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HERE WE GO AGAIN…
YOU MIGHT AS WELL JUMP
VDC CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
BUSY WEEK FOR SIGNATURE…
COMPANY UNVEILS Q1…
…AND LOOKS AHEAD TO BUSY 2019…
…SLATE BOASTS 130 TITLES…
…AND A NEW CHILDREN’S PROPERTY
LIONSGATE OFFERS FAVOURS
SNAKES ALIVE! FOR ALTITUDE
ARROW’S CLIMACTIC FEBRUARY
BFI LOOKS AHEAD TO 2019
BUILDING BRIDGES
IF ANYONE CAN, MILLICAN
DOGWOOF GOES MIA
ROEG TRADER
CARPENTER TURNS PRINCE
HOMECOMING A HOME WINNER
WHERE’S ME JUMPER?
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
If you can't read this newsletter or see the ads, please click here. We've been away for a few days for half term, hence the late running…
It was a good week for… A busy week for Signature and, with 130 releases, a busy 2019 on the cards too…
It was a bad week for… Tom Cruise comes out against motion smoothing in the 4K debate…
Mixed fortunes for many in the home entertainment business, as with the likes of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again and Mission: Impossible – Fallout flying out of many stores, showing that the appetite for gifting is still there (we’ve heard of internal records being broken for some retailers), and yet some of the year on year figures are not looking too promising. As ever, it’s too early to make any lasting pronouncements, with more biggies still due to land in the next few weeks, anything could happen. The Mamma Mia sequel was, according to the Official Charts Company pronouncement made on Wednesday December 5, outselling the rest of the top 10 combined, holding off the perennial favourite The Greatest Showman at number two. Ant-Man And The Wasp was a new entry at three on the back of its digital release (the physical followed on Monday December 3, with the chart compiled to the week running up to that day). The Grinch and Elf are both in the top 10, showing the importance of seasonal drafting.
More on that special Mission: Impossible stunt promoting the release of the latest instalment in the ongoing franchise, Fallout. Long jumper Greg Rutherford was among those replicating one of star Tom Cruise’s stunts in the feature, joined by assorted influencers and press for the event, which involved jumping between two structures. Some of the resulting coverage can be seen here, with fitness experts such as Olivia Cox also turning up to boost awareness. Commenting after the event, Rutherford said: “Seeing Tom Cruise attempt the jump and not quite make it, I thought I’d give it a go, but also clearly I’m auditioning for a part in the next movie. The hope is that Tom will call me in to give him a hand and I can maybe help direct this, so whoever is making the next film I need them to add in a long jump scene and they can then bring me in.”
To the Elysee restaurant and bar just near Tottenham Court Road for what is now the most significant – and, by our own reckoning, most long-standing – date on the seasonal calendar: the VDC Christmas party. At a time when the out-every-night Christmas party season is a thing of the past (as many there reminisced), the VDC bash is the last one standing after such regular events as the timecode or the VCI party have long since bitten the dust. Old faces aplenty joined newer, younger industry types and plaudits are due to the replicator for its efforts to keep the tradition going and to ensure that the industry doesn’t forget that part of the brief is to have fun too…
Over to east London, the Courthouse hotel in Shoreditch, to be precise, for a Sony Pictures Home Entertainment-hosted screening of the next step in the major’s ongoing series of Spider-man related releases, Into The Spider-verse. Assorted journalists and industry types turned out in force for a preview of the animated adventures that introduce a whole host of new Spidey-themed characters and has effectively launched a new franchise within a franchise for the web-slinger and pals. The film went down a storm, with just the right level of humour and action, appealing to both young and old alike. It’s another confident step in the right direction for Sony’s ongoing plans for Peter Parker and co, following hot on the heels of the summer success of the live action superhero blockbuster Venom. Into The Spider-verse will arrive on home entertainment formats lTER next year after its theatrical run, which kicks off with previews this weekend. Before that, however, there’s the not inconsiderable matter of the Q1 home entertainment release of the aforementioned Venom, Tom Hardy and all. More on this later.
