Ahead of the FrightFest World premiere of DON’T CLICK, director G-Hey Kim talks about the challenges of making her debut feature
Your 2017 DON’T CLICK short was hugely successful on the festival circuit. Is that when you decided to expand it, or was that always the plan?
I never planned to extend my film because I never expected it to actually happen. Only a few short films have had the opportunity for a full feature version such as Saw (2004), Mama (2013) and Lights Out (2016). So I wasn't expecting that my short film would ever get that chance. When I got a call from George Mihalka about creating a full length production of my film, I was very surprised and incredibly glad. From then on I began to think of my film as a full length feature
Was it difficult to think of ways to elongate the concept into feature length?
It would have been difficult without my amazing writer, Courtney. It's hard to extend the plot of a short film without it dragging or feeling bloated. But Courtney was a fantastic writer. She understood the exact concept I was going for and knew the best way to get there. I enjoyed developing the story for the feature version with her.
Your executive producer is slasher royalty! How did you get George Mihalka (MY BLOODY VALENTINE) on board?
I may have had a bit of help in that regard, due to the fact that when I created my short film DON'T CLICK, it was as an assignment for a class that he was teaching. He was really impressed by the film and recommended I submit it to some festivals. He's been a good mentor, helping me a lot to get this project off the ground. I'm so thankful I got the chance to work and learn from him.
Valter Skarsgard in DON’T CLICK
Had you seen Valter Skarsgard in LORDS OF CHAOS? Did he jump at the chance to play Josh?
I hadn't seen the film before his name was brought up during the casting meeting but after I had seen his work, I was convinced that he would be perfect for the role of Josh. We sent the script off to his agency and we were all incredibly pleased when word got back that he was interested. It was a huge relief because he was definitely the right person for the job.
You didn’t want to act in the feature like you did in the short?
Seeing as it was my first time as the director of a feature film, I wanted to make sure I was focused and wasn't taking on more than I could handle. That's why I decided to stay behind the camera this time as otherwise it could quickly become overwhelming. It turned out to be the right decision, but the experience that I had as an actor did come in handy while working on the feature film. It helped me to communicate with the actors, knowing what they were experiencing on the other side of the camera.
Websites, technology, the nasty side of the Internet, is DON’T CLICK a warning for our times?
Absolutely. Due to the ever evolving nature of technology and science, our lives are rapidly becoming more convenient. But we're also facing new problems that we've never seen before, such as what I show in my film - the disconnection to criminal and pornographic violence when viewed over the Internet. It may feel like something that only happens in movies. But the online chatroom sex abuse case in South Korea was real. It's time for us to really sit down and think about it.
What were the main challenges for you as director this time around?
As I mentioned before, it was my first time as a director of a feature film. I went from having a crew of 3 to having a crew of 45. It often made it difficult to communicate everything I needed to the right people. I made some mistakes, but luckily the crew I was working with were amazing people with lots of experience. They were experts in their fields and they always supported throughout the project. Not only the staff, but the actors were fantastic as well. The feature film is a well-made horror film thanks to their efforts, dedication, and passion.
The feature was shot in Canada and we are seeing so much talent emerging from that territory. Why is that, because it’s easier to fund genre pictures?
One of my favorite genres is horror. What I believe is that a director can make a film very well when he likes the genre and understands it fully. Ideas are popping up left and right and filmmakers here are clamoring to make them. Hopefully. this surge of talent continues, and helps Canada grow more and more on the global stage.
FrightFest is delighted to be hosting the World Premiere of DON’T CLICK at their virtual August event. What does that mean to you, and is it the perfect platform considering the subject matter?
Don't Click is about the disconnect in the virtual world. So it's meaningful to me to show it to the audience for the very first time through a virtual event. I think the audience may feel more scared watching at home alone on their laptop, just like the characters Josh and Zane did. They may find that on the internet, anyone can find themselves in Josh and Zane's place.
Finally, what’s next for you?
The feature film Don't Click was a great opportunity for me. I have learned a lot of things from it. I almost feel as though it were my first love. But now I need to think about my next step. I've been looking into making some short films and I'm currently shopping around some feature length scripts that I'm hoping will get picked up.
DON’T CLICK is showing online on Saturday 29 August, 8.45pm, in the Arrow Video Screen, as part of the Arrow Video FrightFest August Digital event.
Synopsis: An astonishing feat of contemporary filmmaking, The Man in the Hat is a beautifully framed odyssey of music, story-telling and silent comedy traversing the breath-taking landscapes of France.
We follow The Man in the Hat (Ciarán Hinds, First Man, The Woman in Black) as he journeys through France in a Fiat 500, accompanied by a framed photograph of an unknown woman. He is pursued by five angry men in a Citroën Dyane. Why are they chasing him? And how can he shake them off?
Travelling North on his escape across the mountains, gorges and bridges of France, he hears stories of love and loss, Otis Redding and Canteloube, and encounters mysterious strangers including The Damp Man (Stephen Dillane, Game of Thrones, Darkest Hour), The Chef (Muna Otaru, TV’s Broken, The Keeping Room) and The Biker (Maïwenn, Polisse, Pardonnez-moi); coming face to face with the vivid eccentricities of an old country on an old continent, whilst trying to evade the pursuers who are always, relentlessly, on his tail.
A fresh and innovative near-silent movie experience, boasting stunning music and visuals, the film is written and directed by Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (Shakespeare in Love, Billy Elliott) and John-Paul Davidson (Brazil with Michael Palin, Stephen Fry in America). The Man in the Hat is the must-see, feel-good film of the year.
Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents The Man in the Hat in selected cinemas from 18th September and available on Digital platforms from 19th October 2020.
Directed by François Ozon and adapted from the novel Dance on my Grave by English author Aidan Chambers, Summer of 85’ is a story of friendship and love between two teenage boys at a seaside resort in Normandy in the mid-1980s. When 16-year-old Alexis capsizes off the coast of Le Tréport, 18-year-old David heroically saves him. Alexis thinks he’s just met the friend of his dreams. But will the dream last more than one summer?
The soundtrack features songs by The Cure, Bananarama, and Rod Stewart, among other 80s pop gems. Straddling darkness, comedy, and sensuality, ‘Summer of 85’ is ultimately a poignant tale about experiencing love for the first time.
In Cinemas and on Curzon Home Cinema 2nd October 2020 Certificate TBC / Running time 100 Minutes
HERSELF, will be released into UK and Irish cinemas from 16 October.
The film received its world premiere to critical acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. HERSELF is directed by Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady) and co- written by Clare Dunne who also stars in the film in what is her feature debut, alongside Harriet Walter (Killing Eve, Succession).
HERSELF follows the story of Sandra (Clare Dunne), who on the surface of it, is a young Mum struggling to provide her two young daughters with a warm, safe, happy home to grow up in. Beneath the surface, Sandra has a steely determination to change their lives for the better and when it becomes clear that there are no other options left to her, she decides to build it herself from scratch, drawing together a community of friends to support her. Supporting cast includes Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) and Cathy Belton (Philomena).
