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MORE AWARDS SHORTLIST NEWS
ERA HOSTS TIKTOK TALK…
…AS BASE LOOKS AT STATE OF THE BUSINESS
LFF REVEALS PROGRAMME…
…AS SERIES MOVE INTO FOCUS
YOU CAN’T BEAT A BIT OF BULL…
…AS SHEPHERD ALSO AIRS
MUBI BOASTS 11 LFF TITLES
BETTER CALL BOB
BFI’S TRYING TO TELL YOU…
…AND ALSO COMES TO BLOWS
JUDGMENT DAY, 30 YEARS ON
KNIGHT AT CINEMAS
HMV EXCLUSIVES CONTINUE
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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More from the forthcoming BASE Awards, due to take place, as noted here previously, on November 18 at the new venue of London’s Roundhouse. BASE is announcing the nominations for the awards in batches, with the second unveiling of shortlists taking place this week. This time it’s the turn of assorted film titles, with the nominees as follows; in the Campaign of the Year for Film Up To £5 million the three titles shortlisted are Studiocanal’s Saint Maud and The Secret Garden and Trolls World Tour, both from Universal. In the Campaign of the Year for Film £5 million to £9.99 million Box Office the trio include more nominations for Studiocanal and Universal in the shape of A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon and The Invisible Man respectively, alongside Lionsgate’s The Personal History Of David Copperfield. In Campaign of the Year for Film £10 million to £19.99 million Box Office it’s Lionsgate and Universal again with Knives Out and Last Christmas, as well as Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with Bad Boys For Life. SPHE has two titles shortlisted in Campaign Of The Year Film Over £20 million Box Office for Jumanji: The Next Level and Little Women, with a further nod for Universal for 1917. The other shortlist revealed is for Creative Marketing Initiative of the Year, with two separate nominations for Warner, for Pure Imagination and Travel Poster Promotion campaigns, as well as Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s March Movie Nights Made Easy and OC’s work on Unforgettable Entertainment campaign. Comment came from BASE chief executive Liz Bales who said: “Today’s announcement includes some of the most hotly contended categories at the BASE Awards, and this year’s adjusted Box Office categories allow us once again to honour the best campaigns of the year and the ingenuity shown by the teams working behind the scenes.”
The coming days will see retail trade organisation ERA, the Entertainment Retailers’ Association, joining forces with BASE at the former’s AGM. ERA is set to host an in-person AGM at the Everyman Cinema in London’s Kings Cross on Wednesday September 15, with a keynote speech being delivered by TikTok’s head of music operations in the UK Paul Hourican. He will be discussing the short form video app’s role within entertainment and music specifically, with the industry stalwart representing a vision of the industry and the app working together. Hourican has long been involved in the industry, from behind the counter in a record store via label A&R to numerous other music and tech companies. ERA chief Kim Bayley: “TikTok has had a transformational role in the entertainment business and we are delighted that Paul will join us to give a first-hand insight into what makes TikTok tick.”
The event will also see a presentation on ERA’s own research into the changing face of fandom as well as a two-hour state of the nation look at the state of the video business with BASE. Liz Bales, Chief Executive BASE said: “The opportunity to continue our collaborative approach with ERA is fantastic, and we are grateful to be welcomed into their day to speak to the power of the visual slate post-lockdown. This is the only cross-category presentation from our sector in 2021 and the raft of content across all genres – from sci-fi to family to action to drama – is just incredible. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what is in store for shoppers, the sheer power of collaboration across the category, and the relentless surge of content that is about to break across disc and digital over the next 18 months.” Kim Bayley, Chief Executive ERA said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with BASE and the video industry at this year’s ERA AGM. The aim is to give our members a high-level readout of the exciting things happening in video – and of course a taste of some of the great product to expect. Lockdown has been particularly frustrating for the video industry – we’re so looking forward to getting everyone together in person once again.”
