Features
Cannes: Documentary boom
Documentaries are booming at Cannes, both in selection and the market. Melanie Goodfellow looks at this year’s crop and asks the experts about the current appetite for non-fiction work.
Japan Special 2013
In a big year for Japan at the Cannes Film Festival, Screen offers a detailed insight to the industry, plans for TIFF, the growth of TIFFCOM and a look at Japan on the Croisette.
In Production: Hello Carter
Writer-director Anthony Wilcox’s London-set debut feature Hello Carter is a comedy adapted from his buzz short of the same name.
In Production: Starred Up
Andreas Wiseman talks to director David Mackenzie, actor Jack O’Connell and producer Gillian Berrie about new prison-drama Starred Up, which Independent will be shopping in Cannes.
Set report: Miss Julie
Liv Ullmann’s first film as a director in more than a decade, Miss Julie stars Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell and Samantha Morton. Mark Salisbury visits the set and speaks to the director about relocating August Strindberg’s masterpiece to Northern Ireland
Territory Focus: Ireland
Browse Screen’s focus on film-making in Ireland, including an overview of the industry, the Irish Film Board and the hottest upcoming movies.
Pinewood: From stage to screen
The Pinewood Group is eyeing ambitious expansion, with plans to build its first US studio and to double capacity at the UK’s Pinewood Studios. Andreas Wiseman reports.
Dimension 3: viewing the future
The rise of high frame rate and 4K technology will be among the points of discussion at France’s Dimension 3 (June 18-21). By Melanie Goodfellow.
Irish Film Board: springboard for Ireland’s industry
The Irish Film Board is playing a key role in the growth of Irish cinema. By Leon Forde.
Sales: Pitch Perfect
First-time producers should understand the commercial appeal of their film and know when to approach a sales company. Andreas Wiseman speaks to key industry sellers about what newcomers need to know about working with them
The keys to unlocking film finance
Financing independent films is notoriously tough, so how can new producers attract backing? Geoffrey Macnab speaks to the seasoned professionals
Future Leaders: Festival pass
From targeting the best festival for a premiere to connecting with rising talents, Wendy Mitchell asks the experts how new producers can make the most of festivals
Irish cinema lights up
A wave of local film-making talent, ambitious producers and attractive co-production options are helping Ireland shine on the world stage. Leon Forde reports
Ireland: Hot films
From offbeat comedy to horror to co-productions with major international names, Ireland is producing a broad range of cinema. Leon Forde profiles a selection of anticipated upcoming films.
Digital delivery: linking Europe
A digital delivery network from Deluxe Digital Cinema and Hewlett-Packard aims to connect some 8,000 European cinemas. Neal Romanek reports.
Baz Luhrmann at the box office
Baz Luhrmann’s Cannes opener The Great Gatsby is his first film in 3D. Will it continue the director’s upward trajectory at the global box office? Ian Sandwell reports.
Cannes 2013: Directors' Fortnight
The full line-up of films in Directors’ Fortnight at the 66th Cannes Film Festival with details on each title including sales contacts.
Cannes 2013: Critics’ Week
The full line-up of films in Critics’ Week competition at the 66th Cannes Film Festival and four additional special screenings with details on each title including sales contacts.
Cannes 2013: Midnight Screenings, Special Screenings
The Midnight Screenings line-up at the 66th Cannes Film Festival with details on each title including sales contacts. Special Screenings line-up also included.
Cannes 2013: Un Certain Regard
The full line-up of 17 films in Un Certain Regard at the 66th Cannes Film Festival with details on each title including sales contacts.
Cannes 2013: Out of competition
The five films In Competition at the 66th Cannes Film Festival with details on each title including sales contacts.
Cannes 2013: In Competition
The full line-up of 20 films In Competition at the 66th Cannes Film Festival with details on each title including sales contacts.
Sundance London: Exporting Sundance
The organisers of Sundance London reveal how the programme was tailored for its second edition and why the UK is a good fit. Wendy Mitchell reports
Thatcher's film legacy
A look back at how Thatcher-era policies impact the UK film industry of today, from the elimination of the Eady Levy to the founding of Channel 4 and British Screen. Geoffrey Macnab talks to the experts and re-examines the history.