HERSELF was co-written by Clare Dunne and Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did). It was co-developed by Element Pictures and Merman and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Ed Guiney (The Favourite, The Lobster) and Rory Gilmartin (Rosie) for Element, together with BAFTA award-winning actress, writer, producer and director Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe, Divorce). Clelia Mountford (Motherland, There She Goes) from Merman, Element Pictures’ Andrew Lowe, BBC Films’ Rose Garnett, Cornerstone Films’ Alison Thompson, Mary Burke from the BFI and Lesley McKimm from Screen Ireland are executive producers. The film was developed with BBC Films and Screen Ireland and production was backed by Screen Ireland, BBC Films and the BFI (with National Lottery funding).
Woolf Women is a true account of Jenny and her 4 friends who accept a challenge to go to Sumela – an ancient monastery built in AD386. It clings precariously to a vertical rock face with a terrifying sheer drop of 1,280 metres and is located deep in the Pontic mountains of Turkey.
Jenny has been struggling to get over the unexpected and sudden loss of her father. Her friends are worried about her welfare and state of mind. Her depression has already led to her losing her job and as a result she gives up her home to go live in her van and skate professionally full-time. In order to seek solace and distraction, she plans and dreams of an adventurous skateboard expedition with her friends.
Upon meeting Marchella, the expedition becomes a reality and the girls make it their mission to go to Sumela, with the hope that Jenny finds closure and they can become the first ever Downhill Skateboarders to skate from Sumela. However, shortly before their departure, Jenny meets with another major unexpected calamity.
Woolf Women is a film about personal courage, friendship, adventure and duct tape. It is a testimony to the words – belief and determination. Young, free spirited and athletic - the girls cruise by road for over 5,500 kms each way into uncharted waters to reach Sumela.
Featuring exciting skate scenes, interesting conversation and stunning scenery, Woolf Women is a modern-day Odyssey like no other.
An incredibly inspiring, heart-warming and extremely relevant true story about a heroic young mother who’s grit and determination has gone on to save the future of thousands of children. Starring Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) in the titular role, Niles Fitch (This is Us) as her son James, as well as Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket) and Vanessa Williams (Shaft).
Virginia Walden an impoverished single mother who is losing her fifteen-year-old son to the rough streets of Washington D.C. Unwilling to see him drop out and deal drugs, she places him in a private school. But when she can't afford tuition, she launches a movement to change the system that is destroying him and thousands like him. Attacked and threatened by those who don't want change -- from corrupt politicians to the local drug lord, Virginia must discover depths of strength she never knew she had.
Ahead of Horror Channel’s UK TV premiere of WITCHES IN THE WOODS, director Jordan Barker reflects on the challenges of filming in sub-zero temperatures and the time-bending ambitions of his next film…
Why did you respond so strongly to Christopher Borell’s script (originally titled STRANDED) – because it mixed an age-old witch hunt tale with up-to-the-minute contemporary issues of sexual harassment?
Hi All and hope everyone is staying safe and sane during these very strange times. Borrelli’s script spoke to me on many levels. I felt it took a contemporary look at what it means to live in our post truth world; how our realities are shaped by the lens through by which we choose to observe. To me the film was summed up by nothing being more terrifying than being possessed, not necessarily by a vicious evil demon, but instead by an idea.
Is it based on any actual folklore tale or urban legend? Did the Stoughton Witch Trials actually exist?
Stoughton Valley is a fictional place in Massachusetts but named after the very real William Stoughton, the judge who oversaw the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century.
There are seven characters in the movie and what is so good about the script is that each has a proper back-story. Is that why you could attract such a great cast?
Thanks for that. We really worked hard to make the characters as real as possible. David Fincher once said to make all your characters right and we definitely tried to take that advise. One thing I said during the writing was to ground each character to at least one other person in the car with some kind of issue or conflict. I also wanted to make sure we had different types of relationships to play off of. We thought it would be fun for instance to make one of the people in the car only connected to the others through her new boyfriend, that way when things went to shit, she’d have no one to hang on to.
WITCHES IN THE WOODS takes a very thoughtful approach to what in other lesser hands would be cliché material. How hard is it to do different yet still be creepy and involving?
I don’t know that we tried too hard to be different other than just trying to find the most exciting way to bring the pages to life. For example we open on a very complex single take shot set inside the car as we introduce all our characters. In some cases this might be considered gimmicky, but I believed it was the right way into the story as I wanted the viewer to start off the film as an almost omniscient observer floating through the car, following the conversation. We are meant to start objectively and then slowly move into the subjective point of view of our lead character.
Good to see such strong, sympathetic female characters and the performances of all three actors are evidence of that. They come off as so much more level headed and together than their male counterparts?
Hannah (Jill), Sasha (Alison) and Humberly (Bree) brought so much to these characters. During the Salem witch trials, many women were persecuted, not for any real crime, but as scapegoats for a patriarchal societies anxieties and fears. There is a backstory laid into Witches in the Woods of an event that victimizes one of our female characters in a multitude of ways. It was important for us to give all the characters, male and female, a place to stand up for themselves and be pushed to show who they really are and what they are capable of.
WITCHES, tick. But what about the WOODS? You make the forest environment as much a character as anyone else?
I don’t know about you, but whenever I’ve found myself alone at night in the wilderness and I take a moment to tune into the sights and sounds around me, I feel like I’m paying attention to something that maybe I should have noticed earlier on. You realize it’s always been there, just outside your senses and when your brain tunes you in, you think for a moment…why? Is there danger? In so, the environment can become a foe and especially in a film like this, it was important to make the audience feel that way as well.
What were the challenges of filming in the freezing cold in Ontario, Canada, especially as you caught pneumonia?
Everything is just slower. Everyone takes up more space because they are layered up. Equipment freezes. Safety precautions have to be put in place due to dangerous terrain and weather. We wanted our characters to be wearing fashionable clothes that look good, but don’t necessarily protect you from long periods of time in the cold. The film has an underlying theme about the thin veneer that separates us from chaos and our reliance on technology (cell phones, the car, heat, fabrics) comes at a cost. That being said, the crew was warm and the actors were as cold as their characters which made it incredibly difficult for them to do long takes out in the cold. We also had issues with our lights up on big cranes, swaying in the harsh winds. Continuity was one of the hardest things to deal with in regard to the cold. Our film takes place over one night but we filmed it over a month and the weather kept changing. One night it would snow, then the snow would melt, then it would be windy etc. And then yes, I caught Pneumonia!
Is the overall message about the primal urges that kick in when you go from what passes as civilization to the rawest of natures?
I think that is certainly part of it. I said above one of the most interesting threads throughout the film for me is the thin veneer between civility and chaos. This is a group of friends going on a trip, but what happens when you peel the onion. Are they actually good friends? It’s very easy to be nice and civil when your life isn’t at stake. This also plays into the question of truth and point of view. We all agree to disagree and can see the world slightly differently in a civilized society. What happens when that falls apart? All of a sudden, a different point of view makes you the enemy and you have to be eliminated…for survival.
You’ve been to FrightFest with three movies (THE MARSH, TORMENT), what is the importance of the global genre festival circuit to your work?
