Shoals' magnetism, mystery and why it remains influential today.

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Something happening up the beanstalk

Two new character banners have arrived for the new Jack and the Beanstalk, sorry Jack and the Giant Killer.  They are another set of photoshopped set of characters put in front of the beanstalk with he tagline bolted over the top...

An ancient war is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend… and gets the chance to become a legend himself.
Hitting UK cinemas March 22, 2013

Monday 14 January 2013

View the Wolverine

The first image form the upcoming The Wolverine has just hit my inbox.  It's quite a classicaly clichéd shot of an angry Logan showing his claws.

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, The Wolverine finds Logan, the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, samurai steel will clash with adamantium claw as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will leave him forever changed.
The Wolverine opens in UK cinemas summer 2013.
For more information about the film, visit facebook and twitter.

Friday 11 January 2013

Head down 8bit lane

DISNEY TRANSFORMS LONDON STREET INTO 80'S COMPUTER GAME TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF WRECK-IT RALPH

UNIQUE STREET ART INCLUDES PIXELATED LONDON TAXI, POSTBOX, TREE AND DIGITAL PIGEONS!

London, Friday January 11 2013 - Head to East London this weekend and you're in for an arcade inspired treat. Disney has transformed one iconic street into an 80's video game. "8 Bit Lane" in London's Brick Lane has been created to celebrate the release of Disney's Wreck-it Ralph, a hilarious new arcade-game-hopping animated adventure in UK cinemas from February 8th. The public will experience an 8 bit London taxi, postbox, pigeon, tree, clouds, CCTV camera, and leaking water pipe.

8 Bit Lane will also showcase the world's first blipp-able building using Blippar's visual discovery app. When Wreck-It Ralph fans 'blipp' The Nicelanders house on the wall, the house will emerge in 3D and they will be invited to play a game featuring Ralph himself.

8 Bit Lane is open to the public from today until Sunday night. Find 8 Bit Lane at The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL. Visiting 8 Bit Lane this weekend? Tweet your pictures including #8BITLANE

Disney engaged renowned film production sculptor Aden Hynes to create the bespoke pieces of art. "My whole life has become somewhat pixilated over the last month, I played 8 bit games as a teenager, so it was great to realise that vision in three dimensions." Says Aden, "In many ways the retro styling has much more charm than the hyper reality of today, I've never been asked to make an 8 Bit taxi before!"
"Wreck-It Ralph" takes moviegoers on a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping journey in which Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly)—tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the "good guy" star of their game—sets off on a quest to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero.
"Wreck-It Ralph" features cameos from both classic and modern real-life games. Lending their voices, among others, are Roger Craig Smith (Ezio from franchise "Assassin's Creed") as Sonic the Hedgehog, and from "Street Fighter"—Reuben Langdon ("Street Fighter") as Ken, Kyle Hebert ("Street Fighter") as Ryu, and Gerald Rivers ("Street Fighter") as M. Bison.

Like Ralph on Facebook.