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Ridley Scott made a triumphant return to the top of the box office and added to his lengthy list of historical epics with Gladiator II, but where it ranks among the best movies from his decades-long career is a point of debate. The historical inaccuracies in Gladiator II did little to discourage moviegoers from seeing the long-awaited sequel in theaters, and its early box office haul put Ridley Scott into elite company among directors. While reviews indicate that Gladiator II is unlikely to be counted among Scott's very best movies, it's still an entertaining and worthy follow-up to its predecessor.

Since making his feature film directorial debut in 1977, Ridley Scott has tackled a number of different genres, and has become the gold standard for several of them. Scott is particularly famous for tackling historical epics (like Gladiator and Gladiator II) that require time, patience, and attention to detail. However, despite being 87 years old,...

With Gladiator II releasing in late 2024, 2000's Gladiator is back in the public eye and so is Maximus Decimus Meridius's journey to regain his freedom and avenge his family against Emperor Commodus. While the movie is not particularly historically accurate, it still proved to have a lasting impact on pop culture and the perception of gladiators in general.

Yet, as fascinating as Gladiator is, it isn't the only historical epic with stakes and drama that continues to resound through Hollywood. Many other movies fit a similar profile. While the wait for Gladiator II reaches its final stretch, it might be worth checking out some other impactful historical epics.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on November 15, 2024: Ridley Scott's Gladiator II finally hits theaters on November 22, 2024, 24 years after the release of the original. As fans eagerly step back into the world of ancient Rome and gladiatorial combat, several terrific films make...

Kelsey Grammer is currently enjoying a great deal of success with the revival of "Frasier," a series that has been running on Paramount+ since October 2023. The original "Frasier," itself a spinoff of "Cheers," starred Grammer as the titular character, a radio psychologist whose persnickety attitudes and tastes invited all manner of zany shenanigans into his life. The original show lasted 264 episodes over 11 seasons, making it one of the most successful sitcoms of its decade.

But, as many might be able to point out, Grammer's career has been wildly varied in success. He often shows up in films, yet he has headlined far more bombs than hits. Grammer has played Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast in several live-action "X-Men" movies, but he has also appeared in a slew of weird, low-budget, straight-to-home-media schlock. Who could forget, for instance, the bizarre glories of Andrew Lawrence's "Money Plane"? Grammer has similarly starred in numerous low-rent Christmas movies,...

"What if we just start fresh here. This place is special." Lionsgate has revealed a trailer for a cheesy comedy called One Year Off, landing in February early next year on VOD. This film seems to be skipping theaters because eeesh it does not look good. Heartbroken Claire's wine-fueled post-breakup pity-party in London is crashed by her old friend Ben calling from New York City. He has inherited his unknown father's gorgeous beachfront house and club in the Caribbean island of Nevis, West Indies, and he wants her and the old crew to join him for a week while he absorbs this news. In love with the island, and thrilled to be back together again like the good old days, they unanimously decide to stay for year-one year off to reset their lives. This was filmed as a pandemic project on the island of Nevis (see Google Maps) as a...

Exclusive: Grindstone Entertainment Group, a Lionsgate company, has picked up world distribution rights to the romantic comedy Christmas in Paradise from Msr Media International. Lionsgate will release the film in North America on November 15.

Written and directed by Philippe Martinez (A Week in Paradise), Christmas in Paradise stars Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), Elizabeth Hurley (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery), Nathalie Cox (Clash of The Titans), and Billy Ray Cyrus (Mulholland Drive) who also performs an island-themed rendition of his song Achy Breaky Heart in the film.

The plot follows three quirky sisters who chase their estranged dad (Grammer) down at his beachside pad in the Caribbean and enjoy a little fun in the sun. But why did he disappear to the islands? Only Joanna (Hurley) knows for sure, and she’s sworn to secrecy! Love, laughter, and songs by Cyrus make this a Christmas to remember, the synopsis reads.m...