I am so grateful to have been invited back to FrightFest. As directors, you spend so much time tinkering in a dark room well after most of the crew has left and done 2 or 3 other films. Being able to share the work in a live space with other like-minded genre fans across the world is an integral part of keeping the artform alive. It is honestly why I do it, to share the experience with an audience.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I can tell you that my next project is a time-bending sci-fi horror called HARBINGER. It’s an adaptation of a LoveCraftian short story about a group of particle physicists who are working on a machine to transmit information faster than the speed of light. When they begin receiving ominous messages from their future selves, things take a dark and dangerous turn as they race to save themselves from a mysterious entity. It’s a bit of a Primer meets The Thing meets Memento.
WITCHES IN THE WOODS is broadcast on Horror Channel, Saturday 29 August @ 21:00 You can also purchase from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/3jd8QY8
The song was inspired by Welsh science fiction author and former astrophysicist Alastair Reynolds’ Revelation Space novels. In this universe, humanity has fractured into competing factions defined by their relationship with technology, but all threatened by the Inhibitors, ancient machines aiming to preserve life in the long run, by destroying civilisations that become too intelligent. Nostalgia For Infinity is named after the spaceship which becomes fused with its captain through the effects of the Melding Plague. As ship and captain progressively merge, it becomes architecturally more unpredictable and organic. The ship/captain, equally plagued by guilt at his past actions, withdraws from contact from his crew. The song is sung from the perspective of a character persuading the elusive captain to re-engage with humanity, by acting as an ark to preserve the species from the Inhibitors.
You don’t like what you’ve done, And I don’t like what you’ve done, But we don’t get to choose who we become.
You don’t want to know what you could do, You’d keep yourself to ghosts if you could, Chose to come to life what could you do?
Nostalgia For Infinity, look at you.
The dripping walls are listening in, I know you’re there, You’re showing me, There’s a part of you that still wants to be seen.
It won’t make me forgive you, it’s not up to me to forgive you, But there’s no redemption anyway for anyone We’re all flawed all broken, I’m sorry if you don’t approve, But I did what I thought I had to do, I let you thaw and spread Don’t now withdraw, I’m talking to you.
Nostalgia for Infinity, look at you.
Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate are Malcolm Galloway (vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer) and Mark Gatland (bass, backing vocals, keyboards and co-producer), on their own, or with Kathryn Thomas (flute). Kathryn is the flautist of the award winning BBC New Generation Artists The Galliard Ensemble (wind quintet). Their music is eclectic, combining progressive/alt-rock, classical, experimental, electronic, and metal influences. They were recently highlighted as Prog Magazine Limelight feature artists. They are based in London, UK.
BUFFALOED is a hilarious and timely comedy about one woman rewriting the rules of The Man's game starring Zoey Deutch, Judy Greer, Jai Courtney and Jermaine Fowler.
Buffalo is the debt collection capital of America, though Peg Dahl (Zoey Deutch) never saw herself in that world. She's bet on her sharp mind—and even sharper mouth—to get her out of town and into an Ivy League university. But when an acceptance letter to the school of her dreams arrives, she quickly realizes the cruel impossibility of paying tuition. A chance phone call changes everything and leads her into the lucrative yet complex and shady business of delinquent debt collection. She's a natural and soon running her own shop, but at what cost?
Signature Entertainment presents BUFFALOED on Australian digital platforms from September 9th.
Jessica Hynes, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Nick Mohammed, Nina Sosanya and Bill Bailey join Dawn French this Christmas
Filming begins today Monday (24 August) on new Sky original Roald & Beatrix, the tail of the curious mouse, a heart-warming Christmas film inspired by the true story of when a six-year-old Roald Dahl meets his idol Beatrix Potter. A magical story of what really can happen when you are brave enough to follow your dreams…
Joining Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley) who plays Beatrix, the cast will include Jessica Hynes (W1A), Rob Brydon (The Trip), Alison Steadman (Gavin and Stacey), Nina Sosanya (Brave New World), Bill Bailey (In The Long Run) and Nick Mohammed (Intelligence). The uplifting 90-minute comedy drama airing on Sky One and streaming service NOW TV will form the highlight of Sky’s festive schedule.
Written by Abi Wilson, Roald & Beatrix, the tail of the curious mouse will be narrated by John Hannah with music scored by composer Murray Gold (Doctor Who). Produced by Hartswood Films (Sherlock, Dracula) for Sky Studios, the film will blend live action camera work, stop-frame animation and puppetry together to bring to life the vivid imaginations and magical worlds of these two inspiring and renowned children’s authors.
In the Sky original, the famed author Beatrix Potter (French) is coming to the end of her career. With her publisher (Sosanya) hounding her for her next draft, she’s unable to concentrate and has had enough of writing children’s books. It’s not just her motivation that she has lost, her optometrist (Mohammed) has recognised she has failing eyesight. With Christmas approaching, Beatrix is pressured, feeling increasingly out of touch with her readers, not to mention the trespassing fans and jovial door-knocking carol singers. Her Cumbrian farm and ever-growing Herdwick sheep collection, her long-suffering husband William (Brydon) and disobedient animals including much loved pig called Sally, act as her only real comfort as she looks for inspiration and resists taking the easy way out with her Publisher.
Two hundred or so miles away in Wales, life is changing for an anxious young boy called Roald. (Harry Tayler). Having recently lost his older sister and now his father, the once happy six-year-old has found solace and comfort in books. The beloved tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck fill his mind, distracting him from the funeral, sadness and the revelation that he might be sent to boarding school. Wanting to run away, he is encouraged by his mother Sophie (Haynes) to follow his dreams and visit his hero Beatrix Potter. Roald pushes his anxiety aside and they set off on his first big adventure. Their extraordinary journey is filled with unpredictable and humorous characters (Steadman & Bailey) all of whom ignite Roald’s imagination and provide comfort to his grieving mother. The dream of meeting his favourite author is eventually realised and their very special encounter proves to be both a magical and life changing moment for them both.
Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy, Sky Studios, said: “Roald Dahl taught us ‘a little magic can take you a long way’. This Christmas, Sky presents the magical tale of how a boyhood Dahl met his idol Beatrix Potter. With Dawn French leading an all-star cast this surprising story, inspired by a real life encounter, is a tale as much for our times as yesteryear. Produced by Hartswood, it’s a giant peach of a Christmas gift.”
Starting next month, viewers will be able to follow season two of the U.S. version of the international reality sensation, as a new cast of Islanders get ready to arrive on the ‘Island’ of love – set this year in Las Vegas. This season, the singletons will be sequestered in a “bubble” at a stunning villa on top of Caesars Entertainment’s boutique hotel, The Cromwell.
Host Arielle Vandenberg and narrator Matthew Hoffman will return to preside over the antics as these singles embark on a summer of potential romance in one of the most famous cities in the world.
Playing the definitive game of love, the US Islanders will get to know each other in the hope of finding ‘the one’. But as new bombshells arrive on the ‘Island’, which couples will stand the test of time and make it all the way to the final, and have a chance of bagging the $50,000 cash prize?
Paul Mortimer, ITV’s Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions said: “We’re thrilled that ITV2 can bring the latest US version of Love Island to viewers this year. Las Vegas may seem like an odd destination for the show but the canny producers have beaten Covid with a show that adheres to all production protocols and that could well be sensational. Certainly the ‘villa’ is impressive and the cast diverse and amazing. We believe Love Island fans will embrace this Sin City twist, my bet is the series will be another big hit.”