CinemaCon: The view from the aisles
New technology, the importance of theatrical and the rise of China will all be among the talking points at this year’s CinemaCon, which gathers exhibitors and distributors in Las Vegas (April 15-18). Jeremy Kay reports.
CinemaCon: Going large
IMAX is heading to this year’s CinemaCon on the back of strong growth. Jeremy Kay reports.
CinemaCon: The big attraction
A new wave of technologies aims to further enhance the theatrical experience. But will exhibitors be receptive after the costly transition to digital? By John Hazelton.
CinemaCon: Power to the people
Online service Tugg aims to match audiences with films and address the issue of low cinema occupancy. Jeremy Kay speaks to co-heads Nicolas Gonda and Pablo Gonzalez.
City heat
New York’s Tribeca Film Festival (April 17-28) may sit between Sundance and Cannes, but that has not stopped it becoming a major US platform for world cinema. By Jeremy Kay
Keeping Rosy
Screen visited the set of female-led thriller Keeping Rosy and spoke to actress Maxine Peake about women in film, Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison about playing an unlikeable character and the producers about surprise endings.
Supermarkets bring hope to UK video market
As Hilco swoops to rescue HMV, Geoffrey Macnab reports on how optimism is returning to the UK video market.
The fear factor
Is resurrecting a horror brand a sure-fire way of scaring up box office around the world? Ian Sandwell reports
UK tax relief: Take your partners
The UK is introducing tax credits for television production, high-end animation and video games this month. Michael Rosser explores how the relief could further strengthen a TV powerhouse
UK VoD: 'All eyes are on this market'
The UK video-on-demand sector is developing at speed. On the eve of MIPTV, Andreas Wiseman explores the potential offered by a range of digital platforms, as well as the rise of subscription services
Europe VoD: Popularity contests
How quickly is the VoD market developing across Europe – and how do services across the region compare? Screen correspondents report
Galloping Horse picks up the pace
The purchase of the digital-effects studio behind the Transformers franchise put Beijing Galloping Horse on Western radars. Now its latest hook up — with John Woo — is set to take the company to the next level. Liz Shackleton reports
China: Enlight Pictures
Low-budget comedy Lost In Thailand has become the biggest local film ever in China and the producers, Enlight Pictures, are taking the lessons of its success to heart. Liz Shackleton reports
China: High cost of admissions
Explosive growth in screen numbers is driving up box-office revenues in China, but such rapid expansion could present risks for some exhibitors. Liz Shackleton reports
Epic
The first ever Georgia-UK co-production just wrapped its six week shoot in Georgia and is now in Frankfurt, Germany for the final leg of principal photography. Film and Music Entertainment co-founder and producer Mike Downey spoke to Maria Sell about the project.
Blackwood
Adam Wimpenny, a Screen International Star of Tomorrow, has just wrapped his directorial debut feature, Blackwood. Screen’s Maria Sell visited the set of the supernatural thriller in Surrey.
Spanish cinema: achieving the impossible
Spain may be going through a financial crisis but local cinema had a banner year in 2012. Juan Sarda explores the complex realities of Spanish cinema, and how the territory’s deep pool of talent is overcoming local difficulties to create world-beating films.
Spanish cinema: the next big things
With new work from the likes of Pedro Almodovar, Claudia Llosa, Jaume Balaguero and Alex de la Iglesia in 2013, Spanish cinema is hotter than ever. Juan Sarda profiles a selection of upcoming films.
Spanish cinema: counting the cost
With Spanish admissions down, Juan Sarda looks at how the territory’s independent distributors are approaching the market.
Spanish cinema: sailing in tandem
With Spanish film-makers increasingly looking to work with international partners, Juan Sarda explores the territory’s attractiveness as a co-producer
China rules 2012
With huge growth in 2012, China finally became the second biggest theatrical market in the world, behind the US. Ian Sandwell charts its rise and explores the five highest-grossing international territories last year.
Grey expectations
From romantic comedies to action films to documentaries, John Hazelton profiles forthcoming films that could cross over with older cinema-goers.
Golden generation
The success of films such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has underlined the big potential of older audiences. John Hazelton explores the burgeoning market and how film-makers and distributors are catering to it.
Attention span
From television to social networking John Hazelton explores effective ways of reaching older audiences.
