Prominent U.S. producer Christina Wayne, who shepherded “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” has been appointed managing director of Mbc Studios, the expanding production arm of top Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group.
Wayne will replace Peter Smith, the former president of NBCUniversal, who over the past four years has overseen a surge in the Saudi-owned broadcaster’s production activity while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Mbc Studios is now pumping hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. To this end, Mbc significantly moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.
In her new role, Wayne will continue Mbc Studios’ “ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world, leveraging the continuous trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets,...
Wayne will replace Peter Smith, the former president of NBCUniversal, who over the past four years has overseen a surge in the Saudi-owned broadcaster’s production activity while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Mbc Studios is now pumping hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. To this end, Mbc significantly moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.
In her new role, Wayne will continue Mbc Studios’ “ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world, leveraging the continuous trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran TV exec Peter Smith is stepping down as managing director of Mbc Studios, the production arm of top Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group.
Smith, a former president of NBCUniversal, had joined Saudi-owned Mbc in 2018 as it ramped up production while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Over the following four years he oversaw a burst in production activity as Mbc Studios pumped hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. Mbc moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.
Smith has lead the production of many flagship Mbc Studios shows, including “Rashash, Rise of the Witches”; “The Devil’s Promise,” which is a series created by Tony Jordan (“Life on Mars”) helmed by British director Colin Teague; “Slave Market”; and big-budget Saudi actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star...
Smith, a former president of NBCUniversal, had joined Saudi-owned Mbc in 2018 as it ramped up production while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Over the following four years he oversaw a burst in production activity as Mbc Studios pumped hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. Mbc moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.
Smith has lead the production of many flagship Mbc Studios shows, including “Rashash, Rise of the Witches”; “The Devil’s Promise,” which is a series created by Tony Jordan (“Life on Mars”) helmed by British director Colin Teague; “Slave Market”; and big-budget Saudi actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star...
- 1/26/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
In what is being hailed as a milestone, Egyptian director Mohamed Diab recently became the first Arab helmer to direct a Marvel project when he took the reins of the limited series “Moon Knight,” while Netflix launched its latest Arab original show, “Finding Ola,” toplining Cairo-based Tunisian star Hend Sabry. Sabry plays a happy divorcee who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reflecting changing female roles in the region and the streamer’s thematically groundbreaking Middle East strategy.
Meanwhile, Egyptian producer Mohammed Hefzy, whose production company Film Clinic was behind Netflix’s first Egyptian original skein, “Paranormal,” became a member of the 2022 Intl. Emmy Awards jury.
Hefzy points out that “Moon Knight” “opens doors for other Arab directors in the international TV arena” and notes that Marvel has also hired other behind-the-camera Egyptian talents such as editor Ahmed Hafez and composer Hesham Nazih. But still, it’s a Hollywood show.
Meanwhile, Egyptian producer Mohammed Hefzy, whose production company Film Clinic was behind Netflix’s first Egyptian original skein, “Paranormal,” became a member of the 2022 Intl. Emmy Awards jury.
Hefzy points out that “Moon Knight” “opens doors for other Arab directors in the international TV arena” and notes that Marvel has also hired other behind-the-camera Egyptian talents such as editor Ahmed Hafez and composer Hesham Nazih. But still, it’s a Hollywood show.
- 10/15/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Lauded British screenwriter Tony Jordan and BAFTA nominee Colin Teague have combined on The Devil’s Promise, the latest big-budget TV series to come from Saudi Arabia’s Mbc Studios.
The pair have written and directed respectively and Hitch star Paula Patton is starring as the nation continues to ramp up its TV offering.
Airing on streamer Shahid VIP later this month, the show follows Ibrahim, who secures a gigantic project to redevelop a Cairo slum on the day is his wife is diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. Refusing to accept the prognosis, Ibrahim tries everything in his power to save her, including promising his soul to Iblis, Aka the devil, after his death.
The show stars Patton along with Amr Youssef, Aïcha Ben Ahmed, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Yaqoub Alfarhan, Ahmed Magdy, Ahmed Al Refaei, Mohamed Yousry, Mohamed Marzban, Khaled Kamal, Moataz Hisham, Mourad Makram, Amr Gamal, Nelly Karim, and the late Maha Abou Ouf.
The pair have written and directed respectively and Hitch star Paula Patton is starring as the nation continues to ramp up its TV offering.
Airing on streamer Shahid VIP later this month, the show follows Ibrahim, who secures a gigantic project to redevelop a Cairo slum on the day is his wife is diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. Refusing to accept the prognosis, Ibrahim tries everything in his power to save her, including promising his soul to Iblis, Aka the devil, after his death.
