********** BRWC is on hiatus until late January 2012. Things will be better then! Watch this space… **********

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Not Easily Broken

Not Easily Broken.
Stuff here.

Thanks to a Mr Knight for this.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Monday, December 29, 2008

Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun Li



An awful/awesome trailer for Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun Li.

First UK Teaser Trailer For Lesbian Vampire Killers

The two lads from Gavin & Stacey get their first flop here.

Up

A new pic from Pixar's Up.

Chapter Moviemaker

Hi,

Firstly: Chapter MovieMaker will return, fingers crossed, with
screenings in January and February. We're still working out the
details but will confirm dates as soon as possible.

Secondly: our Facebook group is live and almost popular. If you
haven't joined already, it'd be great if you could - it'll promote
your films to a wider audience and could even help members put future
projects together. Here's the link: http://en-gb.facebook.com/
group.php?gid=40925426875


Thirdly, if you'll be in Cardiff on New Year's Eve and fancy
shooting / donating a few seconds of footage for a collaborative
anthology film, please email me and I'll send you more details.

Fourthly, Happy New Year!

thanks,
Tom.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Terminator; Salvation Factory Pic

Emailed in by Palacio. Cheers.

The Fallen

I can't see much, but these are the first pics of The Fallen, maybe.

Sat Nav

To blow the bloody doors off, turn right.

Destiny's

A former member of Destiny's Child is to feature in a feature.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

When In Rome Still

This still is from When In Rome, sent to us by Markus.

No Talking While In The Cinema ...

Click on the lovely man's face to find out more.

Just An Hour Of Your Time ...

Here...

From Paris With Love



The tease for From Paris With Love. Ta to Jack, and also a Naomi, but Jack sent to me first !

Fainthearted

Faintheart Official Teaser


It's been about for ages, but here is the official teaser for Faintheart, the world's first user generated film.

Pointless James Franco News

Click here.

Darth Vader Is More Evil Than The Joker

Now I love Heath Ledger's (and Jack Nicholson's) Joker, but I don't think he is the best movie villain. Vader hands down surely ?

Raindance 2008/2009

Greetings!

Christmas is like a week of Sundays. Great for the first couple of days, but then I start getting bored.

Here's some stuff I thought you'd be interested in. Everything from a copy of Guy Ritchie's latest script, Sherlock Holmes, to a password to the Gallery Of Rejection.

Enjoy...
Oscy Top Unreleased Films

The 2008 list of the films that most deserve distribution has just been published by our friends at www.indiewire.com

See how 250 Amerian film critics voted on the Top Undistributed Films of 2008 . Some great films on this list, some of which played Raindance.

Want to read some great reviews of films from 2008? Screen International has a collection of over 300 reviews of the best movies of 2008

What's the favourite film you saw at a festival this year that you deem worthy of distribution? Let me know at live@raindance.co.uk
Open House London

On Tuesday 13 January from 6:30 - 9pm, come and meet the instructors and tutors of Raindance in an informal session. Bring your questions and aspirations.
See shooting and lighting demonstrations, mini-lectures and Q&A's by the team that has taught some of the finest British filmmakers including Guy Ritchie and Christopher Nolan.

It's a free event, but you need to let the new courses director Xavier Rashid know if you want a place. His email is xavier@raindance.co.uk Just write Open House in teh subject line.
Oscy My Top Ten Films of 2008

These are all movies that Steph saw in 2008; some of them may have been released elsewhere in 2007, or may not be released in the UK until 2009.

She's picked her Top Ten.

Agree? Disagree? Send us your own list.
99 Minute Film School

Looking for a unique bit of film training that only costs a tenner?

Why not consider the 99 MINUTE FILM SCHOOL - a lightning quick tour backstage of the film industry with Raindance founder Elliot Grove.

...fantastic... Lynn Willis, Toronto filmmaker
...didn't know when to stop laughing, or keep writing... Liam Garvin, London wannabee filmmaker
...haven't had so much fun and learned so much in years...Harry Welcome, Derry screenwriter

When? Thursday 15 January 6:30 - 9pm Where? Central London
How much? £10.00 This event is FREE to members of Raindance

Call 0207 287 3833 to register of Book Online Here
www.raindance.co.uk
We don't teach filmmaking. We make filmmakers.
Bukoski Curiouser & Curiouser

Steph's list of films you may not have seen but really should...