Screen Rant is pleased to present an exclusive clip from Lionsgate's new comedic Christmas family adventure, Christmas In Paradise. The sequel to Father Christmas Is Back brings the Christmas family back together for an all-new holiday excursion. After the chaos of last year’s family holiday, Joanna Christmas plans to spend a quiet holiday at home, but a phone call from her sister changes everything. Learning their father has blown apart his life and absconded to the Caribbean Islands, Joanna along with two of her sisters Caroline (Nathalie Cox) and Paulina (Naomi Frederick) to follow after him.

Completely breaking his daughter’s expectations their father, James, seems happier than ever living a peaceful life in this tropical paradise with his new friend Jimmy Love. Christmas family secrets will be revealed as they spend another unexpected holiday together. Featuring original music by Cyrus, Christmas In Paradise will be released in select theaters today,...

Executives will be based in Los Angeles.

Heading into TIFF with a slate of rom-coms and thrillers Msr Media International has hired Ariel Veneziano and Robby Amar to spearhead sales.

Both executives are named co-vice presidents of international distribution and sales and report to Msr Media International CEO Karinne Behr.

They will be on the ground in Toronto where Msr will be talking to buyers about rom-coms Christmas In The Caribbean starring Elizabeth Hurley, Caroline Quentin, Nathalie Cox and Downtown Julie Brown; A Week In Paradise with Malin Akerman, Connie Nielsen, Philip Winchester and Jack Donnelly; and One Year Off featuring Ray Fearon,...

Screen Media has acquired the North American rights out of the Cannes market to “Christmas in the Caribbean,” a romantic comedy that stars Elizabeth Hurley, TheWrap has learned exclusively.

The film comes from Msr Media International and is written and directed by Philippe Martinez. Screen Media is planning a day-and-date theatrical and on-demand release for the film beginning in November of this year.

“Christmas in the Caribbean” follows a woman named Rachel, who is left at the altar by her fiancé and decides to take her best friends on her honeymoon to the Caribbean, where she gets her groove on and finds love on the beach. Nathalie Cox co-wrote the film and also co-stars, as does Caroline Quentin.

“Christmas in the Caribbean” is also a reunion between Martinez and Hurley, who worked together on Hurley’s most recent film “Father Christmas Is Back” from last year.

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"I'm not going to let her get the better of me." Lionsgate has revealed an official trailer for an indie thriller titled Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop, a whodunit for grownups. A University professor with an insatiable appetite for investigation is asked by some old family friends to investigate a series of hauntings at their antique bookstore. Is someone playing a trick on the poor woman? Is it a hallucination? Or is something sinister going on? The film stars Nathalie Cox as Miss Willoughby, a "smart, stylish new detective in town" who can apparently solve every case - even one involving a haunting. Kelsey Grammer also co-stars in this, joined by Caroline Quentin, Steven Elder, Bhavna Limbachia, Ruth Horrocks, Bryan Samson, Lucas Livesey, and Wayne Gordon. Unfortunately, this film looks like some made-for-tv junk without any excitement in the thrill of discovery. Pretty clear it's not a real ghost,...

Looking for a way to get in the holiday spirit? Netflix is gifting viewers with plenty of festive films to choose from this season. Learn more about five new titles, below. 1. Father Christmas Is Back ’Tis the season for family infighting! Control freak Caroline Christmas (Nathalie Cox) invites her quirky sisters to her fabulous country manor for a peaceful holiday retreat. But when their estranged father (Kelsey Grammer) turns up with his much-younger girlfriend, they don’t see his presence as a present. Available now 2. A Castle for Christmas Move over, Outlander! A new romance hits the Highlands when an author (Brooke Shields) heads to Scotland to buy a castle from a reluctant seller with royal roots (Cary Elwes). Thankfully, a seasonal celebration and the lush setting help melt the chilly pair’s hearts. “The landscape, the castles, the villages…they lend a fairy-tale feeling,” director Mary Lambert says. Available Friday,...

Elizabeth Hurley (“The Royals”) will star in romantic comedy “Christmas in the Carribbean.” Principal photography will commence this week in the islands of St Kitts and Nevis.

The film is produced by Msr Media’s Philippe Martinez, who will also direct, and Highfield Grange Studios’ Alan Latham.