The show stars Patton along with Amr Youssef, Aïcha Ben Ahmed, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Yaqoub Alfarhan, Ahmed Magdy, Ahmed Al Refaei, Mohamed Yousry, Mohamed Marzban, Khaled Kamal, Moataz Hisham, Mourad Makram, Amr Gamal, Nelly Karim, and the late Maha Abou Ouf.
- 9/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dubai-based broadcaster and streamer Mbc is ramping up production with several new high-end shows.
These include “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date, “The Devil’s Promise,” created by U.K. writer Tony Jordan, and crime thriller “1001 Nights.”
Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett in an interview said Mbc Studios now has 65 projects in various stages and reiterated the the Saudi-owned company is committed to serve as a driver to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry.
“Rise of The Witches” is based on a Saudi novel described by Barnett as “a fantasy novel set 1,500 years ago in a time of witches” with a strong female empowerment theme.
The storyline of the show, written by British actor and writer Charlie Higson (the “Young Bond” novel series), who worked in tandem with two female Saudi writers on “Witches,” tracks the rise of two...
These include “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date, “The Devil’s Promise,” created by U.K. writer Tony Jordan, and crime thriller “1001 Nights.”
Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett in an interview said Mbc Studios now has 65 projects in various stages and reiterated the the Saudi-owned company is committed to serve as a driver to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry.
“Rise of The Witches” is based on a Saudi novel described by Barnett as “a fantasy novel set 1,500 years ago in a time of witches” with a strong female empowerment theme.
The storyline of the show, written by British actor and writer Charlie Higson (the “Young Bond” novel series), who worked in tandem with two female Saudi writers on “Witches,” tracks the rise of two...
- 4/12/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Charlie Higson, British writer and actor, known for his “Young Bond” novel series, has boarded “Curse of the Kohinoor,” a recently announced Anglo-Indian heist series, as its co-writer. He will join Farrukh Dhondy (“Mangal Pandey: The Rising”), screenwriter and former Channel 4 commissioning editor for multicultural programming, on the project.
The thriller recounts a plot to steal the Kohinoor diamond, centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. Featuring many of the biggest names from the Indian entertainment industry, “Curse” intertwines the history of the iconic diamond with the story of an incredible robbery attempt.
The series will be directed by Colin Teague, director of the BAFTA-winning BBC series “Dr Who” and ITV’s “Beowulf.” “Curse” will be shot on location in India and the U.K. from March 2020. Executive producers are Padma Galla for Amara Raja Media & Entertainment, Rahul Aggarwal for Star Entertainment Worldwide, and Bobby Bedi for Contentflow Studios.
Charles Thompson,...
The thriller recounts a plot to steal the Kohinoor diamond, centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. Featuring many of the biggest names from the Indian entertainment industry, “Curse” intertwines the history of the iconic diamond with the story of an incredible robbery attempt.
The series will be directed by Colin Teague, director of the BAFTA-winning BBC series “Dr Who” and ITV’s “Beowulf.” “Curse” will be shot on location in India and the U.K. from March 2020. Executive producers are Padma Galla for Amara Raja Media & Entertainment, Rahul Aggarwal for Star Entertainment Worldwide, and Bobby Bedi for Contentflow Studios.
Charles Thompson,...
- 11/9/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The international TV business convened in Cannes this week for Mipcom, the biggest television market of the year and a firm date on the calendar for distributors and acquisitions execs. Although no one title emerged as this year’s standout, there were deals aplenty on the ground.
Here are some of the most eye-catching:
– Pathé has teamed with Vendôme Group to co-produce a miniseries retelling the story of last April’s devastating fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. The companies are co-developing the project with U.K.-based Moonriver TV.
– British entertainment channel E4 acquired three U.S. scripted series: NBC’s upcoming musical dramedy “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” from Lionsgate, and CBS shows “Man With a Plan” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”
– PBS Masterpiece has boarded the remake of classic European detective series “Van der Valk”, which is being produced by Company Pictures and Nl Film & TV. All...
Here are some of the most eye-catching:
– Pathé has teamed with Vendôme Group to co-produce a miniseries retelling the story of last April’s devastating fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. The companies are co-developing the project with U.K.-based Moonriver TV.
– British entertainment channel E4 acquired three U.S. scripted series: NBC’s upcoming musical dramedy “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” from Lionsgate, and CBS shows “Man With a Plan” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”
– PBS Masterpiece has boarded the remake of classic European detective series “Van der Valk”, which is being produced by Company Pictures and Nl Film & TV. All...
- 10/18/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
India’s Amara Raja Group is getting into TV. It is launching a new content division with thriller series “Curse of the Kohinoor,” which will be directed by Colin Teague, whose credits include “Dr Who” and its spin-off “Torchwood.”
Amara Raja is an India-based industrial corporation that works across sectors including automotive, food, and electrical products. Its newly-created media and entertainment division will be based in Hyderabad, India, and London, England.
