Screen
Audrey Ward

Audrey Ward is UK reporter for Screen.

German sales companies snap up Locarno titles

30-Jul-2009
Berlin-based sales agent Films Boutique has picked up international distribution rights to the Great Britain-France-Germany co-production She, a Chinese, the feature film debut of novelist and documentary maker Xiaolu Guo.
Production sees rises in the East as numbers decline in the West

30-Jul-2009
India is the most prolific film-producing nation in the world, according to the latest research figures.
Beneath Hill 60 starts shooting in Australia

30-Jul-2009
Jeremy Sims’ Beneath Hill 60 - The Silent War has started shooting in Townsville, Australia.
UK cinemas report bumper six months

29-Jul-2009
Cinema attendance in the UK is up by 14.5% over the first half of the year, according to the latest figures from Film Distributor’s Association (FDA).
Till calls for piracy to be tackled as he bows out as UKFC Chair

29-Jul-2009
Outgoing UK Film Council chairman Stewart Till cites piracy and the need to create a sustainable film industry as the two biggest challenges facing his successor Tim Bevan.
University of Salford recognised as Skillset Media Academy

29-Jul-2009
The University of Salford has become the latest higher education institution to be recognised as a Skillset Media Academy.
World premiere of Fantastic Mr Fox to open London Film Festival

28-Jul-2009
The Times BFI London Film Festival will open October 14 with the world premiere of Fantastic Mr Fox from director Wes Anderson.
Tessa Ross joins Screenwriters' Festival line up

27-Jul-2009
Tessa Ross, head of Film4, and an executive producer of Slumdog Millionaire has joined this year’s International Screenwriters’ Festival line up.
The Circle Conference to run October 9-11 in Abu Dhabi

25-Jul-2009
The Circle Conference 2009, a development initiative aimed at creating new filmmaking opportunities in the Middle East, is looking for applicants.
Film4 Somerset House series to welcome Almodovar, Cruz, Frears, Hurt

24-Jul-2009
The fifth-annual Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House will welcome guests including Pedro Almodovar and Penelope Cruz.
Kaleidoscope snaps up $74 zombie movie

24-Jul-2009
London-based Kaleidoscope Entertainment has picked up UK rights to zombie movie Colin, which was made for a mere $74.
Paths of glory

24-Jul-2009
The historical thriller Glorious 39 is Stephen Poliakoff’s first film for 10 years and will have its world premiere at Toronto.
Eight new London boroughs eligible for Film London’s film fund

24-Jul-2009
Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Film London have launched this year’s London Borough Film Fund Challenge, which includes new the new Film London in 90 Seconds.
Beeban Kidron skips out on Hippie Hippie Shake

24-Jul-2009
Hippie Hippie Shake director Beeban Kidron has left the project, now in post-production, because of ‘creative differences’ in editing with the production company, Working Title.
Focus teams up with Quad on French rom-com Heartbreaker

23-Jul-2009
Focus Features International and Quad will co-produce French-language romantic comedy Heartbreaker
Kaleidoscope signs first look deal with Instinctive Film

23-Jul-2009
London-based Kaleidoscope Entertainment has struck a deal with Berlin-based Instinctive Film for the UK distributor to release a slate of genre projects to be produced by Instinctive out of a new studio set up in Eastern Europe.
High Point seals a number of deals on Satellites & Meteorites

23-Jul-2009
UK-based High Point Media Group has sold Irish rom-com Satellites & Meteorites to a number of territories including Japan (AMG), Middle East (Prime Pictures), Russia (First Film) and China (DDDream).
$1.6 million content fund launched for northeast England

23-Jul-2009
Regional screen agency Northern Film & Media is launching a new $1.6m (£1m) content fund for film, TV, games, interactive media and music.
Online service rates DVDs for parents

22-Jul-2009
The Irish Film Classification Office (Ifco) has launched a new scheme that allows parents to check the content of films before this children buy or rent it on DVD.
Shadow arts minister backs UK Film Council

22-Jul-2009
Ed Vaizey, the shadow arts minister, has come out in support of the UK Film Council just weeks after Conservative leader David Cameron called for unelected quangos to be scaled back to save money.
Trudie Styler's Xingu Films boards The Outlander

20-Jul-2009
Xingu Films, the production company run by Trudie Styler, has joined forces with Canadian companies Strada Films and Triptych Media to acquire the film rights to The Outlander.
Vertigo Films picks up The Cove

20-Jul-2009
London-based Vertigo Films has acquired UK rights to The Cove following a deal with UK sales company, The Works International.
The Centre of Attention to remake Sixties classic Darling

20-Jul-2009
The Centre of Attention, the London-based contemporary art organisation, is remaking John Schlesinger’s classic film, Darling.
UK co-productions fall by 78% over first half of 2009

16-Jul-2009
UK co-productions are down by 78% over the first half of 2009 with just three shooting so far compared with 14 over the same period last year.
Hirst to adapt Bernard Cornwell’s Agincourt for the big screen

16-Jul-2009
Luc Roeg, producer and CEO of UK sales company Independent, has secured screenwriter Michael Hirst to write the screenplay of Bernard Cornwell’s novel Agincourt.
Daniel Brocklebank to star in Release

16-Jul-2009
Daniel Brocklebank is to star in Release, which has been written and will be directed by Christian Martin and Darren Flaxstone.
UKFC’s Film Nation wins $5 million from Olympics committee

15-Jul-2009
A UK Film Council (UKFC) scheme that will give young British film-makers the chance to play an artistic role in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will receive $5m (£3m) from the Olympic organising committee.
Future Shorts to broadcast on Russian freeview

15-Jul-2009
Future Shorts, the UK-based short film distributor, has signed a deal with private Russian entertainment channel, 2x2, to broadcast short film content on Russian freeview TV.
1-800- Love to start shooting in London next week

14-Jul-2009
Indian director Abbas Tyrewala is due to start shooting 1-800-Love in London next week.
Exhibitors give evidence to House of Lords committee

14-Jul-2009
Representatives from the cinema industry will appear before the House of Lords Communications Committee tomorrow (July 15).
Universal releases teen edit of Bruno in the UK

14-Jul-2009
Universal Pictures UK has taken the unprecedented step of releasing a specially-edited version of Bruno with a ‘15’ certificate. It will be released in cinemas across the UK from July 24.
Inglourious Basterds to open San Sebastian's international showcase

13-Jul-2009
Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds will open the Zabaltegi-Pearls section, which showcases films from the big international festivals, at this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival.
Advance Harry Potter ticket sales pass $1.6m for Odeon/UCI

13-Jul-2009
Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group’s sales of advance tickets for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince have surpassed $1.6 million (£1 million) in box office takings.
Jason Statham set to star in Blitz

13-Jul-2009
Jason Statham is in final negotiations to star alongside Paddy Considine in the big screen adaptation of Ken Bruen’s crime thriller Blitz.
Ioan Gruffudd to star in Banking On Mr Toad

13-Jul-2009
Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd will star as The Wind In The Willow’s author Kenneth Graham in Bruce Beresford’s Banking On Mr Toad.
ShortsTV signs deal with London festival Lovebox

13-Jul-2009
ShortsTV, the UK short film channel, will screen a selection of Academy Award-nominated short films and festival shorts at London dance music festival, Lovebox Weekender.
British films bank $4.2 billion worldwide last year

1-Jul-2009
The UK film industry banked $4.2bn in ticket sales worldwide last year, according to the UK Film Council’s Statistical Yearbook.
The Pirate Bay sold to Swedish software firm for $7.7m

1-Jul-2009
Swedish software company Global Gaming Factory (GGF) is to acquire controversial file-sharing website The Pirate Bay for $7.7m (SEK 60m).
Tim Bevan gives evidence to Communications Committee

1-Jul-2009
Tim Bevan, co-founder of Working Title Films and incoming chairman of the UK Film Council, will appear before the House of Lords Communications Committee today (July 1).
Vertigo School Project announces winners

30-Jun-2009
London-based Vertigo Films and The National Film and Television School have named the three winning filmmakers for their Vertigo School Project (VSP).
Dogwoof picks up We Live In Public

29-Jun-2009
London-based distributor Dogwoof has picked up documentary We Live In Public from UK sales company Celsius Entertainment.
Protagonist to handle international sales of Le Donk

29-Jun-2009
UK sales company Protagonist Pictures will be handling international sales on Shane Meadows’ improvised comedy Le Donk And Scor-Zay-Zee.
Entertainment finance venture launches global tax scheme

29-Jun-2009
Winchester Capital Management Partners has launched a global government incentive and tax financing initiative which will provide innovative tax structures for those working in the entertainment industry.
Metrodome beefs up home entertainment slate with 7 new titles

29-Jun-2009
Metrodome beefs up home entertainment slate with 7 new titles
Eight Irish world premieres to screen at Galway Film Fleadh

26-Jun-2009
The 21st Galway Film Fleadh, which will run from July 7 to 12, is to screen eight Irish world premieres.
Pinewood takes on management of Toronto’s Filmport

26-Jun-2009
The British film studio behind the Bond films now controls the fate of Toronto’s struggling, state-of-the-art studio operation. Pinewood Shepperton has taken charge of sales and marketing of Filmport Studios.
Warner Bros. Productions' Roy Button awarded an OBE

26-Jun-2009
Roy Button, Senior Vice-President and managing director of Warner Bros. Productions, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the film industry, as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 2009 Birthday Honours List.
Mogwai appears as surprise act at EIFF

26-Jun-2009
Mogwai, a Scottish rock band, was the surprise headline act at a concert that followed the UK premiere screening of All Tomorrow’s Parties at the Edinburgh International Film Festival last night.
Jones to follow Moon with $25m UK-German co-production

26-Jun-2009
British director Duncan Jones is gearing up for a $25 million UK-German co-production. Jones describes the sci-fi Mute as a “thriller-mystery”. It will be set in Berlin at a variety of locations, including at Studio Babelsberg.
Training scheme to launch careers of British talent

25-Jun-2009
Eleven British filmmakers will participate in Second Picture Syndrome, a training programme that develops and packages mid-budget ($10m to $25m) films for the international market.
Tessa Ross honoured by London Film School

24-Jun-2009
Tessa Ross, Controller of Film and Drama at Channel 4, has been named an Honorary Associate of The London Film School. She was given the title last night at a Q&A event which followed a screening of Slumdog Millionaire.
UK film censor takes softer view on drugs

24-Jun-2009
The British Board of Film Classification has revised its guidelines to allow references to drugs in ‘U’ rated films, if they are ‘infrequent and innocuous’. In the past such reference would have earned a film a ‘PG’ classification.
Stephen Fry to star in Dardentor

24-Jun-2009
Three aspiring teenage film-makers have scored a coup after British writer and actor Stephen Fry signed on to act in their debut project.
Pula Film Festival to include Almodovar retrospective

22-Jun-2009
The Pula Film Festival, the oldest film festival in Croatia, has introduced a new section focusing on European directors. The first retrospective will be dedicated to Spanish film-maker Pedro Almodóvar.
Protagonist boards Warp X’s All Tomorrow’s Parties

22-Jun-2009
London-based Protagonist Pictures will be handling international sales on Warp X’s All Tomorrow’s Parties.
Media 8 picks up My Last Five Girlfriends

22-Jun-2009
Los Angeles-based Media 8 Entertainment has acquired all worldwide rights to the British comedy My Last Five Girlfriends.
Peter Carlton to lead Warp’s European expansion

