News and Events
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Christopher Eccleston, Sir Anthony Sher and Stephen Rea Filming on the Island in BBC Two’s The Shadow Line - submitted 6th July 2010
The latest CinemaNX and Isle of Man Film production has started shooting on the Island this week, hot on the heels of The Decoy Bride which will shortly be departing our shores to continue filming in Scotland. Chiwetel Ejiofor (American Gangster, Endgame, Talk To Me), Christopher Eccleston (Lennon Naked, Doctor Who), Sir Anthony Sher (The Wolfman, God on Trial) and Stephen Rea (The Crying Game, Breakfast on Pluto) are announced to star in The Shadow Line, BBC Two’s landmark noir thriller written, produced and directed by Hugo Blick (Sensitive Skin, Marion and Geoff). They are joined by Rafe Spall (Desperate Romantics, He Kills Coppers), Kierston Wareing (Fish Tank, Five Daughters), Lesley Sharp (Playing the Field, Clocking Off), Sean Gilder (Shameless), Freddie Fox (Worried About the Boy), Malcolm Storry (The Knock), Richard Lintern (The Bank Job) and David Schofield (The Bill).
The esteemed cast play Jonah Gabriel (Ejiofor), Joseph Bede (Eccleston), Peter Glickman (Sher), Gatehouse (Rea), Jay Wratten (Spall), Lia Honey (Wareing), Julie Bede (Sharp), Robert Beatty (Gilder), Rattalack (Fox), Maurice Crace (Storry), Chief Superintendent Patterson (Lintern) and Sergeant Foley (Schofield) – diverse individuals whose worlds become interwoven after the murder of drug baron Harvey Wratten. From the cop with a bullet in his brain, whose amnesia leaves him doubtful of his own moral compass; to the drug-lord driven by a profound personal tragedy, risking it all on one last deal; to the brilliantly lethal puppet-master who gradually emerges from the shadows to bring the story to its shocking climax – The Shadow Line explores the morality of these characters as they negotiate the repercussions of Wratten’s death, and attempt to navigate the fine line between right and wrong. As the thread around Wratten’s operation begins to unravel, the web of intrigue becomes more complex – and the question of which side of the line they stand on becomes increasingly blurred.
An intelligent and gripping conspiracy thriller that delves to the heart of human morality, The Shadow Line will have audiences enthralled over six taut and thrilling episodes. Faced with similar dilemmas, on which side of the line would you stand? Ben Stephenson, Controller, Drama Commissioning, says: “As we continue our drive to build a bold and exciting drama story on BBC Two with commissions like Crimson Petal and The Hour, I am thrilled that we have attracted such world class talent to Hugo Blick's thrilling scripts. Chiwetel and Chris are two of our finest actors and we couldn't be more excited to have them, and the rest of the amazing cast, on board for this original and epic six hour series.” The Shadow Line is a Company Pictures/Eight Rooks/Baby Cow production in association with CinemaNX. It begins filming in the Isle of Man at the beginning of July, with location shoots also taking place in London. Mrs Clare Christian MLC, Department member with responsibility for film and media said, “We are thrilled to welcome the wonderfully talented cast and crew of The Shadow Line to the Island. This week sees the culmination of many months of hard work and collaboration between Cinemanx, Isle of Man Film, Company Pictures and the BBC. The production will be filming at various locations around the Island over the next ten weeks and we’re very much looking forward to working with the production throughout their stay on the Island.”
The series is written, produced and directed by Hugo Blick, with Johann Knobel (Shameless, Inspector George Gently) co-producing. Executive producers are George Faber and Charlie Pattinson for Company Pictures (Shameless, Skins, The Devil’s Whore, Generation X), Henry Normal and Lindsay Hughes for Baby Cow, (Sensitive Skin, Marion & Geoff, Gavin & Stacey), Marc Samuelson and Steve Christian for CinemaNX (The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Me and Orson Welles) and Polly Hill for the BBC. The Shadow Line was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, Drama Commissioning, and Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two. The series will TX in 2011.
Shooting Starts on The Decoy Bride – submitted 25th June 2010
CinemaNX and Isle of Man Film in association with Scottish Screen and HanWay Films present an Ecosse Films production The Decoy Bride which starts filming at various locations around the Island on Sunday 27th June, for two and a half weeks.
A contemporary romantic comedy, The Decoy Bride stars David Tennant (Dr Who), Kelly MacDonald (No Country For Old Men, Gosford Park) and Alice Eve (Sex and the City 2). Written by Neil Jaworski and comedienne Sally Phillips (Smack The Pony), who also takes a supporting role, The Decoy Bride is directed by Sheree Folkson, whose credits include Casanova, one of Tennant’s earliest hits, and Ugly Betty. Michael Urie, who plays Marc the acerbic assistant in Ugly Betty joins the supporting cast of The Decoy Bride, along with Federico Castelluccio (Furio Giunta in The Sopranos) and stage and television actress Maureen Beattie.
Allan Bell MHK, Minister for the Department for Economic Development said, “I am extremely pleased to welcome the cast and crew of The Decoy Bride to the Island. CinemaNX and Isle of Man Film have worked hard to get this next production up and running, hot on the heels of documentary feature film TT3D. It’s shaping up to be a very good year for the Island in terms of film production days and positive media exposure.”