Written by Martinez and Nathalie Cox, the film will follow Rachel (Hurley), a hopeless romantic who is jilted at the altar. Not to let her Christmas in the Caribbean honeymoon go to waste, Rachel and her two bridesmaids jet off to the islands, where love blossoms and she has to make a life choice.

The cast also includes Caroline Quentin (“Bridgerton”), Nathalie Cox (“My Dad’s Christmas Date”), Edoardo Costa (“Non-Stop”), Hadar Cats (“Next Generation Role Model”), Downtown Julie Brown (“A Year in Music”) and Rafael Martinez (“NCIS: Los Angeles”).

Karinne Behr and Lee Beasley from Msr Media and Alastair Burlingham of Sherborne Media serve as executive producers,...

Elizabeth Hurley To Star In Caribbean Rom-Com

Elizabeth Hurley is to play the lead in The Caribbean Christmas, the rom-com shot in St Kitts and Nevis from Msr Media producer Philippe Martinez. Pic started filming this week. Cast on the film, which is the latest to be shot this year in the Caribbean island under its multi-film deal with Msr, includes Bridgerton’s Caroline Quentin, Nathalie Cox (Kingdom Of Heaven), Edoardo Costa (Live Free or Die Hard) and Incitement’s Hadar Cats. The film follows the story of an abandoned British bride, who spends December in the Caribbean with her bridesmaids as love blossoms. Hurley described the offer to film in the Caribbean after a difficult 18 months as “irresistible.” Martinez will direct and write alongside Cox.

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Handmaids’ Tale creator Bruce Miller, documentary maker Afua Hirsch and Netflix UK Features Director Fiona Lamptey are to feature in the U.

Exclusive: UK producer-seller Msr Media has renewed its production deal with Caribbean island Nevis, and set the next film to shoot on the island.

First out of the gate as part of the new three-year multi-picture deal will be rom-com Two Weeks In Paradise, written by Kate Wood (Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop) and based on a story by Msr boss Philip Martinez (Father Christmas is Back) who will also direct. Shoot is due to begin in June on Nevis. Casting is still under wraps.

The film will tell the story of Maggie, a film star whose world collapses when her film director husband is outed by the paparazzi when its discovered he has had a baby with his new leading lady. Seeking solace and healing Maggie escapes to her ex-pat cousin’s beautiful hotel in Nevis. After two weeks in paradise she finds herself and a new love...

British actor and model Poppy Delevingne, Chad Michael Collins, Casper Van Dien and Jeff Fahey are set to star in thriller-suspense film “Assailant,” from Msr Media and written and directed by Tom Paton (“400 Bullets”).

The pic turns on a couple going through marriage counseling who decide to head to the Caribbean on a “make or break” sailing holiday. But when the husband gets into a local bar fight the night before a difficult trek over a coastal trail, the duo finds themselves relentlessly chased by the aggressor and forced to work together in order to survive.

Msr Media’s Philippe Martinez and Highfield Grange Studios’ Alan Latham will produce, with Lee Beasley and Karinne Behr from Msr Media, Alastair Burlingham of Sherborne Media and Charlie Dombek serving as executive producers. Production financing is provided by Sherborne Media. Msr Media International is handling worldwide rights for the film.

Principal photography...

After scouring a handful of locations, U.K.-based Msr Media producer Philippe Martinez has landed on the Caribbean island of Nevis to shoot six films back-to-back. With the pandemic still wreaking havoc in many countries, Nevis Island ticked all the boxes where stringent protocols have rendered few cases and no deaths. “One has to think outside the box when you’re a producer; we decided to shoot in the Caribbean when we saw that the pandemic was not abating,” said Martinez, who despite Covid restrictions, shot two films in the U.K.: “Father Christmas Is Back,” which he directed and produced, starring Liz Hurley, Kelsey Grammer and John Cleese, and “Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop,” with Nathalie Cox and Grammer.

“We closed the country down on March 25 and opened our borders on Oct. 31, but with some restrictions still in place,” noted Jadine Yarde, CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority.

US acquisitions manager will handle feature film development at the UK-based production company.

