Entertainment One has announced an upcoming documentary on Italian singer Andrea Bocelli. The documentary Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe is currently being filmed in Italy and the U.S. and will be released next year.
Directed by Cosima Spender, the film will go behind the scenes of Bocelli’s personal life and work, including never-before-seen insights into his story and off-the-stage scenes with his family and friends. Bocelli and his wife Veronica Bocelli are acting as executive producers alongside Scott Rodger, Francesco Pasquero, and eOne’s Tara Long, Malcolm Gerrie,...
Directed by Cosima Spender, the film will go behind the scenes of Bocelli’s personal life and work, including never-before-seen insights into his story and off-the-stage scenes with his family and friends. Bocelli and his wife Veronica Bocelli are acting as executive producers alongside Scott Rodger, Francesco Pasquero, and eOne’s Tara Long, Malcolm Gerrie,...
- 8/24/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Andrea Bocelli is getting the feature documentary treatment. The revered singer will be profiled in Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe, which eOne will produce and finance.
Blind since age 12, the Italian tenor has recorded some two dozen albums in the past three decades, bringing classical music to fans and charts around the world. He was a headliner at King Charles’ Coronation Concert this year, and Because I Believe will offer never-before-seen insights into his life story, with unprecedented access following him not only backstage but beyond the stage and into his private life with family and close friends.
“It’s always a privilege to be invited into someone else’s world,” said Cosima Spender, the film’s Italian director. “When that person is Andrea Bocelli, it’s an opportunity to delve into a landscape of sounds, memories and opera that are entirely unique to him. Andrea and I instantly recognized...
Blind since age 12, the Italian tenor has recorded some two dozen albums in the past three decades, bringing classical music to fans and charts around the world. He was a headliner at King Charles’ Coronation Concert this year, and Because I Believe will offer never-before-seen insights into his life story, with unprecedented access following him not only backstage but beyond the stage and into his private life with family and close friends.
“It’s always a privilege to be invited into someone else’s world,” said Cosima Spender, the film’s Italian director. “When that person is Andrea Bocelli, it’s an opportunity to delve into a landscape of sounds, memories and opera that are entirely unique to him. Andrea and I instantly recognized...
- 8/24/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to The Stones and Brian Jones, a documentary about the “lost creative genius” who launched – and named – The Rolling Stones.
Acclaimed filmmaker Nick Broomfield directed the documentary, which Magnolia plans to release in theaters later this year.
“Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and unseen archive released for the first time, The Stones and Brian Jones explores the creative musical genius of Jones, the key to the success of the band,” a release about the film notes, “and uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock’n’roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history.”
The Rolling Stones in London, May 4, 1963. L-r: Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts.
Jones assembled the Stones in 1962 as a blues-infused unit, playing rhythm and lead guitar alongside Keith Richards,...
Acclaimed filmmaker Nick Broomfield directed the documentary, which Magnolia plans to release in theaters later this year.
“Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and unseen archive released for the first time, The Stones and Brian Jones explores the creative musical genius of Jones, the key to the success of the band,” a release about the film notes, “and uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock’n’roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history.”
The Rolling Stones in London, May 4, 1963. L-r: Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts.
Jones assembled the Stones in 1962 as a blues-infused unit, playing rhythm and lead guitar alongside Keith Richards,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Gravitas Ventures has secured the U.S. rights to Nick Broomfield’s documentary “Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac.”
The distributor will release the film, which is a sequel of sorts to the British filmmaker’s notorious 2002 docu “Biggie & Tupac,” in U.S. theaters this fall before seeking a home on a major streaming platform. The doc is currently slated to hit cinemas on Aug. 20.
“Last Man Standing” presents a comprehensive history of the tragic rap feud some 25 years on, while also examining more recent allegations made by former LAPD detective Russel Poole that the murder of 24-year-old Christopher Wallace — who is better known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. — was commissioned by Knight, with the help of corrupt LAPD officers.
Wallace died in March 1997 after being shot four times in a Los Angeles drive-by shooting, six months after the...
The distributor will release the film, which is a sequel of sorts to the British filmmaker’s notorious 2002 docu “Biggie & Tupac,” in U.S. theaters this fall before seeking a home on a major streaming platform. The doc is currently slated to hit cinemas on Aug. 20.
“Last Man Standing” presents a comprehensive history of the tragic rap feud some 25 years on, while also examining more recent allegations made by former LAPD detective Russel Poole that the murder of 24-year-old Christopher Wallace — who is better known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. — was commissioned by Knight, with the help of corrupt LAPD officers.
Wallace died in March 1997 after being shot four times in a Los Angeles drive-by shooting, six months after the...