The London Film Festival programme has been announced, with the event due to take place between October 6 and 17 in London and beyond. The event may be welcoming audiences back to loads of cinema screenings – 159 films in all, including more than 20 world premieres – but, from its opening film, Western The Harder They Fall starring Idris Elba, through to the Closing Gala movie, Joel Cohen’s The Tragedy Of Macbeth, it’s a streaming friendly event, with more and more of the titles featured picked up, backed and set to air via subscription video on demand services. The opener is a Netflix title, the closer released through Apple in the UK, and all the streamers, including everyone from Amazon to MUBI and beyond, have plenty of titles in there. There are some gems in there, including the likes of the new film from Host director Rob Savage Dashcam, and beyond. It also includes a strand of television programming including a premiere for the first two episodes of the HBO/Sky series Succession and more. We’ll be getting a press pass and reporting on home entertainment gems and diamonds that will be airing there… In the meantime, comment came from Ben Roberts, CEO, BFI who said: “I am very excited to be welcoming audiences back to the BFI London Film Festival –for everyone, everywhere across the UK, in cinemas and online on BFI Player. Our amazing festival team have put together a daring, vital and conversation-starting edition. I’m in awe of all of the filmmakers across the world who have found the ways and means – practical, creative, emotional – to get their stories told in such challenging and turbulent times and I want audiences to immerse themselves in the sweet glow of the cinema screen and celebrate their very existence. More than ever, we are indebted to our loyal supporters, including our principal partner of 12 years American Express. Heartfelt thanks to them and to the many other sponsors, funders, partners and National Lottery players who do so much to enable both the Festival and our work throughout the year.” Tricia Tuttle, BFI London Film Festival Director said: “In early 2020, we set out how we would build on the vibrant established film programme at LFF to expand the Festival: with programming to include Series and XR, new free and UK-wide screenings and events, and by developing the industry programme to showcase new British talent to international industry guests. While we had to adapt those ambitions for the pandemic, we are back in full force this year and you’ll really see that vision played out in the model for the Festival this year. After this last 18 months so many of us are eager for opportunities to connect around shared cultural events, and we’re looking forward to bringing people together over the 12 days of the LFF to view this truly exceptional programme of film, series and immersive art we’re announcing today. These are works which have moved us, provoked us, made us think and feel, and made us look at the world a little differently this year. There is absolutely something for everyone here and we can’t wait for people to join us for BFI London Film Festival – whether in London, around the UK or at home.”
UK independent Signature is well represented at LFF with a brace of British films, including one of its own productions in the shape of another we can’t wait for, Bull. Highlighting the work of the label in using the LFF as a platform for releases, Signature’s Emilie Barra said: “We are delighted to have two outstanding British films at this year’s London Film Festival! First up is Bull, a brutal, subversive and wickedly suspenseful revenge thriller written and directed by Bafta®-winner Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton), which features outstanding performances from an electric Neil Maskell (Kill List, Utopia) and a terrifying David Hayman (Taboo, Vertical Limit). This will be the film’s UK premiere following its critically-acclaimed world debut at Fantasia a few weeks ago. It will also kick start our UK campaign ahead of its November 5th theatrical. Cast and crew will be in attendance which will be a great way to bank interviews ahead of our release and continue the buzz around the film. Last but not least is extremely unsettling psychological thriller A Banquet from Scottish director Ruth Paxton, about A young woman who undergoes a disturbing transformation. This unique and boundary-pushing horror tale is bound to make waves at the festival and we are looking forward to bringing the film to British audiences early next year.
UK independent Darkland Distribution, part of Parkland, will also see one of its titles airing at LFF, the October 14 screenings for horror Shepherd, about a man who heads to a remote island to become a shepherd after his wife dies but is pursued by supernatural forces, ahead of a November 5 theatrical release. Writer and director of Shepherd, Russell Owen said: “I've followed the BFI London Film Festival for decades, so to actually be a part of it is surreal and a massive honour. I can't think of a better platform to bring Shepherd to an audience and I'm over the moon.” Tom Stewart, acquisitions director at Darkland Distribution added: "We're delighted for Russ and his team who have clearly shown such skilled work to now receive this recognition in what is a very competitive field of British productions."
Chief among the companies with plenty of wares on show at London Film Festival is the acquisition hungry MUBI, with the curated subscription video on demand service, which now includes a physical home entertainment and theatrical distribution offering among the other strings to its bow, has no less than 11 films on show at LFF, with the event providing the perfect platform for its releases, which range from Paul Verhoeven’s much talked nun’s tale Benedetta and Andrea Arnold’s bovine documentary Cow. Unveiling its full slate, the company’s announcement said: “The festival will see eleven UK Premieres including Andreas Fontana’s Azor (Sutherland (First Feature)), Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta (Headline Gala), Mia Hansen-Løve’s Bergman Island (Create), Andrea Arnold’s Cow (Competition – Grierson (Documentary)), Jessica Beshir’s Faya Dayi (Competition – Grierson (Documentary)), Sebastian Meise’s Great Freedom (Special Presentation), Valdimar Jóhannsson’s Lamb (Cult), Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s Lingui, The Sacred Bonds (Competition – Best Film), Céline Sciamma’s Petite Maman (Love), Tatiana Huezo’s Prayers for the Stolen (Sutherland (First Feature)) and Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World (Love).”