It’s been a big week for Signature, with a major announcement that has seen the independent distributor and production outfit widening its scope beyond feature films as well as its slate presentation for 2019, where the ever-growing company showed exhibitors, retailers and press some of its key releases for the year ahead. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also been talking to the company about its titles due in the home entertainment sector for the first three months of 2019. We’ll start with its Q1 titles, which kick off in January with The 12th Man. This is the kind of wartime action film that Signature consistently performs well with, a big budget European production that stars Jonathan Rhys-Myers as a Norwegian taking on the Nazis officer who sill stop at nothing to stop the last surviving Norwegian man who led a failed sabotage attempt. It follows on from the huge success of The Captain, and will benefit from a limited theatrical and digital release on January 4 ahead of its physical release the following Monday (January 7). Siberia arrives in January on the back of a successful premium vod and theatrical release in November and, as Signature’s Emilie Barra noted: “We have a great track record when it comes to releasing action films at the beginning of January and this is a great proposition.” Backtrace is a Stallone action thriller with Sly taking on Matthew Modine, in his post-Stranger Things resurgence as a baddie. Mara, a supernatural thriller starring Olga Kurylenko, premiered at FrightFest, where it was well received by the horror cognoscenti. Speed Kills is one of a brace of John Travolta titles on the way, this sees him as a powerboat champion who gets embroiled with gangsters and drug-running in Miami. Duplicate stars bright young thing Ansel Elgort in a sci-fi actioner that is being pitched as Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind meets Fight Club meets Black Mirror. “It got some great reviews when it screened at London Film Festival,” said Barra, “all the cast, which includes Patricia Clarkson and Suki Waterhouse as well as Elgort, are really supporting the UK release too.” At First Light is a similarly strong sci-fi film, from the producers of Midnight Special, following a high school girl who becomes contaminated after seeing some strange lights starts developing supernatural abilities after an encounter of the third kind.
Continuing with Signature and Papillon is due in February after its imminent theatrical and premium vod release, its chances significantly boosted by Rami Malek’s appearance here following his turn as Freddie Mercury in biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. A Stork’s Journey is the king of family animated title that Signature has consistently excelled at, with its recent nationwide theatrical release and cinema trailering raising awareness ahead of its February physical bow. Signature will also release animated film Peter Pan: The Quest for the Neverbook a spin off based on the much-loved tale and following the success of The Little Mermaid in Q3. St Agatha is another horror that has wowed audiences at FrightFest after premiering there and, as Signature’s Emilie Barra said: “We take great prIt pride in seeking out the best of horror and St Agatha is a real genre gem that makes The Nun look like Sister Act!” Rise Of The Viking is a big budget, European product that is a bona fide, historical epic. Throwback horror thriller VideoMan, creature feature Boar and shapeshifter horror Lifechanger are all arriving under the FrightFest Presents banner after some glowing reviews at the festival back in August. The Guilty, Denmark’s official Oscar entry for the 2019 ceremony, was one of the undoubted hits of the London Film Festival, boasting four and five-star reviews. With rumours swirling around about a Hollywood remake, the buzz for its physical release, following on the back of its post-LFF theatrical in October, is building. Spring will also see a release for the acclaimed Lost In London, Woody Harrelson’s tale set in the capital that was shot and aired live to cinemas in a first of a kind screening. The release will be the version which was beamed to theatres, giving further PR opportunities. Fright Fest, which aired at, er, FrightFest, is another horror which will, fittingly given its title, be appearing under the FrightFest Presents banner. High concept horror Life Changer, also made its debut at the horror film festival and it too arrives with the right kind of fan reaction. Benjamin is the feature length directorial debut from presenter, comic, writer and actor Simon Amstel, as the director himself noted during Signature’s 2019 presentation, all its screenings at the London Film Festival sold out, which bodes all well for the release. And the quarter is rounded out by romantic drama Look Away, featuring an all-star cast including Aidan Turner, Matthew Broderick and Chloe Sevigny.