- 7/28/2021
- by Adam Benzine
- Variety Film + TV
Bill Nighy To Narrate C5/Smithsonian River Series
Love Actually and Shaun Of The Dead star Bill Nighy is to narrate a six-part Channel 5 and Smithsonian Channel Canada series, titled World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. The exploration of famous rivers is a co-production between Argonon’s BriteSpark and Blue Ant Studios’ Saloon Media, who will shoot in Europe and North America respectively to get around Covid-19 travel restrictions. World’s Most Scenic River Journeys is executive produced by Tom Porter at BriteSpark, with Helen White acting as series producer. Steve Gamester is executive producer and producer at Saloon. Nighy has previously narrated Channel 5’s World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, which was also made by BriteSpark.
‘The Witcher’ Director Develops Nent Group Ferry Disaster Series
Charlotte Brändström, who has helmed episodes of The Witcher and The Man In The High Castle, is creating a Nent Group series about...
Love Actually and Shaun Of The Dead star Bill Nighy is to narrate a six-part Channel 5 and Smithsonian Channel Canada series, titled World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. The exploration of famous rivers is a co-production between Argonon’s BriteSpark and Blue Ant Studios’ Saloon Media, who will shoot in Europe and North America respectively to get around Covid-19 travel restrictions. World’s Most Scenic River Journeys is executive produced by Tom Porter at BriteSpark, with Helen White acting as series producer. Steve Gamester is executive producer and producer at Saloon. Nighy has previously narrated Channel 5’s World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, which was also made by BriteSpark.
‘The Witcher’ Director Develops Nent Group Ferry Disaster Series
Charlotte Brändström, who has helmed episodes of The Witcher and The Man In The High Castle, is creating a Nent Group series about...
- 12/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Luther actor Idris Elba is set to interview former Beatle Paul McCartney for a 60-minute BBC One holiday special.
Produced by The Graham Norton Show outfit So Television, Idris Elba Meets Paul McCartney will be filmed in London over the coming weeks in line with local Covid-19 rules.
Elba, who moonlights as a musician and DJ, will interview McCartney about his career as one of the most successful musicians and composers in pop music history.
Elba said: “When I was asked if I wanted to speak to Paul McCartney, after I realised it wasn’t a joke, I immediately said yes… who wouldn’t?!
“His work has inspired and driven me as a musician, and once I get through the shock of sharing the stage with him, I’m excited to talk about his music and craft. What an honour!”
The special was ordered by chief content officer Charlotte Moore,...
Produced by The Graham Norton Show outfit So Television, Idris Elba Meets Paul McCartney will be filmed in London over the coming weeks in line with local Covid-19 rules.
Elba, who moonlights as a musician and DJ, will interview McCartney about his career as one of the most successful musicians and composers in pop music history.
Elba said: “When I was asked if I wanted to speak to Paul McCartney, after I realised it wasn’t a joke, I immediately said yes… who wouldn’t?!
“His work has inspired and driven me as a musician, and once I get through the shock of sharing the stage with him, I’m excited to talk about his music and craft. What an honour!”
The special was ordered by chief content officer Charlotte Moore,...
- 11/27/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Two British legends are joining forces for a BBC special this December.
Idris Elba will sit down with Paul McCartney for a BBC One and BBC Music special that will join the broadcaster’s holiday schedule. The 60-minute program, which will be recorded in London in the coming weeks, will see Elba interview McCartney about his career as one of the most successful musicians and composers in pop music history.
Produced by So Television, the show will span the former Beatle’s journey up to the present day, as he continues to produce solo material and collaborations. The artist will soon release his 26th post-Beatles album, “McCartney III,” the third album in a trilogy of classics featuring McCartney playing every instrument and writing and recording every song. The singer launched his solo career in 1970.
BBC One is also set to broadcast McCartney’s 2018 Cavern Club performance. The original Cavern Club...
Idris Elba will sit down with Paul McCartney for a BBC One and BBC Music special that will join the broadcaster’s holiday schedule. The 60-minute program, which will be recorded in London in the coming weeks, will see Elba interview McCartney about his career as one of the most successful musicians and composers in pop music history.
Produced by So Television, the show will span the former Beatle’s journey up to the present day, as he continues to produce solo material and collaborations. The artist will soon release his 26th post-Beatles album, “McCartney III,” the third album in a trilogy of classics featuring McCartney playing every instrument and writing and recording every song. The singer launched his solo career in 1970.
BBC One is also set to broadcast McCartney’s 2018 Cavern Club performance. The original Cavern Club...
- 11/27/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from HanWay Films to Julien Temple’s documentary about Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.
Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from HanWay Films to Julien Temple’s documentary about Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.