18-Jun-2009
Film4 senior commissioning executive Peter Carlton is leaving to set up the European division of Warp Films.
Digital Britain to allow commercial access to orphan works

17-Jun-2009
The British Film Institute (BFI) is set to benefit from plans to allow commercial access to orphan works; content where the rights owner can not be identified or found.
UK comedy Huge starts shooting in London

17-Jun-2009
Huge, the directorial debut from British comedian Ben Miller, has started shooting in London.
Iranian film-maker Ghobadi released from prison

17-Jun-2009
Iranian Kurdish film-maker Bahman Ghobadi, whose film No One Knows About The Persian Cats opened the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, has been released from an Iranian prison.
Universal Pictures launches niche UK DVD label

16-Jun-2009
Universal Pictures (UK) has launched indi VISION, a DVD label that aims to drive awareness of niche and alternative titles among film savvy fans.
UK online DVD rental firm Lovefilm moots sale

16-Jun-2009
The British online DVD rental firm Lovefilm has been put up for sale for an estimated $328m (£200m). It is understood that the six year old business has received a number of approaches.
The UK's NWVM to receive over $4.4m in funding

15-Jun-2009
The UK’s Northwest Vision and Media (NWVM) will receive over $4.4 million (£2.7m) of funding from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Bradford is declared UNESCO’s City of Film

15-Jun-2009
Bradford has been named the world’s first UNESCO City of Film and is now part of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network.
Tim Bevan confirmed as UKFC chairman

15-Jun-2009
Tim Bevan, co-founder and co-chairman of Working Title Films, has been appointed as chairman of the UK Film Council. He will take over from outgoing chief Stewart Till.
Delivering the goods

12-Jun-2009
With traditional film distribution in trouble, 10 industry players discuss new ways to reach audiences and make money.
LUX Prize contenders announced

12-Jun-2009
The ten contenders for The European Parliament’s film award, The LUX Prize, have been unveiled. Of the ten in the Official Selection, only three will go on to compete for the LUX Prize 2009.
Tilda Swinton’s film festival gets funding from EventScotland

12-Jun-2009
Tilda Swinton, organiser of Swinton Pilgrimage: A Scottish Road Movie Film Festival, is to receive an investment of $15,000 (£9,000) from EventScotland, the national events agency.
Pinewood reveals plans for residential sets

11-Jun-2009
The Pinewood Studio Group is hoping to attract film-makers and house hunters with its $327m (£200m) expansion plans, which will see residents living inside sets.
Polish Film Institute’s Maciej Karpiński joins EFP board

10-Jun-2009
Maciej Karpinski, deputy director and head of international relations at the Polish Film Institute, has joined the European Film Promotion’s (EFP) board of directors.
UK producer Duncan Kenworthy donates $1 million to NFTS

9-Jun-2009
Duncan Kenworthy OBE has donated $1 million to the National Film and Television School (NFTS) for its new teaching building.
Media 8 closes deals on The Horseman and Cash

8-Jun-2009
Media 8 Entertainment has closed sales in a number of territories on its films The Horseman and Cash.
London Boulevard begins shooting

8-Jun-2009
William Monahan’s feature film directorial debut London Boulevard starts shooting today in London.
LFS announces dates for low-budget film forum

8-Jun-2009
The London Film School’s European low-budget film forum, For a Few Euros Less, will take place between June 14 - 19 in Budapest.
Key industry figures appear at Communications Committee

4-Jun-2009
A number of players from the film and TV industry gave evidence yesterday to the House of Lords Communications Committee inquiry into British Film and TV.
TLA Releasing adds its films to TV Polari

4-Jun-2009
USA-based TLA Releasing, distributor of gay and lesbian films, has added films to its UK IPTV lifestyle channel for gay and lesion audiences.
Warp Films challenges directors to a five day shoot

4-Jun-2009
Director Shane Meadows and producer Mark Herbert of Sheffield-based film production company Warp Films have launched 5 Day Features, a movement inviting film-makers of all levels to shoot a film in five days.
David Carradine found dead in Bangkok hotel

4-Jun-2009
US actor David Carradine, the star of Kill Bill and Kung Fu, has been found dead in a Bangkok hotel room.
Golden Trailer winners to be unveiled

4-Jun-2009
The tenth edition of the Golden Trailer Awards will take place this evening (June 4) at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles.
Danny Boyle takes film rights to Mehta’s Mumbai set novel

3-Jun-2009
Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle is set to return to Mumbai after acquiring the rights to Suketu Mehta’s novel Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found.
Warp Films and Film4 to shoot zombies at The Big Chill

3-Jun-2009
Warp Films and Film4 are offering Big Chill festival-goers the chance to appear as extras in Chris Boyle’s I Spit on Your Rave.
Northern Screen Agencies create talent resource

2-Jun-2009
Screen Yorkshire, Northern Film & Media and Northwest Vision + Media have launched an online database showcasing crew, facilities, creative and digital talent from across the North.
Momentum poised to pick up new Mike Leigh project

2-Jun-2009
UK distributor Momentum Pictures is understood to have picked up Mike Leigh’s untitled new project from Focus Features International.
Universal Pictures promotes Niels Swinkels

2-Jun-2009
Niels Swinkels has been promoted to senior vice president, distribution, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) for Universal Pictures International.
Nick Broomfield’s A Time Comes released online

2-Jun-2009
British director Nick Broomfield is releasing his new film on direct action, A Time Comes, available for free online.
Pinewood Studios submits application for expansion

2-Jun-2009
Buckinghamshire based Pinewood Studios has submitted a planning application for a 100 acre, $327 (£200) million expansion scheme to its local council.
Icon boards Gladiators V Werewolves: Edge Of Empire

1-Jun-2009
Icon Film Distribution has acquired UK and Australasian rights to the Gladiators V Werewolves:Edge Of Empire from UK-based AV Pictures.
Duncan Jones to direct Escape From The Deep

1-Jun-2009
British director Duncan Jones is to helm Escape From The Deep, a film based on the non-fiction novel of the same name by British author, journalist and scriptwriter Alex Kershaw.
Enlightenment sells I Can't Think Straight, World Unseen

29-May-2009
UK-based Enlightenment Films has sold rights to I Can’t Think Straight and The World Unseen to French based Optimale for France and French-speaking regions.
Protagonist sells The Children

29-May-2009
UK sales company Protagonist has sold with Tom Shankland’s The Children which sold to Alliance in Canada and Chrysalis Film in France.
Aurum is won over by Pattinson

28-May-2009
Aurum, the Madrid based distributor, has fallen for Twilight star Robert Pattinson again.
Duncan Jones' Moon sells out

28-May-2009
UK production company Liberty Films and Independent, the UK sales company, have sold out the world rights to Duncan Jones’ sci-fi thriller Moon.
Pathe sparkles at Cannes with Bright Star

27-May-2009
Pathé International had a busy time at the Cannes Marche with over 75 deals sealed across its slate.
Carry On producer leaves cash to industry charity

27-May-2009
British producer Peter Rogers, who made his name with the classic British comedy franchise Carry On, has left a substantial part of his estate to The Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF).
The Works signs post-Cannes deals

27-May-2009
The Works has announced post-Cannes sales on My Year Without Sex, Man On Wire and Loft.
Black & Blue Films starts shooting Just For The Record

27-May-2009
Shooting has begun on Just For The Record, a mockumentary looking at the world of low budget film-making.
MJTV and Helion seek sales companies for Genie In The House

27-May-2009
Moi J’aime La Télévision (MJTV) and Helion Pictures are seeking sales companies and distributors for their trilogy of films based on long-running TV series, Genie in the House.
High Point takes worldwide rights on Storage

26-May-2009
High Point Films, the film sales arm of High Point Media Group, has scooped worldwide rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, for thriller Storage.
Momentum's Sam Nichols to step down

22-May-2009
Momentum managing director Sam Nichols is leaving the company at the end of the month to go travelling.
Galloping picks up explorer doc Lost World

21-May-2009
Galloping Films Australia will handle worldwide distribution on explorer documentary The Lost World Of The Crystal Skull.
Agness Deyn trips into Matthew Greenhalgh's directing debut

21-May-2009
English screenwriter Matthew Greenhalgh, whose credits include Nowhere Boy and Control, is making his first foray into film directing with short film Acid Burn.
UK’s Jinga closes deals on horror flick Salvage

21-May-2009
UK sales agent Jinga Films has closed sales on Lawrence Gough’s horror film Salvage for Germany (MIG Films) Middle East (Italia) and Japan.
AV Pictures picks up Obsession

20-May-2009
AV Pictures will handle the sales on Obsession after signing a deal with new London-based production company Corona Pictures.
UK's Dogwoof and retailer The Co-op develop social conscience

20-May-2009
Distributor Dogwoof and UK retail group The Co-operative have formed a partnership to finance and distribute socially-conscious films theatrically
UK's FAQS closes sales on Simon Pearce’s Shank

20-May-2009
Bristol-based FAQS has closed a number of deal on Simon Pearce’s Shank including to Optimale in France, GM Films in Germany, TLA Releasing for the UK and USA.
Andy Thompson introduces The Scar Crow

19-May-2009
Andy Thompson, the UK independent producer/director/writer, is in Cannes to introduce sales companies to TheScar Crow, his feature film made with director Pete Benson.
London's Production Finance Market receives $75,000 EU boost

19-May-2009
Film London’s Production Finance Market (PFM) will receive almost $75,000 (€55,192) from MEDIA - the EU support programme for the European audiovisual industry.
Content Republic takes digital rights to Conspiracy Of Silence

19-May-2009
Digital distribution company Content Republic has taken worldwide digital rights to Conspiracy Of Silence from Flick Features.
Hugh Hudson to adapt George Orwell's Homage To Catalonia

19-May-2009
Director Hugh Hudson (Chariots Of Fire) is to direct Catalonia, an adaptation of George Orwell’s book Homage To Catalonia by Australian screenwriter Bob Ellis.
ContentFilm picks up horror sequel Outpost II

19-May-2009
ContentFilm International, the UK and US based sales outfit, has acquired worldwide sales rights to Outpost II:Black Sun.
Directors showcase dream projects in Cannes

19-May-2009
Abel Ferrara, Mike Figgis and Gaspar Noe are among the directors taking part in a showcase of short films about dreams.
WestEnd closes deals on Nakata's Chatroom

19-May-2009
WestEnd Films has completed a number of sales on teenage thriller-drama Chatroom.
UK's F&ME joins sci-fi comedy Iron Sky

19-May-2009
London-based Film and Music Entertainment has boarded Blind Spot Pictures’ Iron Sky as co-producer.
UK's Film4 unveils debuts from Chris Morris and Joe Cornish

19-May-2009
Film4 has a slate of new projects in development including feature directorial debuts from Chris Morris and Joe Cornish.
Kaleidoscope picks up The Heavy

18-May-2009
Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has acquired UK rights to The Heavy from London-based Parkland Pictures, the sales, distribution and production company.
BBC Films sings with Loncraine, dances with Bourne

18-May-2009
BBC Films is kicking up a song and dance about a number of new projects in development.
Isabella Films and F&ME go Dutch

18-May-2009
The Netherlands’ Isabella Films and the UK’s Film and Music Entertainment (F&ME) are to co-produce two films, one in English, the other in Dutch and French.
Foundation Films closes sales on The Crew