The new content player has pacted with Star Entertainment Worldwide, producer of the Indian version of the “Biggest Loser” format, and Bobby Bedi’s Contentflow Studios, on “Curse of the Kohinoor.”
The heist thriller series tells the story of a plot to steal the Kohinoor diamond, centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. The series will intertwine the history of the iconic diamond with the story of the robbery attempt.
“Working with producers and broadcasters from across the globe, our...
Amara Raja is an India-based industrial corporation that works across sectors including automotive, food, and electrical products. Its newly-created media and entertainment division will be based in Hyderabad, India, and London, England.
The new content player has pacted with Star Entertainment Worldwide, producer of the Indian version of the “Biggest Loser” format, and Bobby Bedi’s Contentflow Studios, on “Curse of the Kohinoor.”
The heist thriller series tells the story of a plot to steal the Kohinoor diamond, centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. The series will intertwine the history of the iconic diamond with the story of the robbery attempt.
“Working with producers and broadcasters from across the globe, our...
- 10/13/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
"Da Vinci's Demons" leding man Tom Riley is set to play the title role in ITV Encore's drama series "Wagstaffe"
Based on the books by crime author Adam Creed, the character-driven dark drama centers on the life and work of Will Wagstaffe, a London detective who has suffered terrible personal tragedy with the murder of his parents and his team.
Colin Teague is directing the two-hour pilot from a script by Chris Lang ("Unforgotten"). Michael Dawson and Chris Clough are producing.
Source: Deadline...
Based on the books by crime author Adam Creed, the character-driven dark drama centers on the life and work of Will Wagstaffe, a London detective who has suffered terrible personal tragedy with the murder of his parents and his team.
Colin Teague is directing the two-hour pilot from a script by Chris Lang ("Unforgotten"). Michael Dawson and Chris Clough are producing.
Source: Deadline...
- 6/8/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Tom Riley, who played the title role on the Starz drama series Da Vinci’s Demons for three seasons, is set to play the title role in another drama series project, Wagstaffe, a two-hour pilot for UK’s ITV Encore. Based on the books by crime author Adam Creed, the character-driven dark drama centers on the life and work of Will Wagstaffe (Riley) — a London detective who has suffered terrible personal tragedy with the murder of his parents — and his team. Colin Teague is…...
- 6/7/2016
- Deadline TV
Literary agent Tanya Cohen is leaving the Verve talent agency and joining Wme, TheWrap has learned. It is unclear which of her clients will be joining Cohen at her new agency. A representative from Wme did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. Also Read: Talent Agent Meredith Wechter Jumps to Wme From ICM With Clients Gal Gadot, Josh Gad, Brittany Snow, Lucy Hale Cohen is a well-respected young agent who is still building her client list, which did not represent a significant piece of Verve’s business. The South African-born agent’s clients include directors Kimberly Peirce (“Boys Don’t Cry,...
- 8/11/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
When I reviewed the Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’S Curse Blu-ray, I called it “a worthy prequel to the original, incorporating enough of the lore, and some of the score, to please any fan” (read all of my review Here)
Now We Are Movie Geeks has two copies of the Blu-ray to give away. All you have to do is answer this simple question: what is your favorite “Threequel” (Part 3) of any film series? (mine is Toy Story 3)
It’s so easy! Just leave your answer in the comments below and we’ll pick the winners next week. Good Luck!
Dragonheart fans will embark on an all new adventure featuring Ben Kingsley as the voice of Drago the Dragon in Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’S Curse, which debuted on Digital HD on February 10, 2015, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with Ultraviolet™ and on DVD...
Now We Are Movie Geeks has two copies of the Blu-ray to give away. All you have to do is answer this simple question: what is your favorite “Threequel” (Part 3) of any film series? (mine is Toy Story 3)
It’s so easy! Just leave your answer in the comments below and we’ll pick the winners next week. Good Luck!
Dragonheart fans will embark on an all new adventure featuring Ben Kingsley as the voice of Drago the Dragon in Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’S Curse, which debuted on Digital HD on February 10, 2015, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with Ultraviolet™ and on DVD...
- 3/9/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tom Bateman and Richard E Grant have been cast in ITV's Jekyll & Hyde.
The ten-part adventure drama - based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella - will also star Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede.
Bateman will take the role of Robert Jekyll, Grant will play Sir Roger Bulstrode, and Gumede will star as Bella.
The cast of the series also includes Stephanie Hyam (Murdered By My Boyfriend), Donald Sumpter (Game of Thrones), Amit Shah (Hustle), Phil McKee (Ripper Street) and Christian McKay (Rush).