Bukowski: Born Into This
After screening at a few festivals and at London's ICA for a couple of weeks this insightful and affecting documentary seemed to disappear without anyone taking much notice. As a fan of Bukowski I had been looking forward to seeing this and wasn't disappointed. Highlights include Harry Dean Stanton reading my favourite poem, Bluebird. Lows include Bono being a complete twat, but that can easily be overlooked. For fans and the uninitiated alike, it's hard not to be moved by this unflinching look at Bukowski's life.

It's currently available on region 1 DVD and according to amazon a region 2 is coming out in February 2009.
Foundation Certificates

We have four basic certificate programmes starting in January.
Each course takes 5 nights and costs £165.00 + VAT.


All classes at Craven St Rehearsal Rooms next to Charing Cross Station

Filmmaker's Foundation Certificate
5 Tuesdays from 20 Jan 6:30 - 9pm
Writer's Foundation Certificate
5 Wednesdays from 21 Jan 6:30 - 9:30pm
Director's Foundation Certificate
5 Thursdays from 22 Jan 6:30 - 9:30pm
Producer's Foundation Certificate
5 Tuesdays from 24 Feb 6:30 - 9pm

Our courses outside London
Toronto: Starts Jan 28th Filmmakers Foundation
Munich Jan 31/Feb 1 Lo To No Budget Filmmaking
Paris Feb 5/6/7 John Truby's 22 Step Masterclass
Ask Elliot Ask Elliot for his pans of the year

1) There Will Be Blood
I saw this film at the Berlin Film Festival with the entire cast present and was filled with expectations. Alas. For me it was the Emporers New Clothes. Which won't make me too popular.

2) Julia
This too I saw at Berlin with the cast present. Snore. And it was a gala screening at LFF?

3) Mamma Mia
Saw this at my local Cineworld and it is Baaaad. But I still enjoyed it! Which won't make me too popular, and will probably ruin whatever street cred I have left after dissing There Will Be Blood.

4) Burn After Reading. OK, now I have no street cred left. I'm sorry. I thought this movie was overbearing and boring. And I am a huge Cohen Bros fan.

5) It's pretty cheesy and lame to knock someone else's work, isnt it? Any films you thought were over rated in 2008? Send them to me at live@raindance.co.uk
Festival open for submissions

Round 17 of Britain's oldest and largest independent film festival opens for your films on January 1st.

Noted for some of the finest independent film programming in Europe, and described as 'how Sundance used to be 15 years ago" Raindance prides itself for the unusual and the unexpected.

And last year, all but 2 of the 250 films came from open submissions.
.
Submissions open January 1st
Film Club

We haven't picked the movie yet, but when we do, it will be a good one, the admission will be free, and there will be cheap drinks.

When: Wednesday 21 January
Where: The Horse Hospital (near Russell Square, London)
How much: FREE

Buddy Movie Genre on Raindance.tv

This week, find out what its like to have someone show up just when you need them, with these buddy flicks.

'Help' by Danny Spring, is a story
about Oscar and Calliope and their (sort of) forbidden love.

Liz Banks gives us 'Hedgewitch' with school girls cruel enough to make a grown man cry, and a friendship warm enough to thaw the coldest heart.

'Hank, Aaron, and the Alien from Outer Space' is Daniel Yost's off-the-wall take on the buddy flick. Hank and Aaron are best mates that find an alien from outer space. If that isn't worth checking out, I don't know what is.
Oscy Alumni

Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Bolt, Clive Bradley, Philippa Braithwaite, James Breese, Paul Brooks, Arabella Cecil, Mark Ezra, Julian Fellowes, Roland Gift, Richard Holmes, Nick Hornby, Vadim Jean, Kirk Jones, Emily Lloyd, Mark Mahon, Ken Marshall, Ben Millar, Chris Nolan, Alison Owen, Guy Ritchie, Tom Shankland, Charles Steele, Leslie Kenton, Ben Trebilcock, Matthew Vaughn, Jake West, Edgar Wright, David Yates, Toby Young are some of the people who have taken courses at Raindance.
Working The Net

Got something? Need something? Email us at live@raindance.co.uk

******

You don't ask, you won't get
Quoted

"When the tide goes out you get to see who's swimming naked."