And on to the Curzon cinema in Soho, where Signature was highlighting its key titles for the next 12 months, going well beyond the three months outlined above. “It’s a very exciting time for us,” said the company’s Jon Bourdillon. “It’s a very exciting time for us. There are so many opportunities.” He recapped its key achievements in 2018, with a mammoth 95 releases, seven premium vod releases (“we are masters of the premium vod strategy,” he said); another BASE award, the launch of the FrightFest Presents imprint through Signature, as well as a record eight films in the London Film Festival, the acquisition of the company by a major investor and the move into its own productions, most notably with Final Score. And next year sees it stepping up another gear. “Next year will see us break out into other areas and genres,” said Bourdillon, with 130 new releases, and a growing US and UK production slate.” The company broke down its slate by genres, with action first. As well as some of the titles mentioned above, there is more Stallone in Escape Plan 3 (“Escape Plan 2 was a phenomenal success.” said head of marketing Claire Loewenthal), as well as more Travolta, this time as a veteran racing driver in Trading Paint. The Courier is another Signature production, with Olga Kurylenko starring in what Claire Loewenthal said “promises to be a relentless and breathtaking thrill ride”. Knights Of The Round Table is another Signature production due before the end of 2019, while Guy Pearce makes his Signature debut with modern-day Western Disturbing The Peace. And it wouldn’t be a Signature presentation without the usual mixture of fights, rigs and women as represented by Rise Of The Footsoldier. The fourth instalment sees Craig Fairbrass and co heading to Marbella, and is certain to add to its 1.5 million DVD sales. The horror and sci-fi selection sees Prospect described as “the best indie sci-fi film since Moon”, and the latest from horror specialist Blumhouse, Prey. Into drama and documentaries section, and there were audible gasps of delight at the trailer for guide dogs doc Pick Of The Litter, while Breaking Habits, a documentary about “cannabis growing, gun-slinging nuns”, really is stranger than fiction. Drama comes in the shape of Richard Says Goodbye, which promises to be a return to form for Johnny Depp, while My Days Of Mercy stars Ellen Page and Rooney Mara.
Signature confirmed it is looking to expand its presence run the family arena, with the likes of Marnie’s World, Manou The Swift a new take in Cinderella, Ladybug and Arctic Justice all on the way in 2019, all boasting stellar A-list voice casts. Its family slate also takes in new acquisition Master Moley (more on this below). The thriller category is well represented too, with A Vigilante, starring Olivia Wilde, set to be, as SIgnature’s Claire Loewenthal noted, “one of the most important films of next year”. 15 Minutes Of War stars Olga Kurylenko – fast becoming a Signature stalwart – in a based on a true story saga of a school bus full of children hijacked by Somalian rebels. Arctic is a brutal survival tale with Mads Mikkelsen, following its LFF debut, while Stockholm, starring Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace, looks at the bank robbery and hostage crisis that spawned the concept of Stockholm syndrome, where a hostage falls for the captor. The presentation was rounded out by Kursk, a submarine thriller and another big budget affair featuring an ensemble cast headed by Colin Firth, another signifier of how far the independent has come. As Signature’s chief executive officer Marc Goldberg concluded: ““As the UK market place continues to adapt, I am extremely proud of the way our team continues to readjust. 2018 results were extremely impressive with record breaking releases and the exciting transition becoming part of the FFI family. 2019 will see us release more titles than ever across the broadest spectrum of genres, all with a stamp of quality. There is a stimulating future for the company as it looks to grow its UK share and beyond in the next 12 months.”
Lastly from Signature, and the company also unveiled a new property this week, both at its presentation and prior to the event, after signing on the dotted line for both UK distribution and global sales for the new brand. Master Moley, created by James Reatchlous after telling stories to his children at bedtime, boasts an all-star voice cast including Warwick Davis, Julie Walters, Gemma Arterton and Richard E Grant. It will start life as a 30 minute animated special, with plans to expand the franchise beyond this. The special will be released in 2019. The company’s Jon Bourdillon said: “Signature is delighted to be working alongside Nottage Productions to bring this adorable new franchise to the world stage. Master Moley's potential is infinite; the timeless appeal of an endearing little mole full of optimism has resulted in a delightful new children's brand with enduring appeal. Master Moley is on track to become our newest national treasure.” Master Moley creator James Reatchlous added “We’re thrilled to have signed with Signature Entertainment - It’s extraordinary that these Master Moley stories I told my beautiful daughters over 20 years ago are now going to be seen by children all over the world.”
 Lionsgate has become the latest company to chat to The Raygun about its Q1 line-up, with a suitably varied slate being prepared for the first three months of the year, taking in everything from classic 1980s VHS fare through to critically acclaimed titles and big, blockbuster action flicks too. Here’s the company’s Kirsten Sweeney on the months ahead for the company. She said: “In mid-January, Lionsgate will release the popular thriller A Simple Favour with a campaign centred around the film’s stylish and mysterious plot. A fashionable, exclusive launch event paired with an engaging press office highlighting the A-list cast will dominate the PR campaign. Hunter Killer and Robin Hood will both focus on grassroots activities highlighting the entertaining action and all-star cast in both films, while Undisputed Fight For Freedom looks to engage the MMA and fighting enthusiasts through the legendary Scott Adkins. Critically acclaimed Blindspotting and Submergence will be targeted to arthouse audiences through thought-provoking features. Finally, as Lionsgate’s Vestron library grows to include The Unholy, Class of 1999, and Parents, a PR campaign tailored for horror fans hungry for exclusive features will be centred around never-before-seen extras.”