Msr Media has appointed Nick Royak as vice president of development as the UK-based production company continues to build its slate of features.

Royak joins from US distributor Gravitas Ventures, which he first joined in May 2014. He most recently held the position of senior acquisitions manager, picking up more than 200 titles, and was previously international sales and business development manager, operating as one of the company’s key sales executives at international markets.

At Msr Media, Royak will oversee the development of feature films submitted to the...

Still courtesy of Msr Media / Featuring (L-r): Talulah Riley, John Cleese, Nathalie Cox, Caroline Quentin, Elizabeth Hurley, Ray Fearon, Naomi Frederick, And Kris Marshall

Here’s your first look at the new comedy Father Christmas Is Back starring a star ensemble cast including Elizabeth Hurley, John Cleese, and Kelsey Grammer.

In the feel-good festive comedy, Caroline Christmas is a control freak, who desires nothing more than a perfect Christmas with her sisters at her lavish country manor to atone for the fact that their father abandoned the family on December 25th, many years ago. When on Christmas Eve their long-lost father arrives at their doorstep with his new girlfriend chaos ensues. Through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, Caroline uncovers a long-buried family secret… can the family still celebrate Christmas together after all?

Directed by Philippe Martinez (Viktor) and Mick Davis (Modigliani). The film is written by David Conolly...

Msr head Philippe Martinez (Viktor) directs comedy.

Screen has obtained the first-look image from Msr Media’s comedy and AFM 2020 Online sales title Father Christmas Is Back starring Elizabeth Hurley, John Cleese and Kelsey Grammer.

Msr head Philippe Martinez (Viktor) directs the film, which wrapped production recently in York, England.

The story centres on a control freak whose plans for a lavish family Yuletide celebration are thrown into disarray when their long-lost father turns up with his new girlfriend.

The cast includes Nathalie Cox, Talulah Riley, Kris Marshall, Caroline Quentin, April Bowlby,Ray Fearon and Naomi Frederick.

Msr Media International handles sales.

The Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) is forging ahead on Nov. 9 with the 41st edition of the American Film Market with a full slate of 300 exhibitors and 200 speakers for conferences, panels, conversations, workshops and podcasts.

John Cena, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris, John Sloss, Jeffrey Greenstein and Megan Colligan are among the high-

profile participants. But the glamour is gone along with the glitzy parties and the impromptu meetings at restaurants and bars, and get-togethers by the pool and in the hallways of the Loews Santa Monica, Le Merigot and the Casa Del Mar hotels.

Karinne Behr, CEO of Msr Intl., puts it bluntly: “I’m going to miss the pier party.”

That sentiment is echoed by David Garrett, CEO of Mister Smith Entertainment: “I’m very much going to miss the conviviality. I’m not missing the travel and the exhaustion that come with it, but it...

The Independent Film and Television Alliance is forging ahead on Nov. 9 with the 41st edition of the American Film Market with a full slate of 300 exhibitors and 200 speakers for conferences, panels, conversations, workshops and podcasts.

John Cena, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris, John Sloss, Jeffrey Greenstein and Megan Colligan are among the high-profile participants. But the glamour is gone along with the glitzy parties and the impromptu meetings at restaurants and bars, and get-togethers by the pool and in the hallways of the Loews Santa Monica, Le Merigot and the Casa Del Mar hotels.

Karinne Behr, CEO of Msr Intl., puts it bluntly: “I’m going to miss the pier party.”

That sentiment is echoed by David Garrett, CEO of Mister Smith Entertainment: “I’m very much going to miss the conviviality. I’m not missing the travel and the exhaustion that come with it but it is incredibly important to stay in touch.

Exclusive: UK indie film and TV producer-financier Goldfinch is launching management division The Koop.

The label currently counts around 15 clients including producers, directors, DoPs, production designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers and wardrobe designers and stylists. The division won’t be repping actors.

Goldfinch has set commercials producer Jacob Kamara as Commercials Partner with a focus on brand-funded creative talent and production. Will Ralston has joined as Literary Partner, while Goldfinch’s First Flights Management brand, overseen by founders Nick Sadler and Keith Kehoe, will continue to focus on emerging feature directors, writers and producers.

