The Independent Interview with Spike Lee at The BFI

To coincide with the BFI's 'Fight the Power: Do the Right Thing in Context' season, the BFI are pleased to announce that Spike Lee will be interviewed on-stage by David Lammy MP. The interview will focus on Lee's career to date, as well as exploring his thoughts around Do the Right Thing, 20 years on from its original release.

 NB - Do the Right Thing screens at 18:30 in NFT1. Tickets to be booked separately.

The Independent Interview with Spike LeeMonday September 21, 2009 at 8:45pm
BFI Southbank NFT1
Belvedere Road
London, England SE1 8XT Get Directions

The Independent Interview with Spike Lee at The BFI

To coincide with the BFI's 'Fight the Power: Do the Right Thing in Context' season, the BFI are pleased to announce that Spike Lee will be interviewed on-stage by David Lammy MP. The interview will focus on Lee's career to date, as well as exploring his thoughts around Do the Right Thing, 20 years on from its original release.

 NB - Do the Right Thing screens at 18:30 in NFT1. Tickets to be booked separately.

The Independent Interview with Spike LeeMonday September 21, 2009 at 8:45pm
BFI Southbank NFT1
Belvedere Road
London, England SE1 8XT Get Directions

Exclusive preview screening Of Disney-Pixar’s Up3D and Q&A

onedotzero_preview: Up 3D + Q&A with Pete Docter & Jonas Rivera

 Carl Fredericksen, a curmudgeonly 78-year-old balloon salesman, is not your average hero. When he ties thousands of balloons to his house and floats to the wilds of South America, he finally fulfills his life-long dream of adventure. But on discovering an 8-year-old stowaway named Russell, an unlikely duo, they soon find themselves on an hilarious journey in a lost world filled with danger and surprise.



The BFI are delighted to welcome director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera for a Q+A after the screening of this Cannes-opening crowd pleaser.

Exclusive preview screening Of Disney-Pixar’s Up3D and Q&A

onedotzero_preview: Up 3D + Q&A with Pete Docter & Jonas Rivera

 Carl Fredericksen, a curmudgeonly 78-year-old balloon salesman, is not your average hero. When he ties thousands of balloons to his house and floats to the wilds of South America, he finally fulfills his life-long dream of adventure. But on discovering an 8-year-old stowaway named Russell, an unlikely duo, they soon find themselves on an hilarious journey in a lost world filled with danger and surprise.

Disney Pixar Up 3d movie trailer
by exploretv

The BFI are delighted to welcome director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera for a Q+A after the screening of this Cannes-opening crowd pleaser.

Preview: Dorian Gray and Q&A with director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay

Oliver Parker directs a strong cast in this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel of youth, excess and vanity. Adored for his beauty, Dorian Gray can seemingly have anything or anyone his heart desires. When this power is captured in a painting, Dorian wonders what he wouldn't do to stay as beautiful. As the painting begins to show the excesses of an indulgent lifestyle and Dorian himself stays ageless, it seems his wish come true...

The BFI are pleased to announce that this preview will be followed by a Q&A with director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay.

Preview: Dorian Gray and Q&A with director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay
Wednesday September 9, 2009 at 6:20pm
BFI Southbank NFT1
Belvedere Road
London, England SE1 8XT

Preview: Dorian Gray and Q&A with director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay

Oliver Parker directs a strong cast in this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel of youth, excess and vanity. Adored for his beauty, Dorian Gray can seemingly have anything or anyone his heart desires. When this power is captured in a painting, Dorian wonders what he wouldn't do to stay as beautiful. As the painting begins to show the excesses of an indulgent lifestyle and Dorian himself stays ageless, it seems his wish come true...

The BFI are pleased to announce that this preview will be followed by a Q&A with director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay.

Preview: Dorian Gray and Q&A with director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay
Wednesday September 9, 2009 at 6:20pm
BFI Southbank NFT1
Belvedere Road
London, England SE1 8XT

FRIGHTFEST: UK PREMIERE of Millennium: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Join us at FRIGHTFEST the UK's Leading fantasy & horror film festival. For The premiere event of the year for horror fans - Time Out

UK PREMIERE MILLENNIUM: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (18)

Directed by Niels Arden Oplev

Cases rarely come colder than the inexplicable 1960s disappearance of a teen heiress from her family’s remote island retreat. Nor do fiction debuts come any hotter than the European best seller ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ by Swedish journalist Stieg Larsson on which this gripping nail-biter is based. Director Niels Arden Oplev’s atmospheric and strikingly original thriller introduces the provocative odd couple of a disgraced financial journalist and a multi-pierced hacker with severe social behaviour problems. Together they uncover an undetected chain of serial killings when investigating the decades-old mystery in a startling and near-the-knuckle giallo Swedish style. With very disturbing and intense scenes, and an international superstar-making performance from Noomi Rapace as the tattooed Lisbeth, MILLENNIUM is the Euro sensation of the moment. The other two parts of the MILLENNIUM movie trilogy, based on ‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’ and ‘The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest’, are released soon.

FRIGHTFEST: UK PREMIERE of Millennium: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Saturday August 29, 2009 at 3:45pm
Empire Cinema, Leicester Square
5-6 Leicester Square London
London, England WC2H 7NA

FRIGHTFEST: UK PREMIERE of Millennium: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Join us at FRIGHTFEST the UK's Leading fantasy & horror film festival. For The premiere event of the year for horror fans - Time Out

UK PREMIERE MILLENNIUM: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (18)

Directed by Niels Arden Oplev

Cases rarely come colder than the inexplicable 1960s disappearance of a teen heiress from her family’s remote island retreat. Nor do fiction debuts come any hotter than the European best seller ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ by Swedish journalist Stieg Larsson on which this gripping nail-biter is based. Director Niels Arden Oplev’s atmospheric and strikingly original thriller introduces the provocative odd couple of a disgraced financial journalist and a multi-pierced hacker with severe social behaviour problems. Together they uncover an undetected chain of serial killings when investigating the decades-old mystery in a startling and near-the-knuckle giallo Swedish style. With very disturbing and intense scenes, and an international superstar-making performance from Noomi Rapace as the tattooed Lisbeth, MILLENNIUM is the Euro sensation of the moment. The other two parts of the MILLENNIUM movie trilogy, based on ‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’ and ‘The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest’, are released soon.