Warren Buffet
Raindance's Holiday Script Giveaway

Want to get good at writing and directing? You need to get good at reading scripts. Learn from the masters!

Here are three scripts that all have a Raindance connection:

1. Sherlock Holmes - new Guy Ritchie movie (he took Raindance courses)
2. Nottingham - 2006 draft of the Riddly Scott movie, not due to be released til 2010. His Mill Films (with bro Tony) is around the corner from our office in Soho and every year at Raindance Film Festival we screen shorts made by runners from The Mill.
3. This Side of the Truth - script written by Ricky Gervais, due out 2009 - we're trying to work out the connection with Raindance, but Ricky, like us, is British.

Want them? The scripts are free here.

Enjoy
Supercharge Your Screenwriting in 2009
Make your New Year's Screenplay Resolution On this FREE Conference Call!

Register at:SCREENPLAYBYPHONE.COM/ASKCHRIS
*And get a free MP3 Recording from HollywoodByPhone.com!

AT LAST, A PRODUCED SCREENWRITER SHOWS YOU HOW:

CHRIS SOTH, of MillionDollarScreenwriting.com, (WGA Member, USC MFA, Screenwriter of FIRESTORM and OUTRAGE) will host a LIVE 60-minute conference call taking ALL your questions on screenwriting, the industry, it's future and --

HOW TO WRITE YOUR BEST SCREENPLAY EVER IN 2009!
Sunday, December 28th,
5:30 PM PACIFIC, 6:30 Mountain, 7:30 Central, 8:30 Eastern

Submit YOUR questions at: SCREENPLAYBYPHONE.COM/ASKCHRIS, we'll get to the most asked questions on the call.

Register for the call here: SCREENPLAYBYPHONE.COM/ASKCHRIS, we'll send you the call details --

RESERVE YOUR CLASS SPACE NOW!
Gallery of Rejection
Rejection is the nasty part of getting a career off the ground. Ever get a rejection letter for your script or project? Well congratulations! It means you are actually doing something to get your project air bourne.

Ever find those rejection letters grinding you down?

Here's the Raindance deal: Send the letter to us and we wil instantly send you a Letter Of Acceptance to the Raindance Gallery of Rejection. And you will be in great company.

Send you letters here.
Visit the Raindance Gallery of Rejection

We did loads this year:

Over 600,000 people visited our website,
"the Raindance website is about the best organised websites around. Always full of fresh and vibrant information" ...member of Raindance, name supplied on request

nearly 2 million people watched a movie on www.raindance.tv,
"probably the very best films of any festival in Europe"...Peter Belsito, Filmfinders

over 2,800 people attended a training event
"Raindance training is concise and to the point. Obviously, because these guys also know how to run a film festival and a terrific film awards" ... Fred Carpenter, writer.director

the Raindance Film Festival box office went up 38.95%,
"Record breaking crowds, sold out screenings, live music, loud raucous parties and great films. This is what an independent film festival should be. Raindance has become what Sundance used to be fifteen years ago."

and the British Independent Film Awards was, by every account, the best ever.
"Raindance founded the BIFA's - a strange beast. They have all the glitz and celebrity shine of the big US ceremonies but somehow they remain credible." - Little White Lies

We'd like to thank you for your support.

Best for 2009.

Yours

Raindance Film Festival

The Raindance Team
Elliot Grove and the Raindance Team:
Suzanne Ballantyne
Rory O'Donnell
Will Pearce
Joe Pearshouse
Xavier Rashid
Chris Thomas

Thinking of taking a film course?
Get the Raindance Course eCatalogue

email ecatalogue@raindance.co.uk

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

2/3 Of Narnia

Why ?

Star Trek Wrapped Next Week.

“We’re just making final tweaks to the movie - we should be totally locked next week. Then we’re going to flash-freeze it so it’s totally fresh for you in May. I can’t wait for you to see the movie. The cast is awesome. The action and effects pushed the stunt team and ILM beyond their limits. I’m so grateful to this cast and crew — and to all of you for your interest and patience. We’ll continue to update this page with new info and exclusives, so check back when you think of it. In the meantime, have a happy, healthy, fun holiday! From the last days of the sound mix, JJ”

More about here.