The famed British singer, actress and presenter began filming scenes in summer and will be introduced when the show returns in September
Mica Paris joins EastEnders for a stint in the show, taking on the new role of Ellie Nixon. As one of the UK’s most respected singers, with a career full of top 10 singles, Mica has since extended her talents to broadcasting and acting. With musical theatre credits including Fame in the West End, Love Me Tender and Chicago, she’s also authored a book Beautiful Within and has been honoured as an ‘Icon’ at Windsor Castle by the Duke Of Edinburgh.
Ellie Nixon is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, with far more to her than her warmhearted façade lets on. With a surprising connection to Walford residents, her prowess for playing roles in order to get what she wants isn’t to be underestimated.
On her arrival to Albert Square, Mica Paris says: “I am absolutely over the moon to be in EastEnders. I have been a fan since its first episode, with Susan Tully being my favourite. My character, the formidable Ellie Nixon, is a new frontier for me as an actress - a lot of folks will see me as never before!”
Jon Sen, Executive Producer, EastEnders added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Mica Paris to the world of Walford to play tough, no-nonsense Ellie Nixon. Ellie proves herself to be a ruthless and uncompromising force of nature who stops at nothing to ensure she capitalises on whatever she can. The part demanded both charisma and presence and having seen Mica on stage, she was the first person who came to mind for this role. We can’t wait for the audience to meet Ellie and the mystery that surrounds her.”
A first look image has been released for BBC One’s new thriller Vigil, made by World Productions and starring Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie and Shaun Evans.
The image, featuring Suranne and Shaun in character as DCI Amy Silver and Chief Petty Officer Elliot Glover, was taken earlier this year before production was paused in line with Covid-19 guidelines. Filming resumed on the six-part series earlier this week near Glasgow.
Announced today as joining the cast of Vigil are: Stephen Dillane (Game Of Thrones), Lolita Chakrabarti (Riviera), Daniel Portman (Game Of Thrones), Lorne MacFadyen (Grantchester), Stephen McCole (Save Me), Tom Gill (Peterloo), Lois Chimimba (Top Boy), Anita Vettesse (The Loch), Bobby Rainsbury (Call The Midwife), Cristian Ortega (Beats) and Lauren Lyle (Outlander).
They join the previously announced cast which includes Anjli Mohindra, Martin Compston, Paterson Joseph, Connor Swindells, Adam James, and Gary Lewis.
Vigil is written and created by Bafta-nominated writer Tom Edge (Judy, The Crown, Strike) with episodes by Ed Macdonald (The End Of The F***ing World) and Chandni Lakhani (Dublin Murders). The fictional drama is directed by Bafta-winner James Strong (Broadchurch, Vanity Fair, Liar) and Isabelle Sieb (Shetland, The Athena).
The mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler and a death on-board a Trident nuclear submarine bring the police into conflict with the Navy and British security services. DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) leads an investigation on land and at sea into a conspiracy that threatens the very heart of Britain’s nuclear deterrent.
Together with independent health and safety consultants, in full consultation with industry partners, and in accordance with all current government guidelines, the Vigil production team will adhere to comprehensive production protocols to ensure that the series is produced in a safe and responsible manner during this time of global pandemic.
Vigil is produced by Angie Daniell (Alex Rider, Clique), executive produced by Simon Heath (Line Of Duty, Save Me, Bodyguard) and Jake Lushington (Born To Kill, The Bletchley Circle) for World Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, James Strong and Tom Edge.
BBC One has commissioned a new series focusing on Ralph (Leon Harrop) and Katie (Sarah Gordy), the well-loved characters from The A Word.
Co-produced by ITV Studios and Keshet Productions in association with Tiger Aspect, Ralph And Katie (6x30’) will be written by Peter Bowker alongside new and emerging disabled writers to tell the continuing story of Ralph (Leon Harrop) and Katie (Sarah Gordy), an inspirational and loving young couple who are embarking on the biggest adventure of their lives. Ralph and Katie have just had the wedding of the year… so what happens next? Ralph And Katie tracks their first year of married life, with each 30 minute episode featuring a different story focusing on the domestic challenges faced by the newlyweds - challenges faced by all newlyweds, but with the added fact that they have Down’s Syndrome.
Peter Bowker says: “Ralph And Katie is a natural step forwards from the ongoing ambition of The A Word to increase representation and diversity both on and off screen. Equally exciting is the opportunity to work again with two young actors as talented as Leon and Sarah. It is a tribute to their performances in The A Word that the BBC have commissioned this series.”
Sarah Gordy says: “It is great to be able to take the character of Katie forward after her exciting journey in series three of The A Word. The wedding and the dress was a dream come true for Katie. I am so looking forward to seeing what comes next in Ralph and Katie’s married life.”
Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: “After three series of The A Word, we are so excited to see Sarah and Leon lead their own show and by the team of talented writers that Pete and his team are assembling to bring this new chapter in Ralph and Katie’s relationship to life.”
Carol Boys, Chief Executive, Down’s Syndrome Association, says: “We’re so pleased that Ralph and Katie’s story will be continuing, and that Leon and Sarah, two marvellous actors, are getting this well-deserved opportunity to play the central characters in a BBC drama.”
Ladj Ly’s explosive directorial debut Les Misérables will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 4 September. The film premiered in competition to great acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival winning the Jury Prize and has been nominated for a variety of awards including a Golden Globe and an Academy Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Inspired by the 2005 Paris riots, and Ladj Ly’s short film of the same name, Les Misérables is a hugely topical provocative insight into the tensions between neighbourhood residents and police.
Stéphane (Damien Bonnard) has recently joined the Anti-Crime Squad in Montfermeil, in the suburbs of Paris, France, where, Victor Hugo set his famed novel “Les Misérables”. Alongside his new colleagues Chris (Alexis Manenti) and Gwada (Djebril Zonga) - both experienced members of the team - he quickly discovers tensions running high between local gangs. When the trio finds themselves overrun during the course of an arrest, a drone captures the encounter, threatening to expose the reality of everyday life.
Les Misérables will then be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 4th September. Certificate 15 / Running time 102 Minutes
I Made This For You is a searingly honest British feature film that tackles mental health, depression and suicide head on. To highlight World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, the film will be available to watch for free for a month on Youtube until World Mental Health Day on October 10th.
I Made This For You follows a man, played by Gary Grant (Enemy Lines), who cuts himself off from his friends and family and has recently attempted suicide. He is pulled back from the edge by a documentary made about his life by a friend, played by director Cristian Solimeno (Guilt, Rush, Footballers Wives). His friends also include Alison Newman (Eastenders, Footballers Wives) , Dermot Murphy (Animals, The Drummer and The Keeper), Francis Magee (Star Wars: Rogue One, Game of Thrones) and West End star Siobhan Dillon (Cabaret, Grease, Sunset Boulevard, Miss Saigon).
The film within a film mixes reality with fiction in a unique and groundbreaking way. Despite the seriousness of the subject, what results is something funny, beautiful and deeply cathartic that provokes action and conversation.
Following the film, Director Cristian Solimeno also created the #imadethisforyou social campaign. The campaign invites people to take a moment out from their lives to try and make something for someone who is going through a hard time and share these acts of kindness for the week of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The aim is to create an explosion of love, kindness and creativity that empowers people to reach out and gives us the confidence to actually try. It can be a cake, a card, a jumper or a song.