FRIGHTFEST: UK PREMIERE of Millennium: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Saturday August 29, 2009 at 3:45pm
Empire Cinema, Leicester Square
5-6 Leicester Square London
London, England WC2H 7NA

CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion

CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion
Opening Private View September 3rd 2009
4 September - 25 September Thu - Sat 1:30 - 6:00pm

Apparatus:
Painting, Video, Audio

Method:
Site specific constellation of paintings.
Wall painting, recycled film and audio overload

Result:
A glimpse into the world of an alter ego's work in progress.
Process paid

Conclusion:
You'll be witness to what I have discovered, may you be the jury. But your verdict will be one of self-conviction.
I know what I have witnessed; now it is your turn, prepare yourself for a journey into a world where each new step may give you a better understanding of your own reality.
Discover a circle that forever repeats itself. The end of the beginning, the beginning of the end. Forget the world around you and the people around you

Consider time as officially ended, we work on the other side of time
Your story is history My story is mystery

CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion
The Writers Bench
Open Thursday to Friday 1:30 to 6:00

26 Argyle Square X Argyle Walk
London, Kings Cross WC1H 8AP
United Kingdom

CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion

CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion
Opening Private View September 3rd 2009
4 September - 25 September Thu - Sat 1:30 - 6:00pm

Apparatus:
Painting, Video, Audio

Method:
Site specific constellation of paintings.
Wall painting, recycled film and audio overload

Result:
A glimpse into the world of an alter ego's work in progress.
Process paid

Conclusion:
You'll be witness to what I have discovered, may you be the jury. But your verdict will be one of self-conviction.
I know what I have witnessed; now it is your turn, prepare yourself for a journey into a world where each new step may give you a better understanding of your own reality.
Discover a circle that forever repeats itself. The end of the beginning, the beginning of the end. Forget the world around you and the people around you

Consider time as officially ended, we work on the other side of time
Your story is history My story is mystery

CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion
The Writers Bench
Open Thursday to Friday 1:30 to 6:00

26 Argyle Square X Argyle Walk
London, Kings Cross WC1H 8AP
United Kingdom

Preview of Big River Man and Q&A session with the Big River Man himself, in London

This formidable documentary follows overweight, middle-aged, alcoholic Slovenian daredevil environmentalist Martin Strel on a journey down the Amazon. Facing crocodiles, toxic waste, whirlpools, giant anacondas and piranhas, Strel attempts to swim the length of the mighty river, a seemingly impossible challenge that John Maringouin (director of a coruscating 2006 documentary about his father, Running Stumbled) captures in vivid style.

Preview Wednesday 2 September with a Q&A session featuring Martin Strel.

Preview of Big River Man and Q&A
Wednesday 2 September 2009 at 6:30pm
ICA Institute of Contemporary Arts
12 Carlton House Terrace
London, England SW1Y 5AH

Preview of Big River Man and Q&A session with the Big River Man himself, in London

This formidable documentary follows overweight, middle-aged, alcoholic Slovenian daredevil environmentalist Martin Strel on a journey down the Amazon. Facing crocodiles, toxic waste, whirlpools, giant anacondas and piranhas, Strel attempts to swim the length of the mighty river, a seemingly impossible challenge that John Maringouin (director of a coruscating 2006 documentary about his father, Running Stumbled) captures in vivid style.

Preview Wednesday 2 September with a Q&A session featuring Martin Strel.

Preview of Big River Man and Q&A
Wednesday 2 September 2009 at 6:30pm
ICA Institute of Contemporary Arts
12 Carlton House Terrace
London, England SW1Y 5AH

Hilarious short film from Virgin Media Shorts - Three Little Words

Three Little Words. All males have pondered Three Little Words at some time or other. If we say them is it a life-long commitment? What if I can't live up the commitment? Careful consideration has to be given regarding Three Little Words. One can't go around spewing Three Little Words all the time it has to be forever! And let's not forget the timing of Three Little Words too early or too and the mark will be missed. Forget comedic timing, the timing of Three Little Words can result in long term happiness or the worst weekend ever!

Ed Lilly's short film entry to the Virgin Media Shorts competition encapsulates the above quandary superbly whilst making you cringe or smile. Making a short film is difficult enough but engaging your audience and taking them along for the ride whether it be horror, drama or comedy is the Holy Grail of short film-making you have but 2-3 minutes to bring your audience into a made up world and ask them to engage in a scenario and have emotional buy in as well to ensure a pay off.

Of the 3 (horror, Drama or Comedy) comedy has to be the most difficult horror and drama has crutches like blood, shock, black & white film or dark ambient music. whilst comedy relies on actor's expression and timing to pull it off. I'm in awe of Ed's stylings with little more than a handful of actors and 2 locations he has created a scenario that engages. Three Little Words and She Farted And Created The World… have to be my favourite films of the shortlisted 12 to win the Virgin Media Shorts competition.

There seems to be lots of support from real players in the industry to champion undiscovered or unknown talent. For the Virgin medioa Shorts competion Virgin are ponying up a £30,000 prize to be used to make a film as well as the opportunity for your work to be judged by some star talent like Kevin Spacey, Gemma Arterton, Noel Clarke and Daniel Barber as well as many others. I hope the support doesn't dry up moving forward.

Has there ever been a better time to be a filmmaker in the UK?