9

Here is the first trailer for the feature version of Shane Acker's 9.

Here.

Here's the original Oscar nominated short if you haven't seen it -

Friday The 13th Pic/s

Another pic from the remake. The rest are here.

Winner & Just A Bit Of Fun

The prize was Punch Drunk Love on DVD.
I wanted you to guess which Adam Sandler film I were watching at the time.

The answer was Happy Gilmore, the winner is

Jamie Lewe from Southampton, UK.

Well done, and a Merry Christmas to you.


Now...

Read this bit, then click on the image below. There's 25 films there. Give the 25 film titles, and the thing that links them all. There's no prize...

Talking Of Oscars ...

Are you a voter ?

Merry Christmas

No Oscar For Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale's hopes for an Academy Award nomination for new movie Nothing But The Truth may have been dashed after the film's distributors filed for bankruptcy.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Friday The 13th Trailer

Have a look.

Judge Dredd Will/Might Be Back

Rebellion and 2000 AD are proud to announce that Judge Dredd is coming to a cinema near you soon!

Together with DNA Films, the movie production company behind such great sci-fi movies such as Sunshine and 28 Weeks Later, Judge Dredd will go into production in 2009.

Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director said, ‘We can’t give away too many details at this point, but we’re looking forward to working with DNA Films to bring Judge Dredd back to the big screen.’

We’ll keep you up to date with breaking news as it happens!

MORE HERE (sort of)

Busy Tim ...

Tim Robbins will be a busy boy next year...

An Interview With Darren Aronofsky

Here.

Thanks to Harry.

Scarlett Johansson's Snot Rag


One of Scarlett Johansson's used tissues is being offered for sale on eBay.
Why ?

The Uninvited Site Is Up

The full site for The Uninvited has launched.

Prepare to let the fear in.

http://www.UninvitedMovie.com.

Animated Exeter Press Release

For immediate release

THE BEST OF WORLD ANIMATION
RETURNS TO EXETER FOR THE 10TH YEAR
13 – 21 February 2009

© 2008 Nina Paley Productions LLC

Animated Exeter will return next year to celebrate its 10th anniversary with an exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops for the young and old, novice and experienced, great films from around the world and special events across the City.

Now in its 10th year and set to attract more than 18,000 visitors, Animated Exeter 2009 will bring the best of world animation to audiences in Exeter as the most dynamic and longest dedicated animation festival in the UK. Not only a festival for all to enjoy, Animated Exeter also showcases the wealth of creative talent in the region, both amateur and professional and aims to encourage those interested to pursue a career in animation.

Over a 13-day period, venues across the City as well as Honiton and Dartington will host over 140 different films, 50 workshops and a programme of special exhibitions and free events for all to enjoy.

MEDIA-RELEVANT DIARY DATES:
3rd January ‘09 (Sat) - Box office opens and Animated Exeter brochure available
14th January ‘09 (Wed) – Animated Exeter 2009 launch (5pm, screening at 6.30pm, Exeter Phoenix)
9th-13th February ’09 – Animated Exeter Schools Week
13th February ’09 – A Careers Day aimed at students and young people who love animation, this will be a fun packed day full of presentations and introductions to the fabulous world of animation
14th-21st February ’09 – Animated Exeter 2009


ANIMATED EXETER 2009 HIGHLIGHTS:

Education - Schools Week (9-13th Feb) comprises a multitude of activities from Animation Exploration days (animation workshops with artists, exhibitions and films) to an animation careers day for budding animators

Half term family fun - the festival's interactive workshops will provide the perfect creative fun for all the family during the half term. Anyone can join in with hands-on animation workshops, ranging from drop-in taster sessions for children to master classes for professionals and animation students. Whether people want to brush up on their life drawing skills, find out about computer animation techniques, enjoy modelling characters or simply spend some creative time with the kids, fun is guaranteed!