18-May-2009
Foundation Films, the UK-based sales company, has closed a number of further sales of crime thriller The Crew at Cannes.
Icon cheers buyers with Oranges and Sunshine

18-May-2009
Icon Entertainment International has sold key territory sales for Jim Loach’s Oranges and Sunshine.
Media 8 picks up Brief Interviews With Hideous Men

18-May-2009
Media 8 Entertainment is to handle international sales for John Krasinkski’s Brief Interviews With Hideous Men
Film London Microwave seeks fledgling film-makers

17-May-2009
Film London has called for applications for its Microwave scheme, the micro-budget film-making initiative set up with BBC Films and Skillset.
London Film Focus reveals 2009 showcase

17-May-2009
Ealing Studio’s Time To Time and Carnaby International’s Doghouse are among the films that will screen a this year’s London UK Film Focus (LUFF).
Media 8 stomps to Whitehall

17-May-2009
Media 8 Entertainment has picked up worldwide sales rights to Jackboots on Whitehall, an animated feature by Edward and Rory McHenry.
Bob Hoskins, Jaime Winstone sign for Cole's Sex

17-May-2009
Principal photography on We Want Sex will start on June 29 for seven weeks on location in Britain and at 3 Mills Studios.
Cutting Edge launches $100m music services fund

17-May-2009
Film music production company the Cutting Edge Group will launch a new $100m (€ 74m) fund following the success of the $13.3m (€9.8m) Resonant Music Fund.
Protagonist launches Submarine; Soda finds Beds

17-May-2009
Protagonist Pictures will be handling international sales on Warp Films’ new project Submarine; Soda buys Unmade Beds for UK/Ireland.
Bankside Films acquires The Galapagos Affair

17-May-2009
Bankside Films has acquired the $6m (€4.4m) The Galapagos Affair, to be directed by Andy De Emmony.
Black Camel hunts sales agency for Legacy

17-May-2009
Black Camel Productions are in Cannes scouting for a sales agent for their new project Legacy, which is currentlyshooting and stars Idris Elba (The Wire, Obsessed).
High Fliers soars with City Of Life And Death

17-May-2009
High Fliers Films has acquired City of Life and Death from Media Asia for the UK and Ireland.
Intandem Films joins The Good War

17-May-2009
Intandem Films will be tempting buyers with $18m (€13.3m) World War II action thriller, The Good War. The UK film finance and international sales company has worldwide sales rights.
Poots takes on Cordelia for Chris Coen's Unanimous

16-May-2009
Imogen Poots is to play Cordelia in the untold story of King Lear’s favourite daughter.
Metrodome scores UK and Irish rights to Goal III

16-May-2009
London distributor Metrodome has picked up UK and Irish rights to Goal III: Taking On The World.
Revolver brings Sin Nombre to the UK

16-May-2009
Revolver Entertainment, the UK distributor, has snapped up Sin Nombre in the UK in its first deal with Focus Features.
Scott Mann boards Balefire

16-May-2009
London based sales outfit AV Pictures has signed up Scott Mann (The Tournament) to direct their $20m action thriller Balefire.
E1 Entertainment takes UK and Irish rights to Nativity

16-May-2009
Protagonist Pictures has sold the UK and Irish rights to festive British comedy Nativity to E1 Entertainment.
Germany's Splendid acquires Petrie's Your Perfect Angel

16-May-2009
Intandem Films has sold Donald Petrie’s Your Perfect Angel to German distributor Splendid Film.
Kaleidoscope buys rights to The Horseman

16-May-2009
The UK’s Kaleidoscope Entertainment has boarded UK rights for Media 8’s film The Horseman.
Scorsese reveals World Cinema Foundation partnerships

15-May-2009
Martin Scorsese, founder and chairman of the World Cinema Foundation (WCF), announced two key partnerships.
Warner Bros UK joins The Firm

15-May-2009
Warner Bros. Pictures UK will release Nick Love’s latest movie The Firm in a joint venture with Vertigo Films.
Kaleidoscope takes UK and Irish rights for Winter in Wartime

15-May-2009
High Point Films has sold UK and Irish rights for Dutch film Winter in Wartime to London-based Kaleidoscope.
Future Film taps into broadband market with film channel

15-May-2009
London-based Future Films is launching a new online/IPTV channel, Projector.tv, to tap into the UK broadband audience.
Danny Dyer Goes Pimpin

15-May-2009
Danny Dyer, Robert Cavanah, John Hannah, Martin Compston and Shauna MacDonald will star in new UK gangster film Pimp.
Jinga takes on sales for Gough's Salvage

15-May-2009
UK sales agent Jinga Films has added Lawrence Gough’s Salvage to its Cannes slate.
Peter Webber to direct Wuthering Heights

14-May-2009
Peter Webber has signed on to direct the new big screen version of Wuthering Heights.
Salt tempts buyers with I Was Bono’s Doppelganger

14-May-2009
Salt is tempting buyers with Nick Hamm’s I Was Bono’s Doppelganger starring Charlie Cox, Robert Sheehan, Romola Garai, Bill Nighy and Pete Postlethwaite.
Prescience and Perpetual team on new financier P2

14-May-2009
A new specialist financing company called P2 Bridge Limited (P2) has been launched as a joint venture between Prescience Film Finance and Perpetual Media Capital.
Watson peels Oranges for Icon

14-May-2009
Icon Entertainment International has acquired worldwide sales rights to Oranges And Sunshine starring Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham.
Alice Creed appears in Cannes with WestEnd

14-May-2009
WestEnd Films has taken on international rights to The Disappearance of Alice Creed which stars Gemma Arterton alongside Martin Compston and Eddie Marsan.
Producers Cowan and Piette to launch Stealth Media Group

14-May-2009
Producers Michael Cowan and Jason Piette are launching a UK distribution and international film and TV sales company called Stealth Media Group.
Pathe Productions connects with Hideo Nakata's Chatroom

14-May-2009
Pathé Productions has snapped up the UK rights for Japanese director Hideo Nakata’s Chatroom from WestEnd Films.
Content and Joost form partnership

13-May-2009
Content Republic and global web video service Joost have formed a partnership that will see Content Republic’s upcoming releases made available to Joost audiences across the UK and Germany.
Rifkin’s Cheyenne sets two at Intandem

13-May-2009
Veteran LA producer Arnold Rifkin and his Cheyenne Enterprises have joined forces with London-based film finance and international sales house, Intandem Films on two films, Clever and Your Perfect Angel.
Crowe launches SC with Cosi comedy

13-May-2009
Simon Crowe’s new production, sales and distribution company SC Films International makes its debut at Cannes, led by Cosi starring Richard E Grant and singing superstar Sarah Brightman.
The Killer Inside Me begins shooting after months of delay

11-May-2009
The Killer Inside Me, the latest collaboration between director Michael Winterbottom and producer Andrew Eaton, started shooting in New Mexico today.
Principal photography of Invasion Of Privacy to start later this month

11-May-2009
Invasion Of Privacy (aka The Resident), will start shooting later this month in New Mexico.
UK’s HanWay tempts buyers with Thirteen Assassins

11-May-2009
HanWay Films will be introducing buyers to Takashi Miike’s next film Thirteen Assassins at the Cannes film festival.
BFI sets out plans following $2.7m LFF cash boost

8-May-2009
The BFI has set out its plans for The Times London Film Festival, following a $2.7 million cash injection from the UKFC.
Essential Entertainment to introduce Middle Men at Cannes

8-May-2009
California-based Essential Entertainment has picked up Middle Men ahead of Cannes.
Hanway Films adds We Want Sex and Mugabe to Cannes slate

8-May-2009
Hanway Films has added We Want Sex and Mugabe And The White African to its list of Cannes titles.
NonStop Sales picks up Norwegian thriller Hidden

7-May-2009
Scandanavian sales company NonStop Sales has boarded Hidden (Skjult). It has acquired worldwide rights and will be introducing the film to buyers at Cannes.
Content picks up The Details

7-May-2009
ContentFilm International has picked up international sales rights to The Details.
AV Pictures boards Freight

7-May-2009
AV Pictures has taken on international sales of Stuart St. Paul’s Freight, which is currently in post production.
EIFF to host 23 world premieres

6-May-2009
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will host 23 world premieres, including Max Meyer’s Adam which will bring the 63rd edition to a close.
Independent takes Exam

5-May-2009
British sales and production outfit Independent has boarded Stuart Hazeldine’s Exam.
Everybody Dies But Me wins East End festival prize

4-May-2009
Valeriya Gai Germanika won the award for Best International First Feature at London’s East End Film Festival.
UK director Mike Newell eyes The Lone Ranger

1-May-2009
British director Mike Newell is understood be in talks with Walt Disney Pictures to direct The Lone Ranger.
EIFF to welcome Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore

30-Apr-2009
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) to interview Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore about her cinema career and work with the UN
Aegis Film Fund to invest $50m in film productions

30-Apr-2009
Aegis Film Fund (Aegis), a newly launched debt fund in the UK, intends to invest up to $50 million in films, with a focus on high budget productions.
Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey made EIFF patron

30-Apr-2009
BAFTA and Oscar nominated cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey has been made an Edinburgh International Film Festival patron.
Star Trek's Mexican release hit by flu epidemic

29-Apr-2009
Paramount has cancelled its Mexican release of Star Trek, which was set for May 8, because of the swine flu epidemic.
Wolverine slayed by swine flu

28-Apr-2009
20th Century Fox has cancelled plans to release X-Men Origins: Wolverine in Mexico this weekend because most of the city’s cinemas are closed.
The Works boards Anvil! The Story of Anvil

28-Apr-2009
The Works International has picked up Sacha Gervasi’s Anvil!The Story of Anvil for worldwide sales.
ContentFilm International picks up Eric Bana's Love The Beast

28-Apr-2009
ContentFilm International will represent Eric Bana’s Love The Beast to international buyers in Cannes next month after acquiring the film ahead ofWednesday’s [April 29] world premiere at Tribeca.
UK's Intandem boards Humpty Dumpty

27-Apr-2009
Intandem Films has secured worldwide sales rights to Humpty Dumpty, a sci-fi horror film featuring a 3D half-human, half-alien creature.
Ricky Gervais' Cemetery Junction to start shooting in June

27-Apr-2009
Cemetery Junction, the first film written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the award -winning team behind The Office, will start shooting on June 15.
Jane Wright and Christine Langan to head up BBC Films

27-Apr-2009
Jane Wright has been appointed as managing director of BBC Films and Christine Langan has been appointed to the role of creative director of the division.
The London Independent Film Festival awards first time directors

27-Apr-2009
Co-directors David Mills and Danielle Boucher took the grand prize at the London Independent Film Festival for their debut film The Burial.
How does the UKFC spend its money?