Hilarious short film from Virgin Media Shorts - Three Little Words

Three Little Words. All males have pondered Three Little Words at some time or other. If we say them is it a life-long commitment? What if I can't live up the commitment? Careful consideration has to be given regarding Three Little Words. One can't go around spewing Three Little Words all the time it has to be forever! And let's not forget the timing of Three Little Words too early or too and the mark will be missed. Forget comedic timing, the timing of Three Little Words can result in long term happiness or the worst weekend eva!



Ed Lilly's short film entry to the Virgin Media Shorts competition encapsulates the above quandary superbly whilst making you cringe or smile. Making a short film is difficult enough but engaging your audience and taking them along for the ride whether it be horror, drama or comedy is the Holy Grail of short film-making you have but 2-3 minutes to bring your audience into a made up world and ask them to engage in a scenario and have emotional buy in as well to ensure a pay off.

Of the 3 (horror, Drama or Comedy) comedy has to be the most difficult horror and drama has crutches like blood, shock, black & white film or dark ambient music. whilst comedy relies on actor's expression and timing to pull it off. I'm in awe of Ed's stylings with little more than a handful of actors and 2 locations he has created a scenario that engages. Three Little Words and She Farted And Created The World… have to be my favourite films of the shortlisted 12 to win the Virgin Media Shorts competition.

There seems to be lots of support from real players in the industry to champion undiscovered or unknown talent. For the Virgin medioa Shorts competion Virgin are ponying up a £30,000 prize to be used to make a film as well as the opportunity for your work to be judged by some star talent like Kevin Spacey, Gemma Arterton, Noel Clarke and Daniel Barber as well as many others. I hope the support doesn't dry up moving forward.

Has there ever been a better time to be a filmmaker in the UK?

Robot Chicken Premiere this Friday & webcast Q&A with Seth Green

!!JUST ANNOUNCED!! Robot Chicken Premiere and Q&A Seth Green via Webcast

It’s time, once more, to get ANIMATED!

Teaming up with popular cable channel Adult Swim, and the London International Animation Festival, Curzon Soho bring you a night of titillating, shocking and absurd animations on the big screen. Check out the premiere of Robot Chicken Season 2. Brain child of Seth Green, the skits play around with cult film, cult TV and celebrity personalities. We also present a special selection of freaky animations as a taster for the LIAF which starts on 31st Aug at Renoir Cinema.

Before the film we will be hosting a Q&A via webcast with Seth Green. Come prepared with your questions whether it be anything Robot Chicken, Buffy or Scott Evil!

Robot Chicken Premiere this Friday & webcast Q&A with Seth Green

!!JUST ANNOUNCED!! Robot Chicken Premiere and Q&A Seth Green via Webcast

It’s time, once more, to get ANIMATED!

Teaming up with popular cable channel Adult Swim, and the London International Animation Festival, Curzon Soho bring you a night of titillating, shocking and absurd animations on the big screen. Check out the premiere of Robot Chicken Season 2. Brain child of Seth Green, the skits play around with cult film, cult TV and celebrity personalities. We also present a special selection of freaky animations as a taster for the LIAF which starts on 31st Aug at Renoir Cinema.

Before the film we will be hosting a Q&A via webcast with Seth Green. Come prepared with your questions whether it be anything Robot Chicken, Buffy or Scott Evil!

District 9: Behind the Visual Effects - Vancouver Film School (VFS)

District 9: Behind the Visual Effects - Vancouver Film School (VFS)

A Film by Sally Potter With Interactive Q&A Live via Satellite

Defying the usual conventions of film, RAGE is the new cinematic creation from writer-director Sally Potter. Using a radical narrative structure focused entirely on individual performances, RAGE consists of a dynamic series of interviews, as if shot by a schoolboy on his mobile phone. He goes behind the scenes at a New York fashion show during a week in which an accident on the catwalk turns into a murder investigation.

Fourteen actors, both celebrated stars and emerging talents, play characters who each have a role in the show, from the designer (Simon Abkarian) and his models (Lily Cole and Jude Law), the fashion critic (Judi Dench) and photographer (Steve Buscemi), to the fashion-house financier (Eddie Izzard) and his bodyguard (John Leguizamo).

The radical style of RAGE is embraced in its unique distribution strategy, with the film premiering on mobile and internet alongside its digital screen and DVD release.

The premiere event will be broadcast live by satellite from London's BFI Southbank to dozens of cinemas across the UK. You can be part of the satellite broadcast of the Q&A after the film, sending your questions by Skype video and SMS direct from your local cinema live to Sally Potter and members of the RAGE cast, including Jude Law, Eddie Izzard and Lily Cole

RAGE (15)
A Film by Sally Potter
With Interactive Q&A Live via Satellite
Thursday 24 September, 8.30

The premiere event will be broadcast live from BFI Southbank. You can be part of the satellite Q&A by sending your questions via Skype video and SMS to Sally Potter and members of the RAGE cast, including Jude Law, Eddie Izzard and Lily Cole (line-up TBC).

A Film by Sally Potter With Interactive Q&A Live via Satellite

Defying the usual conventions of film, RAGE is the new cinematic creation from writer-director Sally Potter. Using a radical narrative structure focused entirely on individual performances, RAGE consists of a dynamic series of interviews, as if shot by a schoolboy on his mobile phone. He goes behind the scenes at a New York fashion show during a week in which an accident on the catwalk turns into a murder investigation.

Fourteen actors, both celebrated stars and emerging talents, play characters who each have a role in the show, from the designer (Simon Abkarian) and his models (Lily Cole and Jude Law), the fashion critic (Judi Dench) and photographer (Steve Buscemi), to the fashion-house financier (Eddie Izzard) and his bodyguard (John Leguizamo).

The radical style of RAGE is embraced in its unique distribution strategy, with the film premiering on mobile and internet alongside its digital screen and DVD release.