South West animation: There is a strong representation from South West animation companies including Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations (Bristol), Honeycomb Animation (Cullompton) and King Rollo (Honiton), known for creations such as Maisy, Towser, and King Rollo. Arthur Cox, based in Bristol, will also be part of the celebrations, known for their 2D illustrative and narrative based content such as the BAFTA award winning ‘The Wrong Trainers’ for CBBC, the HECTOR road safety series plus numerous commercials in conjunction with Aardman Animation. Shufti Films are another Bristol-based animation company showing off their short live-action and animated films. Their success includes a series of one-minute miniatures for the BBC called "Hobbies," all about record collectors and stick insect breeders.

South West talent competitions - A key element of the festival is the South West Showcase, which continues to demonstrate the wealth of animation talent resident in the South West, from emerging talent in schools to practising professional animators. Three high quality competitions take place during the festival including ExAnimation, which encourages under 18’s in the South West to submit their creative work; Best of the West celebrates the best student animation films from the South West and South Wales; Screen out Loud involves the best amateur and professional animation from the South West. Each competition winner will receive some unique prizes, kindly donated by organisations including University College Falmouth, Stop Motion Pro™, AT Computers and Kudlian Software.

The Environment Agency, in partnership with South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership and 20:20 Design Agency, is also encouraging talent through their competition for a 2 to 3 minute animated film showing how people, places or wildlife in the region will adapt positively to changes in our climate.


South West focused exhibitions – Animated Exeter’s exhibitions always give an insight into how animation is made, and this year we will be celebrating some of the best animation in the UK – made in the South West. The exhibition, Tales from the Golden West, will showcase the diversity and talent as well displaying the fascinating stories behind the making of films, series and commercials, demonstrating why the South West has become the centre of animation in the UK. Installed at Exeter Phoenix, the exhibition will run from 14th January to 21st February. At the Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, Animated Exeter celebrates the classic hero of many animated shorts . Mouse! runs from 10th January to 28th February.

Screenings – Visitors can enjoy films from all over the world throughout the festival, including a selection of short films from France, appropriately scheduled for February 14th, entitled…Ah! l’amour! . In contrast, the following day sees a screening of a comic feature about heartbreak: the multi award winning, Sita Sings the Blues.

BAFTA at Animated Exeter – On the 14th February, BAFTA will present the first screening of the 2009 animation nominees and winners since the Film Awards at BAFTA on 8th February 2009. One of the BAFTA winners will also be in attendance at Animated Exeter (to be confirmed nearer the time)

Councillor Stella Brock, Exeter City Council's portfolio holder for economy and tourism said, ‘Now in its tenth year, Animated Exeter continues to gain interest from some of the world's greatest animators and 2009 is no exception. With such a diverse range of activities and attractions from the world of animation, visitors to Animated Exeter will once again enjoy an exceptional event unique to Exeter and the South West.’

Animated Exeter is the country’s longest and most diverse animation festival, providing entertainment and learning opportunities for children, families, young people, enthusiasts, professionals and industry. With tickets for most events costing under £10, plus free exhibitions and some free events and workshops, Animated Exeter is an affordable and fun way to liven up the winter months! Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.animatedexeter.co.uk" www.animatedexeter.co.uk for more information.

Animated Exeter is a City Council initiative made possible with support from, Arts Council England South West, South West Screen Lottery funding, Exeter Picturehouse, Exeter Phoenix, Spacex Gallery, Exeter Film Society, University of Exeter, plus generous business and volunteer support.

For tickets and a free brochure (available 3rd January 2009) of all events, join the mailing list online HYPERLINK "http://www.animatedexeter.co.uk" www.animatedexeter.co.uk or call 01392 665885. Tickets go on sale from 3rd January 2009.

Ends

For further information, please contact Alexis Thornely on 01392 278801 or email pr HYPERLINK "mailto:jo@onevoicemedia.co.uk" @onevoicemedia.co.uk

Monday, December 15, 2008

Can You Help ?