Ruby Bentall (The Paradise), Enzo Cilenti (Game of Thrones), Lolita Chakrabarti (The Smoke), Michael Karim (Inspector Lewis) and Ace Bhatti (Silk) will feature in supporting roles.
The series will be set in 1930s London, and will focus on the grandson of the doctor featured in Stevenson's story.
Colin Teague will direct the series, which begins filming in Sri Lanka later this month. Production will take place in London from February until July.
The ten-part adventure drama - based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella - will also star Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede.
Bateman will take the role of Robert Jekyll, Grant will play Sir Roger Bulstrode, and Gumede will star as Bella.
The cast of the series also includes Stephanie Hyam (Murdered By My Boyfriend), Donald Sumpter (Game of Thrones), Amit Shah (Hustle), Phil McKee (Ripper Street) and Christian McKay (Rush).
Ruby Bentall (The Paradise), Enzo Cilenti (Game of Thrones), Lolita Chakrabarti (The Smoke), Michael Karim (Inspector Lewis) and Ace Bhatti (Silk) will feature in supporting roles.
The series will be set in 1930s London, and will focus on the grandson of the doctor featured in Stevenson's story.
Colin Teague will direct the series, which begins filming in Sri Lanka later this month. Production will take place in London from February until July.
- 1/9/2015
- Digital Spy
Between Universal’s planned resurrections of its most iconic monsters and the considerable success of Showtime’s Penny Dreadful, it’s a great time for classic monsters. Now, it appears that Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the latest genre property to head back into development, with word that ITV is plotting an ambitious, 10-part Jekyll & Hyde series.
The adaptation hails from Charlie Higson, the British author behind the bestselling Young Bond series and the teen-targeted, post-apocalyptic Enemy series. Higson will both write and exec-produce. Unlike previous takes on the classic novel, Jekyll & Hyde is set in 1930s London at a time of Hollywood glamour, aerodynamic cars and monster movies.
It centers on Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original doctor, who is described as “young, attractive and troubled.” Apparently, some unfortunate family genes have been passed down. After becoming a doctor,...
The adaptation hails from Charlie Higson, the British author behind the bestselling Young Bond series and the teen-targeted, post-apocalyptic Enemy series. Higson will both write and exec-produce. Unlike previous takes on the classic novel, Jekyll & Hyde is set in 1930s London at a time of Hollywood glamour, aerodynamic cars and monster movies.
It centers on Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original doctor, who is described as “young, attractive and troubled.” Apparently, some unfortunate family genes have been passed down. After becoming a doctor,...
- 11/26/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
U.K. TV network ITV has announced plans for a ten episode action-adventure TV series based on Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde". Filming is slated to begin in January.
Young James Bond novelist Charlie Higson will write and executive produce the adaptation which shifts the action to 1930s London and focuses on Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original doctor, on a quest to discover the nature of his curse.
The series is said to "exude mystery, fantasy, horror and sci-fi" according to a statement. Higson says: "So many superheroes with secret dual personalities have been brought to life thanks to Jekyll & Hyde. He’s one of literature's most important and influential characters and it’s a privilege to be rediscovering him."
Colin Teague ("Being Human," "Sinbad") will helm the project which begins shooting in India in January ahead of moving to...
Young James Bond novelist Charlie Higson will write and executive produce the adaptation which shifts the action to 1930s London and focuses on Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original doctor, on a quest to discover the nature of his curse.
The series is said to "exude mystery, fantasy, horror and sci-fi" according to a statement. Higson says: "So many superheroes with secret dual personalities have been brought to life thanks to Jekyll & Hyde. He’s one of literature's most important and influential characters and it’s a privilege to be rediscovering him."
Colin Teague ("Being Human," "Sinbad") will helm the project which begins shooting in India in January ahead of moving to...
- 11/24/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
ITV has ordered a new drama series based on Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde.
Charlie Higson will provide the script and serve as executive producer on new show Jekyll & Hyde.
The series, which was previously rumoured to be in development, is set in 1930s London and focuses on Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original Dr Jekyll.
Higson said of the project: "It's an exciting challenge to take Stevenson's work and use it as the basis for a new Jekyll & Hyde.
"So many superheroes with secret dual personalities have been brought to life thanks to Jekyll and Hyde. He's one of literatures most important and influential characters and it's a privilege to be rediscovering him."
Higson is known for his work on The Fast Show and his successful Young Bond book series.
Colin Teague will direct, ITV Studios Director of Drama...
Charlie Higson will provide the script and serve as executive producer on new show Jekyll & Hyde.
The series, which was previously rumoured to be in development, is set in 1930s London and focuses on Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original Dr Jekyll.
Higson said of the project: "It's an exciting challenge to take Stevenson's work and use it as the basis for a new Jekyll & Hyde.