The premiere event will be broadcast live by satellite from London's BFI Southbank to dozens of cinemas across the UK. You can be part of the satellite broadcast of the Q&A after the film, sending your questions by Skype video and SMS direct from your local cinema live to Sally Potter and members of the RAGE cast, including Jude Law, Eddie Izzard and Lily Cole

RAGE (15)
A Film by Sally Potter
With Interactive Q&A Live via Satellite
Thursday 24 September, 8.30

The premiere event will be broadcast live from BFI Southbank. You can be part of the satellite Q&A by sending your questions via Skype video and SMS to Sally Potter and members of the RAGE cast, including Jude Law, Eddie Izzard and Lily Cole (line-up TBC).

Michael Nyman plays The Royal Albert Hall

To celebrate the year's two big Baroque anniversaries – and his own 65th birthday – the Michael Nyman Band makes its Proms debut with a new work echoing the Purcell and Handel pieces heard in Prom 53.

Best known for his soundtracks to such movies as The Piano, Gattaca and Wonderland, Michael Nyman started out as a musicologist, editing scores by Handel and Purcell; as a critic he coined the term 'Minimalism'; and, as a composer he first made his name by putting the music of classical masters through the Minimalist mill to generate raunchy, rhythmically propulsive, raucously energetic new works, such as his score for Peter Greenaway's 1982 film The Draughtsman’s Contract and the grief-frozen Memorial, (which featured in Greenaway's later The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover) – both of which are Purcell-based.

The Draughtsman’s Contract – selection 23’
The Musicologist Scores c20’
BBC commission: world premiere
Six Celan Songs – Blume; Psalm 10’
The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover – Memorial 12’

PROM 54: MICHAEL NYMAN
Tuesday 25 August 2009 - 10:15 PM
Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore
London, SW7

Michael Nyman plays The Royal Albert Hall

To celebrate the year's two big Baroque anniversaries – and his own 65th birthday – the Michael Nyman Band makes its Proms debut with a new work echoing the Purcell and Handel pieces heard in Prom 53.



Best known for his soundtracks to such movies as The Piano, Gattaca and Wonderland, Michael Nyman started out as a musicologist, editing scores by Handel and Purcell; as a critic he coined the term 'Minimalism'; and, as a composer he first made his name by putting the music of classical masters through the Minimalist mill to generate raunchy, rhythmically propulsive, raucously energetic new works, such as his score for Peter Greenaway's 1982 film The Draughtsman’s Contract and the grief-frozen Memorial, (which featured in Greenaway's later The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover) – both of which are Purcell-based.

The Draughtsman’s Contract – selection 23’
The Musicologist Scores c20’
BBC commission: world premiere
Six Celan Songs – Blume; Psalm 10’
The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover – Memorial 12’

PROM 54: MICHAEL NYMAN
Tuesday 25 August 2009 - 10:15 PM
Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore
London, SW7

Rules to watch film by:

Rules to watch film by:

Crikey! It's elementary, My Dear Watson!

As part of the second day goody bag from Movie -Con 2 (which included a rare/exclusive George Lucas (in Disguise) action figure now available on eBay). We each received a rather thick card with some odd characters and numbers printed on it. Most guessed that this was a promotional ploy for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes as one could make out the words MR HOLMES on the card.

Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes memrobilia, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The card had a slit down the middle and when slot into the card belonging to the guy sitting next to me. Created a a sort of propeller like shape and when spun around the characters on each card were a lot more legible and they read WIDEN YOUR GAZE MR HOLMES. OK! fair enough some really Victorian era style marketing and thought nothing more of it.

However I love a good mystery and excel at puzzles. I couldn't stop thinking about the cards after all this was marketing for Sherlock Holmes master detective. When I got home today I emptied my goody back and dug out the cards again. Naturally I had collected a number of them from other guests at Movie-Con as well as the box on the security guys desk (for my film memorabilia collection).

After having another look I thought the numbers on the cards could mean something 236., 221, 57. and 94. Perhaps a GPS location, map co-ordinate. The periods between the numbers made it obvious, it's an IP address. After some trial & error number swapping. My browser opened up the site at at http://94.236.57.221/ . How exciting!

Nice dark ambient music, a quality background and 5 empty fields awaiting my entry? A small question mark above the fields gave a clue "FIND HER". Find who? Well that much was obvious I am after all a product of many conspiracies that have needed unpicking - and if it's not the Butler you know where to look next. After a quick visit to IMDB I punched in my 5 character guess. And B-I-N-G-O was her name. I was through to the next stage.

Crikey! It's elementary, My Dear Watson!

As part of the second day goody bag from Movie -Con 2 (which included a rare/exclusive George Lucas (in Disguise) action figure now available on eBay). We each received a rather thick card with some odd characters and numbers printed on it. Most guessed that this was a promotional ploy for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes as one could make out the words MR HOLMES on the card.

Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes memrobilia, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The card had a slit down the middle and when slot into the card belonging to the guy sitting next to me. Created a a sort of propeller like shape and when spun around the characters on each card were a lot more legible and they read WIDEN YOUR GAZE MR HOLMES. OK! fair enough some really Victorian era style marketing and thought nothing more of it.

However I love a good mystery and excel at puzzles. I couldn't stop thinking about the cards after all this was marketing for Sherlock Holmes master detective. When I got home today I emptied my goody back and dug out the cards again. Naturally I had collected a number of them from other guests at Movie-Con as well as the box on the security guys desk (for my film memorabilia collection).

After having another look I thought the numbers on the cards could mean something 236., 221, 57. and 94. Perhaps a GPS location, map co-ordinate. The periods between the numbers made it obvious, it's an IP address. After some trial & error number swapping. My browser opened up the site at at http://94.236.57.221/ . How exciting!

Nice dark ambient music, a quality background and 5 empty fields awaiting my entry? A small question mark above the fields gave a clue "FIND HER". Find who? Well that much was obvious I am after all a product of many conspiracies that have needed unpicking - and if it's not the Butler you know where to look next. After a quick visit to IMDB I punched in my 5 character guess. And B-I-N-G-O was her name. I was through to the next stage.