Videotapes call out for crew – deadline Fri 19 Dec 08

SSAW student Lucy Lawson-Duckett is looking for crew for her new project Videotapes. Lucy’s last film Escalator was recently nominated for a Ffresh award of which you can see more at www.escalatormovie.com. If you are interested in getting involved please send your CV to Lucy at lucyduckett@gmail.com


Glow call out for Focus Pullers & Camera Assts

L&T Films (formally Maggie Dog Films Ltd) are looking for a student crew to help with the micro budget short film Glow - a supernatural drama set in a Welsh mining community during the early 1980's. The shoot will take place over 4 days (30 Jan – 2 Feb 09) in Newport and the valleys; expenses and food will be covered. If you are interested please contact Lee Burgess maggiedogfilms@yahoo.co.uk or Gavin Dando dando43@hotmail.com


Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sherlock Holmes Pics

Looks alright, there's more here.

Wes Anderson's Commercial Starring Brad Pitt

Have a look, It's quite good.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Tralier Leaked.

Here it is.

Warner Bros. Pictures 2009 Preview

Click away.

January 23, 2009

Rachel Catwoman Weisz

I don't believe it, but the lovely Rachel Weisz might be Catwoman.

European Films Awards 2008

The results ... are in.

Half-Blood Prince Poster

You excited ?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Curious Stream Of Benjamin Button

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button – Stream the World Premiere LIVE Tonight!!






The World Premiere of The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button will be broadcast LIVE from the red carpet Tonight, Monday, December 8, 2008 beginning at 6:30 PM (PT) / 9:30 (ET). The LIVE webcast will consist of 3 live cameras, giving you a 360 degree interactive view of the entire Black Tie, Red Carpet experience.

Visit http://www.hollywoodpremieres.com/benjaminbutton where you are welcome to view for free or grab the custom Widget and embed within your Website or Social Media Platform.

*Event: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button Premiere LIVE Webcast
*Date: December 8, 2008
*Live Time:
Pre-Roll Overhead Camera: 5:30 PM (PT) / 8:30 PM (ET)
Live Red Carpet Show: 6:30 PM (PT) / 9:30 PM (ET)
*Duration: 60 minutes

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Class

The Class (Klass, 2007) is a powerful Estonian film in which school bullying is represented at its most extreme. Sixteen year old outcast Joosep suffers a life of torment at the hands of his seemingly merciless peers. It is only Kaspar who rises courageously against his friends and the instigator, Anders, in order to defend Joosep. The two boys are subjected to daily beatings and homophobic abuse. This leads to an unforgettable scene on the beach where Kaspar is forced to perform a lurid sexual act at knifepoint. Humiliated, excluded and publicly stripped of their honour, which is an explicit theme established at the beginning of the film, the pair seek bloody revenge. Described as a riposte to Gus Van Sant’s Elephant (2003), the plot is predicable at times and narrative clues do point visibly to the dramatic climax of the film. For instance Joosep’s father keeps guns in the house and tells his son “the man who does not fight back will be a loser one day”. Regardless of this, the delivery is so adept that is it impossible to remain detached emotionally from the characters. To watch Joosep as he is demoralised and isolated is even more affecting than the massacre which concludes the film. The Class is based upon genuine accounts of bullying and the style of filming is documentary like. These factors undoubtedly add to the impact, along with a commendable soundtrack which compliments the drama.

Personally, I was so overwhelmed by the film and in particular by Vallo Kirs, the actor who plays Kaspar, that I remained silent as I left the screening and it lingered in my thoughts for some time after.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

McLovin Is Back!

Danny (Paul Rudd/co-writer) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott), a motivational spokesman for an energy drink company and his inspirational "Minotaur" mascott, somehow manage to crash a company car after attempting to escape a toe truck. They're soon faced with the option of 30 days in jail or 150 hours of community service and obviously opt for the latter. Being assigned to mentor young boys at the Sturdy Wings programme, the two men meet foul-mouthed, boob obsessed Ronnie (Bobb'e Thompson) and geeky, medieval obsessed Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and after failing to offer nothing but sarcasm and partying, the men are soon forced to straighten out their own ways!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

TDK DVD/BD

My The Dark Knight discs arrived yesterday morning, and they are VERY GOOD.


Featured

Gotham Uncovered - Creation of a Scene
Director Christopher Nolan and creative collaborators unmask the incredible detail and planning behind the film, including stunt staging, filming in IMAX®, and the new Bat-suit and Bat-pod.