Crock Of Gold – A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan is still in production and chronicles the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter leading up to his 60th birthday celebration.
The film combines unseen archival footage from the Irish band and MacGowan’s family with animation by Ralph Steadman.
Magnolia plans a release later in the year. HanWay...
Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from HanWay Films to Julien Temple’s documentary about Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.
Crock Of Gold – A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan is still in production and chronicles the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter leading up to his 60th birthday celebration.
The film combines unseen archival footage from the Irish band and MacGowan’s family with animation by Ralph Steadman.
Magnolia plans a release later in the year. HanWay...
- 6/10/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: “I’ve got a feeling,” goes the Pogues’ classic song “Fairytale of New York,” “this year’s for me and you.”
It might well be a good year indeed for the former frontman of the Celtic punk band as Magnolia Pictures have picked up the North American rights to the Johnny Depp-produced documentary Crock of Gold – A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan.
First put out to market earlier this year at the European Film Market, the Julien Temple-directed look at the hard-living English-born poet was acquired by Magnolia after a bit of bidding war, I hear. From Temple’s Nitrate Film, Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and Stephen Malit, the deal was closed by Magnolia EVP Dori Begley and Svp Acquisitions John Von Thaden, and by HanWay Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
HanWay Films has worldwide sales rights on the project. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the UK and Ireland,...
It might well be a good year indeed for the former frontman of the Celtic punk band as Magnolia Pictures have picked up the North American rights to the Johnny Depp-produced documentary Crock of Gold – A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan.
First put out to market earlier this year at the European Film Market, the Julien Temple-directed look at the hard-living English-born poet was acquired by Magnolia after a bit of bidding war, I hear. From Temple’s Nitrate Film, Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and Stephen Malit, the deal was closed by Magnolia EVP Dori Begley and Svp Acquisitions John Von Thaden, and by HanWay Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
HanWay Films has worldwide sales rights on the project. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the UK and Ireland,...
- 6/10/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Johnny Depp has signed on as a producer for a feature documentary called “Shane” about the lead singer of punk band The Pogues, Shane MacGowan. The news was announced Wednesday by HanWay Films, which acquired the worldwide sales rights.
Julien Temple, director of “Glastonbury,” “The Filth and the Fury” and “London: The Modern Babylon,” is directing the documentary that examines MacGowan and his ability to write lyrics to hits like “Fairytale of New York” that captured Ireland’s spirit while he was on his very own personal voyage into the heart of darkness.
Temple will produce through Nitrate Film together with Depp and Stephen Deuters (“Minamata”) through Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil and Stephen Malit. HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market, where the company will screen footage for the first time. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the U.
Julien Temple, director of “Glastonbury,” “The Filth and the Fury” and “London: The Modern Babylon,” is directing the documentary that examines MacGowan and his ability to write lyrics to hits like “Fairytale of New York” that captured Ireland’s spirit while he was on his very own personal voyage into the heart of darkness.
Temple will produce through Nitrate Film together with Depp and Stephen Deuters (“Minamata”) through Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil and Stephen Malit. HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market, where the company will screen footage for the first time. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the U.
- 2/5/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Johnny Depp has come on board as a producer of Julien Temple’s documentary about musician and poet Shane MacGowan, “Shane.”
HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights, and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market, where the company will screen footage for the first time. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the U.K. and Ireland, and it will be broadcast on BBC Four at a later date.
Temple will produce through Nitrate Film with Johnny Depp and Stephen Deuters through Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, and Stephen Malit.
Depp said: “Knowing Shane for 30 years, I am honored to be producing the definitive film on both my friend and one of the most important artists and beloved poets of the 20th century.”
Using animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives, and contributions from collaborators, artists and his own family, the film will “reveal...
HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights, and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market, where the company will screen footage for the first time. Altitude Films will distribute the film in the U.K. and Ireland, and it will be broadcast on BBC Four at a later date.
Temple will produce through Nitrate Film with Johnny Depp and Stephen Deuters through Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, and Stephen Malit.
Depp said: “Knowing Shane for 30 years, I am honored to be producing the definitive film on both my friend and one of the most important artists and beloved poets of the 20th century.”
Using animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives, and contributions from collaborators, artists and his own family, the film will “reveal...
- 2/5/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Altitude to distribute documentary in the UK and Ireland.
Julien Temple is to direct a documentary about Irish musician Shane MacGowan, produced by Johnny Depp, which the UK’s HanWay Films has acquired to sell worldwide.
Shane will feature animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators, artists and MacGowan’s family to tell the story of his life. The film will culminate with his 60th birthday celebration, populated by musicians and film stars.
HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market (February 20-28), where the...
Julien Temple is to direct a documentary about Irish musician Shane MacGowan, produced by Johnny Depp, which the UK’s HanWay Films has acquired to sell worldwide.