Berlin 2013: Market Buzz
Screen’s essential guide to the hottest titles coming to market at the EFM.
Berlin 2013: world premiere profiles
Screen profiles the world premieres in Competition, out of competition and Panorama, and selected titles from the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival.
Sundance deals: Big spenders
This year’s Sundance Film Festival (Jan 17-27) saw a flurry of pick-ups — with buyers paying a lot of money for the right films. Jeremy Kay reports
Shorts in the Oscar frame
The film-makers behind this year’s live action and animated short film Oscar contenders range from new talents to experienced studio hands. Screen profiles the nominees.
Argo: A taste of the old school
Ben Affleck’s third film as director won two Golden Globes and has seven Oscar nominations. Jeremy Kay speaks to the film-makers about revisiting the golden age of 1970s US cinema to tell the film’s outlandish true story.
2012’s most moving images
From digital to 65mm, the year’s most acclaimed cinematographers worked across a wide range of styles and formats. John Hazelton reports.
Powder Room
UK production Powder Room, starring Sheridan Smith, Jaime Winstone and singer Kate Nash, marks a number of exciting firsts, including the directorial debut of MJ Delaney, famous for her YouTube sensation spoof Newport State of Mind.
Studio figures hit sky high
With three films passing $1bn worldwide, 2012 was a banner year for studios at the global box office.
High street blues
HMV and Blockbuster have gone into administration in the UK, yet the physical sale of DVDs is still a viable market. Geoffrey Macnab looks at the implications for distributors and what the future could hold.
Ben Affleck’s box office takes off with Argo
Ben Affleck’s switch to the director’s chair has brought steadily increasing gains at the global box office. Ian Sandwell assesses his appeal.
Life of Pi: Eye of the tiger
For his adaptation of Life of Pi, Ang Lee opted to work in 3D for the first time and returned to shoot in Taiwan. The film-makers speak to Jeremy Kay about tackling the epic story of a boy and a Bengal tiger
Park City Heat
The 2013 Sundance Film Festival (Jan 17-27) boasts a rich mix of US and international projects. Screen speaks to the festival’s organisers about the ‘immediacy and fearlessness’ in this year’s programme.
The rising stars of Sundance
Screen profiles five hot new film-makers heading to Sundance 2013: Alexandre Moors, Stacie Passon, Jeremy Lovering, Fredrik Bond and Shaka King.
Shopping on Main Street
The hottest films heading to Sundance 2013 include eagerly awaited biopics, the latest instalments in celebrated indie series and work from major documentary film-makers. Screen profiles some of the buzz titles.
The diversity opportunity
Screen and Creative Skillset gathered industry experts for a discussion about diversity in the UK film industry. Wendy Mitchell reports on the meeting’s highlights.
Europe's most wanted
From Intouchables to The Impossible, a host of local productions lit up the European box office in 2012. Ian Sandwell analyses the successes.
Silver service
Silver Linings Playbook director David O Russell and producer Donna Gigliotti tell Jeremy Kay about developing the emotional source material into an award-winning package.
Out of the shadows
Awards can play a big role in helping feature documentaries connect with audiences. Geoffrey Macnab explores the leading contenders for recognition this year.
A window on France
Rendez-vous with French Cinema in Paris (Jan 15-21), which showcases the latest productions from the territory, will host its biggest selection yet at the event’s 15th edition. Melanie Goodfellow reports.
New world order
China’s continued growth, the Eurozone crisis and the ongoing debate about release windows made the past year a tumultuous one for the global film business. Screen revisits 10 game-changing stories of 2012.
Les Arcs 2012 review: winter warmer
The fourth edition of Les Arcs European Film Festival involved seminars, screenings and skiing — and strengthened its reputation as a productive and enjoyable event.
Immersed in the story
With a range of projects continuing to expand the possibilities of 3D, John Hazelton explores the front runners for awards recognition.
Hunting the box-office bounty
On the eve of the release of Django Unchained, Ian Sandwell charts the global performance of Quentin Tarantino’s most recent films.
Rave on
As Warp Films marks its 10th anniversary, founder Mark Herbert [pictured] speaks to Wendy Mitchell about the iconoclastic UK company’s decade of growth
Flying lessons
Robert Zemeckis’ Flight has the feel of a 1970s drama, the budget of an indie film and the box-office trajectory of a sleeper hit. John Hazelton speaks to Zemeckis and stars Denzel Washington and Kelly Reilly.