On the Blu-ray disc, there's roughly 18 separate mini-featurettes which focus on all different aspects of making the film -- like shooting the bank heist in IMAX, the hospital explosion, creating the new Bat-suit and Bat-pod, filming the chase, the Hong Kong sequences and much, much more. You have the option to watch the film with these turned on, in which case a little symbol pops up on the screen for you click through and over to the optional featurette. You can also wait till after the film (like I did) and watch them then. Some highlights for me were The Joker's Score with Hans Zimmer talking about how he came up with the music for the Joker, creating a number of different test scores (some using razor blades on piano wire) which Christopher Nolan listened to during his flight over to Hong Kong. The IMAX chase sequence is also a fun watch, and you'll get to hear (and see) them talk about the one (out of four in the world) IMAX camera that was destroyed when one car crashed into another.

Other Notable Blu-ray Features:

Batman Tech – The incredible gadgets and tools (in HD)
  • Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of The Dark Knight – Delve into the psyche of Bruce Wayne and the world of Batman through real-world psychotherapy (in HD)
  • Gotham Tonight – 6 episodes of Gotham Cable's premier news program (also on DVD)
  • The Galleries – The Joker cards, concept art (Joker's henchmen, Bat-suit), poster art, production stills, trailers and TV spots
  • Digital Copy of the Feature Film
  • Warner Bros. BD-Live™, which allows users with web-enabled Blu-ray players to access exciting additional content and connect and share with other BD-Live users.
Specs:

Languages: English
Subtitles: English SDH, French, & Spanish
Running Time: 153 minutes
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and some menace)
DLBY TRUEHD (Blu-ray) DLBY/DGTL (Standard Disc) [CC]

Rock Boat

Below is the first trailer for The Boat That Rocked, which is not officially online yet...
Thank Brendon for it.

video

Noel Edmonds, Kenny Everett* and Tony Blackburn are also in it ...

*clips of...

Big Man Japan Poster

This looks very interesting indeed. Thanks for the pis and your email Kieron.

Podcasts - The Scar

2009 will a good year for podcasts. We've got a few films, interviews, etc to stick up.
To whet your appetite, here is a copyright free short called The Scar.

video

"Harsh tale of an alienated criminal's attempt to impersonate his psychiatrist-double. Important fatalistic noir, with classy visuals and a very fine script that features a creative doppelganger theme." - what noir expert Spencer Selby thinks of The Scar.

Enjoy and subscribe.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Terminator Salvation Bits



30 seconds of Terminator; Salvation ?

Ghostbusters 3 Plot Detail ?!

“I would hope that my little Oscar would be one of the Ghostbusters even if I’m not in it!”
- Sigourney Weaver talking about Ghostbuster 3.

Simple. Genius. Idea.

The Killing Room Still - 1 Of 4

Here, is one of four images from The Killing Room, courtesy of ShockTillYouDrop. Methinks this is the more interesting still...

Soundtrack Festival 2008; BRWC Chats With Dan Thomas

I managed to have a quick chat with Dan Thomas, Head of Audience Development at the Film Agency for Wales, about Soundtrack Festival. Read and enjoy.

What did you think of the Festival ? How did it all go ? We're delighted with the way the festival went. We knew we had something unique and distinctive with Soundtrack and it really seemed to capture the imagination and inspire a lot of people. The feedback's been fantastic across the board.

Do you have any favourite bits from Soundtrack ? Danny Boyle was fantastic. His schedule promoting Slumdog Millionaire has been pretty intense, but he took time out to come to Cardiff and gave a genuinely warm and honest Q&A. I also have to mention Gabriel Yared whose concert at the Wales Millennium Centre was amazing and very emotional.

How long did it take to realise, from the idea of a film festival to the finished product ? Talk me through it. The idea for a film and film music festival was first discussed about 18 months ago when the Film Agency sat down to discuss how we could replace Cardiff Film Festival. There are so many festivals in the world, and so many doing the same kind of thing,that we felt we needed something to stand out, be distinctive and unique, whilst also being able to attract key people from the film and music industries. It also had to have a programme with a wide public appeal. We tendered the festival and Push 4 pitched with a concept that later became Soundtrack. The key then was to get a high profile film consultant on board who would give a first time festival real credence. Former Edinburgh Festival Director Mark Cousins was approached and we were all delighted when he accepted. Once the team was in place the Agency worked with Push 4 to develop the festival, talk through the various ideas, and then finally put a programme together. Soundtrack was developed over a year, which is what you need to put something of this size together.