Goldfinch told us it is looking to hire UK managers to join the team and that it wants to partner with established small to medium-sized management companies in order to boost scale and resources.

Goldfinch’s Chief Operating Officer Phil McKenzie said today: “The Koop fits perfectly within our group – we have already been informally doing this for years,...

Monday, Sept. 14

‘Marry Me’ Arriving Valentine’s Day Weekend

Universal Pictures will release the romance film “Marry Me,” starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, on Feb. 12, the start of the Valentine’s Day weekend.

Lopez is starring as a musical superstar and Wilson is portraying a divorced math teacher. Lopez’s character is about to marry a new music star in a worldwide ceremony when she discovers that he cheated on her. She has a meltdown, then locks eyes with Wilson’s character and decides to marry him.

“Marry Me” is directed by Kat Coiro from a screenplay by John Rogers, Tami Sagher and Harper Dill based on the graphic novel by Bobby Crosby. The film is produced by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Lopez, Benny Medina and John Rogers. The film’s executive producers are Alex Brown, Willie Mercer, Pamela Thur and J.B. Roberts.

Elizabeth Hurley, John Cleese Join Christmas Comedy

Elizabeth Hurley,...

Elizabeth Hurley, John Cleese and Kelsey Grammer have been cast in Father Christmas Is Back, a family comedy film now shooting in York in the UK. The pic from Msr Media is directed by Philippe Martinez (Viktor) and Mick Davis (Modigliani) from a script from David Conolly and Hannah Davis Law (Mothers and Daughters) and Dylanne Corcoran.

The film is based on an original idea by Martinez, who also produces with Alan Latham from Highfield Grange Studios. Goldfinch’s Kirsty Bell executive produces alongside Lee Beasley and Karinne Behr from Msr Media. Msr Media International is repping worldwide rights.

The plot centers on Caroline Christmas (Nathalie Cox), a control freak who desires nothing more than a perfect Christmas with her sisters at her lavish country manor to atone for the fact that their father abandoned the family on December 25th many years ago. When on Christmas Eve their long-lost father...

Msr Media International handles worldwide sales.

UK production is underway on Msr Media’s comedy Father Christmas Is Back with John Cleese, Liz Hurley, and Kelsey Grammer.

Covid-19-safe principal photography has begun in York on the story about a control freak, Caroline Christmas, who organises a seasonal celebration with her sisters at her country manor when their long-lost father turns up on Christmas Eve with his girlfriend and a secret is revealed.

Msr Media founder Philippe Martinez and Mick Davis are co-directing from a screenplay by David Conolly and Hannah Davis Law and Dylanne Corcoran, based on an original idea by Martinez.

Elizabeth Hurley, surprised her fans with a stunning snap of her rocking a string bikini.

The actress, who turned 55-years old recently took to her Instagram handle to share a picture of herself holding what appears to be a script as she sat in a chair.

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Elizabeth Hurley revealed to her fans that she’s embarked on a new acting project alongside John Cleese, Kelsey Grammer, Nathalie Cox and Talulah Riley.

She captioned the photograph: "Very, very excited to be going back to work."

View this post on Instagram

Very, very excited to be going back to work. First day of filming tomorrow with my old friend @johncleeseofficial and a brilliant cast including @mrkelseygrammer @nathalieccox and @talulahrm...

“Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer and Nathalie Cox (“Clash of the Titans”) have completed principal photography at York, U.K. on mystery/suspense feature “Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop,” directed by Brad Watson (“The 7th Dimension”).

“This has been a terrific experience,” said Grammer. “Although Covid presented a new set of challenges, we were able to work very effectively through new standards of film production. I would urge my family of actors at SAG-AFTRA to take a page out of the British playbook; we can responsibly get back to work. I have nothing but high praise for everyone associated with this production, from the director Brad Watson to the costume, make-up and hair folks to the young people who are just getting started in this marvellous profession.”

The film is produced by Philippe Martinez for Msr Media, alongside Alan Latham from Highfield Grange Studios. The film’s financial partner is...