24-Apr-2009
The UKFC has an annual budget of just over £60m, with around 46% coming from lottery funds, 40% from government support through grants, and the remainder from investments and other sources.
Potter star Jason Isaacs joins the cast of Skeletons

24-Apr-2009
Jason Isaacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has joined the cast of Skeletons,which is currently shooting in Derbyshire. He joins cast members Ed Gaughan, Andrew Buckley andPaprika Steen.
Focus and Universal Pictures strike deal with UFA Cinema

24-Apr-2009
Focus Features International (FFI) and Universal Pictures International (UPI) have formed a distributionand co-financing partnership with German film production and distribution operationUFA Cinema(UFA).
UK Shadow Culture Minister promises piracy crackdown

24-Apr-2009
Jeremy Hunt, Conservative Shadow Secretary for Culture, has promised to introduce legislation totackle piracy if the Tories are elected next year.
SC Films picks up international rights to Awaydays

23-Apr-2009
Simon Crowe’s new sales company SC Films International has picked up the rights to Awaydays.
Shooting to start on Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

22-Apr-2009
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll will start shooting on May 3 in London.
Lionsgate signs debt refinancing deal to stall takeover

22-Apr-2009
Lionsgate, the independent Hollywood film and TV studio, has stalled investor Carl Icahn’s takeoverbid by agreeing a $66.6m refinancing deal with two of its largest bondholders.
Nick Moran's The Kid to start filming in London

22-Apr-2009
The Kid, Nick Moran’s first film since Telstar, will begin shooting in London next week. The film isbased on the harrowing autobiography by Kevin Lewis, who is also writing the screenplay.
UK distributor Dogwoof promotes Oli Harbottle

20-Apr-2009
Dogwoof, the UK-based independent distributor, has promoted Oli Harbottle from film release co-ordinator to head of distribution.
In the Loop among 20 titles to get UKFC distribution support

20-Apr-2009
British films In the Loop and Is Anybody There? received Prints and Advertising funding from the UKFilm Council.
UK cinema holds steady despite the recession

20-Apr-2009
Film fans are continuing to spend on trips to the cinema despite the financial downturn, according toresearch by the Cinema Advertising Association (CAA).
UKFC announces $7.3m digital development scheme

20-Apr-2009
The UK Film Council (UKFC) has introduced a new funding programme to help the industry make thetransition into the digital age.
High Point to distribute Renown's library of British Films

17-Apr-2009
UK distributor High Point Media Group has signed a deal with Renown Pictures to distribute its libraryof British films. Highpoint’s TV division will handle the catalogue.
Vue to introduce 'mystery' cinema screenings

16-Apr-2009
UKexhibitor Vue Entertainment is launching ‘mystery’ film screenings at 33 screens across England onMay 5.
The End to open the East End Film Festival

16-Apr-2009
London’s East End Film Festival will open with the UK premiere of The End, the debut title fromdirector Nicola Collins and her sister Teena, who produced the film.
Tributes pour in for Simon Channing Williams

15-Apr-2009
Mike Leigh has led the tributes to British film producer Simon Channing Williams, who died of canceron April 11 at his home in Cornwall, England.
David Shear promoted to head of theatrical distribution at Revolver

15-Apr-2009
David Shear of Revolver Entertainment has been promoted to the role of head of theatrical distribution. He was previously sales director at Revolver, where he has worked for the past two years.
London still attracting productions despite economic gloom

14-Apr-2009
London will play host to the same number of productions as last year despite fears the recessionwould affect film shoots in the capital, according to Film London.
Simon Channing Williams loses his battle with cancer

14-Apr-2009
UK producer Simon Channing Williams has lost his long-term battle with cancer. He died at his homein Cornwall on Saturday (April 11) aged 63.
Sam Mendes' Away We Go to open Edinburgh Film Festival

14-Apr-2009
Sam Mendes’ Away We Go will premiere at the Opening Gala of this year’s Edinburgh InternationalFilm Festival (EIFF).
Pact chief to give evidence to House of Lords inquiry

7-Apr-2009
John McVay, the chief executive of cinema and TV industry body Pact, will give evidence to the House of Lords Communications Committee inquiry into British Film and TV.
UK Film Council faces $33m drop in funding

7-Apr-2009
The UK Film Council is facing a $33m (£22m) cut in lottery funding over the next five years as money is diverted away from film to pay for the London Olympics.
Protagonist signs deals on In The Loop, Bronson and The Children

6-Apr-2009
London-based sales company Protagonist Pictures has sealed furtherdeals on its Sundance hit In The Loop.
Mike Newell to direct The Box Of Delights

6-Apr-2009
Mike Newell is to direct TheBox Of Delights, a film based on the children’s novel of the same name by John Masefield.
UK's Recorded Picture Company promotes Alainee Kent

3-Apr-2009
Recorded Picture Company has promoted Alainee Kent to the role of senior development executive.
Justin Chadwick to direct The First Grader

2-Apr-2009
Justin Chadwick, whose credits include The Other Boleyn Girl, is to direct The First Grader. Ann Peacock has written the screenplay.
Sally Hawkins stars in It's A Wonderful Afterlife

2-Apr-2009
Sally Hawkins, Jimi Mistry and Zoe Wanamaker have joined the cast of Gurinder Chadha’s It’s A Wonderful Afterlife. The comedy has already begun shooting and a 2010 release is expected.
Paramount Digitaland Gaumont create Web series

31-Mar-2009
Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) and French film company Gaumont are developing an interactive Web series to be distributed in the U.S. by MySpace. Endemol will handle worldwide distribution.
The Boat That Rocked to open Danish film festival CPH:PIX

27-Mar-2009
The Boat That Rocked will open CPH:PIX, Denmark's new international feature film festival which runs from April 16 to 26.
Mugabe doc to premiere at Canada's 2009 Hot Docs

25-Mar-2009
Mugabe And The White African a British made theatrical documentary from Arturi Films, will premiere at the 2009 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival which runs from April 30 to May 10, 2009.
UK's Exhibitors' Association to explore digital funding options

25-Mar-2009
The Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA) today started to explore the possibility of collective negotiation with studios and distributors for the funding required to move to digital cinema.
HanWay Films seals a number of deals ahead of MIP-TV

24-Mar-2009
HanWay Films has closed a number of deals on a wide variety of titles from its library of 600 films in advance of MIP-TV.
Simon Crowe flies solo with launch of SC Films International

24-Mar-2009
Simon Crowe, managing director of Velvet Octopus has launched his new production, sales and distribution outfit SC Films International.
UK's High Fliers Films acquires Scanbox Entertainment UK

23-Mar-2009
London based distributor High Fliers Films has acquired DVD distributor Scanbox Entertainment UK Ltd from Denmark-based parent company Scanbox A/S.
Bananaz to be released online pre theatrical release

23-Mar-2009
Ceri Levy’s Bananaz will be available online via Babelgum before its theatrical release.
Film Agency For Wales awards $470,000 to three projects

23-Mar-2009
The Film Agency For Wales has awarded $217,000 to Hattie Dalton’s Barafundle Bay. Dalton’s credits include Stoned and Layer Cake.
Case study - Man On Wire's soaring success

20-Mar-2009
One morning in April 2005, Simon Chinn of London-based documentary production outfit Red Box Films had the good fortune to oversleep. He woke up to the sound of Philippe Petit's voice on the BBC's Radio 4.
Metrodome's deal with High Fliers comes to an end

19-Mar-2009
Metrodome's long standing relationship with High Fliers as their DVD rental partner in the UK has comes to an end with all rental activity to be handled in-house with immediate effect.
Broccoli Foundation donates $1.4 million to UK film charity

19-Mar-2009
The Albert R. Broccoli and Dana Broccoli Foundation is donating $1.4 million to The Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) to mark the centenary of the birth of Albert R. Broccoli.
UK's Momentum Pictures to offer films through iTunes

19-Mar-2009
Momentum Pictures has struck a deal with iTunes that will see its films made available for purchase and rent through the UK's iTunes Store.
Examining Pathe UK's newpath

19-Mar-2009
Last week, Pathe UK announced its decision to focus on developing and producing its own films rather than acquiring third-party titles. Its move to create all of its own product supply and to team up with Warner Entertainment UK (WEUK) for the distribution of its films has met a mixed reaction in the UK.
James Marsh reunites with UK production company Wall to Wall

17-Mar-2009
Director James Marsh and UK production company Wall to Wall are working on a documentary that focuses on the world of dreams.
Michael Algar to head High Point Media Group in Ireland

17-Mar-2009
Michael Algar has been appointed to the role of director of High Point Media Group's Irish outfit.
Suzanne Noble joins Optimum as head of publicity

16-Mar-2009
Lesbian Vampire Killers sells to France, Scandinavia, Benelux, Brazil

16-Mar-2009
London-based sales company AV Pictures has sold Phil Claydon's Lesbian Vampire Killers to a number of new territories. Deals have been signed with La Fabrique de Films for France, Sandrew Metronome for Scandinavia, European Film Partners for Benelux and Imagem Films for Brazil. The comedy horror has already been sold to other territories ...
Snow and Age Of Stupid win at UK's Birds Eye View Film Festival

16-Mar-2009
As the Birds Eye View Film Festival drew to a close on March 13, Aida Begic's Snow was awarded the festival's Best Feature prize. It tells the story of a Bosnian village populated only by the mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of their murdered Muslim men.
Jean-Marc Vallee rocks with The Young Victoria

13-Mar-2009
In the second half of 2007 French-Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallee was allocated 51 days to shoot The Young Victoria. The penultimate day of shooting was set to coincide with England’s match against South Africa in the rugby union world cup final. The mainly British film crew wanted to wrap early and watch the game. ‘I told Rupert (Friend) and Emily (Blunt), ‘We should do everything we planned to do tomorrow today. We’ll work a bit harder to make it happen,” Vallee recalls.
Joe Wright to direct Indian Summer for Working Title and Universal

12-Mar-2009
Joe Wright will direct Indian Summer for Working Title and Universal with the screenplay being adapted by William Nicholson from the book of the same name by Alex von Tunzelmann.
Colson's Cloud Nine Films signs five-year deal with Pathe UK

9-Mar-2009
Christian Colson, has formed his own company, Cloud Nine Films and struck a five-year development, production, sales and distribution deal with Pathe UK.
UK's Potboiler Productions and Slate Films join forces

9-Mar-2009
Simon Channing Williams and Gail Egan of Potboiler Productions are teaming up with Andrea Calderwood of Slate Films.
Revolver picks up rights to Star Wreck

9-Mar-2009
Revolver Entertainment has picked up Star Wreck: In The Pirkinning from Finnish producer Blind Spot Films for distribution in the UK and US.
Deepa Mehta's Heaven On Earth to open Tongues on Fire Film Festival

6-Mar-2009
The eleventh edition of the Tongues On Fire Film Festival opens with Deepa Mehta's Heaven On Earth starring Preity Zinta at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) on March 6 2009.
Sally Hawkins opens UK's Birds Eye View Film Festival

6-Mar-2009
The fifth Birds Eye View Film Festival(BEV) kicked off in London last night with Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins on hand to open proceedings at the British Film Institute.
Going behind the scenes of Perrier's Bounty

6-Mar-2009
Irish director Ian Fitzgibbon is stamping his feet. He’s not having a tantrum, he’s trying to keep warm. Cillian Murphy, however, is having a hissy fit. Having run to his car in a bid to make a quick getaway, he discovers the clampers have gotten there first. As the cameras roll, he gives the front wheel a good kick.
Helen Mirren and Dominic Cooper on stage to screen live in cinemas

3-Mar-2009
A new initiative between City Screen and the UK's National Theatre will see plays broadcast live via satellite from the National Theatre stage to local Picturehouse Cinemas in the UK and to cinemas internationally.
Nigel Wooll to produce The Brigadier with UK's Turn of the Century

3-Mar-2009
Sam Raimi to debut work-in-progress Drag Me To Hell at SXSW

3-Mar-2009
Director Sam Raimi will debut a work-in-progress version of Universal Pictures' Drag Me to Hell, his long awaited return to the horror genre, at the South By Southwest Festival (SXSW).
Eureka takes UK rights to Soul Power from Celluloid Dreams

