News and Events

Congratulations to Magic Light Pictures on BAFTA nomination for The Gruffalo – submitted 22nd January 2010

Isle of Man Film wish to congratulate Magic Light Pictures on their 2010 BAFTA nomination for The Gruffalo, which was broadcast on Christmas Day 2009 on BBC 1. The programme was nominated in the Best Short Animation category. Magic Light Pictures are currently partnering with Isle of Man Film, CinemaNX and Estudio Marascal on the feature length animated film Chico Y Rita. The project is set to be completed in Spring/Summer 2010.

"Me & Orson Welles" Scoops Major Bafta Nomination - submitted 21st January 2010

British actor Christian McKay has been nominated in the Supporting Actor category in this year’s BAFTA awards. McKay stars as the eponymous Orson Welles in the Manx-made movie Me & Orson Welles which filmed in the Gaiety Theatre for three weeks in March 2008. His portrayal of Welles has attracted many accolades throughout the global film industry and has been widely praised as uncannily accurate. The film has since gone on to wide release and much critical acclaim all around the world, bringing considerable positive exposure for the Isle of Man.

Directed by leading indy director Richard Linklater and starring Zac Efron and Claire Danes alongside Christian, Me and Orson Welles tells the story of how teenage student Richard Samuels (Zac Efron) lucks his way into a minor role in the legendary 1937 Mercury Theatre production of Julius Caesar, directed by a youthful Orson Welles (Christian McKay). Over the course of a magical week, Richard makes his Broadway debut, finds romance with an ambitious older woman, and experiences the dark side of genius after daring to cross the imperious, brilliant Welles. Christian McKay and his co stars Zac Efron and Claire Danes and Director Richard Linklater were delighted to be back on the Island in November last year for the glittering Isle of Man premiere of the film which was held at the Gaiety Theatre.

DTI Minister David Cretney said, “We are delighted that Christian’s massive talent has been recognised by his peers and we wish him every success with this nomination. Christian very much enjoyed his time on the Island and is a great ambassador for the Isle of Man. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for him on February 21st!”

The full list of nominees can be found here:

"That’s a Wrap" For Albatross – submitted 15th December 2009

Albatross completed its six week shoot on the Island on 13th December 2009. Directed by Niall MacCormick, Albatross is the story of Emelia, an aspiring teenage writer who becomes involved with the dysfunctional Fischer family. Emelia is a vulnerable girl who protects herself with her quick wit and sharp tongue, and Jonathan Fischer, husband and father of two, finds himself attracted to her. The two bond over a love of literature, but it quickly leads to complication as Emelia’s friendship grows with Jonathan’s daughter Beth..

The film was shot entirely on location in the Isle of Man, and stars Sebastian Koch, Julia Ormond and Peter Vaughan. Jessica Brown-Findlay debuts as the precocious Emelia.

Hollywood Descends on the Gaiety Theatre - submitted 27th November 2009

Red carpet. Bright lights. Hordes of fans. A thrilling evening took place last Saturday as the director, producers, writers and lead cast of Me and Orson Welles returned to the Gaiety Theatre for a special screening of the film they made there just over a year ago. After attending a VIP Drinks Reception in the beautifully refurbished Villa Marina Arcade next door, the ensemble spoke to the audience on the Gaiety Stage prior to the screening. In particular there was an overwhelming demand for actor Zac Efron, whose mere presence reduced many to tears! Efron is famous for his heart-throb role in the High School Musical franchise.Ticket holders also got a sneak peek at forthcoming features from CinemaNX and Isle of Man Film, including Albatross which is currently filming on the Island.

To view a photo slideshow of the evening, click here

Zac Efron to attend Isle of Man Premiere of Me and Orson Welles! - submitted 17th November 2009

Hollywood glamour returns to the Island once again! Me and Orson Welles will premiere at the beautiful Gaiety Theatre on Saturday 21st November. It promises to be a truly special event; the Gaiety is the main location used in the film and the cast and director are thrilled to return to the venue once again! In attendance will be lead cast Zac Efron, Christian McKay,Claire Danes and director Richard Linklater.