Out in stores on Monday September 13 is the latest from Universal, in the shape of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk, recently recovered from a health scare, taking in an action-packed role in the well-reviewed John Wick-esque outing Nobody, with the DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD title joining the already available digital version. Commenting on the release, senior product manager Jess Keegan said: “'The 13th may be considered unlucky for some, but we're hoping it will be a lucky date for our Home Entertainment release of NOBODY! From the makers of John Wick comes this thrilling action movie, starring Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk as the everyday-dad with a hidden past, and with all the slick action scenes, all-out violence and epic stunts you'd expect from such pedigree filmmakers. We've encouraged consumers to bring home the action with a campaign covering broadcast VOD, social, PR and digital and included epic behind the scenes content in the Home Entertainment product to offer consumers even more when they choose ownership.” Friday September 10 saw the latest album release from long-running indie popsters Saint Etienne and the occasion was marked with a weekend’s worth of screenings at the BFI; this week has also seen the announcement of a major release from the band and the organisation. For the BFI has announced a December 6 Blu-ray release for Saint Etienne: I’ve Been Trying To Tell You, a companion film to the similarly titled album on Heavenly Records. The film looks back at the turn of the millennium and the spirit of optimism and features songs from the album. The Blu-ray release comes with a raft of extras, including assorted promo videos and a booklet containing essays about the band and film. Comment on the release came from the BFI’s John Ramchandani who said: ““Following the successful UK Premiere and ‘Saint Etienne Weekender’ at BFI Southbank earlier this month, alongside the launch of the band’s new album today, we are thrilled to announce the world exclusive Blu-ray release of I’ve Been Trying to Tell You on 6th December. Directed by British fashion photographer, Alasdair McLellan, the limited edition Blu-ray is packed with extras and exclusive content for music and film fans alike.”
And as if completing their fourth quarter line up wasn’t enough, the BFI has also been talking about its plans for early in 2022, with the organisation planning a major retrospective of French New Wave pioneer Francois Truffaut. The season will include a major presentation at the BFI on the Southbank and other venues, with the cinema hosting not just restored t`ruffait films, but also the movies he championed during his time as a hugely influential film critic. Restored versions of some of his classics will be released on Blu-ray complete with extras, essays and more. The announcement stated: “The BFI will bring a raft of Truffaut films back to the big screen in cinemas around the UK and Ireland and then onto the small screen. BFI Distribution will re-release THE 400 BLOWS (1959) in a new 4K restoration on 7 January 2022, followed by the re-release of JULES ET JIM (1962) on 4 February 2022. Cinemas will also be able to screen another five Truffaut films, all via BFI Distribution; SHOOT THE PIANIST (1960), LA PEAU DOUCE (1964), THE BRIDE WORE BLACK (1968), MISSISSIPPI MERMAID (1969) and THE LAST METRO (1980). In the spring, the BFI will release JULES ET JIM, THE 400 BLOWS, THE LAST METRO and LA PEAU DOUCE on Blu-ray, each presented with contextualising extras and an illustrated booklet in their first pressings. A collection of 10 Truffaut films will be available to subscribers of BFI Player from January, with the four BFI Blu-ray titles being made available on BFI Player later in the spring.”
There’s been another big Studiocanal announcement with the news of a sumptuous new slew of SKUs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a film that ushered in a new era of special effects and wizardry. The three special editions include an End Skull set featuring three discs, a 4K UHD version alongside standard and 3D Blu-rays, all house within the terminator’s head; a vinyl version featuring a record containing the soundtrack, as well as the discs and a 3D lenticular print, and a Steelbook containing the three discs. The trio are all up for pre-order now, all are released on December 6. Commenting on the set, Studiocanal’s Alison Arber said: “T2 is one of the most influential action sci-fi films ever and we’re delighted to bring these 3 special editions to the marketplace to celebrate the films’ 30th anniversary. We wanted to bring out editions to appeal to all level of collector, from the steelbook to the premium, high end Endo-skull and a new vinyl collector’s set to add to our range. The stunning new artwork adds another element of collectability the these very special releases. The Terminator is most definitely back this Q4.”
Amazon Prime has confirmed that the eagerly-awaited Arthurian action film The Green Knight, starring Dev Patel and directed by David Lowery, will be appearing on the service, but will also receive a day and date theatrical outing. The film has already been released in the US, but was delayed here as stories and rumours swirled around about it going straight to streaming and eschewing theatrical. The new deal, brokered between Entertainment in the UK, producer A24 and Amazon, offers up the best of both worlds with the day and date bow due on September 24.