The point is to make things with other people in mind and to give these things away to show you care. Random acts of kindness count and can make a real difference.
I Made This For You will be available for FREE on Youtube from 10th September on this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhN3zGArX-bvoEP3NplTvQ
Walkabout - Limited Edition is released on August 31st on Blu-ray
And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy to give away.
Synopsis Seminal classic and one of the first Australian New Wave films, Walkabout, from legendary director Nicolas Roeg (The Man Who Fell to Earth, Don’t Look Now) is a coming-of-age story of survival and transcending cultural differences starring lauded actor Jenny Agutter (Call the Midwife, The Railway Children) and the director’s son Luc Roeg.
Although it received mixed reviews on its Cannes premiere in 1971, the film has gone on to become an internationally renowned, cult favourite loved by audiences and critics alike, and now Second Sight Films is giving Walkabout the Limited Edition Blu-ray box set treatment.
Following the suicide of their father, Mary (Agutter) and her younger brother Peter (Luc Roeg) are left stranded in the blistering heat of the vast Australian outback. Facing exhaustion and starvation, their salvation comes when they cross paths with an Aboriginal boy (David Gulpilil – The Leftovers, Cargo) on ‘walkabout’, a ritual in which he must leave his home and learn to survive off the land. He teaches them how to survive in the wilderness, but a clash of cultures leads to terrible and tragic consequences…
The hugely anticipated release is set to arrive this summer and features a host of brand-new special features, including a new audio commentary with child star, Luc Roeg, now an established producer on projects like We Need to Talk about Kevin, and writer and film critic David Thomson. Also included are new interviews with Luc Roeg, Jenny Agutter and producer Si Litvinoff (Clockwork Orange, The Man Who Fell to Earth).
For your chance to win just answer the question below.
Who directs Walkabout?
Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition@beentothemovies.com
Terms and conditions 1. Closing date 07-09-20 2. No alternative prize is available 3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first. 4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
Zack Snyder's Justice League, commonly referred to as the "Snyder Cut", is the upcoming director's cut of the 2017 American superhero film Justice League. It presents Justice League, the fifth film of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, as director Zack Snyder had intended it before he left the production and Joss Whedon took over his duties.
A follow-up to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.
Like the theatrical release, Zack Snyder's Justice League follows the Justice League—Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg—as they attempt to save the world from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.
The new era of Wonder Woman begins here. #WW84 only in theaters.
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
Patty Jenkins directed from a screenplay she wrote with Geoff Johns & David Callaham, story by Jenkins & Johns, based on characters from DC. Joining the director behind the scenes are several members of her “Wonder Woman” team, including director of photography Matthew Jensen, Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“Amélie”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“Topsy-Turvy”). Oscar-nominated editor Richard Pearson (“United 93”) is cutting the film. The music is by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“Dunkirk,” “The Lion King”).
This film is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence.
“It’s going to be different from any superhero movie ever made,” he means it! See more in this official first sneak peek behind the scenes of The SuicideSquad! DC Fan Dome
The Suicide Squad, also known as Suicide Squad 2, is an upcoming 2021 American superhero film based on the DC Comics antihero team Suicide Squad. Set for distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is intended to be a standalone sequel to Suicide Squad and the tenth film in the DC Extended Universe.
Starring: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, Joel Kinnaman, John Cena, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Michael Rooker, Flula Borg, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Steve Agee, Mayling Ng, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, Pete Davidson, Nathan Fillion, Sean Gunn, Storm Reid, Taika Waititi, Joaquín Cosío, and Juan Diego Botto
Dwayne Johnson is set to star as the DC Comics anti-hero in this film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The DC FanDome panel presented concept art of what fans can expect from the Shazam spin-off, including Black Adam's costume. Black Adam is scheduled to open December 22, 2021.
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes “The Batman,” with director Matt Reeves (the “Planet of the Apes” films) at the helm and with Robert Pattinson (“Tenet,” “The Lighthouse,” “Good Time”) starring as Gotham City’s vigilante detective, Batman, and billionaire Bruce Wayne.
Cast Robert Pattinson Zoë Kravitz Paul Dano Jeffrey Wright John Turturro Peter Sarsgaard Barry Keoghan Jayme Lawson Andy Serkis Colin Farrell
Based on characters from DC. Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. “The Batman” is set to open in theaters October 1, 2021 in select 3D and 2D and IMAX theaters and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Tenet is an upcoming 2020 science fiction spy film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, who produced it with Emma Thomas. A co-production between the United Kingdom and United States, the film stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, and Kenneth Branagh.
Nolan took more than five years to write the screenplay after deliberating about Tenet's central ideas for over a decade. Casting began in March 2019, and principal photography took place in Denmark, Estonia, India, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, and United States, starting in May 2019. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema shot on 70 mm and IMAX.
Delayed three times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tenet is scheduled to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2020, and United States on September 3, 2020, in IMAX, 35 mm, and 70 mm. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with some favorably comparing it to Nolan's Inception and praising the cast's performances (particuarly Branagh's ,Debicki's, Pattinson's and Washington's), action sequences, musical score, production design and the film's ending though some lamented the complicated plot.
Synopsis Armed with only one word, Tenet, and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.
Fox Rich is a fighter. The entrepreneur, abolitionist and mother of six boys has spent the last two decades campaigning for the release of her husband, Rob G. Rich, who is serving a 60-year sentence for a robbery they both committed in the early 90s in a moment of desperation. Combining the video diaries Fox has recorded for Rob over the years with intimate glimpses of her present-day life, director Garrett Bradley paints a mesmerizing portrait of the resilience and radical love necessary to prevail over the endless separations of the country’s prison-industrial complex.
Jeff Schneider's captivating new horror film Evil Under the Skin, starring Helen Udy (My Bloody Valentine, The Dead Zone), arrives on DVD and Digital September 8.
A mother and daughter head off for a secluded weekend to reconnect but little do they know the sordid past of the home they’re staying in let alone the strangeness it attracts as they descend into madness.
Scripted by Luc Bernier, Evil Under the Skin stars Helene Udy, Carl Bailey, Tim O'Hearn, Donna Hamblin, and Angela Barajas.
Action superstar Danny Trejo stars in Pikchure Zero Entertainment’s new sci-fi action series Paragon. : The Shadow Wars.
In a world where Reapers take souls and demons bargain with humans for their place in the food chain, a new descendent named Jael has emerged. After centuries of civil unrest in the real world, a new war is waging amongst those who are seeking to create a new after-life and Jael finds herself in the middle of it. She must venture into the dark world of Soul Reaping and embrace her new role as the Paragon.
Trejo, Amin Joseph, Franziska Schissler, Dilan Gwyn, Khu, and Justin Price star in a series, currently out to networks, that will encompass a 7-episode first season, with each 43-minute episode fixing on the human race dealing with the obliteration of Heaven.
Paragon is a sci-fi action series that follows the different factions of society as they deal with Heaven’s destruction. With only a small piece of the after-life to live for, everyone from Death himself is fighting to claim the Elysian for themselves.
“We have always loved the Sci-fi fantasy genre, and we wanted to create a series that explored one of the most intriguing questions of humanity. Where do we go when we die? And what would happen if Heaven no longer existed?”, says Justin Price, who is also a producer on the series alongside Khu and Franziska Schissler.