More 2019 business, this time from Altitude, which has, to our minds, one of the best titled films we’ve heard for some time, as part of a hugely busy first month of the year for the independent. First up in the month is modern-day Western The Rider, As Eldrett noted: “The trade has been responding well to the film and I think partly due to the sheer amount of good will the film received, it's probably one of the most well reviewed films I have ever worked on. It was wonderful to have star Brady Jandreau over earlier this year, who essentially plays himself in the film and director Chloe Zhao seems destined to go on to even greater projects.” The following week is Josie, starring Sophie Turner. Eldrett said: “It's a bit of a hidden gem and think fans of Turner will be really thrilled at her performance as bit of a wild child. We have had some phenomenal success in recent months with some short window releases and the next is the ambitious Monsters & Men (January 18), which looks to be supported and endorsed by Drake, currently the best selling artist in the world. The film is incredibly relevant and of our times with so much happening in America around the subject of race and police brutality. Starring Denzel Washington's son, John David, a man whose star is set to rise even high with blistering performance such as this one. Our physical release will come a little later as we release into selected cinemas and digital platforms. This also enables us to communicate a really clear sales message throughout our campaign. To end the month we have two stunning DTV's that I am very excited about. First up Occupation, the hit Australian sci-fi that wowed audiences down under earlier this year. Looking and feeling every inch a blockbuster it's an Alien Invasion movie with some stand out performances and a cast you really begin to engage with and care about as the film goes on. While most disaster films seem to take place over just a few days, you get a real sense of time passing and an epic struggle from the last human beings on earth to survive. Star Wars fans will be sure to pick up on Temura (Jango Fett's) Morrison's performance and a sequel is already in the works. On the 28th we have Snake Outta Compton, a film so silly, it's actually genius and I think the clue is very much in the title! Lovingly made and we have not had one of these out and our spoof titles in the market for a while. We all love the artwork!”
Arrow has also unveiled its February titles, using its high profile social media presence to reveal its plans for the month. And it kicks off with a high profile bow for the latest from enfant terrible Gaspar Noe. As the company’s Mike Hewitt said: "February sees another great Arrow Video line-up with classics old and new. Fresh off a successful, and still ongoing, theatrical run, Gaspar Noe’s Climax will bring the beat across all Home Ent platforms early in the month. Critically acclaimed, and with a huge re-watch value to those who really liked the film, the Home Ent release will be supported by strong PR, Social and press and digital marketing. It will debut on Digital HD on February 4, with DVD and Blu-ray one week later on Feb 11.” Continuing with February, Arrow’s Fran Simeoni said: “We are thrilled with the response to our announcements today having discussed closely with our retail partners already as we present a slate of titles across platforms and fanbases. For our hardcore giallo collectors we are pleased to unveil two brand new restorations of films by Luigi Bazzoni making their global premieres on Blu-ray, his debut, The Possessed, a proto-giallo that compares with the early works of Bava and Antonioni and his later Franco Nero starring The Fifth Cord which nicely contrasts the earlier film as this takes a distinctly post-Argento approach to the genre. Both releases come with a plethora of extras featuring the most renowned experts of the genre and interviews with original cast and crew including Nero himself! Our stand out horror title for the month is a classic for the house of Hammer which features the defining players of the era, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as we showcase them in a new restoration for Horror Express, a UK Blu-ray premiere, and the release comes loaded with new extras including a commentary by horror and Hammer experts Kim Newman and Stephen Jones and interviews with the crew. Our final announcement comes in the shape of Cannes favourite and genre bender Kiyoshi Kurosawa whose Un Certain Regard selection Before We Vanish joins his earlier Pulse in the Arrow Video line. The film, the tale of a covert alien invasion by three aliens searching for hosts delivering the humans they encounter from their souls. Cleverly mixing the genre approach he has taken with the likes of Pulse and Cure with his dark family dramas like Tokyo Sonata the film will allow us to engage a wider audience. Along with a deluxe physical edition we will premiere Before We Vanish on multiple channels within the month with a strong marketing push for all our partners targeting fans through social media and our existing brand channels.”