"So many superheroes with secret dual personalities have been brought to life thanks to Jekyll and Hyde. He's one of literatures most important and influential characters and it's a privilege to be rediscovering him."
Higson is known for his work on The Fast Show and his successful Young Bond book series.
Colin Teague will direct, ITV Studios Director of Drama...
- 11/24/2014
- Digital Spy
A new ten-part action adventure series based on R.L. Stevenson's Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde is coming to ITV...
Here's an exciting addition to our recent overview of new UK supernatural and sci-fi TV due to arrive over the next year: ITV has commissioned a ten-part drama series from writer Charlie Higson based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella, The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde. According to ITV, the series will "exude mystery, fantasy, horror and sci-fi", which all sounds right up our street.
Higson's series will move the action up a few decades, setting Stevenson's story of a young doctor's Hulk-like transformations into a creature with superhuman abilities against the backdrop of 1930s London.
That's not the only change to the original either - this Jekyll's condition is one inherited from his grandfather - the original Dr Jekyll - and not brought about his own experimentations.
Here's an exciting addition to our recent overview of new UK supernatural and sci-fi TV due to arrive over the next year: ITV has commissioned a ten-part drama series from writer Charlie Higson based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella, The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde. According to ITV, the series will "exude mystery, fantasy, horror and sci-fi", which all sounds right up our street.
Higson's series will move the action up a few decades, setting Stevenson's story of a young doctor's Hulk-like transformations into a creature with superhuman abilities against the backdrop of 1930s London.
That's not the only change to the original either - this Jekyll's condition is one inherited from his grandfather - the original Dr Jekyll - and not brought about his own experimentations.
- 11/24/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
When Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccelston left Doctor Who after only one season, he left behind a set of episodes that were a great reintroduction to the classic series but more than anything, they were a springboard for whoever was going to take over the iconic role next. David Tennant’s Tenth remains one of the most memorable and beloved Doctors in the show’s long history. Bolstered by a robust and often deeply moving performance by Tennant, this five year run produced some of the finest Doctor Who stories in the show’s 50 year run. Here are Ten’s ten best stories:
10. “Blink”
Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Hettie MacDonald
Aired June 9th 2007
“Blink” introduces the Weeping Angels, one of the most terrifying villains in the Doctor Who universe. Breaking the show’s usual format, this story barely features the Doctor and his Companion at the time, Martha (Freema Agyeman...
10. “Blink”
Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Hettie MacDonald
Aired June 9th 2007
“Blink” introduces the Weeping Angels, one of the most terrifying villains in the Doctor Who universe. Breaking the show’s usual format, this story barely features the Doctor and his Companion at the time, Martha (Freema Agyeman...
- 11/7/2013
- by Tressa
- SoundOnSight
Take a daytime TV star, an ex-soap actor, 10 extras and some potted palms to a quarry in Hertfordshire and what do you get? An award-winning Iraq war blockbuster, of course. Here's how the producers of A Landscape Of Lies conned millions out of the taxman
Paul Knight is not the sort of person you'd take for a fall guy. A youthful-looking but physically imposing 45-year-old, Knight makes no secret of his colourful past. "Let's just say my path up until my 30th birthday went in a certain direction," he says. As a youth, his record ran to car theft, shoplifting and breaking and entering; in "the bigger leagues", he was arrested several times but always managed to avoid prison. "I was only convicted for certain things, so I'm not going to admit to what they didn't catch me for." He hints that his godfather was Charlie Kray, and that his...
Paul Knight is not the sort of person you'd take for a fall guy. A youthful-looking but physically imposing 45-year-old, Knight makes no secret of his colourful past. "Let's just say my path up until my 30th birthday went in a certain direction," he says. As a youth, his record ran to car theft, shoplifting and breaking and entering; in "the bigger leagues", he was arrested several times but always managed to avoid prison. "I was only convicted for certain things, so I'm not going to admit to what they didn't catch me for." He hints that his godfather was Charlie Kray, and that his...
- 8/24/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Review Louisa Mellor 11 Aug 2013 - 22:00
The White Queen’s penultimate episode is dark, desperately watchable stuff. Why did it take so long to get this good?
This review contains spoilers.
What a pity it is for The White Queen to have hit its stride only this late in the game. The penultimate episode, with its shadowy plots, simmering guilt and double crosses, was such smashing telly that our one remaining visit to the fifteenth century on a Sunday night doesn’t seem enough. Who’s for joining me in whipping up a frock from the dining room curtains and staging a saints’ knees flash mob outside Media City until the BBC promises to return next year with The White Queen 2: Lancastrian Boogaloo?
Episode nine’s focus on a single plot - the fate of the Princes in the Tower - made for particularly satisfying viewing. Not only is...
The White Queen’s penultimate episode is dark, desperately watchable stuff. Why did it take so long to get this good?