A brief synopsis of the film follows: ‘When the wedding of internationally famous film star Lara (Alice Eve) to tweedy British author James (David Tennant) is sabotaged by a paparazzo, they decide to relocate the event to the one place where the world’s press won’t find them: the sleepy Island of Hegg, as featured in James’ best selling novel. But the reality of the island is different from the romanticised picture James has created (without ever visiting) and to the shock of Lara’s manager Steve (Urie) who has less than 24 hours to transform this fantasy world before the superstar arrives. However, dilapidated buildings and greedy islanders are the least of the problems that the wedding party and their Hollywood entourage have to deal with, when the ingenious paparazzo tracks them down in his mission to photograph the celebrity wedding of the year. Lara must find a decoy bride and thinks local girl Katie (Kelly MacDonald) will be an ideal replacement. But when Katie meets James, sparks fly, dresses get ruined and love gets complicated. Will Katie be able to fool the awaiting media and live up to being a stand-in for the world’s most famous movie star?’
Wild Target in UK Cinemas June 18th – submitted 4 June 2010
The comedy, starring Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint, is showing nationwide from Friday. Nighy plays a middle-aged, solitary assassin, who prides himself on his own peerless reputation for lethal efficiency but finds his professional routine is interrupted by being drawn to one of his intended victims (played by Emily Blunt). The film has also been acquired in the US by Freestyle Releasing, who have set a Oct 8th release for US theatres.
Company Pictures, Stormdog Films, Film4 and CinemaNX Developing Movie of Cult E4 Series Skins - 25 May 2010
Producers Company Pictures and Stormdog Films, feature film financiers and distributors CinemaNX, and Film4, have today announced that they are jointly developing a feature film version of the E4 hit television series, SKINS. Scripted by SKINS writer Jack Thorne, working closely with SKINS creator Bryan Elsley, the film is scheduled to go into production later this year, and follows four hugely successful seasons on E4. The latest of these has just finished its run, with the highest ratings of any series so far.
Director of Company, Charlie Pattinson, believes that bringing a film version to the big screen is the obvious next step for SKINS – “given the huge amount of support from the ever expanding fan base of the series, we feel that we can go much further and produce yet another unique SKINS experience”, remarked Pattinson.
A number of familiar characters from the four series are expected to feature in the film, which will be directed by long time SKINS director Charles Martin. Shooting in Bristol and the Isle of Man later this year, the film is scheduled for a summer 2011 release. Company Pictures have a long history of working with both Film4 and CinemaNX individually but this project will be the first collaboration between all three parties.
“The sheer depth in quality that SKINS has delivered over the years makes it perfect for the big screen and we are delighted to be back in business with Company,” said chairman of CinemaNX, Steve Christian. Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, said: "It is very exciting to be migrating across from E4 to Film4 this extraordinarily talented team from SKINS, who have successfully grown such a wonderfully loyal audience over the course of the last four series.”
Isle of Man TT Races to be filmed in 3D - submitted 13th April 2010
CinemaNX, the film financing and production company backed by the Isle of Man Government, has announced that principal photography has started on its eighth feature film, TT3D. TT3D will follow the riders and rivals as they battle to conquer the infamous Isle of Man TT circuit. With unique behind the scenes access, TT3D promises to be a unique insight into the lives and minds of modern day road racers.
To be filmed in the Isle of Man, Ireland, England and Los Angeles, TT3D will examine what it takes, from both man and machine, to tame the TT. Department of Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK is delighted that his arrival at the Department responsible for physical production on the Island will co-incide with the making of this most-appropriate Manx film-documentary. “I am thrilled to see this project coming to fruition,” said Mr Bell. “I know it’s something that both Isle of Man Film and CinemaNX have been determined to get up and running for some time. TT3D heralds what looks like being a busy year for the Island’s film industry.”
Directed by acclaimed Motor Sports and Commercials Director Richard De Aragues, the film utilises a range of archive footage along with the latest 3D technology and high definition equipment to capture this unique and visually stunning festival of motorcycle road racing.
“The TT has been filmed before, however, not until now have the tools existed that could do justice to those that have competed over the 37¾ miles that make up the legendary Mountain Circuit”, said Director, Richard De Aragues.
Scheduled for release in 2011, NX have already secured 3D screens from their theatric partners at Vue Cinemas. Vue CEO, Tim Richards commented, “I saw the NX mood reel for TT3D and thought the spectacle was truly awesome – this just has to be seen on a 3D screen”.
The film is being produced by NX Directors Steve Christian and Marc Samuelson.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed released in UK Cinemas 30th April 2010
Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston star in The Disappearance of Alice Creed, showing in cinemas across the UK from the 30th April 2010. Filming of the tense thriller took place at Island Studios in early 2009. The story revolves around two masked men who seize a young woman and take her to an abandoned, soundproofed apartment. She is Alice Creed, daughter of a millionaire. Her kidnappers, the coldly efficient Vic and his younger accomplice Danny, have worked out a meticulous plan. But Alice is not going to play the perfect victim – she’s not giving in without a fight. In a tense power-play of greed, duplicity and survival we discover that sometimes disappearances can be deceptive… Visit the website for further information: www.alicecreed.com
‘A proper nail-biter’ – Empire
‘An ingenious British thriller..’ – The Times
‘A grippingly twisty thriller’ – Total Film
‘Gemma Arterton’s best performance to date’ – The Daily Mail
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.
TT in 3D: breaking news – submitted 19th May 2009CinemaNX 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.
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