Les Misérables: a revolutionary new approach
For the veterans behind Les Misérables, it was a film of firsts – including the bold move to capture actors singing live on set. Wendy Mitchell talks to the team that brought the iconic musical to life on screen.
Les Arcs 2012: snow business
A blend of screenings and skiing is helping to put Les Arcs European Film Festival (Dec 15-22) on the end-of-year calendar.
Will investors join EIS club?
The boosted Enterprise Investment Scheme was expected to be a big bonus for the UK film industry, but financiers say times are tougher than expected. Geoffrey Macnab talks to the experts.
VFX breaks new ground
The shortlisted films for this year’s visual effects category at the Academy Awards reveal how the sector has moved beyond the sci-fi and fantasy realm into comedies and dramas. John Hazelton eyes the field of contenders.
Dubai is cast in central role
Dubai International Film Festival (Dec 9-16) is welcoming international stars alongside up-and-coming local talent in its mission to boost cinema and film-making in the region.
The journey begins
Global grosses rose with each of the three Lord Of The Rings releases. Can Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit [pictured] improve on the original trilogy? Ian Sandwell reports
Baftas’ glory
As Bafta season intensifies, Geoffrey Macnab looks at the streamlined voting process and how this year’s nominations will be revealed just before those of the Oscars.
BIFAs: the British are voting
Many of this year’s nominated films may be less well known than in previous years, but they lie at the heart of what the BIFAs stand for. Ian Sandwell reports.
Virtual impasse
The structure of the UK’s virtual print fee remains highly unsatisfactory for many of the territory’s distributors. Andreas Wiseman reports on new efforts to improve it.
Hitting close to home
Lionsgate UK has had a banner year led by The Hunger Games - but the distributor is also committed to backing British film. Wendy Mitchell talks to CEO Zygi Kamasa [pictured]
Hitchcock: Psycho path
The film-makers behind Hitchcock talk to Michael Rosser about bringing the iconic director ? and one of his most famous works ? back to the big screen
Presidential campaign
After a strong US debut, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is set for its international roll-out. Ian Sandwell assesses the global box-office record of cinema’s most successful director
Leaders of the pack
With a host of contenders now screening for awards voters, the front runners are becoming clearer. Jeremy Kay reports
Film's place in the queue
The role of cinemas in a digital world was one of the main points of discussion at the annual conference of the Europa Cinemas Network. Melanie Goodfellow reports
Gone Too Far
The directorial feature debut by Destiny Ekaragha is based on the stage play by Bola Agbaje and stars newcomers Malachi Kirby and O.C. Ukeje. Screen visits the film set to find out more about the project and its origin.
Drawing on diversity
Animated features are becoming less child-centric, with even Pixar exploring darker tones. John Hazelton surveys this year’s trends, plus the international productions that are making waves
The last bite
Currently rolling out worldwide, will the final instalment of the Twilight Saga manage to stake a bigger claim on the global market than previous films in the series? Ian Sandwell reports
Serving The Master
Rumours flew about the subject of Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film during production. The director and his producer tell Andreas Wiseman about the real journey behind The Master.
An international rendezvous
With a new December slot running concurrently with the Asia TV Forum & Market, ScreenSingapore is aiming to provide a crossing point for the Asian and international film businesses. Jean Noh reports
The fight over formats
A Bafta and Directors UK panel brought industry experts together in London to discuss whether or not shooting on film is still viable in the digital world. Wendy Mitchell reports
Asia Pacific heights
The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (Nov 23) shines the spotlight on a vast region that organisers say does not always receive the attention it deserves. Sandy George reports
Shopping trip
Lucrative, stable and sophisticated - it’s no surprise the Australia and New Zealand market is drawing foreign investors. Sandy George reports
India’s international horizons
Now in its sixth year, Goa’s Film Bazaar co-production market (Nov 21-24) has become a key plank in the National Film Development Corporation’s strategy to revitalise Indian cinema. Liz Shackleton reports
Beyond Film Bazaar
With the NFDC’s production initiatives steaming ahead, the government body has turned its attention to distribution and industry development. Liz Shackleton reports