Shane will feature animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators, artists and MacGowan’s family to tell the story of his life. The film will culminate with his 60th birthday celebration, populated by musicians and film stars.
HanWay Films has acquired worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the upcoming European Film Market (February 20-28), where the...
- 2/5/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Johnny Depp is teaming up with documentary director Julien Temple on doc-biopic Shane about legendary Irish singer Shane MacGowan. HanWay is launching world sales at the Efm and will screen first footage.
The film will deep dive on the tortured Irish vocalist, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of Celtic punk band the Pogues and for songs “Fairytale Of New York” and “Dirty Old Town.” It will combine animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators and his own family. The film will culminate in MacGowan’s 50th birthday celebration where singers, movie stars and rock ’n’ roll outlaws gathered for a knees-up.
Welsh illustrator Ralph Steadman, well known for his collaborations with American writer Hunter S. Thompson, is providing artworks for animator Jonny Halifax (All Tomorrow’s Parties) to bring to life.
Temple will produce through Nitrate Film together with Depp and Stephen Deuters...
The film will deep dive on the tortured Irish vocalist, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of Celtic punk band the Pogues and for songs “Fairytale Of New York” and “Dirty Old Town.” It will combine animation, unseen footage from Temple’s own archives and contributions from collaborators and his own family. The film will culminate in MacGowan’s 50th birthday celebration where singers, movie stars and rock ’n’ roll outlaws gathered for a knees-up.
Welsh illustrator Ralph Steadman, well known for his collaborations with American writer Hunter S. Thompson, is providing artworks for animator Jonny Halifax (All Tomorrow’s Parties) to bring to life.
Temple will produce through Nitrate Film together with Depp and Stephen Deuters...
- 2/5/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Elton John will open up about his struggles with addiction in a BBC One documentary, in which he will be interviewed by Graham Norton.
BBC Studios is making the special, titled Elton John: Uncensored, which was recorded in the south of France in August. John will reflect on his career and performances, as well as talk about addiction and how fatherhood has changed his life.
The documentary is timed to coincide with the rock star’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and the release of his autobiography, Me.
Norton said: “Like the rest of the nation I’m a massive fan of Sir Elton John’s music, but to sit down with him in his home to ask him about his life, career and family was a huge privilege. Funny, frank and fearless, I can’t wait for people to hear him tell his story.”
John added: “The past two...
BBC Studios is making the special, titled Elton John: Uncensored, which was recorded in the south of France in August. John will reflect on his career and performances, as well as talk about addiction and how fatherhood has changed his life.
The documentary is timed to coincide with the rock star’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and the release of his autobiography, Me.
Norton said: “Like the rest of the nation I’m a massive fan of Sir Elton John’s music, but to sit down with him in his home to ask him about his life, career and family was a huge privilege. Funny, frank and fearless, I can’t wait for people to hear him tell his story.”
John added: “The past two...
- 9/27/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has commissioned a feature length documentary about country music legend Dolly Parton, it announced Wednesday. The documentary, tentatively titled “Dolly’s Country” will air on BBC Two this fall as part of a season of programs dedicated to country music. The broadcaster announced earlier in the day that it had acquired Ken Burns’ upcoming PBS documentary series “Country Music,” which will air on BBC Four as part of the season.
“Dolly’s Country” promises to uncover a very different Parton “a Dolly that is no less extraordinary, but far more authentic and far more surprising.” It reveals the genius songwriter behind the glamor; the private individual who reveals all in her lyrics; the modern feminist who doesn’t want to be called a feminist.
The film is directed and produced by Francis Whately, best known for his trilogy of documentaries about David Bowie “Five Years,” “The Last Five Years” and “Finding Fame,...
“Dolly’s Country” promises to uncover a very different Parton “a Dolly that is no less extraordinary, but far more authentic and far more surprising.” It reveals the genius songwriter behind the glamor; the private individual who reveals all in her lyrics; the modern feminist who doesn’t want to be called a feminist.
The film is directed and produced by Francis Whately, best known for his trilogy of documentaries about David Bowie “Five Years,” “The Last Five Years” and “Finding Fame,...
- 8/21/2019
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
‘Mystify: Michael Hutchence’
International buyers are circling Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Richard Lowenstein’s revealing portrait of the late Inxs frontman, following the world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Negotiations handled by the international sales agent Dogwoof are expected to continue after the feature documentary screens this week at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto.
“We had great responses at the Tribeca press and industry screenings, which were attended by reps of some really good companies,” Sue Murray, who produced with Lowenstein, Mya Gnyp, John Battsek, Mark Fennessy, Lynn-Maree Milburn and Andrew de Groot, tells If from New York.