Tickets for the screening are still available from the Ticket Hotline on 600555. Tickets are £25.

£75 tickets are also available on the hotline which include a VIP drinks reception with very special guests at the Villa Marina Arcade. Both the reception and the Gaiety doors open at 7pm. The film screens at 8.30pm.

Win tickets to see the UK Premiere of Me And Orson Welles! - submitted 20th October 2009

CinemaNX are offering two lucky participants the chance to attend the London screening on the 18th November 2009 which will be attended by the lead cast Zac Efron, Christian McKay and Claire Danes. Director Rick Linklater will also be in attendance.

If you would to enter the competition, visit meandorsonwellesthemovie.com to read the terms and conditions and fill in the online form.

"The Disappearance of Alice Creed"Director nominated for Best British Newcomer at London Film Festival 2009 - submitted 7th October 2009

On Tuesday 6th October 2009 organizers of the Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival announced J Blakeson as a nominee for best British newcomer. J has previously penned several screenplays including The Descent: II but The Disappearance of Alice Creed, his first feature film as director, has garnered praise as an intelligent and assured debut at the Toronto and London Film festivals this year. This year's jury for the best film award is chaired by Anjelica Huston and comprises John Akomfrah, Jarvis Cocker, Matthieu Kassovitz, Charlotte Rampling and Iain Softley.

See the Hollywood Reporter's article here

December release for “Me And Orson Welles" in UK Cinemas – submitted 31st July 2009

The period film, starring Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay and Ben Chaplin, has been anxiously awaited by fans and movie buffs alike. The official UK release date has been confirmed as December 4th 2009. Directed by Richard Linklater (School of Rock, Dazed and Confused), the film's IOM shoot was completed entirely within the Gaiety Theatre and has had excellent critical reviews in pre-screenings.

See the official website

TT in 3D: breaking news – submitted 19th May 2009

CinemaNX has announced plans to capture footage from the 2009 TT races with hope to include in a feature documentary. The production will use innovative new 3D camera technology, aiming to give audiences a truly adrenaline-fuelled experience like never before! Further details can be found on The Hollywood Reporter’s news site. The Hollywood Reporter is one of the film industry's most respected and widely-read publications.

“Isle of Man is a truly widescreen, cinematic experience” – Manchester Evening Standard – submitted 18th May 2009

In his holiday review journalist Lee Swettenham gives the thumbs-up to the Isle of Man both as a destination for film fans and for tourists in general. All of the film locations Lee mentions in the article can be found in our Isle of Man Movie Map found here. Lee says that: “The Isle of Man can do more than just motorbike races – it can now rightly claim to be one of cinema’s most sought-after film sets.”

Click here to view the full article on the Manchester Evening News website.

Claire Danes praises Zac Efron's performance in Me and Orson Welles – submitted 11th May 2009

Danes, Efron's co-star in the forthcoming picture, describes Zac as: 'a performer capable of great subtlety and vulnerability.' She also mentions the local frenzy over Zac's visit, saying the Island should be called the 'Isle of Teenage Girls'! The film's release date is to be confirmed in the near future. View the Times' full article here:

Work continues on Chico and Rita – submitted 2nd April 2009

Now several months underway, Chico and Rita is an exquisite animated feature film scored by Bebo Valdes (popular Cuban musical arranger and composer). The epic love story about a Cuban jazz pianist and a club singer is told over decades and set across many romantic locations including Havana and New York. Magic Light Studios have employed nine local workers full time to learn the craft of digital animation and have set up a fully functional studio in Douglas. Chico and Rita is to be a blend of 2D and 3D animation; the Manx studio is working in conjuction with Estudio Mariscal in Spain and Budapest making the film a truly international project.

The Disappearance of Alice Creed - submitted March 11th 2009

Principal Photography has been completed for the tense thriller which stars Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Prince of Persia), Eddie Marsan (Vera Drake, Me and Orson Welles) and Martin Compston (The Damned United). Filming took place entirely on the Island with the majority of it at Island Studios near Ramsey. With Isle of Man workers totalling more than half of the crew, The Disappearance of Alice Creed has been a great opportunity for local crew to take on challenging roles and enhance their skills.