27-Feb-2009
SWF's Scriptmarket opens for submissions

26-Feb-2009
Scriptmarket, a scheme to help up-and-coming screenwriters get their films made and on screen, opens for submissions tomorrow (February 27).
Swipe Films sells UK rights to Beyond The Fire

25-Feb-2009
Swipe Films has sold UK distribution rights to Beyond The Fire to Met Film Distribution.
UK's Left Bank Pictures appoints Mackie as head of film

25-Feb-2009
Suzanne Mackie has joined Left Bank Pictures as head of film, effective immediately.
Pathe boards Dead Man Running for UK and Ireland

24-Feb-2009
Pathe Distribution has taken UK and Irish rights for Dead Man Running from Park Entertainment.
UK's LoveFilm promotes Chris Bird to director of film strategy

24-Feb-2009
LoveFilm's Chris Bird has been promoted to director of film strategy, having previously held the role of head of marketing services.
Metrodome builds its French cinema slate with Anything For Her

24-Feb-2009
Metrodome has acquired UK and Irish rights to the French feature Anything For Her.
Anna Butler to head up marketing at Icon

24-Feb-2009
Anna Butler has been appointed head of marketing at Icon Distribution and is due to start in her new role on March 9.
Film veteran Hercules Bellville dies

23-Feb-2009
Hercules Bellville passed away on Saturday February 21at the age of 69 following a fifteen month fight with lung cancer.
UK's Firefly Vision and Lansdowne Films to produce Skin

23-Feb-2009
Firefly Vision, sister company of the UK's Firefly Films, has signed with Jordi Devas' Lansdowne Films to produce Skin.
UK Film Council awards distribution support to Che

23-Feb-2009
Che: Part One, Bronson and Franklyn are among a list of films to have benefited from the latest round of awards from the UK Film Council's prints and advertising fund.
Polish film festival in UK to kick off with 33 Scenes From Life

20-Feb-2009
The seventh edition of the Kinoteka Polish Film Festival will open in London with Malgorzata Szumowska's drama, 33 Scenes from Life, a study of the resilience of the human spirit and the ties that unite people.
Bergman's Images From The Playground to screen at Cannes

19-Feb-2009
Images from the Playground, a compilation film containing previously unseen material from nine of Ingmar Bergman’s behind-the-screens films, fromSawdustand TinseltoPersona,will be screened for the first time, at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
UK's Microwave scheme greenlights two projectsafter Shifty success

19-Feb-2009
Film London Microwave the micro-budget film-making scheme supported by BBC Films, which resulted in the award winning Shifty and Mum & Dad, has greenlit two feature films, Strawberry Fields and Foxglove.
British Film Institute and Anthony Minghella's family plan tribute

18-Feb-2009
The British Film Institute and Anthony Minghella's family will celebrate his life and work and mark the first anniversary of his death with a movie marathon to be held on his birthplace, the Isle of Wight.
Jaman partners with Cinetic to expand catalogue

17-Feb-2009
Jaman, the company behind the eponymous UK and US website featuring independent and world cinema, has increased its collection of titles to 7000 following a deal with Cinetic Rights Management.
Content Republic teams up with Telepool on digital releases

17-Feb-2009
Content Republic has entered a partnership with Telepool GmbH, the German film and television distribution outfit which will see Content Republic handle the digital release of some of Telepool's best selling titles.
UK Film Council takes delegation to FICCI Frames in Mumbai

16-Feb-2009
On the back of the success of Slumdog Millionaire and with the UK India co-production treaty in place, UK film companies will travel to Mumbai to meet their Indian counterparts and to attend the 10th edition of India's FICCI Frames Entertainment Conference.
Sinclair in Berlin with Feet In The Clouds

11-Feb-2009
London based film-maker Kate Sinclair is in Berlin shopping Feet In The Clouds a screenplay, which she wrote, based on the award winning novel of the same name by journalist Richard Askwith.
Steven Spielberg's Boom Blox gets video game BAFTA nomination

10-Feb-2009
Boom Blox, a game developed by US based EA Casual Games in collaboration with director StevenSpielberg, has been nominated for the GAME British Academy Video Games Awards.
UK film tax credit under scrutiny

10-Feb-2009
The House of Lords communications committee launched an inquiry into the contribution of the UK film and television industries to the British economy yesterday. The Committee will focus on how the contribution might be increased.
Verma in Berlin to finance Sinyor's Bollywood pic

10-Feb-2009
Producer and actor Deepak Verma is in Berlin to raise financing for Johnny Bollywood, an Anglo-Asian comedy written and to be directed by Gary Sinyor.
Production Finance Market dates announced

9-Feb-2009
This year's edition of the Film London Production Finance Market (PFM) will take place on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October 2009.
Depp to narrate Strange for DiCillo

9-Feb-2009
Johnny Depp is to record a new narration for When You're Strange, Tom DiCillo's documentary about The Doors which had its world premiere at Sundance and plays here in berlin in Panorama Dokumente.
Sally Caplan to stay at the UKFC until2010

9-Feb-2009
Sally Caplan hasagreed to staywith the UK Film Council which will see her stay onuntil May 2010as head of the Premiere Fund.
Jinga sells The Disappeared and Summer Scars

8-Feb-2009
UK based sales company Jinga Films has closed an all rights on North America distribution deal for Johnny Kevorkian's The Disappeared with IFC Films. The supernatural thriller's cast includes Harry Treadaway, Greg Wise, Tom Felton and Alex Jennings. Jinga Films has also sold Julian Richards coming of age thriller Summer Scars to UK distributor Soda Pictures.
High Point takes on Haïti Cherie

8-Feb-2009
High Point Films, the theatrical sales division of Carey Fitzgerald's London based High Point Media Group, has taken on international rights outside France and Italy to Claudio Del Punta's Berlin selection, Haïti Cherie.
The Works seals deals on Loft, Wire

8-Feb-2009
London based The Works International has sold rights to Loft, Man On Wire, The Market and Good Dick for a number of territories.
K5 brings Size, World to buyers

8-Feb-2009
Germany and UK based sales outfit K5 International has picked up two new titles which it is pitching to buyers here: A Matter Of Size and A Wonderful World.
Bank of Ireland shuts film divisions in London and LA

8-Feb-2009
Bank of Ireland has closed down its film finance divisions in both London and LA with immediate effect.
WestEnd strikes key deals on Mother And Child

8-Feb-2009
London-based sales outfit WestEnd Films has sealed a further set of distribution deals on Rodrigo Garcia's Mother and Child which stars Naomi Watts, Annette Bening and Kerry Washington.
Will Machin joins Ealing Studios

8-Feb-2009
Ealing Studios has appointed Will Machin as its new head of distribution, where he will report to managing director James Spring.
Wavelength Pictures launches North Korean film slate at EFM

7-Feb-2009
Wavelength Pictures has signed an agreement with French distributor Pretty Pictures to represent a collection of classic & contemporary North Korean feature films for festivals and international sales.
UK producer in Berlin with Bad Day

7-Feb-2009
Producer Gena Helen Ashwell, one of the UK's youngest female producers, is in Berlin with her sales team to introduce Bad Day to distributors.
BBC Films, HanWay groom teen spies with Cherub

7-Feb-2009
BBC Films is to tap into the teen market with the adaptation of the first book of Robert Muchamore's teenage spy series.
Noel Clarkesigns on to star in Centurion

7-Feb-2009
BAFTA Orange Rising Star nominated actor, writer and director Noel Clarke has signed on to star in Centurion, the Rome-era actioner being produced by Slumdog Millionaire Oscar nominee Christian Colson and his Celador Films.
Content opens doors to Strange

7-Feb-2009
ContentFilm International has taken worldwide sales rights to When You're Strange, Tom DiCillo's documentary about The Doors which had its world premiere at Sundance.
MPI Media chews off North American rights to Jinga's Gnaw

7-Feb-2009
Jinga Films has closed a North American distribution deal for Greg Mandry's horror debut Gnaw with MPI Media Group. The sales agent has also sold Gnaw to Sahamongkolfilm for Thailand.
Scottish, Danish and Irish production houses form film partnership

6-Feb-2009
Scotland's Sigma Films, Denmark's Zentropa and Ireland's Subotica Entertainment are forming a partnership to develop eight new films from emerging UK and Irish film-makers. The partnership referred to as Advance Party II (APII) will build on the success of Andrea Arnold's Red Road, and Morag McKinnon's forthcoming Donkeys, which were produced under the specific conditions of Advance Party I (API).
Independent sells Moon and New Town Killers

6-Feb-2009
UK sales and production outfit Independent has sold Duncan Jones' Moon and Richard Jobson's New Town Killers to Telepool for German speaking territories.
Aniston and Bateman to star in The Baster

6-Feb-2009
Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman are the stars of romantic comedy The Baster which is set to shoot in spring. Mandate International is introducing the project to buyers here.
Pinball Films pitches Fuckart

6-Feb-2009
UK producer Pinball Films is pitching two films at Berlin which form part of its micro-budget digital feature film slate.
High-Fliers acquires UK rights to New Town Killers

6-Feb-2009
London based distributor, High Fliers Films, has acquired UK rights to New Town Killers from production and sales outfit Independent.
Content gets Ironclad

6-Feb-2009
ContentFilm International has acquired worldwide sales rights to Mythic International Entertainment’s Ironclad which stars James Purefoy and Paul Giamatti.
Slumdog Millionaire triumphs at London Film Critics' Circle Awards

5-Feb-2009
An inaugural NSPCC award for young British performer of the year was presented to Thomas Turgoose for two very different roles; a teenager escaping a bad home life in Somers Town, and a ferocious yob in Eden Lake.
AV Pictures sells Lesbian Vampire Killers in Germany and Australia

5-Feb-2009
UK sales agent AV Pictures has closed deals with Square One in Germany and Transmission in Australia on gore-fest 'Lesbian Vampire Killers'.
Content acquires The Technician and 20 titles from Nick Broomfield.