Any film or event that left a lasting impression with you ? The Gabriel Yared concert was the one that really stood out. The evening was dedicated to his collaborator and friend Anthony Minghella and it became a very emotional occasion.

As for films, I really like Justin Kerrigan's I Know You Know, Hunger was astonishing, and Slumdog Millionaire is my favourite Danny Boyle film since Trainspotting.

I do have to mention The Singing Ringing Tree however which I'd never seen before. Mark Cousins chose it specifically for that Saturday morning slot and everyone loved it.

Have you received feedback, ideas, submissions for next year ? Yes, lot's of feedback and ideas during the festival and we're in the process of evaluating everything now. I can honestly say it's all been positive feedback.

What’s the plan for next year ? This first event was very much treated as a pilot with a view to informing how we run a bigger festival next year. The planning for next year starts now as we're into the evaluation. All I can say is that we plan to build on this very successful first year and deliver something even better next year.

What films would you love to see at Soundtrack ? Anything that uses music and sound in an innovative or inventive way and embodies what Soundtrack is about - the relationship between film and music. The beauty of this festival is that its unique theme opens up a whole treasure trove of material. What about a film music composer retrospective such as the work of Bernard Herrmann, or an international focus looking at European or World soundtracks? The possibilities are great. What it must retain however is that Welsh film strand, which was particularly strong this year.

Anything you want to get off your chest right now ?! After 4 days of attending everything I'm suffering from festival withdrawal and can't wait for November 2009.

Thanks for your time Dan.

Below, I've included photos cribbed from the website. Click to make bigger.


ThinkSync Films Comp

ThinkSync Films has established itself as bringing together the independent film and music industries in a unique and innovative way and after three successful years, it now launches its short film competition for the fourth time.

Filmmakers are asked to produce a film less than ten minutes long incorporating only music from the website http://www.thinksyncfilms.com.

The competition is designed to search out, celebrate and reward creative new independent filmmaking talent, with particular attention to the role music plays.

The music, detailed rules and FAQ's are all available on the website, along with previous years' winning films.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

film ick Is Back ...

There's a new film ick community. Yes !

Go over and join in.

Gone Fishing

GONE FISHING on DVD, the perfect Christmas gift for just £10... Read on

Last year, film maker Chris Jones led a dedicated group of film makers as they set out to win the Best Short Film Oscar in 2009... It was a lofty goal, but incredibly, with a little help from you, they may just pull it off!

The film is a true David and Goliath story called Gone Fishing, only this time it's not David, but Old Bill, and Goliath is the biggest pike ever caught, set in the nostalgic world of yesteryear summertime, a Kodachrome place we all fondly remember... Already this family friendly flick has won plaudits from critics, celebrities, juries and most importantly, the public...
And the response is always the same, WE LOVE IT!

Check out the trailer here!

Unable to secure funding from the film industry, the film makers decided to ask every person they knew to get involved and donate a little money - astonishingly, £22,000 was raised to make the dream a reality, and enough to attract stars like Devon Murray from Harry Potter and seasoned Brit actor Bill Paterson. The incredible cast is matched by a world class crew too, with seasoned pro's happy to lend a hand.

The film was premiered earlier this year at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London, after which it won the Kodak Awards and the all important Oscars qualifier film festival, Rhode Island in America. The Oscar nominations are announced on Jan 22nd, and right now, Gone Fishing is in the running.

Now is your chance to buy an extraordinary Christmas gift for someone special.

Gone Fishing will be a wonderful family film to watch on Christmas Day, and with all the extras, it will keep you entertained for hours. The DVD's are signed too, and if you buy a copy, your money will be used to help with the Oscars campaign push... Just think, if we do win the little gold chap on Feb 22nd,
YOU WILL HAVE HELPED US GE THERE!


You can buy Gone Fishing on DVD, region free, here...

Or follow this link... http://www.livingspirit.com/MOVIE-GONEFISHING/DVD/

For regular updates, got to the blog too... www.chrisjonesblog.com

Many thanks,

Chris Jones
Film maker and author
mail@livingspirit.com