As UK independent production Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop wrapped shoot this week, the film’s co-star Kelsey Grammer offered some thoughts to stateside actors.

“Although Covid presented a new set of challenges, we were able to work very effectively through new standards of film production,” the Frasier alum said today. “I would urge my family of actors at SAG-AFTRA to take a page out of the British playbook; we can responsibly get back to work.”

Grammer stars with Brit actress Nathalie Cox (Kingdom of Heaven) in the family-adventure, which follows the escapades of history professor, detective and adventurer Elizabeth Willoughby, who investigates a series of hauntings at an antique bookshop. Grammer plays a retired U.S. Marine who raised the orphaned Willoughby and runs the family business.

The film began shooting four weeks ago in the north of England with strict Covid-19 guidelines. Also starring are Caroline Quentin...

Filming took place with Covid-19 safety measures in place.

Filming has wrapped on family adventure Miss Willoughby And The Haunted Bookshop, starring Nathalie Cox and Kelsey Grammer, which shot in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The film began shooting four weeks ago in York and observed health guidelines to ensure the safety of cast and crew during the ongoing virus crisis. A Covid-19 supervisor was on set to ensure government-sanctioned guidelines were met.

It marks one of the first independent features to shoot in the UK following a total shutdown of production in mid-March as a result of the pandemic.

Exclusive: Production quietly began last month in London on pandemic-inspired feature Alone, which marks the directorial debut of Kirsty Bell, CEO of UK financier Goldfinch. The film is one of the first independent movies to get underway in the UK after lockdown.

Starring are Derek Jacobi (Gladiator), Jeff Fahey (Lost), Julie Dray (Avenue 5), Sophie Kennedy Clark (Nymphomaniac Vol 1) , Sadie Frost (Dracula), Morgana Robinson (The Windsors), Camilla Rutherford (Yesterday), Michael Winder (Set The Thames On Fire) and Frances Barber (The Split). Above is a first production still.

Conceived by Bell in the first week of lockdown and written in short order throughout confinement, the black and white film charts six interlinked narratives after the cast and crew of a film are sent home from set.

Set to complete mid-August, the production will shoot at Twickenham Studios and other parts of London this week and then a skeleton crew will travel...

More from Marvelous Nerd Year's Eve as we sit down with actress Nathalie Cox.

You've heard her voice as Juno Eclipse, seen her as the goddess Artemis, and guest spot on so many shows over the pond. One of the sweetest people you ever want to meet check out our interview with Nathalie Cox.

Nathalie Coxstar Wars The Force Unleashedvoice Acting...

Actors Mem Ferda (Pusher) and Craig Fairbrass (Rise of the Footsoldier) will square off in the upcoming Gunned Down. This action yarn takes place in a seedy London underworld and in Spain's vibrant south. The film also stars James Cosmo ("Game of Thrones"), Steven Berkoff (Octopussy), Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barels), Nathalie Cox (Kingdom of Heaven) and James Woods. As well, the film is being directed by Mark McQueen. In the film, Fairbrass plays Jack Gregan. He is a career criminal and armed robberies are his specialty. Cregan has a mystery to solve, after his father is murdered and his money is stolen. But, everyone is a threat in the criminal underworld. Actor Mem Ferda has commented on his role and the screenplay. He has stated: "Craig has written a powerful, no nonsense screenplay here." On his role: "a lot of recent action movies are contrived, but...

British Action film stars Craig Fairbrass and Mem Ferda square up in uber-violent feature Gunned Down. British film stars Craig Fairbrass and Mem Ferda have signed on to come face-toface in the much anticipated, uber-violent action thriller Gunned Down, to be directed by Mark McQueen.

Gunned Down stars Craig Fairbrass (Rise of the Footsoldier) as a career criminal and armed robber Jack Cregan, who seeks to discover the truth behind his father’s murder and his stolen heist money. As Jack battles to unravel the mystery, he endangers his own life at every step.

Set in Spain’s vibrant southern city of Marbella contrasted with London’s dark underworld, Gunned Down is a thriller with brains as well as bruises. Mem Ferda (Pusher, Plastic) commented ‘ I’m elated to be back on screen with Craig, he’s a wonderful actor an real gentleman. Craig has written a powerful, no nonsense screenplay here.