While we’ve been reporting Q1 sites form assorted distributors, the BFI this week outlined many of its plans for its Southbank network and beyond for the whole of 2019. And there, buried between seasons celebrating everyone from Laurel and Hardy to Kubrick, and genres and seasons devoted to everything from musicals to the nineties, were some intriguing and mouth-watering home entertainment prospects. These include, in April, a first ever Blu-ray release for angry young man classic Room At The Top, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2019, and, in May, a boxset featuring a quartet of early films from acclaimed Japanese director Hirojazu Kore-eda, one that will have cineastes, critics and more positively salivating. And right through to September, there’s a Blu-ray world premiere for Gary Oldman’s powerful directorial debut Nil By Mouth, featuring tour de force performances from both Ray Winstone and Kathy Burke. Commenting on 2019, the BFI’s head of video publishing and online programming John Ramchandani said: "2019 is shaping up to be another storming year for our physical release slate. The BFI is dedicated to releasing classics of world cinema, rarely seen British film and TV and archive collections and we are thrilled to bring an exciting range of content to home ent audiences next year. Watch this space for more announcements soon!”
Friday might be the regular release date for music nowadays, but a release on the last working day of the week for DVD is a rarity these days. Universal broke the convention with the Friday December 7 release of Kevin Bridges – The Brand New Tour Live, which the major firmly believes will be the “standout comedy release of the year”. Universal’s campaign has a distinctly Tartan flavour, with a regional takeover north of the border on the day of release, taking in Scottish newspapers and weekend supplements, alongside radio ads and outdoor advertising, with a special 20 second spot during primetime Coronation Street. The release had and early push through Bridges’ mammoth 19-date stint at the Glasgow Hydro arena, while a partnership with Sky, a first of its kind, has seen above the line and social media support delivering a “high media value”. Bridges himself, like the best comedians, taking to TV to support the release, appearing on This Morning on Monday December 10 and on Jonathon Ross on Saturday December 15. Marketing manager Grace O’Donnell said: “We’re thrilled to be releasing Kevin’s new title and have high hopes for strong sales leading up to the Christmas period.”
More comedy from Universal, and, on a more regular release date, Universal is bringing returning comic Sarah Millican to the fray on Monday December 10 with Control Enthusiast. The major is promising to bring a heavyweight TV campaign in for the title to ensure it has maximum exposure during the gifting season. Commenting on the release, Universal senior product manager Jess Keegan said: “We’re thrilled to be releasing another one of Sarah’s fantastic shows, building on the success of our previous Sarah Millican release Outsider in 2016. Our campaign showcases some of the funniest moments from the show, bringing it to life through an AV and social-focused campaign ensuring we reach every one of Sarah’s fans in the run up to Christmas.”
Documentary specialist Dogwoof is wrapping up its 2018 physical slate with a double-bill of Kusama - Infinity and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. on Monday December 10. Both titles premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival ahead of UK theatrical releases in September and October. Commenting on the DVD (and Blu-ray in the case of M.I.A.) release of both, the company's head of home entertainment Daniel Green said: "While 2018 has proved a challenging year for DVD and Blu-ray sales - particularly after such a stellar 2017 - we're really pleased to be completing our slate with two of our best-received docs in the form of Kusama - Infinity and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. Both Kusama and M.I.A. are fearless, pioneering female innovators in their respective fields, and have used their platforms to take on the establishment in all its various forms. Kusama will have strong support from key retailers, as well as availability in a number of high-profile art venues and galleries including the Tate Modern, Victoria Miro and Serpentine. Matangi / Maya / M.I.A., as you'd expect, has been warmly received by Fopp and HMV. The DVD and Blu-ray is packed with bonus material featuring Maya, including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and a Q&A with the film's star and also its director Steve Loveridge.”
The sad passing of one of the finest directors the UK has ever produced, Nicolas Roeg, announced last week, comes as another distributor makes plans to mark one of his outstanding works. Roeg’s classic films, including the likes of The Man Who Fell To Earth, have been given a new lease of life in recent years thanks to the restoration efforts of assorted distributors. And the same company had already announced plans for a 4K restoration of one of his acclaimed masterpieces, Don’t Look Now due in 2019. The company had already done a BASE award nominated restoration and theatrical to home entertainment job on the aforementioned David Bowie starrer, meaning that Don’t Look Now, starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, is in safe hands. Studiocanal’s John Rodden said: “It is in sadness we note and mark the passing of Nicolas Roeg this week. A true British auteur, his legacy can’t be underestimated in British filmmaking history.” The respectful work set to arrive next year should provide a fitting tribute to the great director.