Price adds, “Paragon is an edgier and grittier cable style series in the vein of Firefly and Altered Carbon. I believe we have an electric hybrid that explores the human spectrum of dealing with loss and love in a stylistic way. Danny Trejo is outstanding as Kincaid, the half-dead leader of disbanded reapers.”
Carpenter, King & Kane Hodder…genre royalty ushers in Horror Channel’s September line-up of prime-time premieres, including the UK TV premiere of outlandish Brit Zom Com SHED OF THE DEAD, starring Ewen MacIntosh, Lauren Socha, Emily Booth, Kane Hodder, Bill Moseley, Michael Berryman and Brian Blessed, followed by the Channel premieres of hard-core space thriller JOHN CARPENTER’S GHOSTS OF MARS, starring Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, Jason Statham and Pam Grier, and A GOOD MARRIAGE, a gripping psychological thriller based on the Stephen King novella.
There are also UK TV premieres for supernatural heist thriller THE VAULT, starring James Franco, and Blumhouse frightener VISIONS, plus Channel premieres for Clive Tonge’s intensely demonic jolter MARA, starring Olga Kurylenko, creepy alien-zombie adventure NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, and the powerful supernatural angel-avenger LEGION, starring Paul Bettany and Dennis Quaid.
Full film details in transmission order:
Friday 4 September @ 21:00 – SHED OF THE DEAD (2016) *UK TV Premiere
Trevor and Graham live very ordinary lives. Except when they inhabit their alter egos, Casimir and Sir Brandt, characters from the fantasy war games they play in Graham's basement and Trevor's allotment shed. Then, they really are the heroes they imagine themselves to be. So when a neighbour's murderous activities unfortunately coincide with the zombie apocalypse, Graham and Trevor set off on a quest to save the women in their lives, and therein try to live up to the mantle of 'hero'. With starring Ewen MacIntosh, Lauren Socha, Emily Booth, Kane Hodder, Bill Moseley, Michael Berryman and Brian Blessed
Saturday 5 September @ 21:00 – THE VAULT (2017) *UK TV Premiere
In order to save their brother Michael, the Dillon sisters have organised a bank robbery, but when the upstairs vault doesn’t have enough money to cover Michael’s debt, on the advice of Assistant Bank Manager Ed Maas (James Franco), they drill into the downstairs vault. The bank’s basement hides a terrible secret and before long, the Dillons have to choose whether to face the police outside or the terrible supernatural forces in the vault below.
Friday 11 September @ 21:00 – MARA (2018) *Channel Premiere
Criminal psychologist Kate Fuller (Olga Kurylenko) is assigned to the murder of a man who has seemingly been strangled in his sleep by his wife and the only witness is their eight-year-old daughter, Sophie. As Kate digs into the mystery of an ancient demon which kills people as they lie in slumber, she experiences the same petrifying symptoms as all previous victims and spirals through a chilling nightmare to save herself and Sophie before she dares to fall asleep again.
Saturday 12 September @ 21:00 – JOHN CARPENTER’S GHOSTS OF MARS (2001) *Channel Premiere
Mars, 2176 AD. On a Red Planet that has become the dangerous manifest destiny of an overpopulated Earth, police Lt. Melanie Ballard (Natasha Henstridge) is on assignment to bring James “Desolation” Williams (Ice Cube), the planet’s most notorious criminal, to justice. What began as a battle between cop and criminal soon turns into a battle for human survival and escape from the doomed planet, as Ballard and Williams join forces in mortal combat with the “Ghosts of Mars”.
Friday 18 September @ 21:00 – NIGHT OF THE CREEPS (1996) *Channel Premiere
The night of the prom becomes the "Night of the Creeps" for a small-town college with a big-time problem! Johnny (Ken Heron) and his girlfriend Pam (Alice Cadogan), the perfect co-ed couple, are enjoying Lover's Lane one evening in 1959 when suddenly Johnny's attention is diverted to an evil light. He leaves to explore it, never to return again. Twenty-seven years later, when two college boys, Chris (Jason Lively) and J.C. (Steve Marshall), pledge a tempestuous fraternity, they encounter Johnny's frozen body.
Saturday 19 September @ 21:00 – A GOOD MARRIAGE (2014) *Channel Premiere
From the legendary Stephen King comes a terrifying thriller. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, Darcy feels her life is complete with a loving husband and wonderful children. Outside their lives a serial killer hunts his victims, killing young females, whilst a suspicious stranger stalks Darcy’s family. Gradually, she realises that her husband is not who she thought and it’s not only her marriage under threat, but also her life.
Friday 25 September @ 21:00 – VISIONS (2015) *UK TV Premiere
Leaving her hectic city lifestyle behind, young mother-to-be Eveleigh (Isla Fisher), joins her husband David (Anson Mount) at their beautiful new vineyard home only to be plagued by terrifying noises and visions of a sinister hooded figure. No one else hears or sees these hallucinations, not even David, who grows increasingly worried about his wife’s well-being. Desperate to prove her sanity, Eveleigh hunts down locals who reveal the haunted history of the vineyard in which she now resides. But when the pieces come together, the answer is far different – and more dangerous to her and her baby – than she ever imagined.
Saturday 26 September @ 21:00 – LEGION (2010) *Channel Premiere
The Archangel Michael (Paul Bettany) descends to earth to ward off God's legion of angels sent to herald the Apocalypse and destroy mankind. He travels to the remote Paradise Falls diner, an unlikely battlefield where the diner's owner (Dennis Quaid), a group of strangers and a young pregnant waitress (Adrianne Palicki) are humanity's only hope for survival.
Lucy Brydon’ powerful debut feature sensitively explores the impact of an eating disorder on a family.
Having just completed another round of treatment for chronic anorexia, acclaimed war photographer Stephanie (Sian Brooke) is working hard to reconnect with her family. Her mother Susan (Amanda Burton) is supportive but preoccupied by her forthcoming wedding to Annette (Kazia Pelka). Meanwhile Stephanie’s teenage daughter, competitive swimmer Pearl (Fabienne Piolini-Castle), is angry and full of resentment, refusing to give her mother a second chance. Stephanie will need all her strength to keep her head above water.
The film was commissioned through the Film London’s Microwave scheme backed by the BFI (using funds from the National Lottery) and BBC Films and produced by Lions Den Films in association with Bright Shadow Films & Boudica Films.
UK & Ireland Release date: 16th October 2020 Certificate TBC / Running time 92 minutes
Murder was just the beginning. Watch the new trailer for Death on the Nile, in theaters this October 23.
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.
“Death on the Nile” reunites the filmmaking team behind 2017’s global hit “Murder on the Orient Express,” and stars five-time Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot.
He is joined by an all-star cast of suspects, including: Tom Bateman, four-time Oscar® nominee Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders and Letitia Wright. “Death on the Nile” is written by Michael Green, adapted from Christie’s novel, and is produced by Ridley Scott, Mark Gordon, Simon Kinberg, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund and Kevin J. Walsh, with Matthew Jenkins, James Prichard and Matthew Prichard serving as executive producers.
On the Rocks is an upcoming American comedy-drama film, written and directed by Sofia Coppola.