5-Feb-2009
ContentFilm International has acquired international sales rights to the action thriller The Technician.
UK 's Goalpost Film announces Berlin slate

4-Feb-2009
Goalpost Film’s has announced its Berlin slate, which includes Closed For Winter and Little Sister, thecompany has also acquired international sales and licensing rights for Dances With Wolves.
Network Releasing acquires all UK rights to I Know You Know

4-Feb-2009
Network Releasing has acquired UK rights to I Know You Know in a deal with The Little Film Company.
Universal Pictures appoints Paul Chesney as vp, international operations

4-Feb-2009
Paul Chesney has been appointed to the role of vice president, international operations at Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE). He will start in his new role on March 2.
Icon closes international sales for Mary And Max

4-Feb-2009
Icon has closed deals on key territory sales for Academy Award winner Adam Elliot's Sundance opener, Mary And Max.
London Film Festival announces dates

4-Feb-2009
Festival artistic director Sandra Hebron has announced that The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival will take place from Wednesday 14 October toThursday 29 October 2009.
Terry Gilliam to be honoured at the BAFTAs

3-Feb-2009
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will present Terry Gilliam with the Academy Fellowship at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London's Royal Opera House on February 8.
UK 's Jinga Films acquires Terry Marcel's Hawk The Hunter

3-Feb-2009
Jinga Films, the UK based sales company, has acquired Hawk The Hunter , director Terry Marcel's follow up to his 1980s cult hit, Hawk The Slayer.
ODEON and UCI group to have 50 3D screens in UK by end March 2009

3-Feb-2009
The Odeon and UCI group has added 19 new screens in preparation for the opening of Bolt 3D on February 6. Another 11 will be added in March of this year in time for the release of Monsters Vs Aliens.
Tim Johnson to join UK's Field Fisher Waterhouse

3-Feb-2009
Media and communications partner Tim Johnson is to join Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP from SJ Berwin next month. He will head up the firm's cross-practice Media Group.
UK 's Intandem to handle worldwide sales for The Kid

2-Feb-2009
International sales and film finance house, Intandem Films, is to handle worldwide sales for The Kid , an adaptation of the novel by Kevin Lewis.
E1 picks up world rights to The Shock Doctrine

2-Feb-2009
E1 Entertainment has taken worldwide rights to Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross's The Shock Doctrine, a documentary based on Naomi Klein's 2007 bestseller of the same name.
UK lottery funding for the Film Agency for Wales drops 21%

29-Jan-2009
The Film Agency for Wales is to receive $1.1 million (£750,000) of lottery money to invest in Welsh film production and development in 2009.
Samuel L. Jackson joins cast of Rodrigo Garcia's Mother And Child

29-Jan-2009
Samuel L. Jackson has joined the cast of Rodrigo Garcia 's Mother and Child,he joinsNaomi Watts, Annette Bening, Kerry Washington, and Jimmy Smits.
UK Film Council search engine for audiences in the digital age

28-Jan-2009
The UK Film Council (UKFC) has launched the film search engine FindAnyFilm.com. in a response to audience needs in the digital age.
UK's Shine Pictures to produce 1066

28-Jan-2009
Shine Pictures, the newly created joint venture between Shine Group's Kudos Pictures and New Regency has hired William Nicholson (Gladiator, Elizabeth: The Golden Age) to write an epicscreen version of the battle between King Harold and William the Conqueror, for the throne of England.
Charles Dance to direct The Inn At The Edge Of The World

28-Jan-2009
Charles Dance ( Ladies In Lavender ) is to direct The Inn at the Edge of the World , from his screenplay based on the Alice Thomas-Ellis' novel of the same name.
E1 picks up Sundance winner An Education for UK and Ireland

28-Jan-2009
E1 Films has taken UK and Irish rights for An Education, the Nick Hornby adaptation of British journalist Lynn Barber's memoir.
E1 picks up Lone Scherfig's An Education for the UK and Ireland

28-Jan-2009
E1 Films has taken UK and Irish rights for An Education, the Nick Hornby adaptation of British journalist Lynn Barber's memoir.
UK 's Cineworld self-finances digital deal

27-Jan-2009
Cineworld, the UK cinema chain which is set to increase its number of digital screens by 100%, from 74 to 148, will self-finance the $5.57m (£4m) investment in order to capitalise on the growing 3D market.
UK 's Cineworld self-finances digital deal

27-Jan-2009
Cineworld, the UK cinema chain which is set to increase its number of digital screens by 100%, from 74 to 148, will self-finance the $5.57m (£4m) investment in order to capitalise on the growing 3D market.
UK 's Cineworld to install additional 74 digital projectors

26-Jan-2009
Cineworld, the UK cinema chain has joined with technology outfit NEC to double its number of digital screens.
Top 20 European law firm SJ Berwin to close UK media division

26-Jan-2009
Top 20 European law firm SJ Berwin is to close its four-partner UK media division. The teamspecialises in media asset finance work.
UK cinema admissions grow 1.1% following bumper summer

22-Jan-2009
The latest figures from the Cinema Advertising Association show that UK cinema is bucking the media downturn, with 2008 marking a bumper year for admissions.
Glasgow Festival to open with UK premiere of In The Loop

22-Jan-2009
The fifth Glasgow Film Festival will run from February 12-22, opening with the UK premiere of Armando Iannucci's political satire In The Loop starring Tom Hollander, James Gandolfini and Peter Capaldi.
Film and music worlds unite for digital release of Iron Maiden: Flight 666

20-Jan-2009
Arts Alliance Media, Universal (USA), Iron Maiden and EMI Records will team up to distribute Iron Maiden: Flight 666 in digital cinemas worldwide on April 21, 2009.
UK 's Revolver on board for Freestyle project

20-Jan-2009
Revolver Entertainment has got on board for Freestyle , an urban feature film set to shoot early this year.
European studios shoot to thrill

16-Jan-2009
This time last year, $1 bought £0.51. Now $1 translates into £0.68. Suddenly the UK is looking to Hollywood the most cost-effective it has for years. And US productions are booking in fast to UK facilities. Twentieth Century Fox has started shooting Gulliver's Travels at Pinewood studios. Directed by Shark Tale's Rob Letterman, the live-action comedy adaptation of Jonathan Swift's classic story stars Jack Black as the eponymous writer stranded on the island of Lilliput ...
Government to consider UK co-production report early in 2009

15-Jan-2009
The UK's Departmentfor Culture, Media and Sport is analysing a report on the effect of the country's tax credit on co-production activity with recommendations to ministers expected in the next few months.
Jaman launches UK film site

14-Jan-2009
Jaman, the company behind the eponymous US website featuring independent and world cinema, is expanding into the UK film distribution film market with the launch of its first localized site in the UK.
UK 's High Point Films takes rights to Eden

12-Jan-2009
High Point Films, the theatrical division of High Point Media Group, has taken world-wide rights outside Ireland and North America for Eden.
Revolutionary Road producer to launch Screenwriters' Festival

12-Jan-2009
The fourth International Screenwriters' Festival will launch tomorrow with guest speakers including David Thompson, executive producer of Revolutionary Road andscreenwriter Olivia Hetreed, who adapted Girl With A Pearl Earring.
UK 's The Mill re-launches visual effects studio Mill Film

12-Jan-2009
The Mill, which creates visual effects for the television industry, is to re-enter the film market, with the re-launch of Mill Film, a visual effects studio for movies.
Scott Thomas and Duff to star in Nowhere Boy

9-Jan-2009
Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff are to star in Nowhere Boy, a film that recounts the story of John Lennon's early years and his first steps towards stardom .
UK chain Cineworld's revenues up 4.4% year on year

8-Jan-2009
UK cinema chain Cineworld revenues are boosted by blockbusters such as Mamma Mia! The Movie and The Dark Knight.
Fassbender and Hall among nominees for BAFTA Orange Rising Star

8-Jan-2009
The 2009 BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award nominees have been named. They are: Michael Cera, Noel Clarke, Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Hall and Toby Kebbell.
BAFTA reveals shortlist for best foreign film

7-Jan-2009
The Baader Meinhof Complex, Gomorra, I've Loved You So Long, Persepolis and Waltz with Bashir are all selected for the category Film Not in the English Language.
Frost/Nixon and Button top BAFTA longlist

7-Jan-2009
Frost/Nixon and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button have both received 14 nominations in the British Academy Film Awards longlist, including best film and best director.
UK Blu-ray sales reach record levels

5-Jan-2009
The home entertainment market, including Blu-ray, remains healthy despite difficult trading conditions across the retail sector according to figures released by the British Video Association.
Profile: Shorts International

19-Dec-2008
It might seem like a challenge to fill a rolling 24-hour schedule with short films but Carter Pilcher, head of Shorts International, the London-based company behind the new UK channel Shorts TV, is unfazed.
Jamie Brewer promoted to head of sales at Metrodome

17-Dec-2008
Metrodome has promoted Jamie Brewer to the role of Head of Sales where he will oversee home entertainment rental and retail, VOD, New Media and TV sales.
Roger Morris to take up role of md at UK's Elstree Studios

16-Dec-2008
Roger Morris is due to take up the role of managing director at Elstree Studios in January 2009.
US IndiePix forms alliance with UK's Dogwoof

16-Dec-2008
Indiepix, the Internet-based independent film distributor and Dogwoof, the film distributor specialising in Independent Films and world cinema, have formed a distribution alliance.
Mamma Mia!overtakes Titanic as UK's highest grossing movie

16-Dec-2008
Universal Picture's romantic musical comedy Mamma Mia! The Moviehas become the highest grossing movie ever to be released in the UK. It has beaten Titanic which held the record since 1998.
Paramount and Sony take film marketing to virtual communities to new level

15-Dec-2008
Paramount Pictures International (PPI) and Sony Computing Entertainment Europe (SCEE) have teamed up to take film marketing within virtual communities to the next level on director Zack Snyder's forthcoming Watchmen.
Promotions at BBC Films for Jane Wright and Isabel Begg

15-Dec-2008
Jane Wright, commercial affairs and general manager for BBC Films, is to take a fully editorial role and become general manager and executive producer of BBC Films with immediate effect.
The Film Workshops International to open training centres in Europe

12-Dec-2008
The Film Workshops International (FWI), a media training company with training centres in the USA, will open new training centres in Europe in 2009.
15 UK production companies receive $1,500,000 in Lottery funding

12-Dec-2008
More than $1,500,000 of Lottery moneyis tobeinvested in 15 British film production companies through the UK Film Council's Development Fund.
High-street recession bites backat UK DVD sales

11-Dec-2008
A high street retail crisis in the UK has crashed into what was shaping up to be a bumper holiday season for distributors.
Metrodome takes rights to The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life

9-Dec-2008
UK distribution company Metrodome Distribution has picked up full UK & Irish rights to French drama The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life.
IndiePix announces partnership with iTunes

9-Dec-2008
Internet-based independent film distributor signs exclusive deal with iTunes for Apple customers to download films to iPods and iPhones.
New talent to be honoured at Berlin Film Festival

9-Dec-2008
European Film Promotion (EFP) has named the ten Shooting Stars of 2009 to be honoured at the annual new talent forum, which takes place at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The UK's London Film School honours director Lynne Ramsay

8-Dec-2008
BAFTA-winning director Lynne Ramsay was made an honorary associate of the UK's London Film School at the school's annual graduation ceremony today.
Brothers win UK's The Big Pitch award with psychological thriller

8-Dec-2008
Brothers David and Keith Lynch have won The Big Pitch, a UK film production prize, with their film Different Shades Of Graham.
blinkbox signs new digital deals with Hollywood studios

8-Dec-2008
blinkbox, the film and TV website, has announced two new digital video deals with leading Hollywood studios, 20th Twentieth Century Fox and Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI).
Barbara Broccoli and Tilda Swinton honoured at WFTV Awards

7-Dec-2008
The UK's Women in Film and Television honoured women in the industry at their annual awards held at London's Park Lane Hilton, hosted by style-guru Gok Wan.The awards, now in the 18th year, honoured the professional achievements of 10 women, each in different areas of the industry. Producer Barbara Broccoli was presented with The Olswang Business Award, while Tilda Swinton won The Skillset Creative Originality Award. Tessa ...
UK's F&ME lines up slate deal with Dominic Murphy

5-Dec-2008
Dominic Murphy, whose debut feature White Lightnin' will have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, is to team up again with Mike Downey and Sam Taylor of Film and Music Entertainment on a slate of projects.
Faintheart to be available free in UK cinemas and online for one day

5-Dec-2008
Faintheart , a feature film made by MySpace users, is to be released simultaneously and free of charge for one day only, in 150 cinemas and on MySpace on January 27 2009.
Co-production report reopens debate over UK tax credit