Also next year from Studiocanal, announced this week, is the next step in its ongoing 4K restorations of John Carpenter’s classic films. Arriving in February, hot on the heels of a raft of other special editions, complete with new artwork and limited edition postcards, is Prince Of Darkness, another Carpenter classic. Commenting on the release, Studiocanal’s Tara Hutton said: “Following the success of our three John Carpenter 4K collector’s editions (The Fog, They Live and Escape from New York), we are delighted to announce that the Prince of Darkness is also getting the same treatment. This 4k Collector’s edition will once again include UHD and blu-ray discs, bonus disc, poster, artcards and booklet with film essays and original production notes and photographs. We are hopeful that this release will satiate the avid consumer appetite for a completed collection of all four Carpenter classics!”
Some interesting figures from Amazon, which unveiled worldwide Prime numbers and trends in the run-up to Christmas. Biggest of the year on Prime Video on a global level were Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and Julia Roberts starring in Homecoming. The UK was one of the biggest territories for early morning viewing (between 7 and 9am), with Marvellous Mrs Maisel winning most awards for the svod service. “We love delivering smiles over the holidays, whether through fast, free shipping or deals on favourites like organic apples from Whole Foods Market, or award-winning entertainment like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” said Cem Sibay, Vice President, Amazon Prime. “Prime members worldwide ordered more than two billion products for one-day delivery or faster in the last year, which is pretty amazing.”
And not necessarily strictly home entertainment related, but a word for our friends at Zavvi, who have launched a charity fundraising initiative that is worth supporting. Because for every Christmas jumper sold from its site between now and December 31, the online retailer will be giving 20 per cent of the purchase price. In keeping with the retailer’s MO, many of the jumpers on offer are film related and, as the company noted: “With licensed and original Christmas jumper designs, Zavvi’s quirky & fun range stands out as a great way to celebrate your favourite franchises in festive style while contributing to a fantastic cause. With prices from £19.99 and a huge range to choose from, even the Scrooges amongst us have no excuse not to join in the fun this Christmas Jumper Day on December 14 2018.” You can see them here.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“There was a particularly high level of activity around the Tyson vs Wilder fight. This fight was always going to draw in a massive audience, and it certainly did that. In fact, our Muso Discover data shows that, globally, nearly 10 million viewers chose unlicensed channels to watch the bout. This is a huge audience that is, to all intents and purposes, being ignored. Data like this offers insights that could help bring fans back to legal content, but they need to be acknowledged first."
Andy Chatterley from piracy tracking firm Muso on the massive piracy figures for the big fight… AT THE MOVIES
Awards season is now well and truly up and running, with the Golden Globes announcing its nominations to the usual brouhaha about who was snubbed, who wasn’t and what the surprises were. Vice, the film about Dick Cheney and political machinations in the US leads the way, with six nods, including for Christian Bale’s turn as the politician. There are four apiece for Green Book, The Favourite and A Star Is Born. The first two, of course, are both eOne films, which bodes well for the company in 2019. The full list of nominees is here https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees
Talking of awards, Kevin Hart was in and then out again as Oscar presenter. For within 24 hours of getting the nod as the presenter for this year’s Academy Awards, the comic took himself out of the running after the very 2018 practice of going through old tweets unearthed some dubious homophobic statements. No news yet as to who will replace him…
It may take a while, but fans of the summer’s breakout comedy hit Crazy Rich Asians can expect a double helping of sequels. For although shooting for the summer hit isn’t scheduled to start until Jon M Chu’s dairy is clear – sometime in 2020 – he’ll be doubling up, filming not one but two sequels. Producing partners Brad Simpson and Nona Jacobson confirmed that the two will be based on the bestselling books that spawned the films, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems…
Bond news, in case you’d forgotten the still unnamed 25th outing is on its way, and some casting decisions have been revealed this week, with Lea Seydoux set to return alongside Daniel Craig’s 007, with the British intelligence crew of Ben Wishaw, Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris all returning too… It is, of course, being directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga after Danny Boyle cited the film…
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
The end is nigh…
Things starting to heat up for this…
What’s a tosser?
Birthday. On Valentine’s Day.
Marvellous…
Truth is stranger than fiction and all that…
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