The Wolfman Cometh

The Wolf Man

Despite leaving nothing to the imagination the Wolfman trailer is compelling and let's us know that that Joe Johnston's The Wolfman is a quality production with top notch acting.

Lawrence Talbot, a haunted nobleman, is lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his estranged father, Talbot sets out to find his brother... and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself. Talbot's childhood ended the night his mother died. After he left the sleepy Victorian hamlet of Blackmoor, he spent decades recovering and trying to forget. But when his brother's fiancée, Gwen Conliffe, tracks him down to help find her missing love, Talbot returns home to join the search. He learns that something with brute strength and insatiable bloodlust has been killing the villagers, and that a suspicious Scotland Yard inspector named Aberline has come to investigate

The Wolfman Cometh

The Wolf Man

Despite leaving nothing to the imagination the Wolfman trailer is compelling and let's us know that that Joe Johnston's The Wolfman is a quality production with top notch acting.

Lawrence Talbot, a haunted nobleman, is lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his estranged father, Talbot sets out to find his brother... and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself. Talbot's childhood ended the night his mother died. After he left the sleepy Victorian hamlet of Blackmoor, he spent decades recovering and trying to forget. But when his brother's fiancée, Gwen Conliffe, tracks him down to help find her missing love, Talbot returns home to join the search. He learns that something with brute strength and insatiable bloodlust has been killing the villagers, and that a suspicious Scotland Yard inspector named Aberline has come to investigate

Own a piece of film history - Authentic Blade Runner memorabilia

The Prop Store of London (http://www.propstore.com/), one of the world's leading vendors of movie props and costumes as memorabilia). Has 2 awesome items of cinematic history for sale.






Two pieces of the futuristic skyline used in the Ridley Scott masterpiece Blade Runner. This highly detailed brass section was used along with other similar pieces of varying sizes on a table top set to form a forced perspective miniature for the opening scene of the movie. Each panel was laid out to give a multi layered effect and had a fibre optic light glued to the back. They were saved after filming by Mark Stetson's crew and have been in storage ever since. The section has been custom framed with laser cut mount board featuring the film’s title and stills from the movie. The display also has three LED's built in which help silhouette the "building" perfectly. The lights are activated by a small concealed switch on the inside of the frame. The overall display measures 49.5cm x 43cm (19.5" x 17"). The skyline image along with Vangelis' haunting music is perhaps the most memorable scene in the movie and one of the great movie openings of all time.

For more info click here!

Own a piece of film history - Authentic Blade Runner memorabilia

The Prop Store of London (http://www.propstore.com/), one of the world's leading vendors of movie props and costumes as memorabilia). Has 2 awesome items of cinematic history for sale.






Two pieces of the futuristic skyline used in the Ridley Scott masterpiece Blade Runner. This highly detailed brass section was used along with other similar pieces of varying sizes on a table top set to form a forced perspective miniature for the opening scene of the movie. Each panel was laid out to give a multi layered effect and had a fibre optic light glued to the back. They were saved after filming by Mark Stetson's crew and have been in storage ever since. The section has been custom framed with laser cut mount board featuring the film’s title and stills from the movie. The display also has three LED's built in which help silhouette the "building" perfectly. The lights are activated by a small concealed switch on the inside of the frame. The overall display measures 49.5cm x 43cm (19.5" x 17"). The skyline image along with Vangelis' haunting music is perhaps the most memorable scene in the movie and one of the great movie openings of all time.

For more info click here!

Movie-Con II 2009: Video Highlights

The official Empire Movie Con II video.

Movie-Con II 2009: Video Highlights

BFI & Empire's Movie-Con 2 : Day 2

The full schedule for Movie Con 2 can be found over here on Empire's website. Below are my highlights from day 2:

Day 2 started with a flash of fury, explosions and red metal, that's right! Some seriously awesome clips from Iron Man 2 were on display introduced by Robert (I'm in town to shoot some additional scenes for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes) Downey Jr. Unfortunately I was late and missed what was a highlight of day 2.


The legendary Kim Newman ran his now infamous Movie Quiz with the precision of a T800 which was loads of fun. One of the prizes was for a winner's name to be used in Mr. Newman's next novel.

Next up was a clip from the super tense Hurt Locker and Q&A with Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal. Loosely based on Boal's experiences in Baghdad. Hurt Locker is refreshingly direct and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It could be seen as a natural progression to Point Break.

Optimum rolled out a hilarious and heartwarming presentation for Bunny And The Bull. Hosted by Director Paul King and Star Simon Farnaby. If you are looking for something that lands somewhere between a holiday, run by The Mighty Boosh filmed by Michel Gondry.

"Bunny & the Bull is a road movie set entirely in a flat. Stephen Turnbull hasn't been outside in months. Living with a painfully restrictive routine, he refuses to interact with the world or think about the past. When a sudden infestation of mice forces him to change his ways, he finds his mind hurtling back to the disastrous trek around Europe he undertook with his friend Bunny, a womanising, gambling-addicted booze-hound. Unable to stem the flood of memories, Stephen’s flat becomes the springboard for an extraordinary odyssey through landscapes made up of snapshots and souvenirs, from the industrial wastelands of Silesia to the bull fields of Andalusia. A story of love, disillusionment, stuffed bears and globalised seafood, Bunny & the Bull is an offbeat and heartfelt journey to the end of the room."

Next Director/Writer Stuart Hazeldine introduced Exam.


"Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. Entering a windowless room, an Invigilator gives them eighty minutes to answer one simple question. He outlines three rules they must obey or be disqualified: don't talk to him or the armed guard by the door, don't spoil their papers and don't leave the room. He starts the clock and leaves. The candidates turn over their question papers, only to find they're completely blank. After the initial confusion has subsided, one frustrated candidate writes 'I believe you should hire me because...,' and is promptly ejected for spoiling. The remaining candidates soon figure out they're permitted to talk to each other, and they agree to cooperate in order to figure out the question: then they can compete to answer it. At first they suspect the question may be hidden in their papers like a security marker in a credit card, and they figure out ways to change their environment to expose the hidden words. But light, liquids and other plans all come to naught. Soon enough, the candidates begin to uncover each other's background, prejudices and hidden agendas. Tensions rise as the clock steadily descends towards zero, and each candidate must decide how far they are willing to go to secure the ultimate job." Tense stuff.