4-Dec-2008
A report prepared by Oxford Economics and commissioned by the UK Film Council (UKFC) has warned that the tax credit system makes co-productions unattractive to film-makers. The report's completion coincided with an event run by the Festival of German Film earlier this week. The event focussed on strategies and business models for structuring co-productions with Germany. Considering the timing of both events, the irony will ...
Hilary Swank to star in Antti J. Jokinen's The Resident

4-Dec-2008
Academy Award winner, Hilary Swank (Boys Don't Cry, Million Dollar Baby), is to star in Antti J. Jokinen's psychological thriller The Resident which will be produced by Hammer.
UK Film Council moves comedians artists, authors into film

3-Dec-2008
Comedians, novelists and playwrights are among those to received first feature film development awards from the UK Film Council.
Shooting of The Sea Change begins in the UK

3-Dec-2008
The Sea Change has started shooting on a remote Scottish Island. It will star Janet McTeer (As You Like It) and Nathalie Press (Red Road).
Conn appointed CFO of Universal's International Film Groups

1-Dec-2008
Rowan Conn has been appointed to the newly combined role of chief financial officer for Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) and Universal Pictures International (UPI).
The Media Festival: Digital key to reaching new audiences

28-Nov-2008
Digital technologies have the potential to bridge the gap between customer demand and what producers make, delegates to The Media Festival in Manchester heard.
Mamma Mia! - The Movie is fastest selling UK DVD ever

25-Nov-2008
Day one sales of Mamma Mia! - The Movie have beaten Titanic's record, to become the fastest selling DVD of all time in the UK.
Marshallmade deputymdat Warner Brothers Pictures International UK

25-Nov-2008
Neil Marshall, previously sales director at Warner Brothers Pictures International UK (WB), has been promoted to the role of deputy managing director.
UK London mayor Boris Johnson puts focus on film

25-Nov-2008
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has set out his plans to make film a key part of Londoners' experience of arts and culture in the capital.
Neil Marshall promoted to deputy managing director at Warner Brothers UK

25-Nov-2008
Neil Marshall, previously sales director at Warner Brothers Pictures International UK (WB), has been promoted to the role of deputy managing director at the company.
UK and Denmark claim top prizes at Encounters Short Film Festival

24-Nov-2008
The 14th Encounters Short Film Festival drew to a close last night as Danish film-maker Mads Matthiesen took the International Jury Award, for his short film Dennis, while Danish film Office Noise won the Children's Jury Award.
UK -based Illuminated Films to produce Not The End Of The World

24-Nov-2008
The Illuminated Film Company (Illuminated Films) is to produce adventure story Not The End Of The World. Piet Kroon (Shrek 2, Christmas Carol - The Movie) will direct the film which he adapted from Geraldine McCaughrean's novel of the same name.
Shooting of Serge Gainsbourg (Vie Heroique) to start in France in January

24-Nov-2008
Principal photography of Serge Gainsbourg (Vie Heroique) is due to start on January 19, 2009 and will continue for 13 weeks on location in Paris.
UK short film-makers given boost with $1.1m from the UKFC

21-Nov-2008
The UKFC has awarded $59,600 each to three short film programmes.
Waltz With Bashir, Dean Spanley to receive UK lottery funding

20-Nov-2008
Israeli film Waltz with Bashir is one of the latest films to benefit from the UK Film Council's Prints and Advertising Fund.
Shooting of Wide Open Spaces begins in Ireland

20-Nov-2008
Principal photography of coming of age comedy Wide Open Spaces has started in Ireland.
Lord Puttnamto bepresident of UK Film Distributor's Association

19-Nov-2008
The Film Distributor's Association (FDA) has appointed Lord Puttnam CBE as its president.
Film treaty to boost relations between UK and Morocco

19-Nov-2008
UK and Moroccan Government officials have completed negotiations on a film co-production agreement that will enable UK and Moroccan film-makers to co-produce films eligible for national status in both countries.
UK 's Women in Film and Television honours Julie Walters

17-Nov-2008
Julie Walters to be honoured by Women in Film and Television with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
James McAvoy joins Orange Rising Star jury

17-Nov-2008
James McAvoy has joined the jury of the Orange Rising Star Award. McAvoy, winner of the firstOrange Rising Star Award in 2006, joined his fellow jurors to cast their final votes for the five 2009nominees.
Directors UK announces additional board members at its first AGM

17-Nov-2008
Directors UK, which represents over 3,500 members, held its first AGM last Thursday at BAFTA. At the meeting, seven new board members were named.
Curzon Artificial Eye announces senior management changes

17-Nov-2008
Curzon Artificial Eye has announced a number of senior management changes. The company has said the restructuring is to meet the challenges faced by the growing group.
European Film Promotion appoints jury for Berlinale's Shooting Stars.

17-Nov-2008
Five well known film industry figures have been appointed by European Film Promotion (EFP) to the jury for the Berlin Film Festival's Shooting Stars programme.
Interview:Hamish Mykura, head of docs at UK's Channel 4

14-Nov-2008
'Each year at Sheffield people come here prepared to bury documentaries and at the end of each year I think documentaries are in healthier shape than ever,' says Hamish Mykura, head of documentaries at Channel 4 and head of digital channel More4. 'Docs did definitely take a bit of a dip for a few years but I think they're really back with a bang.'
European Film Promotion and Studio Babelsberg back Shooting Stars

7-Nov-2008
European Film Promotion teams up with Studio Babelsberg to focus on the international promotion of young talent.
UK Investment Fund for film industry reaches£6m

6-Nov-2008
The Skills Investment Fund has reached £6 million, thanks to contributions from UK films such as Quantum of Solace and The Duchess.
Thriller in Manila opens Sheffield Doc/Fest 2008

6-Nov-2008
Sheffield International Documentary Festival 2008 opened with the world premiere of Thriller In Manila, a documentary about boxing legend Joe Frazier. Director John Dower introduced his documentary and took part in a Q & A session after the screening.
Shorts International to launch short film channel, ShortsTV

5-Nov-2008
Shorts International has announced that it will launch ShortsTV on the Sky platform from November 26,targeting 18-25 year old viewers who currently watch shorts online.
Fortissimo picks up world-wide sales rights to Miao Miao

4-Nov-2008
Fortissimo Films picked up world-wide sales rights outside China, Taiwan and Hong Kong for Miao Miao, a Jet Tone Films Ltd and J.A. Movies (H.K.) production.
Shooting starts on Stephen Poliakoff's Second World War thriller 1939

3-Nov-2008
Principal photography started today on Second World War thriller 1939 starring Romola Garai and Bill Nighy.
Metrodome acquires UK & Irish rights to Three Miles North Of Molkom

3-Nov-2008
Metrodome has taken UK and Irish rights to International Audience Award winning, Edinburgh Film Festival hit and BIFA nominated documentary Three Miles North of Molkom. The documentary was written, produced and directed by Robert Cannan and Corinna Villari-McFarlane for Third Eye Film.
Critic'sfavourite Snow to have UK premiere at Bird's Eye View Festival

3-Nov-2008
The UK's Bird's Eye View Festival, devoted to women's film-making, will feature the UK premiere of Aida Begic's Snow, which won theCannes 2008 Critics' Week Grand Prize for Best Film.
Two of a Kind Productions signs on Frances Fisher and Dominique Swain

3-Nov-2008
Frances Fisher (Titanic, The Kingdom) and Dominique Swain (Lolita) have signed on to Two of a Kind Productions' paranormal thriller Dead Whisper, set to begin production in November in Louisiana.
Icon takes UK and Australian rights to Karl Golden's Pelican Blood

31-Oct-2008
Icon has acquired UK and Australian rights to Karl Golden's second feature film Pelican Blood. The Honeymooners (2003) was his first feature.
Review: Power To The Pixel

31-Oct-2008
Power To The Pixel, the UK-based outfit which helps independent film-makers make the most of the opportunities offered by the new-media world, last week hosted a digital distribution and film innovation forum as part of TheTimes BFI London Film Festival.
London Film School to support working filmmakers in developing skills

30-Oct-2008
The UK's London Film School has launched Fast Forward, a programme to enable film professionals to develop their craft or to move to a new one.
Consumer spending on video rose to $17.3bn in 8 key markets in 2007

30-Oct-2008
Consumer spending overall on movie and TV videos rose by 26% to $17.3bn in eight key markets; UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan and the US in 2007. Despite the rise, spending on buying movies declined everywhere except the US, UK and Australia.
Mamma Mia! becomes biggest ever UK movie at UK box-office

29-Oct-2008
Mamma Mia! The Movie has broken box office records to become the biggest UK movie of all time at the UK box-office.
Universal Pictures takes Benelux distribution rights to De Storm

29-Oct-2008
Universal Pictures International Studio has acquired Belgian, Netherlands and Luxembourg distribution rights to De Storm (The Storm).
Pinewood Shepperton Studios receive $110m credit facility

29-Oct-2008
Pinewood Shepperton plc has secured a $110m (£70m) funding package from a banking syndicate led by The Royal Bank of Scotland ('RBS') comprising Lloyds TSB plc and Allied Irish Bank.
Nominations for British Independent Film Awards announced

28-Oct-2008
The nominations and jury members for the 11th annual British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) were announced today at Soho House in London.
Halcyon Pictures to be re-launched as Unanimous Pictures.

28-Oct-2008
Halcyon Pictures, founded in 2001 by Funny Games producer, Chris Coen, is to be re-launched from today, October 28, as Unanimous Pictures.
ContentFilm takes international rights to The Winning Season

27-Oct-2008
ContentFilm International has acquired international rights to the new comedy The Winning Season, directed by award-winning James C. Strouse.
Nick Love starts UK shoot of Vertigo production The Firm

27-Oct-2008
Principal photography has started on The Firm, written and directed by Nick Love (The Business, The Football Factory) starring newcomer Paul Anderson, Calum MacNab (The Football Factory) and Daniel Mays (Shifty).
Murphy, Broadbent and Gleeson sign up for Perrier's Bounty

27-Oct-2008
Cillian Murphy, Jim Broadbent and Brendan Gleeson have signed to star in Perrier's Bounty, a Parallel Films and Number 9 Films production. The film will be directed by Ian Fitzgibbon (A Film With Me In It) from a script by Mark O'Rowe (Boy A, Intermission).Perrier's ...
Film-makers meet to build on UK-India co-production treaty

24-Oct-2008
UK and Indian film-makers gathered at a summit in London yesterday, October 23, to explore how they can work more closely together to benefit the industries in both countries.
Film-makers meet to build on UK-India co-production treaty

24-Oct-2008
UK and Indian film-makers gathered at a summit in London yesterday, October 23, to explore how they can work more closely together to benefit the industries in both countries.
Altadena Films takes on rights to Celia The Queen and City Rats

24-Oct-2008
Altadena Films has acquired international rights to documentary Celia The Queen and comedy feature City Rats.
MIPCOM 2008 attendance boosted by presence of METRIC countries

24-Oct-2008
The 24th MIPCOM recorded a small overall increase in attendance from 2007, but with a significant increase in attendance from the so-called METRIC countries, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, India and China, as well as the Ukraine.
Optimum picks up rights to John Crowley's Is There Anybody There'

24-Oct-2008
Optimum Releasing acquires UK theatrical and video rights from Odyssey to Is There Anybody There' John Crowley's first film since acclaimed Boy A.
United Kingdom - Dodge the doom-mongers