It is scheduled to be released in October 2020, by A24 and Apple.
Laura fears the worst when her husband Dean begins logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker. She turns to her father, Felix for insight and investigate the situation, discovering their own relationship.
Cast Rashida Jones as Laura Bill Murray as Felix Marlon Wayans as Dean Jessica Henwick as Fiona Jenny Slate as Vanessa Barbara Bain as Gran
Alien Addiction follows Riko (Jimi Jackson) who lives in a small town in the middle of nowhere (Waikato, New Zealand). Life was pretty normal until two aliens crash landed near Riko’s house. He welcomes the aliens and together they develop an intergalactic relationship of epic proportions. Alientologist Peter Mackintosh (Thomas Sainsbury) has tracked the aliens and Riko, and plans to capture them and reveal them to the world.
COUP 53, the debut feature documentary thriller by Iranian director Taghi Amirani, will receive an international, online preview screening on August 19th – the 67th anniversary of the CIA/MI6 coup in Iran. Tickets for the preview screening will also grant access to an exclusive live Q+A with Taghi Amirani, Academy Award winning editor & sound designer Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, The English Patient) and Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Schindler’s List, The English Patient) on August 20th. The film will be released digitally in the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada through select cinemas on August 21st.
The film is adopting an unprecedented global release strategy. Working with venues across the UK, US, Canada and Ireland, COUP 53 is offering audiences the chance to buy their digital tickets from a specific movie theatre and help support their local independent cinema. The film will open on August 21. A full list of participating venues is available at https://coup53.com/screenings/
While making a documentary about the Anglo-American coup in Iran in 1953, director Taghi Amirani and editor Walter Murch discovered extraordinary, never-before-seen archive material that had been hidden for decades. The 16mm footage and documents they uncovered not only allowed them to tell the story of the overthrow of the Iranian government in unprecedented detail, but it also led to explosive revelations about dark secrets buried for 67 years. Working with Ralph Fiennes to help bring the lost material to life, what begins as a historical documentary about four days in August 1953 turns into a live investigation, taking the filmmakers into uncharted cinematic waters.
COUP 53 had its world premiere at the 2019 Telluride Film Festival, where it received a rapturous response. It then went on to screen at the 2019 BFI London Film Festival and the 2019 Vancouver International Film Festival, where it won the audience award for Most Popular International Documentary. The film was also nominated for Best Documentary at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards, and for the Grierson Award at the BFI London Film Festival.
From Freedom Cinema, and director James Di Martino, comes face to face with The Faceless Man this summer.
Premiering on Demand August 28, the Australian horror film took home 6 major awards at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival including Best Director and Best Film.
Emily is a recovering cancer survivor of three years. Faced with her fear of getting sick again, her best friend Nina plans a weekend away. Six friends venture out to a country holiday house to party over a weekend. Cut off from the rest of the world they soon learn the inhabitants are unsettling red neck individuals who terrorize and humiliate travelers. At the same time a para-normal monster seen as the faceless man haunts the house pushing the friends to their limits.
From writer/director James Di Martino, and featuring Wolf Creek's Andy McPhee, Roger Ward (Mad Max), Lucas Pittaway (Snowtown) and Sophie Thurling ("Counter Play"), The Faceless Man haunts digital from August 28.
ITV today revealed the twelve celebrities taking part in the challenge of a lifetime, to row the entire length of Britain, in its brand new, epic adventure series Don’t Rock The Boat.
The 5 x 60 minute series will see twelve famous faces step out of their comfort zones and onto their sea legs as they compete in one of the toughest shows ever filmed on both land and sea.
Celebrities set to sail are British politician and author Tom Watson, sports presenter and Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis OBE and English supermodel and broadcaster Jodie Kidd. Actor Craig Charles, singer-songwriter Fleur East, YouTuber Joe Weller and Love Island winner Jack Fincham are also confirmed. Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon, Olympic, World and European Champion Victoria Pendleton CBE, The Chase’s Dark Destroyer Shaun Wallace, actor and presenter Adam Thomas and International girl group, The Pussycat Dolls, member Kimberly Wyatt complete the line up.
Taking the helm are sporting legend and Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff and The Voice’s AJ Odudu as they present the series and guide the celebrities through each leg of the race on the water and preside over the colossal coastal challenges on land.
Freddie Flintoff said, “I'm thrilled to be hosting this brand new show for ITV. It sounds like it's going to be a huge challenge for the twelve rowers so I'm pleased that I'll be spending most of my time on dry land...hopefully! It should be a great watch for everyone at home and I can't wait to get started.”
AJ Odudu added, “This is going to be a great show, with an epic line-up. Such a brilliant mix of personalities and challenges which always makes for good telly. I personally cannot wait to get going - especially filming with the legend that is Freddie Flintoff. We’re going to have so much fun! Bring it on!”
Don’t Rock the Boat (produced by South Shore) will push the twelve celebrity, split into two teams of six, to their physical and mental limits as they battle it out to complete over 500 gruelling miles. The two teams will also face a series of jaw dropping on-shore challenges to secure vital advantages over their opposition.
Immersed in the coastal beauty of the UK the celebrities will face the waves and wind of the sea legs and the daunting cliffs and gorges of Britain’s spectacular shoreline.
Each will have to call on all their individual reserves and team resources to conquer this ‘oar-inspiring’ challenge.
Don’t Rock The Boat will appear on ITV later this year.
Peter: The Human Cyborg is the extraordinary journey of super-scientist Peter Scott-Morgan as he turns himself into a cyborg in an attempt to overcome the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) that will otherwise kill him. With much of the technology being applied for the first time, Peter’s journey has profound implications for many people who suffer from conditions like MND, as well as opening up the biggest question of all: what does it mean to be human? We talk to him about his phenomenal journey.
Peter: The Human Cyborg airs at 9pm, on Wednesday, 26th August on Channel 4.
It’s now 10 months since the operation in which you sacrificed your voice in order to preserve your ability to breathe. How are you?
I actually feel amazing, which is a bit of a surprise. I can still move some of the muscles in my head, but apart from that, I am by now pretty well paralysed, which I had expected to be a little traumatic. In reality though, I find it just means I get to sit around a lot while people fuss over me. I suspect the trick to enjoying total paralysis is simply to imagine you’re in a luxury spa hotel and the maître d insisted you put your feet up and don’t move a muscle.
Why do you think you feel so upbeat?
Ever since I knew that my final operation had been a success (what you don’t see in the film is that I actually got out of hospital in record time), I’ve felt like I got a new lease of life. Realistically, my condition was getting so bad that, because of the form of my deterioration, without that last pioneering op at my local NHS hospital, I’d have been unlikely to make it through last winter. Instead, I may well be around for decades. What’s not to feel upbeat about?
Ever since you were diagnosed, you’ve never wavered in your total faith that technology was your way out of a death sentence. How do you keep that up?
Facing everything head-on with the man I’ve loved all my adult life certainly helps! We’ve always had the mantra of turning liabilities into assets, and motor neurone disease is no exception. So every step we’ve taken over the last almost three years since diagnosis (when I was given two years to live), have felt pretty obviously the right path to both of us. It’s vastly easier to head where no-one has gone before when every step of the way someone you trust completely is reassuring you that you’re doing the right thing.