“We expect to get a report from Dogwoof in the next few days, and there will be market screenings in Cannes.”
Lowenstein finished the film, a labour of love, just before the festival opened, with the final version shipped to the event as he was en route to NY.
It features...
International buyers are circling Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Richard Lowenstein’s revealing portrait of the late Inxs frontman, following the world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Negotiations handled by the international sales agent Dogwoof are expected to continue after the feature documentary screens this week at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto.
“We had great responses at the Tribeca press and industry screenings, which were attended by reps of some really good companies,” Sue Murray, who produced with Lowenstein, Mya Gnyp, John Battsek, Mark Fennessy, Lynn-Maree Milburn and Andrew de Groot, tells If from New York.
“We expect to get a report from Dogwoof in the next few days, and there will be market screenings in Cannes.”
Lowenstein finished the film, a labour of love, just before the festival opened, with the final version shipped to the event as he was en route to NY.
It features...
- 4/29/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Former Inxs frontman Michael Hutchence is the subject of a new BBC feature doc co-produced by Studio 54 and Searching For Sugar Man producer Passion Pictures.
The British public broadcaster is to air Mystify: Michael Hutchence on BBC Two, which will feature personal footage filmed by Hutchence and his former partner Kylie Minogue.
Written and directed by Richard Lowenstein, who worked on some of the band’s early music videos, the film is co-produced by the BBC, Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures.
The film will look to uncover the secret and mysterious side of the singer and songwriter. It will tell the story of Hutchence, who died in 1997, through rare archive footage and intimate insights from friends, lovers, family and colleagues.
It will feature interviews with Helena Christensen and Michele Bennett, who have never spoken publicly about the rock star before, Minogue, Kathy Lette, Bono, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss,...
The British public broadcaster is to air Mystify: Michael Hutchence on BBC Two, which will feature personal footage filmed by Hutchence and his former partner Kylie Minogue.
Written and directed by Richard Lowenstein, who worked on some of the band’s early music videos, the film is co-produced by the BBC, Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures.
The film will look to uncover the secret and mysterious side of the singer and songwriter. It will tell the story of Hutchence, who died in 1997, through rare archive footage and intimate insights from friends, lovers, family and colleagues.
It will feature interviews with Helena Christensen and Michele Bennett, who have never spoken publicly about the rock star before, Minogue, Kathy Lette, Bono, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss,...
- 4/26/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Francis Whatley said making “David Bowie: Finding Fame” – his third film about the rock star – has given him a chance to tell the story of the singer’s earlier years, which was previously denied him. But the race is on to restore what is believed to be the first TV footage of Bowie as Ziggy Stardust and get it into Whatley’s film before it airs Feb. 9 on the BBC.
Spiders From Mars band member Mick “Woody” Woodmansey, Bowie’s cousin and friend Kristina Amadeus, and former girlfriends Dana Gillespie and Hermione Farthingale, all of whom feature in the film, were among those at an emotionally charged London screening of “David Bowie: Finding Fame,” which chronicles the iconic rock star’s early years and music and attempts to find stardom.
Whatley had wanted to cover Bowie’s efforts to break through when he was making an earlier documentary series,...
Spiders From Mars band member Mick “Woody” Woodmansey, Bowie’s cousin and friend Kristina Amadeus, and former girlfriends Dana Gillespie and Hermione Farthingale, all of whom feature in the film, were among those at an emotionally charged London screening of “David Bowie: Finding Fame,” which chronicles the iconic rock star’s early years and music and attempts to find stardom.
Whatley had wanted to cover Bowie’s efforts to break through when he was making an earlier documentary series,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
You’re Back In The Room and Pitch Battle producer Tuesday’s Child has scored a six-part music quiz for BBC One.
The company, which recently pilot gameshow Man V Robot for Fox, is making Playlisters (w/t) for the British public broadcaster.
The series, which was commissioned by BBC Entertainment and BBC Music, is hosted by married couple Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who have featured in pop groups The Saturdays and Jls respectively. It will air in 2019.
Each week, three couples will compete for a chance to win £10,000 and all they have to do is name the song and the artist. Each round will be filled with hit songs from the sixties to today covering every style of pop music.
Karen Smith, boss of Greenbird-backed Tuesday’s Child, will exec produce the show, which was commissioned for BBC One by Kate Phillips, Controller Entertainment Commissioning and Charlotte Moore, Director...
The company, which recently pilot gameshow Man V Robot for Fox, is making Playlisters (w/t) for the British public broadcaster.
The series, which was commissioned by BBC Entertainment and BBC Music, is hosted by married couple Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who have featured in pop groups The Saturdays and Jls respectively. It will air in 2019.