Started in 2008, the Star Wars Fan Fun Day is an event for Star Wars fans by Star Wars fans. Held at Burnley Football Club, the event has grown from strength to strength, with last years fun day seeing attendance rise to 2000 people (which given the size of the facilities at Burnley Fc is a heck of a lot of people) and best of all, it’s an event enjoyed by both die hard fans and families alike – plus it has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

This years guest list has been announced and includes:

Dave Prowse (Darth Vader) Kenny Baker (R2D2) Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar) Michael Carter (Bib Fortuna) Tim Dry (Whippid) Sean Crawford (Yak Face) Jerome Blake (Orn Free Taa) Lewis MacLeod (Sebulba) John Morton (Dak Ralter) Stephen Costantino (Gammorean Guard) Bonnie Piesse (Beru Whitesun) Nathalie Cox (Juno Eclipse)

Also taking placece at Swffd 2014 will be dealers...

All you have to do is mention that Sean Pertwee is involved with a project, and we are there so you can be sure that we'll be keeping a close eye on The Seasoning House, a claustrophobic horror tale that just commenced shooting in London.

Per Screen Daily, The Seasoning House, the directorial debut of Paul Hyett, who has worked as a special make-up FX designer on credits including The Woman in Black, Attack the Block and The Eagle, also stars Nathalie Cox, Anna Walton, Rosie Day, and Kevin Howarth. Hyett co-wrote the script with Conal Palmer.

Synopsis:

The Seasoning House - where young girls are prostituted to the military. An orphaned deaf mute is enslaved to care for them. She moves between the walls and crawlspaces, planning her escape. Planning her ingenious and brutal revenge.

The film is being produced by Michael Riley of London-based Sterling Pictures, which is...

Shooting has started in London on claustrophobic horror The Seasoning House, reports Screen Daily. The directorial debut of Paul Hyett, who has worked as a special make-up FX designer on credits including The Woman In Black, Attack The Block and The Eagle, also stars Nathalie Cox, Anna Walton and Kevin Howarth. "The film centres around a young Balkan girl (played by Rosie Day) forced to work in a rape house during an unspecified war, who kills a militiaman and goes on the run." The film is being produced by Michael Riley of London based Sterling Pictures. The company has two other films due for release, Jk Amalous Deviation (to be released by Revolver) and underworld comedy Hard Boiled Sweets, which Universal is releasing in the UK.

Starkiller, the moody hero of The Force Unleashed video games, has become a key character in the Star Wars canon. But what's it like bringing him to virtual life? Sam Witwer discusses the challenges of working in interactive entertainment.

On the set of Star Wars, a long, long time ago, an exasperated Harrison Ford is alleged to have yelled, "you can type this shit, George, but you sure as hell can't say it". He was referring to the tortured sci-fi exactness of lines like, "It'll take a few moments to get the coordinates from the navi-computer," but it's the whole arcane language and terminology of the Star Wars universe that must befuddle some actors. Through all his years of repertory theatre, through the Ealing comedies and that magisterial work with David Lean, Alec Guiness would never have had to say anything like, "And these blast points, too accurate for Sandpeople.

The 25th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Sbiff) ran from February 4-14, and two of its winners are films that we've been keeping close tabs on here at Dread Central: Stuart Hazeldine's Exam from the UK and Bong Joon-Ho's Mother from South Korea.

Commented Sbiff Executive Director Roger Durling, “This year’s films proved once again the caliber of filmmaking is higher than ever. The jury was truly challenged in making the final determination.”

Who comprised that jury? Actor/director Joel David Moore; Sbiff originator Phyllis de Picciotto; USA Today film critic Claudia Puig; director Andy Abrahams Wilson; actors Haaz Sleiman, Clifton Collins, Jr., Anthony Zerbe, Dennis Franz, and Jay Thomas; and actor/director/writer Perry Lang.

Here are the details:

The Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema, given to a unique independent feature that has been made outside mainstream Hollywood, went to Exam in its Us premiere.