What about losing your voice forever? Surely that must have proved traumatic?
Again, surprisingly not. Frustrating sometimes, yes. But nothing near traumatic. To be fair, I spent all my life up till last year speaking far too much. So I’m really now only making up for lost silence. With that said, it would feel awful if I wasn’t able to generate my own voice using my eyes to spell out the words. Constantly speaking with what is recognisable as my voice, has totally taken the sting out of giving up my biological voice.
Is there a lesson for others here?
Yes, absolutely! Although we are experimenting with cutting edge ways that will let me, and eventually everyone, show emotion in my synthesised voice, it is already very easy and cheap for anybody to bank their voice. So, if there is any chance of you losing your voice, bank it while your voice is still strong. Like me, you will be so incredibly grateful you did, every single time you use it.
How about the pioneering ‘replumbing’ you had done near the start of the film? How has that worked out?
No one in the world had ever had the tripleostomy (my first operation). I invented the idea – even the name – and persuaded the NHS in Torbay to pioneer it. It has subsequently been written up as a medical paper – Thriving, not just surviving, with motor neurone disease. The outcome of the first pre-emptive ‘triple-ostomy’ – that was chosen as the Oxford Medical Case Report of the year for 2019. I frankly can’t imagine life without it. More accurately, I can imagine it and the thought is horrendous! In the morning and evening I have my 12-hourly service, and that’s it. I haven’t needed the loo for almost 2 years. And after decades of trying but failing to drink the recommended two litres of water a day, I now have it slowly released into my body over 24 hours, even while I’m asleep. I’m permanently fully hydrated for the first time in my life!
Say a bit more about how the final operation we saw came about.
My wonderful ENT surgeon that you see in the film confirmed that the second operation (the ‘full-laryngectomy’) had only ever been given in the UK once before to someone with MND. But that was an emergency. Back in 1985. I came up with the proposal that there were very real advantages to experimenting with conducting a laryngectomy before there was any urgency, even though it required the sacrifice of my voice, and would leave me close to locked-in. So, bizarrely, mine appears to have been the first elective laryngectomy for MND in the UK. Coincidently, the earlier patient was also a scientist. A guy called Stephen Hawking.
What has been the best thing about the last year?
Still being alive is definitely up there. As is finding myself working seven days a week, harder than at any time in my career. And the extraordinary kindness of strangers should not be a surprise to me, although for some reason in the modern world it is. However, maybe the best thing, or at least the most pleasant surprise, is a bit bizarre. Statistically I should be dead, and according to the relentlessly depressing story of MND that everyone insists on pedalling, I should at the very least be feeling close to suicidal. But instead, I feel alive, excited, I’m really looking forward to the future. I’m having fun!
Why do you think that is?
All the obvious reasons revolving around Francis, my close family, the team looking after me, technology, unwarranted good fortune. But there is something more, which I consider a crucial discovery. Contrary to the torturous scare stories about how it feels to be trapped in the straightjacket of your own living corpse, the brain moves on. It grieves a bit, and then, if you give it the chance, most of the time it forgets. Days may pass when I never once remember that in the past I could walk, or move, or (absurdly) even that I could talk. My brain has its own ‘new normal’. The plasticity of the brain to adapt in this way astounds me. It should also bring tremendous hope to anyone coming to terms with Extreme Disability, let alone MND. It certainly does to me.
Your experience is the complete opposite of what everyone says MND is like. Surely, MND is universally accepted as ‘the cruellest disease’?
Not in my corner of the universe! Not anymore. To be fair, it was once. It was an evil way to go. But we are now well into the 21st century. The route by which hi-tech will utterly transform what it means to have MND is pretty obvious to anyone that wants to see. Maybe it’s only me, but I have no problem with saying, it doesn’t have to be that bad these days. I would infinitely rather have MND than an inoperable brain tumour. And as someone already in ‘Late Stage’ MND, I have to say that my experience is that I am not just surviving. I’m THRIVING!
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced since filming wrapped?
Covid 19. But it’s also brought the greatest benefit. I quickly received an official letter saying I was ‘extremely vulnerable’. [This was actually sloppy science because no-one in fact knows how someone with MND and a laryngectomy is likely to react to a spectrum of respiratory infections, because we’ve never had a chance to study it before. But I let that pass.] What was illuminating came from some conversations with the NHS around the same time: even intensive care wouldn’t be able to look after me if I got ill. And no-one could visit us. We were on our own.
So what did you do? And what was the great benefit you gained?
We set up our own intensive care unit at home. We were already part way there. When I’d returned from hospital, the NHS had provided us with hi-tech equipment ranging from ventilators and cough assist machines to oxygen cylinders, cuff manometers and blood oxygen monitors, so, along with my hospital-style bed, we already had the right props. And, just in case, since my operation Francis had got himself specialist medical training and was probably now one of the very few in the country who was officially signed off to replace the tubing into my bladder, my stomach, my colon, and my lungs. Also, thanks to NHS continuous healthcare funding, I already had a care team very carefully selected by Francis who we had steadily trained to a high standard; now we upped our game still further. We adopted ICU protocol, with everyone but me dressed in PPE. And we kept progressing from there. Now, if I become seriously ill, we can manage without risk of me blocking an ICU bed. It’s an incredibly secure feeling. All thanks to coronavirus.
Has all your ongoing research been temporarily stopped because of the pandemic? Or have you continued to make breakthroughs?
A very few things got slowed because people couldn’t physically get access to me or my technology, but mainly it’s made no difference at all because everyone involved spends most of their day in front of a computer monitor anyway! An exciting development is we now have a new research team at Drexel University in the USA, working with the preeminent global IT integrator DXC Technology and all the experts you saw in the film. They’re researching a very Hollywood cyborg-like interface for me that uses a brand new type of augmented reality visor called a HoloLens2. The visor isn’t available to the public, only system developers. But we’ve been able to get a few to work on. We really think we can develop something that will transform how those of us with Extreme Disability interact with our environment.
You are the centre of more and more research. Tell us about The Scott-Morgan Foundation.
Francis and I are both passionate about using AI and hi-tech to transform what it means to have Extreme Disability, whether through accident or disease or old age. And we’ve been unbelievably lucky in being able to interest some of the world’s top brains in getting involved. So, around the end of filming, we set up a registered charity, with a fully independent Board, to act as the focus for a hugely ambitious research program stretching across decades. The Foundation’s website will go live straight after transmission of the documentary: www.scottmorganfoundation.org We’re incredibly proud of it – it’s the only research foundation of its kind in the world. And we hope to attract more and more of the planet’s most free-thinking and innovative corporations and experts to join us in our mission to revolutionise the future of Extreme Disability, and in so doing, change what it means to be human…
What would you like the legacy of your film to be?
In a word: HOPE! This is ‘terminal disease’ like we’ve never seen it before – and certainly not on television. The whole blindingly overriding reason for Francis and me to subject ourselves to the invasion of a very private time by public scrutiny was to get our message of ‘thriving’ out there to counter the defeatism in our culture around terminal illness. I remember saying to the director early on how it felt as if society just expected people like me to “statistically curl up and die on cue”. The Channel 4 film is an opportunity to get a different kind of message out there – a radical message. If Francis and I can inspire people to go out there and encourage a change in attitude, then the film will have done its job.