Each week, three couples will compete for a chance to win £10,000 and all they have to do is name the song and the artist. Each round will be filled with hit songs from the sixties to today covering every style of pop music.
Karen Smith, boss of Greenbird-backed Tuesday’s Child, will exec produce the show, which was commissioned for BBC One by Kate Phillips, Controller Entertainment Commissioning and Charlotte Moore, Director...
- 11/20/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The first five years of David Bowie’s career is to be the focus of a new documentary for the BBC – the third in a trilogy of docs about the Star Man singer.
David Bowie: The First Five Years will launch on the British public broadcaster’s BBC Two channel in 2019. It follows David Bowie: The Last Five Years, which was acquired by HBO, and David Bowie: Five Years in 2013. All three are produced and directed by Francis Whately.
Coming 50 years after the release of Space Oddity, the 90-minute film explores the Bowie before Ziggy Stardust, following the period from 1966 when he changed his name from David Jones to Bowie.
It includes footage from the BBC Archives including footage of a BBC audition in 1965 of David Bowie and the Lower Third, which included a performance of Chim-Chim-Cheree and Baby That’s A Promise.
David Bowie: The First Five Years will also feature unheard audio recordings,...
David Bowie: The First Five Years will launch on the British public broadcaster’s BBC Two channel in 2019. It follows David Bowie: The Last Five Years, which was acquired by HBO, and David Bowie: Five Years in 2013. All three are produced and directed by Francis Whately.
Coming 50 years after the release of Space Oddity, the 90-minute film explores the Bowie before Ziggy Stardust, following the period from 1966 when he changed his name from David Jones to Bowie.
It includes footage from the BBC Archives including footage of a BBC audition in 1965 of David Bowie and the Lower Third, which included a performance of Chim-Chim-Cheree and Baby That’s A Promise.
David Bowie: The First Five Years will also feature unheard audio recordings,...
- 10/8/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ariana Grande is heading back to the BBC – just over a year after headlining the One Love concert paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing.
The pop star, fresh from her engagement to Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson, is front Ariana Grande At the BBC, presented by The Jump host Davina McCall.
The special will see the singer perform new material from her recent album Sweetener, as well as some of her biggest hits, accompanied by an all-female orchestra. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, the special will also see Grande talk to McCall about her career, music and life.
Ariana Grande At The BBC is produced by Livewire Pictures, the Hat Trick-backed production company run by former BBC exec Guy Freeman. It is executive produced by Anouk Fontaine and was commissioned by Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, Music Television and Charlotte Moore,...
The pop star, fresh from her engagement to Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson, is front Ariana Grande At the BBC, presented by The Jump host Davina McCall.
The special will see the singer perform new material from her recent album Sweetener, as well as some of her biggest hits, accompanied by an all-female orchestra. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, the special will also see Grande talk to McCall about her career, music and life.
Ariana Grande At The BBC is produced by Livewire Pictures, the Hat Trick-backed production company run by former BBC exec Guy Freeman. It is executive produced by Anouk Fontaine and was commissioned by Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, Music Television and Charlotte Moore,...
- 8/31/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ariana Grande is returning to the BBC and will perform songs from her latest album and earlier hits in a one-hour special. It will be filmed September 7 and go out on BBC One this fall.
Grande last appeared on the BBC headlining the One Love Manchester concert in June 2017, which was organized as a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack at Grande’s earlier Manchester Arena concert. The BBC’s coverage generated a huge audience in the aftermath of the atrocity, which claimed 22 lives.
Grande is popular in the U.K. and “Sweetener” currently occupies the top slot in the British album chart. Her previous album, “Dangerous Woman,” also topped the charts.
In the new special, the Grammy-nominated U.S. star will sing songs from her latest album, ”Sweetener,” and her biggest hits in a show filmed in front of a live studio audience. Grande will be backed by an all-female orchestra.
Grande last appeared on the BBC headlining the One Love Manchester concert in June 2017, which was organized as a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack at Grande’s earlier Manchester Arena concert. The BBC’s coverage generated a huge audience in the aftermath of the atrocity, which claimed 22 lives.
Grande is popular in the U.K. and “Sweetener” currently occupies the top slot in the British album chart. Her previous album, “Dangerous Woman,” also topped the charts.
In the new special, the Grammy-nominated U.S. star will sing songs from her latest album, ”Sweetener,” and her biggest hits in a show filmed in front of a live studio audience. Grande will be backed by an all-female orchestra.
- 8/31/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
BBC has commissioned London-based 7 Wonder to produce a new interactive history format on five decades of British rock and pop music.