The U.S. debut of "Exam," Finland's "Letters to Father Jaakob" and doc "Enemies of the People" were among the top winners Sunday, capping the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, with winners unveiled at a morning brunch in the picturesque California seaside enclave. Stuart Hazeldine's "Exam," starring Luke Mably and Nathalie Cox, won Sbiff's Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema, which recognizes a feature made "outside mainstream Hollywood." Klaus Haro's "Letters ...

Stuart Hazeldine’s Exam (top); Kaarina Hazard, Heikki Nousiainen in Klaus Härö’s Letters to Father Jaakob (bottom) The Santa Barbara International Film Festival came to a close today. Held about in the coastal town 90 miles north of Los Angeles, the festival attracted a number of Hollywood personalities, including honorees Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. The information below about the Santa Barbara festival’s award winners is from the Sbiff press release. The Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema, given to a unique independent feature that has been made outside mainstream Hollywood, went to Exam (Us Premiere), directed by Stuart Hazeldine, and starring Luke Mably, Nathalie Cox. Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join [...]...

Stuart Hazeldine's "Exam" claimed the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema at the 25th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which handed out its prizes Sunday at a brunch at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort.

Starring Luke Mably and Nathalie Cox, "Exam" is a psychological thriller about eight candidates competing for a job at a mysterious corporation.

The Best International Film award went to the Finish feature "Letters to Father Jacob" (Postia pappi Jaakobille), directed by Klaus Haro, about a woman relseaesd from prison who goes to work for a blind priest.

Ciro Guerra's "The Wind Journeys" took the Nueva Vision Award for best Spanish/Latin American film. The East Meets West Cinema Award went to South Korea's "Mother" (Madeo), directed by Bong Joon-ho. And the Eastern Bloc award was awarded to Peter Strickland's "Katalin Varga."

Rob Lemkin's "Enemies of the People," which returns to the killing fields of Cambodia,...

The Road (15)

(John Hillcoat, 2009, Us) Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall. 113 mins

Looking for something cheery and sunny to usher those winter blues away? Well this sure as hell ain't it. In fact, "hell" is a pretty good description for this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's post-apocalypse bleakfest. Hell frozen over, through which Mortensen and son are condemned to wander, cold and hungry, as some of the few survivors of an unnamed global catastrophe – the rest are mostly marauding gangs or pathetic vagrants. Somehow, though, the effect is less devastating on screen than it was on the page. It's difficult to do justice to McCarthy's prose, and one post-apocalyptic movie landscape looks much like another. Still, it's a sustained exercise in panoramic grimness, and we don't need it to be too devastating, do we?

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (15)

(Mat Whitecross, 2010, UK) Andy Serkis, Naomie Harris. 115 mins

An Ian Dury biopic...

Those fine folks over at Empire have got their hands on the brand-new trailer from the upcoming Brit flick, Exam.

It's a tense tale about a disparate group of job-seekers who come together as candidates for an unspecified high-powered job, only to find that the selection process is pretty hardcore as they find themselves undertaking an entrance exam with a mind-bending, potentially life-ending twist.

Played out in real time and starring the likes of Luke Mably, Chris Carey, Gemma Chan, Nathalie Cox and Jimi Mistry, it's shaping up to be an interesting tale.

Click here to take a look and don't forget to let us know what you think of it in the comments section...

Glen Ferris

>> Real the whole article | on Screenrush - Friday 27 November 2009...

A United Kingdom film that was a thriller highlight at the American Film Market is Exam a mysterious film with a unique twist. Also shown at the Edinburgh Film festival Exam stars Luke Mably, Chuk Iwuji and Nathalie Cox. Only shown at the Afm in North America thus far fans will need to be patient for an official North American release date. Check out out the full synopsis below and the first artwork available for the film shown left.

A synopsis for Exam here:

"8 candidates have reached the final stage of selection for a prestigious job at a mysterious corporation. Shown into a windowless examination room, they're given 80 minutes to write an answer to one question. Turning over their question papers to start, however, they are found to be completely blank. As the clock ticks down, they must figure out what the company expects of them, and how far they...