Freefonix ratings success - submitted February 20th 2009

The children’s futuristic animated show has proven extremely popular on its TV broadcasts. Set in a world where heroes and villains battle through musical ‘sound clashes’, Freefonix was rated as the most viewed show on the CBBC channel between 1st January and 4th February 2009. The official soundtrack is available for download via iTunes or fans can buy the CD from the official Freefonix website. The site is crammed with fun downloads and interactive games for kids – check out www.freefonix.com.

New production is announced - submitted 28th May 2008

Our next production, Heartless due on the Island on the 30th June stars up and coming British actor Jim Sturgess (The Other Boleyn Girl), well established Brit actor Timothy Spall (Harry Potter series) French actress Clemence Posey (In Bruges), Noel Clarke (Doctor Who), and Joseph Mawle (Foyle's War). Directed and written by Philip Ridley, it tells the story of Jamie Morgan (Sturgess) who makes a deal with a demon in order to start his life afresh.

Filming underway on Me and Orson Welles - submitted 25th February 2008

Whilst 'A Bunch of Amateurs' leave the Island, the cast and crew for our next production, Me and Orson Welles have now arrived bringing Zac-mania with them! Me and Orson Welles has just started shooting in Douglas for three weeks and tells the story of a young actor's (Zac Efron) chance encounter with Orson Welles (Christian McKay) and his subsequent acting role in Welles' Julius Caesar at the famous Mercury Theatre. Claire Danes, Ben Chaplin and Kelly Reilly also star.

Our next Production - Bunch Of Amateurs - submitted 10th January 2008

The New Year will get off to a great start for the Island’s film industry with the arrival of US superstar Burt Reynolds who will be leading a fabulous ensemble cast of British actors in the comedy drama feature film “A Bunch of Amateurs”.

As well as starring Burt Reynolds, A Bunch of Amateurs cast list also includes some of the best of British acting talent – Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Cranford) Sir Derek Jacobi (The Golden Compass, Gladiator) and Samantha Bond (Tomorrow Never Dies etc, Fanny Hill) have already confirmed their participation.

A Bunch of Amateurs is due to start filming at various locations around the Island from early February.

Freefonix to be screened on BBC One and CBBC - submitted 2nd January 2008

Freefonix, the exciting new 3D CGI animated children’s cartoon series produced on the Isle of Man by Balley Beg Studios is due to be screened on CBBC and BBC One from Friday 4th January.

Part financed by Isle of Man Film, Freefonix features some very special guest stars who voice characters, sing and play instruments in the show. R'n'B superstar Jamelia plays the singing part of Sugar Che, mentor and funky fairy godmother to Freefonix. Justin Hawkins from The Darkness sings and lends his unique guitar playing skills to Kurtz, lead singer of Mantyz. Throughout the series other guest stars appearing include pop star Chico, cricketer Alistair Cook, actor Joseph Fiennes and musician Hayley Ecker – plus a whole host of other names will be announced as the series progresses.

It was created by Magnus Fiennes, brother of Joseph and Ralph – a renowned music producer (who co-wrote and produced the first All-Saints album) and has worked with many international artists including Lenny Kravitz, Morcheeba, Spice Girls, Sugababes and Tom Jones.

Freefonix have discovered a sophisticated way of fighting their battles against rival band Mantyz, by using the power of the Thirteenth Note, an awesome force that can bend space and minds when the perfect sound is created. When the two rival bands meet, the result is an explosive Soundclash, where the opposing forces do battle as all the energies of the Thirteenth Note are released. The action continues each week as the Freefonix protect the guardians of the Thirteenth Note and begin to understand its magical properties.

Freefonix will run weekly for 40 half-hour episodes starting on 4th January on CBBC and BBC One at 1620. Freefonix is the largest commission by the BBC for an animation aimed at 7 to 11 year olds. The show is a combination of sophisticated storytelling, incredible music and amazing characters and graphics.