This review contains spoilers.
What a pity it is for The White Queen to have hit its stride only this late in the game. The penultimate episode, with its shadowy plots, simmering guilt and double crosses, was such smashing telly that our one remaining visit to the fifteenth century on a Sunday night doesn’t seem enough. Who’s for joining me in whipping up a frock from the dining room curtains and staging a saints’ knees flash mob outside Media City until the BBC promises to return next year with The White Queen 2: Lancastrian Boogaloo?
Episode nine’s focus on a single plot - the fate of the Princes in the Tower - made for particularly satisfying viewing. Not only is...
- 8/8/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Former Oscar winner Mike van Diem’s The Surprise and BBC backed series The White Queen [pictured] are among the recipients in the first funding round from the new Screen Flanders economic fund.
A total amount of €4,995,000 ($6,678,685) is to be distributed in the fund’s inaugural call.
The next call for projects closes on 28 June. The final call for 2013 opens from Sept 1 and closes on Oct 25. Another €5 million will be divided among applicants in both remaining calls.
Sitting alongside the Belgian Tax Shelter, the new fund is bound to boost the region’s appeal for coproduction and inward investment yet further. The aim of the selective system is to support (co-) productions that are made, in part or entirely, in the Flanders region. One of the conditions is that the project spends a minimum of €250,000 ($334,205) in the region. The 20 supported titles together stand for well over €20 million ($26,7m)of audiovisual expenses in the Flanders region.
The Screen...
A total amount of €4,995,000 ($6,678,685) is to be distributed in the fund’s inaugural call.
The next call for projects closes on 28 June. The final call for 2013 opens from Sept 1 and closes on Oct 25. Another €5 million will be divided among applicants in both remaining calls.
Sitting alongside the Belgian Tax Shelter, the new fund is bound to boost the region’s appeal for coproduction and inward investment yet further. The aim of the selective system is to support (co-) productions that are made, in part or entirely, in the Flanders region. One of the conditions is that the project spends a minimum of €250,000 ($334,205) in the region. The 20 supported titles together stand for well over €20 million ($26,7m)of audiovisual expenses in the Flanders region.
The Screen...
- 6/13/2013
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Considering the title, The Fires Of Pompeii is curiously something of a damp squib. The story revolves around a big moral dilemma which plagues The Doctor throughout. And just like that big dilemma, The Fires Of Pompeii seems to be stuck in its own indecisive rut throughout.
It just cannot make up its mind on what it wants to be. Big ethical epic? Spooky story of sisterhood shenanigans? Flamey monster tale? Well, Fires touches on all three bases, but somehow only dips its arm in the water instead of diving right in. It's also interesting in that it starts to break the mould of a by now familiar season pattern. Normally, the first historical of the season acquaints The Doctor with a famous face from the past. In this season, we'll later get Agatha Christie in The Unicorn And The Wasp. But for now, The Fires Of Pompeii takes The...
It just cannot make up its mind on what it wants to be. Big ethical epic? Spooky story of sisterhood shenanigans? Flamey monster tale? Well, Fires touches on all three bases, but somehow only dips its arm in the water instead of diving right in. It's also interesting in that it starts to break the mould of a by now familiar season pattern. Normally, the first historical of the season acquaints The Doctor with a famous face from the past. In this season, we'll later get Agatha Christie in The Unicorn And The Wasp. But for now, The Fires Of Pompeii takes The...
- 7/24/2011
- Shadowlocked
Right now, I'm disturbed by a hubbub outside the window. A whopping great tractor is trying and failing to park in a cul-de-sac just over the road. No great surprise about that in theory – except that I've seen bigger cul-de-sacs in Trumpton. Tractor guy's already getting grief from a couple of creaky old codgers waving their fists aloft like he's just threatened to crush their cottages to rubble with his clunky vehicle.
What's this got to do with Doctor Who, I hear you cry. Well now, it just so happens that I've reached the last story of the 2007 season, no less: the equivalent of an old school six-parter. A big finale that brings back The Doctor's wretched nemesis, The Master, who's now wreaking havoc in two forms: an apparently genial old fossil on a futuristic planet and then in a younger version who's evidently been living on a crash diet of chocolates,...
What's this got to do with Doctor Who, I hear you cry. Well now, it just so happens that I've reached the last story of the 2007 season, no less: the equivalent of an old school six-parter. A big finale that brings back The Doctor's wretched nemesis, The Master, who's now wreaking havoc in two forms: an apparently genial old fossil on a futuristic planet and then in a younger version who's evidently been living on a crash diet of chocolates,...