24-Oct-2008
In a credit crunch, necessity must be the mother of invention. That is the view of a growing number of industry players, including Mark Herbert and Barnaby Spurrier, who called on film-makers to innovate their way out of the present economic difficulties, at Screen International's UK Film Finance Summit last week.
Film-makers need direct relationship with audience, says LFF conference

23-Oct-2008
The creation and nurturing of direct relationships with audiences is critical to the digital future, delegates to the Power To The Pixel conference were told yesterday. The event, which was held as part ofThe Times BFI London Film Festival, was streamed live on ScreenDaily yesterday.Audiences are becoming fragmented as they consume content across different platforms, according to speakers on day one of the summit.
Fortissimo to handle worldwide sales for Telstar

21-Oct-2008
Fortissimo Film will handle worldwide sales for Nick Moran's directorial feature film debut Telstar. Fortissimo will take the film to the upcoming AFM in November and the world premiere will take place at The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival on October 25.
RED Digital Cinema to have a UK base at Pinewood Studios

20-Oct-2008
The digital cinematography camera company, RED Digital Cinema, will launch RED Europe at Eastside Complex, Pinewood Studios from 1 November 2008. RED will offer technologically-advanced digital capture, over 4 times the resolution of HD video.
Odyssey has taken rights to Wickie And The Mighty Vikings

20-Oct-2008
Odyssey Entertainment has struck a deal with Rat Pack Filmproduktion (The Wave, Hui Buh) and Constantin Film (The Baader Meinhof Complex, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) to handle worldwide sales and distribution (excluding German speaking Europe) on the family adventure film Wickie And The Mighty Vikings.
Berenice Fugard joins Optimum as head of acquisitions

20-Oct-2008
Berenice Fugard has been appointed as head of acquisitions for StudioCanal and Optimum Releasing. She will be based in London and will report both to Optimum Releasing CEO Will Clarke, and Ron Halpern executive vice-president, international production and acquisitions for StudioCanal.
High Point Films takes rights to East, West, East - The Final Sprint

17-Oct-2008
High Point Films, the theatrical sales division of Carey Fitzgerald's London based High Point Media Group, has taken international rights to Albanian/Italian co-production, East, West, East - The Final Sprint by Albanian Gjergj Xhuvani.
UK Film Council takes six UK film companies to TIFF and TIFFCOM

17-Oct-2008
For the first time, the UK Film Council (UKFC) is taking a delegation of UK film companies to exhibit at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Tokyo Film and Content Market.
UK initiative to bring female led comedy features to the big screen

17-Oct-2008
Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones' Diary) and Olivia Poulet (Margaret, Killing me Softly) are among 13 women selected to take part in Last Laugh: Women Create Comedy, the new feature film development initiative from Warp X and Birds Eye View, supported by industry body Skillset.
United Kingdom - Girl uninterrupted

17-Oct-2008
Berlin competition title Julia is to be released simultaneously in the UK in cinemas and on Sky television. Chelsea Films and Sky will open Erick Zonca and Camille Natta's film in theatres and to 9 million Sky subscribers via Sky Box Office (SBO) on December 5.
Hunger gets lottery-funded UK distribution boost

15-Oct-2008
Twelve new films have benefited from the latest round of awards from the UK Film Council's prints and advertising fund.
Participants and speakers announced for LFF's Think-Shoot-Distribute

15-Oct-2008
Think-Shoot-Distribute, a talent development initiative for emerging film-makers, will run for five days at The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival.
Steve Luther appointed Finance Director of UK based Evolutions

15-Oct-2008
Evolutions appoints Steve Luther as finance director. He takes overall responsibility for the $19.2m post-production company's finances.
Protagonist Pictures adds five new titles to AFM slate

15-Oct-2008
International sales and finance company Protagonist Pictures has beefed up its slate with five new titles - The Firm, The Unloved, Shifty, Nativity and Dogging: A Love Story - in time for American Film Market (AFM).
Protagonist Pictures adds five new titles to AFM slate

15-Oct-2008
Protagonist Pictures has added five titles to its slate of films in time for AFM. The titles are The Firm, The Unloved, Shifty, Nativity and Dogging: A Love Story.
Conservatives to outline UK film policy at Screen finance summit

14-Oct-2008
Jeremy Hunt, UK shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, will outline the Conservatives alternative film policies in a keynote speech at Screen International's annual UK Film Finance Summit.Hunt's speech at London's Waldorf Hotel on Thursday will focus on an 'alternative blueprint for a sustainable UK film industry.'Click here to see full programme'The UK film ...
Julia to be released in UK cinemas and via Sky Box Office on same day

10-Oct-2008
Chelsea Films (part of The Curzon Artificial Eye Group) andSky Television have signed a deal to release Julia, starring Tilda Swinton, in cinemas and on Sky Box on Dec 5. This is the first time an English language title will be released in this way.
High Point Films acquires international rights to Mum & Dad

8-Oct-2008
High Point Films, the theatrical sales arm of High Point Media Group, has taken world rights, outside UK and North America, for British horror Mum & Dad.
UK shooting of Julian Fellowes' From Time To Time begins

8-Oct-2008
Principal photography has started on Julian Fellowes' second feature film From Time to Time.
UK industry gathers for Screen film finance conference

8-Oct-2008
Screen International will bring film-makers and financiers together to consider newly-emerging finance structures and how to maximise funding and commercial opportunities in an ever-tougher market at its annual UK Film Finance Summit. The conference on October 16 at London's Waldorf Hilton comes at a critical time for the independent industry in the UK and beyond.
Digital Cinema Media unveils new brand identity

7-Oct-2008
Digital Cinema Media has unveiled its new logo and brand identity, following its acquisition of advertising assets from ITV's Carlton Screen Advertising. Digital Cinema Media (DCM) a joint venture between cinema exhibitors Cineworld and Odeon, revealed its new logo which shows the company's name illuminated in a bright light projection. The logo is designed 'to reflect DCM's commitment to cinema advertising opportunities.'
President of Miramax Films to launch London Film Finance Market

7-Oct-2008
Daniel Battsek will launch the second Production Finance Market (PFM), where more than 50 producers will present projects totalling $1.16bn.
Iris Prize Festival winners announced

7-Oct-2008
Till Kleinert's Cowboy has been named as the 2008 winner of the Iris Prize, Cardiff's international gay and lesbian short film prize, valued at £25,000. The winning film tells the story of a city dweller and a country lad who pay a terrible price for love.
Iain Smith appointed new Chair of Edinburgh Film Festival

7-Oct-2008
Iain Smith will take up the role of Chair of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) on Oct 10. He will replace John McCormick who has held the role for the past 12 years.
HB Films teams up with F&ME in distribution venture

6-Oct-2008
London-based film distributor HB FILMS has teamed up with Film and Music Entertainment (F&ME) to release a slate of co-productions as well as third-party acquisitions from F&ME's European and US production partners.
HanWay grows film slate and TV sales division

6-Oct-2008
HanWay Films has grown its film slate and expanded its TV sales division.
14th Encounters Short Film Festival is launched

2-Oct-2008
Encounters hosted a preview party as a prelude to the Encounters Short Film Festival (Nov 18-23) at the Hospital Club in Covent Garden on Tuesday.
Abbott Vision in talks to acquire Tightrope Pictures

1-Oct-2008
Writer's think-tank Abbott Vision, headed by Paul Abbott, aims to buy out producer Hilary Bevan Jones from her share of their independent production company Tightrope Pictures and rename it Abbott Productions.
Momentum Pictures acquires rights to The Crew

1-Oct-2008
Momentum Pictures has acquired all UK and Irish rights to The Crew, a thriller based on the novel Outlaws by Kevin Sampson.
Four festival favourites nominated for European Film Award

29-Sep-2008
The directors of Hunger, Snijeg, Tatil Kitabit and Tulpan have been nominated for a European Film award. The European Discovery award is given to a young, upcoming director for a first full-length feature film.
Wall to Wall CEO to lead media literacy taskforce

29-Sep-2008
Alex Graham, CEO of BAFTA winning production company Wall to Wall, has been appointed the new Chair of the Media Literacy Task Force.
International - Springboard for Hitler

26-Sep-2008
Russian comedy Hitler Kaput! enjoyed a $6m opening weekend in three territories, and was the highest new entry in this week's Screen International chart. Distributed by Central Partnership, it played across 773 screens in three territories.
UKagencies seize 8,000 counterfeit DVDs and arrest 17

25-Sep-2008
Four UK law enforcement agencies joined forces earlier this week to target illegal immigrants also suspected of producing and selling counterfeit DVDs. The agencies seized 8,000 counterfeit DVDs, including current cinema release Tropic Thunder and the yet to be released Death Race.
Film London to grow audiences for African and African-Caribbean film

24-Sep-2008
Film London has launched The New Black a funding and training programme to increase opportunities for African and African-Caribbean film exhibitors in London.
Metrodome to distribute Beta Film's North Face in the UK and Ireland

24-Sep-2008
Metrodome has acquired full UK and Irish rights to Beta Film's North Face in a multi-territory deal which also saw Rialto distribution acquire Australian and New Zealand rights
Vertigo Films and NFTS look for film-makers of tomorrow

24-Sep-2008
Vertigo Films have joined forces with The National Film and Television School (NFTS) to find talented film-makers. The Vertigo School Project (VSP) will give three teams of students or graduates of the NFTS the opportunity to make micro budget feature films with a budget of $185,000 (£100,000).
The Day After Peace toscreen at Dubai International Film Festival

23-Sep-2008
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) announced that the documentary feature film, The Day After Peace, has been chosen as part of the line up for 2008. The choice of film reflects the organisers support for film-makers who promote worldwide peace.
With A Little Patience nominated for the European Film Awards

23-Sep-2008
Turelem (With A Little Patience) has been announced as the final of 14 shorts nominated for the European Film Awards 2008. The announcement was made at the International Short Film Festival in Greece.
Sheffield Doc/Fest's pitching forum attracts record submissions.

22-Sep-2008
Sheffield Doc/Fest's MeetMarket has received 385 entries from documentary film-makers, an increase of almost 200% from last year.
UK effects studio Framestore looks to outside investment

22-Sep-2008
Framestore, the Oscar-winning provider of visual effects, animation and computer generated imagery announced that it plans to consider interest in the company from potential new investors.
Award winning director McPherson starts shoot for The Eclipse

22-Sep-2008
Shooting has started on the latest feature-length drama from Tony-award winning Irish playwright and director Conor McPherson.
Mandragora starts production of first feature Dark Nature

22-Sep-2008
Glasgow-based Mandragora Productions has started production on its first feature film, Dark Nature, directed by Marc de Launay.
Linha de Passe to open 28th Cambridge Film Festival

18-Sep-2008
The 28th Cambridge Film Festival will open today (Sep 18)with the Cannes competition title Linha de Passe by Walter Salles.
Pinewood Shepperton revises plans for Project Pinewood in UK

17-Sep-2008
UK studio Pinewood Shepperton has revised its plans for new studio facilities, sets and housing next to its site in Buckinghamshire.
Vadim Ivanovb becomes MD of UPI Russia

16-Sep-2008
Vadim Ivanov, currently Commercial Director of Universal Pictures International in Russia, has been promoted to Managing Director (MD).
Paul Hills starts post-production on Do Elephants Pray'

11-Dec-2007
Post-production has started on the $1m romantic drama Do Elephants Pray'Paul

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Audrey Ward