The centenary celebrations at hmv continue, with the retailer announcing the next batch of exclusive vinyl. Titles under its 1921 Centenary Editions series of exclusives. The batch, in stores on September 25, includes a couple of belters, with everything from The Sound Of Music soundtrack to Motorhead, and from Lou Reed to A$AP Rocky, with the Clash’s debut album on red vinyl. Phil Halliday, Managing Director at hmv and Fopp, said: “It’s been fantastic celebrating our 100th birthday year so far with our customers, and seeing their reaction to our Centenary Editions vinyl. We’re really excited to bring another drop to the collection and hope the public will enjoy the line up so far and look forward to further releases as we continue to celebrate this special anniversary. See our Quote of the Week below for more from hmv…
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “You never know what’s going to happen, even in the next few years, but I think we are well-positioned for the future…
“When this opportunity came up, it felt perfect. We already understood the business, we already knew how relevant the HMV brand is so it was really exciting for me. I don’t think it has to be one or the other. There are times where streaming is very easy to do and it’s so much easier if you’re working out, if you’re on the go. But you still can’t replace that tangible physical experience, whether it’s a piece of vinyl playing at home over dinner or when you have friends over. We know that a segment of the customer base is gone to streaming and some of them will be 100 per cent streaming – they’ll never buy another piece of physical product.
“We are trying to encourage people to try vinyl who haven’t, to get the enjoyment of collecting it, the enjoyment of the sound. You hear a lot of people saying: ‘vinyl is going to come and go’, but they were saying that four years ago and it’s just gotten stronger. I think we are going to grow that base of people that want something that isn’t just digital.
“What we’re seeing is that people want attachment to the things they love.
“So if that’s Taylor Swift or if that’s a movie – it doesn’t matter what it is – what we see is that not only will they buy the vinyl or the CD or the DVD, they want to buy deeper into that artist or movie. So they’re picking up T-shirts, they’re picking up notebooks, mugs. It’s about getting that deeper connection.”
SOme of the quotes from hmv owner Doug Putman in an extensive interview on Retail Week…
AT THE MOVIES
Writer and director Shane Meadows has been keeping fairly quiet recently, but he’s announced a major project he’s working on and is currently filming. The Gallows Pole is his first foray into period drama and is being backed by the BBC along with partners Element Pictures and US indie production powerhouse A24. The series is based on a Benjamin Myers fictionalisation of the true story of David Hartley, an 18th century Yorkshireman who, on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution, pulled together a team of weavers and land-workers into an elaborate scale that became the biggest fraud in British history. The cast includes Meadows mainstays Michael Socha, playing Hartley, and Thomas Turgoose alongside such talent as George MacKay (1917). Meadows said: “Putting this cast together (with the undying support of casting director Shaheen Baig and her amazing team) has been an absolute joy. To be working with actors I’ve grown up with and/or have been desperate to work with, alongside oodles of incredible ‘as yet’ undiscovered (Yorkshire based) talent, is an absolute honour and I’ve not been this passionate about shooting a project in years! After some initial rehearsals back in spring, me and the team went on an ‘open casting’ odyssey, watching over 6,500 self-tapes from unrepresented actors and actresses and were blown away by the quality of tapes that were submitted. We went from hoping to find one or two new faces to making up half of the entire cast from those tapes and I believe it’s going to create a series quite unlike anything else I’ve ever worked on. This is the 18th century yes, but viewed through a slightly more anarchic lens and will (like my previous work) have a soundtrack that fits the mood like a psychedelic glove, rather than historical expectations.”
The wait for the next Mad Max outing after the high success of Fury Road, Furious, is set to go on a bit longer. Warner has put the film, which sees George Miller returning to his franchise and Anya Taylor-Joy playing a younger version of the character introduced in Fury Road by Charlize Theron, back until May 2024…
Potentially not at Warner – even though almost all his feature films, notably his blockbusters, have been at the major – is the next film from director Christopher Nolan. For word has it the director is talking to a number of studios about his next project, a film about J Robert Oppenheimer, one of the scientists who developed the nuclear weaponry and is often credited as the father of the atom bomb…
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun…
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Still really ooky…
Soho’s halcyon days…
Feed your head…
You do wrong Ron, you do wrong Ron…
Biggie from Netflix…
Darkland’s Shepherd…
THE OBLIGATORY GDPR BIT
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