The People.s History of Pop consists of an online archive of music memorabilia crowdsourced from the public and will
culminate in four hour-long episodies of television for BBC Four, which will air across 2016 . one epidosde per quarter.
Fronted by a different presenter, each film will cover a different decade of music and feature the best of what.s been captured in the virtual archive..
It will start with the sixtieth anniversary year: 1956 . the year of skiffle and rock .n. roll, when the love affair with British pop music began.
It will end at 1996, with a raft of optimistic pop and the hope that .things can only get better..
7 Wonder is working with not-for-profit Historypin, which runs projects with communities, to crowdsource photos and audio and video content of...
The People.s History of Pop consists of an online archive of music memorabilia crowdsourced from the public and will
culminate in four hour-long episodies of television for BBC Four, which will air across 2016 . one epidosde per quarter.
Fronted by a different presenter, each film will cover a different decade of music and feature the best of what.s been captured in the virtual archive..
It will start with the sixtieth anniversary year: 1956 . the year of skiffle and rock .n. roll, when the love affair with British pop music began.
It will end at 1996, with a raft of optimistic pop and the hope that .things can only get better..
7 Wonder is working with not-for-profit Historypin, which runs projects with communities, to crowdsource photos and audio and video content of...
- 9/16/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
George Michael will feature in an upcoming BBC Radio 2 documentary.
Up Close with George Michael will form a two-part special, scheduled to air on March 18 and 25 at 10pm.
The programme was recorded back in October 2011, just before the singer contracted pneumonia, forcing a delay to his 'Symphonica' tour.
Presented by Vicki Wickham, the documentary features Michael talking about the tour and the making of its subsequent album.
He also discusses his prison stay and his drug rehabilitation, while interviewees include songwriting partner David Austin, Dawn French, Shirlie Kemp and James Corden.
Producer Phil Ramone will also appear in one of his final interviews before his death in March 2013.
Meanwhile, BBC One will air highlights from his 'Symphonica' concert from September 19, 2012 at the Opera Garnier in Paris. Michael became the first pop singer to perform at the venue. The concert will air on the channel in April.
Michael said: "I'm delighted...
Up Close with George Michael will form a two-part special, scheduled to air on March 18 and 25 at 10pm.
The programme was recorded back in October 2011, just before the singer contracted pneumonia, forcing a delay to his 'Symphonica' tour.
Presented by Vicki Wickham, the documentary features Michael talking about the tour and the making of its subsequent album.
He also discusses his prison stay and his drug rehabilitation, while interviewees include songwriting partner David Austin, Dawn French, Shirlie Kemp and James Corden.
Producer Phil Ramone will also appear in one of his final interviews before his death in March 2013.
Meanwhile, BBC One will air highlights from his 'Symphonica' concert from September 19, 2012 at the Opera Garnier in Paris. Michael became the first pop singer to perform at the venue. The concert will air on the channel in April.
Michael said: "I'm delighted...
- 3/17/2014
- Digital Spy
London -- U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 is to double its core channel budget for arts coverage to £6 million ($9 million) and has elevated More4 editor Tabitha Jackson to the lofty position of commissioning editor, arts.
The broadcaster has also created an arts board, to be chaired by director of television and content Kevin Lygo.
Jackson replaces Jan Younghusband, who exited to join the BBC last year and will report to Channel 4 head of specialist factual Ralph Lee.
The appointment and re-allocation of funding signals the broadcaster's brave new world following its decision not to renew rights to reality show "Big Brother".
Lygo said: "The arts remain a litmus test for any free-to-air public service broadcaster; with the last vestiges disappearing elsewhere within mainstream commercial TV we believe this is the opportune moment to demonstrate the breadth and ambition of Channel 4's ongoing commitment to the arts."
More4 has...
The broadcaster has also created an arts board, to be chaired by director of television and content Kevin Lygo.
Jackson replaces Jan Younghusband, who exited to join the BBC last year and will report to Channel 4 head of specialist factual Ralph Lee.
The appointment and re-allocation of funding signals the broadcaster's brave new world following its decision not to renew rights to reality show "Big Brother".
Lygo said: "The arts remain a litmus test for any free-to-air public service broadcaster; with the last vestiges disappearing elsewhere within mainstream commercial TV we believe this is the opportune moment to demonstrate the breadth and ambition of Channel 4's ongoing commitment to the arts."
More4 has...
- 3/31/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film Review: Hunger
Cannes, Un Certain Regard
Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen brings the key tenets required to win Britain's top honor for modern art to directing his first film, "Hunger", and so it is trite, grim and feebly provocative.
It tells of the last days of Bobby Sands, a Northern Irishman who died in 1981 in Belfast's hellish Maze Prison following a 66-day hunger strike. The film, which opened the Festival de Cannes' Un Certain Regard sidebar, combines scenes more suited to an art installation with static theatrical encounters and cliched flights of artistic fancy.