- 7/15/2011
- Shadowlocked
<iframe title=”YouTube video player” width=”600″ height=”355″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/5g6f6NZ49yw” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe> The BAFTA Television Awards will be held May 22. Full list of nominees on the official site. Drama series Being Human – Rob Pursey, Philip Trethowan, Toby Whithouse, Colin Teague (BBC3/Touchpaper Television) Downton Abbey – Julian Fellowes,...
- 4/27/2011
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
Courtesy: Amclondon, UK (X17online) - The British Academy of Film and Television Arts television award nominees are out, and some American favorites are in the running. The U.S. is, as usual, dominating the Best International Show category. Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Glee and the Danish crime drama The Killing will compete for the award May 22 at this year's British Academy Television Awards. The question becomes if anyone can top Mad Men, which won the award in 2010 and 2009. This is the first nomination for the other three, and The Killing has received almost worldwide critical praise. See the full list of nominees in the major categories below. Main Bafta TV Nominations: Leading actor Jim Broadbent – Any Human Heart (Channel 4) Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock (BBC1) Daniel Rigby – Eric and Ernie (BBC4) Matt Smith – Doctor Who (BBC1) Leading actress Anna Maxwell Martin – South Riding (BBC1) Vicky McClure – This Is England '86...
- 4/26/2011
- x17online.com
There’s a sudden appetite for Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” to become a transmedia spectacle. Filmmaker Danny Boyle is currently directing an adaptation of the classic Victorian novel for the National Theatre (with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating roles as Frankenstein and his Creature), which was also broadcast to selected cinemas around the world. And last night, BBC3 delivered the horror-musical Frankenstein’s Wedding (a modern spin on Shelley’s masterpiece), which went out live to the nation from Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey, where 12,000 people had gathered to be part of the performance.
There was ambition to Frankenstein’s Wedding, that much is definitely true, but this live 80-minute spectacle was a mostly laborious and underwhelming flop. A great idea, but the execution didn’t fulfill its promise. Opening on Kirkstall Abbey (after a weird intro from DJ Reggie Yates) the live audience were playing the wedding guests for...
There was ambition to Frankenstein’s Wedding, that much is definitely true, but this live 80-minute spectacle was a mostly laborious and underwhelming flop. A great idea, but the execution didn’t fulfill its promise. Opening on Kirkstall Abbey (after a weird intro from DJ Reggie Yates) the live audience were playing the wedding guests for...
- 3/20/2011
- by Dan Owen
- Obsessed with Film
Series 3 of Being Human has a tough job on its hands. Can its high-concept premise of a cohabiting vampire, werewolf and ghost continue to hold audience’s attention, now the novelty’s worn off and there’s a Us version snapping at its heels? If the first series was skewed towards black comedy, and the second took things into more dramatic territory, will series 3 find a happy medium? On the evidence of “Lia”, I certainly got the impression creator Toby Whithouse aims to blend the successes of previous years, as there was plenty of domestic/relationship humour, off-set with some mythology-building.
Picking up after the cataclysmic climax of series 2, where ghost Annie (Lenora Crichlow) was sucked into Purgatory and her friends — vampire Mitchell (Aidan Turner), werewolves George (Russell Tovey) and Nina (Sinead Keenan) — were forced into exile, taking refuge in a Welsh farmhouse, we quickly caught up with the foursome’s current situation.
Picking up after the cataclysmic climax of series 2, where ghost Annie (Lenora Crichlow) was sucked into Purgatory and her friends — vampire Mitchell (Aidan Turner), werewolves George (Russell Tovey) and Nina (Sinead Keenan) — were forced into exile, taking refuge in a Welsh farmhouse, we quickly caught up with the foursome’s current situation.
- 1/24/2011
- by Dan Owen
- Obsessed with Film
Our good friends over at BBC America were kind enough to give us a great prize pack to give away to one of our lucky readers. The prize pack includes Being Human: Season 2 on DVD, Doctor Who: Series 5 on DVD, Top Gear 13 on DVD and for some added British spirit, a resin switch plate emblazoned with the Union Jack.
Remember… if you didn’t win, stick around for our next giveaway. We do our best to get the coolest stuff to giveaway to our readers as often as we can, so you’ll definitely have another chance!
Check out all the details on the prizes, and see who our lucky winner is below!
SciFiMafia.com & BBC America Holiday Prize Pack
Being Human: Season 2
Starring: Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner
Directed by: Colin Teague
Produced by: Matthew Bouch
Written by: Toby Whithouse
Format: DVD Widescreen
Region: 1
Run...
Remember… if you didn’t win, stick around for our next giveaway. We do our best to get the coolest stuff to giveaway to our readers as often as we can, so you’ll definitely have another chance!
Check out all the details on the prizes, and see who our lucky winner is below!
SciFiMafia.com & BBC America Holiday Prize Pack
Being Human: Season 2
Starring: Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner
Directed by: Colin Teague
Produced by: Matthew Bouch
Written by: Toby Whithouse
Format: DVD Widescreen
Region: 1
Run...