The end of the day closed with a 3D spectacular! You should know that I love 3D! Even the crappiest film in the world can become wonderful by either showing it in IMAX or 3D format. I have never seen a bad 3D film at the IMAX. Even the big screen 3D trailers are Worth the entry alone. So what if this new push towards 3D was engineered by Hollywood marketeers to revitalise the industry and shaft Movie piracy. I love it. The final hour and a half of of Movie Con was spectacular. In order:

Disney presented; The trailer & loads of footage from the mind boggling A Christmas Carol, the trailer for Toy Story 3, and footage from the much talked about Up.

Welcome back Flynn!
Then we were shown the 3D trailer/footage from Tron Legacy ! This was the same bootleg footage that haunted the net after Comic Con last year and was recently released onto the net in high def. Except that this was in 3D on a BIG screen! Tron Legacy looks like it will be worth the 27 year wait.

Finally we were treated to footage from Jim Cameron's 4 years in the making AVATAR. Stolen from Empire's blog:

"James Cameron recorded a short introduction, just for Movie-Con II, to two scenes of footage from Avatar, due out in December. We wouldn’t be exaggerating too far if we say that jaws hit the floor. The first, short scene gave a flavour to the threat in the film: Stephen Lang’s Colonel Quaritch explaining to newcomers just how dangerous the world of Pandora is, and telling them frankly that they won’t all make it out alive. Then we saw Jake Sully’s (Sam Worthington) Avatar alive and working in the jungles of the planet. Having faced off one rhino*/hammerhead shark added by me:)*-looking beastie, he’s surprised by the much more dangerous spider-lynx looking monster, and a spectacular chase scene occurs. We also get a glimpse there of Sigourney Weaver’s Grace in action: check the next issue of Empire for more on that.

Naturally, we had to see that again, so we rewound and went for a second go." The team also let us know that there would be more & different footage shown on AVATAR day this Friday. Info here!

All that is left for me to say is thank you Empire & BFI. I had a wonderful time. Next year please bring some display cases and props with you. I'm just saying.

BFI & Empire's Movie Con 2 : Day 2

The full schedule for Movie Con 2 can be found over here on Empire's website. Below are my highlights from day 2:

Day 2 started with a flash of fury, explosions and red metal, that's right! Some seriously awesome clips from Iron Man 2 were on display introduced by Robert (I'm in town to shoot some additional scenes for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes) Downey Jr. Unfortunately I was late and missed what was a highlight of day 2.


The legendary Kim Newman ran his now infamous Movie Quiz with the precision of a T800 which was loads of fun. One of the prizes was for a winner's name to be used in Mr. Newman's next novel.

Next up was a clip from the super tense Hurt Locker and Q&A with Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal. Loosely based on Boal's experiences in Baghdad. Hurt Locker is refreshingly direct and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It could be seen as a natural progression to Point Break.

Optimum rolled out a hilarious and heartwarming presentation for Bunny And The Bull. Hosted by Director Paul King and Star Simon Farnaby. If you are looking for something that lands somewhere between a holiday, run by The Mighty Boosh filmed by Michel Gondry.

"Bunny & the Bull is a road movie set entirely in a flat. Stephen Turnbull hasn't been outside in months. Living with a painfully restrictive routine, he refuses to interact with the world or think about the past. When a sudden infestation of mice forces him to change his ways, he finds his mind hurtling back to the disastrous trek around Europe he undertook with his friend Bunny, a womanising, gambling-addicted booze-hound. Unable to stem the flood of memories, Stephen’s flat becomes the springboard for an extraordinary odyssey through landscapes made up of snapshots and souvenirs, from the industrial wastelands of Silesia to the bull fields of Andalusia. A story of love, disillusionment, stuffed bears and globalised seafood, Bunny & the Bull is an offbeat and heartfelt journey to the end of the room."

Next Director/Writer Stuart Hazeldine introduced Exam.


"Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. Entering a windowless room, an Invigilator gives them eighty minutes to answer one simple question. He outlines three rules they must obey or be disqualified: don't talk to him or the armed guard by the door, don't spoil their papers and don't leave the room. He starts the clock and leaves. The candidates turn over their question papers, only to find they're completely blank. After the initial confusion has subsided, one frustrated candidate writes 'I believe you should hire me because...,' and is promptly ejected for spoiling. The remaining candidates soon figure out they're permitted to talk to each other, and they agree to cooperate in order to figure out the question: then they can compete to answer it. At first they suspect the question may be hidden in their papers like a security marker in a credit card, and they figure out ways to change their environment to expose the hidden words. But light, liquids and other plans all come to naught. Soon enough, the candidates begin to uncover each other's background, prejudices and hidden agendas. Tensions rise as the clock steadily descends towards zero, and each candidate must decide how far they are willing to go to secure the ultimate job." Tense stuff.

The end of the day closed with a 3D spectacular! You should know that I love 3D! Even the crappiest film in the world can become wonderful by either showing it in IMAX or 3D format. I have never seen a bad 3D film at the IMAX. Even the big screen 3D trailers are Worth the entry alone. So what if this new push towards 3D was engineered by Hollywood marketeers to revitalise the industry and shaft Movie piracy. I love it. The final hour and a half of of Movie Con was spectacular. In order:

Disney presented; The trailer & loads of footage from the mind boggling A Christmas Carol, the trailer for Toy Story 3, and footage from the much talked about Up.

Welcome back Flynn!
Then we were shown the 3D trailer/footage from Tron Legacy ! This was the same bootleg footage that haunted the net after Comic Con last year and was recently released onto the net in high def. Except that this was in 3D on a BIG screen! Tron Legacy looks like it will be worth the 27 year wait.