Violent, bleak and depressing, "Hunger" depicts lifelong Irish Republican Army fighter Sands (Michael Fassbender) as a martyr and may prosper where audiences are already inclined to that view, with prospects slim elsewhere.
No context is provided beyond the steely but patronizing words of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and there is no mention of the nature of the violent crimes perpetrated by Sands and his fellow inmates. Convicted on charges involving armed attacks and arson, Sands demanded the rights of a prisoner of war, which included wearing civilian clothes and the receipt of gift parcels.
Lacking any new insights on the fateful paradox that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter or that the imposition of punitive measures demeans all parties, the film adds nothing to the debate over broader issues involving such places as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Graib.
McQueen and co-scripter Enda Walsh break the film into four uneven parts, with first the introduction of a brutal prison guard (Stuart Graham) and his suburban home life, which is prosaic save for the constant threat of being bombed or shot.
A new prisoner (Brian Milligan) enters the cell of an entrenched convict (Liam McMahon) who teaches him the ways of IRA rebellion, which included smearing the walls with blood and feces, smuggling notes and small items using bodily orifices, and bracing for the malevolent treatment of the prison guards.
Attention then moves to Sands, with a 22-minute scene in which he relates his ideals and plans to a weary priest (Liam Cunningham). The remainder of the film, in which Fassbender demonstrates a commitment to the demands of the role beyond the call of duty, shows in great detail the gruesome effect on a man's body of completely rejecting nourishment. It's not a pretty sight.
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon. Director: Steve McQueen. Screenwriters: Enda Walsh, Steve McQueen. Producer: Laura Hastings-Smith, Robin Glitch; Director of Photography: Sean Bobbitt. Production Designer: Tom McCullagh. Music: David Holmes, Leo Abrahams. Costume designers: Anushia Nieradzik. Editor: Joe Walker. Executive producers: Jan Younghusband, Peter Carlton, Linda James, Edmund Coulthard, Iain Canning.
Sales agent: Icon Entertainment International
No MPAA rating, running time 100 mins.
Cannes, Un Certain Regard
Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen brings the key tenets required to win Britain's top honor for modern art to directing his first film, "Hunger", and so it is trite, grim and feebly provocative.
It tells of the last days of Bobby Sands, a Northern Irishman who died in 1981 in Belfast's hellish Maze Prison following a 66-day hunger strike. The film, which opened the Festival de Cannes' Un Certain Regard sidebar, combines scenes more suited to an art installation with static theatrical encounters and cliched flights of artistic fancy.
Violent, bleak and depressing, "Hunger" depicts lifelong Irish Republican Army fighter Sands (Michael Fassbender) as a martyr and may prosper where audiences are already inclined to that view, with prospects slim elsewhere.
No context is provided beyond the steely but patronizing words of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and there is no mention of the nature of the violent crimes perpetrated by Sands and his fellow inmates. Convicted on charges involving armed attacks and arson, Sands demanded the rights of a prisoner of war, which included wearing civilian clothes and the receipt of gift parcels.
Lacking any new insights on the fateful paradox that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter or that the imposition of punitive measures demeans all parties, the film adds nothing to the debate over broader issues involving such places as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Graib.
McQueen and co-scripter Enda Walsh break the film into four uneven parts, with first the introduction of a brutal prison guard (Stuart Graham) and his suburban home life, which is prosaic save for the constant threat of being bombed or shot.
A new prisoner (Brian Milligan) enters the cell of an entrenched convict (Liam McMahon) who teaches him the ways of IRA rebellion, which included smearing the walls with blood and feces, smuggling notes and small items using bodily orifices, and bracing for the malevolent treatment of the prison guards.
Attention then moves to Sands, with a 22-minute scene in which he relates his ideals and plans to a weary priest (Liam Cunningham). The remainder of the film, in which Fassbender demonstrates a commitment to the demands of the role beyond the call of duty, shows in great detail the gruesome effect on a man's body of completely rejecting nourishment. It's not a pretty sight.
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon. Director: Steve McQueen. Screenwriters: Enda Walsh, Steve McQueen. Producer: Laura Hastings-Smith, Robin Glitch; Director of Photography: Sean Bobbitt. Production Designer: Tom McCullagh. Music: David Holmes, Leo Abrahams. Costume designers: Anushia Nieradzik. Editor: Joe Walker. Executive producers: Jan Younghusband, Peter Carlton, Linda James, Edmund Coulthard, Iain Canning.
Sales agent: Icon Entertainment International
No MPAA rating, running time 100 mins.
- 5/16/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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