- 12/12/2010
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Our good friends over at BBC America have given us a really cool prize pack to give away to one of our lucky readers. This prize pack includes Being Human: Season 2 on DVD, Doctor Who: Series 5 on DVD, Top Gear 13 on DVD and to keep you in the British spirit, a resin switch plate emblazoned with the Union Jack.
Check out all the details on the prizes, and learn how to enter for your chance to win below, and good luck!
SciFiMafia.com & BBC America Holiday Prize Pack
Being Human: Season 2
Starring: Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner
Directed by: Colin Teague
Produced by: Matthew Bouch
Written by: Toby Whithouse
Format: DVD Widescreen
Region: 1
Run time: About 7 2/3 Hours
Number of Discs: 3
Special Features:
English Subtitled for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
Easter Eggs:
• The CenSSA Story
• Tour of the Facility
Behind the Scenes Featurettes:
• Blood Bursting
• The...
Check out all the details on the prizes, and learn how to enter for your chance to win below, and good luck!
SciFiMafia.com & BBC America Holiday Prize Pack
Being Human: Season 2
Starring: Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner
Directed by: Colin Teague
Produced by: Matthew Bouch
Written by: Toby Whithouse
Format: DVD Widescreen
Region: 1
Run time: About 7 2/3 Hours
Number of Discs: 3
Special Features:
English Subtitled for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
Easter Eggs:
• The CenSSA Story
• Tour of the Facility
Behind the Scenes Featurettes:
• Blood Bursting
• The...
- 11/26/2010
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Genre: Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Drama
Director: Colin Teague, Toby Haynes, and Alex Pillai
Creator & Writer: Toby Whithouse
Cast: Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner, Sinead Keenan, Jason Watkins, Annabel Scholey, Dean Lennox Kelly
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Summary: Being Human is an extraordinary look into the lives of hospital porters George (Russell Tovey) and Mitchell (Aidan Turner). Toiling anonymously in Bristol, England, they lead lives of quiet desperation under the burden of a terrible secret – Mitchell’s a vampire and George is a werewolf. Deciding to start life afresh and leave behind the dark side, they move into a house, only to find that Annie (Lenora Crichlow), the ghost of a woman killed in mysterious circumstances, haunts it. As the three deal with the challenges of their new lives together, they’re united in their desire to blend in with their human neighbors. However, with unwelcome intruders into their world, a...
Director: Colin Teague, Toby Haynes, and Alex Pillai
Creator & Writer: Toby Whithouse
Cast: Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner, Sinead Keenan, Jason Watkins, Annabel Scholey, Dean Lennox Kelly
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Summary: Being Human is an extraordinary look into the lives of hospital porters George (Russell Tovey) and Mitchell (Aidan Turner). Toiling anonymously in Bristol, England, they lead lives of quiet desperation under the burden of a terrible secret – Mitchell’s a vampire and George is a werewolf. Deciding to start life afresh and leave behind the dark side, they move into a house, only to find that Annie (Lenora Crichlow), the ghost of a woman killed in mysterious circumstances, haunts it. As the three deal with the challenges of their new lives together, they’re united in their desire to blend in with their human neighbors. However, with unwelcome intruders into their world, a...
- 8/11/2010
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
Being Human star Aidan Turner has revealed that he was keen to return to filming on the show because he missed his co-stars "I missed the people," he confessed, in a video interview on the BBC's Being Human blog. "I missed Russell [Tovey], I missed Lenora [Crichlow], I missed [director] Colin Teague." The actor - who plays vampire Mitchell - also discussed the show's upcoming third series. "Last year was a crazy journey for Mitchell. (more)...
- 7/20/2010
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
In the next few weeks, American fans will have several opportunities to meet Doctor Who celebrities and celebrate the show. Coming up this weekend (February 26–28) in Los Angeles is Gallifrey One, the largest Doctor Who convention in North America. This year's guests include classic series companions Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Deborah Watling (Victoria Waterfield), Anneke Wills (Polly), Frazer Hines (Jamie), and John Levene (Sgt. Benton). From modern Doctor Who and its spin-offs, actors Tommy Knight (Luke Smith), Georgia Moffett (Jenny), and Andrew Hayden-Smith (Jake) will be in attendance. On the production side, guests include costume designer Louise Page, directors Graeme Harper, Colin Teague and Alice Troughton, polymath Nicholas Briggs (voice of the Daleks, actor in Torchwood: Children of Earth, writer and producer for Big Finish Productions), script editor Gary Russell and writers Bob Baker (co-creator of K9 and the new K9 TV series), Phil Ford (head...
- 2/24/2010
- by Josiah Rowe
- The Doctor Who News Page
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