Finally we were treated to footage from Jim Cameron's 4 years in the making AVATAR. Stolen from Empire's blog:

"James Cameron recorded a short introduction, just for Movie-Con II, to two scenes of footage from Avatar, due out in December. We wouldn’t be exaggerating too far if we say that jaws hit the floor. The first, short scene gave a flavour to the threat in the film: Stephen Lang’s Colonel Quaritch explaining to newcomers just how dangerous the world of Pandora is, and telling them frankly that they won’t all make it out alive. Then we saw Jake Sully’s (Sam Worthington) Avatar alive and working in the jungles of the planet. Having faced off one rhino*/hammerhead shark added by me:)*-looking beastie, he’s surprised by the much more dangerous spider-lynx looking monster, and a spectacular chase scene occurs. We also get a glimpse there of Sigourney Weaver’s Grace in action: check the next issue of Empire for more on that.

Naturally, we had to see that again, so we rewound and went for a second go." The team also let us know that there would be more & different footage shown on AVATAR day this Friday. Info here!

All that is left for me to say is thank you Empire & BFI. I had a wonderful time. Next year please bring some display cases and props with you. I'm just saying.

Updated : Movie-Con 2 - Day 1 Triangle Presentation

In my previous round up of Movie Con 2 Day 1 I omitted to mention that Christopher Smith (Severance, Creep) gave us a taste of his new film Triangle. If the tension of Creep is maintained with the added dimension of Smith's intention to take you somwhere new, works out. Be prepared to have your mind thrown, dropped and kicked. Triangle will premiere as the opening film for the Film4 FrightFest on Thursday August 27, 2009. More info here!

Updated : Movie Con 2 - Day 1 Triangle Presentation

In my previous round up of Movie Con 2 Day 1 I omitted to mention that Christopher Smith (Severance, Creep) gave us a taste of his new film Triangle. If the tension of Creep is maintained with the added dimension of Smith's intention to take you somwhere new, works out. Be prepared to have your mind thrown, dropped and kicked. Triangle will premiere as the opening film for the Film4 FrightFest on Thursday August 27, 2009. More info here!

Virgin Media Shorts - She Farted And Created The World

Every year Virgin Media and it's partners run a Short film competition called the Virgin Media Shorts. While browsing the Virgin Media Shorts shortlist of 12 possible winners. I came across this exceptional animated film called "She Farted And Created The World". Odd name! Marvellous film.

It warms my heart when I see inventive film-making from young talent like this. Some of the other clips short listed are brilliant but the amount of time, effort and vision encapsulated in the 2:10 minute clip surely warrants it a mention of note. Anyone who has ever thought about making a film is aware of the logistics and pitfalls of such an endeavour but Director Scott Coello makes it looks easy and creates a visually compelling experience with depth at the same time. In case you are interested in what Scott is up to he can be followed on Twitter here.

She Farted And Created The World

Every year Virgin Media and it's partners run a Short film competition called the Virgin Media Shorts. While browsing the Virgin Media Shorts shortlist of 12 possible winners. I came across this exceptional animated film called "She Farted And Created The World". Odd name! Marvellous film.

It warms my heart when I see inventive film-making from young talent like this. Some of the other clips short listed are brilliant but the amount of time, effort and vision encapsulated in the 2:10 minute clip surely warrants it a mention of note. Anyone who has ever thought about making a film is aware of the logistics and pitfalls of such an endeavour but Director Scott Coello makes it looks easy and creates a visually compelling experience with depth at the same time. In case you are interested in what Scott is up to he can be followed on Twitter here.

Quentin Tarantino's Top 20 Movies Since 1992

Mr. Quentin Tarantino names his 20 favorite movies released since the year he became a director himself.

Battle Royale
Anything Else
Audition
Blade
Boogie Nights
Dazed & Confused
Dogville
Fight Club
Fridays
The Host
The Insider
Joint Security Area
Lost In Translation
The Matrix
Memories of Murder
Police Story 3
Shaun of the Dead
Speed
Team America
Unbreakable

Quentin Tarantino's Top 20 Movies Since 1992

Mr. Quentin Tarantino names his 20 favorite movies released since the year he became a director himself.

Battle Royale
Anything Else
Audition
Blade
Boogie Nights
Dazed & Confused
Dogville
Fight Club
Fridays
The Host
The Insider
Joint Security Area
Lost In Translation
The Matrix
Memories of Murder
Police Story 3
Shaun of the Dead
Speed
Team America
Unbreakable

This Is Who I Am with Orange : Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam has an idea, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

On Wednesday 23rd September, Terry Gilliam will be talking, at an exclusive event at the Soho Hotel in London, about the people, relationships and film moments that made him the eccentric genius he is today.

This Is Who I Am with Orange : Terry Gilliam

Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 6:00pm

The Soho Hotel
4 Richmond Mews
London, England W1D 3DH

This Is Who I Am with Orange : Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam has an idea, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

On Wednesday 23rd September, Terry Gilliam will be talking, at an exclusive event at the Soho Hotel in London, about the people, relationships and film moments that made him the eccentric genius he is today.

This Is Who I Am with Orange : Terry Gilliam

Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 6:00pm

The Soho Hotel
4 Richmond Mews
London, England W1D 3DH

Exclusive Premiere Screenings: Julie & Julia

This latest film from American director Nora Ephron (‘When Harry Met Sally…’, ‘Sleepless in Seatle’) is an adaptation of the autobiographical book 'Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen' by author Julia Powell. It sees Amy Adams as an amateur chef who adopts chef Julia Child (played by Meryl Streep) as her cookery guru and duly keeps a blog of the results.

And you can’t have a movie about Julia Child without food - and not just any food, but the savoury French cuisine that turned American palates away from tuna casseroles in the 1960s. Here are rich, bubbling crocks of winey beef bourguignon, mountainous heaps of chopped onions, trussed ducks and, most magnificently, a browned sole meunière that practically swims off the screen on a buttery tide.

Screenings start at 6:30pm on Tuesday September 8
Cineworld Fulham
142 Fulham Road, London,
SW10 9QR

Exclusive Premiere Screenings: Julie & Julia

This latest film from American director Nora Ephron (‘When Harry Met Sally…’, ‘Sleepless in Seatle’) is an adaptation of the autobiographical book 'Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen' by author Julia Powell. It sees Amy Adams as an amateur chef who adopts chef Julia Child (played by Meryl Streep) as her cookery guru and duly keeps a blog of the results.

And you can’t have a movie about Julia Child without food - and not just any food, but the savoury French cuisine that turned American palates away from tuna casseroles in the 1960s. Here are rich, bubbling crocks of winey beef bourguignon, mountainous heaps of chopped onions, trussed ducks and, most magnificently, a browned sole meunière that practically swims off the screen on a buttery tide.

Screenings start at 6:30pm on Tuesday September 8
Cineworld Fulham
142 Fulham Road, London,
SW10 9QR

BFI & Empire's Movie-Con 2 kicked off today

Today the much anticipated Movie Con 2 kicked off. I'm still reeling from the mind blowing Film goodness of day 1.

The BFI & Empire Magazine have pulled off another collaborative coup for film lovers. The second Movie Convention is heading to all time greatness.

Movie Con is a annual collaborative effort between the BFI & Empire Magazine. It takes place just after after Comic Con (San Diego) at the BFI on the Southbank in London. This means that the organisers can cherry pick the best of Comic Con as well add some good stuff. It's held for film fans and the core content covers forth coming features in the Super Hero, Horror, Fantasy, Sci Fi, blood and Cult genres.

Empire have a much better run down of today's schedule over here. But today's events have roused me from my Blog laziness of late and mention must be made of some of the key events:

Trailers & footage from Astroboy. Over the last 18 months I have been hearing the buzz about the animated Astroboy feature but had no real interest in this remake of a 60s Japanese TV show. After today's clips I'll be seeing this gem. It will enthrall kids & older kids alike. It had the audience oohing, aahing & laughing in all the right places.

Harry Brown Presentation. Harry Brown is a new film from British filmmaker Daniel Barber and stars Sir Michael Caine. The film is about an elderly veteran that due to circumstances decides to do something about his neighbourhood that has been over run by young yobs.

Coming across as a modern day version of Michael Winner's Death Wish with big boots, genuinely threatening yobs, knuckledusters and big guns. The clip we saw made it clear this was a quality production with outstanding performances Sir Michael and the blinding Sean Harris as a very, very scary low life (think Drexel nastier brother, the love child of Travis Bickle & Myra Hindley on crack). I recently saw Tonto Woman the brilliant short that Daniel Barber adapted from an Elmore Leonard story. He received an Oscar nomination for it. I'm looking forward to seeing Harry Brown in full as well as anything else Daniel Barber serves up. Think Peckinpah with a social conscience.

Next up the indomitable genius "Still not a Sir" Terry Gilliam showed us some mind melting clips from The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. Seems to be a true return to form for Mr Gilliam whose tribulations of getting his film made rival anything you have seen on screen. Doctor Parnassus recaptures the magic of Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen with a dash of sensibility from The Fisher King.

* When re-watching the classic Spies Like Us keep an eye out for Terry Gilliam as Dr. Imhaus.

Kick Ass Presentation. Put together by the Stardust team & Brad Pitt, independently financed, directed by Matthew Vaughn, written by Jane Goldman (Mrs Johnathan Ross but a super talent in her own right) & Mark Millar. Kick Ass promises to turn the Super Hero genre upside down. Referencing the both comic & film super heroes, eastern sensibilities and the slacker/Clerks space. The Kick Ass clips shown deliver in the holy Triumvirate of modern super hero genre: high action, humour & blood stakes.

I was surprised thaty neither Jane Goldman or Matthew Vaughn did not pitch up but enjoyed Editor Jon Harris' presentation and chat with Christopher Mintz-Plasse (yes that's right McLovin) and Jason Flemyng. I'm slightly annoyed I didn't get a chance to quiz Flemyng about Clash of the Titans & Solomon Kane both of which I am eagerly waiting for.

The super secret screening
I guessed that this year's secret screening was going to be District 9 - D9. I have been curious about D9 for awhile Weta and Peter Jackson's name should have made this a dead cert but South African films tend to do emotional small films well and haven't really shone in the high action or sci fi genre as yet. D9 changes that - whilst being true to it's African setting it shines at being a high adventure sci fi romp that has it's roots firmly planted in complex social issues. Google "District 6" & "Africa xenophobia" for sight of the bigger picture.

Originally Jackson and Director Neil Blomkamp were to make HALO: Combat Evolved when that fell through they decided to remake an earlier Blomkamp short film "Alive in Joburg".

* Sharlto Copley whio plays D9 lead Wikus Van De Merwe is not a trained actor and was a producer on Alive in Joburg.

Next up was Warner Bros screening of the Jonah Hex trailer. I've been waiting for this film for about 20 years.

Jonah Hex is a scarred Mad Max by way of Dirty Harry in the West that was on the wrong side during the Civil war. This makes fior an intresting character seeking redemption.

The trailer looked good but it could still go either way the newly added occult plot devices are a bit of a concern. I'm holding off on judgment for now.

Finally and "saving best for last" Robert Downey Junior & Guy Ritchie made an appearance to introduce an extended trailer for Sherlock Holmes. They were in good spirits and played off each other like a comedic duo rather than Star and Director. And well they should be in high spirits the Sherlock Holmes footage was everything it needed to be. My only query would be that it seemed fairly light and didn't really show any darkness that usually haunts Victorian era pea soap London. Possibly emulating the very successful Iron Man's formula? I'm holding thumbs.